Meanwhile over at the Coalition of Awesomeness the current theme is Cancellations and I’m talking about the greatest travesty ever committed by television executives – the cancellation of Firefly.
Here’s a quick extract:
——————————————————————
So why was Firefly so good? Well if you allow me to engage in a little needless controversy I’ll tell you.
Mal out-Han-Solo’s Han Solo
The character of Malcolm ‘Mal’ Reynolds resembles Han so closely that it surely can’t be a coincidence. Captain of a spaceship, smuggler, non conformist, reluctant hero, wry wit, propensity to wear waistcoats, and a gratifying inclination to shoot first.
Yet, as wonderful a character as Han is, Mal seems to do it all better. Perhaps it’s because over fourteen episodes we had more time to get to know him. Or maybe it’s because Mal didn’t have a whiny farmboy dogging his footsteps and bringing everything down. But whatever the reason, Mal is a better Han than Han is, and that’s all there is to it.
Kaylee out-Scotty’s Scotty
Yes yes, Scotty is a great character. But for quirky charming engineers you’ll be hard pressed to beat Kaylee Frye. Sweet, sparky, and jam packed with character. And she knows her onions too – there isn’t a mechanical problem she can’t handle with an elastic band and two lengths of drainpipe. None of this “dilithium crystal” rubbish.
Plus, would Scotty ever bemoan his lack of a love life by complaining “Goin’ on a year now I ain’t had nothin’ twixt my nethers weren’t run on batteries”. No. No he would not (at least I really hope he wouldn’t).
Wash out-Chandler’s Chandler
Want a loveable, wise cracking, slightly geeky, male hero who isn’t swimming in unnecessary testosterone? Then Hoban “Wash” Washburn is your man. I can’t actually recall if he wore Hawaiian shirts in the show, but if he didn’t then he should have. I love Wash. I want to be Wash.
Well, up to a point. I’m not all that keen on being Wash at the end of the movie Serenity, but other than that he’s pretty much one of my role models. Him and Brody from Mallrats. Oh, and Ferb from Phineas and Ferb.
——————————————————————
Want to read more? Then go over to the Coalitions blog to see the rest of the claptrap I’m spouting. And while you’re there why not add us to your google reader too. You know it makes sense.
Related posts:
I never even heard of Firefly so saves me the hassle of crying into a hankie.
You know I often wonder why it is that men seem to be so geeky over films like Star Wars etc. Men are just weird.
I shall not respond to that blatent sexism except to say that my wife is is as obsessed with Firefly as me. In fact she may be even more so.
I absolutely fell in love with Firefly. One of the best sci-fi shows on TV and such a shame it was yanked off the air. Fox didn’t exactly do the show any favors by airing the episodes out of order and changing the time slot. I really really hope there’s at least another movie at some point in our future.
We got them all in the right order in the UK, although granted only on the sci fi channel.
I think another movie at this point is unlikely unfortunately, at least from what I’ve read.
So true! Noah just suggested we rewatch Firefly last night.
It’s a season that definitely stands a re-watch or seven. The best that Whedon ever did.
I fully endorse all of these comparisons. I maintain the biggest geek crush on Kaylee. Also, if you want to find yourself getting a bit misty-eyed, check out the comic book about Wash that’s set just shortly after the end of “Serenity.” Or maybe it’s just me that got all misty-eyed.
I think I have that comic somewhere, liberated from the internet. Although thinking about it it may be the one that bridged the gap between the series and the film.
The chicks dig FireFly too. At least Mrs. LIAYF is a huge fan. We were both so bummed that it lasted only one short season.
Oh, and Jayne was an awesome character too.
Yes, Kerry was really into it too. I actually think there are far more female sci-fi fans than most people think.