Firefly - I just don't get it

[RangerWickett]

I used to be a huge fan of Babylon 5. Then I realized how overdrawn a lot of the action is, particularly when Straczynski was writing it. I mean, I loved it when it was on, but I look back now and wonder at a lot of really awkward moments. True, it was his first TV show where he was producer, and Crusade was better, but even 3rd season of B5 had a few too many things I cringe at now.

And a few brilliant moments I wish I watch again.

 

[Piratecat]

Caveat: I expected to realy dislike Firefly (I kind of like Buffy, and really don't care for Angel), and ended up loving it. For me the "click" came at the end of the "Train Robbery" second episode when

Spoiler

the bad guy who has "returning, monologuing villain" written all over him gets kicked through the spaceship engine.

From a DM's point of view, this show is a wonderful example of how to plot a rat bastardy game, and how to plot a good caper. It doesn't happen in every episode, but Whedon is awfully good at reversing expectations and pulling the rug out from under you plot-wise. I learned a lot about plotting from watching it, and had a tremendous amount of fun in the process.

I agree that it took me longer than the pilot to get hooked, though. Try to keep watching until "Jaynestown;" in my opinion, that's one that's not to be missed.

 

[Flexor the Mighty!]

I didn't like it either. Not a big fan of Wheadon's dialogue.

 

[Dagger75]

Seeing this thread makes me cry

Seriously a friend is a super huge Angle/Buffy fan, hates Firefly. Another guy I know is "meh" with Firefly as well.

I love Firefly but an "meh" with Angle/Buffy. No biggy, everybodies taste are different. I have no idea what everybody sees in Battlestar Galactica or Smallville so I can see where you are coming from.

 

[MojoGM]

Well, I can't say I've ever watched much Buffy or Angel, they just never struck me as something I would like.

But I'm a HUGE Firefly fan. Hey, maybe it's not for everyone, and certainly nobody HAS to like it (or else!). Give it a chance, see if it is your cup of tea, and leave it at that.

Seems some people are going into it NOT wanting to like it. Well, ya can't please everyone I suppose.

But let me say this: Most shows take a season or so to take off and get good. In my opinion (YMMV):

B-5 season 1? Eh.
B-5 seasons 2-4? Awesome!
X-Files season 1? Not bad.
X-Files Season 2 to whatever? Excellent (ok, it did lose some at the end there)
ST:TNG season 1? Horrible!
ST:TNG later seasons? Pretty darn good.
Briscoe County Jr? Ok, that one was ALWAYS good! I'm still missing that one.

Anyway, Firefly was really good in my opinion and had GREAT potential to become even better. It's too bad the way network TV works shows don't get a chance.

If I had a dime for every show I loved that died before it's time, I'd...well, I'd have a crap-load of dimes thats for sure!

 

[KaosDevice]

Just as an aside is anyone picking up the three issue comic series that is supposed to fill in the gap between the series and the movie? I understand the first one is out.

 

[MojoGM]

Just as an aside is anyone picking up the three issue comic series that is supposed to fill in the gap between the series and the movie? I understand the first one is out.

I've picked up the first issue, but have not read it yet. I may wait until I have all 4 or 5 (or however many there will be).

 

[KaosDevice]

I've picked up the first issue, but have not read it yet. I may wait until I have all 4 or 5 (or however many there will be).

I think it is just a three issue job.

 

[Mark Chance]

this just sounds like a case of unreasonable expectations.

So, by all means, lower your expectations. Lower them enough and everything becomes enjoyable.

Even Joss Whedon.

 

[stevelabny]

you joke, but i think my point is valid.

any television show with any depth needs more than one episode to hook you.

i didn't fall in love with twin peaks instantly. or buffy. (till mid season 2) or angel (till season 3) or veronica mars or gargoyles or any of the other shows i've been hooked on. in all cases, the shows were good and or entertaining enough on some level that was enough to keep me watching (as opposed to say smallville or other shows)

most continuing dramas on tv are structured in such a way to slowly introduce you to the characters and their universe, get you attached to the characters and then build from there. they do not offer the same "instant" gratification of a movie which is structured to go from beginning to end in 2 hours.