[Daozang]

The pilot was the worst I've seen in a long time... But overall, plot holes asside i find myself enjoying it till now. Shirley Manson was a nice surprise.

What's Wheddon doing these days? Seeing Summer Glau, I can't help myself but think of the greatness that was Firefly...

[Dr Evil]

Originally Posted by Daozang

Shirley Manson was a nice surprise.

I paid attention that the second season started with Garbage playing on the background, and then Manson popped on the screen!

[Bouncing Zabaglione Bros.]

Originally Posted by Daozang

What's Wheddon doing these days? Seeing Summer Glau, I can't help myself but think of the greatness that was Firefly...

Getting up to speed on production of "The Doll House".

[Daozang]

Originally Posted by Bouncing Zabaglione Bros.

Getting up to speed on production of "The Doll House".

Just read a few things about it on wikipedia. Hope it will have the "Whedon dialogue" that I love about his projects. God why did they cancel Firefly...
Between Battlestar Galactica and Sarrah Connor I'd take firefly no questions asked...
What's with the "no humor policy" of these new shows anyway...

[Chalnoth]

Originally Posted by Daozang

Just read a few things about it on wikipedia. Hope it will have the "Whedon dialogue" that I love about his projects. God why did they cancel Firefly...
Between Battlestar Galactica and Sarrah Connor I'd take firefly no questions asked...

I'd have to agree with you. And the reason they canceled it is because it didn't meet expectations: it was an expensive show to produce, but without nearly enough viewers to support its production. It might have done well had it been adequately marketed, and had it been allowed to stay on a bit longer to get word of mouth going. But the studio executives never let it get that far.

Originally Posted by Daozang

What's with the "no humor policy" of these new shows anyway...

Well, it really takes good writers to interweave humor well into what is otherwise a serious drama show. I just don't think that talent like that grows on trees.

[Bouncing Zabaglione Bros.]

Originally Posted by Chalnoth

I'd have to agree with you. And the reason they canceled it is because it didn't meet expectations: it was an expensive show to produce, but without nearly enough viewers to support its production. It might have done well had it been adequately marketed, and had it been allowed to stay on a bit longer to get word of mouth going. But the studio executives never let it get that far.

They actively sabotaged Firefly. The changes in running order, transmission times and days, skipped episodes, etc. It looks to me like someone commissioned it, and then before the first episode decided they (or someone else) didn't want it and so deliberately killed it off by doing everything they could to make sure it got poor viewing figures. They didn't even give the viewing public a chance to decide if they liked the show or not by effectively taking the opportunity to watch away from viewers.

Instead of firing the show, they should have fired the guy that commissioned it and then screwed it over.

[Daozang]

Originally Posted by Chalnoth

Well, it really takes good writers to interweave humor well into what is otherwise a serious drama show. I just don't think that talent like that grows on trees.

I'm not sure it's only about talent. It has to do with the way you approach things as well. The guys and gals that write these shows don’t lack talent. The way it’s done nowadays it’s a collaboration of ideas from many people anyway. It’s the general direction that takes them to soap opera levels.
How much drama can we take for a whole season… How can we care about characters that never make us even smile, and stick with them for a year…

The plot can drive you for some time, but even when it’s good, the reason you usually stay is because of the characters. I think that Whedon gets that. What he also gets, is that sometimes you need to be caustic and satirical when it comes to your own creations.

I think that the success of shows like 24 (which I hate by the way) is the reason why everything is going down the path of semi realistic seriousness…
I know when I’m rumbling, so I’ll just stop.

[Chalnoth]

Oh, sure, of course it's in the approach as well. But what I'm saying is that I think you need more talent to write a good script that has a mix of good humor and good drama than it does to write one that is just serious all the time.

I find that when a script tries to do both but isn't good enough, it's quite often the humor that falls flat.

[Daozang]

Originally Posted by Chalnoth

I find that when a script tries to do both but isn't good enough, it's quite often the humor that falls flat.

Falls flat and usually takes everything else with it. Yup you're right

[Arwin]

Then again, that can make for some very realistic humor ...

It makes me think of The Wire ... fairly realistic, but quite funny nonetheless. People make a lot of jokes all the time, going at least by my professional experience - and the more mundane (or cynical) the job, the more room (or even need) for humor.

I never liked Firefly as much as others did. The whole U.S. revolution theme was terribly boring to me. The whole cowboy in space also a little. The one thing that really held it up for me was the excellent cast, and I liked the main (Summer Glau centered) storyline too.

Reading up on the Dollhouse, you can see how Summer Glau's role in FireFly was a spiritual successor, I think. Looks promising, and "They're then hired out for particular jobs, crimes, fantasies, and occasional good deeds" I think can offer a fair narrative and creative range to work with.

Haven't seen any episodes of SCC yet, I don't think it airs anywhere here.

[Daozang]

I never watched that one, but from what I gather it has a big following. I don't think it ever aired in Greece. Maybe I should check it out!