My first time watching Firefly "The Message" Episode 12 REACTION

[@RoGueNavy]

"When you can't run, you crawl. And when you can't crawl, you find someone to carry you." As a veteran, I feel that one. I've had to be carried a few times. I plan to carry as many as I can. And I freakin' LOVE my Jayne hat!

[@NythicalReacts]

I need a Jayne hat!!

[@whoarocket]

There's a funny bit of Chinese in this episode. When Simon says The Stupid Thing and Kaylee is walking out of the booth, she says, "Why don't you tell the cow about its pretty eyes?"

[@NythicalReacts]

Omg I’d love to watch this again and get the translations 😂

[@ernesthakey3396]

Glad you caught the reference in the letter; Jayne isn't greedy for himself, he is worried for his sibling and family in general. He's still a pretty simple guy with good fighting skills, but the motivation for his focus on getting paid shines a new light on his character. Mal is used to not stopping to explain his plans, he expects people to know he has their best interests in mind, and a good soldier would know that - but as we saw, Tracy wasn't really a good soldier. Tracy was in over his head, afraid and making bad decisions - which he realized, and accepted his fate. He knew he brought it on himself. They found out the show was canceled before the funeral scene was shot, and I believe the music was composed to be a dirge for the show itself.

[@NythicalReacts]

someone in my patreon mentioned it to me, so i went back to listen to it! man i wish we could of gotten even more from each of the characters. they all have such deep backstories!

[@ernesthakey3396]

@NythicalReacts most of us Browncoats have rewatched the series and movie more than once, while mourning what could have been... 🫂

[@RoGueNavy]

Pointing the gun at Wash, sealed Tracy's fate with Zoe. Pointing it at Book, sealed it with Jayne. But pointing it at Kaylee...that put the final nail in his coffin with Mal.

[@CarBENbased]

"No son, you just murdered yourself... I just carried the bullet a while." IT KILLS ME EVERY TIME! 😢

[@NythicalReacts]

ITS SO EMOTIONAL AAAAAA 😭

[@ceherrera7437]

It is true. You touched on it with Mal and his look of despair.

[@NythicalReacts]

I felt it!! ☹️

[@jay32183]

In the director's commentary, Joss Whedon stated one of the design choices he made in the series was "bad guys wear hats", and he had Jayne continually putting it on and taking it off to show that allegiances were torn

[@NythicalReacts]

I love that!

[@Otokichi786]

"The Message": Mal gets a "dead guy" through the mail and Jayne gets a signature hat.

[@Flastew]

It is true that is when they find out. Great reaction Nythical, you are a cool Browncoat.

[@NythicalReacts]

Thank you 🤎

[@sean---the-other-one]

This episode gives clearer understanding of Jayne. Firstly we learn that his family is highly respected as working class tradespeople, but that Jayne’s brother has ‘damp-lung’ (some sort of respiratory ailment like the people in the train job episode) and Jayne is sending money back home to help his family out. So, Jayne is out away from his family trying to earn lots of money dishonestly because honest work isn’t going to save his brother. Jayne also is very self-aware on his lifestyle and its high risks. He tells Book “My type of life don’t last long, so I expect to make good sport of it while I can.” He knows he’s likely to die in a firefight or similar, way too young. So he just keeps himself fit, looks out for himself, makes sure he can fight with bare hands or a range of weapons as he needs to survive as long as he can for family. A long time back he thought “There ain’t people like that (who would drop money that they could use on you). There’s just people like me.” He only felt that loyalty was only for family, but now he’s realised that the Serenity crew is deserving of his loyalty, too. The show needed a crew member who was sketchy. River obviously has an arc, but everyone else is by necessity a ‘good guy’. They needed Jayne to be a traitor to add some contrast. It’s great that they fixed that so early, though. Now they’ve got a good set of enemies to deal with. Womack, Badger, Patience, Atherton Wing, Nisska, the Alliance, Reavers, and the Hands Of Blue guys. They no longer need that internal uncertainty.

[@sean---the-other-one]

Oh, and YoSafBridg.

[@Oleoay]

I think what caused Jayne to turn in Out Of Gas, besides the money, was the respect he was being shown by Mal and Zoey for his tracking skills and for his offer of a room.

[@sean---the-other-one]

@ Definitely, I think he understood that Mal and Zoe were aware of his prowess, especially because Zoe could tell which of the three had the skills to do it, and I think he also respected Mal and Zoe for being caught but also being in control of the direction of the encounter. But I think the money was important. 10% vs 7% is a nearly 50% increase in his earnings. That’s a big enticement.

[@Educated2Extinction]

@@Oleoay Did ya take a look at the guy he was sharing a room with? Does any more need to be said?

[@Educated2Extinction]

I'd be willing to bet some "internal uncertainty" would have cropped up, had the show continued.

[@roborob4296]

the fact the cast got to have a funeral for the show is kinda crazy and sad

[@NythicalReacts]

Towards the end too 😭

[@chet8682]

i love that you really can feel that the end funeral scene was the last to be filmed, and that score... the final scene scored by the composer. without that knowledge, it feels like... damn, everyone brought their A game to that one, but when you find out the behind the scenes goings on... it all makes so much more sense

[@adp806]

Apparantly, it wasn'tthe last to be filmed (filming is often out of order). And they had to film a comedic scene afterward.

[@chet8682]

@adp806 Oh really! I thought I remembered them saying it was last on the commentary! it's been forever since I listened to it. Maybe it's time to go back and refresh my memory! lol

[@adp806]

@@chet8682 I wouldn't bet on any comments being 100% accurate. Your recollection, mine, or neither may be correct.

[@rizvan1632]

Tracy is a smooth talker with a very weak character while Simon is complete opposite. He is incapable of talking to Kaylee without putting his foot in his mouth but is an amazing person. Think it was interesting how their interactions with Kaylee went this episode

[@NythicalReacts]

I agree! I feel that if the show kept going this interaction with Tracy would of impacted Simon & Kaylees relationship a lot

[@derekfnord]

I never made this connection. Nice observation!

[@8_bit_Andy]

This episode is so good it straightened Nythical's hair in the thumbnail! :)

[@NythicalReacts]

Hahahahah i was having a good hair day that day 😂

[@stevethomas8536]

Really happy that you caught the info. about Jayne's sick sibling in the letter from his mother. It's an often overlooked Easter egg in Jayne's backstory that I believe would've been a big part of his story arc and character redemption if the show had more time to explore it. Jayne is too often demonized for being selfish and greedy, but it just goes to show you that nearly everyone has a reason for doing the things they do, especially in such a well written show like this one. You've done a fantastic job reviewing this series and your perception is really on point. Keep it up!

[@NythicalReacts]

Thanks so much! I really have been enjoying this show so much 💜

[@dalesharp9953]

They heard the news about the cancellation prior to the funeral scene. Most people don't get the letter that Jayne received from his mother. Jayne is a mercenary, but he sends most of his money to his mom and sick brother. It was supposed to be a big storyline, but the show got cancelled.

[@bill.godwin-austen]

As I understand it, the funeral scene was the last scene that was filmed for the show. The episodes that aired after it (and the ones that were never aired) were all filmed and completed before this.

[@CFWhitman]

This was originally supposed to be episode 14 of the season, but when the series was abruptly cancelled before the season was completed (it was supposed to have 20 plus episodes), Joss Whedon didn't want to end the series on such a negative note, so he had the last three episodes re-edited to make this one episode 12 and end the season in a more positive place.

[@seanmcmurphy4744]

One of my favorite episodes. The actor that played Tracey, Jonathan Woodward, killed it

[@johnmcclure40]

He killed it, but Fillion carried the bullet for it.

[@ed-straker]

I have a Jayne hat. And yes, I've walked down the street in that hat, and people knew I wasn't afraid of anything.

[@NythicalReacts]

Hahahaha that’s amazing 😂

[@mrborgeusborg1541]

and now you know a little more about Jayne's motivation. Jayne sends money to his mother, and most likely younger siblings need the money for some reason. He isn't greedy for himself, he is greedy for his family. Yes, this was the last episode they shot. The funeral scene was the last scene they did. After getting to know the show had been canceled.

[@Oleoay]

There’s something in the comics about how one of his siblings has a degenerative disease that requires costly medicine.

[@mrborgeusborg1541]

@@Oleoay I have not read all comics, yet. Hopefully soon. :) Thanks for more info.

[@canadianicedragon2412]

The story goes they found out the show was cancelled around the time they shot the funeral scene, making it extra somber. This series can pull your heart... in all direction. Good ways... and bad. Love seeing you react to these. I can't watch it again for the first time, but seeing it through your eyes is super fun.

[@NythicalReacts]

I’m so glad you enjoy watching with me!! 💜

[@davidbergfors6820]

From what I know, you are correct. this episode was filmed while they got the news about the cancellation. Specifically, the cast were told the news at lunch before filming that funeral scene. the musical composer has also mentioned that the music for the funeral was of sorts a dedication to the series too. 10:27 I love the detail of his heartbeat speeding up as he sees Kaylee! looks like you did too!

[@NythicalReacts]

Yep i noticed right away! I was like oh no

[@GeraldTodd-r4z]

Yes, they found out the series was cancelled just before they filmed that last scene carrying the body off the ship.

[@RyanESmail]

The scene where they’re in the kitchen all laughing over old war stories, that was the very first scene they filmed after finding out they were being cancelled

[@whoarocket]

I have the DVD set, and they do talk in the commentary track about them getting the cancelation announcement during this episode. The music composer, Greg Edmonson, knew when he was composing for this, so that final sad violin piece that was sort of a funeral song for Tracy was done with his feeling that it was a funeral song for the series. He asked if it was too much or too sad but was told, no, it's perfect for that too.

[@NythicalReacts]

Omg reading this comment just made me add the DVD set to my wishlist!!

[@flynngames4703]

Greatest hat ever!

[@Yarovrat]

Два наверное самых грустных момента в эпизоде, на съёмочной площадке были наверное самыми весёлыми. Посмотрите потом бекстейджи и блуперсы со съёмок, получите большое удовольствие и много веселья. Особенно очень трогательный эпизод с первым чтением Послания, которое Нейтан сделал очень смешным)

[@JohnSmith-kf8mv]

The two probably saddest moments in the episode were probably the most fun on set. Then look at the backstage and bloopers from the filming, you will get great pleasure and a lot of fun. Especially the very touching episode with the first reading of the Message, which Nathan made very funny. Courtesy of google-translate.

[@danl7497]

3:10 Like I commented before, Jayne got the best "wtf did he just said" lines. Took a moment for you to go WHAT! LOL.

[@sandwiched]

Adam Baldwin has perfect comedic timing in this show. Both "What'd y'all order a dead guy for?" and "What're we gonna do, clone 'im?" are my two favorite lines of his.

[@Oleoay]

My food is problematic is a line I use very often.

[@singingwolf3929]

This looks long but it is in small bits. "Why? Is there someone you ARE good at talking to?" Well, yes. People in the medical profession, and probably rich people. Beyond that...probably not. (You've already finished the series so I can say this) "Girl's a mind-reading genius, can't even figure out how to eat ice planet." I honestly think that this episode was intended to air after Objects in Space since that is the episode that the crew discusses River being Psychic. Remember back in Jayne's Town when he said, "You think somebody's just gonna drop money on ya? Money they could use?" Jayne, generally goes for as much money as he can so he can send more home. "WHOOOO! I'M RIGHT HERE! I'M RIGHT HERE!" Gotta love Mal. "Spry for a dead fella." Gotta love Jayne. Remember Simon and River getting sick after waking up from the drug that made them "Dead"? Wash: "Ah! Mal...your dead army buddy's on the bridge." Zoe: "He ain't dead" Wash: "Ohhhh..." Tracy grazes Wash. Zoe shoots Tracy in the chest. Tracy: "Y-You shot me." Zoe: "Damn right." Zoe and Wash may get into it from time to time but NOBODY messes with her man! OMG. Glad you caught Jayne always taking off his hat out of respect. And, yeah, Mal just looking out into the distance...😭

[@kingbrutusxxvi]

Composer Greg Edmondson wrote that last piece (as they're carrying Tracy off the ship to his family) after being informed that the show was cancelled. He said in an interview that he was upset and you can really hear the emotion.

[@NythicalReacts]

You really can 😭

[@iamronjeremy]

Hahaha, I can't wait to watch your reaction to Serenity. Gonna be epic.

[@NythicalReacts]

Hahaha everyone keeps saying this 😂

[@steveg5933]

Indeed the cast found out just before filming the funeral scene. The reactions were real & not really acting

[@ThePharaz]

My understanding is they filmed the funeral scene after they were told.

[@BH6242KCh]

NGL, that snow planet was looking pretty good.

[@eschiedler]

Some reactors, no shade, don't see the twists in this episode but on 1st watch I did because it's Whedon and something has to happen to make the plot go. But also I've read a lot of sci-fi so I knew he'd be alive. Having said that, the character of Tracy was really well done and acted as a screwup.

[@DudeLongcouch]

It's true this was when they learned of the show's cancellation. This was actually the final episode they filmed, but after the cancellation, they decided to move this episode down in the viewing order so the show didn't "end" on such a downer. That decision actually introduced a small continuity error. It's not something most people notice, but I won't say what it was until episode 14.

[@NythicalReacts]

ugh, they all look so mad and sad at the same time 😭

[@kirkdarling4120]

Tracey was dumb enough to think they were going to put his own organs back into him...after being told that organs can't be transported outside a body. This was the episode that they knew they were cancelled, and it was just before the funeral episode. Fun fact: The entire filming of Firefly took only six months, and the cast became fast friends ever afterward.

[@davidbergfors6820]

Simon told that the "technology isn't finished" it was the synthetic organs that can't be transported outisde the body. modern medical knowledge allows human organs to be transported outside the body for a limited time, just imagine what advancements has been made in a Futuristic science-fiction world. you're not wrong in Tracey being stupid though, that new deal with a higher bidder had no mention about his original organs.

[@johnmcclure40]

More than that, he was dumb enough to double cross the people who HAD his own organs. So even if they did transport them somehow, he wouldn't get them back.

[@elapid68]

2:37 Gives you a different perspective on Jayne when you realize the reason why he’s always about the money

[@NythicalReacts]

100%! Jayne has a good heart 💜

[@becca1189]

❤🧡💛💚💙💜

[@UpLateGeek]

Yeah, this one's a tough one to get through when I do a re-watch. For some reason I always seem to find there's something in my eye.

[@NythicalReacts]

I honestly keep thinking about this episode a lot since Monday when i watched it!

[@HalkerVeil]

You only get to hear that intro song a few times before it's all over. :(

[@johncox7169]

I know that it is somewhat in character, but all it would have taken is Mal saying "We aren't handing you over, we have a plan." and Tracy would still be alive.

[@NythicalReacts]

you gotta trust the captain!

[@Oleoay]

Didn’t have much time to argue it out either

[@dondumitru7093]

A similar thing happens in Bushwhacked, where the plan is to have Simon and River hide outside the ship - they are rushing to get everything in place, rushing SO MUCH that there is simply no time for Mal to say to Simon "Don't be silly, we're not turning you over, you are going to put on spacesuits and hide outside the ship." So, yah, it's writing to keep the AUDIENCE in suspense about what is happening, resulting in some annoying dialog where people DON'T TALK TO EACH OTHER. I ask you, what's the point of a dialog scene, IF PEOPLE ARE NOT GOING TO TALK TO EACH OTHER?

[@chudez]

In my opinion the captain's actions were consistent with his protectiveness of his crew. Tracy short circuited any discussion by threatening Wash and later holding Kaylee hostage.

[@seumus]

Slightly off-topic: this is a link to an interview Nathan Fillion did with Mike Rowe (the Dirty Jobs guy). kzbin.info/www/bejne/pHSydJV4na2nmq8si=v6I4EbRPrq6obHdQ

[@icarusthefinal3206]

Wait a minute... why did Jayne say, "girl's a mind readin' genius-"? ...

[@joeslater2390]

I love the "dude, stop talking when you're a head" look reactors get when Simon is giving his only girl in the world speech.....a look I've seen a many a ladies face who have been kindly enough to talk to me 😂😂

[@NythicalReacts]

I was like NOT THE FOOT IN HIS MOUTH AGAIN 😂

[@Avalon1951]

You are just so darn cute, your husband is a lucky man, how long have you been married, me and mine will be coming up to 40 years next August:)?

[@NythicalReacts]

Congrats!! Our anniversary is coming up in a few weeks, it’ll be our 3rd year married but been together for 13 💜

[@Avalon1951]

@@NythicalReacts for us it would be 45 we've known each other, we met in church choir:)

[@UTU49]

You've been enjoying Firefly, so you'll be sad when you finish it.

[@UTU49]

I tried to post a long follow up to this on my phone, but I think something went wrong. I'll rewrite it on my PC when I'm free later.

[@UTU49]

I'm so DUMB!! I forgot to finish my post here. The following is what I was intending to post before I got irritated with trying to write stuff on my phone with the stupid little keyboard. (My best friend is always reminding me that it's not beneficial to my well-being to think and say things like, "I'm so DUMB!!")

[@UTU49]

You've been enjoying Firefly, so you'll be sad when you finish it. I've been enjoying your Firefly reactions, so I'll be sad when you finish it. There are two other TV series that I feel have a similar blend of drama, humor, action, character development, dynamic relationships, and sci-fi or fantasy elements. Buffy the Vampire Slayer Avatar the Last Airbender Many reactors have thoroughly enjoyed Firefly, Buffy, and Avatar. In all 3 series the reactors are often surprised by how rich and complicated they are. Reactors are also often surprised how much they like the characters. So if you are interested in starting a new show after Firefly, either Buffy or Avatar might be a good fit for you. If you watch either one, I’ll be with you from episode #1.

[@vvayne5494]

I've got an issue with this episode. I might have trouble explaining it, see if you can follow me on this. Ok, Tracy agrees to transfer artificial organs to a clinic on Ariel where he will have his original organs replaced. But, he decides to take a better offer? How is he supposed to get his original organs back? Feel free to help me out on this.

[@bobfather7355]

My least favorite episode of the series.

[@bobfather7355]

Also I think this is one of 3 episodes that did not air

[@dondumitru7093]

Yes, I know this is a fan favorite, but for me personally, I feel it's the weakest. Which mostly is saying, like EVERY other episode is lightning in a bottle, so this one is 'bad' really just by comparison.

[@natalielang6209]

@dondumitru7093 Agreed. I like a lot about this episode, i just think we're spoiled with riches for the rest of the show.

[@ThomasBeauchamp-m8m]

If Mal had said, "Tracy, we have a plan!" it would have gone so much better. Instead, they came a millimeter from losing Wash. Not the best plan ever.