Quote:
Originally Posted by VaporPunk
"Space western" makes me think of Firefly. This makes me sad...  Even after all these years, I cannot forgive the cancellation of this show. |
Insofar as "western" is usually synonymous with "living on the untamed frontier,"
Firefly was undoubtedly a Space Western. (Other shows have been set on the "untamed frontier," but
Firefly intentionally went the obvious route with "American West" trappings. I guess Whedon's original idea was that the western trappings would make even the most obtuse allegories easy for Fox executives to understand. Lesson learned: Never underestimate the obtuseness of a TV executive.)
Living on the frontier isn't necessarily considered a pessimistic theme; the main characters are working to avoid the life they don't want to live (under the Alliance, in
Firefly's case). Labeling it optimistic or pessimistic pretty much depends on their success in doing so. I'd say Firefly was optimistic, considering they always managed to keep on flying.