FIRST TIME WATCHING * Serenity (2005)* MOVIE REACTION/COMMENTARY!!

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Original Movie: Serenity (2005)
*Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use. NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED. All rights belong to their respective owners.
#Serenity#firefly

[@mintyfresh3533]

"You can't get more lawful evil than this guy" is the best reaction to The Operative that I've seen or heard. Awesome.

[@aaronburdon221]

Inspector Javert would probably be close.

[@mintyfresh3533]

@@aaronburdon221 Interesting point. I never considered the similarities between the two characters before. I know Javert didn’t believe people could change, but did he think he was good?

[@aaronburdon221]

@@mintyfresh3533 Javert didn't think he was good (according to the book), but more of an appendage of the justice system to mete out justice on lawbreakers. He was a borderline psychopath in that he didn't care about anything or anyone but the law. I love both Geoffrey Rush and Liam Neeson, but Geoffrey's portrayal of Javert was absolutely horrible. He had a deep affinity for the church though as priests were rarely lawbreakers (in his eyes anyway).

[@stevenhenry9605]

@@aaronburdon221 Javert is more Lawful Neutral I think.

[@jasonmeade955]

Scrolled down to make this exact comment.😀

[@cirrustate8674]

The Operative is undoubtedly one of the absolute best villains ever. Self aware evil who truly believed in his cause. Competent, intimidating, but not braggadocious or scene chewing. He has no illusions about who he is.

[@ThePharaz]

The villain was supposed to be Early but the actor wasn't available.

[@tornoutlaw]

He's also an indoctrinated idealist with integrity. When he was confronted with the truth, he lost his purpose or belief in a better world, but kept his integrity and did the right thing.

[@leesweets4110]

@@ThePharaz No way Early survived.

[@leesweets4110]

@@tornoutlaw I was never under the belief that the operative had any redemption arc. He's a man of practicality. His purpose was to protect the secret. His job was over when it got out; he really had no function at that point. Any kill order would have been needless. He is much too calculating a man to risk his own people, I have always thought. So no, I dont think he learned anything, or changed his views on the alliance.

[@MassEffectSteve]

And after a few decades at a monastery, he decides to walk the world a while taking a name like "Book" or something...

[@Logan_Baron]

One thing to realize about Jayne, in loving, hating, or tolerating him. In character development or just going deeper in understanding him, is that he is a man of action not words. In understanding him or seeing change in him, you won't find it in some nice speech. You'll see it in his actions when you watch closely enough, as they don't hang a lantern on them. During the series we didn't see him tell Mal he liked him or respected him, or worried about him, but his action of readying a space suit for him, when he could have done something self serving during that time. Here we don't see him make fancy speeches. But during their talking and strategizing, he takes a drink and slides the bottle to Simon. The person he was most antagonistic to. He accepted him there. Not by telling him, but by actions. During Serenity's plummet, Jayne is being tossed about the ship. Why? Because he made sure everyone else was buckled in first. Risking his own safety to make sure the rest of the crew was safe.

[@Sup3rnal]

I've realised all this many times before, of course, having watched this a hundred of times before. But this, you put thoughts to words perfectly. Thank you.

[@katherineeaster5799]

Jayne has always been my favorite.

[@jamestate5059]

The commercial playing that triggered River was also playing in the Bank during the heist but Zoe shot the screens before it had time to trigger her

[@Pixelologist]

Knew, of course, that it was the same STYLE......never realized it was the SAME.

[@Mr.Ekshin]

Every time I see this movie, I get subliminally triggered by that commercial. I don't become a weapon or anything... I just have really strong cravings for Oatey Bars.

[@leesweets4110]

@@Mr.Ekshin They are pretty good, if youve ever had one.

[@TopazRage]

Eating breakfast, clicked on KZbin for something to watch, saw this, thought, "guess I'm gonna be crying today" Thank you, so much, for this great reaction. Always a pleasure to watch a good film with someone who gets it

[@UTU49]

I always laugh at Simon and Kaylee's conversation where she says, "Screw this! I'm gonna LIVE!" For some reason I cried today instead. For me, Serenity is an extraordinarily tense movie. Comparable to Aliens. Even after I had seen Serenity 5 times, it still felt like everyone was going to die. Rationally we know that they are not all going to die because we've seen it before. The characters, however, don't know what's going to happen, so if you strongly empathize with the characters, US knowing how the movie ends doesn't help that much. It's still really emotional.

[@dneill8493]

When you think about how much better Buffy got after tbe first season you realise what we lost when they cancelled Firefly. Its an amazing series but we'll never know how incredible it could have been.

[@trulybtd5396]

They wanted to keep the door open for more firefly movies, but Alan Tudyk and Ron Glass could not commit, so thats their fate, rather than just having them disappear between installations. The timing of Wash is pretty smart, as it makes the whole audience fear that noone is safe in the final act.

[@eddiejravannen]

There is a musical written by Joss Whedon that I think you'd love. It was written during the old writers strike, staring Nathan Fillion, Neal Patrick Harris, and Felicia Day. It's called "Dr. Horrible's sing along blog". It was released straight to youtube, so I don't think copyright would be an issue. If you don't react to it, that's fine, but it's definitely worth watching.

[@elvwood]

I concur

[@notoriouslybratty]

So many don’t react to it (probably hard to edit as the title implies there are some songs). But I think fans will flock to it as not enough people react to it.

[@huwjennings2695]

It is a great watch. A sad destruction of a man getting what he wants, and losing what's actually important to him.

[@paulbieleski3394]

I love the way you easily identify the metaphors and are so emotionally available. It is why you are a joy to watch.

[@William1w1]

I have a fairly unique experience in that I originally watched this movie without even knowing the show existed. As a film, it stands surprisingly well on its own. I really liked it and how unique it felt. Also, Ejiofor gives a great performance. Probably one of my favourite movie villains ever.

[@boqndimitrov8693]

it was the same with me! i hadn't even heard of the series. it happened many years later... but it's never too late to watch firefly!

[@darkestblueone6712]

Same, I've never heard of Firefly. I thought Serenity was amazing. Watched Firefly after it got on Netflix and binged the heck out of it. Great series and great movie

[@jordanwindham3804]

I had sort of the same experience. I knew about the show, but somehow my wires got crossed, and I thought the movie was a prequel to the series. Couldn't have been more surprised when I watched the first episode and realized my mistake.

[@redcactusify2071]

Yeah me too. I'm not from america so I didn't even have the chance to stumple upon it accidentely. But I saw the movie, loved it and got the series afterwards

[@ernesthakey3396]

I like how Jayne made his little speech, took a drink, then passed the bottle to Simon. In his own way, Jayne finally considers Simon one of his crew. 🙂 Zoe got to wear a slinky dress... 😓 I like to think that the Operative became a Shepherd - he lost his faith in the Alliance, and sought a better path. Became a good man, like Book.

[@beyonderbill3409]

I never read the comics or anything, and I don't plan on it as I've heard that it all doesn't live up to what the series and the movie sets up. With that said, I always felt that this was also a Book backstory. We now know what Book was. At least, that's in my own headcannnon and I'm gonna stick with it.

[@frankenstein3526]

I also appreciated the “slinky dress” call-back to Wash’s wish early in the series that he wanted to see Zoe in a slinky dress someday…

[@DanielOrme]

I don't know if it was intended or not, but I see The Operative as a way of showing Book's backstory. That would answer a lot of questions.

[@UpLateGeek]

Yep, that whole last act is the reason why I keep coming back to this series and this movie, watching people go from being sceptical about the hype around this show, to crying because they're losing the crew and ship they love. That's what it's all about. The great writing, superb acting, the direction, everything, it all makes you feel invested in these characters, our crew, our ship. Makes you love them as much as anything else in life. Yeah, losing them hurts. Then you hear Mal's speech about love, and it's not just about Serenity, it's also about his crew. Our crew and our ship. We go on the journey together, and not everyone makes it, but those that make it out the other side are the same, Browncoats every one of us. So welcome to our ranks, I'm glad you made it through.

[@TigerNightmare]

One of the few movies I made a point of seeing on opening night, a late screening with only half the seats full at best. Still, it was an unforgettable experience. All of us were fans, we got it, it spoke to us, we already loved the characters. Our collective emotions fed off of each other. You could feel everyone's hearts sink with several gasps in unison as Wash was impaled. Everyone was trying to process it for several minutes, and yet, the movie is paced so well that we were ready to laugh at Jayne's, "I might." Probably the best movie conclusion to a show of all time.

[@dlangley49]

This is like 2 seasons worth of content in a 2 hour movie, just imagine what could have been had it not been canceled

[@Kayjee17]

I have imagined that every time I rewatch the show and movie - and every time I think about how much better the entertainment business would be if it got rid of the "business men" with no grasp on what great entertainment is and replaced them with creators who also know about business.

[@becca1189]

My favorite call back... Out of Gas: Jayne -- "We'd have been back 1st, but there's something wrong with Inara's shuttle. She's done something to it, Mal. It smells funny." Inara -- "I told you. That's incense." Jayne -- "So you say." Serenity (film): Inara -- "And that's not incense." BOOM!!! For your own viewing pleasure from KZbin channel Cinema Therapy -- Serenity and Finding Your Purpose (28min), Serenity and Coping with Trauma (25min), Firefly: Teamwork and Found Family (30min) KZbin channel Moosecat Productions "The Reason" Fan MV (4min) ❤🧡💛💚💙💜

[@zairac2564]

Sofie, your speech about evil and the greater good was beautifully articulated for such a dark subject. It's often said that most villains believe they are the good guys, but to see one who knows he won't belong in the world he is creating is something else entirely. As you said, he's unbound by morality, and that makes him so much more scary. It's a really fascinating character, especially given that when faced with the facts at the end he's able to re-evaluate his position and adjust. It's clear that what he believes doesn't have to align with the Alliance and Parliament, he has his own internal motivations; which, again, makes him that much more scary should you not align with his goals.

[@stonecoldku4161]

I missed the TV series when it was on the air, so my introduction to this universe was this movie. I was really enjoying it, but I remember the exact moment that I fell in love with the movie, and I knew I had to find the series. "I just want to know who I'm dealing with. I've seen too many versions of you to be sure." "I start fighting a war, I guarantee you'll see something new." That was the moment.

[@mediablindspots]

I’m not joking when I say that it was very special to watch this film with you. You are so deep and sincere in your reaction, so this was a real treat for me. And yes, Josh Wheaton is pure evil about killing the best characters when he knows he’s ending a franchise.

[@michaelhoward142]

What a fabulously emotional reaction to the grand finale of an incredible show. So heartbreaking that Firefly was cancelled before we got to see what everyone was fully capable of. As great as it was, just imagine what might have been had it been given more time. Thanks for all your wonderful reactions, SoFie! 🤗

[@sirmoonslosthismind]

first reactor i've seen make the connection between the operative at the end of the movie and mal at the beginning of the show. nice!

[@terryc7142]

I love that comparison between The Operative and Mal. Both began as true believers and the actions of the Alliance crushed the belief out of each of them.

[@leesweets4110]

Id disagree. Very different still. Mal's belief were always in opposition to the alliance. The operative was working for the alliance. I dont think Mals political beliefs were swayed, he just became disillusioned about the fight. His faith faltered. I dont believe his core principles were challenged; he has remained a man of honor and independence throughout the franchise. Mal hasnt changed sides; he jus doesnt have a coherent side anymore to work or fight for. But if what you say about the operative is true, then he risks changing sides. I think thats fundamentally different. That said, I dont believe the operatives beliefs were crushed in the first place. Let me quote myself on antoher comment thread: "I was never under the belief that the operative had any redemption arc. He's a man of practicality. His purpose was to protect the secret. His job was over when it got out; he really had no function at that point. Any kill order would have been needless. He is much too calculating a man to risk his own people, I have always thought. So no, I dont think he learned anything, or changed his views on the alliance."

[@VadulTharys]

@@leesweets4110 Actually the plan was to make him a new shepherd.

[@stefanforrer2573]

@@VadulTharys yeah that is how i see it aswell... and that is basically shepherd's backstory in my opinion.. a disillusioned operative who left the "service" to actually help people, even those opposing his former masters

[@VadulTharys]

@@stefanforrer2573 I believe if they do a reboot which is in the works he has already agreed to take the part of Shepherd so there is that.

[@VadulTharys]

@@stefanforrer2573 Sorry there is a detailed backstory on Shepherd done by the writers and yes he was an operative who switched sides during the brown coat uprising after finally seeing the Federation for what it was.

[@antonchertov5424]

It was a hard task to write this movie. They needed to give some closure for fans, but also they had to make it understandable for new viewers who never saw the series. And I think they did an amazing job.

[@crimiusXIII]

After the horrible recording, when River says "I'm alright," with relief like that, I think it's because this secret was something her brain picked up, but she had no frame of reference for. Poisoning an entire planet and creating the embodiment of the most primal, worst, humans, imagine remembering doing that but not having done it. Once she'd been there, and seen it herself, she had context for it in her mind, and it was "resolved" so to speak.

[@goldenageofdinosaurs7192]

I’ve seen a fair amount of people doing Serenity reactions lately, but yours is the only one I was really looking forward to. Edit: omg, you saw the Slayer in River! That’s been my head canon since the first time I saw this film. That slow pan on her, as the doors are opening is one of my favorite scenes in moviedom.

[@kevinjohnson613]

That's because Buffy, Angel, Cabin in the Woods, Avengers, even Dr Horrible's sing-along are all in the same universe as Firefly. Wolfram Heart eventually becomes Blue Sun. In truth, people didn't leave the Earth because of population. The left when the Titans rose in Cabin in the Woods.

[@dmwalker24]

Yeah, like River is the non-supernatural version of the Slayer. At the limit of how naturally exceptional a person can be.

[@coachmikesfilmroom3111]

​@@dmwalker24popular theory is that she is a slayer or a potential. Also if the series had gone on, Spike was going to eventually show up.

[@RoGueNavy]

It felt so wrong to burst out laughing at Kaylee's announcement that she intended to live, so soon after Wash died. But Whedon knew the audience needed it. I saw this on opening night, in a packed theater in Austin, Texas. When Book died, the theater was nearly silent. The only thing you could hear from the crowd, was a few muffled sobs. When Wash died, the entire crowd howled in outrage.

[@danh8804]

words to live by indeed. I think of that exchange in all hard times. "we'll pass through it soon enough"

[@laura2677]

I’ve watched your reactions for a while, and I think you are so eloquent in your analysis of media. You really use the perfect words that express the same ideas that I have. Thanks so much for reacting to so many things I like!

[@dmwalker24]

Mal is just about my favorite character in... anything. I think that darkness you were talking about was what he meant when he said "I start fighting a war, you'll see something different". It was a situation that needed a soldier's resolve. A man who does what he has to for what he believes, and to look after his crew.

[@pjcornelius]

Good to see how excited you were by the movie. It’s nice to see others appreciate it. I’ve watched series and movie many times now and still love it every time.

[@rileydolenz5471]

I just binged your entire Firefly series, and I love how you picked up on so many nuances that so many reacters don't comment on: Jayne's concern when Kaylee's shot, his letter from mom, Mal's respect difference between Inara and her occupation, his leadership and interaction with the crew... there were so many things you noticed that many don't pick up on and I loved it. It's so refreshing to see someone see the depth of these characters, and you made a connection I haven't made as a long time fan between Jubal and River that gives me contemplation.

[@HH-hd7nd]

32:10 Ok this needs clearing up - I think you misunderstood what happened here. The Alliance didn't create the Reavers on purpose. They never intended for any of this to happen. Their goal was absolutely to build a better world for everyone (even though their methods are questionable). What they did is they developed this Pax that was supposed to turn all humans into nice and friendly beings without aggression within them. Then they did a field test on Miranda. However - their Pax substance was flawed. On most people it worked way too well so that they lost all motivation to the level where they just sat down and let themselves die - almost the entire population. But a small part of the population reacted the opposite way and the Pax increased their aggression instead of lowering it, transforming them into Reavers. This was an unexpected effect, not intentional.

[@SaulOhio]

Unintended consequences are always where big government utopian plans go wrong.

[@SarahTheBloody]

That sounds _exactly_ like something someone from the Alliance would say! She misunderstood nothing. Accidental or not, they *did* create the Reavers. That's why they tried to keep it secret from all the other planets. They killed 30 million people.

[@boqndimitrov8693]

the sad thing is that the first victims of the newly created monsters were their compatriots, lying all around them, without the will to even defend themselves..

[@chrisgorman1652]

​@@boqndimitrov8693Might have increased their insanity. Their first victims couldn't care to be scared, so they had to amp it up when they got to the rest of the humans.

[@jerryfick613]

No, the Alliance did not create the Reavers, but they denied their existence, tried to make them into myth and rumor, and hid all the horrors they committed because they did not want to take responsibility. The evil that well-intentioned leaders and scientists do when they ignore the rights of others.

[@bobaganush]

Your monologue about the Operative is exactly right. And it leads to my favorite line in the whole movie. "There is nothing left to see."

[@Audra1964]

Your reactions to Firefly have made a favorite show that much more delightful! Truly enjoyable. I too was struck by the enormity of the moment when Mal told Book, “Yes, you are.” It was the only time we see Mal openly emotional. The development of his and Book’s relationship is my personal favorite. Mal, at first so prickly, came to depend on Book for wisdom and counsel. Almost like a dad that perhaps he never knew (raised by his mom and about 40 ranch hands). Even though Mal was angry at God, I feel like he came to respect Book’s faith. In the end, Mal realized he had also come to love Book. And I’m sure the feeling was mutual.

[@trulybtd5396]

Not so well known fun fact. The first reaver river punches is an uncredited Niel Patrick Harris

[@TarisSinclair]

...and that's how I met your Mother...

[@andreasvogler1875]

Ah, I thought he looked familiar.

[@tehcoolemu]

Absolutely see what you mean about that River scene with the doors opening looking Buffy-like. Specifically, it reminds me of some shots from the S3 premiere "Anne" that wound up getting a little clip at the end of the intro for the next few seasons. (Starting about 9m54s into your edited reaction video for it.)

[@PetProjects2011]

6:20 "Of course, she's barefoot." River was barefoot a lot because her actress Summer Glau was more comfortable that way.

[@voiceover2191]

Also, Josh Whedon REALLY likes bare feet ;)

[@leesweets4110]

I would never claim to be more comfortable touching skin to floor. Thats yucky.

[@PetProjects2011]

@@leesweets4110 I'm sure Summer washes her feet regularly

[@jameshampton1832]

@@leesweets4110 Some people are comfortable and some are not. However what is important is why in the heck would I care if you are?

[@leesweets4110]

@@jameshampton1832 I wasnt talking to you, jackasss. Why are you interjecting yourself into the conversation?

[@robertmckenna3994]

How do the Reavers clean their spears? They put them in the Wash. 🤣🤣🤣 Thank you Nathan Fillion for that hilarious dark joke.

[@jackmars931]

This really closes the Book on the series.

[@TarisSinclair]

First time I heard that joke I was upset. But then it brought me feelings of Serenity.

[@GuardianOwl]

I forget who said it, it might have even been Alan Tudyk, but "A leaf on the wind is already dead."

[@adamwells9352]

Too soon.

[@cirrustate8674]

STILL too soon.

[@ariesrcn]

Zoe went strait to "soldier mode". Do the job and morn later.

[@Pixelologist]

She was tore up plenty....but she flew true.

[@rromano158]

When you get a chance try watching the bloopers for the TV series and the movie, they're pretty funny.

[@jerryfick613]

Joss Whedon spends a lot of time with star-crossed lovers or people who love the idea of each other but do not "get" each other. Buffy and her various lovers, Mal is first and foremost an independent, he is best defined by his desire to choose his own path. Inara's identity is as a companion, a member of the Guild. Her life is ruled by the guidelines of her guild. She is willing to play in the gray area from time to time, but she is far from independent. One of them would have to change their identies to be together. P.S. Kaley once asked Inara about companions and dating, Inara told her it was, "complicated". Nandy told us that Inara, "hates complications" P.P.S. Dr. Horrible's Sing Along Blog may be Joss' final statement of someone who loves the idea of someone else, without understanding who they are. Would love to see a reaction.

[@user-ub2uc4jk7e]

Great reaction. A very good description of a “true believer “ you nailed it and that’s what makes him such a menacing villain. You’re probably tired of hearing this but , beyond your insightful commentary you’re pretty darn gorgeous. So , thanks.

[@notoriouslybratty]

This is such a beautiful movie. Introduces the material to new audiences and still great for fans of the Firefly. So many great lines. Such beautiful shots. Dealt with heavy material. Joss didn’t waste a second in this film. Incredible.

[@mikebrown7799]

Hi Sofie!😊 The Shepherd was a very intelligent man, high up in the Alliance. He was actually responsible for the Alliance winning the war. I suppose the role he chose for himself after that was his penance.😉 Great reactions to the very well made and acted Serenity film, Sofie!!!!🎬👏👏👏👏

[@GentleGiantJason]

I love this show and this movie was the perfect way to end it after being cancelled. So good. Great characters and finally understand what the reavers are

[@elvwood]

One last chance to be awed at how amazingly well you "get" both the characters and Whedon's storytelling. Thank you for a great series of reactions to a great series! I'm not a big watcher, but if you react to anything I've seen I'll be back. Take care.

[@jasont2986]

"You do. But I like to hear you say it." The best line in the movie.

[@orus68]

One of if not the best scifi film of the last 20 years. Such a great smart script and acting.

[@canadianicedragon2412]

Encounter 1: Operative: You can't make me angry. Encounter 3: O: Somebody FIRE! "What was that?" ... the beginning is the end... the more thinks change they more they stay the same. We'll never have enough of this series and crew... but we appreciate every moment we got.

[@MrHws5mp]

Knew there was a reason I kept watchin' this wave - this was great Sofie: probably one of the best Firefly/Serenity reactions I've ever seen. Very well done. There's one more reaction vid to be had out o' this franchise if you've a mind to. Watch the biggest compilation of bloopers/outakes/gag-reels from Firefly+Serenity you can find on the Tube: they're hilarious. Think ol' Nathan's funny when he gets it right? Well ain't nuthin' to when he gets it wrong....😈

[@BigMikeKOE]

This was best reaction to the Firefly series that I've seen (and I've seen many). You were very observant and insightful. You even had me more invested in episodes that I usually don't rate very highly. Thanks.

[@hannahsarthub]

The actor you were wondering about is David Krumholtz. He was in a TV show called Numb3rs, where he played a math genius. At least, that’s what I know him from.

[@goldenageofdinosaurs7192]

Yeah, I think that’s what he’s probably best known from. He was also in the popular Heath Ledger romcom, 10 Things I Hate About You. I don’t think he’s ‘well known,’ but he’s pretty recognizable, so I notice him in shows & movies fairly often.

[@gertrude4045]

long ago...lol.....he was Wednesdays "love interest/friend" in Addams Family Values, and Bernard the helpful elf in The Santa Claus

[@bill.godwin-austen]

That too, but I'm guessing that where she recognizes him from is Game of Thrones. He played Rakharo (sp?), one of Khal Drogo's bloodriders, the one with the whip who had his head sent back in a saddlebag by a rival Khal in season 2.

[@gregweatherup9596]

@@bill.godwin-austen I think you’re confusing David Krumholtz with Elyes Gabel.

[@jeffkoenig7402]

@@goldenageofdinosaurs7192 omg you're right. All this time and I never connected him to the guy in 10 things that goes full Shakespeare to get laid

[@Jymm]

18:01 Love the attention to detail here, where we get to see the scar Mal got from Crow's knife in "The Train Job"!

[@jspettifer]

Saw this on opening night. My gf and I watched the last episode of Firefly the night before. Shout out to the casting director for picking up Chiwetel Ejifor, Sarah Paulson and David Krumholtz early on in their careers.

[@jasonrd316]

Mals speech at the end always tears me up just a little no matter how many times I see it. I hate that we lost wash, but honestly I feel like it was also a stroke of genius. You said it yourself "I was ok with Shepard," and that's because when we watch movies like that we expect an obligatory death...someone we love but not all of us are super tied to like Shepard. We're sad, but then we think subconsciously think ok no matter how bad it gets they're going to make it out. When Wash dies, we aren't expecting one of our favorite characters to die after we already lost one, and it creates a lot of anxiety and tension. When they're in that room and everyone is getting shot and Simon goes down, it really feels like we're losing hope, and we honestly feel like Joss might just kill all of them. I think if only Shepard or only Wash died, that moment wouldn't have that impact. Brilliant!

[@leesweets4110]

The reason Shepard wasnt everyones favorite was because he wasnt as well developed. Honestly I didnt like losing any characters. But that said, I dont view Wash as having any more value than Shepard. That whole reaction, every time I see it from someone on youtube, makes me uncomfortable. See, I have a theory about why so many women react so negatively to Wash. It is because of Zoe. They dont really care that Wash is dead, they care that Zoe is left behind. Its a selfish mentality from the perspective of a womans interests. They dont care about Book because he didnt have a woman to leave behind. In the eyes of women, men without women of their own are intrinsically less valuable.

[@Merriliok]

@@leesweets4110 Nope, never heard anything like that. I liked Wash much more than Shepherd. Wash was written to be funny, likeable and quirky. Shepherd was a mystery. Maybe in later seasons we would have learned more about him, but in the series and movies, he never got to develop past a mysterious wise elder. He was a placeholder for a more fully fleshed out Shepherd which we never got to see. So his death doesn't hit as hard as Wash's death.

[@dunringill1747]

I really enjoyed your Firefly / Serenity journey. There is an incredible amount to talk about at this point. Far too much to post on KZbin. *Some nice little movie moments:* - "Inara waiting to greet a new client." - Her facial expression turns from cheerful smile to sheer dread as her companion body language training kicks in. She sees the Operative and knows immediately this man means serious danger. - "Inara's wave to Mal" - Inara claims she forgot a box with some of her things when she left Serenity. Mal claims he never snooped in her box of things. It is implied that both are lying to each other. - "Book's Death" - Mal warned Inara if he goes to war she will see something new. With Book's death, Mal has just gone into "War Mode" - "Mal's I aim to misbehave speech" - Jayne takes a gulp (probably alcohol) from a container then passes it directly to Simon to share the drink. Jayne is a man of few words but his actions speak loud. He has finally accepted Simon as part of the crew. - "Mal and Zoe - "She's tore up plenty, but she will fly true." This is true respect between warrior comrades. Both recognize the importance to indirectly discuss how Zoe's painful loss affects her and how she wants to move forward. - "Mal and Inara - Good Answer" - Inara admits to Mal her desire to stay on Serenity. Inara is finally giving Mal the "green light" to pursue a romantic relationship with her. Details plus much more on Inara's backstory, change of heart green light, etc is found in Firefly novel # 5 - "Life Signs". *Behind the scenes FYI:* - Firefly was going to be a 5 season series (22 episodes per season) divided into 3 major story arcs. When it got canceled, A "Serenity" Trilogy was Joss Whedon's second chance to tell those 3 major story arcs. "Serenity" told the 1st story arc. There just were not enough Box Office sales to merit movies 2 & 3. - Wash & Book's death added to the drama, but were only written in because both actors had other commitments and could not sign on for movies 2 & 3. - Comic Books & Novels give answers to the things that had no time to explore in "Firefly / Serenity". There is even a Role Playing Game with additional lore. - The comic books originally released were later compiled into smaller graphic novels, then these graphic novels were compiled into huge omnibuses called "FIREFLY Legacy Deluxe Edition Graphic Novels". *I feel the two most important books to answer questions, to flesh out backstories, and to get additional Firefly Official Joss Whedon Canon are the following:* 1) FIREFLY Legacy Deluxe Edition Graphic Novel # 1 2) Firefly Novel # 5 - "Life Signs" As time went on, Joss Whedon lost creation control over his Firefly Universe. As such, later so called "Official Canon" was no longer decided by Joss Whedon. Over time, corporate agenda retcons become the new "official lore". This becomes noticeable as characters begin to act very uncharacteristically.

[@ernesthakey3396]

I think Mal got more cynical and irritable, darker, since the time of the series because both Book and Inara have left Serenity. Both Book and Inara were good people to talk stuff over with, both have training in counseling people. Also, both were outside of his chain of command, more passengers than actual crew, even though they were part of the found family on Serenity. In different ways, they helped Mal find balance.

[@AmosTheTalented]

I absolutely love your insight on the characters, and the entire production!

[@NNFaNRacing]

I think they change from Mal's "Your on my crew" attitude to "If I hear a word out of anybody that aint helping me out or taking your leave, I will shoot you down" was Mal going from a ships captain back to a soldier in war. Mal even told Inara "I start fighting a war I guarantee you'll see something new".

[@Tampahop]

Watching this cast is like spending a bit of time with old friends.

[@leamael00]

This was my favorite movie when I was younger, but I always felt like I was missing a lot of knowledge about the universe. 10 years later I discovered the show itself, that was a nice surprise 😂

[@TommygunNG]

Thank you for the subtitles. My hearing and vision have both suffered with age. I very much appreciate them.

[@jeffreypreiss8191]

I'm glad you got to watch the movie. It does the best job possible finishing up the series enough to feel alright with the outcomes. Always enjoyed your reactions to this show. Your perspective and insight seemed to catch things others missed. Like Mal telling Book how he feels about him in the only way Mal knows how. Or the similarities between Mal and the Operative. This show always managed to run me through every emotion. Very often, more than one at a time. I'm glad you were invested enough in this show and the characters to experience this like we all did. Thank you again for watching this and sharing it with us.

[@BrinkyBrunk]

loved it, thank you, cried my eyes out (again) along with you

[@deltablaze77]

Was fantastic to what you see this series and film. As always, your insight and perspective are what makes watching your reactions so interesting and rich.

[@ThePharaz]

The movie was not intended as a final but a continuation of the series and hoped it would become a movie franchise or the series would continue on a different network. The movie was made possible by fans raising some $30 million. FOX had nothing to do with the movie and even refused to let them use the name Firefly. When Simon gets shot is the moment when many start thinking, "No one is getting out alive."

[@ChibiHoshiDragon]

Fringe would be my next recommendation or Travelers.

[@shihonage]

This is the best "Serenity" reaction out there. P.S. I saw this at the midnight showing in a San Francisco movie theater back when it came out.

[@boqndimitrov8693]

one of the most spectacular space battles, and one phrase that I just can't forget: "- a whole world dead for no reason!". eerie! ("river and the other subjects .." I wonder how many others there were, what they were like , and when would we have seen them if the series hadn't been stopped!🤔)

[@robertmckenna3994]

You know the end of that recording must be pretty bad if Jayne says to turn it off.

[@enadegheeghaghe6369]

Jayne is a bad guy but not an evil one

[@marvinsarracino116]

Great movie and done very well! It was so much fun watching this movie and the firefly series with you Sofie! Wish the series had a longer run in tv!! Guess I'll just have to be like a leaf in the wind and you stay Shiney! Thanks for sharing Sofie ❤️💛

[@theylied1776]

Okay, the original backstory for Shepard Book in the series was that he was a former (operative). Who got tired of the killing. And in season 2 Book was supposed to run into someone from his past life as an operative. Joss Whedon received several requests from Firefly Fans to wrap up the backstory for Shepard Book. He eventually released The Seapard's Tale in 2010. Myself, I subscribe to the original backstory for Book, for the show in 2003, versus the comic book written MOSTLY by his brother Zack Whedon.

[@eldritch5058]

I really enjoyed your Firefly and Serenity reactions. You caught and commented on many subtle things that others miss. I appreciate your attention, appreciation, insight and you undoubtedly laughed more than any other reactor. I'll be going through your Firefly reactions again. Thanks for watching them, welcome to the Browncoats.

[@chocomog9567]

I have seen buffy at least 3 or 4 times...I watch Firefly and Serenity at least once a year if not more....I never made a connection between Warren, Mr Universe and the love bots...glad you said it

[@TerryAllenSwartos]

2:53 “Yeah, we’re definitely going to see some badass moments from River in this movie.” You have no idea what’s coming up. 😆 I don’t know if you know who Neal Patrick Harris is, but that’s him at 43:06 For real.

[@dexterino]

I am really glad that you finally had a chance to react to this great movie. But those subtitles taking almost quarter of the screen were a literal thorn in the eye.

[@Kayjee17]

Your comment about River being like a Slayer reminded me of something - there is this thing called The Whedonverse theory on the internet that says all the shows made by Joss Whedon take place in the same universe at various times... excluding any Marvel stuff because he didn't come up with those characters and that world himself. In this theory, the magic that created the Slayers was linked to Earth, so when people moved out into the 'verse, the Slayers became dormant and mostly died out. However, whatever program the Alliance was doing on exceptional young women like River was at least partially based on old records about Slayers and their abilities because they wanted enhanced operatives to use as super spies/assassins to increase their control over all the inhabited worlds. The reason why it worked so well on River is because she was one of the few dormant Potentials left, but because it was done without magic, she was glitching and crazy from the experiments done on her brain to increase the Slayer ability of prophetic dreams into the ability to read minds... I mean, look at how crazy it drove Buffy in the episode Earshot. Once River got the big secret about Miranda out of her mind, she was able to gain control of all of her Slayer abilities and the activated talent to read minds to become the first Enhanced Slayer in history. This enabled her to take out every Reaver that attacked her through a combination of her Slayer strength and speed, along with being able to dodge multiple enemies at once by reading their minds to know what they were going to do. So that would make your comment about her looking like a Slayer correct - River would be the first Enhanced Slayer to exist in the 'verse... but will she be the beginning of a new Slayer line?

[@doug3691]

Loved your reaction. Glad the pain wasn't more than the pleasure.

[@Gort-Marvin0Martian]

Love your reaction. I miss this show all the time. It was a perfect blend of the past and the future. As we say in Texas; y'all be safe.

[@little-wytch]

I don't want this to sound like I'm defending the Alliance, because my coat is brown all the way lol. But just to play Devil's Advocate for a moment, I want to clarify that the Alliance didn't intentionally create the Reavers. It was a side effect of something else they were doing that, while also evil, did not have the effect they intended. The moment you said "we believe in you, Wash," my heart hurt for you so much knowing what was coming.

[@VictorD80]

We love on through our progeny. Emma Washburne is the daughter of Zoe Washburne and her deceased husband Hoban Washburne. Born in Serenity approximately nine months following the discovery of Miranda, her birth caused medical complications for Zoe. The consequences of such is explored in the comic mini-series Serenity: Leaves on the Wind.

[@alexandrelachapelle4597]

If you want to know Book's past, read the comic book "The Shephard's Story" published in 2010 and co-authored by Joss Whedon.

[@salishseamermaid]

I have absolutely loved your reactions to this series and movie. ❤

[@TheMacerica]

"I'm a leaf on the wind..." Sophie: laughing and having a great time, me: tearing up since I know what's coming. My theory is that Book used to be an Operative who also lost his belief in the system or the Alliance or whatever. Idk if it's a prevailing theory or not, but that's what he is in my head. And I know there's a comic book out there that goes into his backstory. I'd like to read it someday, so if I'm right or wrong based on that, please don't tell me!

[@ronfehr7899]

I saw the movie Serenity before I ever watched Firefly, so I was glad of a tour of the ship.

[@Paul_1971]

Fantastic reaction & insight - you had me crying at the end!

[@adamwells9352]

Well, gotta say, she handled this better than I did. I was just weeping for the last half hour of the movie.

[@ronfehr7899]

The operative was concerned with keeping secrets. Well, he just needed to hear the right secret to make him rethink about the rightness of what he was doing.

[@KingApeiron]

These subtitles are awesome. I love when someone takes the time to create dynamic subtitles that follow the speaker/action of the scene instead of just sitting at the bottom of the screen.

[@leesweets4110]

Indeed, in many ways that is preferred, but it also blocks out our view of the scene too, unfortunately. What I hate most of all is subtitles that dont even assign a character speaker, so in fast paced dialogue you dont know who said what. THAT, is completely unacceptable in my book.

[@RoGueNavy]

There's a theory out there, that each member of the crew of Serenity represents something Mal needs, or had previously lost. He hired Zoe as his second-in-command because she was a fellow soldier who fought with him in the war against the Alliance. He keeps her around because he needs someone who has been in the same boat as himself from a soldier's perspective, and have at least one person who will remain fiercely loyal to him without question. He keeps Wash around because he needs an excellent pilot, as well as someone with a sense of humor. He keeps Kaylee around because he needs a great mechanic and someone to remain hopeful. He keeps Simon around because he needs a doctor who can patch up his crew in his dangerous line of work and help him heal from within. He keeps River around because she's a mindreader and needs someone who possesses a sense of wonder. He keeps Book around because he needs someone who has faith and also serve as his conscience. He keeps Inara around because he needs to love and to be loved. He keeps Jayne around because he needs the extra muscle when the going gets tough, and while Jayne is a self-preservationist, he has also shown to be unexpectedly generous at times when it involved the safety of the crew. The Serenity crew has become Mal's family and it is through them that he ultimately pieces back together his broken life by rediscovering the things that he lost: loyalty, humor, hope, peace of mind, sense of wonder, faith, love, and generosity.

[@daveyboy8088]

Wonderful review! Makin' me re-watch the series again...

[@jollyrayda]

Late to the party , but have to say, you're a really awesome reactor on this. Despite your fears at the start, you picked up very quickly on things (which most people don't), and seeing you ride the rollercoaster of emotions was brilliant. Keep up the good work! 🙂

[@MarioMarioD80]

Mr Universe was the main guy on the tv show 'Numbers' (2005-2010)

[@iczorro]

How do Reavers clean their spears? Run them through the Wash

[@meltorme-ntor2933]

36:38 Yup, that was our reaction when Wash died. We were NOT happy with Joss Whedon. 😞 Still, awesome movie and reaction!

[@Amiranda123]

12:51 The phrase for putting River to sleep is not Chinese. This is Russian language. Literally: “this is for the chickens to laugh at.” Eto khuram nasmekh - это курам насмех. An idiom for something unimportant. After all, even the chickens laugh at it. It makes no sense in the context of the film. Those who programmed River's brain apparently chose a phrase that is difficult to come across in everyday life.

[@ronfehr7899]

Although it was sad to lose Wash and Shepherd Book, it worked for the story. It made viewers fearful of the fates of the others. And things got worse before they got better, helping to keep things tense.

[@travisbell736]

Since you’re done with Firefly and close to being done with Buffy/Angel another awesome show to watch from this time period is Veronica Mars

[@corbanb5]

Shepherd Book was a agent or operative for the Alliance. Plenty of hints were dropped in the series. The Operative may become the new shepherd. Washs death was so sudden it always hits hard.

[@haukionkannel]

Yeah… after seing the movie, i was thinking the same. The comics gives different ansver, but i like this version more!

[@stonecoldku4161]

There are a bunch of comics that are out that deal with things that happened between the series and the movie. Then there are some that deal with things that happened after the movie. I haven't read them all, but there are some really cool moments in them and that answer some questions. Like Book's backstory for one. Another thing in one of the books either makes the ending of this movie slightly happier or more depressing depending on perspective. Spoiler: Zoe is pregnant with her and Wash's daughter.