OMG why did they end firefly?

[SP33Demon]

I enjoyed it and would like to see more. There was a good deal of cheese though. (why the hell can't anybody make a sci-fi without cheese?!!!! seriously) Even the theme music was cheesy and the lyrics were very shallow. They had nothing to do with the show... it was just some randomness thrown together. I remember the lyrics repeating something like, "can't take the sky from me"... nothing to do with the show. Superficial fluff.

If it could be done again with a little more seriousness it could be great. The show was on the right track though.

It was made to air on a major network not cable.

 

[DAPUNISHER]

Because idiots like you and I, that dig the show, did not discover it till years later.

 

[BladeVenom]

I'm not sure I could forgive it even with any context, there's just so many clichés in there. I might accept it like the final battle in BSG (2004 series), which was also pretty poor, but not as bad as Serenity IMO.

I e-mailed some friends about it when I watched it, here is what I wrote:

Do your friends a favor, and stop giving them your movie opinions. Most people and critics liked it. http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/serenity/

 

[DAPUNISHER]

Just watched it. My god, what a load of generic hollywood sci-fi fluff. It may have been better if I had seen the Firefly series first, but considering that's written by Whedon as well, I think I will probably give it a skip.

Halfway through the movie, I was wondering whether it was meant to be tongue-in-cheek or taken seriously. It's like watching Buffy (in terms of humour mainly) but the vampires are 'reavers', which are meant to be some sort of super aggressive, drooling man-eating zombies yet they can fly their own ships.

Another example of what makes this film so... what's the word... I'm not sure, but here goes:

Good guy gets a message from (ex-?)-girlfriend, which he knows is a trap, yet goes anyway. Ok, fine. Good guy turns up. Girl finishes meditating/whatever, and says "I didn't think you would be stupid enough to show up", and lights a little stick, and when asked what she's doing, she says that she's saying a prayer for good guy. Then the bad guy turns up.

After some talk, good guy and bad guy start fighting. Good guy gets his ass kicked, but of course he doesn't have any long-lasting injuries yet, and at that exact moment, girl confirms that she didn't light an incense stick, but it's actually some sort of flashbang, and good guy and girl get away while bad guy is dazed.

Corny? Bad/thin script? For lack of a better word, I'll go with "crap".

I guess the Life cereal commercial was right, Mikey doesn't like anything.

As to Reavers: They are a lot like the wastelanders from Road Warrior. They are vicious, brutal, and clearly insane. But still have some higher brain functions necessary for survival as successful predators. Obviously the Reavers are further gone, thanks to the effects of the G-23.

As to the scene with the assassin: You would have had an entire different perspective if you had watched the series first. Sub-textual character dynamics were playing out, that only a fan of the series would pick up on. Making it esoteric, if you will.

 

[mikeymikec]

Do your friends a favor, and stop giving them your movie opinions. Most people and critics liked it. http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/serenity/

Right. Are the people and critics who didn't like it allowed to give their opinion, based on your logic?

I'd be really surprised that if you were to have a look through the IMDB Top 250 list (or any "best movies list" for that matter) and found some that you thought had no right being there, not just because you didn't like them, but because you think they're nowhere near the standard set by the rest. Just because lots of other people think that a film is good, it doesn't mean it is.

@ DAPUNISHER

I loved the recent-ish BSG series except the ending which I thought was a bit too neat and a bit of a let-down, but I'll still get all the seasons on DVD. The ending isn't so bad that I would avoid it.

Re: Reavers. I can't remember them exhibiting any behaviour suggesting they're intelligent enough to control a space ship.

Back to Serenity/Firefly, I'm not sure what character dynamics would have to be going on in the series to allow me to let slide just the example I gave, let alone the ending fight scene. What was the terrifying mechanical abyss that the characters were in danger of falling into at any moment, and why on earth would anyone keep their server on a platform just above it, accessible only by using monkey bars IIRC?

Perhaps this movie is enjoyable if only one sees the series first, but if that's the case, perhaps they should have put a great big warning on it to inform people, and maybe have the movie titled "The Conclusion of Firefly".

 

[SirStev0]

yaft?

Oh well, I still came in here just to say I loved it.

 

[nageov3t]

Firefly is one of those fandoms that I just don't get.

the whole thing was filled with cheesy cliches and the one interesting plotline got all but ignored until the end of its run.

I watched the whole series because my roommate at the time made me, but I'd have been one of the millions who changed the station after 15 minutes otherwise.

 

[Eug]

I saw Serenity first, and thought it wasn't bad.

I then saw Firefly, in order, and though it wasn't bad, but wasn't at all surprised it was cancelled. Just a little too cheesy. But the problem wasn't the cheese per se, but that the cheese seemed so forced.

I wouldn't want to see DS9 again. I generally liked the show, but Sisko (acting) drove me nuts sometimes.

And I liked Stargate: Universe a lot, much more so than the last few seasons of SG-1. The arc with the Ori just seemed tacked on and irrelevant.

 

[DAPUNISHER]

Re: Reavers. I can't remember them exhibiting any behaviour suggesting they're intelligent enough to control a space ship.

Seriously? How about the behavior of flying spaceships? They even weaponize and "decorate" them. You are obviously one of those cats that just loves picking shit apart. Why not poop poo on the unrealistic space tech, on and on while you are at it? You either go for the ride or you don't. You probably complained about the cereal getting soggy.

Back to Serenity/Firefly, I'm not sure what character dynamics would have to be going on in the series to allow me to let slide just the example I gave, let alone the ending fight scene. What was the terrifying mechanical abyss that the characters were in danger of falling into at any moment, and why on earth would anyone keep their server on a platform just above it?

Why on earth? They ain't on earth! It gives me a peek into your mindset though, Just by framing the question the way you did.

Perhaps this movie is enjoyable if only one sees the series first, but if that's the case, perhaps they should have put a great big warning on it to inform people, and maybe have the movie titled "The Conclusion of Firefly".

Again, when dealing with stylistic sci-fi like this, you either go for the ride or you don't. Instead, you went kicking and screaming the whole time. Making it no surprise you did not enjoy it.

My point is: You kill your own potential for enjoyment by so rigidly maintaining your cynicism. Sometimes you just have to relax and enjoy someone else's imagination. Because reality rarely adds to such a fantastical place.

But, hey, you have every right to your POV. I just think it makes you sound like a miserable bastage that would suck the fun out of reading bedtime stories to children.

 

[DAPUNISHER]

Firefly is one of those fandoms that I just don't get.

the whole thing was filled with cheesy cliches and the one interesting plotline got all but ignored until the end of its run.

I watched the whole series because my roommate at the time made me, but I'd have been one of the millions who changed the station after 15 minutes otherwise.

I look at your avatar, then your post, then

 

[DAPUNISHER]

I saw Serenity first, and thought it wasn't bad.

I then saw Firefly, in order, and though it wasn't bad, but wasn't at all surprised it was cancelled. Just a little too cheesy. But the problem wasn't the cheese per se, but that the cheese seemed so forced.

I wouldn't want to see DS9 again. I generally liked the show, but Sisko (acting) drove me nuts sometimes.

And I liked Stargate: Universe a lot, much more so than the last few seasons of SG-1. The arc with the Ori just seemed tacked on and irrelevant.

I look at your avatar, then your hatred of cheese, then

 

[Childs]

I liked the episodes with her in them. :wub:



This show failed because the story became utterly ridiculous. I enjoyed it for about 80% of the show until it just got crazy. By crazy, I mean how the latest Indiana Jones film (which we shall nary speak a word of after this) went from decent... salvageable... fucking aliens!?

Brisco decided to take it to the

Spoiler

the evil outlaw is actually a goddamn time traveler from the future looking to take over the planet!?

Yeah, I agree the orb storyline was ridiculous, but the characters were well written and acted. I rewatched Brisco this year and this time around the orb and Bly arc didnt bother me. That would have been better as a two or three episode arc, but carrying through the whole season was a bit much.

 

[mikeymikec]

Seriously? How about the behavior of flying spaceships? They even weaponize and "decorate" them. You are obviously one of those cats that just loves picking shit apart. Why not poop poo on the unrealistic space tech, on and on while you are at it? You either go for the ride or you don't. You probably complained about the cereal getting soggy.

I meant apart from the spaceships. They just seemed like a total plot device, after all you can't have rampaging zombies in space without them getting a ride one way or another.

Accepting space tech is one of those things that most people can comfortably suspend disbelief and accept. However, I have difficulty accepting a species/race/bunch of zombies/whatever who seem to be dumber than a bag of spanners being able to maintain space flight.

Again, when dealing with stylistic sci-fi like this, you either go for the ride or you don't. Instead, you went kicking and screaming the whole time. Making it no surprise you did not enjoy it.

My point is: You kill your own potential for enjoyment by so rigidly maintaining your cynicism. Sometimes you just have to relax and enjoy someone else's imagination. Because reality rarely adds to such a fantastical place.

But, hey, you have every right to your POV. I just think it makes you sound like a miserable bastage that would suck the fun out of reading bedtime stories to children.

I have plenty of sci-fi films in my collection, and some kids films too. Just not this one, for the reasons I have already specified.

Just because you don't agree with my opinion, don't start making up things that you think I'd do as well to try and invalidate my opinion.

 

[Tim]

blah blah blah.

Obvious troll is obvious.

 

[dainthomas]

Just because you don't agree with my opinion, don't start making up things that you think I'd do as well to try and invalidate my opinion.

Nobody needs to make things up. The fact that your opinion is wrong invalidates it.

 

[mikeymikec]

Obvious troll is obvious.

Because I threw in an negative opinion about Serenity? Okkkay...

If I went around the Internet badmouthing Serenity wherever I could, or I hung around on Serenity fan-forums badmouthing it, or if I knew that Serenity fans are a very sensitive bunch*, yes, that would make me a troll. Please explain how what I've done here is trolling.

* - I know a few Firefly fans. Some agreed with my opinion of Serenity, some didn't. Violence/excessive emotion didn't ensue.

Nobody needs to make things up. The fact that your opinion is wrong invalidates it.

Ok, I think we're done here. LOL. Hopefully you meant this tongue-in-cheek, but either way, it's probably a good time for me to stop posting on this thread.

 

[ViviTheMage]

Major Castle spoiler, read at own risk :

Spoiler

Now that Castle and Beckett are together it's on the way to the end, since the "will they or won't they" suspense is gone.

Give it 2 more seasons and let's get Firefly back! I'm sure they could find a place for Stana Katic in Firefly Reborn anyway.

yup, this is one everyone has been saying about Castle, but we'll see ... I am pretty sure it will happen though.

 

[DAPUNISHER]

Just because you don't agree with my opinion, don't start making up things that you think I'd do as well to try and invalidate my opinion.

I did no such thing. I, in fact, said you are entitled to your POV. I stated it made you come off like you are miserable. That is an observation based on your writing, not character assassination. You clarified the matter, its all good.


The following quote perfectly encapsulates why you may just be predisposed to being overly critical of this particular sci-fi property.

However, I have difficulty accepting a species/race/bunch of zombies/whatever who seem to be dumber than a bag of spanners being able to maintain space flight.

They are the 30 million colonists that had the opposite reaction to the C23. While they were radically affected by it, they are humans. And being colonists there were likely a fair number of skilled and intelligent members among them. The exact effects of the G23 are not entirely explained, leaving plenty of room for you the viewer to extrapolate that they maintain many higher brain functions.

Perhaps if you watched the whole series, and the movie, to the point of understanding everything happening you might find you like it. But, you would have to leave behind the preconceived ideas (as demonstrated by your not knowing what the reavers are) you have about it.

Just trying to turn you on to something I like. So no need to feel like you are being attacked. I have only tried to point out you are somewhat ignorant of the universe the story lines take place in. That has resulted in your observations being skewed accordingly. If you watch it and still don't like it. Well, then your initial impression was correct. But, try not to make it a self-fulfilling prophesy, that's all.

 

[ViviTheMage]

I watched FF in order, then serenity ... I liked it a lot. I like character driven stories, and space cowboy with Nathan Fillion was just gold.

 

[Childs]

I meant apart from the spaceships. They just seemed like a total plot device, after all you can't have rampaging zombies in space without them getting a ride one way or another.

Accepting space tech is one of those things that most people can comfortably suspend disbelief and accept. However, I have difficulty accepting a species/race/bunch of zombies/whatever who seem to be dumber than a bag of spanners being able to maintain space flight.

They werent zombies, just insane cannibals. In that time period, ships are like cars, and just like today, a crazy cannibal could drive a car. These were technological savvy people at one point. They could also simply take someone elses ship to get new ones, so all they have to do is drive it. Even in the past when everyone used horses, it wasnt uncommon for barbarians to situationally overwhelm a more sophisticated people.

I'm not attacking you when I say this, but futuristic sci fi only works when a person can make the parallels from modern or historical society to the one presented in the future. Its not like this is the Neverending Story where you have giant mutant dogs flying around. Even then, within the context of that movie, it makes sense enough to continue watching the movie. To be honest, I'm surprised you were hung up on this point.

 

[middlehead]

I was very sad at how much they rushed it I really wanted to find out

Spoiler

HOW the shepherd knew so much about crime and why the alliance doctors treated him when he was shot...

That was covered in a comic book release.

Spoiler

The short version is that it's about what you'd guess, with an extra twist.

 

[DAPUNISHER]

I watched FF in order, then serenity ... I liked it a lot. I like character driven stories, and space cowboy with Nathan Fillion was just gold.

Same here. It is post American Civil War in space. I think it provided for a lot of good material due to the nature of the conflict and its aftermath.

 

[ViviTheMage]

That was covered in a comic book release.

Spoiler

The short version is that it's about what you'd guess, with an extra twist.

But we want TV to tell us!

Same here. It is post American Civil War in space. I think it provided for a lot of good material due to the nature of the conflict and its aftermath.

Exactly, reminded me of a steampunkish, civil war garb, in space.

 

[middlehead]

I enjoyed it and would like to see more. There was a good deal of cheese though. (why the hell can't anybody make a sci-fi without cheese?!!!! seriously) Even the theme music was cheesy and the lyrics were very shallow. They had nothing to do with the show... it was just some randomness thrown together. I remember the lyrics repeating something like, "can't take the sky from me"... nothing to do with the show. Superficial fluff.

If it could be done again with a little more seriousness it could be great. The show was on the right track though.

The show was about a group of former rebels who now operated a smuggling operation on a space ship. "You can't take the sky from me" is absolutely related to that. Cheesy, sure, but not random nonsense.

 

[surfsatwerk]

2002 called, it wants its thread back.

Quick, who is better Joel or Mike?

Joel