Still Watching: Firefly Returns

If you will allow me a small delay in my expository re-watch of Lost, I would like to give another week for those who want to join in, but need a little extra time. You know who you are. I would also like to use the column this week to address some events which have been unfolding over the last few weeks. As a self-proclaimed Browncoat, or fan of the late, great television series, Firefly, I have been following with interest the latest fan-induced Firefly-related craze.

The Browncoats have always been a devoted and growing fandom, as more people have become aware of the one-season show. Firefly, created by Joss Whedon, was cancelled by Fox in 2003, and its one-film legacy, Serenity, was basically demanded by the fans, and is a testament to what a vocal fanbase can accomplish when it sets its mind to something.

A few weeks ago, this article was posted, announcing Firefly’s return to television on basic cable on the Science Channel. Nathan Fillion, who played Captain Mal Reynolds, was interviewed for the article, and in an off-the-cuff statement he probably now wishes he had never made, said he would would buy the rights to Firefly if he ever won the lottery. Has the man never met a Browncoat, for heaven’s sake? He should have known saying something like that was fuel to a fire which had been wanting to catch for eight years or so.

The article sparked a Facebook group , now over 100,000 strong, dedicated to the cause, which in turn was the likely cause for Nathan Fillion posting this statement to twitter on February 24:

“It’s beautiful to dream of more Firefly, but PLEASE DON’T SEND ANY MONEY. Just keep being great Browncoats, which you are!”

Being a Browncoat, I am a member of an email list dedicated to, uh, being a Browncoat. Lots of the fans on the list are unhappy with the “Help Nathan Buy Firefly” movement, and they see it as something that could, in the long run, hurt relations between Joss Whedon and Firefly’s cast and the fandom, relations which have been pretty friendly through the years.

For better or worse, Firefly debuted last night on the Science Channel. Here are two articles devoted to its return, both from EW.com. If you’ve never seen Firefly, check it out. At the heart of the show are its characters, some of whom are flawed men of faith, struggling to hold on to the good in a ‘verse full of reavers.

Firefly Returns to the Science Channel: Should we Care?

Firefly Came Back

Still Watching is a weekly examination of old TV shows or films.