Book: Hero or Villain?

POSTED BY: Lofwyrr
UPDATED: Wednesday, March 23, 2005 06:26
VIEWED: 10738
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LOFWYRR

Saturday, August 28, 2004 6:48 PM

So, most of the stuff I've seen on here about Book's past comes from the ident card fiasco in "Safe", which seems to imply some kind of allegience to the Alliance.
I was talking to my dad the other day about Firefly, and he came up with a different theory.
"Seems to me that a priest based in an abbey shouldn't be able to just leave and wander about without a definite mission. So that leaves a couple options. First, Book isn't just a priest. Maybe he's high enough ranking in the religous heirarchy, arch-bishop, cardinal, pope-like in his standing. If the church is as powerful in the future as it is today, the Alliance would keep track, and that could be the reason for their timely help with the gunshot wound."
"But why, then, would he stay on the ship with know criminals? Aside from the Bible, which says those are the people that most need his help, what if he had a reason for being on that particular ship? What if the church knows about what was going on with River? What if the Shepard was sent to help her specifically after she was rescued? There is quite a lot of time in the series where Simon, at least, is not around River, and the smile that River gives Book in "Jaynestown" when Book says "I think we've been developing a rapport" could be indicative of something going on that isn't shown on screen.

Just something to think about.

CHILLI

Saturday, August 28, 2004 7:09 PM

Excellent theory.

I personally don't correspond to the belief that Book is either a Hero or a Villain. I don't think the lines are that clear cut in the Jossverse, particularly in Firefly.

My personal theory is that Book was a General during the Alliance vs. Browncoats war. He witnessed some horrible things during the war, maybe the loss of a loved one.

He packed it in, and decided to become a Priest. To maybe atone for what he did, or for what he failed to do.

He might be aiming to make peace with Mal, a Browncoat. That's why he is there in my estimation.

I could be wrong...

CORNCOBB

Sunday, August 29, 2004 12:25 AM

I once believed that Book was a good guy, despite his obvious connections to the Alliance, and would still like to believe he's decent because he's such an easily likeable character. But the moment in Objects in Space where River read his mind convinced me otherwise. When he said "I don't give half a hump if you're innocent or not, so where does that put you?" it sent a chill down my spine. It was just so at odds with the character as we'd seen him so far, and the face he showed to the rest of the crew. Sorry to any Book fans out there, I think he's a great character, but I don't trust him.

"Gorramit Mal... I've forgotten my line."

THEGREYJEDI

Sunday, August 29, 2004 3:55 AM

Whatever his past is, Book is a reformed bad guy. He once was a not nice person, maybe a bounty hunter. Jubal Early seemed to recognize him. Either way, he witnessed or was ordered to do something so terrible he looked at his shadow and immediately sought the light. He took refuge in God. I also think that it's possible that he knows something about River. But I think I have to go with the former bounty hunter. Used to be a bad guy, knows all that bad guy stuff. But he's an honest to God preacher now.

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THEREALME

Sunday, August 29, 2004 6:55 AM

I still think that Book (under whatever his real name is) was responsible for the Alliance win at Serenity Valley, and the horrible way the troops of both sides were treated afterward caused him to turn his back on his life and seek God. And yes, I think that Book was not a nice person at all in those days. I trust him now, however.

The Real Me

CARDIE

Sunday, August 29, 2004 3:51 PM

My theory, as I've stated before, is that he used to be an Alliance Operative, like the antagonist in the BDM. I also believe that he's truly found God and reformed. The theory of others that he might be part of the underground that helped Simon free River and be along on Serenity to protect her also has merit in my, uh, book.

Cardie

STICKGIRL

Sunday, August 29, 2004 5:44 PM

My take on Book is rather detailed and a bit longish to put on this site. It is in my live journal along with other long essays about Firefly at; http://www.livejournal.com/~bhadrasvapna/

PIRATEJENNY

Sunday, August 29, 2004 6:15 PM

I think Book is in the grey area..I think he is more hero then villain...but I also think he knows alot more probably about the Tam's then we know..basically I think Book is good..but he's also not what he seems

Quote:
"But why, then, would he stay on the ship with know criminals? Aside from the Bible, which says those are the people that most need his help, what if he had a reason for being on that particular ship? What if the church knows about what was going on with River? What if the Shepard was sent to help her specifically after she was rescued?

I like that theory..it could be that he was follwing Simon that day when he got on Sernity..and he is there to look after them and make sure they stay safe from the alliance..rememer in Bushwacked..when the alliance Captain specifically questioned Book..about River and Simon being on the ship...I always thought that was kind of odd

MANIACNUMBERONE

Sunday, August 29, 2004 11:11 PM

I like your theory, piratejenny. Didn't Book arrive first on Serenity though? Perhaps Book and Simon are in cahoots, (the good kind) and Simon was following the preacher's lead as to which ship to get on... to make sure the way was safe.

CORWYN

Monday, August 30, 2004 12:02 AM

Book is Book. (or at least called Book).

Villain or Hero seems too small a set of possibilities.

Ties with alliance don't automatically make someone a villain.

Jubal doesn't 'recognize' him. He says "That's no shepherd" not "He's no shepherd."

I also don't buy the Simon/Book cohoots theory. Doesn't match what we've seen.

Thank You Kindly.

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