The Laughing Wolf

Exploring The River Tam

I've long promised this to Jon, and have a few minutes this morning, so I've decided to explore a bit of my fascination with the character of River Tam in Firefly and Serenity. I freaked out the volunteer coordinator at Wolf Park (not hard to do, but fun) a while back by noting that part of it was that she was a "psycho killer kitty, which I like." It is indeed that, and more.

First, I admit that I find Summer Lyn Glau to be beautiful. I was not surprised to find out that she is a premier ballerina -- the moves she makes show the training -- and would be less than surprised to find some form of martial arts in her background as well. Her official site has more, and there is also an unofficial fan site up as well. The fact is, I do think she is pretty, and the grace with which she moves is captivating as well, especially for one such as myself lacking in grace and coordination.

But looks and grace are only part of the equation. While I know nothing of the actress and the person/soul that she is, I do know a good bit about the character. Joss Whedon does little by halves, and that is truly the case with this well crafted character.

First, Joss brings in the waif motif. She arrives curled up naked in a fetal position, vulnerable and helpless, small, and in a way that brings out both the protector and predator. In some ways, the start of the response is the same for both if you look at it from a behavioral standpoint. The desire to investigate, to explore, to find out more. The protection response is strong in most humans, and there is suggestion -- if not evidence -- in scientific literature that some of this is hardwired, particularly in males. There is something about something small and helpless that tends to catch our eye, and bring out the desire to protect.

This is taken a step further by having the character very childlike, which again brings out another level of protectiveness in people, both male and female. In the series, there is a moment that the actress played brilliantly, where while hiding on the outside of the ship from enemies within, she is focused not on the situation, but staring out into the universe with joy and wonder. This, and other similar scenes, reinforce the childlike quality to her, and make her both appealing and deserving of protection.

Yet, it is also clear that the character is not a child, but a woman. This is, in part, an appeal to the predator. The knowledge that she is much more than she appears, and could be more still, is a well-crafted appeal to the male (and some females I know).

This, in turn, leads to the delight (to me) of the hidden depths. You realize quickly that the character has depths unplumbed (get your mind out of the gutter!), and with it comes the desire to know more. Part is because the depths hold information critical to the show/movie, and because in most normal people it hits the curiosity button. What else is it that they know? What are their thoughts, particularly on X, Y, and Z? What other gems lie hidden within? This is also an indication of age, experience, and maturity, which again appeals to the pull of the adult, the knowledge that she is a woman and not a child.

Adding spice to this mix is the fact that she is quite deadly. For all the protective response she invokes, she can and will hold her own in a fight. She clearly needs protection and guidance in social and other situations, and can and does fall prey to various forms of social combat (never recognizing them for the field of battle that they truly are). Yet, when it hits the fan, she can and does give a more than good accounting of herself. At that point, her character becomes both protector and potential predator, leaving one to wonder a bit at how far she might let that predator slip...

All together, this makes for a rich and delightfully complex character. Far too many characters in entertainment today, and in real life, exist in only one or two dimensions. Really interesting people, fictional or non-fictional, have many layers, levels, and dimensions. In this character, you can clearly see this richness for all the character's tender years.

For me, the character brings forth the protector and the predator. The sense of wonder at life and the universe is a delight, and I sense a kindred desire to explore. Within that is a seasoning, wonderfully free of cynicism, that knows the universe is not a nice place and that not all people are nice and friendly. She is one who watches and is prepared, but does not let that rule or preclude her enjoyment of life and experiencing the wonders. Finally, River is also one you would want at your side and back in any fight, for you know that she can look out after herself if you are not around and that she can and will protect you. Indeed, after the battle you may find yourself being the one stalked...

A bit brief, but it fills in some gaps and fulfills a promise to discuss this further.

LW