"Can people ever really change?"
This episode dealt with another deep and universal theme: trust. Throughout "Trash" the viewer is convinced that Mal and his crew are bumbling idiots, buying into the wily Saffron's schemes and getting played by her. That's right: Mal's ex-"wife" is back, and she's tricked him again--or has she? Mal, Inara, and the rest of the crew are one step ahead of her the whole way, and in playing them, Saffron herself gets played (and stuck in a dumpster).
"Trash" was a fun episode to watch, but it did not deal with its theme quite as well as it could have. There were poignant moments, to be sure, but I felt that the discussion was a bit repetitive. One of Saffron's ex-husbands, Duran, also seems to be naïve enough to fall for her scheming, but he also plays her in pretending to accept her selfish plot. The only person who trusts Saffron is one of her new husbands, another smuggler named Monty. This trust is only due to the fact that Saffron has not shown him her true colors just yet.
Although the interactions that Saffron has with both Duran and Mal are very similar, they do speak to very genuine themes of trust. As Saffron asked Mal, do people ever change? Is it naïve to hope for renewal in relationships, or is trust once broken never the same? Both Duran and Mal seem to agree that Saffron needed a watchful eye. As soon as he saw her, Duran called the feds; before Mal accepted her plan, he had backup.
What should our response to this theme be as Christians? To be honest, though I cannot claim that this is the most Christlike response possible, I side with Mal. We must be gentle as doves, yes, but we must also be wise as serpents. Saffron has viciously attacked Mal, his crew, and his ship. To trust her would be to err in a very foolish manner. I was wary this whole episode, on pins and needles waiting for her to slip up in her plan or to somehow wound one of the crew. Of course things ended well--it is a TV show, after all--but I believe that Mal and Duran were justified in their watchfulness.
Monday, April 27, 2015
Firefly Reflection: Episode Twelve
River has outdone herself. Firefly has outdone itself.
This episode was by far one of the most entertaining and interesting of the series. Focusing on River's troubled mind as she perceives and hears the thoughts and feelings of the crew, we witness her torment, caused by their judgement and wariness of her. It is determined that River must be bolted into her quarters, just in case she does something dangerous again--like picking up a loaded gun.
Although entertaining, this episode once again failed to focus on a modern issue. However, I don't believe that this is a failure; we have centered our class around science fiction as a method of discussion for current issues, but that is not the focus of Firefly. Instead, the show is character driven, focused on the development of people and leaving strong moral lessons behind with each episode. That being said, I cannot argue that this episode was particularly worthwhile as a moral instructor. Instead, it was just a fun watch, examining River's mind and witnessing her strengths.
Though not a discussion of an issue or even an ethical depository, this episode was both entertaining and catalytic in driving characters forward. Because of River's psychic abilities, we learn the thoughts and feelings of characters that are not blatantly put forward in their words and actions. We see that the Alliance is still strongly on the hunt for the Tams, and we witness an example of the ruthless bounty hunters out to find them and get their reward. We see the danger and the strengths of River's abilities, as she finds herself holding a loaded gun and as she saves herself and her brother from the hunter on the ship, Jubal Early.
I had fun watching this episode, for it was truly an enjoyable 45 minutes, but I cannot pretend that it served my specific purposes in this class.
This episode was by far one of the most entertaining and interesting of the series. Focusing on River's troubled mind as she perceives and hears the thoughts and feelings of the crew, we witness her torment, caused by their judgement and wariness of her. It is determined that River must be bolted into her quarters, just in case she does something dangerous again--like picking up a loaded gun.
Although entertaining, this episode once again failed to focus on a modern issue. However, I don't believe that this is a failure; we have centered our class around science fiction as a method of discussion for current issues, but that is not the focus of Firefly. Instead, the show is character driven, focused on the development of people and leaving strong moral lessons behind with each episode. That being said, I cannot argue that this episode was particularly worthwhile as a moral instructor. Instead, it was just a fun watch, examining River's mind and witnessing her strengths.
Though not a discussion of an issue or even an ethical depository, this episode was both entertaining and catalytic in driving characters forward. Because of River's psychic abilities, we learn the thoughts and feelings of characters that are not blatantly put forward in their words and actions. We see that the Alliance is still strongly on the hunt for the Tams, and we witness an example of the ruthless bounty hunters out to find them and get their reward. We see the danger and the strengths of River's abilities, as she finds herself holding a loaded gun and as she saves herself and her brother from the hunter on the ship, Jubal Early.
I had fun watching this episode, for it was truly an enjoyable 45 minutes, but I cannot pretend that it served my specific purposes in this class.
Sunday, April 26, 2015
Firefly Reflection: Episode Eleven
"Heart of Gold", the most western of this space-western series, was one of my favorite episodes yet. I found it high-paced and entertaining, with enough solemnity and character development to keep me emotionally invested. The one thing I could have done without in this episode is Jayne's lecherous behavior once in the brothel. This episode had more than enough sex without including his romps.
I would argue that this episode dealt--and dealt well with--the issue of misogyny. Because this barren western town on a vague planet in space with its patriarchal structure was enough removed from our modern America, this discussion could be (and was) very straightforward. "Heart of Gold" did not dance around the issue of misogyny, but exposed and condemned it.
In this episode men, particularly the whim-abiding Rance Burgess, were seen verbally, physically, and sexually abusing women. Some of these women fought the abuse. The brothel's owner, Nandi, had taken over its ownership from a man who ran it like a dumb and treated his employees horribly. Once her baby was safe and secured, Petaline walked up to her ex-client, Rance, and shot him in the head. (In my own, I could hear the cheers of misandristic feminists.) One other displayed more internalized misogyny, selling the secrets and whereabouts of her sisters from the brothel in exchange for a bag of silver...and forced sexual favors. This girl, though she looked disgusted by her public degradation, accepted the abuse. These goings on were clearly displayed as what they were: episodes of abuse from men, imposed on their female subjects.
"She understands a whore's place, don't she? ...Let us all remember, right here and now, what a woman is to a man!" These shudder-worthy phrases were made by Rance, blatantly displaying his sexism and violence.
Even the crew was not guiltless. As mentioned above, Jayne was delighted to find himself in a brothel, with scores of women at his fingertips. That being said, the others kept their hands to themselves--until a tipsy Mal was propositioned by Nandi, an encounter that later made Inara cry.
I believe that the issue of misogyny was dealt with well because, though spelled out neatly for the audience, it was in a time and place well removed from our own. Despite this distance, the manner was similar, and enough to spark recognition in those watching.
I would argue that this episode dealt--and dealt well with--the issue of misogyny. Because this barren western town on a vague planet in space with its patriarchal structure was enough removed from our modern America, this discussion could be (and was) very straightforward. "Heart of Gold" did not dance around the issue of misogyny, but exposed and condemned it.
In this episode men, particularly the whim-abiding Rance Burgess, were seen verbally, physically, and sexually abusing women. Some of these women fought the abuse. The brothel's owner, Nandi, had taken over its ownership from a man who ran it like a dumb and treated his employees horribly. Once her baby was safe and secured, Petaline walked up to her ex-client, Rance, and shot him in the head. (In my own, I could hear the cheers of misandristic feminists.) One other displayed more internalized misogyny, selling the secrets and whereabouts of her sisters from the brothel in exchange for a bag of silver...and forced sexual favors. This girl, though she looked disgusted by her public degradation, accepted the abuse. These goings on were clearly displayed as what they were: episodes of abuse from men, imposed on their female subjects.
"She understands a whore's place, don't she? ...Let us all remember, right here and now, what a woman is to a man!" These shudder-worthy phrases were made by Rance, blatantly displaying his sexism and violence.
Even the crew was not guiltless. As mentioned above, Jayne was delighted to find himself in a brothel, with scores of women at his fingertips. That being said, the others kept their hands to themselves--until a tipsy Mal was propositioned by Nandi, an encounter that later made Inara cry.
I believe that the issue of misogyny was dealt with well because, though spelled out neatly for the audience, it was in a time and place well removed from our own. Despite this distance, the manner was similar, and enough to spark recognition in those watching.
Friday, April 24, 2015
Firefly Reflection: Episode Ten
Yet again we question Mal's morality, and yet again he is confronted--and contrasted--with the infamous Niska. Once more, this is because one of his crew members has challenged Mal's goodness. Wash has become offended by the close working relationship Mal shares with his wife, Zoe, and wants to put himself in Zoe's place during upcoming missions to separate the two.
This venture goes sour when Niska kidnaps Mal and Wash and begins torturing them as punishment for not completing his earlier mission for them. Although tormented, Mal and Wash find time to argue about the danger Zoe is consistently exposed to by Mal, as well as her continued faithful obedience to him. Here I see the first theme raised, though it seems to be more personal than general.
What is the appropriate degree of intimacy between two adults of the opposite sex, one or more of whom may be in relationships with others? Certainly every adult and couple must come to this conclusion on their own, so Firefly's discussion of the topic, though thoughtful and weight-bearing, was subjective. However relative, I would argue that this discussion was enacted effectively, bringing up the topic in a clear manner, showcasing the bitterness and discomfort that a bad solution can bring, and closing the conversation with a graceful resolution.
Towards the end of the episode, before their daring rescue of Mal from Niska's ship, we see that every member of the crew is willing to sacrifice themself for the captain, secure in the knowledge that he would do the same for them. Though I commend this behavior and fully believe it clears Mal's name and honor well, a second personal issue was raised for me here.
This high stakes, high tension shootout was by far the most entertaining and thrilling part of the episode. That being said, it was also the most morally challenging for me because it was so violent. Again, this issue is personal, but it seems that Dr. Tam had some problems shooting others as well. (He had never done so before, and as Shepherd Book mentioned, he didn't even succeed when he tried.) I am personally conflicted by the issues of violence and pacifism, and this shootout was anything but peaceful. Simon's conflict seemed to mirror mine, though, and I'm sure that others watching the show may have been mollified by that fact, as well.
This venture goes sour when Niska kidnaps Mal and Wash and begins torturing them as punishment for not completing his earlier mission for them. Although tormented, Mal and Wash find time to argue about the danger Zoe is consistently exposed to by Mal, as well as her continued faithful obedience to him. Here I see the first theme raised, though it seems to be more personal than general.
What is the appropriate degree of intimacy between two adults of the opposite sex, one or more of whom may be in relationships with others? Certainly every adult and couple must come to this conclusion on their own, so Firefly's discussion of the topic, though thoughtful and weight-bearing, was subjective. However relative, I would argue that this discussion was enacted effectively, bringing up the topic in a clear manner, showcasing the bitterness and discomfort that a bad solution can bring, and closing the conversation with a graceful resolution.
Towards the end of the episode, before their daring rescue of Mal from Niska's ship, we see that every member of the crew is willing to sacrifice themself for the captain, secure in the knowledge that he would do the same for them. Though I commend this behavior and fully believe it clears Mal's name and honor well, a second personal issue was raised for me here.
This high stakes, high tension shootout was by far the most entertaining and thrilling part of the episode. That being said, it was also the most morally challenging for me because it was so violent. Again, this issue is personal, but it seems that Dr. Tam had some problems shooting others as well. (He had never done so before, and as Shepherd Book mentioned, he didn't even succeed when he tried.) I am personally conflicted by the issues of violence and pacifism, and this shootout was anything but peaceful. Simon's conflict seemed to mirror mine, though, and I'm sure that others watching the show may have been mollified by that fact, as well.
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
Firefly Reflection: Episode Nine
How does one justify what is morally right? And why is it sometimes that when one follows the law, it seems less ethical than breaking it? Why do we dislike Jayne for making plans with the police, but support Simon and River for running from the law? Why does it seem just for Mal to threaten Jayne's life and position, although he only abided by the rules of his government?
I believe that if more people were willing to consider these questions, to push the envelope of vaguely held beliefs and ideals, and to challenge why they have the morals that they do, we would all come to one of two conclusions. The first: there is no objective morality, and each must decide on their own what is right and wrong in the context of their lives. The second: morality is objective, and that morality must include a lawmaker outside of all governments and higher than all peoples.
The first is a superficial belief, and although this episode does not explicitly mention a relative moral code, I believe it does a good job of shutting down that belief. When the viewer learns that Jayne has made a deal with the Alliance feds, he or she is very likely to feel anger and betrayal. Jayne has denied two members of his crew, and is trying to sell them back into very dangerous situations in order to secure a large sum of money. The immorality of this holds true throughout the episode. The viewer is not alone in his or her anger, because Mal challenges Jayne's actions by knocking him out and threatening to end his life.
The values held in the highest regard here are loyalty and faithfulness. There is an overarching belief that these values are above even the most lawful actions: reporting two runaways to the feds. It is clear that, as Mal says, Simon and River Tam are part of the crew--really treated as a more of a family--and to betray them is treachery.
If upholding these values has more weight to all involved than following the law does, they must be outside of the realm of government and of law itself. They are objective, spanning all people, and they are above other principles. So where do they come from? If not the law, surely they must have a source above and outside of the general population. These are metaphysical questions, thoughts that, to a Christian, must result in a defense of God. Firefly did not arrive at that point, but through the fine discussion of morality in this episode, I did.
I believe that if more people were willing to consider these questions, to push the envelope of vaguely held beliefs and ideals, and to challenge why they have the morals that they do, we would all come to one of two conclusions. The first: there is no objective morality, and each must decide on their own what is right and wrong in the context of their lives. The second: morality is objective, and that morality must include a lawmaker outside of all governments and higher than all peoples.
The first is a superficial belief, and although this episode does not explicitly mention a relative moral code, I believe it does a good job of shutting down that belief. When the viewer learns that Jayne has made a deal with the Alliance feds, he or she is very likely to feel anger and betrayal. Jayne has denied two members of his crew, and is trying to sell them back into very dangerous situations in order to secure a large sum of money. The immorality of this holds true throughout the episode. The viewer is not alone in his or her anger, because Mal challenges Jayne's actions by knocking him out and threatening to end his life.
The values held in the highest regard here are loyalty and faithfulness. There is an overarching belief that these values are above even the most lawful actions: reporting two runaways to the feds. It is clear that, as Mal says, Simon and River Tam are part of the crew--really treated as a more of a family--and to betray them is treachery.
If upholding these values has more weight to all involved than following the law does, they must be outside of the realm of government and of law itself. They are objective, spanning all people, and they are above other principles. So where do they come from? If not the law, surely they must have a source above and outside of the general population. These are metaphysical questions, thoughts that, to a Christian, must result in a defense of God. Firefly did not arrive at that point, but through the fine discussion of morality in this episode, I did.
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
Firefly Reflection: Episode Seven
"It's my estimation that every man ever got a statue made of him was one kinda son of a bitch or another."
Mal's comment, likely astute, was made to comfort Jayne after an entire town of people had celebrated our beloved space cowboy as a flawless hero by building a statue in his honor and writing folk songs in his name. Jayne, although he relished the attention at first, had been confronted by a man from his past life who spoke honestly to Jayne about his dark and sinful past. When one of the townspeople dove in front of this man's bullet, meant to hit Jayne, Jayne saw himself very clearly and was crushed by their selfless adoration of him.
This episode had many wonderful moments of entertainment. From the budding mutual crush between Kaylee and Simon to River's fear upon seeing Shepherd Book's impressive--and usually hidden--afro to the astonishment of the whole crew once they realize Jayne had selfless moments in his past life, it was very fun and interesting to watch. I would consider it one of my favorites in the realm of entertainment thus far.
I would also rate this episode high in its application and discussion of a specific theme--in this case, heroism. Watching a town acclaim Jayne, the violent space cowboy, as a hero, brought up many questions, aptly dealt with during the episode. By the end it is clear that their beloved Jayne Cobb is really an antihero, just as human and self-serving as any other human. And yet, even after this is revealed, the townspeople still chose to worship him. Why?
As Mal points out to the disheartened and guilty Jayne, sometimes people need someone to adore. It is not truly because that person is a perfect individual (and often, they are quite far from it), but it is because of an ideal that their "hero" represents for one reason or another. The men and women that we idolize are just that--only men, and mortal and flawed ones at that.
Mal's comment, likely astute, was made to comfort Jayne after an entire town of people had celebrated our beloved space cowboy as a flawless hero by building a statue in his honor and writing folk songs in his name. Jayne, although he relished the attention at first, had been confronted by a man from his past life who spoke honestly to Jayne about his dark and sinful past. When one of the townspeople dove in front of this man's bullet, meant to hit Jayne, Jayne saw himself very clearly and was crushed by their selfless adoration of him.
This episode had many wonderful moments of entertainment. From the budding mutual crush between Kaylee and Simon to River's fear upon seeing Shepherd Book's impressive--and usually hidden--afro to the astonishment of the whole crew once they realize Jayne had selfless moments in his past life, it was very fun and interesting to watch. I would consider it one of my favorites in the realm of entertainment thus far.
I would also rate this episode high in its application and discussion of a specific theme--in this case, heroism. Watching a town acclaim Jayne, the violent space cowboy, as a hero, brought up many questions, aptly dealt with during the episode. By the end it is clear that their beloved Jayne Cobb is really an antihero, just as human and self-serving as any other human. And yet, even after this is revealed, the townspeople still chose to worship him. Why?
As Mal points out to the disheartened and guilty Jayne, sometimes people need someone to adore. It is not truly because that person is a perfect individual (and often, they are quite far from it), but it is because of an ideal that their "hero" represents for one reason or another. The men and women that we idolize are just that--only men, and mortal and flawed ones at that.
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
Firefly Reflection: Episode Six
"Our Mrs. Reynolds" is the seemingly naive "Saffron", who fiendishly performs a marriage ceremony with the unknowing Mal while the Serenity crew is visiting a nearby planet. She thus finds an excuse to stow away on the ship, building a very innocent cover to trick the crew, steal a shuttle, and lead them into a web set to catch the ship.
This episode seems to further the character development of the show, but I believe that attempt only served to stall it. After "Saffron" poisons Mal with a kiss and fails an attempt to similarly poison Inara, the companion rushes to Mal's unconscious side and passionately delivers a kiss to his poisoned lips. At the end of the episode, Mal challenged Inara, saying that he knew she wasn't truly unconscious because she had fallen or been knocked out. Inara agrees, and Mal chuckles that he knew Inara had kissed "Saffron". This side storyline made a guise at furthering the tension between Mal and Inara, but it really only served to further stall the development of their relationship. That being said, Inara's true feelings are now more clear, and thus an infinitesimal step was made.
Mal's ethics again seem to leave the viewer baffled. When he first recognized "Saffron" as a stowaway and heard her explanation of their "marriage", he reacted as if the whole thing were ridiculous, thus seeming to deeply wound her. After an admonition from Shepherd Book, however, Mal began to treat his "wife" with the utmost kindness, seeking to accept her offers in order to avoid offense. He also put a great deal of effort into avoiding her seduction attempts, even staring down her naked body and delivering an emphatic "no!" However, his young "wife" weakened him, and when she kissed him at last, he kissed back, allowing his own poisoning.
So is Mal good or bad? Like all other people, I believe that he is innately bad, but that he possesses certain degrees of kindness and morality that at times cause him to act rightly. The creators of the show may speak differently about mankind's innate goodness or evil, but I believe that ultimately the message comes across: he is neither good nor bad, yet he is both at once.
This was a good episode, though certainly not my favorite. I feel that the character development fell short, and watching "Saffron" play the naive and rejected "wife" was naturally uncomfortable. The most enjoyable moments were those displaying Jayne's love for one specific gun. His character is a humorous and caricatured space cowboy, and I believe that although he is not the most central of persons on the show, he certainly sums up the genre.
This episode seems to further the character development of the show, but I believe that attempt only served to stall it. After "Saffron" poisons Mal with a kiss and fails an attempt to similarly poison Inara, the companion rushes to Mal's unconscious side and passionately delivers a kiss to his poisoned lips. At the end of the episode, Mal challenged Inara, saying that he knew she wasn't truly unconscious because she had fallen or been knocked out. Inara agrees, and Mal chuckles that he knew Inara had kissed "Saffron". This side storyline made a guise at furthering the tension between Mal and Inara, but it really only served to further stall the development of their relationship. That being said, Inara's true feelings are now more clear, and thus an infinitesimal step was made.
Mal's ethics again seem to leave the viewer baffled. When he first recognized "Saffron" as a stowaway and heard her explanation of their "marriage", he reacted as if the whole thing were ridiculous, thus seeming to deeply wound her. After an admonition from Shepherd Book, however, Mal began to treat his "wife" with the utmost kindness, seeking to accept her offers in order to avoid offense. He also put a great deal of effort into avoiding her seduction attempts, even staring down her naked body and delivering an emphatic "no!" However, his young "wife" weakened him, and when she kissed him at last, he kissed back, allowing his own poisoning.
So is Mal good or bad? Like all other people, I believe that he is innately bad, but that he possesses certain degrees of kindness and morality that at times cause him to act rightly. The creators of the show may speak differently about mankind's innate goodness or evil, but I believe that ultimately the message comes across: he is neither good nor bad, yet he is both at once.
This was a good episode, though certainly not my favorite. I feel that the character development fell short, and watching "Saffron" play the naive and rejected "wife" was naturally uncomfortable. The most enjoyable moments were those displaying Jayne's love for one specific gun. His character is a humorous and caricatured space cowboy, and I believe that although he is not the most central of persons on the show, he certainly sums up the genre.
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