1 premise
1.1 backstory
1.2 synopsis
1.3 signature show elements
premise
backstory
the series takes place in year 2517, on variety of planets , moons. tv series not reveal whether these celestial bodies within 1 star system, saying serenity s mode of propulsion gravity-drive . film serenity makes clear planets , moons in 1 large system, , production documents related film indicate there no faster-than-light travel in universe. characters refer earth-that-was , , film establishes that, long before events in series, large population had emigrated earth new star system in generation ships: earth-that-was no longer sustain our numbers, many . emigrants established in new star system, dozens of planets , hundreds of moons . many of these terraformed, process in planet or moon altered resemble earth. terraforming process first step in making planet habitable, however, , outlying settlements did not receive further support in construction of civilizations. resulted in many of border planets , moons having forbidding, dry environments, well-suited western genre.
synopsis
the show takes name firefly-class spaceship serenity central characters call home. resembles firefly in general arrangement, , tail section, analogous bioluminescent insectoid abdomen, lights during acceleration. ship named after battle of serenity valley, then-sergeant malcolm reynolds , then-corporal zoe alleyne among few survivors on losing side. revealed in bushwhacked battle of serenity valley considered have sealed fate of independents.
throughout series, alliance shown govern star system through organization of core planets, following success in forcibly unifying colonies under single government. dvd commentary suggests alliance composed of 2 primary core systems, 1 predominantly western in culture, other pan-asian, justifying mixed linguistic , visual themes of series. central planets firmly under alliance control, outlying planets , moons resemble 19th-century american west, under little governmental authority. settlers , refugees on outlying worlds have relative freedom central government, lack amenities of high-tech civilization exists on inner worlds. in addition, outlying areas of space ( black ) inhabited reavers, cannibalistic group of nomadic humans have become savage , animalistic.
the captain of serenity malcolm mal reynolds (nathan fillion) , episode serenity establishes captain , first mate zoe washburne, née alleyne (gina torres) veteran browncoats of unification war, failed attempt outlying worlds resist alliance s control. later episode, out of gas , reveals mal bought spaceship serenity continue living beyond alliance control. of crew s work consists of cargo runs or smuggling. main story arc centers on river tam (summer glau) , brother simon (sean maher). river child prodigy, brain subjected experiments @ hands of alliance scientists @ secret government institution. result, displays symptoms of schizophrenia , hears voices. later revealed reader , 1 possesses telepathic abilities. simon gave career highly successful trauma surgeon in alliance hospital rescue her, , both wanted fugitives. in original pilot, serenity , simon joins crew paying passenger river smuggled on board cargo. whedon states in episodic dvd commentary, every show creating family. last episode, objects in space , fractured character of river has become whole, partly because others decided accept family on ship.
signature show elements
the show blends elements space opera , western genres, depicting humanity s future in manner different contemporary science fiction programs in there no large space battles. firefly takes place in multi-cultural future, fusion of western , east asian cultures, there significant division between rich , poor. result of sino-american alliance, mandarin chinese common second language; used in advertisements, , characters in show curse in chinese. according dvd commentary on episode serenity , explained being result of china , united states being 2 superpowers expanded space.
the show features slang not used in contemporary culture, such adaptations of modern words, or new words altogether. example, shiny used in similar manner real world slang cool , , gorram used mild swear word. written , spoken chinese old west dialect employed. 1 reviewer noted: dialogue tended bizarre purée of wisecracks, old-timey western-paperback patois, , snatches of chinese .
tim minear , joss whedon pointed out 2 scenes that, believed, articulated mood of show exceptionally clearly. 1 scene in original pilot serenity , when mal eating chopsticks , western tin cup plate; other in train job pilot, when mal thrown out of holographic bar window. dvd set s making-of documentary explains distinctive frontispiece of series (wherein serenity soars on herd of horses) whedon s attempt capture need understand series in 5 seconds .
one of struggles whedon had fox tone of show, main character malcolm reynolds. fox pressured whedon make mal more jolly , feared dark in original pilot, epitomized moment suggests might space simon , river, throwing them out of airlock die. in addition, fox not happy show involved nobodies squished policy instead of actual policy makers.
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