Generally, I don't know if I'm in favor of throwing oneself completely into critically acclaimed but short lived series. Doesn't that just seem like a whole lot of frustration and heartbreak? Well it is. And in some cases it's worth it. Two of those cases come courtesy of legendary TV writer/producer/director Joss Whedon (Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Angel, Toy Story) and additionally awesome writer/producer Bryan Fuller (Pushing Daisies, that one good season of Heroes). I am referring to Joss's space western Firefly and Fuller's now defunct look at the lives of grim reapers in Dead Like Me. You, whoever you may be, HAVE to watch these shows because they deserve it. Also make a point to watch Firefly's follow up feature film Serenity. I strongly recommend viewing the series before the movie, but the movie should make sense if you choose not to do such.
Firefly
Suggested For: Anyone with a pulse. But especially people who like snappy dialogue, action films, or tense character drama.
Premise: I'm not telling. There are some specifics but the pilot will be better if you don't know them. I will say this: It's set in the future. Earth's been destroyed and humans have settled other planets/moons to various degrees. Some of modern metropolis while others are tiny prairie towns. The story follows lovable smuggler Mal and his crew.
Come For: The premise - Did I mention it's a space western?
Stay For: The characters - I have to say this was by far the most impressive aspect of the show. It's an ensemble show, but the writers manage to flesh out all the characters fairly. The pilot alone is a masterpiece with each and every character clearly working to their own personal end. Everyone of them has distinct goals and a personality that dictate their actions. End result genuine drama. No one is just the damsel in distress or just the love interest or just the adorable sidekick... well maybe Kaylee to some extent but she's so adorable you won't mind.
Shining Moment: "Ariel" It was a hard call between this episode and the pilot but "Ariel" edged out a win. If airtime was based on quality, the final scene of this episode alone would've been enough to guarantee the show a second season. It's the first time, since the pilot, that the differing motives of the ship's crew snap into sharp focus. It's the closest we get to the creepy 'Blue Hands,' and it's an important story episode for the season arc. It doesn't hurt that it is action packed, tense, and visually stunning. It doesn't help that one unnecessary scene seems to have been taken from The Fugitive but I'm more than willing to overlook that.
Watch Out For: Dollhouse. I tried to think of a low point of Firefly but I don't really have one. Which is the problem. Given Joss's amazing track record one may assume that his next attempt will also set off sparks but alas, Dollhouse proves that Whedon too is capable of erring.
Dead Like Me
Premise: George Lass dies and is chosen to become a Grim Reaper.
Suggested for: Fans of cynicism and humor and/or Six Feet Under.
Come for: Georgia Lass. Aside from providing some of the most amusing voice-over narration in recent memory, George's inability to understand herself or her world is immediately relatable. She's a smart girl. Smart enough to see how the world works and more keenly how it doesn't. As a result, it's very difficult for her to get enthused about things. When not spitting out sardonic dialogue, however, its easy to see George really WANTS to care. Whether she being touchingly nostalgic in the face of loss or hilariously sarcastic in the face of idiocy, you'll likely find yourself nodding along with George.
Stay for: Joy Lass. In this overwhelmingly underappreciated performance Cynthia Stevenson brings the perfect anger and vulnerability to George's ironically named mother. Running parallel to the story of George's afterlife is the gut-wrenching attempts of her mother and sister, Reggie, to come to terms with life after George. Stevenson quickly establishes her ability to play the shrill, nagging sitcom wife but takes on a whole new depth after George's death. Expertly written and wonderfully acting, the shows biggest emotional wallop comes from watching Joy and Reggie move on and struggles with the little fingerprints of George that linger in their lives.
Shining Moment: "A Cook" This episode manages to pack a solid story on the show's three main fronts. Reaper-life, with a quirky, amusing, and thoughtful look at one of head reaper Rube's assignments. Lass-life as it addresses Reggie's growing obsession with death and her inability to cope with loss. Millie-life, the third sphere the show often occupies is that of George's reaper alias Millie. As Millie, George works a tedious office job for her clearly crazy but ultimately sympathetic boss, Delores. This episode does a great job of showing off both those traits plus it features the introduction of Daisy, Daisy Adair.
Watch out for: The made for TV movie. It's bad. Just bad. Avoid.
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