While science fiction may mimic the technology of the era in which it was filmed, the genre can transport our imagination to different worlds. From Star Wars to Star Trek and so many more, there are plenty of series that can scratch that sci-fi itch. But there is one series in particular I’d like to draw attention to, one that ended before it had the chance to truly begin and that coincidentally turns 20 this year. I’m talking about the one and only Firefly.

                Firefly was an American “Space Western” for the Fox Network. The short-lived but beloved sci-fi series originally aired in September 2002, produced by writer and director Joss Whedon (who was known for projects such as Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Angel and Marvel’s The Avengers (2012)) and Tim Minear. The show is set approximately 500 years in the future and is based on the crew of the Firefly-class ship Serenity as they make their living on the fringes of the galaxy’s law. Captain Malcom Reynolds attracts a motley crew, and this unlikely family forges a place for themselves among the stars.

                Firefly features an ensemble cast starring actor Nathan Fillion. The show primarily focuses on the Serenity’snine crew members, but it also develops the galaxy in which it is set. As a space western, Firefly incorporates a variety of planets and environments. In one episode, the crew may be infiltrating a high-tech medical facility (a plotline that is not out of place in most sci-fi), while in the next episode the crew will be exploring a town and homestead that would be commonplace in your run-of-the-mill western. Firefly darts between these two styles smoothly and without issue.

                The show’s score was composed by Greg Edmondson and excellently supplements the show’s locales and tone with great motifs. It balances effortlessly between themes you would expect from a space opera as well as westerns of the time. The show’s presentation of new environments is also top-notch. Firefly’s visual special effects look great for the time it was released, and the show even took home a prime-time Emmy for Outstanding Visual Effects for a TV series in 2003.

                Now, you might be thinking that sets, scores, and atmosphere aren’t enough to carry an episodic television series, and you would be correct. But don’t worry, because Firefly’sgreatest strength is its main cast and how they interact with each other. Even a superbly written show will fall short if the cast lacks on-screen charisma and banter, but Firefly does not have this issue. Each crewmember on the Serenity is unique enough to stand out, but their personalities compliment each other wonderfully, which is one of the best things about the series.

                With all these great elements blended together, you may be wondering why this show is relatively unknown. The answer is simple: Firefly had a troubled launch so to speak. Besides being stuck with a not so favorable time slot, the series failed a build a following quick enough for Fox’s liking. Firefly launched with a two-hour pilot and 14 episodes total, but the network canceled the show after only 11 out of the 14 had aired. To further complicate the situation, Fox also released the episodes out of order.

                Ironically enough, the series amassed a cult following after its cancellation. Some of these followers went as far as to raise money to appeal to the network to revive Firefly. While these efforts were unable to revive the show, the support was enough to convince Joss Whedon and Universal Studios to create the 2005 film Serenity, which continued the story. Firefly was also adapted into a comic book series and a role playing game released by Margaret Weis Productions. Despite the show’s short runtime, it left quite an impact on pop culture, and there have been few shows like it since its cancellation.                 Whedon had initially expressed that Firefly was designed to run as a seven-season series, but there are benefits to the show’s shortened runtime. If you are in search of a sci-fi series but are short on free time, you will enjoy what Firefly has to offer. And with the follow-up film, there is a conclusion for the crew of Serenity. Before its cancellation, Firefly had the potential to be one of the biggest sci-fi phenomenon out there. But what it did provide, in my opinion, is an extremely entertaining space western experience. I recommend Firefly as a great watch even today.