General Discussions

Just an average show

POSTED BY: ladyhawk33
UPDATED: Friday, February 26, 2010 12:41
VIEWED: 9398
PAGE 2 of 4

TEETHGRINDER

Thursday, February 25, 2010 8:33 AM

I tried to stay out of this but something just bothers me about people signing up for a fansite and then calling the subject of the fansite "average". I feel the same way for people who go and sign up at an M14 website and then go on and on about how the AR15 is a much better choice. I respect the fact that you're trying to be objective with your criticism. I just dont get the "why". I guess Wash said it best...
Some people juggle geese.

AURAPTOR

Thursday, February 25, 2010 10:44 AM

There's nothing 'average' about Firefly.

Of all the shows out there, of all the sci fi fan groups one can associate with, there's only one which I've even bothered with checking out.

Firefly

Well, there was also Wonderfalls. But that's not important. What IS important that, even with its flaws and imperfections, Firefly was something different. Something better than, above other shows.

Pity to those who don't 'get' it.

Bones: "Don't 'rawr' her!"
Booth: "What? she'rawred' me first.

FILLYGIRL

Thursday, February 25, 2010 11:40 AM

I'm with you AURaptor, and the others who asked , if you didn't like it or found it lacking.....WHY come here?

Nothing personel, but we got lots of Trolls already.
JMHO

Chaplain of the 76th Independant Battalion

Do not bother dragons, for you are crunchy and taste good with ketchup!

...it's worse than you know...Operative
...it usually is.....Mal

JONGSSTRAW

Thursday, February 25, 2010 12:32 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by ladyhawk33:
Just got through watching the Firefly series. Here's my impression.

Macgyver < A-team < Xena < Firefly < Northern Exposure

(all the above) < BSG < The Lost Room < Rome < Band of Brothers < The Wire

The show's witty, sarcastic, even zany humor is probably it's biggest appeal for most of its fans, but also a big limitation. I appreciate the light-hearted approach to sci fi. But the sometimes clownish comic relief ruins it's credibility as a drama. It makes it seem less real, less believable, and therefore less relevant. For example in episode 10, when Captain Mal and Wash are bickering to each other about Wash's wife while they're both tied up and being tortured...funny, yes, but damn ridiculous. Don't get me started on the Jaynestown episode. I constantly find myself cringing when I see something blaringly cliche (and there is a lot of cliche moments), when I'm not cringing from hearing someone cursing in Chinese, which ends up being 3-4 times an episode.

When realism isn't respected, it makes it hard to feel real dread in the moments of the show that we're suppose to. You never feel that any member of the crew is in any real danger when they are on a smuggling mission. You know at the end of each episode everyone who matters will return safely and everything go back to the way it was. Compare that to a show like The Wire where you feel like anyone could die in a given episode. Therefore the tension is heightened and you are grabbing onto your seat tighter. I don't think I ever grabbed my seat with Firefly. The difference is Firefly is using an old formula for storytelling similar to shows like Xena and Hercules where the safety's left on.

Though it's not really fair to compare a show like Firefly to the recent serialized show like Lost, BSG, The Wire, Rome....because Firefly isn't really a serialized show. All of it's episode wraps itself up neatly at the end and doesn't tie into the next. Most episodes can be watched without viewing the previous. Serialized shows all have a strong overarching mystery or story that keeps you coming back and at the end of each episode there is a small cliffhanger. While Firefly does have an interesting overarching story about Simon and his sister...it not prominent enough to put it in the same category as the previously mentioned series. In the end, when judged on it's own, Firefly is a decent series to watch, and I'm glad I did.

It really just comes down what kind of drama you prefer; I for one, welcome the new wave of realism being injecting into tv series these days. I think that's the reason you hear a lot of talk about how good TV has gotten recently.

Your dim-witted assessment of the show is pathetically laughable. And are you kidding about "Rome?" All that show ever had was brutal butchery and tasteless illicit screwing.

KWICKO

Thursday, February 25, 2010 12:48 PM

Hey! I loved The Wire. And I liked Rome as well!

Although I've never been able to figure out why all Romans MUST speak with a heavy British accent. Shouldn't it be the other way 'round? ;)

Mike

Work is the curse of the Drinking Class.
- Oscar Wilde

BORIS

Thursday, February 25, 2010 12:55 PM

Lady Hawke, I love Firefly because of its interesting and unique way of presenting drama.It's not the same old same old formula and frankly I see that as refreshing not limiting. It is far more believable and relevant than most other TV shows foisted on us. Perhaps you may want to consider that for many of us the intelligently crafted combination of what you refer to as zany humour and dramatic elements in Firefly, appeals to us because it resonates with the way our own lives have unfolded. we can easily place ourselves in that environment. My life for instance is like a long running comic strip, accented with intense drama and almost unbelievable(except they are real)occurences riddled with zany humorous injections that keep me from going insane (maintaining an amusing commentary of your enemies' shortcomings while they pound you is an excellent coping mechanism).Other elements that appeal on the show are the genuine comraderie that emanates from the characters. My own friendships reflect a lot of similarities to those of the crew. Interestingly Band of Brothers is also one of my all time favourite shows for the very same reason, the connections between the characters... and my immense crushes on Damian Lewis and Donnie Whalberg)

GWEK

Thursday, February 25, 2010 12:59 PM

I take exception to the idea that XENA is better than THE A-TEAM.

www.stillflying.net: "Here's how it might have been..."

BYTEMITE

Thursday, February 25, 2010 2:50 PM

Well, and in the series, you don't get into the big "what if" questions except maybe in regards to human experimentation and River...

Which is possibly not quite so "what if" and more reality, depending on your take on 1960s CIA and NSA programs. Ever heard of a book called The Men Who Stare at Goats?

It's more in the movie that you get into the bigger thematic sci-fi what ifs, when it takes on the concept of government authoritarianism.

The movie has a somewhat different tone and feel than the series, though some of the joking is still there. There are some people who like it, and some people who have trouble with it. Being that I don't really know what your tastes are, all I can say about the movie maybe is "approach with caution."

Still, thanks for the elaboration. You seem on the up and up. Welcome. :)

DMI

Thursday, February 25, 2010 3:39 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by GWEK:
I take exception to the idea that XENA is better than THE A-TEAM.

Here, here!

I pray for one last landing,
on the globe that gave me birth.
Let me rest my eyes on the fleecy skies
and the cool, green hills of Earth.

LESSISMORE

Thursday, February 25, 2010 4:23 PM

Oddly, I really do not recall any comments on "How good TV has gotten lately." Not only would I celebrate another "Firefly" over another CSI, Law and Order, etc. et all. I think the success of many shows is dependent on reflecting how most of live our lives. I live my "little dramas" with an innate sense of humor that some just find inane. Perspective, life experience, and all the other filters we see life and ourselves through will always shape our preferences. My experience shapes mine closer to the Firefly crew than some dramas that are more gritty or real. Of course, that aint to say that my is not real or often gritty, but, the absurdity of it all shines through alot. Yes, I get a lot of blank stares when I point out the bs and absurdity all around us on a daily basis (at the same time acknowledging that it is the way it should be)! Truth be told, I force my would to be more like theirs than allow some in the world to force me into one more like the one you describe (and say you prefer). A tense drama is fine as a part of life, but, mine seems to be more of a spectrum of moments and experiance that I try to find the lighter side of when I can. The way the series was written strongly resonates with me. That you find it less so is certainly valid to you. In my world, if you stand too close to the edge you can expect to: fall in, get dirty, have the universe make you look silly, or become food for something greater (bigger) than you. The alternative of not going to the edge is, however, even more unthinkable. Sometimes reality is a pie in the face or a pratfall more than a policy or a procedure. Just an average show, I think not. Often life is ridiculous and even that humor can be thought provoking. Did Jayne reach an epiphany at the end of that episode as to why the illusion of our heroes is more important to us than the reality, no he needs more cumulative experience to get it, if he ever does. Aitnt right, aint wrong, just is!