The Film and the Series: To date, the best mash-up of sci-fi adventure and the Western is Firefly, Joss Whedon’s short-lived TV series and subsequent feature film about a rag-tag group of fugitives and smugglers in the far frontier of a galactic federation.
Instead of focusing on the simple conceit – cowboys in space – Whedon used the inventive backdrop as a vehicle for a character-driven comedic drama. Nathan Fillion’s star turn as the gallant, witty, honorable Captain Mal Reynolds is one highlight of the show, but Gina Torres, Adam Baldwin, and Summer Glau are all brilliant in quirky, rich roles.
Watch the 14 original episodes and then the film, and then rage at Fox for not renewing the series.
