Ladies First: Zoe Washburne
When Firefly first premiered, I knew the series was going to be something special. Joss Whedon was at the helm, very talented and good-looking cast, wicked cool concept. Of course it wasn’t until I saw the first episode that I realized how special this little series about cowboys in space truly was. A major part of that success was a little cowgirl known as Zoe Washburne.
It should be noted that I’ve been a diehard fan of Gina Torres since I first laid eyes on her back when she was on Hercules & Xena. And as Anna Espinosa, Sidney Bristow’s on Alias, Jasmine: Season 4's big bad on Angel, Torres proved that when she’s good she’s great but when she’s bad, she’s deliciously evil.
The perfect blend of power, beauty and intelligence, Gina can best be described as an alpha woman, an alpha amazon at that. The type of woman you’d gladly take 10 Morpheus-style beatdowns for just be in her presence.
It’s no wonder that she was voted the Random Hawtest winner last year.
And even with all of this I still wasn’t ready for the awesome that is Zoe Washburne.
The thing I loved the most about Zoe was that she was all business. A weapon, a soldier. She was no-nonsense and she kept her emotions in check. Fearless, personality-wise she’s probably the toughest member of the Serenity crew.
One classic scene was when hulking tough-guy merc Jayne is freaking out and going on a tirade to the rest of the crew about facing the merciless and savage Reavers.
Zoe’s nonchalant response: “Jayne, you’ll scare the women.”
The only thing sharper than Zoe’s dagger is her wit. You can always count on her to deliver a deadpan one-liner from nowhere.
Zoe’s relationship with Mal was a very interesting one. You see Mal the captain and warrior is actually comprised of Mal and Zoe. She’s his conscious, his better half. She’s his most loyal ally and will follow him into hell without hesitation. She rarely questions or objects to his direction but when she does, it’s for a good reason. A very good reason. Mal has lost his way and/or is in over his head.
Mal (getting shot at): You were right Zoe.
Zoe: Thank you for admitting it sir.
Zoe’s stoic and Spartan demeanor is a throwback to my favorite vampire slayer, Kendra. Most people don’t understand these women but I get them. I get being the soldier, the machine, never showing any weakness. It’s a mindset I’ve had to adopt for most of my life. It was also refreshing to see black women cast in these roles as they would typically go to white actresses. It’s refreshing because blacks are often relegated and reduced to being the comic relief, the dunce. Zoe and Kendra are exceptional as soldiers and they are to be respected.
Zoe has depth and dimensions and layers and while she doesn’t wear her heart on her sleeve. They do exist. One must be astute. She’s a soldier but she’s a loving wife who allows herself to be human with her husband. She’s a soldier but she wants to start a family and bring a child into the world. She’s fiercely loyal, not only to Mal but the rest of the crew. She nearly got killed saving Kaylee and belted Saffron with a right cross in retaliation to her trying to kill the crew and specifically attacking Mal and Wash: the two most important men in her life.
Her relationship with Wash was refreshing and progressive in its own right. It’s rare on American airwaves that a loving interracial marriage (or any marriage for that matter) is portrayed with such depth and nuance. It was devoid of the usual racist clichés and trappings plague many interracial pairings.
If you haven’t already, check out the Wash one-shot comic. It’s canon and there’s a little gem at the end of the story.
Zoe Washburne whose been a heroine of mine. Imho, I think she’s one of the best characters ever conceived and brought to life. But with Whedon and Torres at the wheels, I never expected anything less than shiny.
