Firefly Characters vs. Buffy Characters

[Crazy Flakes]

I started watching Firefly about a week ago, and I'm already in love with it. It's completely unique, and nothing like any other show, Whedonverse and non-Whedonverse alike. But I've started to draw a lot of parallels between Firefly and Buffy/Angel characters. Here are the characters I've mainly compared:

Mal=Angel. They're both the mysterious, tortured heroes, and in a way, they're both seeking redemption. Plus, there's the obvious fact that they're both attractive, well-built brunettes.

Wash=Xander. The first thing I noticed about Wash was that he was just like Xander. I mean, come on...how could you not think of him in that first scene with Wash and his dinosaurs? They even dress the same way!

Kaylee=Willow. Particularly Willow in the earlier seasons. They're both smart, tech-savvy, optimistic, and perky. Then again, she's just as similar to Fred, so you could use that comparison, too.

Jayne=Spike. Like Wash, Jayne immediately reminded me of Spike. I mean, they both like to fight, they're both aggressive, they're both snarky, they're both hot...I could go on and on.

Zoe=Buffy. I admit, I couldn't find many character parallels with Zoe, but I found a few similarities between those two. They're both warrior girls, they're both brave, and they've both got sharp wit.

Simon=Wesley. At first, I didn't think Simon could really be compared to anyone, but now that I think of it, he's a definite Wesley (from the later seasons, of course.) They're both really smart and protective. And, like Jayne and Spike, they're both really hot ^^

River=Crazy!Tara. I was going to say Drusilla at first, but now that I think about it, River and Dru are two different types of crazy. River and Crazy Tara, on the other hand, have the same craziness. Plus, nobody was really trying to protect Dru (unless you count Evil Spike), while Willow helped Tara the same way Simon helps River.

Book=Giles. Like Giles, Book's the oldest, wisest member of the group, and almost acts as a father figure for the crew.

Inara=Tara(?) To be honest, Inara doesn't really remind me of any Buffyverse character, but I guess she's a little bit like Tara was in late season 6. They're both caring and compassionate, but also strong-minded. Although I can hardly picture Tara being anything even close to a companion.

Anyone else notice any similarities between Firefly and Buffy/Angel characters?

 

[palabravampiress]

I agree with everything but River.

That said, I totally see River in the Buffyverse... but on Angel. I think the origins of River can be found in the character "Dana." She's the crazy, scythe-activated slayer who, in season 5 of Angel, cuts off Spike's hands. I looked at my husband and said, "Wow... how much do you want to bet she was the prototype for River?"

 

[white avenger]

I agree with all of the parallels except for Zoe (I believe that her Buffy counterpart would be Spike: They're both warriors, they're both totally supportive of their chosen leaded, whether Buffy for Spike or Mal for Zoe; and Jayne, who I see as a parallel for Anya. Both have a decidedly violent past, both seem to be ruled by their desire for possessions, especially money, and both only seem to want to fight only if it suits their purposes. Plus, they both furnish "much needed sarcasm).

 

[Aethra]

Interesting. When I went into Firefly, I did so trying not to think about Buffy at all, because, well, I was skeptical, and I didn't want to be let down. But in the end, I was far from let down! It never did occur to me to make connections, however, and I think most of yours are spot-on, though the characters are different enough that one can tell they were unique, and not recycled Buffy characters.

I do agree more with palabravampiress about River, though, and I even see a connection between her and Fred when we first meet her in Pylea (not to mention the character Summer Glau plays on The 4400, Tess Doerner).

 

[Chocolate-Drop]

I can see how the paralells make sense, but I prefer the River-Dana one to River-Tara.

And also, the Firefly characters are just that bit more interesting, but the connections are there i guess.

 

[palabravampiress]

I don't know if I'd say the Firefly characters were more "interesting." They were more mysterious, yes, but that's because the show was pulled before we got the chance to fully explore their characters and their pasts. I actually loved that about them. They were so complex -- at least in part because they tended to be older and to have at least part of their motivations and desires unknown to us.

Of course, what I loved about the Buffy characters was that I knew them so well. I was able to watch them grow up. I was able to get attached to them.

I guess I'm easy to please. 🙂

 

[Joyce Summers]

Like PV said I don't know whether you can say the Firefly characters are more interesting. I don't think you can claim any of the characters from any of the shows are more interesting than from the other two. It all depends.
I prefer the Buffy characters for the history we know of them and like Palabra said, we watch them grow up, they become part of your family and I love that.
But I love the Angel characters because of how extremely each and everyone of them change. Not one of them is stationary in their character, even Lorne has changed drastically by the end of season 5.
And Palabra already got me beat on the Firefly characters- they seem more mysterious and exotic. Perhaps it's the futuristic thing or perhaps it's the whole got-pulled-early thing.

Either way I don't think any set of characters are more interesting than the other. They just all have a different set of attributes and it depends on you which one reaches you most. I've always been a hugely family oriented person so the Buffy dynamic appeals to me most.

Maybe Chocolate-Drop you're an exotic/mysterious person at heart...or wish to be...and that's why you find the Firefly ones most interesting. Hehe

 

[Washburne]

That said, I totally see River in the Buffyverse... but on Angel. I think the origins of River can be found in the character "Dana." She's the crazy, scythe-activated slayer who, in season 5 of Angel, cuts off Spike's hands. I looked at my husband and said, "Wow... how much do you want to bet she was the prototype for River?"

I might misunderstand you here. I can always blame on english not being my mothertongue and all that. 😉

Firefly was shoot before Angel season 5, right? Or am I mixing up the years? Based on that, isn´t it more likely that River was the prototype for Dana if we´re going to think in those terms? Of course it doesn´t mean that Dana wasn´t created in Joss´s head before River since he often is years in advance in his thoughts.

Anyway, it´s an interesting topic.

 

[T.I.P]

Firefly v buffy characters. is there any contest?

 

[T.I.P]

Just saw Serenity on Friday for the first time(cost 3 quid) and im going on the assumption the Serenity characters are the same as Fireflys.
So, Btvs v Firefly. Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaahhaahhahahahahahahahahhahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahah.
Seriously? Btvs by a million billion miles. Mal is the only good character in it. I find it hilarious that some people even try to compare the two. If
Firefly was any good, more people would give a toss.

 

[white avenger]

Just saw Serenity on Friday for the first time(cost 3 quid) and im going on the assumption the Serenity characters are the same as Fireflys.
So, Btvs v Firefly. Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaahhaahhahahahahahahahahhahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahah.
Seriously? Btvs by a million billion miles. Mal is the only good character in it. I find it hilarious that some people even try to compare the two. If
Firefly was any good, more people would give a toss.

As you might notice from the discussion above, there are some of us who DO "give a toss," and do think that both the show and the movie are good. Otherwise the thread wouldn't have been started in the first place, and your reply would be #1 instead of #10.

 

[Lou]

River reminds me of Fred at the beginning.
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Edit:
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If
Firefly was any good, more people would give a toss.

Actually LOTS of people gave a toss about the show, which is WHY there was a movie.
Sadly, I didn't like the movie one bit. I mean, I guess it was good to have an "ending" for the series. But, I thought it was HORRIBLE compared to the show. But, I guess you can only do so much in 2 hours. Joss and movies really aren't my favorite.

 

[T.I.P]

Actually, despite me laughing at the comparison(i just love Btvs too much), im going to get Firefly tomorrow. Its quite cheap(for ireland anyway)
and although i cant see it being as good as buffy, im still gonna give it a chance,
I love movies but, imo, a movie cannot compare to a full series of something.
I mean, i really couldnt see a Btvs movie being anywhere near as good as any given full Btvs season, so im definetly willing
to give the Firefly series a chance when i get it.
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Edit:
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With Firefly, im hoping magic happens, and i wouldnt put it past Joss to come out with another classic.
I never thought in a million years id like Btvs, but, unbelievebly, when i seen it, i was magically hooked, same with Ats, so, heres hoping
its the same story with firefly(and Caleb/Mal is definetly a great actor/character)

 

[white avenger]

I really would have liked some sort of explanation as to just why Inara and Book left the ship (as far as that goes, I would have preferred that Book and Wash hadn't gotten killed), but I'm an old "Star Trek," "Battlestar Galactica " (the original, haven't seen the new version), "Buck Rogers," etc sci fi fan, and anything with a star ship and a crew hooks me.

 

[Washburne]

Actually, despite me laughing at the comparison(i just love Btvs too much), im going to get Firefly tomorrow. Its quite cheap(for ireland anyway)
and although i cant see it being as good as buffy, im still gonna give it a chance

If you compare the Buffy character with the ones from Firefly you got to remember one thing. Firefly was only half a season and compared with Buffys first season my mind is pretty clear. Firefly wins hands down! I´ll admit it took me 3 or 4 episodes before I got hooked (think it was the hilarious Jaynestown that got me) but I do love the show now. But there´s no way I would be into Buffy the same way if it´d only been season one. Having time to let the characters grow for 6,5 years against 0,5 do make a big difference. Ok, so add the movie and you got another two episodes but it´s still not the same.


I´m pleased that you at least will give the show a chance. Hope you´ll like it!
How can you not love stuff like this YouTube - Wash's Monologue
YouTube - Hero of Canton - Jayne
Adams own tribute: YouTube - Firefly: Jayne Singing Hero of Canton Gotta love the cap 🙂

 

[Superstar]

I really would have liked some sort of explanation as to just why Inara and Book left the ship (as far as that goes, I would have preferred that Book and Wash hadn't gotten killed)

Well Inara was covered in the show itself.
Book... the Dresden character was recast for the Haven scene in Serenity using Book since he originally was not supposed to leave the ship.

Nor were Book and Wash originally scripted to die.

Oh. Watch BSG. I would think that if Joss thinks it is fantastic (he's on record as so wanting to be a part of that show) and must see TV in his household I would hazard a guess that you might like it since it pleases his sensibilities.

 

[Washburne]

I cant wait to see this now, is that last clip from the show?

No, it´s from the Done the impossible-dvd. Amazon.com: Done The Impossible: The Fans' Tale of Firefly TV At least I think it is. See it´s my memory thing again. Now there´s Keanoite then you need her? This is why I put myself up for adoption. Do your job!

Anyway, if you love the show this dvd is a must.

 

[InLoveWithBuffy]

Buffy has better characters, i think. They are more you know, better.

 

[GATEGOD]

I have to agree that Buffy characters were better, but that's only because we got alot more screen time with them. If Buffy had only had it's first season... just wowie, it wouldn't even be close Firefly would blow it away in that aspect in my eyes. That being said I never ever posted my Firely tribute over here in the FF section! Only because I wasn't here when I made it hehe! - YouTube - Firefly If Everyone Cared This show was freaking awesome, it's characters were awesome, and comparing it's first season to Buffy's and seeing how much better Buffy got.. and how much better Firefly could have gotten. It would have been epic. They would have been epic!

 

[Joan the Vampire Slayer]

I started watching Firefly about a week ago, and I'm already in love with it. It's completely unique, and nothing like any other show, Whedonverse and non-Whedonverse alike. But I've started to draw a lot of parallels between Firefly and Buffy/Angel characters. Here are the characters I've mainly compared:

Mal=Angel. They're both the mysterious, tortured heroes, and in a way, they're both seeking redemption. Plus, there's the obvious fact that they're both attractive, well-built brunettes.

Wash=Xander. The first thing I noticed about Wash was that he was just like Xander. I mean, come on...how could you not think of him in that first scene with Wash and his dinosaurs? They even dress the same way!

Kaylee=Willow. Particularly Willow in the earlier seasons. They're both smart, tech-savvy, optimistic, and perky. Then again, she's just as similar to Fred, so you could use that comparison, too.

Jayne=Spike. Like Wash, Jayne immediately reminded me of Spike. I mean, they both like to fight, they're both aggressive, they're both snarky, they're both hot...I could go on and on.

Zoe=Buffy. I admit, I couldn't find many character parallels with Zoe, but I found a few similarities between those two. They're both warrior girls, they're both brave, and they've both got sharp wit.

Simon=Wesley. At first, I didn't think Simon could really be compared to anyone, but now that I think of it, he's a definite Wesley (from the later seasons, of course.) They're both really smart and protective. And, like Jayne and Spike, they're both really hot ^^

River=Crazy!Tara. I was going to say Drusilla at first, but now that I think about it, River and Dru are two different types of crazy. River and Crazy Tara, on the other hand, have the same craziness. Plus, nobody was really trying to protect Dru (unless you count Evil Spike), while Willow helped Tara the same way Simon helps River.

Book=Giles. Like Giles, Book's the oldest, wisest member of the group, and almost acts as a father figure for the crew.

Inara=Tara(?) To be honest, Inara doesn't really remind me of any Buffyverse character, but I guess she's a little bit like Tara was in late season 6. They're both caring and compassionate, but also strong-minded. Although I can hardly picture Tara being anything even close to a companion.

Anyone else notice any similarities between Firefly and Buffy/Angel characters?

Very interesting observations. I'll have to re-watch the episodes and think about what you said...I'll be back with comments!