Some closing notes on the show, for future reference.
November 2, 2009
I wasn’t so keen on the whole sci-fi/western aspect of the show everyone talks about, until I actually watched it and realized that the show really transcends the genres people try to categorize it in. It’s all about the characters and their relationships with each other, and because of that, the show’s setting takes second place in terms of importance. Sure, it’s fun to see everything going on in the background of many shots, reminding the viewer that this ISN’T our world, but that isn’t the focus. That’s what helped the show feel so refreshing, I think – that it wasn’t dependent on genre restrictions. It went where it wanted. And I’m glad to have gone along for the ride.
What’s most frustrating is that so many plot-lines were left unresolved. Including but not limited to:
- Simon and Kaylee’s relationship
- Mal and Inara; her leaving the ship
- Book’s past
- Jayne’s childhood
- What was done to River at her “school;” the “Hands of Blue”
- Zoe’s desire to have a baby
Hopefully some of this is addressed in the film. I know there are comics too; I’ll have to check that out.
Firefly’s always talked about in almost reverent terms, despite its cancellation – people look at it as one of the greatest canceled shows of all time, and now I see why. I still can’t believe it wasn’t given at least a full season. I’m pretty sure this show is part of the reason FOX renewed Joss Whedon’s latest show, Dollhouse, despite its ridiculously low ratings – no one wanted a repeat of Firefly. So at least it’s changed things even if it’s not on anymore. At least it lives on in the thousands and thousands of fans it’s gained since its cancellation (see: Amazon.com ranking). At least Nathan Fillion dressed up as Mal for Halloween on his new show Castle.
The show is staying in the public consciousness. Who knows? It could come back.
That’s what I’ll keep telling myself.
