Couch Cruisin

It’s Serenity Sunday!  Today we are watching episode 9 of Firefly.  In this episode, Jayne is a jerk and we learn more about River.

Hello everybody.  I hope you find serenity this Sunday.  Today, we are watching episode nine of Firefly, Ariel.  This episode is not necessarily centered around Jayne like Jaynetown, but he is a huge factor.  We also get some new revelations about River, and why she is so traumatized.  Let’s get into the episode.  If you do not know our characters, click here.  Allow me to give you a quick recap before we discuss a few things.

Going to the ER

This episode begins with the crew in a bad situation.  There are not jobs and barely food.  The food they are eating Jayne tells us, “tastes like crotch”.  Inara needs to go to Ariel, which is a part of the elite central planets and is Alliance territory.  She’s going to get her annual companion physical.  Mal forbids anyone to leave this ship while on Ariel.  It is too risky.  While Mal is explaining this, River grabs a knife and cuts Jayne across the chest, out of nowhere.  Jayne backhands her, hard.  As Jayne is getting patched up by Simon, he tells Mal they should turn in the siblings and take the reward money.  Of course, Mal refuses.  Simon realizes he needs to find out what happened to his sister when she was locked away.  He hires the crew to help him and River sneak into the sophisticated hospital on Ariel so he can conduct a brain scan.  In exchange, he will show them a treasure trove of drugs they can sell for lots of money. The crew agrees to the mission.

You disappoint me, Jayne!

This episode shows Jayne at his most despicable.  I know River cut him, but the slap of all slaps should have been enough punishment.  But that wasn’t good enough.  He decided to get rid of a pest and someone he didn’t like while making a little money in the process.  So, Jayne decides to notify the feds that Simon and River are at the hospital.  This backfires of course.  He gets arrested along with Simon and River.  What happens next makes him look like the scum of the universe.  Once they are rescued and make it back to Serenity,  Simon is hailing Jayne as a hero because he helped them escape.  Simon doesn’t know that Jayne was the one that snitched.  After Simon showers Jayne with praise, Jayne has the nerve to say how he did it because they are a part of the crew.  Look, I know he didn’t want them to know he was the snitch.  But you don’t have to pretend like you were thinking about their well-being and that’s why you helped.  The opportunity presented itself, that was all.  Mal didn’t buy his humility for a second.  That is really low, Jayne.

The River mystery is solved

This episode explains what they did to River in that “school”.  When Simon looks at her brain, he sees that the school cut into her brain multiple times.  They were scraping away the part of the brain known as the amygdala.  Explained less eloquently than Simon, it is the part of the brain that helps you control your feelings.

That is why River is so manic, she can’t help it.  At the end of the episode, Simon gives River a treatment that may help her.  I know we see some improvement in Serenity, where we see her at her absolute best.

Wrapping it up

We see the guys with the blue gloves again (I call them the Blue Hand Group).  They are truly scary, like on the level of The Borg from Star Trek: TNG.  I’m sure they would’ve been fearsome in later seasons.  Well, that’s it for episode 9.  Next week, we watch episode 10, War Stories.  Until then, be sure to join me tomorrow for my thoughts on Angels of Death.  I’m moving my anime post to Monday for the time being.  It’s a day where I have time to watch and write about anime.  Rod-Tino Tuesday will feature Kill Bill, vol. 1.  I know I said we are doing the original Twin Peaks after Firefly.  I’ve decided to go with a more current title.  So, after Firefly we are watching Candle Cove.  Candle Cove offers quite a bit that Twin Peaks does not provide.  Like I said, it is more current.  Also, the seasons are short with only six episodes per season.  More importantly, I have only watched the first two or three episodes in the first season.  A lot of the show will be new to me.  Okay gang!  I appreciate your support and I will see you tomorrow!

It’s Serenity Sunday!  I hope you are ready to get deep into your feelings because we are watching episode 8 of Firefly!  Mal’s leadership is on full display!

Hello everybody.  I hope you find serenity this Sunday.  Today we are talking about Firefly episode 8,  Out of Gas.  There is no other way to describe this episode but great television.  It is tense and emotional, without being super melodramatic.  It gives us an example of leadership and sacrifice that you do not often see in the real world, let alone in a television show.  But, we will talk about this later.  As I always say, if you need an introduction to the crew of the Serenity, click this post.  Let’s get into the episode.

No air

Just a little bit of a disclaimer in case you want to watch the episode later: I’m telling you what happens out of sequence.  This episode is mostly flashbacks and it’ll be hard to explain and understand if I go in order.

At his point, the crew of the Serenity is pretty cohesive.  Today, they are sitting at dinner, laughing at Sheppard’s anecdotes.  The crew, specifically Kaylee, surprises Simon with a cake since it’s his birthday. At this point, there is a large explosion.  It disables Serenity, ignites a fire, and knocks Zoe unconscious, doing some sort of internal damage.  Zoe is rushed to the infirmary for treatment.  While Simon tries to stabilize Zoe, Kaylee investigates the source of the explosion.  She learns that something in the engine failed, causing the disabling of the ship and the life support.  They are in the middle of nowhere and are running out of oxygen.  Mal orders Wash (who is very upset) to send out a beacon.  He then tells the entire crew to get in the little shuttles and go as far out as they can in the hopes of attracting some attention.  He remains on the cold ship, running low on air.  A ship finds the Serenity and tries to hijack it, shooting Mal in the process.  But he manages to get the part he needs for the ship, get the hijackers off the ship, and place the part in the engine.  He would have died if a revived Zoe did not make the shuttle turn around and go back to Serenity.

Flashbacks

We already know how Simon, River, and Sheppard find their way to Serenity.  In the flashbacks, we learn how Mal became the captain, and how the crew became the crew.  It is smart to put this episode later in the season.  Sometimes, it can be annoying to have an introduction of a bunch of people that we have yet to give a crap about.  By episode eight, we are invested in this crew.  Now, we can get to know them a little better.  Kaylee’s origin story is my personal favorite.  She is having sex with the mechanic who is supposed to be on board.  But, she impresses Mal and Kaylee takes the guy’s place.

A Real Leader

You always see and hear people talk about whose a leader, what makes a good leader, why someone is a good leader, and so forth.  Mal personifies leadership in this episode.  He is calm, even though his best friend and second-in-command is unconscious.  He knows what needs to happen and gets the ball rolling.  He is willing to make tremendous sacrifices for those he claims to lead.  They matter to him, so he does what he can to keep them safe.  Leadership…take notes people!

Wrapping it up

We only have six episodes and a movie left before I wrap up Firefly.  So what’s next?  I’ve been going back and forth about which show I want to cover.  So, beginning in November, I will start watching the creepy show Twin Peaks.  Not the new version, we’re going back to the original.  Each week, I will discuss an episode, concluding with the movie that put a bow on the entire series.  I am looking forward to discussing the show with you.  Next Sunday, we watch episode nine of Firefly, Ariel.  Until then, don’t forget about Once Upon a Time in Mexico for Rod-Tino Tuesday.  Anime Thursday will see the return of Angels of Death.  This show has issues.  Have a great week and I will see you on Tuesday.

It’s Serenity Sunday!  In episode 7 of Firefly, we find out that Jayne is something of a hero in certain parts.  How did he get such adoration?

Hello everyone!  I hope you find serenity this Sunday.  Today, we are talking about Firefly episode seven, Jaynetown.  This episode has a lot of little parts in it, but they mostly revolve around our friend Jayne and this crazy little town.  Other parts of it are not connected to that story.  However, they give us a little insight into some of our characters.  More importantly, the side story gives us an interesting conversation topic.  We are going to talk more about why it’s awesome how the b-stories are executed in a bit.  First, I will refresh your memory about the episode.  If you need a reminder of the characters click here.

Jayne: The Robinhood of Canton

Episode two is the most exciting episode, but Jaynetown is certainly the funniest.  Mal is taking the crew to the town of Canton, home of the mud manufacturers.  Yes, friends, they manufacture mud.  When it comes to making money, Jayne is usually the first to jump off Serenity, looking for a payday.  But, it’s different in Canton.  You see, Jayne stole some money from the local magistrate a few years ago.  He managed to escape, but now feels like a marked man when he returns.  Much to everyone’s surprise and amusement (for both the crew and the viewer), there is a statue of Jayne in the town square. Jayne is a local hero to the workers because be robbed the rich magistrate, then dumped the money onto the workers.  They think he is a hero, but he did it to lighten the load of the ship so he would not face capture.

Jayne’s heart grew three sizes

This episode shows us a softer side of Jayne.  Before returning to this town, Jayne appeared t0 not care for anyone.  But, after he becomes a hero to people who are basically slaves, he feels responsible for them.  When one of the “mudders” sacrifice himself for Jayne, a guy that is normally tough is visibly distraught.  He tells the people not see him as a hero, even though he knows they will anyway.  What Mal explains to Jayne is that the statue is a symbol.  My guess is that it is a symbol of rebellion and standing up for the little guy.  Mal tells Jayne right when he says it isn’t about him.

Kaylee and Simon

I know I give Kaylee a hard time.  I like her, it’s just that she has a tendency to slip into this baby talk I find annoying.  But, I do like Kaylee.  I like how she is persistent in her pursuit of Simon.  That poor girl has a lot of work to do, breaking through the inherent snobbery that Simon likes to put on display.  But, in this episode, she appears to make some progress.  He even says she is pretty.  He was drunk when he said it, but I’ve heard that “drunk men tell no tales”.  This is the beginning of a relationship that we will see evolve later.

The Sheppard and River

While most of the crew laughs at Jayne on Canton, Sheppard volunteers to keep an eye on River.  She manages to get a hold of Sheppard’s Bible. What she does next is genius television.  She begins going through the Bible, using scientific/mathematical theory to correct it.  Sheppard sits down and talks to River about faith and how you are not supposed to fix faith, it is supposed to fix you.  What makes this scene so fantastic is that it shows two people with different points of view having a sincere discussion about faith.  It’s not heavy-handed or self-righteous.  In these divisive times, people can take a page out of Sheppard and River’s book.

Overall

There’s another side story feature Inara and a 30-year-old virgin.  It’s used as a device to help the crew escape Canton.  No need to elaborate on it.

Recently, I’ve been rewatching “My So-called life”.  It’s a really good show but it has a tendency to give you these “who cares” b-stories.  With Firefly, even the b-story holds value.  River and Sheppard’s moments have nothing to do with Jayne’s story, but it was still interesting because it is topical.

Wrapping it up

Well, it’s the middle of the night and I need some sleep. I hope you enjoyed our visit to Jaynetown.  Next Sunday is episode eight,  Out of Gas.  Until then, be sure to join me for Kill Bill, vol. 2 on Rod-Tino Tuesday.  I know I owe you my Planet With review.  You will see that for anime Thursday.  You may get my Disenchanted review on Saturday, depending on my school commitments.  Happy September one and all!  Fall anime is almost here, thank goodness!

Mal has a little problem in this episode.  Her name is Saffron and she is his wife!!! How did he get into this mess?

Hello everyone!  I hope you find serenity this Sunday.  Today, we are watching episode six of Firefly, Our Mrs. Reynolds.  I should not have to tell you that this is another great episode.  Plus, it proves something that other shows need to take note of.  I will explain what I mean later.  Mal really steps in it this episode, and our friends on the Serenity almost pay the price.  Let’s get into this crazy episode.  As usual, if you need a refresher on our characters, click here.

Ladies and gentlemen, Mrs. Malcom Reynolds

This episode is pretty clear-cut.  Mal and the gang save a town from bandits.  The town praises the actions of Mal and the crew.  The townsfolk throw a party to mark the occasion.  As a reward, they offer Jayne a rainstick that he loves.  It’s the funniest thing watching him gush over the rainstick.  Unbeknownst to Mal, he gets a bride.  When the Serenity takes off from the planet, he discovers he has an extra passenger, sweet and innocent Saffron (Christina Hendricks).  Saffron informs him of their betrothal.  Everyone gets several chuckles from Mal’s predicament, except for Inara who is seething.  Mal tells Saffron that he’s going to drop her at the next planet, where she can find work and be her own woman.  But Saffron has other plans.

Sneaky Saffron

Saffron has the dudes on the ship wrapped around her finger.  Wash thinks she is quaint.  Jayne wants to trade his gun for her.  Sheppard is trying to protect her chastity from “lecherous” Mal.  Queen Zoe recognizes trouble when she sees it, and Inara recognizes that Saffron has a particular set of skills…companion skills.  Saffron ends up drugging Mal and knocking Wash unconscious.  She then redirects the ship for another location, where a group of pirates is waiting to snare Serenity in an electronic net, sell it for parts, and kill the crew.  Saffron escapes in a transport ship.  Damn, Saffron!  You’re a busy girl.

Inara and Mal sitting in a tree

Throughout the series, we’ve seen the palpable sexual tension between Mal and Inara.  Inara gives us a little more of a peek into her longing for Mal in this episode.  When she learns of Mrs. Reynolds she sees two colors: red and green.  This is one of my favorite Inara moments.  Underneath all of that glamour, class, and companion swagger, she’s still a woman infatuated with a man who lacks the skill to read the situation.  When realizes that he isn’t dead when she thought Saffron killed him, she kisses him like he is her everything.

Overall

This episode proves something that I believe many TV show creators do not get.  The audience does not need some huge plot twist to make a show interesting.  If you tell the story well in the first place, a small plot twist is just as entertaining.  Saffron being a traitorous floozy is not life-altering news.  But, I was so amused by Mal’s discomfort, Inara’s jealousy, and the crew’s amusement, that the small plot twist is fine.  I’m watching another show that is not particularly well made but tries to compensate with “shock” value.  It does not make the show better.  If anything, it gets in the way of whatever story the show is trying to tell.  Sometimes, subtly offers a greater payoff than bells and whistles.

Wrapping it up

Well, that’s it for Our Mrs. Reynolds.  Next week is episode seven, Jaynestown.  Episode seven marks the halfway point of the series.  I’m starting to think about my next show.  I’ve had a few votes for Twin Peaks.  What do you guys think?  I’m also thinking of doing an absolutely terrifying show that premiered in 1996 called American Gothic.  The show is scary as hell and only lasted one season.  So I’ve narrowed it down to Twin Peaks or American Gothic.  I’m going to write a post in a few weeks explaining both shows.

Rod-Tino Tuesday will feature Planet Terror.  Next Thursday, we will revisit Planet With.  On Saturday, I will explain why Disenchanted is my type of show.  Make sure you follow Couch Cruisin on Instagram and Twitter.  Also, you can buy me a Ko-Fi if you’re feeling generous.  Later!!!!