Whedon asks fans to watch tonite's (10-25-02) Firefly
10-25-02, 02:26 PM
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Whedon asks fans to watch tonite's (10-25-02) Firefly
From an article over at TVGuide.com
Looks like tonite's episode will reveal some more background on the characters. I know I'll be watching.
Will Fox Swat Firefly?
Friday, October 25, 2002
If you haven't yet sampled Fox's gonzo space Western, Firefly, its creator, Joss Whedon, would like to make one small request: Please do... and preferably tonight at 8 pm/ET. "This week definitely matters [to the series' future]," the celebrated writer-director-producer tells TV Guide Online. "[Network prez] Sandy Grushow said to me before we ever started that this [show] is going to be a slow grow, and [the World Series] is going to hurt us, which it has. Fox has a lot of shows that are underperforming because of this weird season.
"So," he continues, "I'm not like, 'My future is assured!' But it's also not like the death knell chiming."
Far from it. In fact, Fox just commissioned three additional scripts from Whedon, the mastermind behind UPN's Buffy the Vampire Slayer and its glorious WB spinoff, Angel. However, Firefly has yet to get a full-season pickup. "[The script order from the net] is a vote of confidence, and it's a way of not making a decision," Whedon theorizes. "The next few weeks will be important, and this week I'm particularly stressing because I think it's such a good entrance into the world [of spaceship captain Mal Reynolds and his merry band of rogues and misfits]. That's why I'm all hyped about it.
"It has a number of flashbacks to how the crew got together," he continues, "so it's a really good way to learn how it all began. For somebody meeting the characters for the first time, it's a real insight into who they are. There's not all this [plot] information to process, which is a problem because the pilot was never shown. People are like, 'Um, what's going on?' The idea was never to confuse people."
Just so Whedon doesn't add to viewers' consternation, he quickly notes that the backtracking scenes are not highlights from the debut that Fox shot down. "These flashbacks are to before the pilot," he clarifies. "The pilot was the story of how this crew picked up a few wayward stragglers; [this installment] flashes back to how [the original gang] first found the ship itself, what the ship is and what it means to Mal, because [the craft] really is the 10th character on the show."
Now that that matter has been cleared up, Whedon hopes that viewers will be able to sit back, relax and enjoy the show... for years to come, ideally. For the moment, though, he sighs, "Everything is kind of in flux." — Michael Ausiello with Ben Katner
Friday, October 25, 2002
If you haven't yet sampled Fox's gonzo space Western, Firefly, its creator, Joss Whedon, would like to make one small request: Please do... and preferably tonight at 8 pm/ET. "This week definitely matters [to the series' future]," the celebrated writer-director-producer tells TV Guide Online. "[Network prez] Sandy Grushow said to me before we ever started that this [show] is going to be a slow grow, and [the World Series] is going to hurt us, which it has. Fox has a lot of shows that are underperforming because of this weird season.
"So," he continues, "I'm not like, 'My future is assured!' But it's also not like the death knell chiming."
Far from it. In fact, Fox just commissioned three additional scripts from Whedon, the mastermind behind UPN's Buffy the Vampire Slayer and its glorious WB spinoff, Angel. However, Firefly has yet to get a full-season pickup. "[The script order from the net] is a vote of confidence, and it's a way of not making a decision," Whedon theorizes. "The next few weeks will be important, and this week I'm particularly stressing because I think it's such a good entrance into the world [of spaceship captain Mal Reynolds and his merry band of rogues and misfits]. That's why I'm all hyped about it.
"It has a number of flashbacks to how the crew got together," he continues, "so it's a really good way to learn how it all began. For somebody meeting the characters for the first time, it's a real insight into who they are. There's not all this [plot] information to process, which is a problem because the pilot was never shown. People are like, 'Um, what's going on?' The idea was never to confuse people."
Just so Whedon doesn't add to viewers' consternation, he quickly notes that the backtracking scenes are not highlights from the debut that Fox shot down. "These flashbacks are to before the pilot," he clarifies. "The pilot was the story of how this crew picked up a few wayward stragglers; [this installment] flashes back to how [the original gang] first found the ship itself, what the ship is and what it means to Mal, because [the craft] really is the 10th character on the show."
Now that that matter has been cleared up, Whedon hopes that viewers will be able to sit back, relax and enjoy the show... for years to come, ideally. For the moment, though, he sighs, "Everything is kind of in flux." — Michael Ausiello with Ben Katner
10-25-02, 02:38 PM
#2
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FOX started digging the grave for this show by burying "Serenity." No wonder viewers are a bit confused. Hopefully this episode will grab some new viewers and get them interested in the characters. I haven't formed an opinion on this show yet, but I've seen what Joss can do when given some time, so I'm not going anywhere.
Show some balls, FOX, and give him at least a full season. It's hard to create quality when you're in constant fear the rug will be yanked out from under you at any second.
das
Show some balls, FOX, and give him at least a full season. It's hard to create quality when you're in constant fear the rug will be yanked out from under you at any second.
das
10-25-02, 03:14 PM
#3
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I dunno, for me I'm just watching the show because it's Joss. I'm not really enjoying it, I just haven't stopped watching it because I kinda have an investment in it. If it gets the axe, that decision will be made for me.
10-25-02, 03:26 PM
#4
DVD Talk Limited Edition
>>Whedon asks fans to watch tonite's (10-25-02) Firefly
Fans ask Whedon to write better stories.
This show is such a yawn, I'm surprised it's lasted as long as it has. The World Series has nothing to do with it.
Fans ask Whedon to write better stories.
This show is such a yawn, I'm surprised it's lasted as long as it has. The World Series has nothing to do with it.
10-25-02, 03:57 PM
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Aren't World Series ratings in the toilet too? I remember hearing that Game 2 (which was a great game by the way) had the one of the lowest ratings ever.
Now being from California, I'm a bit biased, and I love this years WS. But I'm sure that many people not on the West Coast are tuning this out, so I'm not sure we can blame declining ratings on Baseball.
BTW, maybe I need a refresher on how ratings work. Isn't it still based on that ridiculous Nielson rating that polls only a fraction of the market? So if I watch the show, it won't reflect in the ratings? I realize that that's not really a great attitude to have, but isn't it true? And people TIVOing or taping shows don't count either, right?
Otherwise, I'd tape it just out of support (I won't be home)
Now being from California, I'm a bit biased, and I love this years WS. But I'm sure that many people not on the West Coast are tuning this out, so I'm not sure we can blame declining ratings on Baseball.
BTW, maybe I need a refresher on how ratings work. Isn't it still based on that ridiculous Nielson rating that polls only a fraction of the market? So if I watch the show, it won't reflect in the ratings? I realize that that's not really a great attitude to have, but isn't it true? And people TIVOing or taping shows don't count either, right?
Otherwise, I'd tape it just out of support (I won't be home)
10-25-02, 04:51 PM
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Well that doesn't make sense. If people are already fans of the show, they'd be watching it anyway.
What Whedon really should be doing is asking Fox to move the show to a different night.
What Whedon really should be doing is asking Fox to move the show to a different night.
10-25-02, 05:15 PM
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Originally posted by Groucho
What Whedon really should be doing is asking Fox to move the show to a different night.
What Whedon really should be doing is asking Fox to move the show to a different night.
Friday nights might as well be the prepping ground for cancelled shows. I know I'd be more inclined to watch if it were moved to - say - Mondays or Tuesdays (so long as it didn't conflict with the Buffster.)
10-25-02, 09:08 PM
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I'm watching it and although I'm not jumping up and down yet, I do like it. I'm going to stick to this because of all the new shows I've picked up this fall, this is one of the better written ones. And I didn't pick up many new shows.
I replay taped it tonight, so I'll watch it over the weekend.
I replay taped it tonight, so I'll watch it over the weekend.
10-25-02, 09:25 PM
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Firefly is the only new show that i watch, which means it will be cancelled.
It does have its problems tho, it really doesn't have a story, just the framework of one. But its funny and i enjoy the characters.
It does have its problems tho, it really doesn't have a story, just the framework of one. But its funny and i enjoy the characters.
10-25-02, 11:42 PM
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I came in here tonight for the first time in weeks because this episode was so much better than the first three, so I had to see if people were watching it.
I'm one that started watching it because of Joss (I can't get enough Buffy and Angel
) and I must say the first three episodes didn't do much for me.
But last week's ep (funny as can be) and this week's ep (actually set the stage for the series, gets the audience involved, etc.) were MUCH better, imo, and I sincerely hope the show gets picked up permanently. And I too noticed the opening narration was different - and MUCH better as well. It was far less cheesy, far more descriptive, and basically fit the show a whole lot better. Here's hoping that Fox hangs in there with this one - I have a strong feeling it'll be worth it.
I'm one that started watching it because of Joss (I can't get enough Buffy and Angel
) and I must say the first three episodes didn't do much for me. But last week's ep (funny as can be) and this week's ep (actually set the stage for the series, gets the audience involved, etc.) were MUCH better, imo, and I sincerely hope the show gets picked up permanently. And I too noticed the opening narration was different - and MUCH better as well. It was far less cheesy, far more descriptive, and basically fit the show a whole lot better. Here's hoping that Fox hangs in there with this one - I have a strong feeling it'll be worth it.
Last edited by WarriorPrincess; 10-25-02 at 11:51 PM.
10-26-02, 05:46 AM
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I also really enjoyed this episode and have been enjoying the series as a whole. This weeks episode was my favorite so far. Loved the time shifting. Had some tense moments. Had some great humor. I really don't understand the ho-hum attitude this show gets. So far to me it has been head and shoulders better than CSI:Miami, Birds of Prey, John Doe, Girls Club, and Fastlane. The only other new shows that I am enjoying are Boomtown and Without a Trace. Firefly is definetly my favorite tho. I really look forward to it each week. Maybe I am biased tho because I am a huge Buffy/Angel fan. Tim Minear is also one of the best television writers out there. Since I love the show so much tho , I know Fox is going to cancel it. They have been screwin me since Profit oh so long ago. *sigh*
10-26-02, 06:13 AM
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I thought it was a great episode. I too noticed the different narration at the beginning of the show. The main thing I noticed was that River was called a "genius".
Is it just me, or would this episode have made a good ending to the series (except for Mal being rescued at the end). Not that I want the series to end, it's just that I thought this episode could have served to wrap up the series....captain goes down with the ship...he reflects on how he and the crew came together....etc.
Not as many laughs in this episode as last week's, but it was a very good change of pace (not that I minded the hi-larity
of last week's episode).
Is it just me, or would this episode have made a good ending to the series (except for Mal being rescued at the end). Not that I want the series to end, it's just that I thought this episode could have served to wrap up the series....captain goes down with the ship...he reflects on how he and the crew came together....etc.
Not as many laughs in this episode as last week's, but it was a very good change of pace (not that I minded the hi-larity
of last week's episode).
10-26-02, 07:21 AM
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I did my part and watched last night episode and thought it was really good. The new opening was an improvment and it was nice seeing how the crew got together. The fire going out into space was a nice effect. FOX has to give Firefly a full season; how else will I stay awake waiting for L&O:SVU to come on!
10-26-02, 11:13 AM
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Originally posted by das Monkey
It's hard to create quality when you're in constant fear the rug will be yanked out from under you at any second.
It's hard to create quality when you're in constant fear the rug will be yanked out from under you at any second.
Originally posted by Strafe
I dunno, for me I'm just watching the show because it's Joss. I'm not really enjoying it, I just haven't stopped watching it because I kinda have an investment in it. If it gets the axe, that decision will be made for me.
I dunno, for me I'm just watching the show because it's Joss. I'm not really enjoying it, I just haven't stopped watching it because I kinda have an investment in it. If it gets the axe, that decision will be made for me.
Originally posted by elektra
I'm going to stick to this because of all the new shows I've picked up this fall, this is one of the better written ones. And I didn't pick up many new shows.
I'm going to stick to this because of all the new shows I've picked up this fall, this is one of the better written ones. And I didn't pick up many new shows.
I didn’t get but the last few seconds of the opening. Hopefully, they solved the problem of hundreds of worlds in one system? [Can anybody share the opening monologue with us?] Whatever it is, it’s encouraging that Joss will entertain changes, unlike the situation with that insipid theme for “Star Trek: Enterprise.”
I thoroughly enjoyed this one.
I thought the flashbacks were done with just enough edge to them without being too confusing. Different lighting and such helped out there. The end was a little rushed, and I don’t see the bad guys just going away like nothing happened. But I’ll let it go.Jayne is such a whiner!
10-26-02, 02:04 PM
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Nearly all of my tv watching is done on tape, usually late at night, the same night of a show, I'm just too busy in the evening to bother with tv, except for Buffy on Tuesday and Angel and Boomtown on Sunday.
Last nights show was pretty good. I thought it went by pretty quickly, which means I was very entertianed. It helped flesh out the characters and past better, but still didnt make me fall in love or drool over the show.
Anyway, I understand Joss' fear... Genre shows tend to need more establishing, more slow build than other shows, certainly that was the case with both Buffy and Angel, which improved in their second seasons a lot.
Firefly is funny, and has a premise with promise... but I agree it hasnt made great strides in building great love for the characters or a clear aim for what this universe is going to be like, what we can expect on a weekly basis- overal, an objective. I cannot help but speculate that his has to do with Fox's mucking up the episode order and the premire. I mean you write and film an introduction, then have that cast aside, it has to make things a little weird and off kilter.
Last nights show was pretty good. I thought it went by pretty quickly, which means I was very entertianed. It helped flesh out the characters and past better, but still didnt make me fall in love or drool over the show.
Anyway, I understand Joss' fear... Genre shows tend to need more establishing, more slow build than other shows, certainly that was the case with both Buffy and Angel, which improved in their second seasons a lot.
Firefly is funny, and has a premise with promise... but I agree it hasnt made great strides in building great love for the characters or a clear aim for what this universe is going to be like, what we can expect on a weekly basis- overal, an objective. I cannot help but speculate that his has to do with Fox's mucking up the episode order and the premire. I mean you write and film an introduction, then have that cast aside, it has to make things a little weird and off kilter.
10-26-02, 06:40 PM
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I really liked it as well. Very good on many levels, I plan to stick with it. I find the characters interesting and they have many levels. This is going to be interesting to watch.