Quote:

---

Originally posted by PhoenixRose:
Joss has said several times that the whole point of Inara's sponge bath scene (other than, of course, the sexy) was to show that this was the only kind of bathing possible on a spaceship. If it's not in the commentary for the scene, it is certainly in the script in my Official Companion:
"Inara is kneeling, robe pooled around her waist. She is sponging off - the only kind of bathing you'll find on this ship. A knock on the hatch..."

Hence, I would imagine, Zoe's desire for 'a real bath'.



There was, at one point, a discussion of showerheads in the rooms. Before anyone brings them up, I will say two things about them. 1) Joss's word is canon, period. If he says no other way to bathe, there's no other way to bathe. Plus, 2) on close examination, the 'showerheads' are actually lights. One shot in 'Our Mrs. Reynolds' of said-shaped thing behind Book shows the glint of a bulb, and an even more obvious case would be the lit one visible behind Simon at the end of Jaynestown, set quite low and over the bed. So. No showerheads. The crew has to sponge off.


Human beings, who are almost unique in having the ability to learn from the experience of others, are also remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so.

---

Quote:

---

Originally posted by RiverIsMyGoddess:
One could always argue that 'bathing' and 'showering' are two different things, so the only kind of 'bath' on the ship is a sponge bath. Showers are still possible, IMHO.

---