Firefly

A mediocre sci-fi series through and through that seems like a failed live-action version of Cowboy Bebop. Certain elements of originality and unconventional ideas are definitely here; yet, the negative aspects are significant, especially the tremendously uneven quality of individual episodes. While I get where the cult nature of this show comes from, somehow I don’t get where its proclaimed quality is hidden. (15.11.2005)

Whedon's cult series Firefly was a brief but enjoyable diversion from the (mostly) serious sci-fi genre on TV screens, bringing sarcasm, sass and sexual chemistry, but also a believable future world full of flesh-and-blood characters. And, ultimately, a blending of different genres. Firefly is a subtle combination of sci-fi and western. The crew of the smuggler spaceship Serenity flies between old planets equipped with advanced technology and newly terraformed planets where people are glad for a wooden roof over their heads. So some people ride horses (because it's more affordable), some people use hoverboards. Some shoot revolvers, some use laser guns. And there's country music playing. Unfortunately, the series was cancelled after the first season. One of the reasons may have been that the people at Fox TV didn't like the pilot because it was too western, lacked aliens, and the main character wasn't very likeable, and decided to start the series with a second episode. The aliens were still not in it, but there was more action and the main character became a bit more tolerable. But a lot of viewers were a bit confused by the plot, which probably contributed to the low ratings. The series was a great success on DVD, which led to a sequel in the form of the feature film Serenity, which again succeeded only on DVD. (19.07.2013)

Joss Whedon left the vampires behind, ventured into new genres, and fulfilled his dream. Or at least started to. He gave us the sweat of cowboys, the thunder of horse hooves, and remote taverns with hard liquor, and yet we will still enjoy adventures in the silent vacuum of space and fly to distant planets. But just like in his previous works, we really get into the main characters after a few minutes, and I root for them until the very end. If it weren't for the literally tragic treatment of the series and its subsequent cancellation, it could have truly been the best series of all time. Even under such insane conditions, however, an unforgettable work was created that surpasses the boundaries of both western and sci-fi. Malcolm Reynolds is my captain. (06.08.2010)

Regarding Joss Whedon, it could be said that Buffy, the Vampire Slayer is the most essential of all his works. The series revolves around a high school student who, through fighting techniques, battles vampires and other demonic beings. Whedon's undeniably significant contribution to contemporary pop culture lies in his ability to effectively engage teenage audiences, present likable heroes with whom viewers can easily identify, and offer pleasing and uncomplicated stories that somehow reflect real-life problems. Ultimately, Buffy tackled her first loves and the difficulties of adolescence alongside her impressive battles with demons. While Buffy mainly targeted an age group between late childhood and puberty, Firefly is ideal for viewers a few years older, who are approaching adulthood. I have watched half of the episodes; at first glance, the mix of adventure, sci-fi, space outlaws, and Western elements in cheap sets seemed quite enjoyable. However, over time, I began to suspect that somewhere in the depths of the spaceship, Buffy was hiding. Somewhere, young River comes to life, while other times she remains anonymous, but her presence is felt in the background. For me, Firefly is simply too shallow, and as time went on, my interest waned, whereas, with a good series, it should be the opposite. The quality of the scripts in this series does not deviate from the production of mostly average sci-fi series that Canadian television studios churn out in large quantities. However, one thing must be acknowledged about the series: Serenity is convincingly defeated, probably because in the film, the teenager River and her killing and mysterious abilities get much more space. The characters, especially the captain and the likable but naive mechanic Kaylee, elevate the show to a mere three mediocre stars. Beyond that, Firefly only confirms my long-standing experience that Whedon has nothing to surprise me or capture my attention with, and I'm really not interested in the aspects that impress many others. Overall impression: 50%. (21.09.2017)