Firefly

(S01E07) This episode isn’t technically out of order, as it really did need to be placed after ’Shindig’, where the group obtained the cattle. I have to say, though, that it was after watching this episode that I had to think, "why is it again that this show is so great?" This was one of those episodes that wasn’t all that thrilling, perhaps because a bulk of the story happens on the ground.

’Safe’ does have its moments, however. The opening scene (pictured above) with a young Simon and River Tam give us more insight to their relationship and how, more than likely, their parents were behind River’s problems. The casting of the two kids in this scene is some of the best I’ve seen. The boy playing Simon is spot on, complete with his looks and mannerisms. Bravo to the casting director there.

Something that I wasn’t too keen on was the sound effects for the gun fight. They sound like what we’d think are laser rifles, but they sure seem to be firing normal bullets from regular revolvers. Eh, just chalk it up to another oddity of the future we’re not meant to understand.

The biggest reveal so far in the show is Book’s mysterious status within the Alliance. This is where everything the viewer knows or has seen of the Shepherd changes. Honestly I can’t recall that they ever fully address Book’s mysterious past in future episodes, though I have seen several fans comment here that we never really do find out what Book is all about. But maybe that’s just another thing that made this show special.

Lastly, we see further evidence that Mal isn’t all business and does seemingly care for his crew, whether he wants to admit it or not. He’s obviously trying to separate personal feelings from business, but the crew can usually see right through that. But they’ll never admit that to him to his face.

Jayne-ism of the episode:

Jayne: (Pretending to read Simon’s journal) "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."