Tools for this page
Print

What’s the Story?

Reviewed by Will Wade

In the fascinating alternative future imagined in FIREFLY, humans have "used up" Earth and ventured out to terraform new planets across the galaxy. Though some of these new worlds are wealthy, the show mostly takes place in the ones along the fringes. On these rough-and-tumble planets, life can be tough, and the law doesn't carry much weight when there are people with guns who want to help themselves to whatever they need. The series follows the crew of the spaceship Serenity, a lovable rogues' gallery led by Captain Malcolm "Mal" Reynolds (Nathan Fillion). For various reasons, everyone on the ship wants to avoid notice by the Alliance that governs the galaxy, preferring to scratch out a living as mercenaries.

Is It Any Good?

4

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.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
(It's free!)

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.