It was stupid of me. I don't know why, but the idea of a big death very honestly didn't even occur to me. When Book died, I was sad, but since he wasn't onboard Serenity anymore, it didn't seem as much like the core unit was being broken up.
It shocked me, but didn't anger me- if I didn't apparently enjoy having my heart ripped up and fed to me at unexpected times, I guess I would have gotten off the Joss train a long time ago.
In retrospect, it makes all kinds of sense that we had two deaths. It'd be a bit too weak-ass standard movie fare to have the Beloved Friend of the intrepid crew be the only one to die; that's action movie material there, the sort of thing to emphasize that our main characters are invincible themselves. You've got to kill someone closer to the action too.
More important (maybe) is that in potential sequels there will only be seven key players, which means more development for everyone. Expect "Serenity II: Ooh, Shiny" to be even tighter because of a reduced requirement to hit so many bases.
One thing I do wonder- is anything ever said in the movie that makes it obvious that Book was ever even
on
Serenity? If you didn't have the backstory, do you think you'd know how Mal and the others knew him?
I think it is implied in his last scene with Mal but, even after two viewings I can't recall where it is made clear.
Don't think so.
Also, I think the Shepherd was once an Operative. Then he switched beliefs.
Also, I think the Shepherd was once an Operative. Then he switched beliefs.
Damn, that's a good call. Now I wish they'd forgone the surprise of the place being wiped out to a nice, juicy confrontation scene between him and this Operative.
Also, note to self - put DIRTY, PRETTY THINGS on must-see list.
May I promote
Dirty, Pretty Things
? One of the best movies I've seen in a long time, and Ejiofor is so the actor who makes it that way. If you liked him in
Serenity,
check this other movie out, even if it could be less alike, other than good acting, good writing, and an interesting, alien culture.