In my last post, I talked about how Star Trek had helped shape my general love of Sci Fi when I was younger. Today, I'm going to talk about one that's directly influenced my writing style, helping me to craft the complex lives of Shae, Jared, Jake, Ash, and the rest of the Helyan Universe.
I'm talking, of course, about one of the most underrated series in the galaxy - Firefly.
Even though it was cancelled after only one season, it managed to achieve more in 14 episodes than most shows can do in five seasons. Why was that? Well, here are my thoughts on the matter…
The strength of Firefly lies in its characters. Who could forget the quick-witted and sarcastic Captain Malcolm Reynolds, the endearing mechanic Kaylee, the sophisticated and calculating Inara, or the lovably dysfunctional crew of Serenity? The cast of Firefly was truly outstanding, with each character possessing their own unique quirks and rich backstories that made them feel like genuine, fleshed-out people.
But what set Firefly apart was the chemistry between its characters. They were like a big, unconventional family, complete with squabbles, jokes, tears, and laughter. Imperfect and relatable, they captured our hearts and made us root for them even when the odds were stacked against them.
And that's precisely where The Helyan Series comes in. As a big fan of Firefly, and Nathan Fillion in particular, I was inspired to replicate that bond between my characters - be it the Brotherhood, the Wolfpack, the crew of the Defender, or the Guardians themselves. The Helyan Series, which also features a diverse cast of characters thrown together on various missions, has a similar sense of family and camaraderie that Firefly exuded. Is it a coincidence? I think not!
Sadly, Firefly was cut short before it could fully take flight, leaving fans with only one season and a movie, Serenity, to satiate their hunger for more. However, even today, the show continues to attract a dedicated following, and it's not hard to see why.
So, if you haven't yet had the pleasure of watching Firefly, what are you waiting for? Grab some popcorn, snuggle up on your couch, and let yourself be whisked away on a thrilling intergalactic adventure with one of the most underrated sci-fi series of all time. Who knows, maybe it'll even inspire you to craft your own epic sci-fi tale, just like it did for The Helyan Series.
Until next time, Browncoats. Keep flying!
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