The most interesting conclusion from these "sessions" is what one can achieve with good writing and outstanding acting in a minimalistic setting. Joss Whedon as the therapist and obviously Summer Glau.
This is Joss in full-on psychological horror mode and the film style leans into it hard, with the very static camera, fuzzy audio, lack of colour, and time jumps. Glau does such an amazing job as River here - it breaks your heart watching her transformation.
These clips really highlight what a good actor Summer Glau already was at a young age. Her portrayal of the descent into psychosis, while desperately clinging to whatever bits of reality River couldn't still discern, is excellent. And yes, chilling.
Have you watched Summer in the Sarah Connor Chronicles? Ohmygod...Summer is one of the best Terminators EVER! Yes she is up there with the first and second Terminator movies. Please let us not even discuss anything after the first 2 Terminator movies. But definitely give it a watch. Then come back and let's talk about it😉
I was today years old when I was introduced to The River Tam Sessions. Firefly was Joss Whedon's masterpiece, the pinnacle of his storytelling career to date.
As a minor point that can be difficult to pick up on: the "Doctor Mathias" that is mentioned a couple times here by the therapist (played by Joss Whedon) is the doctor that shows up at the beginning of the Serenity movie and is killed by the Operative by forcing him to fall on his sword.
The thing I appreciate about these sessions is how well they highlight and explain River's mental state as presented throughout the series and the movie. With all we know now the wonder is that she was able to maintain any sanity at all.
I love the little reference she makes to the story of the princess and the pea. I wonder if there are any other literary references amidst her rambling.
It makes you think of every single episode that you've seen her in, doesn't it? Rewatching the season with a bit more knowledge of what she went through, you will find it hard to believe how sane she is compared to how sane she should be. I am always amazed at just how effortless she makes it seem. What a great actress.
"Castle" not only stars Nathan Fillion(Mal) but had several "Firefly" references and guest appearance by alumni of that show. "The Big Bang Theory" also has "Firefly" references and guest appearances.
Wow! What a actress! Now imagine that role going to someone else entirely? Nope! Extremely talented Summer Glau! Really all the cast was amazing, but for a actor to portray that in a few short episodes is truly brilliant. She also played in Terminator Sarah Conner Chronicles a short 2 season tv series if you're interested. Now on a happier note you can watch the outtakes/blooper reel 🙂 Much Love Juliette have a wonderful Day/night!
Apart from canon written stories, you definitely want to check out the bloopers from Firefly, and you may want to check out the Firefly references in Nathan Fillion's next series Castle. There are video compilations of both on RU-vid. 😉
Jules, For more of Summer Glau, I'd highly recommend "Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles" (2008-2009) This is another great, but prematurely cancelled FOX series ( 31 episodes) that is a direct sequel to the first two Terminator films: The Terminator (1984) Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) These 2 films are also popular with other reactors, but I haven't seen anyone do "The Sarah Connor Chronicles" yet. You could be the first. (After the films, of course, unless you've already seen them) If anyone else thinks this would be a good series for Jules to react to, upvote this comment.
Thanks for reacting to this! This slow descent into madness is a bit creepy and scary. I think it really sets up what it was that Simon rescued River from.
It was such an eye opener, Alan! I look back now and think about when I first saw River and had NO IDEA. It's SO sad, such a waste of a beautiful and special girl 😭😭
@@julesreacts Will you be reacting to another Joss Whedon masterpiece? He filmed it during the writers' strike that year. It's a 3 act 40 minute musical called "Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along-Blog". It stars Neil Patrick Harris, Felicia Day, & Nathan Fillion.
@@dunringill1747 I second that. Nathan had two rules for his agent : No musical roles or Shakespeare, and anything that Joss offers, you say YES without needing anything said. That is how he ended up in a 3 act musical and in 'Much Ado About Nothing' (Whedon's modern day Shakespeare adaptation).
I haven't actually seen these before, so thanks for introducing me to them! It's absolutely heartbreaking to see how they took such a happy, bright young girl and just broke her. Honestly, Simon doesn't get enough credit for being the best big brother anyone could ask for.
Simon is incredible! He is the best big brother for sure and River is so lucky to have him 🥰 Almost makes me wish I had a brother, but only if he is like Simon 🤣
Now that you've seen the show and the movie - an interesting observation I made about the 'Hands Of Blue' characters from Season 1. Apart from Reavers: they are the only thing she seemed to be 'scared' of. In Ariel when she knows they are coming she freaks out, like way more than when the Alliance Feds are about to catch them. And she also cowers in a corner in the ship when she senses they have been dispatched. Considering what we've seen that does NOT scare her (ie Niska, Badger, even The Operative doesn't trigger any psychic response from her) -- what the hell were those guys? (Her psychic ability has a fluctuating range though. I could be leaping here but @6:55 I get the feeling she knows that Simon is looking for her, like not intuitively but has sensed it.)
Wow. What a remarkable performance by Summer Glau - and a great, heartfelt reaction by you, Jules! (I do have to admit that this also reminded me of why I don't watch the Tam Sessions often: Joss' line readings really don't work for me. I admire how he was able to come up with this no-budget, viral marketing attempt, and he is still one of my favorite creative talents of all time; but, I have to admit that I do kind of wish that a more seasoned actor was playing opposite of Summer. Credit where due, though - he did very well in the - incredibly creepy! -final excerpt!) But, yeah, I agree with you - an unexpectedly emotional time here! Your empathy and compassion for River is great, Jules. And it's one of the reasons that I'm glad that I'm (finally) about to join you for your journey through Buffy! Thank you for this reaction!
I didn't realise it was Joss until the comments! I'll have to rewatch at some point because I didn't pay that much attention to him when River was the star of the show 🥰
Great reaction as always Jules. Even if you don't react please be sure to watch "Done The Impossible" the documentary about how the Browncoat's pushed and pushed until the movie was made. Much love and keep on keepin on J.
Hey Jules, thanks for all your Firefly reactions. It was a real joy to watch! Now there's only one question left... Whats next? I am still hoping for Buffy... but maybe thats just me. 😊
Just think, he could have been Badger. (Mark Sheppard had a great interview and was given the Badger role. No one told him until the pilot wrapped that he took the boss's self-insert. He was gobsmacked.)
Thank you for reacting to this. I hope you react to all the bloopers, outtakes, behind the scenes, as well as their reunion footage. Really great stuff! You can't react to them but there are also official canon Comic Books & Novels that deal with the lore mysteries left unanswered from the Series / Movie. You watched the chronological numeric order version. The release order from Joss Whedon is better IMO. The only difference - The release order starts with session 416 except 2. You see him die at the start which grabs your attention like a mini mystery. then it goes through the rest in proper numeric order. The last session you see is session 416 excerpt 1 with River saying she will have to write the mission down while motioning for his pen. The reason some feel the sessions are a spoiler before the movie is because at one point she mentions the Pax. I see that as a mystery and not a spoiler for first time viewers. You don't get a clue what the Pax is about until you see the movie.
This does show her decline and abusive "treatment". Jules you are a fantastic reactor and I look forward to watching many more show and movie reactions by you. Thanks for sharing with us. I always love your thoughts and commentary.
It's so heartbreaking to see River's decline. That first session she was still psychic but was so much different than the River we saw on the show. She was smiling and happy and engaged and coherent. They manipulated her and abused her, and it's so scary to watch.
the alliance comes across a genius, thirsty for knowledge man, and what does he decide? to turn him into a weapon. as stupid as it is sinister.But now we can truly appreciate the ending of Serenity, where River was almost back to her old self.I say "almost" because no one can go through something like that and remain unaffected.
Summer's acting ability is phenomenal. It's quite difficult to give a convincing portrayal of a brilliant character. There needs to be an understanding of brilliance to make it authentic. I think we can all agree, she nailed it.
Jules, Do yourself a kindness and get the graphic novels. You will get back stories on the characters. There are soft cover books and digital copies available. Trust me you will enjoy them
Great reaction again. Like others have mentioned, the original River Tam Sessions was released with the last session shown first. What's also interesting was that this was a trailer that was let out for the movie Serenity that was kind of fake leaked. Josh knew it would get out on the internet and never promoted this... it just sort of got seen by word of mouth.
I kind of liked the original order (same sequence, except the last one came first). It makes the "I have to write it down" hit differently. Though I guess that order was meant more for newcomers and start off with something intriguing.
Thanks so much, i love the show and never s saw this. I like river and have to say I'm happy she got some power back in her fucked up situation, even if it made her a murderer. She's a strong woman when she needs to be.
Never seen a reaction to these before. Great you're deep diving into all the Firefly extras, your reactions are amazing. For the story of how the Serenity movie came to be made watch Done the Impossible. I'm not sure if it's available on any official streaming service, but someone uploaded on RU-vid Evu3JSf1VEQ
This is a tough watch. I didn't want to deny you seeing this, but it is a bit of a nightmare. And we know how sensitive you can be. BUT.... you're next step in the Firefly Journey is a much happier one. Please go watch any of the Comicon Firefly Panel's. There's a bunch on RU-vid. They're so nostalgic and heartwarming, I often get teary-eyed with happiness. Check it out ;)
Well done, Jules! 💜 It is a tragedy, what the Alliance attempted to do with these intelligent, empathic, children. Keep their awareness of what others are projecting, but kill the emotion of the interaction. It is a sad use of individual talent.😢 Although, originally, presented as a teaser for the movie, I don't really think this added anything essential to the movie's enjoyment, and it's impact, for me, was as powerful after, as it would have been before. It is a series of slice of life glimpses, which explain more about the episodes, than the movie. Summer Glau is a talented lady, and a great addition to the talented cast of Firefly. If you ever get the chance, you should catch her in Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, another low-key, but standout, performance amongst a great cast of characters.😊
I still remember what I thought about River way back in the pilot. I had no idea of what happened to her (like most who begin on this beautiful journey). I never, ever, would have thought she would be this gifted and bright young lady. I didn't know what was "wrong" with her but knew that something wasn't quite "right". To see her go from such a beautiful and hopeful young girl, so full of life, into who we know as River is SO heartbreaking. Thank goodness Simon cared so much about her to give up EVERYTHING, even against the advice of his father. Where would she be without Simon? He's the brother we all need to have 💜 I've heard about the Sarah Connor Chronicles! I would like to get to see that one day. Thank you, Tom 🤗
Dont forget, Jules, there are also deleted scenes to watch. You dont have to post to youtube, but you really should check them out if you havent already. From both the series and the movie.
And the great thing about this video is that there is this rivalry between Dr. Mathias and the Labcoat Man! And we hear about it only indirectly. But it must have been so intense that it got Labcoat Man killed! This is great writing! And I have read all the articles about Joss Whedon. And yes, he is a flawed human being who probably hurt many people. And that's not right of course! But his writing is great!
You must listen to all the Firefly songs by Bedlam Bards, there are other artists that will come up when you do. It is all art in honor of art. Browncoats love hard. Happy to welcome you.
Thank you for this! I love Firefly very dearly and I didnt know this even existed! In case you didnt know, there are some comic books too, and I dont know if you play RPG's, but there's a tabletop RPG as well that has a lot of lore, including a list of all the Chinese phrases and euphemisms they use in the show.
This was so good, and so heartbreaking... This is an extreme example of breaking someone down and molding them into a tool for a particular purpose. Sadly, that sort of thing is done in the real world - perhaps not to that extent, but the idea is central to things like basic training in the military...overcoming societal norms to allow a soldier to kill and survive in combat.
Good to see you still on the journey. I only discovered these about 6 months ago and for me they don’t really add anything that I like. The tone of these is so dark, it’s even more horrific than the Bushwacked episode where they came across the ship that had been hit by Reavers. It was enough for me to see River’s obviously deranged mind during the season, to know that she’d had her brain physically traumatised, and to see snippets of procedures in episodes and in the movie. It implied pretty much everything we got to see in these River Tam Sessions, but it didn’t need to be shown. Especially as teasers for the movie, since it was a completely different tone and suggested that Serenity would be a far different type of movie to what it really was. Imagine watching these teasers and then going to the cinema to see Serenity and watching the opening scene of frontier costumes spacefarers making planetfall. You’d wonder if they were showing the wrong movie or that you’d walked into the wrong cinema. To that end, I see these River Tam Sessions as well-made fan fiction, rather than part of the series and movie. For add-ons that enhance the movie experience I much prefer something like what The Animatrix did to The Matrix movies.
...but they're not "well-made fan fiction", they were created by Joss Whedon, so they're the image that the creator had in his mind of what River had gone through to explain the state that she was in throughout the series. Hard to watch, yes, but it's the reality. It seems that you're uncomfortable with the darker side of the series. The "Sessions" were not treated as the rest of the series, lighthearted and easy to digest, it was created as backstory, and although the series had a comedic edge, the River throughline was the central plot and was always the serious plotline.
@@lazerx1828 Yep. I just see them as well made fan-fiction. Like how I see The Mandalorian for Star Wars, and similar sorts of series or productions. It's just a personal viewpoint.
I met Summer Glau in December 2022. It's horrible what the Alliance scientists did to River Tam. Because of their experiments and messing with her brain, she suffers from mental trauma and has autistic-like behavior.
Firefly Deleted scenes: (from the Pilot episode) ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-wQhnFtoX4uY.html ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-5FFO-QaBjoc.html -- I wish this scene had been included in the Pilot episode. From "Our Mrs Reynolds": (River's scene cut for time and creepiness) ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-tOU1qH7SAcM.html Hope you enjoy these tidbits... Really enjoyed your reactions...
So glad you took the entire trip. It is an amazing journey, as you now know. Be safe lady. Can wait for my reaction / reviews from you. Again, be safe.
Hi Jules ... I think you can see now, why I was against you seeing this BEFORE the movie. That would've destroy the surprise/reveal, and you would've known what she's capable of before it was time. And, to your wish ("I hope you enjoyed it") ... of course we did 😉😁👍. Anything we get from you is gold !!! I'm probably going to go back and rewatch all your reactions again, just because you were so awesome, it bears repeating (i.e. the experience). Of course you know, I AM subscribed to your channel and will be branching out into your other ventures (current and future) but, I have a question ... are you planning on reacting to any more movies ??? There are so many out there for you to watch, and I have so many to recommend 😊😁😉👍. Whatever you do, I'll be watching 🤗♥🌹
@@evatesche Since the movie could not recycle the footage from the episodes, the advertising had to hook and draw in people that had no connection to Firefly. The intent was to get people disturbed and curious with the final result, then engage them with her earlier untarnished personality to the final descent to where you find her in the opening of the movie. Browncoats were already committed, but drawing in fans of mystery and horror... The movie had to function as the third pilot to the 'Verse.
@@CaptainFrost32 Yeah but we here have all seen the show and practically know what happend to River and why. Seeing her journey from happy and sane to totally disturbing and murdering people seems more interesting in my opinion. I don't think anybody is missing out on something by starting it with session 1.
@@julesreacts I understand that you were going in order, it is just odd that the last session was to air first. When the Fox network was supposed to promote the series, it was not included in the Fall Season Premiere Special that included every other series and pilot and mid-season replacement pilot. When asked by a print journalist about the show, they described it as a show with a junk ship, space hookers, and burned out hippies. The only print ad was a full page newspaper ad in bold type asking "WHO IS THE GIRL IN THE BOX?" before the season started, and the pilot was not shown until the end of the run... (Remember when Mal asked Inara if she was upset that he had a bride or that he didn't plan on keeping her?)
Though that's all of the live-action Firefly stuff, if you want a show starring Summer Glau (among others), I'd highly recommend Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles (after the first two Terminator movies, if you haven't seen them)
Another piece of bonus content that I like a lot is the fanvid "Starships - a multifandom space vid by bironic." It contains many clips from Firefly and Serenity: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-bTGdGKEEiYE.html
If you haven't do a search on RU-vid for "firefly bloopers nathan fillion" and you'll find a number of videos. Your the first reactor I've seen that reacted to the sessions in this order. I watched them in the same order as the other reactors. The order I watched was the last one 1st. This way you see the result and then you watch how it came to happen.
This is one great episode, Juliette 💖 and congratulations for 3K 🎉 wow look how you've gain continuous increasing subs these days 💯 wish you're always well and have a great day ⭐.
River Tam is *never* "nothing." She's an injured child being forced to grow up too fast and she's a torture victim suffering from a major case of PTSD, but she's also an empath who now has full access to her psychic abilities, and until she finds Miranda, and finds out that the Pax she mentioned in the interview was real, she doesn't quite realize that that's what she's experiencing. She's also now a trained assassin - she really was given a mission, and she fulfilled it by killing the interviewer. This is the worst kind of thing that governments attempt to do - corrupt talented innocents, so that they'll use their talents however the government demands. Unfortunately, even now, without the scientific breakthroughs the Alliance doubtless has access to, they succeed all too often. Fortunately for River, she now knows what her abilities are, and it appears that the danger to Simon and Kaylee on Mr. Universe's planet shocked her into a state where she has full access to and control over those abilities. She still needs to heal, but by the end of _Serenity_ she has a clear path to that goal. Online research indicates that Summer Glau was 24 when _Serenity_ was filmed, and therefore when these promo videos were made. In _Serenity_ River was stated to be 17; in these videos she's presumably 15 or 16, and Summer makes you believe it. Talk about talent!
I really dont see any similarities between Firefly and The Expanse... I freaking love Firefly., but The Expanse, no clue why people like it. Its the most boring sci-fi show I ever watched... I stopped after 2.5 seasons (or maybe 3?) cuase nothing happened...
@@Smido83 No spoilers, but I have difficulty in characterizing the events on a certain large asteroid as "nothing." But to each his or her own! To me, the strong points of The Expanse are the fascinating character development, the excellent writing, and the emphasis on realistic science. It's a political thriller, a science fiction series, and a character-driven drama all wrapped up in one.
Cool you watched this. If you haven't seen the Sarah Connor chronicles with Summer Glau i think you would like it. I went into it assuming it would be rubbish but it was good and got better as it went on.
I think it was CollegeHumor but not sure, but there's a video on RU-vid where someone has done an essay that essentially paints the Alliance as "the good guys" and it's surprisingly well done. I mean it's absolute blasphemy but their points (peculiarly even around River) are quite interesting.
@Jules Reacts K.. hee hee.. I watched them when they were "new releases"... and yeah.. the last one played first, so you were nice and distraught even BEFORE it gets into it.. that way, when the last one hits, YOU REMEMBER and it's even more horrifying :)
It is horrible what they did to her. However, what they did to her is what gave her the ability to save her friends at the end. Similar to the Wolverine. It’s awful and sad but it’s what makes the story so much more beautiful in the end.
Never seen this. More heartbreaking backstory from the ghoul himself, Joss Whedon (whose voice is easily recognizable as the therapist). I love his work. I watch all three of his series (Buffy, Angel, Firefly) through at least once a year. But I can never like the man. As talented as he is, he's convinced that it's necessary to kill a character for a story to truly advance. I don't buy it. I think if you're good enough, you can find an interesting, consistent way around that. Maybe he's not as good as I think. Also, there's the issue with him being a horrible person...
