I'm four episodes ahead tonight. Oops. After being assigned to watch episode eight for class, I chose to write my reflection immediately rather than waiting to enter it chronologically. So I'm skipping around a bit. Forgive me.
As far as entertainment goes, this episode was, as usual, great. I found the mixed storylines (many of the scenes were out of chronological order) and the recap of Serenity's history, as well as the threat of her eternal loss, to be relatively gripping. I say relatively because of course everything was alright in the end--it's a TV show. What more can we expect?
I believe that this episode discusses commitment, and does so with aplomb. Were the scenes strung together linearly, we would have seen Mal's journey with his ship, Serenity, in chronological order. From his "love at first sight" purchase of the broken, run down thing, to his firing of a mechanic in favor of the man's girlish lover and her talent, to his refusal to leave the ship's side, to his heroic last-ditch effort to save and protect her, Mal is dedicated. He will not give up, not if bullies or engine failure or a near-death wound try to make him.
I think that Mal's dedication and commitment to his ship are admirable, and present this theme or concept in practical, applicable terms. Once you make a promise, you keep it--you don't leave. It's that simple. Your life on the line, it is duty and responsibility that call you to stay true to your word and to those in your keeping.
I do not think that this episode moved the story arc forward, not really, but it certainly did further character development. Although Mal was labeled "bad" just a few episodes previously, he continues to prove himself and to earn my respect. I find his actions remarkable and praiseworthy, though his occupation still troubles me some. Because I am partial to the progression of character development, even at the cost of the storyline, I liked this episode quite a bit and would recommend it to others.
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