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Originally posted by Sidane:
Does this kind of well delivered humour feature in the series as well?

Thanks!

Sidane

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Originally posted by JessicaMelusine:


and well, here I am, waiting for my costume bits to come together so I can go see Browncoats at DragonCon.

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Originally posted by Sidane:
Does this kind of well delivered humour feature in the series as well?

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I can empathize with you since I too was a late convert to Firefly. It takes the best parts of sci-fi mixed with the best parts of westerns and makes glory.

Really, the character development, plots, atmosphere, dialogue, and EVERYTHING else is superior.

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Doo yoo know wat a rep-yoo-TAY-shun ees? Eet's pee-pull tock-eeng, gaw-seep, eet's not... to hold, tutch eet, yoo can't ... Now, for yoo, mai rep-yoo-TAY-shun ees not frum gaw-seep.

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Originally posted by Whitefall:
First off, though my only knowledge of westerns is "Blazing Saddles", that black and white 'annie oakley' show, and more notably "Shane", I would offer that Firefly really has none of the simple things you look for in a western.

Sure, there might be pistols and the occasional shootout, but that makes perfect sense in the sci-fi side of this show. The sci-fi side is much stronger, with the ship and the economy the ship operates in all run by the sci-fi aspect. Pistols are cheaper: people buy them. If shooting people will get you money, some people will shoot people. (only one of the firefly gang is definitly in this category) So, simply put, you wont find the shovanism, heroism, and bravado that you find in classic westerns.

Instead, you find only the deeper meanings of the western: the dream of being free, and the idea that making do with all you've got is a way of life. Thus, if you liked westerns, but HATE sci-fi... well you still might like the show, but maybe not. But if you like smart sci-fi, and hate (or even dont mind) westerns, you should really enjoy this show.

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At the same time, I'd argue that different westerns (although perhaps not classic ones) end up finding parallels in Firefly. The moral stand Mal takes in The Train Job, for example, is similar to that of Gary Cooper in High Noon. Everyone expects him to watch out for number one, but his personal moral code holds both men to a higher standard. The much maligned Heart of Gold is not dissimilar from Unforgiven (hired guns working to help whores) and/or Magnificent Seven (ensemble gang hired to help villagers from abusive outlaws).

On a visual level, Firefly is based on the look and feel of many westerns. The horses, revolvers, wood shacks, etc. help a lot, but the atmosphere is a throwback to old westerns as well. Following a brutal civil war, "civilization" expands into new territories. Accompanying new settlers is a sense of lawlessness where the U.S. and/or Alliance can't or won't or doesn't exert much influence.

That said, the essay compilation "Finding Serenity" features an essay on the lack of chivalry in Firefly. In my estimation, that's not a strike against it. The total absence of women in westerns, except for damsels in distress, is one of my problems with it.

*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
Doo yoo know wat a rep-yoo-TAY-shun ees? Eet's pee-pull tock-eeng, gaw-seep, eet's not... to hold, tutch eet, yoo can't ... Now, for yoo, mai rep-yoo-TAY-shun ees not frum gaw-seep.