No one can claim that Joss Whedon doesn't have a vision. Whether it's a vision of a demon world existing cheek by jowl with our oblivious own (Buffy and Angel) or a future that takes trickle-down economics and right-wing morality to their extreme but logical conclusion (Serenity's Alliance), Whedon challenges his audience's perceptions of right and wrong with intriguing characters and complex situations.
Firefly spacecraft Serenity's crew of outcasts don't fit in the Alliance's clean, clear world view. Captain Malcolm Reynolds fought on the losing side in the rebellion against the Alliance, and first mate (and Mal's former corporal) Zoe's loyalty to Mal binds her to him and the ship. And if pilot Wash wants to be with his wife, Zoe, he has to be part of the crew. Mechanic Kaylee loves the ship Serenity first, but she knows that Mal and Serenity are inseparable. Love Serenity, love Mal. Strongarm Jayne's loyalty used to be for sale and may be again in the future, but for now Serenity is home and Mal is his Captain. None of them has a place in the Alliance's definition of society, so they live their lives skirting it and Alliance trouble.
Alliance trouble is exactly what Serenity's passengers River and Simon Tam bring with them, however. Simon has rescued his sister River from an Alliance laboratory that has been tapping into her brilliant, psychic mind to see what kind of weapon they can make out of her, damaging her grievously in the process. Medical doctor Simon and River travel on Serenity, but Mal keeps them on board with increasing reluctance, especially since the Alliance has put not just a price on their heads but has now, as this story begins, sent an indomitable Operative to retrieve River. Two of those loyal to Serenity are Shepherd Book and the Companion, Inara, accepted by the Alliance but uncomfortable with its constrictions.
Whedon isn't a "message" writer, because that implies a heavy hand. Whedon instead sets up a problem that may or not be resolved, because he knows that in the "real" world, good doesn't automatically prevail over evil, and even if it does, the cost is very high. For the crew of Serenity to protect River, they must put their safety, liberty, and lives in jeopardy, not only from the Operative but from River herself, who has been taught to be a killing machine. To defy the Alliance, it's not just the crew who can be punished but, just as in our own lives, there are costs paid by others just for knowing and helping those who rebel against the status quo.
For Whedon to take heady philosophical premises and turn them into rip-roaring science-fiction adventure is a natural accomplishment to those who have seen and appreciated the Buffyverse but seldom seen in Sci-Fi actioners today. If you want to turn your mind off and simply enjoy the fights, chases, explosions, and crashes, you can probably do it and do it happily with Serenity. But for those of us who want something more than the relative black and white of a Lucas world, Serenity's complexity, depth, difficult choices, and ethical challenges combine beautifully with nonstop action and three-dimensional characters for a film experience that can leave you satisfied while still wanting more.
Firefly spacecraft Serenity's crew of outcasts don't fit in the Alliance's clean, clear world view. Captain Malcolm Reynolds fought on the losing side in the rebellion against the Alliance, and first mate (and Mal's former corporal) Zoe's loyalty to Mal binds her to him and the ship. And if pilot Wash wants to be with his wife, Zoe, he has to be part of the crew. Mechanic Kaylee loves the ship Serenity first, but she knows that Mal and Serenity are inseparable. Love Serenity, love Mal. Strongarm Jayne's loyalty used to be for sale and may be again in the future, but for now Serenity is home and Mal is his Captain. None of them has a place in the Alliance's definition of society, so they live their lives skirting it and Alliance trouble.
Alliance trouble is exactly what Serenity's passengers River and Simon Tam bring with them, however. Simon has rescued his sister River from an Alliance laboratory that has been tapping into her brilliant, psychic mind to see what kind of weapon they can make out of her, damaging her grievously in the process. Medical doctor Simon and River travel on Serenity, but Mal keeps them on board with increasing reluctance, especially since the Alliance has put not just a price on their heads but has now, as this story begins, sent an indomitable Operative to retrieve River. Two of those loyal to Serenity are Shepherd Book and the Companion, Inara, accepted by the Alliance but uncomfortable with its constrictions.
Whedon isn't a "message" writer, because that implies a heavy hand. Whedon instead sets up a problem that may or not be resolved, because he knows that in the "real" world, good doesn't automatically prevail over evil, and even if it does, the cost is very high. For the crew of Serenity to protect River, they must put their safety, liberty, and lives in jeopardy, not only from the Operative but from River herself, who has been taught to be a killing machine. To defy the Alliance, it's not just the crew who can be punished but, just as in our own lives, there are costs paid by others just for knowing and helping those who rebel against the status quo.
For Whedon to take heady philosophical premises and turn them into rip-roaring science-fiction adventure is a natural accomplishment to those who have seen and appreciated the Buffyverse but seldom seen in Sci-Fi actioners today. If you want to turn your mind off and simply enjoy the fights, chases, explosions, and crashes, you can probably do it and do it happily with Serenity. But for those of us who want something more than the relative black and white of a Lucas world, Serenity's complexity, depth, difficult choices, and ethical challenges combine beautifully with nonstop action and three-dimensional characters for a film experience that can leave you satisfied while still wanting more.
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