It has been a long 13 years since Firefly first aired and Fox botched what could have been and what many fans consider is Joss Whedon’s masterpiece. Not even getting a full season, Firefly like many shows on Fox was put to the pasture never to be heard from again, except that it was. The uproar and overwhelming fan support made the impossible happen and from it, Whedon, with the support of Universal gave birth to Serenity.
2015 marks the 10 year anniversary of the film Serenity. Fox’s quick trigger and lack of promotion left many like myself never hearing of Firefly. Shortly before the movie’s release I remember very clearly Universal allowing a small scene to be released as a teaser trailer. I can’t find the clip, but fans will remember the scene of Simon Tam infiltrating the complex that River Tam was being held at and rescuing her. It was in this same scene we were introduced to an agent in Chiwetel Ejiofor as he went over the footage of the escape and then pulled out his sword. I don’t know about you, but a science fiction film with a sword wielding operative already has many intrigued. It was a great ploy by Universal as it gave the already established fans a taste of what was to come, while at the same time wooing new fans that like science fiction and good storytelling.
Sadly I did not see Serenity in theaters, but I did receive it for a gift at Christmas later that year. I fell in the love with the movie at first sight and once I watched the extras and realized there was a television show to go it with it, well the rest is history. Over time I managed to get good friend into both the show and movie and have bonded and made new friends over them both as well.
It has become a yearly ritual to run a marathon of Firefly and finishing it with Serenity and each viewing comes with a bittersweet feeling. Joss Whedon had and has the ability to create characters that you fall in love with in a world or universe you wish to explore more. Each viewing of Firefly and/or Serenity leaves you wondering what if and what could have been. When a film or show can make you feel that and has you missing it after 10 long years, then you know they are doing something right. Watch it again or watch it for the first time, Firefly and Serenity are must see and worth the viewing despite the slight emptiness you feel inside when it is all over.