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:
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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.
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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.
