Safe • S01E05 • TPN's Firefly Guide

[@KennedyFarner]

It's been two years. I really need the next episode. These videos always mean so much to me. I know you've got Buffy and Angel stuff but Firefly is my favorite. Hope you're doing well. And thank you for all you've done so far.

[@katherinemorelle7115]

There’s no such thing as a bad Firefly episode. And while this isn’t my favourite, never a truer thing was said. I do love the dancing scene. And River’s speech about the cows. That’s what I remember most about this episode.

[@Philbert-s2c]

There are good Firefly episodes...and there are great Firefly episodes.

[@SessVlogs]

Weird, I’ve never, ever seen Mal’s “forget them” line as remotely out of character. He has other priorities, Book is dying, and I think he genuinely believes in that moment that they might not come back for Simon and River. There are so many things out to get them, there is every possibility that they’d get sidetracked along the way. And telling Kaylee that they’re not coming back is him trying to not build up hope for her. He had his own hopes built at Serenity Valley, and look how that turned out for him. Better to be disappointed sooner. And he’s got a history of being a bit callous, even towards Kaylee (remember the dress?). So it completely works for me!

[@Xasew]

This is exactly how I saw it as well.

[@tnae]

I agree. This was the first idea I didn’t fall in line with in from this video.

[@quinnsinclair7028]

See but I think a slightly less harsh line would have served the same in universe purpose. Something like "They're not the priority." Indicating that Mal has to focus on Book right now and can't spare time for Simon and River but may be able to once the crisis has past. It's less a "we'll go back for them" and more a "we'll go back for them if we can". But that wouldn't have served the audience mislead of the Tams being abandoned because it would give the same message to the audience as it would to Kaylee. Overall it's a weak line because it's more about how the audience receives it than any in universe motivation. It's not a deal breaker but could have used a second pass

[@paladinrose]

There's some decent real world precedent here, as well: Mal is a soldier. In a lot of the worlds militaries, soldiers are trained, in crisis situations, to forget everything but the problem at hand. The line sounds a lot like the rehearsed reaction of a soldier or rescue worker, to me.

[@alysiamerdavid-wasser9165]

@@quinnsinclair7028 Agreed. That has bothered me during every rewatch.

[@tekmansam]

River's comment about seeing the sky and remembering who/what they were reminds me of the opening theme. "You can't take the sky from me." While that line immediately conveys a sense of rebellion and freedom, held in comparison with River's comments in this episode, you can reframe that as a comment on "You can never make me forget who/what I am."

[@Talestra]

Oh please continue this delightful journey.

[@sessmurda]

Stay shiny out there, you beautiful internet strangers

[@GeminibBorn]

You too Brother

[@JackTulsen77]

We may be strangers, but we are all fellow passengers aboard this Firefly called Serenity.

[@markanthonykow17]

Ain't we just 🤙

[@aidanroffey6744]

This was a really great review series! I hope you continue it one day!

[@samueldixon9028]

I’ve never seen Mal’s “forget them,” as out of character. I always understood it as “they’re not my priority right now, the guy with the gunshot wound is”. Explaining himself could spiral into a discussion/argument about going back for Simon and River, which would waste time Book doesn’t have, and he knows this, so he bluntly shuts the debate down before it can start.

[@AMoniqueOcampo]

Fun fact: The song playing in your favorite part is literally called River's Dance. Big damn heroes!

[@radeadcool]

"Sometimes a Cow... is just a Cow." Said some guy.

[@BaznadTypo]

He wasnt fun at parties though, so we threw him out an airlock

[@FuzzyToasterMeister]

I also tend to forget about this one between watches. It's a great point about Inara being good at "moving between classes", and that Simon has yet to learn this skill.

[@playfulpanthress]

Simon has particular strengths. When someone’s injured, he’s your man. ‘War Stories’ is my favorite episode, but the scene in ‘Ariel’, when Simon dresses down that other doctor when he didn’t know that he essentially gave a vasoconstrictor to the patient. That’s Simon’s home. His inner tiger is fierce, and goddess help you if you endanger someone near him.

[@wingweaver023]

This is one of my favorite episodes. Probably because there's so much Simon and River.

[@davidcarbee8720]

I just came on to comment and see everyone mentioning this being the last one? Just wanted to say how refreshing these were besides seeing reactions all the time. If you’re a browncoat and have had multiple viewings of this series, some of these insights aren’t a surprise but others you would have no idea unless you get into it like you do. Please continue. It’s so satisfying to see you building up to a point and then we have that eureka moment and think “you could use this clip to emphasize what you’re saying” and then a minute later there it is. It’s quite the reward as we’re reaffirmed we know this family so well. And now even better with your insight.

[@Walter-McIntyre]

Man, I really loved this series of videos and am a little bummed they stopped being made:/ I get it though, it seems the viewership was going down and I'm certain while these are very much a labor of love, it's still labor. All in all though, a great series for what it is, and just like the show it's dissecting, there's yet to have been a bad episode, just wished I could see it finished one day:/

[@mintinired]

This episode is my favorite because of how it illustrates Mal in relation to the crew. IMO, It's about three types of families with three types of patriarchs. A neglectful one, an abusive one, and chosen one, the latter of which is contrasted with the others in this episode. Every time I've seen Mal choose a plan of action in this show, he seems to put blinders on to everything outside the scope of the plan. Train job. Bushwhacked. etc. But he always has a path and goals to prioritize. In this case, Book is actively dying, so he's a higher priority then River and Simon, who he just heard from Wash have been taken and are likely to be kept alive. I think those blinders are keeping him from realizing Kaylee's worry is about him not going back for Simon and River at all, rather than just not right now. Regardless, her worry is outside the scope of the plan. Picking up on social queues is not one of Mal's skills, even if his vision isn't tunneled in on the goal of saving his crew. Given the end of the episode, I doubt he ever seriously considered not going back for them, or believed any of his crew, other than Jayne, would think he wouldn't. That short take between him and Zoe at the end seems to illustrate that. Hyperbole meant to misdirect the audience because after five episodes, we trust Mal just about as much as Simon does. After this episode, we know better.

[@ItsAsparageese]

THIS! This nails the nuances of it and is the most sensible and agreeable reading of it for me personally that I've yet found. Mal just wasn't quite having the same conversation Kaylee was, and they were both (and some audience members on each side by extension) were just making a degree of mistaken assumption about the other's priorities.

[@maggieveach8801]

Great episode as always. But you do realize that in showing that ATLA clip, us Avatar fans will now wish for an Avatar guide in the future. I personally would love to see your take on all the complexities of the Avatar universe. But, if you choose not to, that's fine as well. I'm just happy to go on the journey with you. Stay shiny.

[@MrGeekFreek]

River: You have to eat. Simon: Hodgeberries. Do you remember when we found those giant hodgeberry bushes on the Cambersons's estate? And we thought they'd grown wild but...It was a long while ago. River: I took you away from there. Simon: No. River: I know I did. You don't think I do but...I get confused. I remember everything. I remember too much. And some of it's made up and some of it can't be quantified and there's secrets... Simon: It's okay. River: But I understand. You gave up everything you had to find me. You found me broken. It's hard for you. You have up everything you had. Simon: Mei-mei (Little sister), everything I have is right here. River: You need to eat, keep up your strength. We won't be here long. Daddy will come and take us home. And I'll get better. I'll get better. Simon: *Eating berries* These are better than the Camberson's berries. River: They are...except they're poison. *Simon spits out the berries* River: *Laughs* You believed her. Made a face. Simon: You are such a brat.

[@TabbyeLynne]

Mal: forget about them The audience: I was rooting for you, we were all rooting for you How dare you?

[@jimwilliams8819]

Maybe it's because I'm a veteran but I didn't see Mal's "forget them" as out of character. He's not only captain of the ship, he's an ex-military NCO giving orders in an emergency situation. That's not to say that he couldn't have explained but his training and experience will tell him that in an emergency you don't have discussions about orders.

[@KnightSquire]

I still think this is your best work, which amongst your outstanding catalogue is really saying something. It's sad it will likely never be finished, but I suppose its sort of appropriate given what happened to its source material. Thanks so much for these.

[@edbangerrr1489]

Posting at 3:30am? The madman actually did it. Instant like for you Ian. :)))

[@boo5860]

Where's the support group for people who've just finished a PotN episode guide and they've got post-video depression :')

[@calebdrew5684]

Neeeeed. Moooore....

[@TryMyMartini]

I wonder why this was the last one.

[@Buffy8Fan]

I agree wholeheartedly with the opening forty seconds. I don't think Mal saying "forget them" is out of character at all. What would have been out of character is if that is what he did. He believes Book is the priority, and the truth in his mind is they might not come back despite the fact that everyone who knows him, knows he will. In Mal's mind Simon and Kaylee become his crew while they are gone. Oddly enough my least favorite parts of this episode are Simon and River. "Yeah but she's our witch" and "big damn heroes" are the best moments.

[@ericasnow9022]

Did the episode guide get canceled along with the series?

[@JamesEKing]

When are the other episodes coming?!?!!??😭

[@SRosenberg203]

5:43 "Book's mysterious identity should make for an interesting reveal later in the series." Really, you're just gonna stick the knife in like that, and twist it?!?

[@PassionoftheNerd]

The thing I find shocking is that you're the first person to mention it. But, yeah...my bad.

[@SRosenberg203]

@@PassionoftheNerd It's part of what makes your videos so great though. It brings to mind to what you did when Wesley first appeared in in your episode on "Bad Girls", which felt like a stab in the heart but was also absolutely fantastic.

[@cirrustate8674]

@@PassionoftheNerd Don't. It wasn't "your bad". It was you expressing your grief and frustration over the lack of proper support this show got by the networks, and the subsequent loss of potential from the cancellation. SO many juicy storyline threads set in place for further development that never went anywhere because some stupid hundan piece of gose executives at Fox lacked vision. You have no need to apologize for the grief and frustration that brings about, or how you express such.

[@yolandacarroll558]

I love River's dancing scene and the scene where Simon calls her a brat. Simon and River's chemistry is perfect. :)

[@ms_scribbles]

Sometimes I think that maybe those things in Safe that "didn't go anywhere" were meant to go somewhere in a future episode, but that was ruined when Fox screwed Firefly over. Also, I didn't see Mal's callousness as being out of character, per se. He has a habit of being a callous prick at first, and then softening later on in the episode.

[@PassionoftheNerd]

Agree on the possibility of seeding future episodes. I got the Mal saying a mean thing to Kaylee wrong here. He JUST said something in Shindig and I spaced it. I standby my criticism of the way that scene is written though. "Forget them," is vague and stupid. But the part that goes without saying of course: In my opinion.

[@tcshack701]

This reminds me of the scene towards the end of the the Buffy episode “Family”.

[@TheHedgehogGiraffe]

As the Tams are my favorite characters in Firefly, this episode and Ariel are actually my favorites. Their character arc of wayward children looking for a place to call home when LITERALLY the whole universe is out to get them is very touching. We see in this episode that even before the Academy, the Tams’ parents had their priorities, and those priorities weren’t exactly their children. To have Mal and the rest come back for them; to bring them home at the end of the episode, when their own father went to the point of DISOWNING Simon for trying to do the same for River really touches a chord with me.

[@mrs.schmenkman]

I'm so happy he's going slowly through Firefly

[@TryMyMartini]

OK, but it's been two years now. Maybe we could pick it up just a little bit?

[@usmcmech96]

One thing that we have to remember is that Simon's speech about River was in the unaired pilot so the original audience never got that information. That great speech was replaced by a single line from Book in "The Train Job" This episode doubled back over that (at the time) plot hole of why River and Simon were on the run.

[@AnaPradosA]

I think this episode is a set up episode, which is why is less memorable and it seem to do less with what it has. Unfortunately since the series was cancelled, we never got the pay off. I agree the best scenes are: River dancing and the end scene. It also explicitly set up River mystery, that was only hinted by, until now and Book mystery. All in all, I think I agree with your opening statement as well and I can't wait for the next 3 episodes guides 😉😉

[@nerds4knowledge]

I have loved these videos. When are you gonna continue them?

[@raviamodernepic]

"How you get there is the worthier part." I always love your outros, man. Great work!

[@mobymobymobymoby]

You're like a Professor. These analysis videos are so in depth now compared to how they started.

[@Sousyned]

Hmm, setting up Books mysterious past, that pay off! It’s definitely going somewhere. Oh boy! ☹️

[@FSX239]

R.I.P. Ron Glass

[@quinnsinclair7028]

"A body can be drained of blood in 8.6 seconds given adequate vacuuming systems." Is a line I still use when I want to unnerve people.

[@LucyLynette]

I never took issue with "Forget them." Mal's in a crisis situation, and doesn't have time to go hunt down missing crew members, people who wouldn't be missing if they'd followed his instructions not to wander too far. He's understandably pissed at them in the moment. Given that one of the missing is the desperately needed doctor, he's near a boiling point. The line is a reflection of his anger and his stress. And I'm not sure Mal making a promise to come back to look for them would have been a word he'd feel obligated to keep if Simon's absence had resulted in Book's death.

[@StarlasAiko]

Found the channel today, watched all the Firefly reviews in one session...looking forward to the next episode

[@iRedMCYT]

Failure to mention this is the only episode on Hulu that's in HD.

[@userasdf]

I remember I watched this first on tv and they cut a bunch of the flashback scenes of simon and river (or I might have missed them after a commercial break to be fair...). When I got the dvd's and finally saw it, it definitely helped me appreciate the episode better. What I always remember is river and simon talking on the planet about him rescuing her. "But I understand. You gave up everything you had to find me. And you found me broken. It's hard for you. You gave up everything you had. Mei mei... Everything I have is right here. " While accurate in some ways, as someone with a mental disorder myself, it hurt to hear River describe herself that way. And with the flashbacks, actually seeing what Simon gave up to rescue her is touching. I always assumed their parents knew River was in trouble and just didn't care enough which is sad. Also listened to a podcast where they were saying it was more they knew they couldn't do anything to save River (at least not legally) and wanted to ensure at least 1 of their kids was "safe". The family dynamics I found very interesting and telling, especially compared to the found family of the Serenity crew.

[@OutsideTheTargetDemographic]

DO share some insights on Avatar the Last Airbender as often as you can spare.

[@justkarly7768]

Great job Ian, as always! I always loved this episode, the relationship between Simon and River is one of the best examples of brother/sister unconditional love I've ever seen... I always cry when he sees River dance, he feels ALL the things in that moment... Joy that she's dancing again, hope that maybe she's getting better, sadness that she's so broken, fear that he can't keep her safe.... And don't get me started on their later conversation when she's feeding him berries... I always cry during that scene too... Pretty sure I love this episode so much because I had a sick brother at the time that it aired and it always reminds me of him so I am definitely unable to be objective about it. :)

[@lindsays7232]

I always assumed the point of this episode was to have Simon & River unequivocally become a part of the Serenity crew finally. Up until this episode, their presence on the ship was always on shaky ground. In “Safe,” they finally accept Serenity as their home and Mal accepts them as part of the family.

[@hannaaxelsson3687]

My biggest problem with this episode is the Tam's parents reaction, or rather lack of reaction, to River's letter and the fact that they haven't seen their daughter for months, if not years. You could argue that they might know what's really going on, and don't dare to do anything about it out of fear for the Alliance, but there is really nothing in how they act in the episode that tells us that. It just comes off as them being emotionless, which contradicts the opening scene with Simon, River and their father: while he is a little stuffy, he obviously cares for his children, like any other parent. Since they are rich and influential, you would think that the Tams would, and could, take actions when they didn't get to see their daughter for so long. It is also the reason I think that the fact that the Alliance takes kids from privileged families, is pretty dumb. I guess they are looking for children with clairvoyant talents regardless of background, but it would make more sense to focus on children from poorer families on the Border planets or the Rim: children who's parents don't have the means to protest or investigate where their children have gone.

[@The_Wandering_Hobbit]

I always found their lack of concern or action frustrating as well. Simon is very smart, as his father points out, and he's not crazy. If he says something is wrong, shouldn't they at least look into it? Ask to see their daughter? After all, what kind of normal school would prevent parents from checking in on their children? Then, at least, they'd know something fishy was going on. But I guess story-wise they wanted to show just how much Simon had to give up in order to rescue River. He severed ties with his own parents and gave up his privileged future to do the right thing, which serves as character-building back story of sorts. But I still always get annoyed at that part. Good point about the alliance focusing on underprivileged children. That probably would have been less trouble for them.

[@hannaaxelsson3687]

@@The_Wandering_Hobbit Exactly. I can understand the story- and character development reasons for it, but it's still one of the few plot points in Firefly that doesn't make any sense to me.

[@samgonzalez8662]

I see the Tams’ unconcerned attitude regarding River to be more of a symptom of unquestioning acceptance of the Alliance (which includes the Academy). They’ve obviously been brought up in a particularly rigid obedience to the government and the System, one which they’ve never even considered the possibility could be capable of fault. So even the mere acknowledgement that something remotely sinister could be happening to River would open the can of worms to upset their entire worldview and toss them into the chaos in which Simon finds himself for the entire series. The Tams just aren’t suited for that, so they swallow the lie fed to them. It’s basically a parallel, the societal equivalent to the townspeople wanting to burn River for being a witch. They are confronted with an upsetting truth that threatens their way of life and so accept the falsehood that allows them to maintain that way of life rather than do the long, messy and potentially unending work of adapting to the truth.

[@hannaaxelsson3687]

@@samgonzalez8662 While I think this might be the reason the writers intended, it still doesn't quite work for me. Even if they have learned to trust and obey the Alliance government their entire life, I don't think that explains their seemingly complete lack of worry when they haven't heard from their daughter in such a long time; even when you're living in a totalitarian society you still care for your children. We also don't get the sense that this is something that happens to children on a regular basis - if that was the case Simon wouldn't react they way he does. For this to make sense to me, I think I would have liked to see some doubt or fear in the way the parents acted - even if they, in the end, choose to not take any actions.

[@samgonzalez8662]

@@hannaaxelsson3687 But it’s not as though it’s complete radio silence from River, she’s sending letters to the Tams which in the first place is the only reason Simon gets any inkling that there’s something wrong. She’s sending the codes through the letters and her parents just assume she’s playing some weird game which is exactly the kind of rationalization someone born of that society would do.

[@FSX239]

Mal dances with danger. Good description.

[@ZenBearV13]

I’ve watched this video series through a dozen times now. I love your commentary! I’m sad to see it hasn’t been kept up, and if you mentioned why in another video on your channel I must have missed it.

[@kov6099]

Cattle, it's all about being cattle. Simon and River being kept in a cage, not choosing where they live or how they live. But being treated as cattle, either the pride of their parent's or being kept as a worker. Both being forced upon him. And you see the dangers of following what other people want you to be or what the community deems acceptable in the village. Either you're one of us or you're not. Serenity accepts all walks of life, no longer cattle to be led but people to share a meal with. Also, something something freedom vs safety (simplicity).

[@CrapE_DM]

FINALLY! This series is the only reason I'm subscribed.

[@Zokolov]

This episode began one of my least favorite Firefly recurring things: Simon and Kaylee having a spat over something trivial and stupid. Happens here, in Jaynestown and The Message (if I recall correctly) and always over something petty and forced

[@1993greeksoldier]

I mean with Simons utter lack of communication skills and kayle wanting get him to make the first move and both of them not getting what they want it makes sense to me that they would become frustrated. It seems true to life that when people have build up frustrations with someone they care about and never talk about that frustration it leaks out into other more petty arguments. That being said I definitely agree its not fun to watch and I really don't find it funny.

[@Zokolov]

@@1993greeksoldier It's a very logical thing to happen yeah, just annoying to see it so often, plus it lowers my opinion of both characters

[@1993greeksoldier]

@@Zokolov No argument here that behavior is quite childish and I would prefer not to see it around in stories so much. I want more characters with healthy relationships and high levels of communications ablility.

[@cirrustate8674]

@@1993greeksoldier Unfortunately, that's not realistic. People really are just like that, so it's not surprising that it turns up in fiction, as well.

[@1993greeksoldier]

@@cirrustate8674 I agree that this behavior exists commonly. I think this is also a very common way to create conflict in stories. I'm not arguing that it's unrealistic. I am arguing there also exist couples with patient and healthy communication that is vulnerable and willing to apologize. Yes even in those relationships there will still be petty arguments. I would like to see more of this. I also simply don't enjoy stories that rely on poor communication as a primary or even secondary source of conflict.

[@Ruby-Sinclair]

Hey! I've never been early! Your videos are amazing!

[@tomswiftyphilo2504]

Ruby doesn't talk

[@EmmaDelamare]

Another great video,Something something algorithm comment something.

[@ZenBearV13]

A recurring problem I found with Mal in these moments (like the one at 3:25) is that if Mal would just tell people what his plan is instead of expecting them to obey without question (a thing I expect he would refuse to do himself) then many of the conflicts in the show might be averted. Most notably, Tracy wouldn’t have died. It’s a device they use for tension that feels forced but one I’m willing to forgive and accept as characterization of Mal, even if it might not have been intentional.

[@k.anderson9576]

That's the type of captain he is and they all should know it by now, so i don't see the problem

[@jdzspace33]

I refuse to rate any episode with an iconic line as anything but classic..... I just love that line....BDH...

[@cirrustate8674]

Then every episode of this show is classic. Which, well, of course they are.

[@whitewing121]

Bless you for making these videos and talking about Firefly. I miss this series and it's characters so much.

[@jackanthony9963]

What happened to this series? Loved to hear the references and insights! Please finish Firefly and Serenity!

[@x15galmichelleevans]

Agreed. This is a wonderful series (both Firefly and these reviews. No new episodes in more than a year. Hope that he's okay, and will be back with more episodes in the near future.

[@searchingfortao]

I always love these.

[@boneappletea3858]

I felt the same way. A bit messy and missing but still very much worthy.

[@fairdaest]

Brother did you hear me! I need it. I need more eposide break downs and symbolism Involved

[@diffbeat979]

Ian once again improves my day and makes me think.

[@jacobquinn12]

Even when you don't like the episode, you still reveal some insight about the human condition that I need to hear. Thank you for continuing to make these.

[@stevenumerator]

“No destination is worth arriving at if we lose ourselves along the way.” ‘Cause how you get there is the worthier part. Brilliant! And did I catch a reference to Simon of Cyrene when Simon joined River in what would have been an excruciating circumstance? If so, then kudos for the reference. I reckon it’s safe to say y’all never fail to flap yer jaw somethin’ fierce that sets my mind to ruminatin’. :)

[@Candikorn]

I love listening to this, so interesting and something I still love so much. thank you for finding all the amazing details in this. I still feel like this is my little hide away of my youth. Your voice is awesome too.

[@alpaslankilavuz5470]

Hoo boy, here comes THE best episode next time

[@Jmgirl]

I squealed with joy when I saw this upload! You're videos are one of the few highlights of the past months. Thank you😊

[@jillbolinger6223]

I hope you will do more of these.

[@laurabethcook4132]

Holy crap! I have NEVER picked up on the correlation between young River's dreams and the "cannibalism" and "dinosaurs" comments and I can't believe I didn't pick up on the fact that her audio was ADR'd. Oh and if the series had continued, I think Simon would have given Giles a run for his money for the number of times he got punched!

[@caitlin329]

I think a lot of this episode and its themes and stuff is summed up in its title- "Safe". Are River and Simon safe on Sernenity? Are the rest of the crew safe with them there? There's also that community which is obvs described as safe and shown to be ultimately unsafe. So yeah maybe it's a safety/comfort vs freedom thing? Simon could've been 'safe' but he'd lose River and his freedom. On Serenity they aren't safe, but they're free. Also the town is probably the biggest 'cow' metaphor -they seem safe in their isolation and environment, but if you spook them, things get nasty.

[@hiddennerd812]

I get so excited when I see a new video and I am never disappointed. Great video

[@brycevo]

I hope we can get more soon

[@nrpbrown]

I kinda love the episode but i totally get what you mean. Im just easily charmed

[@fatemeshoja2243]

So i see you uploaded a new video this week...after a long time?hope you do videos for the rest of firefly cuz the ones i've watched were great and...the show being 20_ish years old makes it even harder to get good quality content made about it...thank you for your critic eye and hope see more of this soon🙏

[@eparhas9162]

Will you continue this?

[@hellsbells9837]

So Shiny Ian! Well done!

[@miriam8376]

Eh, I always took Mal's forget them to mean "One thing at a time. Concentrate on your job. Thinking about what could go wrong elsewhere isn't helping. We'll figure that problem out when this one's fixed." I think it's very much in Mal's character to cold-bloodedly triage--the Tams can wait and Book can't. We see that in the movie as well. When he knows what has to be done, he acts, even if it means people have to shut up and "get to work."

[@CharlesOwens04]

Just found this series thanks to the algorithm. Damn fine analysis.

[@padmansixtyfour4801]

Great to see you again! Love this review series.

[@dredgenlore3334]

Does anyone know when the next episode in this series is gonna be released? It's crazy that this was on year ago. I watch these probably monthly bc no one covers firefly stuff and now I'm hungry for more!

[@saraa.4295]

I do not know...but i am equally hungry, specially because the next episodes are SOOOOOO good!!

[@ryanthompson1244]

Simon Tamm is the Rupert Giles of Firefly, getting knocked out (punched) in almost every episode before he develops a backbone and stands up for himself.

[@William-the-Guy]

Sorta, he arrived with backbone. He stands up for himself all the time, he jumped off a ledge and landed on a guy in the first episode, he drugged Jane in the 2nd. He's not lacking backbone, he's just lacking skills. He is just very bad at actually fighting.

[@tomswiftyphilo2504]

I like to think your montage is what was going through Johann Strauss's mind when he wrote "On the Beautiful Blue Danube"

[@sokar_rostau]

Doralee always reminds me of The Kitchen Maid with Supper at Emmaus by Diego Velazquez.

[@clairemichellehanson]

More please! I love these recaps!

[@Melissa-tw2gp]

Always excited to see a new video from you. This one was great, thank you so much!

[@CaptainTimeStories]

Finally! Waiting for this video for a while it seems!

[@ralphjb]

I don't believe River was clairvoyant prior to the academy. I always believed the Alliance was hunting down super geniuses and turning them into assassins with psychic powers. Kinda like how they created the Reavers with experimentation.

[@JDSarmiento]

This was the episode that turned me into a fan, maybe because I just love Simon and River's relationship and wish we got more of it during the run of S1. Usually they were more background characters and Safe finally showed more of them. Parts of it were silly but the good was great for me

[@William-the-Guy]

"yeah, but she's our witch, so cut her the hell down," - that's probably my favorite moment from the show. Finally having a dad who came back for them, and accepts them and wants them in the family anyways. I think that speaks to all us mitfits.

[@QuietLifeintheForest]

Yo keep going with these!!!

[@William-the-Guy]

At the end Mail says he came back because they're on his crew, because he wasn't sure, but he made up his mind in the episode. He had his excuse to let them go, Jane and even Zoe were Ok with it, but accepted that he is their new dad and he irrevocably, but quietly embraced his fate.

[@fep1023]

You do incredible work, I love your videos!

[@chemicalyt2931]

This series got canceled faster than the show 😢

[@maxwoods767]

I couldn't give a shit less about firefly but I could listen to Ian talk about subtext for hours.

[@RaistliniltsiaR]

More! MOOOOOOOOOOOORRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEE!!

[@bloodmime]

Are you going to finish the series with this guide?

[@lisaserafino6022]

Aw man. Why did you stop? These analyses were brilliant. Their abrupt ending feels a little reminiscent of… well… you know.

[@littlefox7694]

I am seriously obsessed with the music in the intro. Is there a full version?

[@marcusistocks4822]

Nat keefe and the bow ties " angeline the baker". Was wondering where I'd heard this after the unforseen compulsion to learn it a year ago. In other words, your question was my answer to a subconscious drive I had a year ago...

[@RobynHarris]

Mal has demonstrated repeatedly that he can speak hurtfully to Kaley (and others) without intending to. In “Shindig”, he dismisses her girlish obsession with a flashy gown. Here, he cuts off her legitimate concern for Simon and River. In “Shindig”, we’re shown that he almost instantly regrets his thoughtless comment. I suspect something similar could have occurred here. But for plot purposes, we the audience don’t get to see it. Mal was under a fair degree of stress at that moment. A member of his crew was shot and was going to die without top flight medical care very soon. To get that care, he was going to have to put the lives and freedom and economic stability of his entire family at risk. Mal and his crew were smugglers. For all he knew at that moment, the Alliance might let Book die, seize his ship, imprison him and his crew as thieves. Oh, and for the cherry on top? Find enough clues to trace back to River and Simon, and recapture them as well. So, I thought Mal’s behavior towards Kaley, while not acceptable. Was in keeping with what we had already seen of his character. He could be inspiring in the great moments, but surprisingly 小气 (Xiǎoqì - petty) in the small moments.

[@alysiamerdavid-wasser9165]

I watched a Trek Movie marathon yday, that started with the "The Voyage Home", so the theme about animals makes sense to me, as a vegan, but I also think Dora's line made sense. Jayne didn't CHOOSE to get on a ship with fugitives.. Idk, it's a thought. Btw, at the end of "First Contact", when Picard says "Data, no, don't do it!" and looks for a wink, twitch, any sign that he hasn't entered codes that will ACTUALLY bomb Ephram's rocket, and doesn't get it, I immediately thought of Ian & that plot point in season 5 of Buffy when Dawn creepily offers to make Joyce tea! That gimmick, "for the benefit of the audience only" needs a name! Thanks!✌

[@tomswiftyphilo2504]

That's like saying: I didn't choose to be with a woman who wanted to do X. people change, and part of being in a family is rolling with those changes.