Help! Have Captive Audience, Which Episode? by ghosty

GENERAL DISCUSSIONS

Help! Have Captive Audience, Which Episode?

POSTED BY: GHOSTY
UPDATED: Friday, January 20, 2006 11:52
SHORT URL:
VIEWED: 14027
PAGE 1 of 2

Tuesday, January 17, 2006 9:51 AM

Here it is. I will have a captive audience. All ages. Have one hour to convert. Which episode would be the best to win them over?

NOTIFY: N | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Tuesday, January 17, 2006 9:54 AM

MUIRGHEAL

Shindig!!!

All that fancy sword fightin' and romance!

Muirgheal

NOTIFY: N | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Tuesday, January 17, 2006 10:00 AM

PRINCESSROHANNEN

That's an important question.

I hate to say it, but it think it depends on how ... prudish they are (for lack of a better word). Two of my favorites are "Our Mrs. Reynolds" and "War Stories." They're funny and surprising and each has a little something that you don't see in other television.

Problem is, I showed both of these to some friends of mine recently, and I could tell that they didn't appreciate the ... romancing between women that was present in each episode. If you don't think you could get away with that sort of thing in the crowd you'll be in, I'd go for "Ariel" or "Bushwacked." Still funny and unique and you'd get a real taste of the characters.

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Tuesday, January 17, 2006 10:02 AM

AMITON

I personally think it would be kind of mean, but in terms of raw captivity, show them Serenity (the pilot) Part 1 - it'll get everyone started and leave them in an interesting cliffhanger sort of set-up :p

If you're not for that, then I would say War Stories (depending on how young the youngest in the group are...that might be too much for some people) or Our Mrs. Reynolds, personally. They have really effective stroylines that don't require too much understanding of the backstory, in my opinion.

Yet, an opinion is all that it is, and that's all it's worth! :p

Amiton.

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Tuesday, January 17, 2006 10:02 AM

KPO

Sometimes you own the libs. Sometimes, the libs own you.

Hmm tough one -

It depends on the people, but I would say Our Mrs Reynolds is the best stand alone episode to impress people with in a one-hour window. It's brilliantly witty and doesn't give away too much about what happens in the series.

You might consider Jaynestown as another option, especially if you really like it and think your audience will (not the biggest Jaynestown fan myself).

If they like, go back to the beginning and the Serenity pilot.

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Tuesday, January 17, 2006 10:03 AM

INDIANABANZAI

Out of Gas?

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Tuesday, January 17, 2006 10:08 AM

RKLENSETH

"Out of Gas" or "The Message"

Oh, and play Cantr II at www.cantr.net.

NOTIFY: N | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Tuesday, January 17, 2006 10:29 AM

CBY

I think OMR is a bad choice for converts. When you're not a fan of slave-talk it's quite straining listen to all of it.

War stories - well, watching people having funny talks while they are tortured hits probably not everyones taste.

I would go for either Ariel or Trash, but I am afraid you'll have to explain quite some backstory in that case.

°°°°°°°°°°°°
http://www.byond-trax.com - my selfmade ambient/lounge/chillout music

NOTIFY: N | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Tuesday, January 17, 2006 10:33 AM

DAX82

"Shindig" or "Our Mrs.Reynolds"

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Tuesday, January 17, 2006 10:40 AM

KPO

Sometimes you own the libs. Sometimes, the libs own you.

Quote:
Originally posted by CBY:
I think OMR is a bad choice for converts. When you're not a fan of slave-talk it's quite straining listen to all of it.

Err, I don't know what you mean exactly by slave talk but yeah, it depends on the people watching.

OoG is my fave episode, but I don't know if the flashbacks would work as well without previous exposure to the characters. Maybe though...

The Message - perhaps my least favourite episode, I've heard others say the same. Some ppl love it but I wouldn't go with a marmite epsiode 'cos we don't want to turn a few of the audience off firefly immediately.

Let us know what you go with anyway Ghosty,and the result.

I'd value the feedback - there is an important lesson to learn here :)

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Tuesday, January 17, 2006 10:43 AM

AURAPTOR

America loves a winner!

Quote:
Originally posted by ghosty:
Here it is. I will have a captive audience. All ages. Have one hour to convert. Which episode would be the best to win them over?

Gee, I'm probably making this tougher than it should be, but could we define all ages ? Is there a range? Here's how I see the eps, pros and cons

Trying to pick ones which aren't too violent ( War Stories ) or too risque' ( Inara, whores, naked Mal ) or deal w/ returning characters (the train job -> war stories, our mrs reynolds -> trash, & serenity --> shindig )

That leaves us with....

Safe - a bit slow, even though it continues from shindig, still a decent choice.

*Bushwhacked - some great editiing, a bit creepifying and some good humor.

Out of Gas - really means more after you know the crew (Oh yeah, Kaylee in the engine room w/ Bester... pg-13 moment for sure.

)

*The Message - think this one stands alone as well as any episode.

Objects in Space - 'cept for where Jubal threatens Kaylee, it's pretty damn good. ( That one scene is great, but might be too much for some folks liking )

* Not knowing the audience, I'd say these are my main choices. Good luck.

" They don't like it when you shoot at 'em. I worked that out myself. "

NOTIFY: N | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Tuesday, January 17, 2006 10:45 AM

NEVERED

Out of Gas
Ariel
War Stories
Jaynestown

those are my favorites

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Tuesday, January 17, 2006 10:48 AM

QUEENOFTHENORTH

Hands down, Jaynestown. It's a completely hilarious episode, not too terribly violent or with a complex plot, so it's an easy and light introduction to the 'verse. I've made a few converts with this one myself.

"I'm having one of those things - a headache with pictures."

"Sucker! Competitive violence, that's why you're here!"

Like books? Go to this thread: http://www.fireflyfans.net/thread.asp?b=2&t=14862
to find out how to buy mine!

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Tuesday, January 17, 2006 10:48 AM

KSC

Out of Gas. 100%

NOTIFY: N | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Tuesday, January 17, 2006 11:17 AM

CBY

Somehow I doubt that we are very helpful since we covered about 70% of all eps by now

°°°°°°°°°°°°
http://www.byond-trax.com - my selfmade ambient/lounge/chillout music

NOTIFY: N | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Tuesday, January 17, 2006 11:21 AM

CARTOON

I think "Out of Gas" says the most about the characters and the overall story of the series. It would be an interesting initiation into "Firefly".

Personally, "Jaynestown" is my favorite, and by far, one of the funniest things ever done anywhere. Unfortunately, I think "Jaynestown" loses some of the humor if you haven't seen another episode first (any other episode) -- to help establish how silly a premise it is to have anyone actually admire Jayne Cobb.

I mean, you could just say there's an episode about how a whole town admires Jayne. That alone (even without the script, dialogue, or acting) is hilarious.

I can't help it. Just cracks me up.

"You think we should be usin' my fame to hoodwink folks?"

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Tuesday, January 17, 2006 11:23 AM

TEETHGRINDER

My oh my.... Tough predicament we got here. I would go with the pilot episode. It might not be the most emotionally moving(OoG) or the most action packed ( War Stories and HoG), or the most exciting(Ariel), or the cutest(Shindig)but it will introduce your audience to the crew... Give em an idea as to how River, Simon, and Book became a part of the crew and plus... the look on Mal's face as the alliance ships we're landing (opening scenes)is enough to melt the heart of even the toughest critic.
By the way... Whatever you choose to play or however things turn out... you did great. Keep it up.

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Tuesday, January 17, 2006 11:34 AM

JASON2025

That's is a good question and I'm in the same situation with an upcoming "Movie Night" dedicated to Firefly and then Serenity.

I've actually considered editing the Pilot down to the core character introductions and then showing "Our Mrs Malcolm" and "Out of Gas", then the movie but we haven't totally decided yet.

Cheers.

J\

NOTIFY: N | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Tuesday, January 17, 2006 12:04 PM

GRIMJACK21502

Gotta go with Heart of Gold.

Lots of action.

Good intro to the nature of the characters...

Mal is a tarnished but noble hero

Jayne is...all about Jayne

Wash & Zoe come across as a truly "adult" couple (by adult I mean mature)

River is crazy and hysterical, in a funny way..."Who do you think is in there?"

Book is, as always, an enigma.

Finally

Inara crying gets even the coldest of hearts to melt.

"And once you're gone, you can never come back
When you're out of the blue and into the black"
-Neil Young

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Tuesday, January 17, 2006 12:19 PM

KENT

"The Message" is the way to go.

It doesn't demand that you know all of the characters all too well (like Out of Gas, which probably wouldn't have much of an impact unless you knew the characters, or Jaynestown which probably wouldn't be funny unless you knew Jayne from the get go).
It doesn't demand that you know previous plot elements (like Ariel or War Stories)... etc...

It just seems like the safest bet.

NOTIFY: N | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Tuesday, January 17, 2006 7:50 PM

MISTERUNIVERSE

Quote:
Originally posted by rklenseth:
"Out of Gas" or "The Message"

Oh, and play Cantr II at www.cantr.net.]

what's with the pop-ups supplicant?
so lame......

IM : cantstopmister_universe
SIGNAL: http://www.live365.com/stations/mr_universe
email : misteruniverse@misteruniverse.net
LATEST RADIO INFO : http://www.misteruniverse.net

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Tuesday, January 17, 2006 7:58 PM

RIVER6213

Every last gorram time I show someone Firefly's, Serenity pilot. During the opening scenes, they say "What is this, Starship troopers?" They are referring to the "Klendathu Drop" scene from Starship Troopers.

I always have to forward the show to where Mal, Zoe, and Jayne are scavenging supplies from that derelict space ship, and then, only then do they start to become interested.

This bothers me for some reason, and I don't know why.

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Tuesday, January 17, 2006 8:06 PM

SERENYTY

I'm in the same boat.

I'm bringing the BDM to a party I'm going to on Friday. See, people will respond better to watching a movie than watching a TV episode.

I'm thinking, if they want an episode, "Our Mrs. Reynolds", "Ariel", or "The Train Job." I got hooked on "Bushwhacked" (first episode I ever saw).

Note: Prudish audiences probably won't like War Stories. Torture and... well, Inara's scenes. My friend is fiercely conservative (God help me), and I'm making a promise to myself to not show her that episode.

Now the BDM won't bother her, because all the sexual references will go right over her head.

~A message from Serenyty~

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Tuesday, January 17, 2006 9:06 PM

PSANDUSKY

I'd argue against showing "Ariel." A lot of the drama in that one gets set up in the preceding episodes, and while it might have some pull on its own, it has a much greater effect if one's already seen the dynamics among the crew (esp. with Jayne as regards the Tams).

My vote goes for "Shindig." There's a little bit there that could go better for having seen the preceding episodes, too, but I think it's a lot easier to pull something like that off (that is, jumping in the middle) with comedy than drama.

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Tuesday, January 17, 2006 9:18 PM

RIVER6213

FIREFLY
----------
Ariel
Train Job
Jaynestown
Out of Gas
THEN jump to: Firefly pilot - Serenity
War Stories
The Message

----------

SLIDERS
-------
Pilot episode
----------

BATTLESTAR GALACTICA
---------------------
Season #1, episode #1 33
Season #2 episode #2 Valley of Darkness

I guess this would be a good party mix for viewers to ponder and enjoy.

Look to the dead to teach you survival.

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Tuesday, January 17, 2006 10:20 PM

RKLENSETH

Quote:
Originally posted by misterUniverse:
Quote:
Originally posted by rklenseth:
"Out of Gas" or "The Message"

Oh, and play Cantr II at www.cantr.net.]

what's with the pop-ups supplicant?
so lame......

IM : cantstopmister_universe
SIGNAL: http://www.live365.com/stations/mr_universe
email : misteruniverse@misteruniverse.net
LATEST RADIO INFO : http://www.misteruniverse.net]

huh? I don't understand what you are talking about. What does 'pop-ups suplicant' have anything to do with any of those episodes?

Oh, and play Cantr II at www.cantr.net.

NOTIFY: N | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Tuesday, January 17, 2006 10:31 PM

QUOTHTHERAVEN

JAYNESTOWN!!!!!!

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Tuesday, January 17, 2006 11:52 PM

J6NGO1977

'The Train Job' because it has a good mix of sci-fi and western action to keep the kids interested, good jokes to amuse the adults, not much bad language only the 'piss pot' thing at the begining (that'll more than likely make the kids giggle because its a rude word). A good all round, balanced Firefly episode.

I would say 'Out of Gas'. However the adults would like it but the kids will get bored as there is no action.

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Wednesday, January 18, 2006 1:48 AM

RACOONBOY

"The Train Job" or "Shindig."
I thinhk that they would easily get someone into the show, shindig might probably do it a little better, but it really depends on the audience.

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Wednesday, January 18, 2006 2:22 AM

AGENTROUKA

How is it that every time I see this thread title I envision a hog-tied group of kidnapping victims huddled in a big-screen tv basement?? *g*

I say "The Train Job". It introduces everyone, has action, wittiness and gives a fair overview over all the character interactions and themes.

Granted, it glosses over the darker bits, but that's for savouring when they're hooked.

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Wednesday, January 18, 2006 2:35 AM

J6NGO1977

Quote:
Originally posted by AgentRouka:
How is it that every time I see this thread title I envision a hog-tied group of kidnapping victims huddled in a big-screen tv basement?? *g*

LMAO. With black tape over their mouths

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Wednesday, January 18, 2006 7:23 AM

CARTOON

Quote:
Originally posted by Serenyty:
Note: Prudish audiences probably won't like War Stories. Torture and... well, Inara's scenes. My friend is fiercely conservative (God help me), and I'm making a promise to myself to not show her that episode.

I'm fiercely conservative, too.

And, when "Firefly" was about to be first broadcast, I heard reports about the "companion" character and was totally turned off -- and never watched the series when it initially aired.

I got hooked by the trailers to the movie, simultaneously finding and enjoying the show, as well.

While I think "Firefly" is one of the most enjoyable (interesting, well-written & well-acted) shows I've ever seen, I still cringe at the bits with Inara's character. I know that this probably doesn't bother most viewers, but there are people like myself who are bothered by it.

And who knows how many more viewers would've been turned onto this show if it wasn't so heavy on the sexual stuff (heavy in my opinion, obviously not for others).

Then, of course, I'm a "prude".

Still love the show, and consider myself a Browncoat. But, while I bought the "Serenity" DVD, I could not bring myself to buy the "Firefly" DVD (because the stuff I don't like was much more heavily handled in the series than in the movie)(you'd think it would be the other way around). (BTW, that's why I like the "Heart of Gold" episode the least.)

Anyhow, just my 1/2 cent.

"Gettin' to be so a man can't do an honest day's crime."

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Wednesday, January 18, 2006 7:32 AM

DARKLIGHTER9

Gotta be Ariel or Trash as both are swashbucling tales of misadventure and good honest theft 500 years in the future. That sums firefly up for me

_________________________________________________
Reavers Vs Oompaloompas, clash of the titans! (I'm talking scary Oompaloompas with orange skin and green hair, not the rubbish new ones)

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Wednesday, January 18, 2006 7:56 AM

SIKKUKUT

If you have time, show the pilot. If not, show Train Job. Between the two of them, they will convert nearly anyone. Whichever one you pick, tell 'em it's the first episode and sort out the rest later.

Bushwhacked might be okay, as we're still sort of in "introductions" mode, and the interviews are a wonderful way to get to know the crew. It's a bit grim, though.

Our Mrs. Reynolds is a wonderful episode, but it really does play up the sex thing, which some people will be uncomfortable with.

I would strongly urge against Safe, Jaynestown, Out of Gas, Ariel, War Stories, Trash, or Heart of Gold, because they contain major "reveals" that rely on previous experience.

Shindig probably focuses too much on Mal and Inara (some people will love that interplay, but others will hate it), and it also has, in my opinion, weaker dialogue than most of the other episodes.

The Message makes the show look more sentimental than it actually is, although it does do the best job of any of them of setting up the "no aliens" thing.

Finally, Objects in Space deserves to be the last Firefly episode they see. Besides, I think that it won't make as much sense if you don't know the characters, and they'll assume it's supposed to make more sense than it does.

In summary: If you have only an hour, show Train Job. If you have an hour and a half, show the pilot. If you possibly can, show both.

Let us know how it goes, all of you who are showing the series! Good luck!

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Wednesday, January 18, 2006 9:02 AM

KPO

Sometimes you own the libs. Sometimes, the libs own you.

Quote:
Originally posted by Sikkukut:
If you have time, show the pilot. If not, show Train Job. Between the two of them, they will convert nearly anyone. Whichever one you pick, tell 'em it's the first episode and sort out the rest later.

Bushwhacked might be okay, as we're still sort of in "introductions" mode, and the interviews are a wonderful way to get to know the crew. It's a bit grim, though.

Our Mrs. Reynolds is a wonderful episode, but it really does play up the sex thing, which some people will be uncomfortable with.

I would strongly urge against Safe, Jaynestown, Out of Gas, Ariel, War Stories, Trash, or Heart of Gold, because they contain major "reveals" that rely on previous experience.

Shindig probably focuses too much on Mal and Inara (some people will love that interplay, but others will hate it), and it also has, in my opinion, weaker dialogue than most of the other episodes.

The Message makes the show look more sentimental than it actually is, although it does do the best job of any of them of setting up the "no aliens" thing.

Finally, Objects in Space deserves to be the last Firefly episode they see. Besides, I think that it won't make as much sense if you don't know the characters, and they'll assume it's supposed to make more sense than it does.

In summary: If you have only an hour, show Train Job. If you have an hour and a half, show the pilot. If you possibly can, show both.

Let us know how it goes, all of you who are showing the series! Good luck!

Hmm. An excellent analysis I feel. Didn't think about the sexual references in Our Mrs Reynolds when I advocated it.

I vote for Sikkikut's formula.

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Thursday, January 19, 2006 10:30 AM

GHOSTY

WOW! I am overwhelmed with responses! Awesome!

I realize now my original question held little details. Let me explain, No, let me sum up.

Birthday party, open-house. People come in, chat for a while, get some food, sit down to eat in the living room where we conveniently have Firefly playing on the t.v. Guest list includes all ages: Grandparents, aunts&uncles, cousins, teens and toddlers. I assume the grandparents and toddlers won't pay any attention. People will be coming and going so if I can get someone to watch a whole episode I will be ecstatic but at the very least hope to get people interested enough to want to borrow my Firefly set.

Don't think anyone will be around long enough to show the movie, but will keep that option open...

All of our Firefly sets are on loan with friends until the day of the party, so am biting my nails figuring out which episode will get me the most "bang for my buck" so to speak.

Am considering the hog-tying/basement scenario mentioned above. Would that make me an over-zealous firefly fan? Hmmmmmm....

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Thursday, January 19, 2006 11:52 AM

CARTOON

Quote:
Originally posted by ghosty:
Am considering the hog-tying/basement scenario mentioned above. Would that make me an over-zealous firefly fan? Hmmmmmm....

No such thing as an overzealous Firefly fan.

In all seriousness, you don't have to hog-tie them. I mean, just a little industrial-strength bonding agent on their seats should do nicely.

"It's a simple job. And we're simple folk, so it shouldn't be a problem."

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Thursday, January 19, 2006 12:40 PM

CHRISPV

Ghosty, I recommend chloroform. Keeps the audience nice and docile right up until you pop in the episode. Plus, you can put them in funny hats while they're asleep!

In all seriousness, I'd have to vote for the Train Job if you've only got an hour. As the "second pilot" it still has to explain the 'verse and all of the characters, but still has some fine thievin' and dialog to it. Plus, it has this absolutely brilliant line from Mal:

"Darn."

You know the rest.

Curse your sudden but inevitable betrayal, Fox!

NOTIFY: N | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Thursday, January 19, 2006 2:51 PM

GIXXER

You never mentioned the open house / party thing at all.

I reckon you'd be on to show the entire Fourteen.

What with the comin's and goin's and all, nobody will be entirely sure where everyone is. And they won't be expected home until late.

It would be the work of a moment to whisk your victims away to the soundproofed cellar. Duct tape them to the chairs.

I'm not sure I'm happy with how easily the planning came about, and the worrying assumption that everyone has a soundproof cellar as well.

G

Startin' to think that that "as well" might not have been a great idea...

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Thursday, January 19, 2006 2:59 PM

SHINYTALENT

Ok so I always go with "Jaynestown" Wash is at his funniest, you see Jayne as a 2-dimensional figure- not just a man-ape gone wrong.
Mal is at his most crafty and also because I'm Jayne obsessed it gives everyone a chance to put a face to the name.

The human body can be drained of blood in 8.6 seconds given adequate vacuuming systems.

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Thursday, January 19, 2006 3:13 PM

SHINYTALENT

Also I have one tiny question? Why does everyone say 'Shindig'? It's so central to one (possibly the most frustrating one) relationship in Firefly Mal/Inara.
Yes there's sword-fighting fun, but I think that there are episodes that show the crew as a whole in all of their glory.

The human body can be drained of blood in 8.6 seconds given adequate vacuuming systems.

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Thursday, January 19, 2006 3:33 PM

LOOKATTHATBIRD

I think Ariel would be best. Really entertaing and gives you a good feel for the show. Also maybe Jaynestown. Bushwhacked has the interveiw scene, witch is hilarious and really helps understand the characters. But the most of it is pretty dark and could be boring if you aren't into the show yet.
Some of the best episodes could ruin the series for people who like it and want to go back and watch it. Out of Gas, Objects in Space and Heart of Gold are all great but you can only really appreciate after you've seen the reat of the series.

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Thursday, January 19, 2006 4:37 PM

RAVENHAIR

Serenity Part I

They'll be begging for part II and you'll just have to show it!

NOTIFY: N | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Thursday, January 19, 2006 4:52 PM

BARCLAY

Jaynestown, hands down. First off, the concept is just hilarious, and there's so much funny in that episodes, perhaps the best stand along episode of the series.

This episode also shows all the various facets of Firefly to the greatest degree. It's funny and lighthearted, dramatic, full of meaning, and fleshes out the crew. We see Mal the scheming, sarcastic captain, enough of Zoe and Wash's dynamic to know they're married. Wash is funny, Jayne is the man-ape gone wrong and actually a deep character, Kaylee and Simon obviously want each other, River's crazy, Book's a preacher, and Inara's companioning, but doing it respectfully.

Runner up: The Train Job. We all look down on it in disdain (with good reason) but it was designed to be a pilot episode.

"You are on the Global Frequency."
http://www.frequencysite.com
http://kfmonkey.blogspot.com

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Thursday, January 19, 2006 5:08 PM

SEVESTRA

Trainjob is the best episode to intro the series, you get the whole connection between Simon and River, you get some action, you get the dilemma of being a moral villan. You are introduced to the dialect of the series, which may happen to hamper someones experience. And, in addition, you are introduced to the key moral and interpersonal concepts that make this series what it was and is... excellent.

I wish to soar on an eagle's wings with a serpent's wisdom.

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Thursday, January 19, 2006 5:34 PM

AGENTDOGGETT

This is not about a favorite episode.
My personal favorite episode would be "Out of Gas".

But that's not the question.

If I had a captive audience and I wanted to instantly convert them, it would have to be "Our Mrs. Reynolds", no question.
You do not have to know a lot about the show, its characters or anything else to enjoy it.
"Out of Gas" would require a connection with the characters to a point out that some might be initially turned off by. (They just would not get it.)

It's my opinion and my first post.

I'm new. Maybe I should just keep my gorrum mouth shut, huh?
"I'll be in my bunk."

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Thursday, January 19, 2006 5:37 PM

NINAH148

Unfortunately, I would have to say "The Train Job" is the one way NOT to go. Simply because I have had that experience...as a medium-level Buffy and even Angel fan (fiance is a big fan and I got pulled along) I was heavily predisposed to like Firefly. However, we watched the "pilot" (Train Job) and were completely "Meh." We were watching it with a group of people (a Buffy-night group) and were therefore probably distracted (as your group would be) but I was left with the impression that you didn't quite follow who the characters were or what they were doing. Plus, without the setup of the war and Mal and Zoe's background in it, it seemed really discordant that at the end of this wisecracky episode Mal suddenly boots someone into a jet engine. It took Serenity and then the purchase of Firefly and Serenity on DVD to watch in their proper order (as God, or Joss, intended!) to convert me into the rabid fan you see before you. I would go with the two-hour pilot, and let people catch what they can. And before I get flamed, I really like Train Job now, I just know how clearly it didn't grab me when it was my first exposure to the 'verse. Just goes to show how dumb FOX was in their decision not to air the original pilot.

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Thursday, January 19, 2006 5:45 PM

CHRISPV

See, that's the problem with this show. It builds, and there aren't a lot of "standalone" episodes. Character arcs go on, in-jokes develop, and the 'verse just keeps on spinning. It's bloody difficult to pick just one episode that comes largely unfettered with events in other episodes. After all, "I can kill you with my brain" is nowhere near as funny if you don't know that

A. She might not be kidding

and

B. Jayne has it coming

Oh, and incidentally, my fiance votes for The Train Job.

Curse your sudden but inevitable betrayal, Fox!

NOTIFY: N | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Thursday, January 19, 2006 5:47 PM

SERENYTY

Quote:
Originally posted by cartoon:
Quote:
Originally posted by Serenyty:
Note: Prudish audiences probably won't like War Stories. Torture and... well, Inara's scenes. My friend is fiercely conservative (God help me), and I'm making a promise to myself to not show her that episode.

I'm fiercely conservative, too. And, when "Firefly" was about to be first broadcast, I heard reports about the "companion" character and was totally turned off -- and never watched the series when it initially aired.

I got hooked by the trailers to the movie, simultaneously finding and enjoying the show, as well.

While I think "Firefly" is one of the most enjoyable (interesting, well-written & well-acted) shows I've ever seen, I still cringe at the bits with Inara's character. I know that this probably doesn't bother most viewers, but there are people like myself who are bothered by it.

And who knows how many more viewers would've been turned onto this show if it wasn't so heavy on the sexual stuff (heavy in my opinion, obviously not for others).

Then, of course, I'm a "prude".

Still love the show, and consider myself a Browncoat. But, while I bought the "Serenity" DVD, I could not bring myself to buy the "Firefly" DVD (because the stuff I don't like was much more heavily handled in the series than in the movie)(you'd think it would be the other way around). (BTW, that's why I like the "Heart of Gold" episode the least.)

Anyhow, just my 1/2 cent.

Thanks!

I honestly have nothing against conservative people. The person I mentioned is one of my best friends, and she's great. This just may not be her cup of tea.

It's good to know, that there are browncoats like that. So I can hook her onto it.

~A message from Serenyty~

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Thursday, January 19, 2006 5:54 PM

PSOLARIS

Quote:
Originally posted by ghosty:
Guest list includes all ages: Grandparents, aunts&uncles, cousins, teens and toddlers.

Damn, and I was gonna say to show them Trash...cuz I just can't get enough of the scenery. Mal's that is. Mal's scenery.

Ok, um, excuse me all...I need to go and admire the view!! Now where's that DVD.

Psolaris

"Ten percent of nuthin' is...let me do the math here...nuthin' into nuthin'...carry the nuthin'"

NOTIFY: N | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

YOUR OPTIONS

SHARE THREAD

NEW POSTS TODAY

USER

POST DATE