Network: FOX

Air Date: 2002

Writer: Joss Whedon

Creator: JossWhedon

Stars: Nathan Filion, Gina Torres, Alan Tudyk

Premise: A crew of smugglers try to unload some illegal cargo, and in the process acquire some unexpected and far more dangerous human cargo.



Firefly spends its first episode answering all of your FAQs about how a western can take place in space. We don't mean that to say it's boring—no, the pilot is quite riveting, featuring Mexican stand-offs and space ship stunt maneuvers. It's just impressive how Whedon walks you through every western trope and shows you Firefly's sci-fi infused equivalent.

Our hero didn't fight for the Confederacy as many outlaws did—he fought for the Browncoats. There are Reivers instead of Indians, Alliance instead of Pinkertons and sheriffs, and Companions instead of prostitutes. The list goes on and on, and it's delightful every step of the way.

Watching Whedon's sci-fi nerding out combine with what must be extensive knowledge of westerns is one of the great joys of Firefly. The clothes, the vehicles, the vocal patterns, the plots—all aspects of the show create a pastiche inspired by equal parts John Ford and George Lucas. —BG