Customer Reviews

Firefly: The Official Companion: Volume Two

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I am of the opinion that of all of the late, lamented series in television, the fans of Joss Whedon's "Firefly" are the most unwilling to let things go, especially after "Serenity." After all, they only shot fifteen episodes of the series (I count the two-part pilot as two), and not all of those were aired. Of course, those that were aired were not aired in the right order in another classic example of a network killing a series with their meddling (when you hire a Joss Whedon just get out of his way and let him do what he wants the way he wants to do it). Fans of "Firefly" might be bitter, but loyalty and persistence are even stronger traits. Their support of "Serenity" at the IMBD was such that you would have thought the film was the second coming of "Gone With the Wind." Benbella books is coming out with a second volume of essays on the show, and there is even a DVD, "Done The Impossible: The Fans' Tale of Firefly & Serenity," devoted the phenomenon.

"Firefly: The Official Companion, Volume Two" is another fine example of what such books should be, as fans of Whedon's television series have come to expect. What you get here is more of what we found in Volume One. The fun begins with the second part of an in-depth interview with Whedon and then the volume is organized so that you have a script, with one-page looks at one of the characters opposite of a full-page candid shot, and then afterwards you will find either an interview with a key member behind the camera (e.g., producer Tim Minear, production designer Carey Meyer, cinematographer David Boyd) or other topics of interest (e.g, "You Can't Stop the Signal: The Fans," "'I call it Vera': Jayne's Weapons"). This time around we get the "full, uncut shooting scripts" for "Jaynestown," "Out of Gas," "Ariel," "War Stories," "Trash," "The Message," "Heart of Gold," and "Objects in Space." That means between "Firefly: The Official Companion: Volume One," which has the scripts for the first seven episodes, and "Serenity Official Visual Companion," which includes the screenplay for the motion, picture.

So the good news is that we now have all of the scripts for the adventures of Mal Reynolds and his mutely crew (we only got up to season 3 with the "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" script books, but then they had 144 episodes). The bad news is that there is no real reason to have a third volume, but let us keep the focus on the glass being half full at this point. Besides, one of the sections, "'Firefly'-That-Wasn't: Unused Story Ideas," will give you food for thought. Throughout the scripts you will find not only choice examples of Whedon's stage directions but also sidebars providing insights into actors and various aspects of production, and most every page has "rare and previously unpublished images, including behind-the-scenes shots, production art, costume designs and original 'Firefly' props photographed especially for this book." I could go on, but all that really matters is that Volume Two is as good as Volume One, and if you have Volume One all I really need to tell you is that Volume Two has been published.

I missed Firefly, the first time around, and didn't discover the series until after I'd rented Serenity. I can't call myself a confirmed browncoat, though I really *really* liked everything about the show.

But when I saw this book on the library's New Books stack, I grabbed it. I think you should grab a copy, too, even if you're no die-hard fan. Because this book is _fun_.

Most of the book is episode scripts (half of them; the other half are in Volume One). That's worth the price alone, because the scripts are immensely readable. Like other intelligent shows, the dialogue is both fast and thoughtful, and you might not have caught everything when you heard it the first or second time around. In particular, the scripts include the translations from the Chinese expletives, and most of them are _very_ funny.

And the "stage direction" is not the dispassionate descriptive sort ("Man enters, wearing a hat"). It reflects the entire mood of the show:
INARA walks towards them, heading for the stairs up to the shuttle catwalk. She's dressed with stunning elegance.
KAYLEE: Hey there, 'Nara. Heading off for some glamorous romance?
Simon turns, momentarily stunned by her elegance.

If you're a screenwriter, this is absolutely a must-have.

The book is also peppered with cast interviews, stories about the creation of Firefly's theme song, production explanations on how, for example, they created Niska's Skyplex. In this book, you can spend an enjoyable few hours investigating how a show can be done *right*...even if the network screwed it up.

Every Browncoat should have this book -- and of course Volume 1 as well. Together they provide all the scripts of the TV show, interviews, and "insider" information. Good stuff.

As with volume 1, this book is beautifully illustrated and contains a wealth of interviews and scripts. It has many photos of props and remarkably detailed descriptions of Jayne's weapons, as well as articles on some of the fan efforts. Sure to thrill any fan of the show.

If you're reading this review, then you must not own volume one of Firefly: The Official Companion. If you did, then you wouldn't need a review to sell you on this one. So I have a piece of advice for you: buy both books. If you have a place in your heart for Firefly, then make a place on your coffee table for these books. Each one is overflowing with behind-the-scenes information about every episode of Firefly. There's sure to be something to interest every fan. I particularly enjoy all the prop info. You get detailed views of props and weapons, along with insight from the prop team as to how they made or modified each item. Fascinating stuff, and indispensable if you're a gamer.
Treat yourself to these books. You won't regret it.

This second edition of the companion is every bit as good as the first. I've thoroughly enjoyed both of them. If you enjoyed going into Whedon's verse, you will love these companions. The scripts have scenes in them that didn't make it on screen, there are great interviews with the cast, directors, producers... it's a lot of fun. I highly recommend this book along with the first companion.

As a confirmed Browncoat, I was always going to buy this when it came out. It is excellent - and makes me wonder even more how such a brilliant TV programme can get canned. The second part of the official companion, this focuses on the scripts for the last episodes, including the wonderful Out of Gas, and War Stories, as well as the last episode - Objects in Space. As well as marvellous photos that haven't been seen before, there are articles on all the main actors, as well as on the music, the cinematography ... and lots more.

Take some time out to read this, and I guarantee that you'll be buying the boxset of DVDs, and the special edition of Serenity (the film that came about because of the fans' amazing support) ... and you too will start to call yourself a Browncoat!

Just to let future buyers be aware....this book (and Vol. 1) are basically just the scripts to the (REALLY FUN) shows. As my husband put it, "It's just the lines, without the wonderful delivery the actors achieved in the shows." I thought it would be more like the various other "about" books that exist about popular movies/TV shows - full of pictures and other fun "about" stuff. In my opinion, these two books were not that.

My father-in-law adores Firefly (I personally don't see why lol)! He loved getting this, we got it for him over a year ago and he still comments on what a nice gift it was.

If you love Firefly, you HAVE to have this! This book is beautiful, gorgeous photos and illustrations. Amazing interviews and profiles on all characters and actors. Full scripts, includes translation for the Chinese comments! Awesome. Way exceeded my expectations!!