# Firefly 11/8 **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [November 9, 2002, 4:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/firefly-11-8/135985 "2002-11-09T04:45:10Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Sam\_Stone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecccb3/32.png) [@Sam\_Stone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sam_Stone)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2002, 5:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/firefly-11-8/135985/41 "2002-11-11T17:04:06Z")
On to less depressing stuff… While browsing around on Zap2it, I ran across this press release: > [@](#): > > ONE OF SERENITY’S CREW IS A TRAITOR ON ‘FIREFLY’ FRIDAY, NOV. 15, ON FOX > > Simon (Sean Maher) hires the Serenity crew to break into an Alliance-owned hospital to steal surplus medical supplies in exchange for sneaking River (Summer Glau) into the facility in order to use a sophisticated brain scan to uncover information about the Alliance experiments on the disturbed girl. Unbeknownst to everyone, a traitor among the Serenity crew is secretly working with the government to capture the fugitive siblings on the FIREFLY episode entitled “Ariel” Friday, Nov. 15 (8:00-9:00 PM) on FOX (FLY-108) (TV-PG L, V). Any speculation on who the traitor is? (If you actually know because you’ve seen the episode, please don’t spoil it - we only want uninformed, wild speculation here!). My guess would be the Preacher. We found out last week that he has an Alliance ID of some importance. ---
**Author:** ![AncientHumanoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ancienthumanoid/32/278_2.png) [@AncientHumanoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AncientHumanoid)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2002, 5:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/firefly-11-8/135985/42 "2002-11-11T17:17:05Z")
> [@](#): > > My guess would be the Preacher. We found out last week that he has an Alliance ID of some importance. Yeah, but, that’s just what they would want to lead you to believe. I expect a twist. like maybe that black wifey chick from Cleo 2525. Anyone got a list of character names? I’ve been having a problem keeping 'em straight. And I think crazy sister is hot. But, I’m kinda psycho myself. Hey! What if it’s crazy sister? And being crazy was all just an act (or some sort of deep programming)? Hmmm… ---
**Author:** ![Sam\_Stone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecccb3/32.png) [@Sam\_Stone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sam_Stone)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2002, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/firefly-11-8/135985/43 "2002-11-11T17:23:52Z")
Actually, I heard a rumor that Fox was thinking of moving Firefly to Wednesday night. That’s a good sign, 'cause at least it would suggest that they are willing to give it a shot. ---
**Author:** ![Algernon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a183cd/32.png) [@Algernon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Algernon)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2002, 5:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/firefly-11-8/135985/44 "2002-11-11T17:26:44Z")
Moving to Wednesday night would be a lot better than Friday nights. (as long as they don’t schedule it opposite Amazing Race, in which case I’ll be forced to fire up my VCR every Wednesday) ---
**Author:** ![Ethilrist](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ethilrist/32/4604_2.png) [@Ethilrist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ethilrist)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2002, 5:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/firefly-11-8/135985/45 "2002-11-11T17:40:41Z")
Um, **Sam Stone,** the word you’re looking for is “SPOILER.” Thanks. ---
**Author:** ![Ferrous](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/8e7dd6/32.png) [@Ferrous](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ferrous)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2002, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/firefly-11-8/135985/46 "2002-11-11T17:42:26Z")
I find River alternately annoying and entertaining. The episode where she and the preacher were hanging out, and she tried to “fix” his bible was great. I think the character needs some fleshing out, but she has potential. And I liked the scenes in this one where she was dancing with the villagers. According to her bio, the actress is a proffessional ballerina, and it shows. And I agree, this is one of the best shows on TV right now. Maybe even _the_ best, IMO. Let’s all keep predicting it will be canceled so it can last for years and years just to spite us. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Cervaise](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cervaise/32/16693_2.png) [@Cervaise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cervaise)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2002, 5:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/firefly-11-8/135985/47 "2002-11-11T17:48:50Z")
I think Wednesday night would be a terrible idea. At 8pm, they’re competing with the other big science fiction franchise, “Enterprise.” Yes, “Firefly” is twice the show the latest “Trek” knockoff is, but be realistic: The one with name recognition comes out on top. And then at 9pm, they’re up against “Amazing Race” and “West Wing.” No, Wednesday could potentially be worse. At least on Friday there’s an excuse, because it’s a death night anyway. Put it right in the middle of the pack, in a “plum” slot, and if it underperforms, it gets yanked immediately. I say put it on Monday. > [@](#): > > the crazy girl (who I can’t stand and think is far and away the weakest character on the show) I agree to some extent, in that we haven’t figured out her place in the universe yet, because (in classic Whedon style) her background hasn’t been completely explained. However, I’ve been struck by the sheer _variety_ of things she’s done. Can you imagine how difficult it must be to cast an actress who can (1) act crazy and sullen, (2) do dialects on command (she had a reasonably serviceable Cockney a couple of weeks ago), (3) Riverdance, (4) drop the inward-looking insanity in an instant in favor of sunny extroversion – and everything else we’ve seen her do? Don’t take this kind of performance for granted, folks. ---
**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2002, 6:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/firefly-11-8/135985/48 "2002-11-11T18:00:41Z")
Not Wednesday, not Monday. Do it Tuesday at 9, and you catch all the Whedon-fans who just finished watching Buffy. Or do it Sunday at 8, and you catch all the Whedon fans who’re getting geared up for Angel. Coattails, baby. Coattails. Daniel ---
**Author:** ![Legomancer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/779978/32.png) [@Legomancer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Legomancer)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2002, 6:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/firefly-11-8/135985/49 "2002-11-11T18:09:09Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Cervaise \* > \*\*I agree to some extent, in that we haven’t figured out her place in the universe yet, because (in classic Whedon style) her background hasn’t been completely explained. However, I’ve been struck by the sheer _variety_ of things she’s done. Can you imagine how difficult it must be to cast an actress who can (1) act crazy and sullen, (2) do dialects on command (she had a reasonably serviceable Cockney a couple of weeks ago), (3) Riverdance, (4) drop the inward-looking insanity in an instant in favor of sunny extroversion – and everything else we’ve seen her do? Don’t take this kind of performance for granted, folks. \*\* I have nothing against the performance, I just can’t stand the character. The “is she crazy or is she actually MORE aware than anyone else?” character is SO incredibly overdone, even for Joss. People who write stories about incredibly insightful crazy people should be forced to sit next to one on a bus for an hour. It’s a worn-out, stock, cliche’d character and I know Whedon is better than that. ---
**Author:** ![Kn\_ckers](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/96bed5/32.png) [@Kn\_ckers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kn_ckers)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2002, 6:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/firefly-11-8/135985/50 "2002-11-11T18:12:10Z")
In response to somebody’s (too lazy to check whose) request for names (note, I’m missing a few): Capt- Malcolm Reynolds Tough Chick - Zoe _ **?** _ Tough Guy - Jayne Cobb Pilot - Wash _ **?** _ Mechanic - Kaywinnit Lee Frye (Kaylee) Companion - Inara Serra Doc - Simon Tam Crazy Girl - River Tam Shepherd - _ **?** _ (Does he even have a name? Betcha it was on his Ident card…) As for the anticipated treason coming up, I’d just like to say: “La, la, la - I’m not listening!” Here’s MY (imaginary) spoiler: Thought you saw dancin’ last week? Just wait until THIS week. The Nutcracker in space! Led by the very talented (if somewhat nutty) River, the crew of Serenity will stage a stirring performance of the popular ballet. I’m sure you all can’t wait to see Jayne in a tutu. You’ll love it. Trust me. ---
**Author:** ![tanstaafl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ba8739/32.png) [@tanstaafl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tanstaafl)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2002, 8:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/firefly-11-8/135985/51 "2002-11-11T20:09:32Z")
> [@](#): > > Shepherd - _ **?** _ (Does he even have a name? Betcha it was on his Ident card…) His name is “Book”. At least, that’s what he _claims_ it is. ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2002, 9:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/firefly-11-8/135985/52 "2002-11-11T21:09:29Z")
Traitor on Serenity… As Fr. Debosier said in English Lit about “they live forever” re: Lost Horizon: “Mr. Hilton didn’t write the ‘thing’ on the back of the book. Some idiot at the publish wrote the ‘thing’ on the back of the book.” Probably the classic ruse to lull the bad guys into a sense of false security. ---
**Author:** ![AndrewL](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3d9bf3/32.png) [@AndrewL](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AndrewL)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2002, 9:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/firefly-11-8/135985/53 "2002-11-11T21:18:04Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by carnivorousplant \* > \*\*Why such low technology? One of the guys had a cap and ball revolver, for crying out loud. \*\* Most of the worlds they visit are dirt poor backwater worlds which lack the technological infrastructure for anything high-tech. Revolvers are simple to make, you don’t even need electricity or any real precision manufacturing ability. If you dropped a bunch of poor colonists on an uninhabited world with little support, they’d have to use low tech until they built up the technological basis to do better. I also like the fact that they haven’t introduced any kind of magic-tech kind of hand-held energy weapon. Guns work, and it’s entierly plausible that the personal weapons in use hundreds of years from now will still be based on some kind of bullet, and we really don’t have any even theoretical basis for a realistic hand-held energy-based weapon. (There’s a good thread going on in GQ right now about how hand-held lasers, even if we could build them, would be dangerous and inferior weapons). The fact that so far Firefly has avoided introducing unnessecary technobabble is a good thing IMHO. ---
**Author:** ![Otto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/bbe5ce/32.png) [@Otto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Otto)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2002, 9:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/firefly-11-8/135985/54 "2002-11-11T21:18:50Z")
Whatever time slot this show ends up in, the biggest problem is that it’s not a FOX show. It doesn’t fit in with anything else that FOX has on its schedule except John Doe and JD is more of a FOX show that Firefly by a wide margin. So, Firefly is going to be cancelled, and JD will be cancelled shortly thereafter, and one or both of them will end up on Sci Fi at 3:00 in the morning. ---
**Author:** ![slackergirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b38774/32.png) [@slackergirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/slackergirl)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2002, 9:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/firefly-11-8/135985/55 "2002-11-11T21:35:52Z")
I think the only hope for this show is that when Fox cancels it, UPN or WB could swoop in and pick it up. Maybe we oughta start a write in campaign to them too. ---
**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2002, 10:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/firefly-11-8/135985/56 "2002-11-11T22:12:36Z")
So there aren’t energy weapons in Firefly? Those weird buzzing, “pyoo! pyoo!” sounds that the guns were making last episode, those were bullets? That’s a relief. I thought they were laserbeam noises being generated by six-shooters. Daniel ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2002, 11:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/firefly-11-8/135985/57 "2002-11-11T23:52:12Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by AndrewL \* > \*\*worlds which lack the technological infrastructure for anything high-tech… Revolvers are simple to make,… they’d have to use low tech until they built up the technological basis to do better. > \*\* Cap and ball takes substanially longer to reload than a pistol using brass cartridges. Black powder obscures the view of your target. I can’t see those two technologies existing side by side. In a fight, the guy with a cap and ball gun is dead. If you can manufacture the “modern” revolver like some guys in the group had, no one would make or use a cap and ball gun. ---
**Author:** ![Otto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/bbe5ce/32.png) [@Otto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Otto)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2002, 2:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/firefly-11-8/135985/58 "2002-11-12T14:42:13Z")
They would use it if that’s all they had. Just because some people can make/buy a revolver doesn’t mean that everyone can, or that by introducing the revolver the cap and ball technology is going to vanish instantly. ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2002, 3:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/firefly-11-8/135985/59 "2002-11-12T15:24:09Z")
One more try and I’ll quit. There is no reason to introduce the primitive technology in the first place. If you can work metal to make guns, you can make cartridges. ---
**Author:** ![Cervaise](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cervaise/32/16693_2.png) [@Cervaise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cervaise)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2002, 6:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/firefly-11-8/135985/60 "2002-11-12T18:16:11Z")
Okay, try this, **cp** – It’s a _metaphor._ Obviously, in a real universe, 500 years from now, we have no idea what sort of technology would have evolved, and which aspects would be retained and/or refined. However, it stands to reason that there’d be a range of technologies available to future interstellar settlers. Some can afford to build these huge colony ships; others are barely able to keep the rain off their heads. “Firefly,” with tongue partly in cheek, uses a familiar range of technologies, and a familiar storytelling idiom, to convey this basic idea. Rather than hypothesizing some new invention that may or may not make any sense, and/or a radically new means of social organization (which, to be fair, was hinted at in the latest episode with the provocative throwaway phrase “medical-elect”), the show borrows the trappings of the Old West to communicate, metaphorically, what life would probably be like in these circumstances from a human perspective. And it is the human experience that’s important here – the divisions of power, the isolation, the need to carve a place in a complicated black-market economy, the reluctance to trust new faces, the drive for self-preservation, and so on. The stirrups and six-guns are just window dressing that we should take at face value. Is that better? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/firefly-11-8/135985.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/firefly-11-8/135985.md?page=4)