Bonus Episode: Beyond Sunnydale
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!
War Stories / Trash
When Wash gets jealous over Zoe and Mal's "War Stories", he insists on taking Zoe's usual spot on a job. Unfortunately, this happens to the be the day that Niska catches up with them. He's still sore over Mal giving back that black market medicine, and tortures Mal and Wash in retaliation. Kristen and Mike discuss the evolution of River's abilities, and Wash's growth as a character.
In "Trash", the crew runs into an old foe - Saffron... or Bridget... or Yolanda? She proposes a caper to steal an antique laser pistol from a rich collector. The plan to ditch the pistol in the trash and retrieve it later is going well - until they run into Saffron's husband. But the real one this time. We address Kristen's memory of this episode (or lack thereof), and why Saffon feels so different this time.
PLUS! Do you slice your grenades, I mean - apples?
Out of Gas / Ariel
In "Out of Gas", Serenity is crippled in deep space. With their oxygen running out, Mal orders the rest of the crew off ship to find help. While Mal attempts to fix his stranded ship, he remembers meeting each of his crew members for the first time. Kristen and Mike discuss the 3-timeline story structure, and the way the writers convey exposition visually.
In "Ariel", while the ship is docked on an Alliance planet, Simon proposes a heist to sneak River into the hospital. While Simon runs tests on River, Mal and Zoe steal valuable medicine. But when Jayne turns in the Tams for the reward money, they'll have to break out of custody and outrun the Hands of Blue men. We analyze River's diagnosis, and explore Mal's decision to spare Jayne.
PLUS! The Stackers share their stories of being lost or stranded.