Monday, April 22, 2013

A to Z Challenge – Serenity and Stop the World, Plus Ninja News and Challenge Reflections Post

My theme for the A to Z Challenge is Favorite Movies, Bloggers, and Music! I’ll name a favorite movie that corresponds with the letter, and then select a character from the film. I will then name a favorite blogger who reminds me of that character, and then dedicate a song to him. (Also corresponding with the alphabet.) I’ll wrap it all up with trivia and/or fun facts about the movie, the blogger, or the music!

In addition, two lucky commenters this month will receive a review copy of CassaStorm! One comment per day and each is worth one entry except – the first and one hundredth comments on each day will receive ten entries!

Serenity

It brought closure to the series Firefly. (And yes I could go on a tirade about FOX cancelling the show way too soon.) This film stands on its own a great science fiction movie though. It has great characters and crackling dialogue. Long live Browncoats!

Kaylee is the engineer who keeps it all running. She is sassy, perky, and not afraid to say her peace. She’s also adorable, genuine, and funny. Kaylee is the heart and the spirit.

Who is Kaylee?

Heather Gardner at The Waiting is the Hardest Part!

She possesses pluck, sass, and a wicked sense of humor. Her spirit shines through in Stormy the Weather Gnome as he makes witty observations regarding his surroundings. Heather has such a great heart. If the ship goes down, I know I can count on her to still be there.

Heather is a writer, gnome wrangler, and one excellent Ninja Minion.

To you I dedicate Stop the World by Extreme. (Title leads to YouTube.)

I thought you would appreciate the humor of the song! “Stop the world, I wanna get off…”

Trivia and Facts:

Did you know DVDs of Serenity and Firefly were taken to the International Space Station?

What movies did Joss Whedon direct before Serenity?

R’s trivia answers – The Road Warrior was directed by George Miller and Extreme’s Play With Me appeared in Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure.


Ninja News

Randi Lee’s short story, 7 Miles, is going to be published in an anthology. Congratulations, Randi!

LG Keltner is hosting the Towel Day Blogfest from May 24-27, celebrating the late Douglas Adams. See her site for details.


The Goodreads giveaway ended this weekend with 620 entrants and my buddy David at Regarding Silexare was one of the winners. Congratulations, David! The giveaway here on my blog is open to the end of the month, so still two more chances to win a copy of CassaStorm.

A to Z Challenge Reflections Post

We will be doing a reflections post again this year and invite all participants of the Challenge to join us.

What did you enjoy about the Challenge?
What could we do better next year?
What issues did you encounter? (Word verification, unable to comment, long posts, etc.)
Did you encounter many non-participants? (With help from our minions, we tried really hard to clean the list this year.)
Theme or no theme – what seemed to work better? Did you find any great themes?
Did you have fun and will you participate again next year?

Your Reflections can be posted anytime from May 3 through May 10. The Linky List will go live May 3 and we ask you to add the link to your post, not your website, once you have posted. The Challenge hosts read every one so we know where to improve for next year.

Fan of Serenity and Firefly? Following Heather and Stormy? Do you want to Stop the World? Know the trivia? And are you ready to voice your reflections when the Challenge ends...?

163 comments:

RaveAir said...

Firefly was the best sci-fi series ever!

Cynthia said...

I appreciate knowing that we're invited to share our reflections on this year's A to Z. Maybe I could tie that in with my IWSG post come early May.

Anonymous said...

This was my first A to Z and I think watching other seasons has really helped me enjoy the experience. I'll certainly be sharing my reflections.

Unknown said...

I still have not watched Firefly and Serenity, but they are on my to do list!

Ida Thought said...

I love your promo's to other blogs Alex.. and thanks for all the reflections info too

Jocelyn Rish said...

Ah, Firefly, gone way too soon. After the success of the Veronica Mars kickstarter campaign, I've seen a lot of chatter from people wanting Firefly to be next in line for a crowd-funded movie. I did not know there were DVDs of Serenity and Firefly at the space station - how cool!

Happy A to Z-ing,
Jocelyn

Old Kitty said...

Buffy!!! Joss Whedon directed Buffy. The film and the series. Ahem! LOL!

Awwww the Extreme song is quite good innit!?!?

Take care
x

Anonymous said...

Will certainly leave my reflections on the challenge.
Good choice, congrats Helen on being picked for Alex's theme today.

Yvonne.

Sally said...

I loved both Firefly and Serenity and was disappointed it didn't run for longer.

Laura Clipson said...

I've just started watching Firefly and I can't believe I waited so long! It's awesome. No doubt I'll watch Serenity as soon as I'm done :)

Alternative Foodie said...

This is my first time participating in a challenge, ever, so much learned. Hope able to put the thought to blog.

Unknown said...

I'm a huge Whedon fan; after "Buffy" he can do no wrong. I was perhaps a bit confused by Firefly in the beginning, but it grew on me and I was very sad when they ended it. :(

Bob/Sally said...

Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure - Excellent!

I sometimes feel as if I missed out on the whole Firefly craze. I avoided it simply because I didn't expect it to last, and didn't want to get too involved. I've found a new appreciation for it on DVD, but have been able to approach it as a limited run series with a great movie to cap it off.

J.L. Murphey said...

Alex, I have immensely enjoyed the challenge this year as a spectator. Having read the blogs from inception, they keep getting better and better with the themes.

Firefly, I have to say I didn't watch the series but found the movie Serenity intriguing.

I spent decades looking for the brass ring to pull to stop the world...never found it.

Heather M. Gardner said...

Alex J. Cavanaugh! You have made my ever-lovin' year!

I LOVE that you picked Kaylee! I always hope I'll be as tough and cool like Zoe but in reality its more like sweet and funny like Kaylee.

I WANT TO LIVE!

Thank you so much. What a wonderful mention. I'm humbled.

Thanks, Captain Ninja Tightpants!

Shiny.
Heather

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

I keep hearing about what a great series Firefly is...sorry it's ending now! I'll have to try to catch up on Netflix or something.

Gnome-wrangler...ha!

Natalie Aguirre said...

Glad the Goodreads giveaway went well.

And I'll be interested in reading people's reflections.

kjmckendry said...

I guess I missed both Serenity and Firefly.

Yay for Heather and her band of gnomes!

Miranda Hardy said...

I really need to see that movie. I've seen it mentioned everywhere and have yet to see it.

Annalisa Crawford said...

Serentity and Firefly were both great. Joss Whedon is completely amazing. I saw Avengers for the first time last week - and now I can't think why I waited so long!

Sean McLachlan said...

Ah, Firefly! The best one-season science fiction show ever. I just don't understand why it had such lousy ratings.

shelly said...

Looks like I need to get Netflix and watch Firefly. Did you watch the first episode of Definace on the SYFi channel.

Hugs and chocolate,
Shelly

Donna K. Weaver said...

I became a fan of Firefly after the movie Serenity came out. So wish they'd been able to continue the series.

Unknown said...

Now Joss is the hot property of Hollywood, a new season of Firefly is inevitable (once he's finished with Marvel and Fillion is done with Castle). How he'll manage it after what he did with Serenity is a mystery. Loved both TV show and movie, though.

Jamie @ Mithril Wisdom

Ian Anderson said...

I think I am ready for the reflections post. That way I know I'm done. I'm tired!

Optimistic Existentialist said...

A good friend of mine loaned me season one of Firefly recently so I can finally watch it. I look forward to it.
p.s. I saw Oblivion Saturday and loved it!! I love well-made sci-fi

Theresa Milstein said...

So many Firefly fans. It's a shame when good shows don't last.

Laura Eno said...

I could join you in the tirade concerning Firefly! Long live Browncoats!
Stormy the Weather Gnome is a crack-up. Love Heather's sign off to you - Capt Ninja Tightpants. ;)

M.J. Fifield said...

Serenity now!!Z

Yay for Firefly/Serenity and Yay for Heather! I love her blog.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Zoltan, yes it was!

Cynthia, you could. I'll post mine on May 3.

Jocelyn, shame Whedon doesn't want to go that direction.

Kitty, you'll find out tomorrow.

Bob, you avoided the pain...

Heather, you are most welcome! Not sure about the tight pants though...

Annalisa, why did you wait?

Shelly, I did watch it and really enjoyed it.

Jamie, we're likely to get another movie, but we'll be missing several key characters.

Optimistic, it was good, wasn't it?

Laura, yeah, funny.

Jay Noel said...

Still bitter about Firefly's cancellation. But Serenity was incredible.

I agree - Kaylee was my favorite.

Shell Flower said...

I could lament for hours with you about the cancellation of Firefly, but I guess it's better to leave us wanting more than having the awesomeness grow stale. Kaylee is awesome, so Heather must be, too :) I will definitely be joining the reflections hop, too.

Jo said...

Damn, I was hoping your trivia would be about Stop The World I Want to Get Off. I saw the original show in London with Anthony Newly (sp) many years ago, great show.

JO ON FOOD, MY TRAVELS AND A SCENT OF CHOCOLATE

farawayeyes said...

I loved Heather's A to Z 'Stormy' posts last year :). I hate to admit it but I haven't been watching her space this year. :( I'll go and correct that now.

Unknown said...

Your reminder of the reflections post is like a light at the end of a tunnel...is it really almost over?

Elsie Amata said...

Serenity is one of my hubby's favorite movies. He really enjoyed Firefly. Me, not so much. ha ha ha.

You guys continue to impress me with the A-Z challenge, Alex. Rock on!!

Unknown said...

I'd forgotten about Extreme. The album that song came off of is just killer. I miss Bettencourt and that gorgeous hair of his.

S. L. Hennessy said...

I will never, EVER forgive Fox for what they have taken from us. Never.

A Beer for the Shower said...

I'm ashamed to say I've seen neither Serenity nor Firefly. I've heard nothing but amazing things about the series, and I've always wanted to see it, but I just haven't. What a lame excuse, right?

Summer Ross said...

Kaylee is my favorite character.
I really like most of Joss Whedon's stuff but I'm more familiar with his tv series like Buffy- who is awesome by the way.
~Summer

Rhonda Albom said...

I wonder if Firefly will ever make it to New Zealand. Now, I really want to see it, especially with a character like Heather. Love her blog, and yours.

Rhonda @Laugh-Quotes.com
Visiting from AtoZ

Isis Rushdan said...

I enjoy Whedon's work. I'm a big Buffy fan. Didn't he write Cabin in the Woods?

Tina said...

I'll join you on that tirade...My post at the A-Z tomorrow also advertises the reflections posts. Off to visit gnome girl!

Tina @ Life is Good
Co-host, April 2013 A-Z Challenge Blog
@TinaLifeisGood, #atozchallenge

Michelle Gregory said...

i've never thought about Kaylee's importance to the crew, but she is. still, my favorite character is Inara. i like her nurturing side. i only know what movie Joss directed *after* Serenity.

jaybird said...

Love, love love Joss Whedon. I'm a huge Buffy fan.

Ah, Firefly. Why does tve get rid of shows like Firefly and subject us to things like Gator Boys. Ugh. I will never understand this. :)

Rick Daley said...

My first experience with Joss Whedon was The Avengers. He rocks. I need to check out his prior works.

Liesel K. Hill said...

I've never actually watched Firefly. I never wanted to because I know people loved it and it was cancelled prematurely, but the more I hear about it, the more I kind of want to see it. :D Never seen Serenity either. I might have to check it out. :D

Luanne G. Smith said...

I think I'm the only person in the blogosphere to not see Serenity.

And Stormy the gnome is always hilarious. :)

Tyrean Martinson said...

Firefly, Serenity, Heather and Stormy, Stop the World - awesome combo!!!! My mind just doesn't do trivia most days . . .and I'm looking forward to the reflections post. I've learned some things along the way.

Ella said...

Cheers for Heather and Stormy... :D

I think I might have found Stormy a girlfriend ;D

Son says I need to watch Firefly...sounds like a fab marathon mission, lol!

I am looking forward to the Reflection post-they are always great!

Hope it is warmer where you are...yikes! I just saw a Hummingbird cussing, lol!

Julie Flanders said...

I just discovered Heather and Stormy thanks to the challenge this year and I'm so glad I did. I love Stormy haha.

L.G. Keltner said...

I agree that Firefly was cancelled far too soon, and I love Serenity! It's one of those films that I can easily watch over and over again.

Thanks for advertising my blogfest for me! You're awesome!

Mary Aalgaard said...

I feel a connection to Heather and Stormy! Very fun. I'm already mentally writing my reflections post. I've had a blast this year with Millie and Willie sharing their stories.

Anonymous said...

Stop the world is right! It spins too fast at times.

I have not watched all of Firefly -- before you throw something at me, I mean to. I just haven't had time lately, but I will be getting on it...eventually. ;)

Congrats to Randi!

Best,

Alexandra~

Pat Hatt said...

Serenity sure is one of the best Sci-fi movies going. Watched it many a time. Kaylee is Keller of course such a Jewel. That crummy Buffy movie is the only one I can think of that he made before Serenity.

Amy Jarecki said...

I love Heather's blog...and smart, sassy heroines. Great post today!

Unknown said...

Douglas Adams died far too early. Love Hitchhiker's Guide, so that'll be a fun blogfest - thanks for the info.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Sorry Jo!

Melanie, one more week!

Anne, I just watched a recent concert of theirs last night! Forgot what channel it was on though.

Brandon and Bryan, no excuses!

Jaybird, good question!

Liesel, Firefly first, and then Serenity.

Ella, let Heather know! And it was in the thirties this morning.

LG, you're welcome!

Pat, you'll find the answer tomorrow.

Stephen Tremp said...

Props to Heather and Stormy! Gotta love that Gnome.

Just signed up for the Towel Day Blogfest. Love the Hitchikers series!

SC Author said...

Congrats, Heather and Stormy!

David P. King said...

you know, I have yet to see Firefly (don't throw stuff at me!), but I have it on the Netflix, ready to go. I always appreciate your news. Keeps me informed, especially after a blogging break. :)

Roland D. Yeomans said...

All those who have not watched FIREFLY or SERENITY have missed a fun ride through the stars. You're a champion for pointing folks to other bloggers, Alex.

SK Anthony said...

I have to check out Serenity... not Firefly, I'll just be horribly annoyed if I get hooked for something that wont go on :(

I'm curious to read the A-Z reflections, I didn't join this year but I've enjoyed reading the posts. It should be fun to participate next year!

Suze said...

I like the pic of Stormy. :)

cleemckenzie said...

I did AtoZ reflections last year. If life settles down I'll do it again because it was a nice way to organize my thoughts after a month of posting.

Thanks again for the links to other great bloggers. That's always a super way to connect.

Unknown said...

They would have had more to watch on the space station if Firefly wasn't cancelled after ONE season! I wish they had done more.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

I loved Serenity.

Heather's posts have been funny.

ilima said...

I'm in the middle of re-watching Firefly...again. It's my favorite show! And meeting a real-life Kaylee would be shiny, especially if she wore a big pink ruffly dress. With grease stains, of course. :)

Michael Offutt, Phantom Reader said...

The only thing I checked out before Firefly was Buffy.

Mark Means said...

Huge Firefly fan and can't, to this day, watch Christina Hendricks on "Mad Men" and not think of her as 'Mrs. Reynolds' :)

Powdered Toast Man said...

Reflection post? That seems like homework on spring break or summer reading. Do I get extra credit points?

Anonymous said...

I had no idea about Serenity and Firefly dvd's being on the space station. How COOL!

Anonymous said...

I had no idea about Serenity and Firefly dvd's being on the space station. How COOL!

John Wiswell said...

A Towel Day blog hop? That sounds very appealing. Will have to pop over!

John at The Bathroom Monologues

Maurice Mitchell said...

There's not one thing Whedon's done I haven't liked Alex. His films are awesome. Stormy the Weather Gnome is hilarious!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

David, you need to watch it. Consider it research.

Thanks, Roland.

SK, please join us in 2014.

Clarissa, exactly!!

Ilima, I'd take her with just the grease.

PTM, yes you do.

Maurice, the man is gold right now.

RaShelle Workman said...

Hey Alex. I haven't seen Serenity or Firefly. I think I started watching Firefly once... I should continue it.

Happy Monday. =)

Intangible Hearts said...

I enjoyed reading and writing short posts but some folks didn't get the A to Z recommendation that their posts should be slightly shorter so folks can read more posts. Also ran into captcha hell a few times.

Mina Burrows said...

I loved Serenity. LOVED it! Lots of action going on with ninjas, huh? Cool!

Nancy Thompson said...

You know me, I don't really do much sci-fi, ('cept yours, of course) but I love, love, love, love, LOVE Heather and Stormy!! She's is all those things you mention & much more. What a fitting tribute to them both!! Hmm, another reflections post, huh? Guess I better do it now. I'll be in the air on May 3rd & in AZ after that, so not much time. Thanks for the reminder!

Unknown said...

A reflection post, sounds great.
I will check out serenity, I did watch Firefly. Thanks
#atozchallenge
maggie at expat brazil

Anonymous said...

Had a fun time visiting Heather's site. Thanks, Alex:) So many reflections came to me throughout the month of April. I'll likely post several in the coming months. Too bad I didn't write them down at the time...sometimes simmering thoughts make for better writing anyway. It's been a wild ride this time around...here's to staying strong to the finish! Best to all! :)

Hart Johnson said...

Kaylee's a fabulous character! Says a lot for Heather that you paired them. I love the combo of sweet innocence with tough sass and her area of absolute expertise. I also like the sibling-like relationship she has with Mal.

mooderino said...

I've never seen an episode of Firefly. Must get round to finding out what all the fuss was about.

mood
Moody Writing

Leovi said...

Yes, just for Kaylee should see it!

Gail said...

Off to visit blogger for the day.

Debating on joining this little challenge next year...looks like fun.

Sheena-kay Graham said...

Serenity is a great movie. What I love about the A-Z challenge is the variety of posts and chance to meet new people.

Carrie-Anne said...

I'm enjoying finding new blogs in the A-Z Challenge, though I keep finding some blogs on the list that never began participating, or who bowed out early. Other than that, there are a lot of good themes I've found.

Rebecca Green Gasper said...

I do not know Serenity. I will go check it out- looks good. I also do not know Heather, so I will have to head on over to her site and say Hi to her! Hope you had a great weekend. I went MIA- but I'm back and at 'em. :)

Andrew Leon said...

Like all good vampires, I have no reflection. Which actually isn't accurate...

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Alex .. you lost me re Serenity, but Sci Films I haven't ever watched - always a first I guess ..

Reflections post .. thanks for the advance warning - cheers Hilary

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Desert, I've encountered a lot of long posts this year as well.

Thank you, Nancy!

Hart, I just think she's hot...

Gail, you should!

Carrie-Anne, we are trying to catch those.

Andrew, no way you could be at a loss for words!

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

I had some friends who were really into Firefly. Their fans were like a (harmless) cult. I was shocked they canceled the show so abruptly. Gonna make rounds to the folks you've pointed us to. Thanks, Alex.

xoRobyn

Charles Gramlich said...

I have yet to see serenity. Even though it seems to have everything I could crave in a movie. SOme day

Unknown said...

A new blog to check out-- awesome.

klahanie said...

Greetings Alex,

We've not seen Firefly. Good choice with Heather and Stormy!
Congrats to Randi.

When my human and myself do the blogging rounds, we have noted a number of those participating in that alphabet challenge are writing some very long postings. We believe that brevity is the key.

We are both non-participants who sort of participate. If that makes any sense. Of course, we will do a reflections post at a completely different time.

All the best and thanks again for your kind noting of our blog.

Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet superstar!

The Angry Lurker said...

Who wasn't a fan of Firefly and Serenity, well not back then I suppose but now? Too late!

PK HREZO said...

Yay for Heather!!

Sherry Ellis said...

I enjoyed Firefly and was sad to see it go.

Al Diaz said...

I've become Stormy addicted during the Challenge. That's a nice song. New to me but I like it.
Is it just me or your page is taking ages to load for some unknown reason? The right side bar trembles so much it makes me dizzy. Maybe it is just me.

Unknown said...

Sorry I could not rise to the challenge this year but have enjoyed reading the daily entries.
~Just Jill

Unknown said...

Browncoata unite! Best show and movie. Going to watch it right now, just because I can!

VikLit said...

I'll happily join in with a reflections on A-Z post.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Gary and Penny, you are welcome to do a reflections post. And sadly, I've noticed that as well.

Fran, it needed more fans back then obviously.

Al, I'm sorry - I haven't noticed anything.

Jill, next year!

Karen Jones Gowen said...

I'll probably do a reflections post and it will basically be a big THANK YOU to Arlee and all of you who have worked so tirelessly to make this one of the best Challenges ever!

Rusty Carl said...

Firefly/Serenity was amazing beyond description. You've excellent taste in films - and friends.

Misha Gerrick said...

Stormy's adventures are such fun. And yep, I'll do a reflections post too. :-)

Robin said...

Don't get me started (either) on the cancellation of Firefly. Gah. While I loved Serenity, it was soooo sad. "I'm a leaf on the wind..."

It's funny... I am aware (somewhat of who is writing what on TV, but who is directing what at the box office... oftentimes not so much UNLESS it is up for a big award. I know that is just strange. But, there it is. That said, I do believe that Joss Whedon directed The Avengers and The Cabin in The Woods AFTER Serenity. I saw the former, but not the latter. So, there you go.

SpacerGuy said...

I love Kaylee shes a great sense of humor

Gwen Gardner said...

I only recently discovered Firefly and did see Serenity, too. Still haven't seen all the episodes, so I have that to look forward to.

Yay for Heather! She's perfect for Kailee.

Anonymous said...

Never a better story than Joss, Firefly, and Serenity. Browncoats rule!

I love Kaylee. She's so country, too, lol. So glad she and Simon got together in the end. <3

Bish Denham said...

Totally enjoyed Firefly and Serenty. Kaylee rocks!

Cate Masters said...

Kaylee sounds like fun!

Michelle Wallace said...

Heather and Stormy are a great duo!
I'll be joining in with my Reflections post.

Writer In Transit

Christine Rains said...

Serenity is a fantastic film, and yay for Heather! She's fantastic, and Stormy is pretty cool himself. I'll be doing the Reflections post this year.

Mel Chesley said...

Looking forward to the reflections post. :D

Carol Kilgore said...

Love Stormy :)

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

Such a lovely tribute to Heather. You're such a dear, Alex. Can't believe how fast the month went.

Unknown said...

I think I will do a reflections post just so everyone can know how awesome this challenge is!

Kelley Lynn said...

I've heard so many good things about Firefly. Must find someone with Netflix! haha :) Hope things are good with you Alex!

David T List said...

I'm interested to know what Joss Whedon did before Firefly (Although I could just look it up, this is funner).
I loved Serenity and Firefly. I've had all the episodes and the movie saved on my DVR for over a year and sometimes I just let them play. I've had to turn to Castle for my Nathan Fillion fix. He's just hilarious.

Author A.O. Peart said...

I need to get Firefly on DVD. Awesome sci-fi show ever, and I know it will be missed by many. I've never watched Serenity - it's on my TBW list now :-)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Karen, thanks - we've been trying.

Robin, yes, they were both after Serenity.

Debra, my wife was really happy about that.

Jenn, that's good to hear!

David, he's a great actor.

M Pax said...

I still adore Firefly. I'm glad we got some closure with Serenity.

Lisa said...

I adore Firefly and Serenity. I can't believe they canceled it. Most of the actors in them were ones I've liked for a long time. I know he did Buffy and all the spinoffs of Buffy. He also did Doll House. I really only watched Buffy, of which I own the whole set...

Anonymous said...

Alex,

Great topic for "S". I still adore Joss Whedon's creation. I live in L.A. and see him buzzing in and out of video stores every now and then. He buys armloads of movies.

Kaylee was my favorite character too. Loved her heart and sassy innocence. Still she was worldly in her way. Great stuff.

Cheers from a brand new A to Z Challenger.

Empty Nest Insider said...

Congras to Heather! I'll start thinking about a reflections post when I finish x, Y, and z!

Julie

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

I'm a huge fan of Firefly and Serenity (as you know). HUGE!
Awesome pick!

Allison said...

You know how I feel about Firefly :) Best show ever.

Allison (Geek Banter)

mshatch said...

Heather is hilarious - or is it Stormy? Either way I've been enjoying Stormy's exploits over the course of this challenge :)

Cherie Reich said...

Firefly was awesome, and so is Heather!

Thanks for reminding us about the A-Z reflections post. :)

JJ said...

Wow. I have been writing and teaching so much that I know none of the selections. I rarely watch TV. It looks like I am missing some fun, yes?

Helena said...

I've only caught Firefly now and then, but I'm always impressed with how rabid the fans are, so there must be some real meat to the stories and characters.

A gnome wrangler? Now that's tough woman.

DiscConnected said...

While I will always give the title of best sci-fi series to the original Star Trek, Firefly runs a pretty close second, and Serenity was the best attempt I have ever seen to tie up loose ends with a movie (including TV movies in that opinion).

I hate it when networks cancel a show that ends on a cliffhanger or with unresolved story lines.

Joss Whedon must have felt the same way, because his script for the film accomplished more than a second season would have, and brought out all the characters in ways they never were seen during the series' run.

Great film.

DiscConnected said...

I hit send too fast...was your trivia question a trick question?

I thought Serenity was Whedon's big-screen directorial debut.

In fact, I can't think of any made-for-TV movies, unless you count Buffy's pilot (I seem to remember that was longer than a standard episode).

I know he was involved in the Buffy movie, as well as Alien Resurrectionbut I thought they were both as a writer.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Big fan of Serenity and Firefly though I didn't watch the show when it was on TV. I would have been furious when they canceled.

DL Hammons said...

Firefly & Serenity uber-fan to the max!! The fact that I have a miniature Serenity made out of legos perched above me right now is a testament! :)

Hildie McQueen said...

Here I go again coming out from under a rock. I have never watched Firefly, my hubby is a big fan, so I've caught a snippet here and there. *ducking* don't hit me!!!

Erin L. Funk said...

Biggest tragedy in TV history when Firefly got cancelled. The hubby & I just finished rewatching Firefly & Serenity recently. And I'm currently wearing a "Kaylee's Shiny Spacecraft Repairs" shirt. :)

Heather M. Gardner said...

Alex - Thanks again for your mention. I just read through the comments. So many good blog friends on here. You guys made me feel very special today and everyone needs that now and then. Thank you so much!
Heather

Jemi Fraser said...

Firefly is one of the best series ever. Love it! And great choice to represent Kaylee! :)

Unknown said...

I've heard good things about Firefly. With being a tv junkie, you'd think I'd have gotten on that train already. Silly me.
I really think you like the band Extreme. They have been song picks a few times now for the blogfest. :)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

JJ, you need to join the fun.

Larry, you are correct. And Serenitydid more than tie up lose ends.

DL, I'm impressed!

Erin, that's cool.

Heather, you are most welcome.

Maryannwrites said...

Thanks for the intro to a fun blog. I enjoyed meeting Heather and Stormy. By now you probably know I don't watch many of the same series you do, but I always enjoy your reviews.

Tracy Jo said...

Can't believe A to Z is already coming to an end. Seems like it has gone too fast. Looking forward to the reflection posts!

Michael Di Gesu said...

Hi, Alex,


Of course I follow Heather. She is a New Yorker like me ... lol. LOVE stormy and she does have a sassy sense of humor.

I still have one a half more posts to write. The challenge is by far challenging, but I have met a few bloggers who are definitely keepers. And I have found some wonderful themes.

Can't wait to do the reflections post... And I can't wait to go back to THREE DAYS A WEEK.... lol.

Angela Ackerman said...

I feel like such a failure as I never watched Firefly. It was one series I always regretted not watching...but, the nice thing is picking up the series is so easy to do, and no commercials or waiting for the next season to contend with! :)

Livia Peterson said...

Awesome choice, Alex! And I have many films to see yet! :)

Carrie Butler said...

Shiny! Let's be bad guys. :D

Unknown said...

Never saw Firefly but I've heard so much great stuff about it. I'm definitely planning on checking it out!

Me and Karen will be chiming in when the challenge is over!

Anonymous said...

I'll be ready for my reflections.

I've never seen Firefly, but I hope to catch it on Amazon.

Unknown said...

I am a Browncoat forever! Kaylee is the best and I adore her. Jewel did an episode of Supernatural where she played a monster trying to live under the radar. It was really cool.

I thoroughly enjoy Heather and Stormy. You know, I had never given Extreme a second thought. I will have to revisit them. :)

Elizabeth Seckman said...

I must go visit Heather.

Never saw that movie either. I might be a little pathetic.

Susan Oloier said...

Heather is great. As is Stormy!

Jai Joshi said...

I've had so many people tell me about Firefly and I've heard of Serenity but I never watched them. It's on my list.

Jai

Birgit said...

I have followed 3 people and commented each day(actually I have been dreadfully ill the last few days so catching up on my posts. Maybe i will do it next year...we shall see:) Can you tell I dip my little toe slowly into the water rather than dive in-I never do that:) I have never seen the film so should put it on my to watch list

Bevimus said...

I JUST watched this (for something like the 7th time) last night! And I will be a Browncoat until I die.

Congrats to Heather!

I will be posting my reflections along with everyone else on May 3rd.

MOCK! said...

I'm all about the flickchart these days and Serenity climbs higher and higher with every viewing! Almost time to rewatch the series!!

Patricia Stoltey said...

I've definitely been experiencing some "Stop the World" moments in my life these last few months.

J.L. Campbell said...

Haven't met Heather yet. Congrats to David on his win. Will keep the Reflections post in mind.

randi lee said...

Oh thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for the short out, Alex! You seriously made my day :D

I could also write a novel on my thoughts about that show being cancelled way too soon. It's one of my favorites and really was cut down in its prime!

Kristen said...

I so love Firefly! I still miss it! Serenity was just a great movie. So glad it was your choice for S. :)

#atozchallenge, Kristen's blog: kristenhead.blogspot.com

The Happy Whisk said...

I still haven't seen the film. Own it, but haven't seen it. Tim has. LOVED the TV show. Own that as well. Great stuff.

Often I wondered had they gone with a better name, not Firefly, that maybe more would have tuned in, back in the day.

Cheers and boogie boogie.