Ok, it is nice when something as well-made and presented as the television show Firefly and Serenity (a movie based on the TV show) is available for our viewing pleasure. I have seen many of the Firefly episodes more than once and have attended 2 advance screenings of the movie (which is to be released on September 30th of this year). But there is a line that can be crossed… a line that separates those of us who enjoy a television show (or movie, or comic book, or musical act, etc.) and those who obsess over it. I found a message on a forum that illustrates how you know when you cross that line. Keep in mind that, although I don’t think there are any direct mentions of the movie, there are some implications that could be considered spoilers. If you don’t want to risk ruining the Serenity experience, do not read any further…

Posted: 06 May 2005 3:28 pm
Post subject: Are you Grieving? (Posted in Spoiler forum)
I hesitate to post this, because I don’t want anyone who is suffering real grief and bereavement at the loss of a loved one to feel that fictional events in any way trivialise their real sense of loss.

But, it is well recognised that human emotions are the same no matter what events trigger them. The death of a person, of a pet, or the loss of an important component of life like a job, can all cause a sense of bereavement. Hence, very real emotions can also be felt about fictional events.
It may not be helpful to tell yourself that it is only fiction – if you have put an emotional investment into the story of Firefly, the emotional outcome will be equally intense. Instead, it may be helpful to treat your feelings as valid, and learn to cope with them, and live through the experience, as people who have suffered loss do.

I would like to point those who are feeling emotionally drained after seeing the film yesterday to the many websites designed to help people cope with grief.

Firstly, to identify the stages of grief, this brief summary is helpful:-
http://www.york-united-kingdom.co.uk/funerals/grief/
I have certainly seen evidence of all the stages of
1) DENIAL
2) ANGER
3) BARGAINING
4) DEPRESSION
5) ACCEPTANCE
I’ve certainly seen evidence of all these stages on the board today.
(Speaking personally, I’ve taken 2 months to get from denial and anger to acceptance – and I’m happy to go back to denial again at the first hint that there may be alternative endings etc…..)

If any of the descriptions of these stages seem to match what you are feeling, I would suggest making an internet search on Grief or Bereavement. There are some very helpful resources available, but each individual will find different things helpful, depending on spirituality, worldview etc.
Find a though or a suggestion that helps you, and enables you to move onto the next stage.

Please remember, emotions are real, yours or those of others, no matter what has caused those emotions.

And when you reach the end of the grieving process, thank Joss for the strength and experience he has given you, that will help you to cope with other unpleasant life events.

Without going into specifics, it is safe to assume that you know that a major character dies in the film. Even though I am not a Joss Whedon fanboy (never got into Buffy or Angel), from what I have heard it is not to be unexpected with him to kill-off a character if he thinks it will serve the story. Without debating whether or not this death was necessary or not (and, yes… there is LOTS of debate out there… it is quite scary), if you are grieving over the death of a character from a television series that got cancelled before the first season was finished, you may need more than grief counselling… you may need to become heavily medicated and tossed in a room with padded walls. In case anyone missed the memo, “It is a movie folks!” It may be a great movie, but it is only a movie. just as the fantastic television show is only a television show.

Seeing as though it was cancelled rather quickly, those of us who have seen it (whether on-air or after getting the DVDs) feel like we are privy to something that most people aren’t. You know, like being a member of the Illuminati grants you certain knowledge, being a Browncoat makes you feel special. But, us normal folk are able to leave the movie and think, “Wow, that was a really fun, really good movie”, then go home, go to sleep, and go to work the next day.

So, if you are grieving because a fictional character has passed away, please do us a favor and seek professional help… and, not from Dr. Frasier Crane… someone in the real world please.