Firefly, the Ultimate Space Western

     I'm just going to get it out of the way, and state that I absolutely love Firefly. So, it will come to no surprise, that I chose to rewatch all of it, rekindling my love, for this week. However, it was good for me, because this time around I was studying it more thoroughly than I ever did in the past.

     Wikipedia defines Space Opera as "a subgenre of science fiction that often emphasizes romantic, often melodramatic adventure, set mainly or entirely in outer space, usually involving conflict between opponents possessing advanced abilities, weapons, and other technology."

     While Firefly does fit under the category of Space Opera, it also is more related to Space Western. The western themes are undeniable, with shootouts in every episode and the theme including the ship flying over a herd of cattle. I love that they are able to take a an old genre like the western and revamp it with mixing it with science fiction. Not only are they revamping the genre, but they are also exploring themes in ways that they werent explored due to the stigma's of the times.

     I think the foremost example of this in shown in the role of "Companions" in this world and the role that Inara plays on the show. In westerns and today, escorts or prostitutes are regarded poorly and have no respect. However, Whedon turns this around in Firefly by the use of Companions. A Companion is a skilled, well-educated member of a guild of professional courtesans/entertainers. It is somewhat of a state sanctioned prostitution, however, these girls are treated with utmost respect by everyone. It is mentioned multiple times that many are surprised that a ship as lowly as their Firefly has a respectable Companion on board.

     I love how the flexibility of this genre allows for old themes to be revisited and recreated so that it reflects society today, or even shows advances that may be possible in the near future. These advances dont have to be solely technological, but culturally as well.