When it comes to television, I’m about as jaded as they come. Let’s face it, it’s mostly crap. That’s what makes it so difficult when genuinely great shows are cancelled. Such a show was Fox’s Firefly.

I must admit: I was skeptical of the premise. A mixture of space and Wild West? What’s up with that? But creator Joss Whedon really outdid himself, piecing together 14 excellent episodes (now available on DVD) that were well done, thought provoking, funny, warm, exciting and chilling, all at intervals frequent enough to suck in the viewer. It is quite simply one of the best shows I’ve seen in decades, and it was a great tragedy that Fox chose to cancel it while preserving so much utter crap.

Luckily, there is some life beyond the grave. Universal is producing a Firefly movie, and principle photography has just begun. There is even an official fan site with a weblog for the production. I can’t wait.