New Firefly Addict - How to Deal with Withdrawal?

POSTED BY: audelair
UPDATED: Friday, January 16, 2009 08:33
VIEWED: 20405
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AUDELAIR

Tuesday, December 30, 2008 6:19 PM

A week, I'd never heard of Firefly or Serenity... and then on a whim, I borrowed the set from a friend and watched the entire series in 2 days. I then watched the film Serenity. This is, by far, the best TV show I have ever seen in my life.

In fact, it has ruined me for other TV shows. I was heavily looking forward to the new season of Lost next month... but after seeing Firefly, and witnessing perfection, I have completely lost my excitement for other shows. Compared to the crew of Serenity, I just cannot find myself to care much for the characters of other shows that I previously enjoyed.

Firefly did everything right. There was no cheap action or thrills, yet it kept me on the edge of my seat. They introduced the Reavers (in Bushwhacked), indirectly through the experience of a survivor... and through Mal's dialogue and the creepy music buildup, it captured the madness of the Reavers far more effectively than if they had shown us a Reaver attack in action. Firefly did not rely on any cheap drama to touch its viewers. Consider the difference between Lost (where they have let a love triangle between Jack, Kate, and Sawyer last for several seasons) and Firefly, where they had a hilarious episode where any tension between Mal, Zoe, and Wash was resolved in a torture scene, after which Zoe quickly choose Wash over Mal.

I love how Jayne can betray the crew, without it being a huge plot twist, and without making him out to be a villain. We still love him, in all his human weakness, and it makes him all the more believable. I love how loyal everyone is to Mal, despite Mal often making choices that gets the crew into trouble. They are bound by something far greater, and something you can only see when you watch them struggle from one adventure to another.

The dialogue was downright hilarious, the silent explosions in space far more powerful than the big "kabooms" we are used to, the chinese phrases allowing them to swear with more variety (rather than hearing Jack say "god damnit" 30 times an episode on 24!).

"Out of Gas" was probably one of the greatest love stories I've seen on television, and between a man and his ship! It was utter genius, and I can't think of a better way to introduce the origins of Serenity.

And "Objects in Space", when it was revealed that River was on Early's ship... I love how as a viewer, I felt as stupid as Jubal in that moment. Did we all really think River melted into the ship when the truth was so much more simple?!

So... how do I deal with the withdrawal?! :-) I have already gone ahead and rewatched the series and Serenity (it was just as enjoyable the second time). My wife is already getting sick of the theme song! (probably cuz I hum it all day long!)

Reading a bit on Google, it seems like there is very little hope for any revival of Firefly, either on TV or on film. But I cannot help but have a little hope. Can anyone think of any ideas as to how we can possibly revive the series?

Thanks for reading!

LEEDAVIDT

Tuesday, December 30, 2008 7:35 PM

i think "we" keep the series alive my friend...when browncoats from all over the "verse" get together and share ideas,likes and dislikes,i can feel the strength that a humble show like firefly creates,even though we don't have a season two or serenity 2 ...we still have those 14 episodes and the big damn movie to watch,over and over...

try visiting http://www.stillflying.net/
they have put together some awesome virtual episodes of what might have been...
keep flyin'

http://www.myspace.com/leedavidt

CHRISISALL

Tuesday, December 30, 2008 7:38 PM

As always, Buffy helps with the withdrawal thing.

The slaying Chrisisall

STEALTHGUY

Tuesday, December 30, 2008 7:55 PM

That's funny. I had the same problem with Buffy. I was a big fan of Voyager and X-Files at the time and then I watched Buffy (especially seasons 2 & 3), and it spoiled other TV for me. Nothing seemed as good after watching Whedon programming. I was never a monster-the-week type, so Firefly was closer to my tastes.

I echo the post referring to the fact that we have 14 episodes and a movie to watch over again. The Star Wars franchise boomed on just 6 hours of programming (the first three movies). We have more than that, but I would dearly love to see more.

You might want to check out the DVD called "Done The Impossible" since it deals with Firefly/Serenity fans. Also, I enjoyed going over the early podcasts of "The Signal" and "Firefly Talk".

COLE23

Tuesday, December 30, 2008 8:33 PM

I'm there my friend.Chris is right.I bought Buffy and I love it.So check that out.I've also checked out the podcast and the comics.The podcast are really cool.Alot of times they will point out something in an episode you didn't get or notice,and it makes it alot of fun to rewatch it.

BLUESUNCOMPANYMAN

Tuesday, December 30, 2008 8:41 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by audelair:
This is, by far, the best TV show I have ever seen in my life.

I love posts like this. It's always nice to be reminded of how I felt when I too, first saw Firefly in 2004. I get so caught up with the debates on this site I sometimes forget about the undiluted essence of why I came here 4 years ago.

RIVERLOVE

Tuesday, December 30, 2008 9:08 PM

Audelair,
I got a big kick out of reading your post. It's always a special situation when someone new posts here with enthusiasm about why they love Firefly. You seem to have great retention and detail skills for only having just seen the show and movie. I am happy for you, because your life will never be the same.

I think everyone deals with the "withdrawl" differently. At first I just kept watching the episodes over and over, every day, week after week. Now I watch about one or two episodes a month, and that helps keep it fairly fresh.

AUDELAIR

Tuesday, December 30, 2008 10:42 PM

Thanks for the link to stillflying.net. I will have to go through some of those episodes when I have time. I agree with you that we can keep it alive, and it's remarkable how the fanbase is still growing, several years after it was cancelled.

I have seen a few Buffy episodes, but didn't get into it at the time. I may have to give it another try though. I still haven't seen an Angel episode though, so I could always give that a try too.

Riverlove,
I usually don't remember things so well after watching a show, but Firefly was different because I was absolutely captivated by what I was watching. I also had a nice two days, where my wife was engrossed doing something else, so I could watch totally undistracted. :D

Thanks for all the comments everyone... and glad to know the Firefly community is still so strong.

STINKINGROSE

Tuesday, December 30, 2008 11:00 PM

I write fanfic.

... and twitch a lot.

STOWEAWAY

Tuesday, December 30, 2008 11:17 PM

Have you checked out the comic series? There's two now: Those Left Behind and Better Days. They both take place pre-Serenity.

You can also read the transcript of the un-aired episode "Dead or Alive". The link is here:
http://www.whedon.info/article.php3?id_article=8136
Parts of it were eventually cannibalized for "The Message" so parts of it may look familiar. But it's nice to read it and hear the crew's voices saying the dialogue.

There are plenty of items you can get to keep your spirits up. Where's Anonymous1 with the ultimate uber-list?

And don't forget to seek out your local Browncoats group. It's good to have people around you who commiserate. And check to see if your city hosts an annual Can't Stop the Serenity charity screening. Its' the perfect place to see our Big Damn Movie (BDM) and raise money for a good cause. Plans for 2009 are about to get underway.
www.cantstoptheserenity.com

Stop by fff.net as often as you like. Folks here are really friendly and don't mind answering questions even if they've been asked a thousand times before.

Welcome aboard!

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