It's been nearly 18 years since Joss Whedon's Western-Space drama graced primetime television, and 15 years since it's followup film. The franchise followed a group of outlaws and mercenaries as they traveled the 'Verse in pursuit of freedom aboard a Firefly-class ship called Serenity, where the television series and film get their names, respectively.
Though shortlived, the series developed a massive cult following and has often been described as one of the best television series to be canceled before its time. It held up quite well despite its short run and established a mixed genre of sci-fi that remains unmatched. However, it's not without its flaws.
10 Falls Short: Racial Diversity
In the world of Firefly, China and The United States formed what was called The Universal Alliance after Earth-That-Was became uninhabitable. The formation of the Alliance caused the cultures and the languages of the two nations to mix. Plenty of Chinese fashion and architecture appears in the series, and nearly all characters in the show seem to be bilingual.
With that mind, it makes no sense that there aren't any Chinese characters in the series. Granted, there several extras in the background, but that's all they are; extras. Furthermore, there are only two Black characters in the main cast, and, unfortunately, one of them doesn't live through the events of Serenity, the film that served as the series' conclusion.
9 Aged Wonderfully: Depiction of Mental Illness
One of the series' central plots involved River Tam's journey of recovery following the torture and experimentation she endured at the hands of the Alliance. Her amygdala, the part of the brain most responsible for decision making and emotional responses had been severely damaged, making her more prone to outbursts. Combined with physic abilities she couldn't always control, she was susceptible to experiencing the feelings of those around her.
When the root of her issues is established in Serenity, River herself states that, though she is somewhat better, there isn't a miraculous cure that's going to take her trauma away.
8 Falls Short: Malcolm's Treatment of Inara
Since their first scene together, Captain Malcolm Reynolds and Inara Serra had some of the most intense chemistry in television history. The unspoken attraction between the two resulted in a lot of banter, bickering, and even heartbreak. Still, there are certain aspects of the way they interact with each other that didn't need to be as prominent throughout the show.
There's no reason Malcolm should have been calling Inara a whore left and right. It's explained that he disapproves of her occupation—she is part of The Companions, a guild of high-class courtesans—even more so because of his feelings for her. He does defend her honor when others insult her, but only because he sees himself as the only person worthy of degrading her. How chivalrous.
7 Aged Wonderfully: Kaylee's Character
If there's one thing Firefly nailed, its portrayal of a hardworking, peppy young woman with a love of strawberries and handsome doctors takes the cake. With a stunning performance from Jewel Staite, Kaylee is a standout among the complex women of the series.
She's a prime example of not letting stereotypes define her, maintaining interest in typical "feminine" things while also excelling at more "masculine" tasks such as mechanics. Kaylee often reminds others, namely Malcolm, that her worth as a woman isn't downgraded because of her job, and vice versa.
6 Falls Short: LGBTQIA+ Representation
Despite Inara appearing to be bisexual since Companions choose their clients and she has been seen entertaining people of both sexes, it's not something explored. Her attitude also somewhat suggests that she views it as part of the job. Either way, it could have been better portrayed.
There also isn't a lot of indication towards the universe's approach to sexual orientation, even though transcending the barriers of race, sexuality, and gender is something sci-fi is usually known for.
5 Aged Wonderfully: Portrayal of Interracial Relationships
The most enduring romance throughout the series existed between Hoban "Wash" Washburne and Zoë Washburne, who functioned as Serenity's pilot and first mate, respectively. Though she was initially less than enthusiastic about Wash's presence on the ship, Zoë eventually fell for his dinosaur-loving charm.
At first glance, the two might not look much like a couple, but their interactions throughout the series solidify them as a dream team any ship would be lucky to have. Their dynamic is refreshing, as well, with Wash continually being in awe of Zoë's bravery, combat abilities, and legs. Far better than the typical straight man constantly complaining about his marriage.
4 Falls Short: General Depiction of Sex Workers
Though Inara and The Companions are largely seen as respected, educated, and high-class members of society, sex work outside of their organization is mostly looked down on. Inara herself even refers to those outside the guild as "whores," and is frequently warned by The Companions not to have any contact with unregistered sex workers.
It ultimately hurts the show's overarching theme of challenging classism and restrictive government, considering The Companions themselves primarily operate through Alliance planets.
3 Aged Wonderfully: Overall Humor
Firefly in its position within sci-fi entertainment for many reasons, though its humor contributes perhaps the most to that. The show is by no means a comedy, but it's got a lot more humor going for it than Star Wars or Star Trek. Characters often engage in quick, snappy dialogue, poking fun at each other, their situations, and even sci-fi itself.
Combined with perfect delivery from its all-star cast, Firefly provides plenty of laughs between its commentary on class inequality and the struggle for free will.
2 Falls Short: Plans For Future Seasons
Only eleven of the show's filmed fourteen episodes were broadcast on television, and the series famously didn't last beyond that. Despite this, fans of the show have rallied for a continuation, even after the release of Serenity. The cast and crew often discussed what would have happened had the series lived on during convention appearances, including a plot where Inara would be abducted and raped by Reavers.
In the series, Reavers are insane monsters that pillage as they please through the outer planets of the universe. Inara would survive her ordeal by the use of a drug that killed anyone who raped her, with the crew finding an entire ship of Reavers dead when they go to rescue her.
1 Aged Wonderfully: The Crew (And Cast) As A Whole
Though sci-fi has had plenty of excellent on-screen teams, few have even come close to the amount of chemistry the crew of Serenity maintains to this day. Though the characters are certainly well written enough to make their ragtag family believable, the entire cast just works so well together.
It's hard to imagine the show without any of its central cast, and, though there was only one episode where not all of them appeared, it still felt somewhat incomplete.