Firefly Missionaries by Kozure

GENERAL DISCUSSIONS

Firefly Missionaries

POSTED BY: KOZURE
UPDATED: Thursday, February 5, 2004 09:46
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VIEWED: 1052
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Thursday, February 5, 2004 7:37 AM

or

Spreading Serenity

If you've ever tried to introduce someone to a hobby or a interest that you cared passionately about, you probably know that it can be a disheartening process at times - the blank look, the uncomprehending questions, the skeptical eyebrow.

Firefly, with the introduction of the DVD set, has a whole new (after)life as something which can be introduced to (or inflicted on, depending on how well they like it) friends, relatives and significant others.

I've been pretty lucky so far. My wife cottoned onto it instantly, after watching two or three episodes, she declared summarily that it had replaced Buffy as her favourite TV show.

I've introduced it to six other friends, all of whom liked it or loved it in varying degrees. None of them have ran out to buy the DVD set yet, the mark of the truly converted, but it's only been a week or two and the 'Fly needs time to sink its ever-so-well-written tendrils into your brain and cause some cravin'.

Here's some thoughts on setting up the ideal mood for a "first viewing".

Don't Overhype
Whatever you do, don't preface your first description of the show with "This is the best... show... ever!" It's a great show; however, everyone already has an idea of which show is the best show and you immediately put them on the 'wary' side of enthusiasm if you're telling them otherwise.

Tell them the general idea (or not, if they like surprises) and, if you're feeling maudlin', tell them the history of the series and its cancellation.

Approach it with enthusiasm but avoid "zeal".

"I'd like to show you this series. I like it a lot and I think you will too."

Try to avoid summing it up as a "space-western" - this can really gum up their perceptions.

Choose the First Episode Wisely
The original pilot "Serenity" is the absolutely best way, in my opinion, to introduce someone to the series. That said, it's not neccessarily always the best episode to show to everyone for the first time.

"Serenity" is, for lack of a more charitable word, 'too artsy' for some TV viewers. Which is not to say that it's Altman, Bergman or Kurosawa level cinematography, but it can be jarring for people who've been spoon-fed the usual TV pap all their lives.

Watch it again with a critical eye. There are unusual jump-cuts, crash-zooms, over-lapping dialogues and a lot of play with deep/soft focus and 'shaky-cams'. This can put some people off.

The plotting of the first episode can also be a bit jarring... characters are introduced subtly, and there isn't always the flashing-beacon "this character is named this and that thing is named that" exposition scenes that you usually find in pilots. There are exposition scenes, of course, but they're a lot less direct than most.

Finally, there's the huge issue of the Firely 'Verse. A lot of people have trouble wrapping their heads around the idea a "space western", so be prepared to answer a lot of questions.

If you think that "Serenity" might jump over the heads of your neophyte Fireflykateer, consider "The Train Job" or "Out of Gas". "Out of Gas" is similarly difficult to follow for some people, but it does help to introduce characters in a more direct fashion.

I'm actually not a huge fan of "The Train Job", but it also has enough exposition that a newcomer could relate and it does it in 44 minutes instead of 88 minuntes.

Answer Questions
The Firefly 'Verse is complex and to anyone who hasn't already seen 13 episodes and read all of the fansites, it can be a scary place.

Answer questions but only if they're asked. Don't interrupt the flow of the episode to explain things without being prompted.

At the end of the episode, offer to explain anything they might be unclear on.

Give it time to seep in
Don't try to show people the whole series in an afternoon. At most, show them "Serenity" and then if they want more, give them more.

What'll often happen is that they'll ask about it again a few days later.

I'm even considering buying a second DVD set for lending.

Final Notes
Firefly is a fantastic series but it isn't everyone's cup of cha. Don't argue with people about what they think. Present viewpoints and clarify misunderstandings but don't cram Mal and crew down people's throats.

Some people just can't deal with suspenders on a starship captain.

The horses? Just say that they're cool.

Kozure the Kamikaze Highlander

Proud Citizen of Canada-That-Was

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Thursday, February 5, 2004 7:47 AM

WERESPAZ

Quote:

I'm even considering buying a second DVD set for lending.

I may have to do the same thing. I find myself having separation anxiety when I lend out my copies (I've converted 5 people so far). The most common response I get is "I want more!!!", and there's always the sadness that insues when people realize there isn't any more EPs to watch, so be prepared for that (with a box of tissues).

-The SpAz

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Thursday, February 5, 2004 8:01 AM

ASTRIANA

Quick Tip for those that don't have an extra set to lend:

Only lend the DVD that has the ep you're using to introduce the show. (For me, that's Serenity on the first disk.) When they say they want more... drive them (or give them directions) to the nearest store and let them buy their own set!

~A~

...I'm still free,
You can't take the sky from me.

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Thursday, February 5, 2004 9:46 AM

STEVE580

I ussually give out disks 1 through 3 - that ensures that they are throughly obsessed fans, and pretty much garuntees a purchase of the box set.
-Steve

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