An "oater" is a crossword answer so easy a caveman could get it.

It's been so long since I've watched an episode but I just remember being underwhelmed by its western tendancies. Thinking about it, perhaps it's because Whedon directs with a casualness and sarcasm (at least as far as my impression of the series goes) that betrays the melodramatic aspects of the genre, so it doesn't really feel like a western even though the elements are there. And on the other end, the sci-fi aspects and such keep it from delving into a satire of western archetypes (like the classic Destry Rides Again did way back in 1939).

I have had the same reaction when coming across some 'serious' Buffy the Vampire Slayer episodes (a show I've sparsely seen).

Again, I think Firefly has much to offer, but as a western, I was disappointed.

I think thematically is draws a lot from post-Cival War era America. It wasn't a Western at its core, but I think it was a significant part of the tapestry that was Firefly. I think if the show had lasted more than 15 episodes we would have seen more of it. But there was plenty there to begin with: "Serenity," "Train Job," "Jaynestown," "Shindig," and "Safe" all had pretty big Western elements. But the show wasn't about being a "Western" or "Sci-Fi" it was about a group of people searching for meaning and happiness in a pretty bleak and oppressive universe. All they really had was each other (whether they liked it or not). Whether they explored those themes via horse or spaceship, it was still interesting.

The premise is nothing like Buffy or Angel but the dialogue and sense of family is.
I'd say it's a bit like the original Star Trek without the Starfleet thing and these characters are definitely less PC. I'd throw a bit Farscape thrown in there.

The Han Solo comparison works too. Mal is like Han when he shot first.

The show was good when it started but got better as it went along. The character dynamic is what makes it a cut above things like Enterprise.

If you like good TV, you'll like Firefly.

Ok, jackass answer. I agree with the Han Solo assessments. I myself am not big into sci-fi (aside from Star Wars) but love this show. I also was big into Buffy/Angel, so I love Whedon's writing style.

Firefly is one of my favourite shows in recent memory...now, I'll add a list of other show I love as/almost as much... 24, Sopranos, Lost etc. If you like shows that have lots of action, crackling dialogue and large, multi-episode story arcs, then give this a try. It's got fantastic characters and will entertain the hell out of you... plus, then when you see Serenity in theatres (which everyone MUST do), you'll know what the hell is going on.

MATT

A oater is a shoot eum up , a cowboy movie.

I think there's a Firefly marathon set for tomorrow on SciFi from late afternoon through the evening. Set your DVR!

Bucky

If you like SEX you'll like Firefly

RUN dont walk to the store and pick this set up! Also Run and see Serinity in the theaters. I started to watch this show on SCI-FI and was immeaditely hooked!!

Who knows, maybe this show will make a comeback one day!! ( I can dream!!)

Take care all!!

They're showing 10 episodes and in the correct order. Will definitely being recording this while I'm in class. Thanks much for the heads up.

I asked the same question in the Bargains forum as the OP did. It's a very affordable set, and the show count is pretty low so you may not see it on tv for very long.

When I watched the 1st episode I didnt think it was very spectacular but was kind of interesting. By the 4th or 5th show I thought it was a great show and loved watching the shows every Friday on scifi, very close to the original Fox timeslot which got it cancelled in the first place. I dont know if the show got better or I adjusted to the actors and characters more, but it just got so much enjoyable to me.
I cant fill in the blank because I cant think of anything to compare it to. I follow an abruptly killed show, but have never seen one episode of the multiseason Buffy or Angel, so what do I know about taste? Fox even told Whedon towards the end to make it more like Buffy and Angel and he said 'ok,' and he didnt change a thing.

You could classify it as scifi or western but I just see it as a good show so to expect either might disappoint some viewers. The score and theme is like a western but you dont see advanced technology or aliens. And people speak alot of Chinese for some reason.

The show is very addictive the more you watch. My biggest concern is that people who have never seen or heard of it, will totally dismiss the movie.

The way I see it, who cares? Whedon made it for fans so he doesn't care if it is a hit. Fans get part of what they wanted - a continued season. Non fans just dont care (who cares?). So in the end the only people who care are the studios. And big fucking deal, because no one gives a shit about them. Tomorrow is my marathon of the sci-fi recordings. Wish me luck.

Umm, I see what you're saying but I think you have it slightly wrong. I think Joss and Co. hope that more than Firefly fans see the movie, so that there can be more than just the one. They want a hit, a modest hit sure, but a hit just the same. There options begin to open up if the movie makes 80 mill at the box office. I don't think die hard Firefly fans alone can make that happen .

I've seen it and think it is a perfect cap to the series, but still want to see the world explored further. I'm a little worried about the box office performance myself. They went heavy with targeted advertising and I just don't know how that is going to play out in the end. It's like the spent so much time preaching to the converted and not enough trying to rope in new people. I thought it would have been really smart to mark the dvds down to 20 bucks in the beginning of September to spark a bit more casual interest into the show. Ultimately, if Serenity is the end of Firefly I'll be ok with that.

Ah, I'm a noob when it comes to Firefly. From what I heard, the movie was the closure the fans wanted. Not at extension of the series. If there is a chance for more movies then I guess we better get out there and watch it.

How is BO doing, and what did it cost?

It hasn't been released yet. It comes out wide on friday. It cost about 40 million to make. If anything is going to come out of this, it will be more movies. Who knows.

Was a pick up by the Sci-Fi channel ever hinted at? I think that would rule, just not sure if Whedon would settle for non network.

If you like cute puppies you'll like Firefly. You do like puppies don't you?

Adam Baldwin is like a Big Puppy Dog.

Saw the Sci Fi special on the movie last night. Looks Shiny.

Wait...this has a BALDWIN in it? FUCK THAT SHIT!

That's what she said.

You WIN!

Geoff, you can now close the entire forum.

Whedon explains this on the DVD extras (spoilered just in case):

Couldn't have said it better, myself - as that was pretty much exactly what I was going to say.

I can just picture people seeing the commercials, and having never heard of the show and not recongnizing any actors, and just tuning out the movie. There are times when a movie that has little interest does better than expected, because there was no competition on opening weekend, or all the big hits have already been seen.

If the movie does well and opens wide they may do well. I'm trying to keep expectations low.

It is opening up against into the blue. :X