Episode discussion – Safe S01E05

[Washburne]

Original air date: 11/08/02 

Written by: Joss Whedon 
& Drew Z. Greenberg
Directed by: Michael Grossman


http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0579534/

While visiting an outlying planet for the Serenity crew to drop off their cattle cargo, Simon and River are kidnapped by local villagers in need of a doctor. But soon the superstitious villagers learn of River's powers of clairvoyance and thinking that she's a witch, decide to burn her and Simon alive at a stake. Flashbacks to River and Simon's childhood show the young Simon trying to please his demanding and stern father, Gabriel, to become a doctor, and then abandoning it when Simon learns that River has being abducted by Alliance Academy agents to study her developing clairvoyant powers. Meanwhile, Mal, Zoe, and the rest of the crew are forced to seek medical help from an unlikely Alliance ship when Shepherd Book is shot during a scuffle with ranchers.

Source

Young Simon and River. Very cute. Yes, it is Zac Effron.
Dinosaurs, once again dinosaurs. I'm starting to think there's someone on the writing staff that got a thing for those. Not that I'm complaining.

"The human body can be drained of blood in 8.6 seconds... given adequate vacuuming systems.
See, morbid and creepifying, I got not problem with. Long as she does it quiet-like."

"Is it bad that what she said made perfect sense to me?" River talking about cows. It made sense to me too. Keeping animals in a small confined space = bad.

"Don't worry. We won't leave without you." Mal's jinxing it up as he often does,

Although not intentially Simon is great at insulting Kaylee. Not to mention Serenity.

River finding a source of happiness. Dancing. Suits since Summer is a dancer. Love to see River smile. Also liking the music.

Meanwhile things are not going so smooth for Mal. Despite River not being there. Book is shot, although not in the heart, and River seems to be sensing it. Simon gets kidnapped. Nope, not going smooth at all.

Jayne cares more about the money than Book being shot. In character for sure. Just as him going through Simons stuff for something to take.

"Once the captain realises what's going on he'll come." *Sees the ship fly away.*

Oh, going to the alliance for help. Tough and rude as he may be, Mal sure cares about his crew. Doing this for someone he's not too fond of.

What the...? The crew is about to be sent away (by the good old alliance) but Books id card change all that. What's going on?

Spoiler

I do love the mystery of him. Too bad they never got the chance to exploit it on the show.

"Does seem like everyone's got a tale to tell."

Spoiler

Hence the book title, The Shepards tale? The book that goes into the past of Book.

Maybe Simon has come to a good place. Sure, kidnapped but Doralee is making a good argument. If you're religious that is. Could be good for River and Simon could do a lot of good.

"I get confused. I remember everything. I remember too much. And some of it is made-up. And some of it can't be quantified. And there's secrets, and... But I understand. You gave up everything you had to find me. You found me broken. It's hard for you. You gave up everything you had." *Heart breaks*

Then River makes a joke. It's changing fast.

Rivers psychic abilities show again. I get that the people get kind of scared but wow are they taking it far. Burn the witch. Of course, hadn't she revealed the patrons secret they might have gotten away with it. Blindly following the leader. *shakes head*

"The girl is a witch.
Yeah, but she's our witch."

"You'r on my crew."

A Tam episode. Getting some more back story was good. The shepard has a secret, or more. Want to know more.

 

[Spikefan31]

So, this is one of my favourite episodes.

When I first saw it, I was like "omg it's Zac Efron!"

What I really love is how the shoot-out and River's dancing are intertwined, chaos vs serenity. In fact, I love pretty much any scene featuring River. I love her comment about the cows not being cows inside the ship. I love all the flashbacks.

Simon is so oblivious. To Kaylee's feelings for him and the offensiveness of his words. He needs to be slapped upside the head. XD I kind of feel sorry for him, though, because of all the pressure and expectations from his father. Their father is a massive jerk.

I love how Simon defends River and stands at the stake with her, refusing to let her die alone. Their relationship is beautiful.

"Dear diary, today I was pompous and my sister was crazy. Today we were kidnapped by hill folk never to be seen again. It was the best day ever." - Jayne. Ah, Jayne, you make me laugh XD

"yeah, but she's our witch, so cut her the hell down"- Mal. You go, Mal!

Oooh, Shepherd Book has a mysterious past...XD

Mal:...What does that make us?
Zoe: big damn heroes, sir.
Is this where VH's "big damn heroes" theme a while back came from? 😀

And yay for their happy dinner together at the end. Awwwww friendship is sweet. 🙂

 

[Robb Stark]

-Whoa, whoa, whoa. Hold on. An opening without a bar fight!? What show is this?
-I'm pretty sure we just saw Zac Efron on Firefly"¦
-Okay, I like the Mandarin, but that was a textbook example of when it doesn't work.
-"The human body can be drained of blood in 8.6 seconds given adequate vacuum systems." One word: Awesome.
-You just know that whenever you see a guy skinning something on T.V., it's never good.
-"I like smackin' em'." Jayne is like Spike from S4. Just about every line is priceless.
-River's conversation with the cows was hilarious, and the way Mal plays off her is awesome.
-Kaylee and Inara shopping for Simon was super-cute. I always like how Kaylee just moons over him, although when Simon is being a dick"¦
-I love Zoe waiting as sniper protection. Smart.
-After everything that River is clearly going through, it's nice seeing her just enjoy getting to dance. Or well, at least it was before the kidnapping. Those generally aren't a good thing. And how did River know Shepherd had been shot? I'm itching to know that.
-Man, those cops were pretty useless. Them just letting Mal and Jayne go, after Zoe had just shot one of the guys? Hmm"¦The believability shirt is getting a little tight. Might need to stretch it out some more.
-I'm digging the flashback scenes. It's cool seeing how Simon first discovered there was a problem with River and the Academy. Man though, his parents are just dumb. Simon doesn't always make the best moves, but the man has serious guts, gotta give him that.
-Not really sure how Mal and Wash made the jump that Simon had been kidnapped so fast.
-Jayne just raiding Simon's crap was gold. Such a jerk but so funny.
-Man, do the Alliance guys always say hi with guns drawn?
-Okay, now I'm interested in Shepherd big time! The whole mysterious past angle just picked up. I really hope we get more on that.
-Okay, I know these small town folk that Serenity visits don't get around much, but the woman helping Simon might have had the worst logic of all time.
-One general rule of thumb in T.V., actually in all areas of life really, never deal with crazies. Like, ever. It never goes well. EVER. Also, most people on T.V. who say "y'all"? Steer clear. Way clear.
-Burning at the stake. Can we say WOW!? **Please refer to the above line of never deal with crazies.
-"No they don't. Men of god make men feel uncomfortable and judged." Awesome line from Mal.
-Ah, the setup with Shepherd continues. I'm hooked.
-People using "god" to justify heinous and self-serving actions. I think Firefly just identified the problem with religion.
-Simon not willing to let River go was very cool. Like I said, serious guts.
-Big Damn Heroes. ****in' A.
-Jayne with the gun on the spaceship was killer. And Mal's speech was perfect. "He didn't really want to come anyway, so maybe it's his will you should be worried about"¦Yeah but she's our witch, so cut her the hell down." Everybody, Captain Malcolm Reynolds.
-Another great Jayne scene just flinging all of Simon's stuff back.
-"You're on my crew". Great line. Love the loyalty.

-I think this was my favorite episode so far. I really liked the Simon/River stuff; it was very cool seeing how deep their connection is, and how far Simon is willing to go for her. And even though he wasn't the focus, Mal had some awesome moments too. I thought this episode showed the bond between all the crew members, and that was very neat.

I can't wait for the next one!

 

[brinkster130]

I found the use of Mandarin distracting in this episode.

Little Zach Efron! How cute! 😀 I did like that little flash back of Simon and River, very interesting to see them interact at a younger age. They have a sweet bond.

Mal was pretty harsh with his "gag her if you have too" and "go take a walk" lines to Simon. I'm still skeptical about Mal's intentions for keeping River and Simon around, why do it if you have no trouble turning your back on them?

Transporting cattle in space?! Bizarre.

River dancing and smiling! So fun to see, and Simons face while watching her...so adorable.

There is that sixth sense of River's is again, she stops dancing when Shepard's shot and Simon gets taken....then later knowing Ruby's story. I wonder if Ruby is special in the same way River is.

Mal cutting his losses and leaving Simon and River behind because it would be too much trouble to go find them? Mal running from a potential fight? WHAT?

I'm guessing Mal knew the doctor needed a medical facility with certain equipment rather than a doctor?

Kaylee is such a sweetheart!

I wonder what the reading of Shepard's ID card said, he is clearly someone of importance.

I'm guessing River is not a witch but that is what people who don't know of or understand her abilities call her. Perhaps the witch rumors were started by the Alliance as a mean to control those with special powers?

Big damn heros. I'm glad that Mal and his crew got there in time to save River and Simon but they could have very easily been too late.

Jayne welcoming the doctor back was so awkward/funny.

Love the ending with the crew all having dinner together.

 

[PassionBecoming]

-That Tam estate is pretty swanky. River in a dance recital. Heehee.
-Awww, I quite like River and Doc's dad!
-"Morbid and creepifying, I have no problem with, as long as she does it quietly." I <3 Mal sometimes.
-BUNNEH!!!!! 🙁
-Wait, they were smuggling the cows? Do they EVER do anything legal?
-River talking to the cow. Awww.
-Kaylee shopping for Simon. OOOoooOOO. Her and Inara are so cute. 😀
-"It's dirty and sharp." Hahaha. But, sad he insulted what Kaylee was looking at for him. Ugh, men. Why must they get all disgruntled and lash out at EVERYONE?!
-Yup, the cow buyers are a bit squirrely.
-I'm trying to place Mal's accent. *scratches chin*
-Awww, River dancing! (har har) She looks so happy!
-How is it that Mal gets shot at EVERYWHERE he goes?? NO, no Shepherd!!!!! And who took the doc?
-The crew uses the word "ain't" a lot.
-Icky townspeople. 🙁 And shame on Mal!
-Jayne is such an arse.
-Glad Simon went into doctor mode right away.
-Shep has Alliance clearance. Interesting. Also, why is the Alliance always so gun happy? Sheesh.
-Yeah, the Lord says judge not, but he also says not to harm fellow man. Not ok to kidnap.
-Brother and sister moments. *sigh* Very sad.
-Oh, that freaking "religious" lady. Here we go with the witch hunt. What an evil little village.
-I don't like the dad anymore.
-Well, that was awesome. I loathe when people try to commit evil in the name of God.
-"And what does that make us?" "Big damn heroes, sir." Best. Scene. Ever.

Ok, this episode was really getting my goat until that rescue scene, which is probably my favorite scene on the show so far. Love Mal going back for them because they're part of the crew, love watching delusional "religious" people being told to stuff it, love Jayne hanging out of the ship with a gun, and I always love Mal and Zoe's fight interactions. All kinds of goodness!

 

[Jules]

I liked the flashback scenes between Simon and River. They showed how protective Simon has always been toward River. It was so sweet to see. I cant wait to see how River's abilities work. She used the same power on Badger as she did the girl and the group leader. I wonder if she has to turn it on or if she knows everyone's secrets. I feel so sorry for her, the fact that she knows so much yet she still has a child like innocent, especially when it comes to thinking her dad will come and save them. Its shocking to watch, but fits with Joss' theme of having really bad parents, the fact that Simon and River's parents didnt notice that there was anything wrong and their dad was more concerned about leaving a dinner date than looking out for his son.

I really want to know who Shepard is and why the Alliance helped him!

I love how the cowboy/space theme is done in every episode. The herding of cattle, the gun fights its all done really well.

 

[Washburne]

she still has a child like innocent, especially when it comes to thinking her dad will come and save them. Its shocking to watch, but fits with Joss' theme of having really bad parents, the fact that Simon and River's parents didnt notice that there was anything wrong and their dad was more concerned about leaving a dinner date than looking out for his son.

He. I've been so stuck in my own thoughts that I've always thought that she was talking about Mal (+ the crew) coming to save them. The point of how Joss portrays parents fits well. We'll see more bad parents further on.

 

[Jules]

It's just when she says this to Simon:

RIVER But I understand. You gave up everything you had to find me. And you found me broken. It's hard for you. You gave up everything you had.

SIMON Mei mei. Everything I have is right here.

RIVER You need to eat. Keep up your strength. We won't be here long. Daddy will come and take us home. And I'll get better. I'll get better.

It's probably just meant in general though.

 

[Washburne]

We won't be here long. Daddy will come and take us home.

Just to clarify if others come along and read this. It's the above quote that made me think the way I do. Considering Rivers sixth sense and that I felt that Mal as captain kind of is the father of the group and their home obviosly being the ship.

 

[Jules]

I can agree with that 🙂 That does make sence, she does have a connection with the crew, she felt when Shepard was shot and given the abilities she has its too much of a coincidence. When they show up to save her and Simon she even announces that there coming.

 

[VisionGirl]

Just watched this episode last night. I love the River/Simon relationship. Sometimes Whedon families are really frakked up, so I love it when we see close, loyal, tender family bonds.

This was Efron's acting debut BTW. He has Joss Whedon to thank for his career lol.

Hey, did you know that the Firefly Wikia has all the Mandarin translated? Here it is for this episode:

Mandarin TranslationEdit(Special Thanks to BrownCoats.com.)

■"So how'd the Independents cut us off?" "They were using dinosaurs." "Jian ta de gui! [Like hell!]" - Young Simon responds incredulously to his sister's make believe.
■"Na mei guanxi. [In that case, no problem.] Because there were dinosaurs involved, I think we'll let it slide." - Gabriel Tam chuckles at his children's play.
■"Yes, and you'd have access to any tian xiaode [heaven knows what] that filtered in from the cortex. I absolutely forbid it!" - Gabriel Tam's response to Simon's request for a dedicated source box.
■"Dad, this is so da bianhua! [big change!]" - Young Simon finds out his dad has gotten him his source box.
■"Liu koushi de biaozi he houzi de ben erzi! [Stupid son of a drooling whore and a monkey!]" - River curses her brother.
■"Niufen. [Cow manure.]" - Simon, as he steps in cow poop.
■"He's just so shuai [handsome]." - Kaylee describes Simon.
■"It's fun, being forced to the ass-end of the galaxy. To get to live on a piece of lese [Taiwan: garbage] wreck. And to eat molded protein. And to be bullied around by our pianzhi de jiuchayuan [stubborn disciplinarian/callous inspector] of a captain." - Simon.
■"Lese? [Taiwan: Garbage?] Serenity ain't lese [garbage]." - Kaylee's response to Simon's words.
■"Feihua. [Nonsense.] Milk and hay, three times a day. Fed to 'em by beautiful women." - Mal responds to allegations that the cattle are underfed.
■"Wash, get down to the infirmary, mashang! [now!]" - Mal, while Book lays bleeding.
■"Laotian bu! [God (Heavens), no!]" - Wash sees the Shepherd's condition.
■"Wash, I want you to go to town. See if you can't find that jingchang meiyong de [consistently useless] of a doctor." - Mal.
■"Meimei [Little sister], everything I have is right here." - Simon to River.
■"You were in a blackout zone!" "Talking! To someone who might be able to help River. And I'm going right back there." "Chufei wo si le. [Only if I am dead.]" - Mandarin spoken by Gabriel Tam.
■"You're not a witch, are you, nianqing de [youngster]?" - The patron, to River.

 

[nightshade]

- Young Simon and River
- "Morbid and creepyfing"
- Ewww rabbit
- Cowboy Jayne
- River talking to the cattle
- Simon upsetting Kaylee by insulting Serenity
- River's gone!
- Mal and Jayne are surrounded already
- Ah River has found music and dancing
- Shooting, but not Mal's fault for once
- Oh no the Shepherd has been shot
- Simon has been taken
- Hmm Simon's parents worry more about him being a doctor than if something has happened to River
- hahaha Jayne reading Simon's diary
- Mal's going to the Alliance
- Shepherd has got a special ID?
- Simon being a doctor
- Aww River joking with Simon
- Witch??
- He hit River!
- Purging her with fire
- Woo Shepherd is back on Serenity
- They're really going to put her on the bonfire, but not without Simon trying to fight them
- Yay! Jayne's there
- Big Damn Heroes!
- "Girl's a witch" "Yeah, but she's our witch, cut her down"
- haha River stealing Jayne's bread 🙂