Best of the Small Screen: Network Dramas, No. 5

 


Welcome to this year's exploration of TV, the Best of the Small Screen. Throughout the year I'll be looking at my favorite shows in four categories: Network Sitcoms, Network Dramas, Cable Series and Streaming Series. We'll cap the exploration with my Top 10 shows of all time regardless of format. Check back each Saturday for another installment in the countdown!

Shepherd Book: [Regarding Mal's new "wife"] If you take sexual advantage of her, you're going to burn in a very special level of hell. A level they reserve for child molesters. And people who talk at the theatre.

Firefly (2002-2003)
Starring: Nathan Fillion, Gina Torres, Adam Baldwin, Alan Tudyk, Morena Baccarin, Summer Glau, Jewel Staite, Sean Maher, and Ron Glass
Favorite Episodes: "Our Mrs. Reynolds," Episode 1.03, "Jaynestown," Episode 1.04, "Out of Gas," Episode 1.05, "Object in Space," Episode 1.10, "Trash," Episode 1.13
About: How can a show that's only one season and 13 episodes make the list? How is that even possible. It's a fair question to ask, especially when we're looking at a list like this. But ultimately it comes down to entertainment and legacy, and Firefly provides both. It didn't last long, but it burned bright and it continues to burn in the hearts of its fans, including me. The show comes from Joss Whedon. It's a futuristic space western about a crew of misfits pulling jobs in the future. English and Chinese are the dominant languages, both spoken fluently by those in the world. In some ways it feels like a classic western. In other ways, like a future tale. But the cast makes it hum, as the stories and characters are the hook that pulls you in. The show had trouble finding an audience during its run, but has become a cult classic in the years following. I am one of those who found it later, discovering it on DVD and instantly falling in love. I've watched the whole series through many times and continue to revel in the characters and stories. When it comes to thinking about my favorite network dramas of all time, it's impossible to leave Firefly off the list.

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