"I was there son, I'm fair sure you haven't shot anyone yet." Booke has some of the best lines.

Mal: "I'm not...going...to say it again." Proceeds to say it again. :D Mal is very aware that he needs to keep Wash angry, to keep him from breaking.

I'm surprised you didn't comment on Jayne being generous with his share (the apples). It goes perhaps to him feeling some remorse over the events in "Ariel."

The scene with the "Vanilla Husband" was cut, so you won't find it. He was the husband of Inara's client.

Keep in mind that Wash’s original complaint was that Zoe wouldn’t tell him what she thought about his idea. Every time he asked, she would just state what Mal thought about it. In the very first episode, Wash complained that he and Zoe couldn’t even take a day off without getting Mal’s approval. His complaint isn’t that Zoe and Mal have a close relationship. His complaint is about how that relationship impacts his marriage. Thus the line about it needing one less husband.

Such an interesting episode... Book: my own theory when this came out was that Book was an important retired Alliance man who saw too much during the war, and retired to live a life of faith, much like the tales of Japanese samurai who retired their swords, shaved off their topknots and became Buddhist monks. He still has the knowledge and skills from his previous life, however unsavory that life may have been - he seems to know a lot about crime and criminals, weapons, ships, etc - but he's trying to live a good life, and do the right things. River: regarding her mental health - both Book and Inara might be able to help. There are a few hints that they might be trying to, but nothing too overt. In this episode we get some hints as to what the Alliance might have been trying to do with her - clearly she is trained with handguns, and was able to quickly scan the threats and then effuciently neutralize them. Super soldier? Assassin? Bodyguard? Kaylee, getting her apple back from River: "Nothing...in the 'Verse...can stop me." Smiling, it was just a game. River, getting the gun from Kaylee and killing three armed thugs in rapid succession, not a single shot wasted, with her eyes closed: "Nothing in the 'Verse can stop me." Smiling, it was just a game. Scary as f! Also Kaylee: "They look so glamorous together!" We've seen that despite her innocence in many ways, Kaylee is no prude, and pretty matter-of-fact about sex. She's just happy for them! We all love Kaylee in this ship... Jayne: he's feeling actual guilt, which for him is real growth - spending his money to buy apples for the crew, tossing his stash in to try to buy back Mal and Wash. He honestly thinks a frontal assault on Niska's station is suicide - but if they are going to do it, well, he owes Mal his life. He's going, and he's taking Vera. If he dies, well hell - he dies being a hero, not a traitor, and that's okay. But he is still a rather crude sort of person - and yeah, for Jayne, thinking about two women being intimate probably is enough to sehd him too his bunk. It can be for a lot of guys - most just aren't so crude and obvious about it. He's certainly not shy about it. Wash: he's shown some jealousy before. "Don't forget to call him sir! He likes it when ya do that." It just came to a head in this one, and boiled over. There's fault on both sides of the argument, but Wash oversteps when he interferes with the mission, and pays the price. But by the end of the episode it seems all is going to be okay. Zoe: the badassiest badass in the crew...

13:20 IMO, this moment is probably the most underrated interaction in the episode. Wash says Mal is crazy and he wouldn't have survived without Mal to which Zoe replies, "I know." And in that moment it all clicks for Wash. Because Mal was right when he called out Wash for questioning the nature of his and Zoe's relationship. Wash didn't understand how two people could be that close and not have some sexual history/attraction. But after enduring that torture with Mal, Wash sees that to get every 'wacky' story that Mal and Zoe share they had to go through hell and if they hadn't had each they would not have survived. Mal isn't the threat Wash believed him to be, Mal and Zoe are each other's ride or die.

16:27 I think that was Anna's "I'll be in my bunk" moment.

"Bastard's not gonna get days," Wash says gruffly and determined. I love his BDH (Big Damn Hero) moment. Next to Kaylee, Wash is the least likely guy on the crew to grab some guns and bring down hell on the baddies. But he's as ride or die with Mal now as his wife is, lol.

You are the ONLY person I've seen, family, friend or reactor that has picked up on Jayne smacking Mal in the very chest that Niska was torturing. Kudos to you for that. I also love how you really seem to get Mal, and everyone for that matter. I do wish you liked Jayne more. As Jim Croce would say, "he's big and dumb as a man can come, but he stronger than a country hoss", but once you know how he thinks, you CAN count on him. You just need to focus him on whatever you need him to do. If you think back, there have been times when Jayne's done things you wouldn't expect ... little things like, hanging out in the shadows worrying about Kayleigh when she was shot, plus he's now more apt to care since Mal set him straight. He's just a big dumb kid, but that can be handled if you are careful. I think deep down inside he WANTS/NEEDS to have something to belong to but has just never had it before. He's still got time to improve, right? If you have a dog that bites people, you train 'em or you chain 'em, but you don't have to put 'em down.

Mal and Zoe are *battle buddies*. They are brown coats that served together through some of the worst fighting of the War of Independence. There is no closer, intimate bond save for identical siblings. Things are said and shared to your battle buddy that are never repeated: spouses of 40 years, parents, siblings, your children - nobody. They are the reason the other is still alive; in and out of combat.

They are NOT "soul-mates"... Mal and Zoe have the kind of bond that is formed in combat. The kind of bond shared by soldiers who have suffered, bled, cried, and held each other in moments of pure terror. Wash experienced just a little of that kind of bonding in this episode. By the end, I think he actually began to understand (and make peace with) the relationship between the captain and Zoe.

This is my absolute, most very favorite episode.The manner in which Mal kept Wash "kicking" during the torture...It's relatable.

As far as Simon stepping up in the hospital, don't forget the common denominator is River. Regardless of location or comfort zone, when it comes to protecting his sister Simon will risk everything and do whatever is necessary.

In an A-plot B-plot story the A-plot is obviously the "love triangle." The B-plot though is River. And I find it even more interesting. Simon is getting her meds adjusted. So, we're starting to see the real River running and playing with Kaylee. And when the combination of the playing and the apples and the drugs make her sick we see how damaged and scared she is. And River recognizes how damaged she is. She laments and knows the feeling of being normal will not last and whatever the Alliance did to her is going to come crashing down on her to take her "true self" away. But the most important reveal about River is when she shows up to save Kaylee. One quick glance, grabs Kaylee's pistol, "Can't look, can't look." Boom. Boom. Boom. Eyes closed, three perfect shots, three dead men and, "No power in the 'verse can stop me." What did the Alliance do to River? Why? What was she altered to become? And that look on Kaylee's face at the end of the episode is puzzling. Is she scared of River now? Did she not tell Mal or the others what River did? Is she afraid to tell them? Does she think that it would be a betrayal if she did tell? For such a small about of screen time a very large amount of "story" was told.

Too often people seem to put Jayne getting slashed by River out of mind when judging Jayne in the Ariel episode. It is important to keep in mind that his betrayal was not done in a vacuum. He had been attacked by her in what could have been a fatal incident had she slashed just a bit higher, all because he was wearing a certain T-shirt that he had no way of knowing would trigger her. I don't say this to justify Jayne's actions, just to put them in context. There was a definite catalyst there that might have been cause for Mal, if he were a bit more open to the signals, to keep Jayne out of the mission in the first place. From Jaynes point of view, and this is not unreasonable, she had become a potentially deadly liability and Mal didn't seem to be willing to clamp down on that.

Mal and Zoe don't always 100% click ('something the captain's gonna have to do for himself' Vs 'no it's not!), but they're essentially trauma bonded, and the classic 'brothers in arms'. They trust each other completely.

5:10 That's the point where you can see Wash thinking "here we go again..." Oh, and "Vanilla Husband" refers to the Counsellor's un-named husband: he was in a scene which was cut for time prior to transmission, but the credit stayed in.

Shepherd and Niska were in the same book club. :D

"The War Buddy Bond is tough to crack" - Saffron Loved how you explained Mal and Zoe's bond.

The guy credited as "vanilla husband" is the husband of Inara's client. His scene was cut from the final version, but for whatever reason, the credit was left in.

A lot of people don’t like this episode very much but I love how much we learn about everyone in this.

we saw it way back in the first episode- Mal and Zoe have been comrades in arms, life and death partners in combat for 6 YEARS, at least., saved each others' lives routinely. They know each other perfecly- in a fight , if they needed more ammo and hand grenades, they don't have to talk or think about it- they both KNOW what the other will do. Kaylee breaks my heart at the end of this. I love her, understand her, I know she's scared. Her weakness makes me want to cry. I understand it, she is what she is and is not a fighter. But in that moment, she puts everybody at risk, all of them and herself, on the very edge of death or worse.

The many types of love, of relationships one person needs to be complete, to be stable socially. Take them away you stager that persons sole and stunt their growth on a deep level. Its sadly a social experiment we are all being subject to these days. Happy Mother's Day! My real heroes, the most important job on earth bar none.

Anna: "Is it gonna suck the years from him?" later.... "is he MOSTLY dead? A Princess Bride fan, I see.

The "Vanilla husband" is the councilor's husband. Scenes with him were filmed but didn't make the cut for the show, but he had to be credited because he "worked" on the episode.

" I'll be in my bunk" said Kaylee, grabbing some fresh batteries... BTW, very thoughtful reaction at 16:27.

I have 4 favorite episodes. This was one of them. Wash learns what Zoe already knew. Mal protects his crew at all costs with an almost superhuman mental fortitude. Mal also refused to let Niska enjoy torturing him. Even after revival from death, Mal is making jokes and not giving Niska the joy of breaking him. Jayne on a big redemption arc and the crew is noticing the change - especially Zoe. Buying apples, kicking in money to help Mal & Wash, then gearing up for the rescue. In the first episode with Niska, (The Train Job) Jayne was willing to leave Mal and Zoe behind and "maybe" get them later. He had zero loyalty and was debating to leave them behind after getting paid. Jayne has come far since then and his learning lesson (in the Ariel episode) is a major reason why. Simon is willing to break his Doctor's oath (heal, never kill) for Mal. Good thing he didn't, despite his best efforts. Even adorable Kaylee is willing to get in over her head to help rescue Mal. "No power in the 'Verse can stop me." Killing is just another game to River, no different than stealing apples. What kind of deadly gunfighter was Kaylee playing with earlier? This also calls back to Episode 1 when Mal said " I don't think there is a Power in the 'Verse that can stop Kaylee from being cheerful". Kaylee isn't cheerful here, she is terrified of River. Shepherd Book impresses us again with his tracking knowledge as well as his skill with firearms. We learn Inara has the power to send Jayne to his bunk. She also used her networking with the counselor giving them needed equipment to assist in the rescue. Even Zoe gets some character growth. She learns she should more readily show her loyalty to her husband whenever possible.

The back-and-forth bickering is almost brotherly, and funny even though being tortured. The tension between the three just shows how much like a family they really are. One of the best River moments of her blindly shooting just shows how much of a "weapon" she can be. Too bad her comment "No power in the 'verse can stop me" was edited.

I'm so glad you picked up on why she picked Wash. So many people say oh it's so romantic, she really demonstrated that she'd choose Wash over Mal so now he can feel less threatened. Meanwhile, she definitely picked him because he wouldn't have survived and Mal would.🤣

You're the first reactor to actually figure out why Mal was making Wash angry. I don't know how it wasn't obvious.

Adam Baldwin always seems to get the best lines, no matter what show he's on. Firefly- "I'll be in my bunk" and on "Chuck" the immortal "Thanks for the coffee, Shaw. Just how I like it, black and bitter". I kinda like that Jayne and Book are work-out buddies. Jayne may be a pr!ck, but he didn't have to help with Mal's rescue- AND he brought Vera.

Thank you. I genuinely enjoyed your reaction. I know you can easily analyze a work, but it's more fun to see you really appreciate a work.

I love you I love you I love you. FINALLY a reactor who understands that *this* is Zoe’s episode. You nailed it when you said she loves both of these men in different ways. With Wash, it’s romantic love, sexual attraction, and joy taken in their connection. With Mal, it’s unquestioned trust and loyalty, going both ways. You also ‘got’ immediately that she chooses to free Wash because not only would he not cope with torture, she knows Mal will, and that Mal will understand her reason for leaving him there. Like you, there’s a *fans-self moment for me when Mal drops the smartass persona briefly and asks Niska “wanna meet the real me now?” hhoooooooooo boy. But it’s Jayne I really want to tickle your brain with. Mal and Jayne’s relationship is an oddly subtle one. Jayne truly respects Mal, and he shows it physically. You see it in the pilot episode when Mal tells Jayne to “step away from this table”, and he does - no argument. You see it again in Out of Gas, when Mal confronts Wash about going back to the bridge, Jayne actually backs away from him. Mal however, doesn’t *trust* Jayne What he does do, is trust that he (Mal) understands Jayne, that Jayne will always put himself first, and builds that distrust into how he operates. In the episode Arial, Jayne is giving Mal grief about how they should get rid of Simon and River, and when Mal gets in his face about it, Jayne is clearly uncomfortable and trying to back away and not meet Mal’s eyes. Also in Arial, Mal doesn’t so much ‘figure out’ that Jayne called the feds, as ‘reaches the logical conclusion’. Finally, it’s in the words he gives Inara during Out of Gas, “Jayne'll be worth something if you run into trouble. But DON’T TRUST HIM, and don't let him take over.” Mal trusts that Jayne will be untrusworthy. Loving your reactions, loving the perspective you watch it from, and I’m very much enjoying sharing the journey with you.

I believe the references to the warrior poet Shan Yu, are also a reference to the last episode. You can live with a person for years, share meals with them and never see their true self. But hold them over a volcano and then you see their true self. Of course we saw this with Mal here, but I think it was demonstrated by Jayne too, last episode. I think Mal was fully prepared to launch him out that hold, but Dangling over that volcano Jayne showed his true self to Mal, and Mal decided to spare him.

22:10 “The Shepherd’s Tale” has a weird narrative structure, but it’s a quick read & easy to follow. The guy has a pretty dark past…

I think it's not just that Zoe knew Mal could withstand the torture longer (and that Niska wanted to torture him for longer and would avoid killing him, giving her time to plan a rescue mission, whereas if she had taken Mal, Niska might've just killed Wash in front of her, or not let her take Mal at all), it's also that she knew that that's what Mal would want her to do.

I have found that a lot of female reactors are initially confused by how Mal was keeping Wash distracted. It was refreshing when you recognized what was happening so quickly. Good job.

I'll be in my bunk Jayne! Grab your weapon .. He was just about too... I hope that they also robbed Niska blind on the way out from grabbing Mal. Jayne buying the apples and taking up arms to rescue Mal, is the progression of Jayne from the mercenary to a crewman. He's trying to apologize to the crew without actually saying it - or explaining it. Also the relationship between Mal and Zoe ... Just as she constantly calls him sir. Some notions get pounded into your head so completely - that even when circumstances change those notions remain. So Zoe is respectful and obedient to Mal - and Mal doesnt sexualize her. I am sure when they where in the military together - he had leadership training, that included not to sexually abuse your sisters in arms...

Mal & Zoe share trauma. They are family, but they have a connection that she cannot reproduce with Wash, or anyone. Same goes for Mal. She loves Wash, in every sense that is important in a marriage. These two relationships only share that the crew, all of them (even Jayne) are family. They are all ride or die, and now Jayne sees Simon and River that way too after being reminded what sort of loyalty he can expect outside the circle vs inside. What an incredible web of relationships, so engaging, and imperfect. Thus offering a variety of great stories to explore.

great episode I loved your Princess Bride references... awesome

7:32 yes

From googling, I suppose (if this is accurate) that the "Vanilla Husband" was a character whose scene was cut, and was the husband to the counselor lady. Idk though 🤷‍♂️ That's some deep trivia right there lol, you're very observant, I'd never have noticed that in the credits!

The analogy that comes to mind, after hearing your insights, is that Serenity is like a rock tumbler for her crew. A rock tumbler takes rocks and sand, and then turns over a long period, where the rocks get their impurities ground off from their collisions with each other,, and the sand eventually polishes them to a brighter color. So, during the various episodes, we see Simon getting some of his pretence and detachment getting ground down until he becomes someone who doesn't think twice about taking up arms for Mal. Zoe and Wash strengthen their relationship in various ways, while they each let the other be themselves. Kaylee is spending less time in the engine room and more time involving herself with others. Even now, you can see Jayne's tough-guy attitude mellowing after "Ariel" (he was the one who bought the apples for the crew with some of his cut from the hospital run, and threw in what he had left to help come up with the ransom). River is starting to get physically better, but as you wisely pointed out, still has a bunch of emotional baggage to sort out. And then there's Mal and Inarra. Their relationship is changing, in ways that we saw in "Our Mrs. Reynolds" and "Out of Gas". We love stories where we see people change. Those are the ones that we listen to or watch or read repeatedly.

As you noted, Niska's "very special machine" is a highly developed version of Count Rugen's life sucker, showing that _Firefly_ and _The Princess Bride_ take place in the same universe. Of course, it's really just Whedon's homage to the movie.

Every episode expands on one or more of the main characters. That way we get to know each one more and more. This continues and you will get to know Simon much more than you do now. I promise.

It's been fun watching you delve into these episodes. Sadly we're fast approaching the end though.

You and I are some of the few to get the ending when Jayne slaps Mal!

You quoted Princess Bride twice in this episode. I love you 3 times as much now.

The funniest torture scene ever😅😅😅

I had strong intuitions regarding the truth about River when Simon explained the Academy and how brilliant she was. Intuitions that were reinforced a multitude of times in every subsequent episode. Even if there had been nothing but that explanation, and the few seconds of the scene where she shoots the three men, it would have been more than enough to paint the entire picture. This episode uses 98% tangential story, so that 2% can reveal the actual plot.

For your own entertainment: Moosecat Productions "The Reason". It's a Browncoat fanvid, approx. 4mins long. Interesting what the right editing & fitting song can do. ❤🧡💛💚💙💜

About your comment on Niska and Book, I see it as 2 unrelated perspectives. One coming from Book, who is very well educated in philosophy and other things, and then Niska coming from a sadistic interest.

Amazing reaction

If Book has ninja skills, what does that wee Tam girl have? (Also: You'd enjoy THE EXPANSE! Takes a smidgen of patience to get into but once you're in, you're in. Your authorial side may take a shine to the storytelling.)

This one is the last of the abolute great episodes of firefly (E6-E10). From now on, the episodes are just great. 😉😄 Btw... I'll be in my bunk!

... regarding the Arial episode... Jayne Cobb. Lots of browncoats/FF fans have doubts about Jayne. He's simply... 'self-motivated.' However, I assure you, Adam Baldwin, who plays Jayne, also portrays some of the most loyal characters and is one of the most giving and loyal cast members on many TV series and film projects. To prove this, I'd strongly suggest that you consider reacting to a breathtakingly great character/character relationship series (one that rivals/beats FF) that features Adam Baldwin. It's a sci-fi tinged, spy action show, brilliantly spun into a pop culture spoof, which at its heart, has the greatest against all odds soulmate love story in the history of TV. It's called; "Chuck" The FASCINATING THING is that the character Adam Baldwin plays; Major John Casey, develops VERY much the same "ride-or-die" "always-have-your-back" protect-confidant relationship you see in Mal and Zoe, with the female lead character called Sarah. Of course, this most epic soulmate - love story - involves the lead characters, and is merely supported by Sarah's ride-or-die partner; Casey. (please note: initially, a compications-involved 'will/won't they' patience is required situation)

Once again I just find myself in love with your pre-episode and post-episode comments, oh, your comments during the episode also. Well done this episode, of course that sounds like I am repeating myself, I say it each week. That might be due to your writers instinct or whatever it is that allows you authors to create something out of nothing. Take care and we'll see you with episode 11.

i found the graphic novel on amazon. It's nice to see what his back story is.

There is an awesome book series…like having more episodes….Joss consulted and it is up to par with series…

You are absolutely my favorite person for reactions. And the Princess Bride quotes just sealed the deal. Is it wrong that I want to run a Firefly rpg with you as a player character?

I'm sure Wash knew that Mal would be part of the package. I think his problem is he saw Mal as taking precedence over the husband.

Mal doesn't see himself as a "daddy figure" for this group, he's the commanding officer. He's a military person used to commanding a large group of people in dangerous situations (war) -- he doesn't take care of them because they are his friends, he takes care of them because they are his crew (his responsibility). That's exactly what he tells the Doctor way back in episode 2. That's also a big reason he puts up with Jayne's shit -- he knows what positive attributes Janye brings to the group and he sees a need that makes Jayne worth the risk. So, Jayne, too, becomes part of the crew and the Capt. deals with him. Not family, not friends, crew. To better understand Mal watch this deleted scene -- from an early episode so no spoilers. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/a6x2gpCCxqjOn5c.html

"I'll be in my bunk." Best line of the entire series. Interesting point about Xiun Zu (sp?). In what context would Book and Niska both be familiar with that work? Could they have some common past? Neither seems likely to have served in a conventional military role. Mysteries within mysteries.

I'd recommend reading the graphic novels after watching the series but before the movie (or at least Book's). That's what most browncoats did and then you can talk about the revelations from the novels in the movie reaction.

Great episode and a great reaction. During a convention, Adam was worried that Jayne was going to be killed off during Ariel. Joss said that only Serenity was safe from being killed off. In today's world, I don't believe Inara's female client would be a big deal. With the show being made in 2002, it was more of a surprise. You see that Mal and Zoe have a special bond from the war. If the show had more seasons, I suspect that we would of seen an episode of how they met and why Zoe is so loyal to Mal. I also suspect we would of gotten an episode of that loyalty being challenged. I am pretty sure that Niska was going to be a recurring villain. Book is very much aware of Niska and his reputation. I wonder if the show continue, would we have gotten an episode of Book and Niska work together?

Zoe's the only one who's had ever meet the "Real" Mal, same as Mal. He knows the real "Zoe".

People who cling to power tend to be insecure in fundamental ways that lead them to build their bravado. Simon is self-possessed and knows he's a genius, so I think he is less likely to need to puff himself up. Also, living with young River probably kept his ego in check, so he developed almost without one. He has no need to use money, women or violence to assert his masculinity. He is goals for non-toxic men!

Well, sounds like someone watched Princess Bride more than once!

The thing with Inara and her client in this episode, you have to remember the period in which Joss Whedon was making this, a lot of it was considered pretty progressive. It's the same as with Buffy, he was known for being progressive in his work at the time. I remember some people being frustrated with him later though, iirc for a while at least he continued to make the same level of stuff and expect it to still be lauded as progressive when the world had moved on. Idk if he's grown since then though, it was a while back and I haven't been keeping track. I think he's a legitimately talented filmmaker regardless. Also rumour has it that Joss Whedon wrote firefly based on a tabletop role-playing game, which strongly influenced the structure of the story. I don't think it's ever been confirmed, but I could easily believe it.

lol, can you please explain what that expression was starting at 16:28 and right at 16:33-16:36 !!?? Wooo girl, looks like you just had a "moment" thanks to Mal!!! LOL I do believe that you wanted Mal to come home to momma!!

Any Combat Vet will tell you to think Strategically in Zoey's place, Not to mention Niska wouldn't would not give up Mal at any price. Good of you to pick up on that. You should fully understand by now why people are so upset with Fox, and every other network like SyFy for not continuing the story, they love playing with tropes and expectations. Example; Zoey: 'No this is something the Cap has to do for himself." Mal; "No its not!." Oh, bang - bang. Who else would have gone in that direction?

Sorry if this has been said before in the comments. Catching up with your vids, and not going to read all 150 to check 🥺 ... Anyway, I have to think that Mal would have let Jayne go out the airlock if Jayne hadn't asked Mal to make up a lie as to what happened - he was embarrassed by what he had done, and he expressed it in such an indirect way to mean it was honest.

Mal and Zoe were in combat together.

One of my favorite episodes. Side note. Nathan Fillion is a bit of a practical joker. There have been a number of videos on KZfaq talking about some of his pranks and even some calling guests on a comic con or sci-fi board to prank them.

Jayne is the most interesting character, doesn't mean I would trust him around me. There are a lot of clues in the background on why he became that way but I guess most people don't look that far. The show was really too short, there is great potential for positive development with his character.

I’m surprised how many people attribute Zoe’s choice to just pragmatism, that Wash wouldn’t last, but Mal would endure. I just take it that having to choose between Mal and Wash she would pick her husband without hesitation.

Niska's method for "meeting the real you" is pretty redundant for Mal - we know he he really is. The only thing about himself that he tries to hide is the lengths he will go to to protect his people. Niska really didnt enjoy meeting the real Mal.

Mal and Zoe are are brother and sister, forged in war

For Jayne to have a redemption arc you have to see the worst. I'm dancing close to spoilers here, so I'll just go.

16:30 - um...what was going on there? lol

Omg what are you gonna watch next?? XENA?! 😃😃😃

what you kept describing between Mal and Zoe is the bond between man and wife (all that "one flesh" stuff). I'm on Wash's side in this. If she's closer to Mal than to Wash... let Wash go. Let him find _his_ soulmate. But, based on your description, Mal is filling in the place that a husband is supposed to fill.

Vanilla husband scene was cut. EXT. COUNCILOR'S HOUSE - NIGHT The idyll of a lavish country house, to establish. INT. COUNCILOR'S HOUSE - NIGHT Inara waits in the foyer of this opulent home, uncomfortable about being here. The Councilor is sitting, a bit blindsided by Inara's presence. Imperious -- but also a bit nervous. COUNCILOR This is an unwarranted imposition. You are in my home. It belittles both our stations to -- INARA A man will die, horribly, if I do not act. I apologize for my conduct, but as a member of the World Council, you cannot be unaware of what Adelai Niska is. COUNCILOR His skyplex is beyond our jurisdiction. I really must ask that -- HUSBAND (O.S.) Sweetie, we're looking for Maynard's elephant... The councilor's very vanilla HUSBAND enters with a young boy, their son. The husband sees Inara as he kisses the councilor on the head. He regards Inara with benign irritation. HUSBAND We're taking solicitors at the house? I thought you promised... The councilor blanches, moves to speak -- INARA Forgive me. I imposed on a mutual acquaintance for the audience. I appreciate your position, Councilor. Goodnight. Inara, now getting the Councilor's coldness, exits. EXT. COUNCILOR'S HOUSE - NIGHT Inara descends the steps to the house. COUNCILOR (O.S.) Inara -- Inara stops as the Councilor approaches. COUNCILOR You had me in an awkward situation, you didn't press your advantage. INARA I'd never take advantage of a client's confidence. COUNCILOR I... I appreciate it. I'm just sorry I can't do more to help you. INARA (temper rising) Then do more -- help me. The Council can claim jurisdiction over Niska's Skyplex-- COUNCILOR A year ago, maybe, but Niska's become... he's bought off most of the Council. I'd be in the minority and on my way to the grave. I wish -- INARA (leaving) I haven't time to wish. COUNCILOR I thought Companions weren't allowed to take lovers. Inara stops one last time. INARA He's not my lover. COUNCILOR He must be an extraordinary captain, then.

Yep, you're gonna end up liking Jayne Cobb. You already have the, "Shut the fuck up, Jayne," thing going on.

You totally glossed over the fact that River killed 3 people without even looking. How did she acquire those skills? Those answers come much later in the movie.

If you want to continue with Syfy, Netflix has 'Travelers'. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/b598jdqL0rnTfqM.html

Hasn’t everyone read ‘Art of War’ by Sun Tzu? I think it was required reading at some business schools when I was college age.

A lot of this show is, "It is, but it isn't but it IS, but not really." Some people say that Zoe picked Wash because he is her husband and she loves him more than Mal. Others say it is because she "Knows Mal can endure much longer than Wash". Personally, I agree with you. Mal is Zoe's "Ride Or Die". Not so much "Romantic Love" but, "If Cap said we go then we GO." Because she trusts him. Personally, I believe she chose Wash for the previously mentioned reasons, but, also because she knows that Mal would look down on her for choosing him instead of a "Crew Member" (i.e. Wash). Mal has NEVER had a problem laying down his life to protect one of his crew. That isn't saying that Zoe's motivation is the Captain's respect. But that she knows he would rather die to save one of his crew than to have THEM suffer.