| Episode No. | Firefly Season 1, Episode 7 |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Marita Grabiak |
| Written by | Ben Edlund |
0:02 : Book’s version of the narration is used for this episode.
2:41 : The controls on Inara’s shuttle have changed since the pilot – especially since Morena Baccarin is now holding them the right way around.
5:17 : The Foreman of the Mudders is played by Jordan Lund, who, amongst other things, appeared in Star Trek: Enterprise.
6:52 : This is the first mention of Jayne’s surname being ‘Cobb’.
9:40 : Gregory Itzin is the prolific actor who brings Magistrate Higgins to life. He was President Logan in 24, and appeared in everything from 1980s Dallas through to the modern Star Trek series. He was also in both Airplane movies. He passed away in 2022.
11:57 : The busker in the bar is Ronald Craig Williams, hired specifically for his instrument playing it seems.
12:11 : Wash’s question translates to “What is this garbage?”
12:51 : Mal’s ‘Well-Dressed’ stranger in the bar isn’t named anywhere in the episode. He’s played by Bob McCracken, who was recurring on Sons of Anarchy.
14:03 : Adam Baldwin sings a cute rendition of ‘The Hero of Canton’ (or ‘The Ballad of Jayne Cobb’ as it’s also known) as a DVD extra on the Complete Series boxset.
16:09 : Funny moment alert: Wash asking if they can go to the crappy town where he’s a hero. Also, Simon’s fear that he’s going crazy.
18:55 : Young Fess Higgins is played by Zachary Kranzier. He was nominated for an Emmy in 2010 for his documentary work.
19:59 : Translates into ‘Jesus, his mother…’
21:37 : River’s explanation as she talks to herself is a charming little character moment: “They say the snow on the roof is too heavy. They say the ceiling will cave in. His brains are in terrible danger.” And then her explanation to Zoe: “Too much hair.” Wonderful.
24:05 : The young Mudder who is inspired by Jayne is never named, which makes his fate even more heartbreaking. Actor Daniel Bess had guest roles in Scandal, iZombie and SEAL Team.
25:23 : Stich Hessian actor Kevin Gage also had roles in Smallville and CSI: Miami.
25:56 : Jayne says he was on Triumph ‘a few years ago’, but Stich’s sentence confirms it was four years ago, in 2153 A.D.
27:38 : Jayne’s evening companion is played by Laura Niemi, who went on to have roles in 9-1-1: Lone Star and This is Us.
38:12 : Jayne rages over the Mudder jumping in his path. This is the first time in the series Jayne is fighting for something other than himself. It’s arguably the moment he proves himself. Also, note Mal’s reaction: he knows that he’ll have trouble at some point…
39:56 : Wash’s surprise translates to ‘Motherless goats of all motherless goats!’
43:40 : And Jayne has a wonderful denouement with Mal on the catwalk at the end of the episode where he learns the lesson: “Faith doesn’t need fixing. Faith fixes you.” He knows the Mudders will still carry on with their hero worship – but if it makes them happy, their faith in him is doing some good.
The Watcher's Guide 