Episode #5 – ‘Firefly’ 1×05 ‘Safe’

ReWatchable is here for another episode! This week we discuss the fifth episode of Firefly, “Safe.”

Don’t forget that this podcast is spoiler-free, featuring both Firefly fans and newbies. So it’s safe for everyone to listen!

Shownotes:

- From the newbies: Kristen and Tariq both can't get enough of Simon, so they loved this episode. Oldtimer, Caitlin gives this episode a big thumbs up too. On the other hand, it's not one of superfan Laura's favorites.
- Again Mal’s dialogue seems to dominiate our favorite lines, but the iconic "Big Damn Heroes" is Laura's favorite.
- Given that we are a third of the way through the series, has our opinion of any of the characters changed? Caitlin is loving the Simon and River dynamic more and more. Kristen loves Jayne and hopes he's not really bad at heart. Tariq is more convinced than ever that Shepherd Book is evil and will end up turning on everyone. He also has come to respect Inara.
- The episode has two way different story-lines: the crisis with Book and the kidnapping. The kidnapping clearly held our attention more.
-Yes, that is Zac Efron in his screen debut. We restrain ourselves from bursting into a chorus from High School Musical.
-The flashback was helpful because it's the first time we see non-crazy River. We also see how fantastic the sibling relationship between Simon and River has always been. We think we like River more now because the flashback fleshed out her character more to us.
-Simon is a bit of a puzzle, but we like him. We wonder how much guilt and anger he is carrying around. Does he always deal with current circumstances on the ship and with River in the best way?
-Simon can be arrogant and judgmental. Where do we think that comes from?
-Because Inara likes Simon, and she's generally a good judge of character aside from Atherton Wing, we think we tend to forgive Simon for his faults and how he treats Kaylee.
-Maybe Simon just needs a teddybear and a hug. He's got no one to tell him "it's going to be all right."
-When the crisis happens with Shepherd Book, did people think Simon and River would be on their own for a couple of episodes?
- We are all puzzled by Shepherd's mysterious "get out of jail free" card.
-Surely the card is not give to all Shepherds. What did he do to warrant such special treatment?
-If he is evil what is his end game? Why wouldn't he leave Serenity and go with the Alliance?
-How stupid is the Alliance?
-Next episode is "Our Mrs. Reynolds," and a familiar face from Mad Men will be in the episode.

How did you like "Safe"? Where does it rank with you as an episode?

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