The Message / Heart of Gold
In "The Message", Zoe and Mal receive a crate in the mail containing the dead body of their former brother-in-arms, Tracy. As they try to return his body to his family, Serenity is attacked by feds demanding Tracy's corpse. When Simon attempts an autopsy, Tracy wakes up and explains that he's smuggling human organs. The crew must figure out how to save Tracy and themselves from the rogue feds. Kristen and Mike discuss Tracy's fatal flaw, and the more dramatic tone of this episode.
In "Heart of Gold", Inara's friend Nandi asks for help. Her brothel is under attack from a wealthy customer looking to steal a prostitute's baby. The crew jump to action fortifying the bordello and defending the women. When Mal hits it off with Nandi, Inara feigns indifference but is privately heartbroken. We examine Mal and Inara's relationship (or lack thereof), the crew's distinct roles in the battle, Jayne's respect for the working girls, and Kristen mixes up Nandi and Tandi repeatedly. Sorry, Graham-t! I mean, Nandi!