Summer Binge Watch — Firefly

Earlier this summer Joss Whedon launched a billion dollar film in "Avengers: Age of Ultron." But before he was commanding the Avengers, Whedon was a master of the small screen. This week I'm looking at his one-season wonder, "Firefly"

Firefly (2002), 14 Episodes
About: When you describe a show as a "Space Western," it can be a tough sell. That description is simultaneously apt in describing "Firefly" and sells the show short. What also didn't help the show stick was the work done by FOX, which aired the episodes out of order and didn't give the show an incredible chance to take root. In fact, FOX didn't air the original pilot until mid-way through the show's run. That's a setback for anyone trying to build a world, especially a world as intricate and fascinating as "Firefly." I was a late adopter to the show — in fact, I didn't even watch the series until after I saw the wrap up movie, "Serenity," which was released in 2005. It may seem odd to praise a show that lasted just 14 episodes and didn't draw big ratings. That's because this show has developed an incredible cult following. It's still the subject of fan fervor, even 13 years after its original release. It's also always the subject of reunions and possible re-birth. That fan fervor is what got the show a feature film three years after it failed on the small screen. It's full of incredible performances and some fine storytelling. It's Whedon at his best.
Best Episodes:
* Out of Gas, episode 8: This episode, written by producer Tim Minear, features some great performances and fills in the gaps as to how Captain Malcolm Reynolds (Nathan Fillion) found his crew. It's a great chance for Fillion to shine, and it's an intense and brilliantly written and directed hour.

* Trash, episode 10: This episode brought back a favorite guest star — Saffron (Christina Hendricks) in a pretty funny and well paced hour. The beginning scene — which features Capt. Reynolds sans clothes in the dessert — is priceless and sets the tone for the hour. Writers Ben Edlund and Jose Molina do a good job with the story and humor.

* The Message, Episode 12: This is one of the most emotional episodes, centering on an old war colleague of Capt. Reynolds and Zoe (Gina Torres). It's a beautifully told episode that features some fine performances. It also has incredible character dialogue and some beautifully warm and funny moments. Written by Joss Whedon and Tim Minear, it's a powerful hour.

Serenity (2005)
About: FOX didn't service "Firefly" well, showing the episodes out of order and cutting the show short before it had a chance to find its legs. But the studio did do it a kindness by letting Whedon write and direct a film to wrap up some loose ends. The movie brings the characters back, advances some running plots, and answers some of the big questions posed by the series. It also features a great performance from future Oscar winner Chiwetel Ejiofor, who has great inter-play with Fillion during several sequences in the film.
Rating: PG-13 for sequences of intense violence and action, and some sexual references
Verdict: Four stars out of four.