Firefly - NR
Buffy creator's space Western entertains.
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- TV Rating: NR
- Network: Syndicated
- Cast: Adam Baldwin, Nathan Fillion, Gina Torres
- Genre: Science Fiction
- >Available On: DVD,Download
Parents need to know
Families can talk about the two genres that this show blends together. Which elements make it a sci-fi series? Which make it a Western? What do the two genres have in common, and how are they different? What, if anything, does this show have in common with creator Joss Whedon's earlier series, Buffy the Vampire Slayer? Families can also discuss power. Many of the show's disputes are settled through violence (or the threat of violence), particularly in outlying planets that are far from the reach of the law, where the strong can take advantage of the weak and defenseless. Does might ever make right? In most societies, what stops the powerful from making whatever rules they want?
Message
Social Behavior:
The Serenity crew operates on the fringes of the galaxy, where the rule of law is often less important than the power of the gun; in the pursuit of what's right and just, they must sometimes break the law. Unlike many space dramas, in which the captain makes all the decisions, this crew operates more like a democracy, with many decisions made as a group. Strong female characters; cast includes some diversity.
Consumerism:
Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco:
Some drinking and smoking.
Violence
Plenty of action -- ranging from fistfights to gun battles -- but there's little blood or gore.
Sex
A fair amount of sexual discussion and innuendo, as well as scenes of people having sex -- though there's no explicit nudity. Strong attraction/sexual tension between two key characters, one of whom is more or less a high-class prostitute (prostitution is legal in the show's world, and characters often talk about the difference between licensed, respected companions and common whores). She puts a good deal of effort into defending the notion of sexual relationships without emotional entanglement -- though sometimes it seems that even she has trouble believing that.
Language
Little offensive language, though some cursing in Chinese.
Common Sense says
What's the story?
Reviewed by Will Wade
Is it any good?
To series creator Joss Whedon, the show's premise sounded so much like life in the Old West that he modeled much of show's culture -- including clothing, weapons, and language -- on the late 19th century. It's a brilliant idea that allowed him to combine elements of Star Wars with The Lone Ranger to invent a sci-fi show unlike any other. Although its departure point isn't particularly novel (see Farscape, Han Solo's early career, Robin Hood, et al), with Whedon at the helm, Firefly shines. Best known for creating the amazingly popular Buffy the Vampire Slayer series and its spin-off Angel, Whedon brings a fresh perspective to a genre overrun by shows that have all started to blend together.
With its distinctive vision, sharply written characters, and entertaining dialogue, Firefly is both unique and entertaining. It's a shame that it didn't catch on with a wide audience fast enough (it did develop a rabid cult base) and was cancelled after just 14 episodes.
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Parents and kids say
All Reviews
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