Episode discussion - Serenity (Pilot) S01E01

[Washburne]

Original air date: 12/20/02 

Written by: Joss Whedon 

Directed by: Joss Whedon


Source

This episode was originally intended as the pilot, but since the original version didn't suit Fox, it did not air. The beginning sequence was reshot before it did air, to give more of the "action" that Fox wanted. Instead, "The Train Job" aired as the pilot - "Serenity" was the last episode to air.

Also, at the time they were shooting this, Rebecca Gayheart was playing the role of Inara Serra, but Whedon knew that it was not going to work out and so shot scenes with her interacting with the crew in singles, so that the only part that would have to be reshot would be the shots of Inara.

Both Carlos Jackott (Dobson) and Andy Umberger (Captain on Dortmunder) has appeared on both Btvs and Angel.

Source

After a flashback to Zoe's and Mal's days in the wars six years previous, we cut to the modern day where the Serenity crew is running a salvage operation on*a deserted ship and are forced to flee with the cargo when the Alliance show up. Their buddy Badger refuses to buy the cargo so they head off to the rim worlds after picking up three passengers: Book, Simon, and Dobson. En route someone sends a signal to the Alliance and it turns out to be Dobson, an undercover Federal agent, who arrests Simon but is glad to take the whole crew in. He shoots Kaylee before being captured, and Simon forces Mal to flee in return for his doctoring services. When Mal investigates Simon's cargo he finds a naked woman.

The naked woman is Simon's sister River, a government test subject he helped to escape. After ducking a dreaded reaver ship, Mal tries and cuts a deal with Patience, an old "friend" but suspects a trap. Patience tries an ambush but the team escapes just as the Reavers return and the Federal agent breaks loose. Mal shoots the agent dead and Wash manages to duck the Reavers. at the end Mal decides to take on all three of his remaining passengers full-time.

Source

"We've done the impossible and that makes us mighty." A quote that's lived on to be a big part of story about Firefly and its fans. Referring to the making of the movie Serenity.

"We're not gonna die. We can't die, Bendis. And you know why? Because we are so... very... pretty. We are just too pretty for God to let us die. Huh? Look at that chiseled jaw, huh? Come on!"

Wash and his dinosaurs. As much classic as can be.

Wash: "Everything looks good from here... (beat...playing with plastic dinosaurs over his console) Yes. Yes, this is a fertile land, and we will thrive."
(as Stegosaurus) "We will rule over all this land, and we will call it... 'This Land'."
(as T-Rex) "I think we should call it...your grave!"
(Stegosaurus) "Ah, curse your sudden but inevitable betrayal!"
(T-Rex) "Ha ha HA! Mine is an evil laugh...now die!"

So just one thing. The english subtitles actually say "Mine is an evil lair... now die!" I got the region 2 dvd. Any difference on the region 1 or 4 dvd or on blu ray?

"I don't believe there's a power in the 'verse that can stop Kaylee from being cheerful." Cheerful people can be annoying if they overdo it. Don't feel that way at all about Kaylee.

Mark Sheppard. Anyone not liking him? Him, not Badger.

Kaylee getting shot. Joss likes to kill characters and he's said that he wants to have someone in the intro just to be killed in the first episode. He wanted to do it with Jessie on Buffy but it was too expensive. Instead he did a version of it with

Spoiler

the death of Tara.

So what will happen with Kaylee? First time watcher and unspoiled would you have bought it as Simon did?

"If they take the ship, they'll rape us to death, eat our flesh, and sew our skins into their clothing. And, if we're very, very lucky, they'll do it in that order." Seems nice, those reavers.

Mal: How come you didn't turn on me, Jayne?
Jayne: Money wasn't good enough.
Mal: What happens when it is?
Jayne: Well... that'll be an interesting day.
Mal: Imagine it will.

Simon: I'm trying to put this as delicately as I can... How do I know you won't kill me in my sleep?
Mal: You don't know me, son. So let me explain this to you once: If I ever kill you, you'll be awake, you'll be facing me, and you'll be armed.
Simon: Are you always this sentimental?
Mal: Had a good day.
Simon: You had the Alliance on you, criminals and savages... half the people on the ship have been shot or wounded including yourself, and you're harboring known fugitives.
Mal: We're still flying.
Simon: That's not much.
Mal: It's enough.

Anyone thinking about the lack or aliens and robots? I don't. If I hadn't read it somewhere I hadn't given it a second thought. If you're in space in a sci-fi they're usually around. The reavers can be seen as monsters but they're human so I don't count them.

Not among my favourite episodes of the show but how could FOX air it last? Still, plenty to love. With a show as great as this even the least favourite episode is far from bad.

 

[Spikefan31]

FOX aired the pilot last? Wow. That sucks.

Anyway...

Dinosaurs!!!! I absolutely love Wash and his dinosaurs!!! :heart: I literally LOL'd at the "we will call it...This Land" part. I've forgotten all the humourous parts in the show, which makes it better, I think.

Also, am I the only one who on their first time watching believed Simon was the fed? I didn't see it being Dobson coming at all. I'm too gullible. 😀

Kaylee is just adorable. And her crush on Simon is so cute.

Jayne is crude but funny.

I've never been that big a fan of Zoe. I'm not sure what it is about her, but...

I feel horrible for laughing when Mal, Zoe, Wash and Jayne are laughing after telling Simon Kaylee's dead. The idea of her dying isn't funny, but I guess Simon's reaction and the crew's amusement kind of is.

I kinda feel sorry for Simon. I understand why everyone would be suspicious of him, but I really just want to give him a hug.

The first time I watched Firefly this episode didn't do that much for me. It took me a few episodes to really get into it. I think I can appreciate it a little more the second time round.

Oh, and what are new watchers' thoughts on River? Like her? Dislike her? I love her and Simon's relationship. His overprotectiveness is endearing. 🙂

 

[Washburne]

FOX aired the pilot last? Wow. That sucks.

They aired a lot out of order so if you go by airdates or check imdb for order it's just wrong. Let check the difference

Real
Serenity
The Train Job
Bushwacked
Shinding
Safe
Our Mrs. Reynolds
Jaynestown
Out Of Gas
Ariel
War Stories
Trash
The Message
Heart Of Gold
Objects In Space

FOX
The Train Job
Bushwacked
Our Mrs. Reynolds
Jaynestown
Out Of Gas
Shinding
Safe
Ariel
War Stories
Objects In Space
Serenity
Heart Of Gold (6 months later. Better late than never?)
Trash
The Message

I'll admit I haven't been looking for answers as to why the rest of the episodes didn't air as they should. Ok, they wanted another pilot/first episode than Serenity. Fine but then what?

 

[PassionBecoming]

*does not read anything else in the threads*

Alright guys, my first viewing of Firefly has begun! Got my bottled water and some Bugles. 🙂

-Ooo, violence right away. Intense!
-Love seeing a kiss on a cross. 🙂
-I am very confused as to what is happening here, though I'm guessing I'll be enlightened eventually...
-Wow. He killed that aircraft good and dead.
-"We are just too pretty for God to let us die." Heehee
-Dinosaur toys?? Oh, my...
-Ok, they are on a spaceship stealing things from wrecked ships. And the Alliance is bad. I think.
-Cry Baby. Very clever.
-Ah, I see why it's a Firefly class ship. Pretty.
-Ok, so the Alliance are the cops and Firefly are outlaws then? Hmmm. Ah, thieves for hire.
-Zoe and Washburne are married. Captain = Mal. The Ambassador is a hooker. Gotta keep this all straight!
-I like Kaylee. Reminds me of me. 😀
-Oh, Mal, never say "no more surprises". That never invites anything good.
-"If anyone gets nosy, I'll, you know, shoot 'em." Heh heh.
-Hey, that passenger is from Buffy!
-Wow, Mal is kind of a jerk face. And of all the awkward...a companion and a preacher on the ship. Yikes.
-And Jayne is REALLY a jerk face. Jeepers.
-Mal's bathroom could use a god cleaning. Ick!! Boys...😛
-Holy gun shots??!?! That Alliance can't be good at all. And they need better training.
-So...that Tam guy is rather creepy. And apparently insanely smart. River sounds interesting. Big Bad Government messing with people. Got it.
-Lawrence is a really crappy agent/officer/whatever.
-Reapers do not sound good. *shudder* Don't ships have protective measures?? SO TENSE.
-Um, did Joss just pull a Joss with a character in the pilot again?!?!?! Oh, phew. Them all laughing on the bridge is kinda funny.
-Ok a) Shepherd is an idiot and b)Lawrence the Law Man is going to Hell.
-Are these people all space cowboys or what??
-Wow...Lawrence taking Rover....shoot out in the arryo...things are way intense!!
-And now the reapers again?! Jeepers!
-I'm not all about the killing of people, but kinda glad Mal shot that idiot.
-We-ell, looky there. An excellent escape!
-Washburne and Zoe are so cute. <3
-Poor Shepherd. 🙁 Trial by fire for sure.
-Mal offered Tam a job? So he does have a heart? Huh.

Well, that sure was interesting. I can't say I'm absolutely hooked after watching the pilot, but I am definitely intrigued. I do like the characters and am curious to know more about them.

 

[Washburne]

When I got my older sister to watch the show she called me after watching about a third of the episode and asked me if you needed to continue. She didn't see the appeal at all. Obviously I said yes and ever since she finished the whole show (some years ago) she's been thankful. Not that it'll be like that with everyone but you're not alone in not being convinced after just watching this episode.

*does not read anything else in the threads*

Now that you've watched the episode I hope you'll read the rest of the posts in the thread as they get posted. Maybe that'll give you other perspectives. Or you want to be completely "blank" when you watch the whole series (not that we're planning on making spoilers)? If so you better come back once you're done. 😉

 

[Valjavertjinn]

Well, this is also my first watch. I'll admit that I have seen some spoilers already, but not very many.
That being said, there were three separate moments in this where I literally yelled "JOSS!" And threw my hand up in the air in disbelief. The first was when Mal told Simon that Kaylee was dead. The next times were when the Shepherd dude was getting the crud beaten out of him by the prisoner and when Zoe was shot. Since Joss is Joss, I was terrified for all of them.
Also, I really thought that Inara was an ambassador. That caught me totally of guard, and was a really nice twist.
I have a few predictions to make, if anyone is up to hearing them. 😛 🙂
First of all, from what we saw here, I'm guessing that Mal used to be a Christian - or whatever it's now called - but lost his faith after the big battle they showed in the beginning (I forgot - the death of his war buddy was another one of my "JOSS!" moments.) By the way, I really liked how they mentioned religion and how it has changed - not that I'm religious myself. I just liked the way they brought up how an important part of our culture had adapted to the new times. I hope to see more examples of this.
I also liked how realistic the silence of space was in this - when the ship started up, they just played music and avoided the Star Wars-y "Vshhhhhooom-PEEEW" rocket ship noises. I don't know if they were trying to do this, or if it was just the timing of the music, but I liked it.
Anyway, back to my predictions. 😛 I also think that we'll be getting up close and personal with some reavers within the next few episodes. I bet we'll also be seeing a couple of big Alliance bad guys - maybe a central evil character will be introduced, like an evil president.
And I'm calling it now: Mal and Inara are going to be getting together in some way. There was way too much tension between them for that not to happen. 😀
My favorite character so far is Kaylee, by the way. She's just too cute.

 

[Washburne]

Kaylee is easily the most lovable person this far. It'll be interesting to see if you'll add someone else to your list of favourites as the season goes on.

 

[PassionBecoming]

[MENTION=8013]Washburne[/MENTION] - I did go back and read the above posts!

I love Kaylee as well, and Inara. And "reavers" not reapers. Got it. I had quite a few "JOSS!" moments myself. My jaw literally dropped open!

---------- Post added at 04:39 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:31 PM ----------

Oh, and I feel like there's already some sort of history between Mal and Inara. They are bickering constantly, yet are very protective of one another. I found that rather puzzling.

 

[patriot1123]

A couple of months ago I tried a Firefly rewatch and couldn't get into it.

Watched this pilot yesterday and LOVED it. So here I am, back for more. 🙂

I love Adam Baldwin and wish he were in the show more.

I love Kaylee - she's so charming.

Shepherd Book is one of those calm, grounded characters that I just love.

Nathan Fillion and Allan Tudyk are SO perfect for their roles.

Can't wait for more!

 

[brinkster130]

I'm another first time watcher! 🙂

I had mixed feelings. There were a few moments I enjoyed but overall I wasn't sold on the show. If I hadn't heard so many rave reviews from friends about it I'd have trouble giving another episode a shot....kinda a bummer but I do plan on continuing to watch and give the show a proper chance.

Anyways here are my thoughts on the episode:

- What was the point of the opening battle? Is there significance or is that just the norm in their world?

- Is there something going on between Zoe and Mal? She seemed to have more loyalty to him that Wash. For some reason I got a weird vibe from the two of them.

- Jayne makes me nervous. He clearly cares about the crew but he also seems like a loose cannon, which could be trouble.

- Why was Mal so cold with Inara? Who is she and what has she done that it would be easier for them to leave her behind somewhere? Her and Mal clearly have some sort of history... (I suppose these questions will be answered in future episodes?)

- It was interesting to see Mal change his mind about Simon and River staying aboard. I wonder what his motivations are.

- Kaylee was a sweetheart.

- Favorite line: Wash - "Can we maybe take a vote on the murdering people issue?!"

 

[Vamp Jenny]

Here's one thing before I start watching: MARK SHEPPARD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Okay, now that it's out of my system, I can go on.

I feel bad for Nathan. He's always on the wrong side of the "war". Buffy, Serenity, Dr. Horrible...

"I think we should call it... This Land..." XD Oh Wash

Kaylee!!

I like the irony of Persephone's docks being dirty compared to the city.

MARK SHEPPARD!!!!!!!!!!!! sorry, couldn't help it 😀

I never realized, when Mal, Jayne and Zoe are talking on the docks after the non-transaction with Badger, there's a Blue Sun cargo behind Mal.

Spoiler

Isn't that the organization running after River?

I just love Mal and Inara's bickering 😀

Kaylee :'( I hate that part when she gets shot...

River! 🙂

Mal's brotherly/fatherly love for Kaylee is adorable.

Mal is so mean! XD Telling Simon that Kaylee's dead *shakes head*

I just love Firefly! 😀 😀 😀

 

[Washburne]

I never realized, when Mal, Jayne and Zoe are talking on the docks after the non-transaction with Badger, there's a Blue Sun cargo behind Mal.

Spoiler

Isn't that the organization running after River?

Lets be lazy and not spoilery. More info about Blue Sun if anyone is interested.

 

[PassionBecoming]

[MENTION=8013]Washburne[/MENTION] - I want a shirt like that!!

 

[Washburne]

[MENTION=8013]Washburne[/MENTION] - I want a shirt like that!!

Like this? I got that from Cafepress. Loads of different colours. I know you can get a white top at the american site. Might be others as well.

edit: You should pick a lot of stuff for the kids. They'll be the coolest kids around. 😀

 

[brinkster130]

[MENTION=8013]Washburne[/MENTION] Both I suppose, if the answer to the questions would be spoilery then they are best left unanswered; but if it should have been clear and I missed something from the episode then an answer would be nice.

 

[sk]

I also liked how realistic the silence of space was in this - when the ship started up, they just played music and avoided the Star Wars-y "Vshhhhhooom-PEEEW" rocket ship noises.

Just wanted to highlight this since I also think it's a cool thing with Firefly.

Even a producer or director on Stargate SG-1 mention that on a commentary track once.
He was a huge fan of Firefly and was jealous on Joss Whedon because he was allowed to do a silent space. On SG-1 network executives forced them to add sound effects. 🙂

This is probably my all-time favorite pilot of any show.
I fell in love with it when they released the cry-baby. Brilliant moment.

/SK

 

[Jodast]

Sorry I'm late, my dog ate my home work 🙂 Seriously, my work shifts meant that I haven't had time to watch the ep until this evening.

I took some notes and with a combination of remembering how I felt the first time I watched the show and my inability to ever remember what actually happens in shows, here are my thoughts. I'll try not to be too spoilery, so those that have seen it will no what I mean and those who haven't will be like WTF? with some of my comments. Anything blatant will go in tags.

I like the all action beginning. Futuristic setting and a budget big enough to pull it off. Things are looking promising.

Man that twin-barrelled cannon is awesome!

A typical Joss bit of writing

Spoiler

Just as you think everything's going to be OK, it all turns to crap

The upside down shot makes for an amusing juxtaposition from the end of the last scene.

That dinosaue scene is genius.

Kaylee, oh Kaylee :heart: :heart: :heart:

The Alliance vessel looks very much like an Imperial Star Destroyer from 'Star Wars' on the inside. I guess that's deliberate to make absolutely certain we know they are the yang to Serenity's yin.

Mandarin. I know why they did it, but it annoys me.

That thrust effect is awesome. More evidence of a decent budget.

Roll credits:

I really like the theme song. If only it had been played by Nerf Herder 🙂

Nathan Fillion: Yay Caleb got his own show. I like how he plays Mal, from the opening few minutes.
Gina Torres. On no! Jasmine is second lead, this whole project is freaking doomed!

Spoiler

turns out she's really good in everything else I have ever seen her in. Including this

Alan Tudyk If Paul Giamatti didn't have the market cornered on quirky, strange looking male roles in Hollywood, this guy would have an Oscar by now, I am certain. A hugely under-rated talent.
Morena Baccarin/ Never heard of her. But she is beautiful. Not in an I'm objectifying this woman for sexual purposes kind of way. In a behold, this woman is close to natural perfection, kind of way.
Adam Baldwin So he's the meat-head of the bunch. Every crew need the tough guy.
Jewel Staite. She's so adorably cute and pretty and from what I've seen so far she is perfectly cast as Kaylee
Sean Maher. Never heard of him.
Summer Glau Hey, that ballerina chick from 'Waiting in the Wings' is in this. Go Joss!
Ron Glass. I'm sure I have seen you in stuff before, but I can't put my finger on where...

Mark Sheppard is a guest star! This will be awesome!!!!

The blurred 'money shot'. Subtle Joss, real subtle D

I love that planet life is this mixture of old and new and a polyglot of cultures.

Badger's a real d-bag, but if Mark Sheppard is playing him, you know he will be an unpleasant piece of work.

Simon in this first shot looks like he eats babies.

Spoiler

Nice job of mis-direction

The look exchanged between Inara and Kaylee spoke of much more than friendship. Whether it was intended to imply something further... but it reminded me of Faith and Buffy looking at each other. It was definitely a character moment. Just not sure it was intentional on behalf of the writers.

The chemistry between Mal and Inara is palpable.

Kaylee eating that strawberry should have an explicit content warning 😀

Mal's 180* change in view on religion since the opening scene is interesting. I'll keep an eye on that.

Jayne is a total ass. The unease between him and Mal is brillianht. It's nice to see people not getting along perfectly right from the off. Especially when stuck in such close confines all the time. Great character possibilities.

Inara's chambers are beautifully plush with multi-layered, luxurious fabrics and fully decorated. Great contrast to the functionality of the rest of the sets.

Speaking of which, toilets and basins that come out of the wall. Best. Idea. Ever!

It's always the quiet ones.

KAYLEE!!! NOOOOOOO!!!! 🙁

No matter the situation, Inara is always beatifully attired.

River seems traumatised. Wonder how long it'll be before they have her 'normal' again?

Sean Maher's performance as he tells the story of River going to school and getting her back is brilliant! Never seen him in anything before or since but I like his work so far.

Will the worm turn? If not now, when?

I love the way they are building up the reavers. A mention here and there and then this tense fly by. Awesome writing.

The prank was harsh. I would have liked to have seen the laughing seen first and then the payoff of him in the infirmary. Would havebeen much more tense and much more of a relief. Although may have made the crew look too unsympathetic. Especially for a pilot episode.

That good for nothing scumbag. Hitting a man when he's down. Now we know you're a bad guy!

This whole bit on Whitefall seems to sum up what the show is really about.

Jayne looking at Mal through the scope made for some uneasy moments.

I love that we have gone from a military-tyle scene at the beginning to a good old-fashioned free-for-all at this point. It shows the scope of the show.

The bit with the hose is just funny! 'Blazing Saddles' in space 🙂

Jayne's face when he goes for the body-toss is fantastic.

Great effects in the Crazy Ivan scene.

Kaylee talking to Serenity is beautiful :heart:

The Shepherd finds a new flock.

Quote of the episode:

Zoe: "I don't like it. It's a bad spot. They still have the advantage over us."
Mal: "They always do. That's what makes us special."

This seems to be a mission statement. We know that we are going to be watching a crew of underdogs fighting the odds and for their lives as we go on tthis journey with them. Time will tell...

Some general thoughts

The casting seems to be spot on for every single character. None of them seem out of their element, even those I haven't seen or heard of before.

Joss' writing is as good as ever. There's some great drama, some epic comedy and a scope that is much bigger than what we have seen from him thus far.

A brilliant start. Can't wait for the next episode!

 

[VisionGirl]

I'm late to the party too. Super, super busy first week of school and I'm just getting around to watching tonight.

Also, at the time they were shooting this, Rebecca Gayheart was playing the role of Inara Serra, but Whedon knew that it was not going to work out and so shot scenes with her interacting with the crew in singles, so that the only part that would have to be reshot would be the shots of Inara.

This I did not remember. I never would've guessed- they did a great job with that!

Both Carlos Jackott (Dobson) and Andy Umberger (Captain on Dortmunder) has appeared on both Btvs and Angel.

And I swear that Andy Umberger was in a Dollhouse episode too, but I never could find a credit for that character!!

Anyone thinking about the lack or aliens and robots? I don't. If I hadn't read it somewhere I hadn't given it a second thought. If you're in space in a sci-fi they're usually around. The reavers can be seen as monsters but they're human so I don't count them.

Well, remember we don't know a whole lot about them at this time. All we've seen so far is humans, but we don't know for sure that there are no aliens.

I'll admit I haven't been looking for answers as to why the rest of the episodes didn't air as they should. Ok, they wanted another pilot/first episode than Serenity. Fine but then what?

Um, because it's Fox and,they're stupid?! LOl, I really don't know, but I love the pilot. What's not to love? You've got a battle scene, a heist, a love scene, a western style free-for-all, an undercover government agent, a kidnapped girl, and a chase scene escaping monsters!! It's got it all.

My favorite quotes:

Jayne: "Ten percent of nothin' is, let me do the math here...nothin' and a nothin', carry the nothin'..."
Mal: "Jayne, your mouth is talking. You should look into that"

"We've done the impossible, and that makes us mighty."

I'm probably the only one, but Kaylee annoys me at first. <ducks>

And Jayne is kind of an ass. But a funny ass.

The scene that really struck me is the visual of Sheppard Book crying and Inara touching his head. Turns out that the most spiritual person on the ship is not the preacher, but the prostitute. I really like their interaction.

I agree with whoever said that about religion: I always find inclusion of spiritual or religious elements interesting (probably why I like Battlestar Galactica so much).

Mark Sheppard!! He's in all of my favorite shows (BSG, Medium, Dollhouse). Loooove him!!

 

[PassionBecoming]

My favorite quotes:

Jayne: "Ten percent of nothin' is, let me do the math here...nothin' and a nothin', carry the nothin'..."
Mal: "Jayne, your mouth is talking. You should look into that"

And Jayne is kind of an ass. But a funny ass.

Hahahahaha. Oh, the giggles I get. 😀

 

[Jules]

I'm a first time watcher and I have to say that I love this episode.

I couldnt help comparing some of the characters to those on BtVS. Wash reminded me of Xander, their homor is very similiar, Kaylee reminded me of Willow and Jayne reminded me of Faith.

I like Mal. He's a very tortured character. He was a great soldier who believed in the cause and then he was betrayed, left behind by those he was fighting for. You can understand why he's so bitter. Yet even though he acts crazy he still has a code, he's very protective of his crew, especially Kaylee. I love the tension between him and Inara. I actually like her the best. She's a strong character.

Jayne makes me nervous. Having someone that volatile in your team, he seems lawless, yet he takes orders from Mal. I cant wait to see if its because he owes Mal or if Mal's just that good a leader. Zoe and Wash have some nice banter but I just dont see the romantic attachment.

I think Simon's character developed the most in one episode. He went from cool and suspicious to very sweet and protective. I loved the scene were River is revealed. Its so sweet.

I liked how all the character's tied in with each other, they established a link straight away; Inara and Shepherd and Simon and Kaylee.

I like the ''bad guys'' even though we havent seen the reavers or much of the Alliance. This episode has definatly got me wanting to see more.