Firefly - Episode 2: 'The Train Job'
Recap: Mal accepts a gig from a creepy Eastern European dude named Niska: a train heist. As standard operating procedure, he doesn't ask questions. Mal, Zoe, and Jayne pull off a crazy heist, but only Jayne escapes, and Mal discovers that the cargo they stole was medicine needed for the inhabitants of the mining planet. Going against his deal, Mal returns the stolen goods and sends Niska's money back, not taking no for an answer. Here's a relatively straightforward, procedural episode after the overwhelming double-length opener. There's not a ton to dissect from its main action. The most important work going on here is the characterization. Mal can appear amoral and he certainly is fond of violence - he instigates a barfight, licks his chops at taking on a whole squadron of feds, and dives right into combat with Niska's henchmen - but when it comes down to it, his principles render him more fettered than he lets on. While awaiting investigation, Zoe reassures Ma...