(Recorded on June 30th, 2024) We’re back this week with episode four of Firefly, “Shindig.” We learn some new things this week, like: the 26th century has slave traders, men throw around the word ‘whore’ just as liberally in the 26th century as they do in the 21st, and Badger’s back (resounding BOOOOO). We’re in Persephone again—Serenity needs to refuel and Mal needs to find his next job (on the level or off) and Inara has been engaged to accompany Atherton Wing while in town. This ruffles Mal’s feathers (because it’s OBVIOUS he likes her) so he spends the majority of the episode being a real a-hole. Unfortunately Atherton is also an a-hole, just with more money. If we were hoping men were better in space, we’d be wrong. Mal has to attend a ball (the same ball that Inara is at with Atherton) to track down Sir Warick Harrow, someone who wisely won’t do business directly with Badger. He brings Kaylee, someone he insulted earlier, with him. At the ball Mal asks Atherton’s permission to dance with Inara and what is he going to do, say no? Inara tells Mal that Atherton wants her to become his personal companion (insert Ghost ‘you in danger girl’ gif). Atherton breaks up their dance telling Mal she’s bought and paid for (gross) and Mal punches him. And apparently in the future that means you’ve challenged someone to a duel. Later that evening Inara graciously tries to help Mal learn how to sword fight but all he does insult her. The next morning we’re in the English countryside section of Persephone where Mal and Atherton briefly fight before Inara distracts Atherton enough for Mal to get the upper hand. Mal lets him live and in the process impresses Sir Warick enough to give Mal his business. Inara and Mal share some Boone’s Farm on Serenity later that evening, ostensibly making up. You maybe asking yourself what about everyone else on Serenity and to that we say, they weren’t interesting enough to include in this episode synopsis.

Also, Meaghan is confused about what century we are in; George compares and contrasts the dancing in Firefly with the dancing in Bridgerton; and we seriously consider starting a Hitch podcast. (Original network air date November 1, 2002)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.