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Firefly's Demise: An Interview with Sean Maher

September 07, 2006

Since we launched brilliantbutcancelled.com, our Comment Boards have been on fire about Joss Whedon’s absolutely brilliant and shamefully cancelled “Firefly.” We told some of your concerns to Sean Maher, who played Dr. Simon Tam on the ill-fated “space western.” Here’s what he had to say.

What is that experience of having a show cancelled?
"Firefly" is my fourth cancelled show, and my fourth cancelled show with Fox, to be specific.

Really? Can you walk us through those real quick?
First there was "Ryan Caulfield." I think it only aired two shows. He was a teen cop. I think there were 7 or 8 episodes shot, and I don’t think I’ve even seen them. Then I went to "Party of Five" and they cancelled that. I was Julia’s (Neve Campbell) boyfriend. Then I went to "The $treet," and that was cancelled. Then I went to "Firefly."

So, you were prepared.
Actually, with "Firefly," we all took it really hard. It was a big blow, it was awful. And then to have the fans, the Browncoats across the world, you know, they kept it going, and we kept feeling the support. It was flattering to say the least, also humbling. It was just really special to know that what we felt so strongly about was resonating.

How did you get involved in Firefly?
I was initially a little turned off by the idea of a sci fi until I met Joss Whedon. I remember I took this meeting and there was no script yet. He was taking meetings with a bunch of actors, there was a sort of breakdown, a kind of synopsis, and the show sounded incredibly interesting. It didn’t sound like a sci-fi show to me. And meeting him sealed the deal. You’re struck by his brilliance right when you meet him and you know you want to work with him. So I auditioned and then the script came in the interim, and I tested and got the part.

The writing is so clear and specific. That must be a relief to play.
Really, again, it goes back to Joss. It’s a relief to have him be the ring leader, because not only does he write this fantastic script, but he steps onto set and knows exactly what he wants. You’re really just being guided along with this incredible energy that feels so right and then you get this finished product, and it’s “Wow!” He directed the pilot obviously, and he directed the “Objects in Space” episode -- he’s this full package.

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