Over and over, it's the same damned cliche in science fiction movies and TV:
The vast and evil tyrannical empire vs. the noble and enlighted rebellion.
Once, twice, five-hundred times, it might be okay, but now it's just oldness and tiredness--a sign of a complete lack of imagination. Even Firefly decided to use this tired old cliche--Whedon could have done better, and I take it as a sign that he wasn't really trying when he decided to use such an overdone theme.
How about a TV show that features a rebellion that is all about imposing its tyrannical will upon a fairly benign, if not all sweetness and light, interstellar republic? Indeed, the rebellion attracts many bright, interesting, quirky individuals. They're represented by the main characters of the show, who are played by attractive actors in suitably tight clothing. The characters are given great interpersonal development. There could even be lots of amusing banter.
They're all about "respect diversity" and "freedom", but the "freedom" is really just the "freedom" to oppress the vast majority of sapient beings, whom they all see as their "natural inferiors", and the only "diversity" they respect is that permitted to all their fellow "superior beings"--weaklings only deserve contempt. Howefver, there would not be some sort of commissar around spouting this nonsense. Instead, we would be presented the universe from their point of view, since they're the main characters. Clever viewers would pick up on it sooner than the drooling fanboys.
The republic, on the other hand, is bureaucratic and a bit stuffy. It's functionaries tend to be humorless and sticklers for procedure and rules. None of the representatives of this Republic are seen for more than an episode or two in a row, and whenever possible, less attractive actors or character actors with a history of "authority figure" roles are hired for these parts. Very little time is spent on their personal lives outside. And this republic is actually all about keeping people safe from would-be tyrants. Elections are fair and representative. Officials are usually honest and dutiful, if not always very competent or diplomatic. The considerations and opinions of ordinary people are taken into account, not merely dismissed or mollified. There is a very long (perhaps religious) tradition of public service as an honorable and sacred trust, with little room for grandstanding or self-aggrandizement, especially not at the expense of "the little people".
The vast and evil tyrannical empire vs. the noble and enlighted rebellion.
Once, twice, five-hundred times, it might be okay, but now it's just oldness and tiredness--a sign of a complete lack of imagination. Even Firefly decided to use this tired old cliche--Whedon could have done better, and I take it as a sign that he wasn't really trying when he decided to use such an overdone theme.
How about a TV show that features a rebellion that is all about imposing its tyrannical will upon a fairly benign, if not all sweetness and light, interstellar republic? Indeed, the rebellion attracts many bright, interesting, quirky individuals. They're represented by the main characters of the show, who are played by attractive actors in suitably tight clothing. The characters are given great interpersonal development. There could even be lots of amusing banter.
They're all about "respect diversity" and "freedom", but the "freedom" is really just the "freedom" to oppress the vast majority of sapient beings, whom they all see as their "natural inferiors", and the only "diversity" they respect is that permitted to all their fellow "superior beings"--weaklings only deserve contempt. Howefver, there would not be some sort of commissar around spouting this nonsense. Instead, we would be presented the universe from their point of view, since they're the main characters. Clever viewers would pick up on it sooner than the drooling fanboys.
The republic, on the other hand, is bureaucratic and a bit stuffy. It's functionaries tend to be humorless and sticklers for procedure and rules. None of the representatives of this Republic are seen for more than an episode or two in a row, and whenever possible, less attractive actors or character actors with a history of "authority figure" roles are hired for these parts. Very little time is spent on their personal lives outside. And this republic is actually all about keeping people safe from would-be tyrants. Elections are fair and representative. Officials are usually honest and dutiful, if not always very competent or diplomatic. The considerations and opinions of ordinary people are taken into account, not merely dismissed or mollified. There is a very long (perhaps religious) tradition of public service as an honorable and sacred trust, with little room for grandstanding or self-aggrandizement, especially not at the expense of "the little people".
