I've never watched
Firefly before, but I found this pilot to be very entertaining. As Joss Whedon
planned, it really is a western set in the context of science fiction. It’s
fast paced, a little bit intense, and character-driven. I realized as the
action grew more violent towards the end of the episode that I was very heavily
invested in what was happening, and that I was truly worried about the
characters. When I feel that way about a TV show, I know I like it.
Lately I have been considering the philosophical principle of utilitarianism, and so it’s not surprising to me that I found similar themes throughout the episode. The story of River Tam, the gifted girl who was tortured at a government school, was in my opinion the most riveting part of the episode. Her safety after running away from her tormentors was at great risk, but because she found refuge on the Firefly, the entire set of crew and passengers were also endangered. The “fed” or government mole, Dobson, wanted to get rid of her. The passengers and crew could have gone along with this idea, but instead chose to sacrifice themselves in order to save her life. Of course, this led to questions as I watched the episode. What would I have done? What is the right thing? In this instance, as well as others, I believe that the end never justifies the means, and that River’s life should have been protected at all costs. Thankfully, it was. I believe that, although it was subtle and not blatant, the discussion of the utilitarianism concept was well done.
Other areas of interest after this episode include seeing what will happen to the rest of the passengers. There were some very interesting moments surrounding the presence of a prostitute on the ship and her interactions with the other characters. I look forward to seeing how she will affect the captain and the reverend, as well as watching the rest of the passengers and crew interact and develop as characters.
Lately I have been considering the philosophical principle of utilitarianism, and so it’s not surprising to me that I found similar themes throughout the episode. The story of River Tam, the gifted girl who was tortured at a government school, was in my opinion the most riveting part of the episode. Her safety after running away from her tormentors was at great risk, but because she found refuge on the Firefly, the entire set of crew and passengers were also endangered. The “fed” or government mole, Dobson, wanted to get rid of her. The passengers and crew could have gone along with this idea, but instead chose to sacrifice themselves in order to save her life. Of course, this led to questions as I watched the episode. What would I have done? What is the right thing? In this instance, as well as others, I believe that the end never justifies the means, and that River’s life should have been protected at all costs. Thankfully, it was. I believe that, although it was subtle and not blatant, the discussion of the utilitarianism concept was well done.
Other areas of interest after this episode include seeing what will happen to the rest of the passengers. There were some very interesting moments surrounding the presence of a prostitute on the ship and her interactions with the other characters. I look forward to seeing how she will affect the captain and the reverend, as well as watching the rest of the passengers and crew interact and develop as characters.
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