Just because I'm in the mood to stir the pot, upset the apple cart, and maybe throw the baby out with the bathwater... by JonnyQuest

OTHER SCIENCE FICTION SERIES

Just because I'm in the mood to stir the pot, upset the apple cart, and maybe throw the baby out with the bathwater...

POSTED BY: JONNYQUEST
UPDATED: Tuesday, September 26, 2006 11:29
SHORT URL:
VIEWED: 8467
PAGE 1 of 2

Thursday, September 7, 2006 3:49 AM

"Did he just go crazy and fall asleep?"

I have a two-fold agenda behind my question. If I get a critical mass of replies, I'll post them tomorrow. Anyone who guesses before then will receive an invaluable non-Marvel "No Prize"; "in" being the negator of "valuable".

My question is this: What show or movie do you like better than Firefly/Serenity? What makes it better? I don't want to necessarily limit the genre to SciFi, because FF/S is so much more than that.

For wimps who might be afraid to admit the possibility of something greater: what comes close and why?

The floor is now yours.

"Well, here I am."

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Thursday, September 7, 2006 3:55 AM

MRT

I have a long standing love of Apocalypse Now... but on TV, nothing better than FF!

EDIT: hey, first response! I'm so pleased with myself!

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Thursday, September 7, 2006 4:06 AM

JONNYQUEST

"Did he just go crazy and fall asleep?"

Good for you. I not used to getting responses. I'm thinking of changing my name to Godwin...

"Well, here I am."

AP is some heavy duty filmaking. Lovin' the smell of NAPALM in the morning.

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Thursday, September 7, 2006 4:16 AM

RUGBUG

Show: Buffy the Vampire Slayer. But Firefly is a close second. And there is really nothing else that compares to those two.

Movie: well, I think there are a lot of movies that are better than Serenity. But most aren't Scifi. Serenity is definitely my favorite in its genre.

***************
"The power of accurate observation is commonly called cynicism by those who have not got it." - George Bernard Shaw

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Thursday, September 7, 2006 4:16 AM

MONKSDAD

As far as TV, nothing, i have never seen anything that comes close to Firefly except for maybe star trek TNG but i always had little complaints about that (the fact everything is so clean and wierd aliens that always annoyed me). as far as movies go ,The godafather 1 &2 I rank above serenity also Jaws, but i only put those over serenity because they were me and my dads movies, every time those movies came on we would watch them together and they became even more special to me after he died. But if he was still alive i am sure he would be a browncoat, in fact my uncle (his brother) pulled me aside and told me that ({in a gruff new york accent}"hey kid that dragonfly show is great, best show I have ever seen, your old man would of loved it, whens the next season start?)

"And I think calling him that is an insult to the psychotic lowlife community."

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Thursday, September 7, 2006 4:49 AM

DAYVE

Well, first John, I misread your subject line and thought you were going to SMOKE some pot........ of course I jumped all over that...

But television, IMHO, is the proverbial vast wasteland where bad ideas go to die (or live on in perpetuity, depending on the cocaine supply of the network executives).

I watch the tube a bit from time to time – mainly HBO, Showtime, Cinemax and a few other cable networks. The “Big Three” CBS, NBC & ABC have absolutely nothing to offer me… and I very rarely tune in to those networks.

Right now, I have a very short list of viewable programs. Weeds (Showtime), Countdown/Keith Olbermann (MSNBC), The Daily Show/Jon Stewart (Comedy Central), Newshour w/Jim Lehrer (PBS).

The rest of the time I usually spend reading.

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Thursday, September 7, 2006 4:54 AM

ARBAS

There's not much I regularly watch on TV and I picked up on FF on DVD rather than TV anyway :)

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Thursday, September 7, 2006 4:58 AM

MSG

I will admit I love CSI:Miami and NCIS a teensy bit more than Firefly... as for movies, can't think of a single sci fi movie I like better than Serenity ( sorry)

I choose to rise instead of fall- U2

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Thursday, September 7, 2006 5:09 AM

JONNYQUEST

"Did he just go crazy and fall asleep?"

Quote:
Originally posted by RugBug:
Show: Buffy the Vampire Slayer. But Firefly is a close second. And there is really nothing else that compares to those two.

So it's pretty safe to say you're a Joss Whedon fan? (if so, what about Angel?)

"Well, here I am."

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Thursday, September 7, 2006 5:13 AM

JONNYQUEST

"Did he just go crazy and fall asleep?"

Quote:
Originally posted by monksdad:
The godafather 1 &2 I rank above serenity also Jaws, but i only put those over serenity because they were me and my dads movies, every time those movies came on we would watch them together and they became even more special to me after he died.

Funny how that happens. The experience becomes greater than the movie itself (a bit Firefly-esque). For movies I saw on the big screen, I can usually remember who I was with and what if any event went along with it.

"Well, here I am."

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Thursday, September 7, 2006 5:17 AM

JONNYQUEST

"Did he just go crazy and fall asleep?"

Quote:
Originally posted by Dayve:
...thought you were going to SMOKE some pot...

...depending on the cocaine supply of the network executives...

...Weeds...

By my count, 3 drug reeferences. Glad you caught my meaning before posting...

Love the Daily Show, the Colbert Report and Real Time with Bill Maher.

"Well, here I am."

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Thursday, September 7, 2006 5:21 AM

JONNYQUEST

"Did he just go crazy and fall asleep?"

Quote:
Originally posted by Arbas:
There's not much I regularly watch on TV and I picked up on FF on DVD rather than TV anyway :)

You're right. Currently, there isn't much that makes me want to be in front of the TV at a certain time. Eureka is growing on me with every episode, but that could be because there's nothing else that has grabbed me. BSG is just too big and too dark and heavy to be a "TV" program. (I do think it is a wonder though)

"Well, here I am."

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Thursday, September 7, 2006 5:21 AM

DEVONNITE

Movies that I like as much??

Star Wars (A New Beginning), Raiders of the Lost Ark and Grease.

On television, the only show that I will stop and watch everytime is "Coupling". The British version, not that US crap. Jeff Murdoch is the funniest character is recent memory.

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Thursday, September 7, 2006 5:22 AM

REGINAROADIE

Well, this is pretty easy for me to answer. Although I am a fan of FIREFLY/SERENITY, I'm not as narrow as to say that it's the ONLY good thing to ever come out on tv.

TV wise, I love a lot of the HBO shows. THE SOPRANOS, SIX FEET UNDER, ENTOURAGE, etc. THAT , my friends is tv excellence. Network-wise, I pledge my undying loyalty to 24. It has consistently put me on the edge of my seat, and right from the first season has strived for more than just action. A producer once described the show as "Greek tragedy with bullets" and it's true. It is a modern day tragedy.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"There's only one "Return" ok, and it ain't "of the King", it's "of the Jedi."

"Maybe we should start calling your friend 'Padme' because he loves 'Mannequin Skywalker' so much, Right? (imitating robot) Danger...danger...my name is Anakin...my shitty acting is ruining saga."

Excerpt of internet teaser for CLERKS 2.

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Thursday, September 7, 2006 5:23 AM

MECHANICGIRLKAYLEE

I like Buffy and Angel more than I like Firefly, and I like Angel the most of the three. I'm not entirely sure why I like Angel more--it just has elements that I particularly enjoy and characters with whom I identified (Firefly has characters with whom I identified, as well, it just seems that I connected more to the characters of Angel). As far as movies I enjoy more than Serenity, there aren't any I like more, but I do love Breakfast at Tiffany's with the same intensity.

"Abstinence is good. There are already too many hungry children in this world." ~Daisy Lipenowski

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Thursday, September 7, 2006 5:30 AM

JONNYQUEST

"Did he just go crazy and fall asleep?"

Quote:
Originally posted by msg:
I will admit I love CSI:Miami and NCIS a teensy bit more than Firefly... as for movies, can't think of a single sci fi movie I like better than Serenity ( sorry)

MSG, one of my favorite posters. (Er, not in the Farrah Fawcett bathing suit kind of way; although your naturally goth appearance does stir the imagination.)

My wife and I like the CourtTV versions of the CSI's, and I am particularly lookging forward to both the Black Dahlia and Hollywoodland. The Covenant has piqued my curiosity as well.

And don't be sorry for loving Serenity. When I came on board, I didn't know it was a Joss thing, didn't know there had been a series, went on a whim and said this just moved into my top 5 favorite movies: it remembered what movies were for. It carried on the spirit of the original SW which has long been forgotten: it was fun, action-packed, and you cared about the characters. That is what made Hollywood Golden. Once.

"Well, here I am."

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Thursday, September 7, 2006 5:36 AM

JONNYQUEST

"Did he just go crazy and fall asleep?"

Quote:
Originally posted by DevonNite:
Movies that I like as much??

Star Wars (A New Beginning), Raiders of the Lost Ark and Grease.

On television, the only show that I will stop and watch everytime is "Coupling". The British version, not that US crap. Jeff Murdoch is the funniest character is recent memory.

Good movies all, but I must confess, I haven't seen Coupling. I generally do like British humor, silly or sophisticated.

"Well, here I am."

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Thursday, September 7, 2006 5:40 AM

JONNYQUEST

"Did he just go crazy and fall asleep?"

Quote:
Originally posted by reginaroadie:
TV wise, I love a lot of the HBO shows. THE SOPRANOS, SIX FEET UNDER, ENTOURAGE, etc. THAT , my friends is tv excellence. Network-wise, I pledge my undying loyalty to 24. It has consistently put me on the edge of my seat, and right from the first season has strived for more than just action. A producer once described the show as "Greek tragedy with bullets" and it's true. It is a modern day tragedy.

In production values, HBO ranks supreme.

My wife and I never missed an episode of first season of 24. I think we stopped watching after that (partway through the second season) simply because the suspense became too intense drawn out week after week.

"Well, here I am."

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Thursday, September 7, 2006 5:47 AM

JONNYQUEST

"Did he just go crazy and fall asleep?"

Quote:
Originally posted by MechanicGirlKaylee:
I like Buffy and Angel more than I like Firefly, and I like Angel the most of the three...

...I do love Breakfast at Tiffany's with the same intensity.

Could be that you resonate more with the supernatural than the scientific and I don't think that's so bad at all. Or maybe you just like Mr. Boreanaz...

I believe Audrey Hepburn is one of Hollywood's finest products. I especially love Wait Until Dark and The Children's Hour (which is one of the most remarkable films for its day ever produced, considering its subject matter).

"Well, here I am."

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Thursday, September 7, 2006 7:25 AM

MECHANICGIRLKAYLEE

Quote:
Originally posted by JonnyQuest:

Could be that you resonate more with the supernatural than the scientific and I don't think that's so bad at all. Or maybe you just like Mr. Boreanaz...

The odd thing is, as far as the genres go, I have never really liked anything else in either genre (science fiction and fantasy/supernatural) and yet I devour this stuff like it's the last thing on earth.

I think I can trace my Angel love back to two or three factors:
--They brought back characters I'd been previously irritated with and turned them into something interesting/captivating/likeable (for me, anyway)
--Strong writing and story arcs, which is difficult to do (as a future screenwriter, I know!)
--Characters I truly, truly identified with and adored (Wesley, Fred & Lilah, specifically)
--A familiar setting

But I think Mr. Boreanaz had a hand in it, too.

"Abstinence is good. There are already too many hungry children in this world." ~Daisy Lipenowski

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Thursday, September 7, 2006 7:48 AM

JONNYQUEST

"Did he just go crazy and fall asleep?"

Quote:
Originally posted by MechanicGirlKaylee:
--Strong writing and story arcs, which is difficult to do (as a future screenwriter, I know!)

"You know, I'm smellin' a lot of 'Fanfic' comin' offa this post."

"Well, here I am."

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Thursday, September 7, 2006 7:59 AM

RUGBUG

Quote:
Originally posted by JonnyQuest:
Quote:
Originally posted by RugBug:
Show: Buffy the Vampire Slayer. But Firefly is a close second. And there is really nothing else that compares to those two.

So it's pretty safe to say you're a Joss Whedon fan? (if so, what about Angel?)

Yeah, you'd be safe.

Angel ranks behind a lot of other shows. The X-files (until season 7), My So-Called Life, even Friends, etc. I liked Angel, but I've never loved it they way I love BtVS and Firefly. I watched it because there was no more Buffy and I needed the Buffyverse to continue. Season 5 was good, season 1 was decent. Season 2, 3, and 4 had some nice moments, but some complete crap as well (hated Connor from the very start and that whole Cordelia ick).

***************
"The power of accurate observation is commonly called cynicism by those who have not got it." - George Bernard Shaw

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Thursday, September 7, 2006 8:08 AM

TRAVELER

This is hard because I've seen so many movies. I guess I'll go with what jumped into my head first.
"A Tree Grows In Brooklyn". It is very serious human drama. A mother making the hard choices for her family because the father couldn't and wouldn't. Trying to make her daughter understand.
It shows the struggles of people just trying to make ends meet. No evil villain. Just life and its hard knocks. You can't pull a gun out a quickly solve your problem. It has to be delt with face to face with what life has given you. You understand how poor the family is when the boy says to his sister,"A penny is a penny ain't it."

If you haven't seen it, I would recomend it.

Traveler

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Thursday, September 7, 2006 8:18 AM

MILFORD

The X-Files will always hold a special place in my heart. You never forget your first.

The only current thing that excites me to the same level as Firefly is Battlestar Galactica. I'm not normally a sci-fi type person, but I can not wait for a new BSG every week. It's all I think about on a Friday. My favorite episode was the first one I saw, 33 I think it's called. I still believe it's one of the best episodes of any TV show I've ever seen.

I also love Arrested Development, but in a different way.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Customizeable handmade baby gifts personalized by my wife! Check them out at www.baby-bobo.com. All proceeds go towards international adoption.

Leaning into the wind that used to carry me-Stavesacre

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Thursday, September 7, 2006 9:08 AM

JONNYQUEST

"Did he just go crazy and fall asleep?"

Quote:
Originally posted by traveler:
This is hard because I've seen so many movies. I guess I'll go with what jumped into my head first.
"A Tree Grows In Brooklyn"...If you haven't seen it, I would recomend it.

I haven't seen it in ages. I'm going to have to hunt it up now and watch it again. You know how memory fades things. Thanks for the tip.

"Well, here I am."

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Thursday, September 7, 2006 9:11 AM

MSG

Funny you should mention the goth aspects of my appearance as I do tend to wear almost all black:) And you should see my goth teddy bear Jonny:0 Actualy you can if you go to www.teddyscares.com and look at Rita Mortis:) My husband bought that for my birthday...I've re-named her Abby in honor of NCIS:)

I choose to rise instead of fall- U2

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Thursday, September 7, 2006 9:32 AM

EXOTICK

Ok I love the TV show Scrubs.

"your butt looks like two pringles hugging" <---that's a quote from it in case anyone is wondering

enough said

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Thursday, September 7, 2006 9:38 AM

BOBECC

Firefly is my all time favorite TV show, but the new Battlestar Galactica and The Shield are tied for second.

BSG actually reminds me a bit of Firefly, but it is more of a political intruige show.

And The Shield is just a damn good drama/action show. R.I.P. Lem...

As far as movies go, my all time favorite will always be Tombstone, but Serenity is a close second.

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Thursday, September 7, 2006 9:54 AM

HELL'S KITTEN

Quote:
Originally posted by JonnyQuest:
My question is this: What show or movie do you like better than Firefly/Serenity? What makes it better?

...better than? Tough for me to limit it to just one:

TV Deadwood - brilliant, crisp dialogue coupled with brutal, honest humanity and violence, not to mention a phenomenal cast... makes me forgive the historical inaccuracies and forget that I'm actually watching television.

TV Battlestar Galactica(new) - again, phenomenal cast (James Callis {Dr. Gaius Baltar} is utterly amazing); writers not afraid to go for the kill shot and the studio not afraid to let them; also, again with the brutal, raw humanity. Finally, SciFi (akin to Firefly) where the future isn't all that shiny and the characters don't come across as morally or ethically superior to the audience.

MOVIE Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels - hilarious, violent, wonderfully written with great dialogue. (What can I say? I'm a Jayne girl, I like Teh Violence.)

TV Cowboy Bebop - funny and tragic future that's once again not polished up and served on a silver platter for the audience to choke on, has great stories, and is all wrapped up inside a wonderfully tragic love story. And I normally loathe love stories.... I see a lot of Cowboy Bebop in Firefly; from the characters, to the settings, to the types of stories told.

There are actually quite a few others that I think I like better than Firefly, but I feel I've already written too much. (And this is me here: http://www.fireflyfans.net/sunroomitem.asp?i=12521, so don't think that I'm not a fan. *snikker*) Also, I suck at reviews. Also also... I find it a mite difficult to compare things that are incomparable as they are not the same. Anyways. There you have it. Cheers.

************************************************
Not captioned for the sarcasm impaired.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sara013

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Thursday, September 7, 2006 1:48 PM

EMBERS

I loved Buffy and StarTrek:Next Generation, but as much as I loved them it doesn't come close to how much I loved Firefly...
on Firefly I loved every single character (that never happened with any TV show ever before), and every episode (not equally, but even the worst is better than 99% of what is on TV IMO).

movies are a different matter, I love Serenity more than anything I've seen in years, but I love a lot of movies as much:
Gosford Park
Galaxy Quest
Brazil
and others are as rich in story, metaphor and characterization....

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Thursday, September 7, 2006 6:19 PM

I might garner some unwanted attention with this, but one show I love as much as Firefly is Trailer Park Boys.

So many great quotes, best characters, hash driveways, kitties, karts, stoned cougars, Conky...

And Robb Wells.

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Thursday, September 7, 2006 10:26 PM

LITTLEALBATROSS

Hmmmm... the new BSG is definitely at the top of my list. The only thing preventing me from saying that it's better than Firefly is that it seems unfair to rank 13 episodes against 1 miniseries and 2 seasons.

Other series that come close: Angel, Buffy, The West Wing, Gilmore Girls, Alias, Wonderfalls.

Like Firefly, those series were/are character driven. In some cases I watched because I cared about the characters - even if I had no idea what they were talking about (ie. Angel season 4, Alias season 4/5, the West Wing whenever I stopped paying attention for a second...).

Casting is therefore very important.

The biggest factor (to me anyway) is that these series are rewatchable. Everytime I watch an episode I see something new.

(that said I can rewatch Stargate and Bones and still be entertained but I couldn't include them in the above list)

Movies are harder for me as most of my favourites are favourites for sentimental reasons and the like (not necessarily because they were great examples of film making). And it can be hard to compare against genres. The original Star Wars movies would probably rank above Serenity for me (in the sci-fi category at least).

Other favourites: Breakfast at Tiffany's, Space Camp, The Princess Bride, Independence Day (like I said not necessarily great filmmaking, but it had a great cast)

The running theme in all of these is the casting and characters - and Firefly and Serenity's are the nicest!

That was probably much more than you wanted to know, but the later I get the more I ramble (and its 4am!)

Great question!

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Friday, September 8, 2006 5:30 AM

JONNYQUEST

"Did he just go crazy and fall asleep?"

Quote:

Originally posted by RugBug:
Angel ranks behind a lot of other shows. The X-files (until season 7), My So-Called Life, even Friends, etc.

Quote:

Originally posted by Milford:
The X-Files will always hold a special place in my heart. You never forget your first...The only current thing that excites me to the same level as Firefly is Battlestar Galactica...I also love Arrested Development, but in a different way.

I think all of us went through an X-Files phase. Kind of a rite of passage. When it was good it was great; when it had run its course, it was painful. And yet we kept hoping...

Quote:

Originally posted by MSG:
And you should see my goth teddy bear

[rubs eyes, looks again, light bulb appears over head] Oh, wow. For a second there, I didn't see the word "bear". I was worried that I had perhaps found someone who misread my intentions with respect to my "stir the \imagination" comment. [breathes great sigh of relief]

What a great idea with those bears!! Cuddlies for the rest of us anti-cuteness types.

Quote:

Originally posted by Exotick:
Ok I love the TV show Scrubs.

Scrubs is a bright light on an otherwise dim tube. Hear, hear.

Quote:

Originally posted by Bobecc:
Firefly is my all time favorite TV show, but the new Battlestar Galactica and The Shield are tied for second.

As far as movies go, my all time favorite will always be Tombstone, but Serenity is a close second.

The new BSG reminds me of a much darker version of B5, but in truth I haven't seen much of the new BSG. Tombstone is one of my wife's favorites, and I admit I like it too.

Quote:

Originally posted by Hell's Kitten:
...better than? Tough for me to limit it to just one...
There are actually quite a few others that I think I like better than Firefly, but I feel I've already written too much...[but] don't think that I'm not a fan. *snikker* Also, I suck at reviews. Also also... I find it a mite difficult to compare things that are incomparable as they are not the same...

I see you are a fan (and you come closest to one of my agendas in the thread), but I wonder why you costume of choice isn't more Zoe-like.

Quote:
--brilliant, crisp dialogue...brutal, honest humanity and violence...a phenomenal cast--
--phenomenal cast...writers not afraid to go for the kill shot and the studio not afraid to let them...the brutal, raw humanity...the future isn't all that shiny--
--hilarious, violent, wonderfully written...great dialogue--
--funny and tragic future...not polished up and served on a silver platter...has great stories--

There be a clear thread to follow on what appeals to you. I'm with you on the anti-antiseptic future (or present or past for that matter), although I am a ST-TOS fan from near the beginning (which might explain why...nostalgia)

A present for your candor (if'n you ain't seen 'em yet):

Quote:

Originally posted by Embers:
Galaxy Quest

I think this is one of the best Trek & Trekkie satires EVAH! Have you watched the DVD in Thermian? It's a hoot if you can stand it.

Quote:

Originally posted by 13:
I might garner some unwanted attention with this, but one show I love as much as Firefly is Trailer Park Boys.

All opinions are welcome. Who is a Browncoat to say what is misguided? I like My Name is Earl for what sounds to be the same reasons.

Quote:

Originally posted by LittleAlbatross:
Like Firefly, those series were/are character driven. In some cases I watched because I cared about the characters...
Casting is therefore very important.
The biggest factor (to me anyway) is that these series are rewatchable.

Excellent points, all. (as long as great writing is implied by "character driven" (read: dialog and development)

Quote:

The original Star Wars movies would probably rank above Serenity for me.
Breakfast at Tiffany's, Space Camp, The Princess Bride, Independence Day.

The 1st SW trilogy was done right. Lucas forgot what he was doing in the second. Not that they were "great" motion picture magic, but he forgot that it was the characters were what made us love SW, not the political details. What a Bog he dragged us through. Not even a Swamp-thing to rescue us...
Well, since I just told 13 all opinions are valuable, I won't say anything about Space Camp (never saw it anyway) and I've already stated my love of all things Hepburn earier in the thread, I'll just leave it at that...(loved Princess Bride though)

"Well, here I am."

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Friday, September 8, 2006 6:17 AM

REGINAROADIE

I love both BRAZIL and GALAXY QUEST. With the former, I had the 3 disc Criterion Edition of it, but I pawned it when I hard that they were re-issuing it in anamorphic widescreen. But the flick itself is just amazing. I love the idea that the main character at the end of the movie has officially lost his mind and is insane, but it's considered a happy ending. I one read a FIREFLY fanfics where something similar to that happened. Maybe if the show lasted 5 to 7 years, they would have made a reference to BRAZIL. Maybe a character named DZ-019.

As for GALAXY QUEST, I second the notion of it being one of the best sci-fi comedies ever. My main reason for loving VERONICA MARS is the fact that Enrico Colantoni (Mathesar) was given a pretty meaty role. And I love it when Keith Mars does different voices. I keep waiting for him to say something in his Mathesar voice.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Gwen:They're not ALL "historical documents." Surely, you don't think Gilligan's Island is a...

[All the Thermians moan in despair]

Mathesar: Those poor people.

(Wait till they see LOST)

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Friday, September 8, 2006 6:37 AM

EMBERS

Quote:
Originally posted by reginaroadie:
I love both BRAZIL and GALAXY QUEST. With the former, I had the 3 disc Criterion Edition of it, but I pawned it when I hard that they were re-issuing it in anamorphic widescreen. But the flick itself is just amazing. I love the idea that the main character at the end of the movie has officially lost his mind and is insane, but it's considered a happy ending.

at Whedonesque they recently linked a site that was rating commentaries:
http://www.ratethatcommentary.com/top100.php
and when I saw that 'Brazil' was ranked so high I figured I had to rent the DVD, and it blew me away....now I have it on my wish list for next Christmas...
I had always loved the movie but Terry Gilliam's commentary really added to it IMO.

Quote:

As for GALAXY QUEST, I second the notion of it being one of the best sci-fi comedies ever. My main reason for loving VERONICA MARS is the fact that Enrico Colantoni (Mathesar) was given a pretty meaty role. And I love it when Keith Mars does different voices. I keep waiting for him to say something in his Mathesar voice.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Gwen:They're not ALL "historical documents." Surely, you don't think Gilligan's Island is a...

[All the Thermians moan in despair]

Mathesar: Those poor people.

(Wait till they see LOST)

Everyone in 'Galaxy Quest' was so incredible, Alan Rickman does not do enough comedy,
the movie is such a wonderful balance of homage and spoof, it really is a treasure.

Quote:
Jonnyquest said: I think this is one of the best Trek & Trekkie satires EVAH! Have you watched the DVD in Thermian? It's a hoot if you can stand it.

OMG
I own the DVD and I never noticed they have a Thermain translation....

I must go put my DVD in NOW I cannot wait another second!!

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Friday, September 8, 2006 9:19 AM

JONNYQUEST

"Did he just go crazy and fall asleep?"

So, I had an objective as well as a couple of agendas with this thread. I wanted to see if I was indeed a thread killer. I am happy to report I am not. Thank you all for validating me. You see in my newbiness, I had responded to a number of posts to find only that my comments were either ignored or they brought about the end of otherwise lively discussions. I now choose to blame the fact that my posts were usually a day late and not that they were too verbose and could occasionally seem creepy. Not saying I'm not verbose or creepy, but my posts are vindicated. For now.

Responses having reached "critical mass" a while ago (an arbitrary 25 when they reached 24 in number), I now shall reveal my agendae. (Latin for "bad"?)

First, it was a test of honesty. Or courage. Take your pick. Who among us would come forward and actually say there is a program or film that is superior to our own beloved reason for existence? I am pleased that we are not mindless followers but actually feel confident enough to express our heresies. Dandy-well-done, crew.

Second, I was painting a target on my forehead to see if any (even benevolent ones) troll shots would come my way because of my presumptuous heresy. (Although I cunningly never stated my own position; I could have been that very troll in question setting the trap for you to fall into). Not one of you came out with fangs bared and talons extended. I salute you. Having visited RWED a few times I know things can get a bit nasty.

I was also trying (and I promise not to do it again) to respond to each respondent because I felt I owed it to you just for playing along.

For what it's worth, I put FF/S in its own category so that I may converse about favorite this and favorite that without feeling "wrong" about it this way or that. That the Browncoat saga is without peer in any genre or medium, I can say with my whole heart. That all of the ingredients that make television programming or cinema great came together here is absolutely true. It doesn't pretend to be bigger than it is but it is exactly the right size for what it needs to be.

So, with Firefly/Serenity safely sequestered from the rest of the flicker-image world, here are my favorites in no particular order.

Movies:
--Excalibur, historically inaccurate, perhaps, but willfully so, in keeping with the vision of John Boorman and beautifully done by a stellar cast, almost all of whom went on to great careers.
--Scarface (1983, not 1932) Yeah, there's a heck of a lot of violence and bad language, but the study study of the rise and fall of the powerful, is still one of DePalma's best works.
--The Lion King, an original story from the Mouse House that grabbed me from its first moments and carried me along to the end. Music, characters, a pre-Pixar reminder of why Disney came to sit upon the throne.
--The Dark Crystal, maybe it was just the timing in my life, but I was mesmerized. Serious muppets. Who spoke in a language called New Age or Eastern Mystic, or some such.
--Stargate, supremely satisfying SciFi, at least for me. The series was fun, but the movie, now there was a beasty to be reckoned with.
--The Deer Hunter, just because I couldn't watch it again for years and years after. And I think I've only seen it the two times.

Television:
--Star Trek, the original. Caught it in first round syndication while it wasn't so dated. Far superior to my guilty pleasure: Lost in Space.
--The Twilight Zone, the original. Does this even need an explanitory note?
--Jonny Quest, the original. Surprised? I'm a sucker for one-season adventure shows, what can I say. The "serious" Hanna Barberra cartoons of the day, were down right fun.
--While it was on: M*A*S*H. Irreverence made poignant.
--At the moment: probably The Colbert Report.

There are hundreds of movies and TV shows I would consider great for lots of different reasons, that spoke to me on personal levels that no one else can share or understand, that made me laugh out loud, or cry inexplicably (but that's another thread). Can't mention them all.

The Browncoat experience is more than just enjoying a show, although it is that. It's a united and diverse fandom that needs to share that experience with others to make it mean something (ooh, is that a bit of existentialism leaking through?). It's a concerned international community that share a bond with one another that they can't leave to die on the ice floe. That won't wait for FEMA to rescue their dream. The Signal is Out There.

"Well, here I am."

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Friday, September 8, 2006 10:13 AM

EMBERS

Quote:
Originally posted by JonnyQuest:
I wanted to see if I was indeed a thread killer.
I now choose to blame the fact that my posts were usually a day late and not that they were too verbose and could occasionally seem creepy. Not saying I'm not verbose or creepy, but my posts are vindicated. For now.

JonnyQuest let me assure you that you don't even come close to being the most verbose and/or creepy at this website...
just read past threads in the Real World forum and you will find much to boggle the mind....

I think that many threads get lost in the shuffle, they often don't find the Browncoats who want to respond to that subject, or they end up with a short shelf life....
never take it personally.

This is a great site, with really diverse and interesting members, and I feel that you'll find a lot that you can enjoy.

Which is also the strength of Firefly/Serenity: you don't have to love it just because you love metaphor rich idea-driven fantasy (as I do),
and you don't have to love it just because there are complex characters who are actually growing and evolving throughout the series (and now into the continuing comic books)
AND you don't have to love the show because it is exciting, dramatic, and humorous.

There are other writers and creators who could 'do it all' and I wouldn't ever want to denigrate any of them,
but I have to say that at this point in my life Firefly/Serenity has really meant more to me than any of them. Because none of the others ever brought be to a website like this, or inspired me to create fan art, or to attend shindigs, conventions, and the Browncoat Ball:

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Friday, September 8, 2006 10:40 AM

DAYVE

Quote:
Originally posted by JonnyQuest:
I wanted to see if I was indeed a thread killer. I am happy to report I am not. Thank you all for validating me. You see in my newbiness, I had responded to a number of posts to find only that my comments were either ignored or they brought about the end of otherwise lively discussions.

i had to respond to this... mainly because i feel the same way sometimes... i guess there are cliques everywhere and i'm starting to see that here... I've received a few frosty receptions myself... but no worries, mate... just spark up a doobe and relax... (ok, so maybe the drug references are what's got me on the ignore list... but i'm not too worried about it)... so all's i'm saying is, don't feel like the Lone Ranger in regards to being ignored... i've been in that little boat my own self.

Quote:
--The Dark Crystal, maybe it was just the timing in my life, but I was mesmerized. Serious muppets. Who spoke in a language

btw.. i found this little story the other day about a "creature" found on the coast of Russia... hoax? don't know, but the picture reminded me of something... hmmm could it be one of the things that plotted against the Gelfs in the Dark Crystal? Put a robe on it and it's a dead ringer.

Here's the only picture i could find...

along with a bit of the story...

This creature was found by Russian soldiers on Sakhalin shoreline. Sakhalin area is situated near to Japan, it's the most eastern part of Russia, almost 5000 miles to East from Moscow (Russia is huge). People don't know who is it. According to the bones and teeth - it is not a fish. According to its skeleton - it's not a crocodile or alligator. It has a skin with hair or fur.

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Friday, September 8, 2006 10:46 AM

FUTUREMRSFILLION

*FMF runs stark nekkid through the thread*

----
Bestower of Titles, Designer of Tshirts, Maker of Mottos, Keeper of the Pyre

I am on The List. We are The Forsaken and we aim to burn!
"We don't fear the reaper"

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Friday, September 8, 2006 10:53 AM

JONNYQUEST

"Did he just go crazy and fall asleep?"

Quote:
Originally posted by Dayve:
Quote:
Originally posted by JonnyQuest:
I wanted to see if I was indeed a thread killer. I am happy to report I am not. Thank you all for validating me. You see in my newbiness, I had responded to a number of posts to find only that my comments were either ignored or they brought about the end of otherwise lively discussions.

i had to respond to this... mainly because i feel the same way sometimes... i guess there are cliques everywhere and i'm starting to see that here... I've received a few frosty receptions myself... but no worries, mate... just spark up a doobe and relax... (ok, so maybe the drug references are what's got me on the ignore list... but i'm not too worried about it)... so all's i'm saying is, don't feel like the Lone Ranger in regards to being ignored... i've been in that little boat my own self.

Quote:
--The Dark Crystal, maybe it was just the timing in my life, but I was mesmerized. Serious muppets. Who spoke in a language

btw.. i found this little story the other day about a "creature" found on the coast of Russia... hoax? don't know, but the picture reminded me of something... hmmm could it be one of the things that plotted against the Gelfs in the Dark Crystal? Put a robe on it and it's a dead ringer.

Here's the only picture i could find...

along with a bit of the story...

This creature was found by Russian soldiers on Sakhalin shoreline. Sakhalin area is situated near to Japan, it's the most eastern part of Russia, almost 5000 miles to East from Moscow (Russia is huge). People don't know who is it. According to the bones and teeth - it is not a fish. According to its skeleton - it's not a crocodile or alligator. It has a skin with hair or fur.

Hmmmm, Skeksis: http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Academy/3108/skeksis.html

"Well, here I am."

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Friday, September 8, 2006 11:04 AM

NVGHOSTRIDER

Lone Rangers huh? Sounds like a rock and roll band from a movie or something.

Okay, so I ain't much for the illicit drug use. But hey, at least you're on the internet, in your home where (I hope) you have water and snackage.
Just like driving drunk, driving high ain't right.
You seem to be an alright cat JQ. Just keep posting. Find some interesting pics or mention food and folks seem to warm up fast.

Thanks for the streak FMF. Day just got brighter.

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Friday, September 8, 2006 11:25 AM

CHRISISALL

No show is Firefly's superior in my eyes.
Shows that are as good:
Star Trek TOS
Shows that are close:
Dark Angel
Buffy

Nothing tops Serenity, either.
Movies that are it's equal:
Blade Runner
Planet Of The Apes (original)
Movies that are close:
Star Trek TMP
Superman
Superman 2 (Donner re-edit)

Kneel before Chrisisall!

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Friday, September 8, 2006 12:50 PM

JONNYQUEST

"Did he just go crazy and fall asleep?"

Embers, Dayve and NVGhostRider,

Thank you for the encouragement. I plan on continuing me posts, whether anyone listens or no. I figure just 'cause people don't answer doesn't mean they don't ponder.

[attempting to pop tempted eyes back in head][\i] Whoo-hoo FMF!! You're welcome ta streak in any thread o' mine anytime!

And Chrisisall, first thanks for gracing this discussion. I knew you'd be true to the Signal, but I'm glad you have others "as good..." or close. And some coincide with those I had to leave off my own list lest it get too long.

"Well, here I am."

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Friday, September 8, 2006 12:52 PM

FLAKBAIT

Buffy is definitely my favorite TV series ever. I can re-watch it indefinitely. If Firefly had gone longer, though...

After those, I'd say Deep Space Nine and Babylon 5, and Battlestar Galactica, then probably Angel.

There's a lot from HBO and its ilk that I need to catch up on; I've never seen the Sopranos, for example, or Deadwood. I loved the first season of Huff, but haven't seen the second.

And of course, there are the classics; The Tick animated series, Space: Above and Beyond, and X-Files.

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Saturday, September 9, 2006 10:31 AM

MALSGIRL

TV: The Adventures of Brisco County Jr. I can't explain its genious, you're just gonna have to go get the DVDs and find out

Movies: no comment, no really, no comment
_____________________________

"You will keep a civil tongue in that mouth or I will sew it shut."

http://www.savestargatesg1.com

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Monday, September 11, 2006 4:30 AM

JONNYQUEST

"Did he just go crazy and fall asleep?"

Quote:
Originally posted by flakbait, splintered by JQ:
Buffy
If Firefly had gone longer, though...
Deep Space Nine
Babylon 5
Battlestar Galactica
Angel.

HBO and its ilk...I've never seen
the Sopranos
Deadwood
Huff

the classics
The Tick animated series
Space: Above and Beyond
X-Files.

From Buffy to Angel, (neatly bracketed). Was Angel to you like it was to RugBug?

Quote:
Originally posted by rugbug:
I liked Angel, but I've never loved it they way I love BtVS and Firefly. I watched it because there was no more Buffy and I needed the Buffyverse to continue.

Or was it on it's own merits? I think I see more than a few Buffians in RugBugs shoes. (and I think I just got an idea for my next thread...thanks)

Your taste in SciFi, with the possible exception of Firefly, tends to run toward the sober rather that the sunny, with a definite political leaning. Am I right?

I'll match you show for show on the not seen list, and even though I'm sure I would have LOVED Huff, I've never seen a single episode. I also wish I would have seen Carnivale.

I haven't seen the animated version--a friend of mine swears by it--but I thought the live action show was brilliant. Quoting from the Ultimate Tick Fansite:

"In all, I thought Live Tick was interesting and pretty funny, though not as good as the cartoon...The show was crippled from the start with poor support from Fox, though, and low budgets meant few villains and no combat scenes. I really wish that the series had some more time to evolve; I felt that even with its shortcomings it could have developed into something great."

Part of that sounds so incredibly familiar...

Thanks for the intro to Space: Above and Beyond, yet another mishandled show to mourn. (I will admit to being a Space: 1999 fan. I don't think there are very many of us)

X-Phile here, season 2 or 3 until shortly after the Movie.

Quote:
Originally posted by malsgirl:
TV: The Adventures of Brisco County Jr. I can't explain its genious, you're just gonna have to go get the DVDs and find out

Movies: no comment, no really, no comment

Malsgirl, ya need ta contact my buddy, Sahara, and chat for hours on end about Brisco. And I don't believe real genius can ever be explained: you either appreciate it or continue to nosh on the go se you've always been given.

No comment. I respect silence. But as my Grandmother always said, "Keine Anwort ist auch eine Anwort."

"Well, here I am."

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Monday, September 11, 2006 8:13 AM

FLAKBAIT

Quote:
From Buffy to Angel, (neatly bracketed). Was Angel to you like it was to RugBug? Or was it on it's own merits? I think I see more than a few Buffians in RugBugs shoes. (and I think I just got an idea for my next thread...thanks)

You know, I'm actually not sure, hehe. I think I watched it originally out of obligation to Buffy. But I'm actually re-watching it now with my wife (thank you, NetFlix) and I'm enjoying it a lot more than I did when it first aired. We're about to hit the last half of season 4, though, so maybe my tune will change in a few weeks.

Quote:
Your taste in SciFi, with the possible exception of Firefly, tends to run toward the sober rather that the sunny, with a definite political leaning. Am I right?

I never thought of it that way, but with B5, BSG, and DS9 on my list (and a dash of Space: Above and Beyond), you may be right. I enjoy the long, well developed story arcs, and I find fictional political intrigue far more intriguing than the real thing.

My wife just rolls her eyes when I go into an in-depth history of Centauri Prime and its Emperors, but am clueless when it comes to US Presidents. I guess I'm just way too cynical when it comes to real politics.

The live action Tick wasn't bad, your comments there are spot on I think.

Same here on X-Files, too. I enjoyed the first several seasons and the movie, but just kinda trailed off after that. Not sure why. I got hold of the first season cheap recently and have been re-watching, and it's amazing how much I've forgotten. Space 1999 was a little before my time, I'm afraid. Glancing at the descriptions on IMDB, though, it sounds like it might be fun.

Count me in as another Briso County fan.

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Monday, September 11, 2006 8:58 AM

JONNYQUEST

"Did he just go crazy and fall asleep?"

Political intrigue can only be "enjoyed" fictionally. Get to close to the truth and it'll cut ya and you'll bleed.

Space: 1999 is fun in the "dated footage" kind of way, at least when it came to the crew's costuming. But the stories went way into the intellectual, philosophical realm, without the necessary jolt of Joss humor to break things up. (Special effects were marvels of the Gerry Anderson miniture variety which gave us Stingray and the Thunderbirds marionettes; their ships and structures gave a clinic on the the very best the sixties had to offer.) Season two tried to spice things up with cast changes because, as it turned out, science fiction television was not ready for themes that made you think. Lost in Space was still the preferred model over Star Trek and action and adventure was more necessary that thoughtfulness. Ah well. We're still there, aren't we? Even Joss humor doesn't help the cause. It's all serendipity and whim what gives shows a chance at being and a chance at enduring. [End of riff]

I love the long story arc but my life has seemingly always been such that I can't ever make it through one. So why I thoroughly enjoyed Babylon 5, I would catch episodes whenever I could on whatever channel it was on, and the resulting chaos made it difficult but not impossible to sort throught timeline, but guessing when any given episode occurred was a real trick. Someday.

Oh, Sahara, another one...

"Well, here I am."

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Wednesday, September 13, 2006 4:54 PM

KANEMAN

Show - BSG - Slightly Deadwood - Tied

Movie - None better

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Wednesday, September 13, 2006 5:20 PM

MAI

Movie: Memphis Belle

I think this movie is better than Serenity. Only because it (and many others, though none that I like as well) depict a time that I hold very close to my heart for many reasons.

TV Ghost Hunters.
I like this show and the people in it just as much as I like FF.

In both cases it's sort of hard to compare. That whole apples to oranges thing.

GO HERE FOR DRAGON*CON PICS
http://www.flickr.com/photos/27089909@N00/

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