Is Mal a nihilist? by Infrared

GENERAL DISCUSSIONS

Is Mal a nihilist?

POSTED BY: INFRARED
UPDATED: Monday, September 25, 2006 02:10
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Sunday, September 24, 2006 9:48 PM

It's hard to say. Definately not like the guys in The Big Lebowski. He and the crew are barely scraping by most of the time, so his needs are squarely put in front of others to make ends meet. His confusion (I have a way?) and where he stands philosophically (ain't lookin' for help from on high) are addressed in conversation w/ Book on Haven. In the pilot, he says that the woods is where he sees a clear path. Oh, and he's "rudderless" (Wind blows northerly, I go north.) Might see a nihilistic trend here. Feel free to point out the holes in my theory. And enjoy this simple Fight Club inspired falsh clip. Mal would approve of some of the things said. Cheers!

http://media.putfile.com/Fight-Club-14

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Sunday, September 24, 2006 9:55 PM

INFRARED

True, Reavers are probably the biggest nihilists of all. A big 10 on the 1-10 scale. That might put Jayne at an 8 and Mal at a 5 or 6.

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Sunday, September 24, 2006 9:55 PM

STROKINGMYPETER

I don't believe that Mal is a nihilist in the least bit. Nihilists believe in nothing and care about nothing right? It is made quite clear that this is not true of Mal. He is fiercely defensive of his crew as is exemplified in nearly every episode. He loves his ship Serenity almost more than life itself. He stands up and fights for the whores in Heart of Gold. He takes in River and Simon for reasons that really are still not entirely clear to me, but he did it which shows something. Mal has extremely strong beliefs that dictate his choices and as far as we see him in the series, he never once goes back on what he believes to be right. In the movie, he gives that speech to the crew that reveals a lot about him to us. Mal might not care too much about a lot in his world, but what he does care about he is willing to defend to the death.

peace
the dude abides
freedom is norml

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Sunday, September 24, 2006 10:54 PM

INFRARED

Which is why I put him at about a 5.

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Monday, September 25, 2006 2:10 AM

BROWNCOATJIM

No, I do not see him as a nihilist at all........a nihilist lives only for today, for this moment, and cares nothing for the future. Mall surely thinks beyond the moment, recognizing a future which may not be all too bright for him and his, but which is coming ("....Come a day when there won't be any more room for naughty men like us to slip about"). He is the everyman, really, the working guy who is just trying to get by in an ever-changing world, trying to keep a step or two ahead of the man and take care of him and his.

WE'RE GONNA CRASH? I DON'T WANNA CRASH!

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