Which 1 Episode Would You Pick To Win Over Verse Virgins?

POSTED BY: MrShinyVerse
UPDATED: Friday, March 6, 2009 08:41
VIEWED: 30958
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MRSHINYVERSE

Tuesday, May 1, 2007 1:08 PM

Picture the scene,

You've just had a BBQ with your mates and had to move inside as it's just started pissing it down. There's nought on TV and the rain doesn't look like it's going to last a movie. One of them mentions that TV show you always go on about when you've had too much to drink. It's the chance you've been waiting for. Problem is,

Which episode do you put on?

This question isn't which episode is your favourite, (Mine keeps changing but at the moment it's War Stories, No wait it's Objects In Space) it's which one do you think would make people who bearly watch TV unless it's sport related get into the verse?

I'm just not sure which one is. The obvious choice is Serenity (episode) but you'd only be allowed to show the first half of it & I'm not sure if that would be enough (Can't F**kin believe it, I sound like F*x).

In the end I'd probably have to go with "Our Mrs Reynolds". It's funny & flirty. Can't really go wrong with those.

What would you choose and why?

MrShinyVerse

"I'm here for a good time, not a long time" - that's my motto, or it might be if I start having a motto

CHANNAIN

Tuesday, May 1, 2007 1:16 PM

I have four episodes that I've chosen for new viewers. Our Mrs. Reynolds is one, or Jaynestown - not flirty, but definitely funny. Thanks to the build-up in the infirmary in the beginning, the initial viewer would get a strong idea of manner of man Jayne is.

Train Job might not be the best one, but as the second pilot, it's a condensed version of the big Serenity pilot. The Serenity pilot is awesome, but it's long, and it can be a little slow. I tried that one with my brother and lost him in the first half hour. After he'd seen Train Job and Our Mrs. Reynolds, the hook was set into him well enough to throw the Serenity pilot at him.

Out of Gas is a good one for new viewers as well, but should be shown after the other three.

Good on you!

Doing the impossible makes us mighty
Minnesota Browncoats
http://www.mnfirefly.com/portal/html/index.php

FASTMOVER

Wednesday, May 2, 2007 2:58 AM

I actually think the pilot episode as well as The Train Job would be pretty good.:)

[IMG][/IMG]

I am evil, I am sly, and if you get eaten no one will cry.

CAUSAL

Wednesday, May 2, 2007 3:09 AM

Definitely the pilot. Grabs and won't let go. You won't spend the whole time explaining stuff, and they won't feel compelled to constantly ask questions. Plus at only 80 minutes, it's barely more time than you'd spend watching a show in prime time. Then when they get hooked, they don't have to go backwards to come back forwards.

My $0.02.

________________________________________________________________________
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FUTUREMRSFILLION

Wednesday, May 2, 2007 3:13 AM

All my converts have been from the movie. 6 of them and counting!

---- plus ca change, plus c'est la meme chose

Bestower of Titles, Designer of Tshirts, Maker of Mottos, Keeper of the Pyre, Owner of a too big Turnippy smelling coat with MR scratched in the neck (thanks FollowMal!)

I am on The List. We are The Forsaken and we aim to burn!
"We don't fear the reaper"

FORSAKEN original

DATALESS

Wednesday, May 2, 2007 5:46 AM

I saw the series when it aired on ruttin' Fox (still pissed about Drive) out of order and I felt like it was just not getting me hooked then I saw the last aired episode "Serenity" and finally understood and was completely hooked but the Fox canceled the show. So I would have to go with the true first episode of the series, "Serenity."

SHANNARA

Wednesday, May 2, 2007 11:24 AM

joss introduced the show in the pilot and so should you!

"A ship like this, be with you until the day you die"

CHANNAIN

Wednesday, May 2, 2007 3:49 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Shannara:
joss introduced the show in the pilot and so should you!

The only reason why I say the pilot might be a bit hefty for a first timer is that it is a full 90-minute commitment that not everyone is willing to make.

In this age of new media and microscopic attention spans, you need something that will catch them *QUICK*. The Serenity Pilot is good, but it's long. If you chose that one, you could sort of forget to tell them that it's almost two hours.

My best advice; consider your audience, and tailor the viewings accordingly. There's always time to get to the pilot once you get them hooked.

Doing the impossible makes us mighty
Minnesota Browncoats
http://www.mnfirefly.com/portal/html/index.php

SHINYSEVEN2

Wednesday, May 2, 2007 4:24 PM

I'd have to agree about "Our Mrs. Reynolds"--it shows Mal getting into trouble *because* he tries to be a decent human being, which is an important component of his character.

Some people say "Out of Gas" because of the flashbacks but I think you have to watch it after having spent enough time with the BDH to really care about them.

HERA7

Wednesday, May 2, 2007 4:50 PM

I would say go with the original pilot, but if you are short on the time, I would go with War Stories first and Shindig as an alternate. Our Mrs Reynolds is good but River is missing from the story and it is a special episode where character background is very helpful.

War Stories has good interaction between all the crew, plus the bonus of Miska. It pretty much stands on it's own as far as the story goes. Explainations are not necessary, but if needed are few. The Ariel Caper (rare well paying caper) and Miska's Train Job (Job gone wrong by doing the right thing)

My second choice would be Shindig, another good stand alone episode with participation from all the crew, plus the extra benefit of a Badger appearance.

Hera7

Mechanic & Cook
"So thats where that bolt went to."

KANEMAN

Wednesday, May 2, 2007 4:52 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Shannara:
joss introduced the show in the pilot and so should you!

"A ship like this, be with you until the day you die"

I agree. Gives some background also.....

AFIC

Thursday, May 3, 2007 5:15 AM

Always the first one- it was the big intro intended when the series was first made-

it perfectly introduces the characters, and has a storyline thats worked to convert many of my friends. I would stay away from other episodes- its such a character driven show that it might not be as good without getting the right intro.

-----------------------------------------
she'll turn you in before you can say... don't turn me in... lady...

ROY

Thursday, May 3, 2007 6:51 AM

If you're time poor, I'd go with Objects in Space, its intriguing enough for people to want to see more. It sits pretty well on its own and shouldn't need much explaination.

If time is not an issue then do as Julie Andrews did and start at the very beginning, 'cause its a very fine place to start - Serenity.

*************************
Browncoats, are you content to see Firefly in 2nd place or would you rather see it at #1. It won't happen unless you vote.
http://richlabonte.net/tvvote/index.html

STEAMBOAT28

Thursday, May 3, 2007 8:54 AM

Maybe I'm strange, but I've found the easiest way to convert those *I* know is to show them just the episode teasers of a few, and maybe even get so far as the theme song once or twice. it's a whole lot of humor and grit packed into a small space, and it almost all works to showcase what kind of characters the BDH are.

Example: I usually start off with Our Mrs. Reynolds because of the "floral bonnet" bit. After that, Bushwhacked or The Train Job..something about barfights and spaceships in the same 20 seconds make people go "oooohhhhh" over the show. *shrugs*

PHOENIXROSE

Thursday, May 3, 2007 9:04 AM

My stepdad watched Out Of Gas first because I had that disk in the player. Then he watched the rest of the disk, then he went back to the beginning and watched them all, then he asked me why I hadn't shown him sooner (I offered!!)
So... That worked. I got hooked by the movie. Most people get hooked by the pilot. I don't think I would have been hooked by Our Mrs Reynolds. That one took awhile to grown on me.

Quote:
Originally posted by Fastmover:

This has been bugging me not showing up; wanted to see what it was.

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.

JOSSISAGOD

Thursday, May 3, 2007 10:50 AM

The "Serenity" Pilot actually worked for me! Of course, I had more time to show it I actually had almost the full episode shown by the end, I skipped over some of the slower parts.

Fe'nos Tol
JOSSIS(Most Definitely)AGOD

Self appointed Forsaken! Been on the list for a while now!
98% of teens have smoked pot, if you are one of the 2% that haven't, copy this into your signature.
"Look at me, I'm STUPID!" The Doctor.

6IXSTRINGJACK

Thursday, May 3, 2007 11:20 AM

Our Mrs. Reynolds or Trash..... for very obvious reasons.

"A government is a body of people, usually notably ungoverned." http://www.myspace.com/6ixstringjack

DONCOAT

Thursday, May 3, 2007 4:00 PM

Since I was lucky enough to catch the premier on The Network That Shall Be Nameless, I can testify that "The Train Job" was sufficient to hook me.

Ruttin' hook's still in there, too, gorramnit.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I'm pointin' right at it!

LAWMAN

Friday, May 4, 2007 2:51 AM

wow, i had no idea you guys all felt like this. i would have certainly picked ariel just because it had seemingly non stop action sequences and gave the sci fi fans something to sink their teeth into. also, it showed the sheer aaudicity and cleverness of mal and his crew.

i'll be in my bunk

JOLLIE36

Monday, May 7, 2007 3:22 AM

Hi everyone.

Ok as a new convertee (from Australia) to Firefly I'll put my two cents worth in (or as is said in the U.S. ... my Dime's worth in????? Hope that's right....)

Anyway.... I'd never heard of Firefly or Serenity until about a month ago when my brother bought the DVD's. I was bored and he said that it was good. I thought to myself "Yeah, Yeah.... just like you said about Buffy and Angel" (Sorry if I've offended anyone....I have tried and tried to watch Buffy... It makes me fall asleep... I've tried to watch the odd episode of Angel here and there and I just thought 'huh' [pretty much what Mal thought about River when he first saw her!.... SORRY!] But I pinched them anyway from him when I was off work sick.

I started at the beginning with THE PILOT (Serenity). It had me hooked from the moment the theme music played. I looooove it!!! If you consider the fact that the pilot is not even 90 minutes long compared with the MOVIE Serenity which is almost 2 Hours long.... the pilot is definately the way to go! Besides the Movie assumes that you already know the crew and what is going on. If I had started with the movie I would have been like..... "yeah... it was ok..... but.... you know.... what was all that about....., etc". The movie makes MUCH more sense when you have seen the entire series.

Ok.... so if you don't have just under 90 minutes to spare.... and you only have about 42 minutes... ummmm which one would have hooked me in?????? ummmmmm let me think....... ok.... got it......

Out of Gas...... at least that one has some back story to it.... so you wouldn't be driving the person that is trying to get you hooked mad by asking a whole lot of questions like "who's that guy, what's his story, why's he doing that.... etc", YOU can just sit back and watch and work it out for yourself. In a way.... that one could have been the second pilot for the simple reason that it DID explain how most of the crew got together.... and it did it in 42 minutes. OK.... I understand that ultimately it was the story of how Mal came to end up with Serenity, BUT it also told of how the MAIN characters came to be together, which in my mind is just as important.

Ok....... I was trying to think of a third option.... but my mind has gone blank at the moment. I must say that I liked the suggestion that someone above made about just showing some of the teasers! A lot of them are really funny and you think to yourself "Oh lordy! This is going to be a good one if this is anything to go by!"

Well that's it for now.

Take care all
Jollie36

Aint no place I can't be, since I found Serenity!

FUTUREMRSFILLION

Monday, May 7, 2007 3:26 AM

Welcome Jollie!

---- plus ca change, plus c'est la meme chose

Bestower of Titles, Designer of Tshirts, Maker of Mottos, Keeper of the Pyre, Owner of a too big Turnippy smelling coat with MR scratched in the neck (thanks FollowMal!)

I am on The List. We are The Forsaken and we aim to burn!
"We don't fear the reaper"

FORSAKEN original

PHOENIXROSE

Monday, May 7, 2007 3:29 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Lawman:
wow, i had no idea you guys all felt like this. i would have certainly picked ariel just because it had seemingly non stop action sequences and gave the sci fi fans something to sink their teeth into. also, it showed the sheer aaudicity and cleverness of mal and his crew.

It would also make a first-time viewer wonder what the hell was up with Jayne. I'm not as huge a Jayne fan as many here, but he doesn't deserve to make that kind of first impression.

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.

NBZ

Monday, May 7, 2007 3:40 AM

While I love the pilot (Serenity), others found it a little slow... So if that is not the one to go for (which it still is...)

I would recommend Out of Gas - it is self contained and explains almost everything.

After that it would be "The Message" - It is about an outsider, so outsiders may find it easier viewing.

PAINTITBLACK

Wednesday, May 9, 2007 9:05 PM

I'd say Out of Gas or the Train Job. Both have a bit of background, a bit of humor, and a lot of heart.

MINIB2K

Wednesday, May 9, 2007 9:20 PM

Got to be "Our Mrs Reynolds" it just is one of the best episodes to give you all aspects of the show i think

We did it once and since then weve grown in numbers... how can we NOT do it again!
Go Browncoats!

SEANCJ

Thursday, May 17, 2007 5:24 PM

I think I would show the pilot, then followed by 'Out of Gas' just to stick it home! Then I'd send them home with the DVD pack and make them promise to bring it back, cause you know they'll wanna keep it!

"You wanna run this ship?"
"Yes"
"Well,...you can't"

MISTERSOLIDUS

Sunday, May 27, 2007 2:51 AM

"Serenity/Pilot" (even though the rain would go away before it ended, but they would be hooked so they wouldn't want to go outside) or "The Train Job". I think it maybe hard to follow if you started anywhere after those.

MUDDERSMILK

Sunday, May 27, 2007 5:16 AM

Our Mrs. Reynolds. The second scene, where the crew is relaxed on the planet, everyone is dancing, Jayne is drunk... Thats the scene that won me over. I don't know about everyone else, but IMHO its the quiet moments in the show like that one that transform the show from good to great. You really get the feeling that they are people, and not icons like in Star Trek. The music in that particular scene is also one of my all time favorites.

REGINAROADIE

Sunday, May 27, 2007 5:54 AM

In theory, I would use either "Our Mrs. Reynolds" or "Jaynestown". I'd actually go with the latter. Whereas with the other episodes that reference other episodes and can get people confused quickly, those two eps are good stand alone episodes that establish the mythology, humor and characters of the series without having any head scratching moments that would confuse newbies.

But in practice, the one time that I showed any of FIREFLY to someone whose never seen it before, I showed the first 15 minutes or so of "Objects in Space". I was talking to a girl in the film program about Jewel and Sean and how I want them in one of my movies as sort of a meta thing, and I showed her the opening of "Objects in Space", because I felt that that was the best Simon/Kaylee interaction in both the series and the movie. Because up to that point it was just simple getting to know you and her huffing off whenever he said something dumb (which EVERY guy does, so why would she be so thin skinned about it? It was the one thing that bugged me about Kaylee as a character.) But at that moment, you saw that the formality had worn off and the barriers between them were breached and that they could relate to one another and have chemistry and be a normal couple.

**************************************************
"Have you ever fired two guns whilst jumping through the air?"
"No."
"Have you ever fired ONE gun whilst jumping through the air?"

HUGHFF

Sunday, May 27, 2007 10:22 AM

I had a long bloggish thread many moons ago where I explained my philosophy for creating converts.

Basically I have ripped Serenity and Train Job onto a single dvd (which I call Both Pilots because I'm a teacher and we aren't very smart) and I just give them to everyone. If they say, "That's good," I direct them to a site where they can buy the whole show. I hand these things out like Bibles at a Gideon's convention. If you breathe twice, I give you a dvd.

My other methods are to direct people to my Firefly fanvids (and others), to put the dvd on any time (I took a field trip away last week and showed the BDM on the bus), and to force it on my pupils by making them study two episodes (Train Job and Our Mrs Reynolds) for their film unit.

I have a pretty high strike rate, I think - made a new Browncoat (or at least a new Firefly owner)from my Year 12 this week.

And I never give anyone the whole show. They want to see what happens next, they buy their own. Works wonders.

www.cpfc.org - my life
www.nbhs.school.nz - my work

HIGGINS

Thursday, May 31, 2007 12:33 AM

Had just this same dilemma a short while back. My advice? Give them the option of watching the pilot or jumping in with one of the episodes. At her request, I started my now-converted-friend off with the pilot and then we had to watch "The Train Job" right after ('cause we both dancers and I mentioned that there was a belly dancer in the opening sequence). After the pilot, her comment to me was "why did they cancel this show?" I explained that the ways of Fox are unscrutable and, long story short, she borrowed the entire set from me, watched them all, is now a Browncoat and has converted her father as well. Slowly our numbers grow ....

****************************************************

"Crime and politics, little girl. The situation is always fluid."

SALISBURYMAL

Thursday, May 31, 2007 8:49 PM

Long time listener, first time poster.

I just watched the complete series on DVD for the first time having caught bits and pieces on Sci-Fi Channel. (Plan on picking up the movie this weekend as well.) Overall my favorite episodes are probably Jaynestown, Our Miss Reynolds, Shindig and Objects in Space. I'm trying to convert my dad who loves westerns into checking the series out and plan to show him either the Train Job or Heart of Gold for their obvious Westerny overtones.

Shun-SHENG duh gao-WAHN

WATCHASISOAR

Friday, June 1, 2007 5:29 AM

I am not entirely sure. Certain episodes hold special meaning to me, and a first time viewer might not see why. For example, Out of Gas wouldn't tug on a first time viewer's heart strings as much as someone who has seen the Firefly 'verse as a whole. Objects in Space might not be as popular because the first timer wouldn't be familiar with River's plight, and again, wouldn't be as emotionally attached as the rest of us. It would be best to start the viewer off with a neutral episode, such as Train Job, Jaynestown, Our Mrs. Reynolds or even War Stories, but ultimately Serenity/Pilot would be the best choice. It had me addicted.

MOOSE

Monday, June 4, 2007 4:24 AM

If "Serenity" isn't possible, I would go with "The Train Job".

That's the episode that won me over...

REAVERMAN

Monday, June 4, 2007 5:18 AM

Well, obviously "Serenity"! What better place to start than the beginning? Besides, I've already won over three or four people with just that episode, so, as the old saying goes, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

[img] [/img]

"I refuse to submit,
To the god you say is kind.
I know what's right, and it is time,
It's time to fight, and free our minds!

Our spirits were forged in snow and ice,
To bend like steel forged over fire.
We were not made to bend like reed,
Or to turn the other cheek!"

- from the song "Thousand Years of Opression" by Amon Amarth

JETFLAIR

Monday, June 4, 2007 9:01 AM

Well, if there is a requirement that you can't show the pilot, I'd go with Out of Gas if they are more likely to be into drama and serious stories, Our Mrs. Reynolds for the funny and sexy.

I've used Out of Gas to introduce even some complete strangers to the series, and it hooked them. No, it probably doesn't have the emotional impact that it would if you already knew the characters, but it's an awesome story and one that captures a lot of the strengths of Firefly and the characters within it.

"Love keeps her in the air when she oughta fall down, tells you when she's hurting 'fore she keens. Makes her a home." .......We love you, captain.

"This is the captain. We may experience some slight turbulence and then.....explode"

www.serenityverse.com - Zoe necklace replicas, Serenity dogtags, jewelry, image gallery w/ custom DVD covers, other goodies!

WHOOPS

Monday, June 4, 2007 9:51 AM

My first thought was the Pilot but i really love Out Of Gas it has to be my favourite one so im going to go with that one. I think anyway!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Love. You can do all the math in the 'Verse, but you take a boat in the air you
don't love, she'll shake you off sure as a turnin' of worlds. Love keeps her in
the air when she oughtta fall down. Tells you she's hurtin' 'fore she keens.
Makes her a home." Mal

CLJOHNSTON108

Wednesday, June 13, 2007 11:33 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by steamboat28:
Maybe I'm strange, but I've found the easiest way to convert those *I* know is to show them just the episode teasers of a few, and maybe even get so far as the theme song once or twice.

I've found that pretty much any five minute scene is enough to hook somebody!

Some of my go-to's:

From "Serenity":
• The teaser
• The meeting with Badger
• Book meets Kaylee
• Book meets Inara
• Book talks with Inara
• The First Supper
• Simon's "I am very smart" speech
• The meeting with Patience

From "The Train Job":
• Kaylee asks Inara about her clients; Mal asks Kaylee about the Space Monkeys
• Kaylee defines "crime" for Simon
• Jayne explains the "chain of command" before nappy-time
• Inara visits the Sheriff
• Mal dismisses Crow (Only if all else fails!)

• The interrogation scene in "Bushwhacked" (starting from when the Alliance boards Serenity)

From "Shindig":
• The Party
• Badger meets River
• Mal & Inara share some of Kaylee's "wine"

From "Safe":
• The "Post-Holer" scene
• River's dance
• Big Damn Heroes arrive just in the nick of time

From "Our Mrs. Reynolds":
• "I swear by my pretty floral bonnet..."
• "How drunk was I last night?"
• "The... Special Hell."
• "Isn't she quaint!"
• "Whoa. Good Bible."
• "Whoa. Good myth."
• "You're good." "You're amazing!"

Okay, that's enough. You get the idea.

ILUVYOSAFFBRIDGE

Saturday, July 7, 2007 3:08 PM

You got that right.

ECCLES

Saturday, July 7, 2007 7:47 PM

As a new Aussie 'Firefly' fan *dons his shiny new brown coat* I have to say that I got hooked by the movie. I'd never heard of 'Firefly' until I bought and watched the 'Serenity' 2-disc set. So, I hop on the Cortex *grins* to find out more...only to discover to my dismay that it was axed by Fox after its first season! Gorramn pi gu network...

I watched the entire series in one sitting. I see many people did it over 2 days, but I literally did not want to stop watching, right from the get-go.

But, if I was to pick a single episode as the clincher for those who are not well-Versed, I think I'd have to go with 'Ariel'. First, River slashes Jayne because of his Blue Sun T-shirt, then out of the blue (or should that be the black?) Simon puts himself up as a client - and this before the opening theme! If such an episode opener doesn't get people wondering "What the...?", I don't know what would.

"If I didn't know better, I'd think we were dangerous."

6IXSTRINGJACK

Saturday, July 7, 2007 11:47 PM

That's right..... ILUVYOSAFFBRIDGE know's what I'm sayin'

"A government is a body of people, usually notably ungoverned." http://www.myspace.com/6ixstringjack

JAYNE4ME

Sunday, July 8, 2007 5:40 AM

Hi all! I am new here and this is my first post. As a new Browncoat, the episode that won me over was the pilot. It did start a little slow, but by the end I was completely hooked. I couldn't wait to watch all of the other episodes.

"You know what the definition of a hero is? Someone who gets other people killed. You can look it up later."

ATHENON

Tuesday, July 10, 2007 12:54 AM

I use the movie, honestly. The big reason was because I didn't have my DVD box set at the time, but it's also not a bad choice because many people (males particularly) prefer action over drama, and the movie has more action than firefly, generally speaking. They usually don't ask too many questions, but I do pause for commentary on certain things, or when they didn't hear a funny line or somesuch.

So far, though, I think I've failed to actually CONVERTY anybody, at least enough to go out and spend money on it. Well, such is life. I've tried it on 2 people, still have at least 1 to try it on. Keeping my fingers crossed!

Oh, one last note: I don't like the idea of showing Out of Gas to newbies, EXCEPT that it has flashbacks that go back before the pilot even. Actually, I would start at the beginning of the series or not at all methinks. I always hate watching stuff out of order...sigh.

--
Athenon

"My food is problematic"

DATALESS

Thursday, July 12, 2007 3:43 PM

The reason you use the pilot episode is because it is what Fox did to me! I would have loved to have the "Joke" about the death of Kaylee. "I'm a mean ol' man". Showing a person any other episode means they miss out on that gag. I watched it on Fox and didn't get that. I knew she was safe. I think you should use another episode after the pilot to get them interested like Jaynestown.

GODDESSWARRIOR89

Thursday, July 12, 2007 5:43 PM

I just recently made this decision with one of my friends the other night.

I showed her the pilot and then Out of Gas. She absolutely loves the series now

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
She's tore up plenty but she'll fly true

RIVERFLAN

Saturday, September 1, 2007 8:51 PM

Even though I was started on the movie first, then the series (I missed out on the series when it was being aired) I would suggest recruiting others with the pilot, or if you're short on time, The Train Job. The reasoning is that all during the movie I was thinking "Oh. This is cool." but it was the series that really captured my heart. The movie is just too hero/plot-ish. Firefly had the "homey" feel to it. I wouldn't suggest any of the episodes after that though, like some people think, because the recruits are being shoved into the middle, and they havn't been able to see the characterization that is the best part to the show, to my way of thinking.

BTW, I have a new recruit. Yes, she did become hooked by the movie, thus belaying my whole argument, but oh well. We've got a recruit, and that's enough.

"The human body can be drained of blood in 8.6 seconds, given adequate vaccuuming systems." -River

"It's just an object. It doesn't mean what you think -River

MERRYK

Sunday, September 2, 2007 12:48 AM

I've made about twelve recruits so far, and all of them were won by building anticipation beforehand and then the pilot. My dad turned to me after 15 minutes of the pilot and said "Why did they cancel this show?" If it was any other sci-fi, the pilot would be too slow moving, but because there's so much complexity to the world and the characters, you really don't feel bored as you're trying to soak it all in. Usually after that I have them see the episodes in order, as my first conversion attempt (showing the pilot, then Jaynestown and Ariel) messed up their ideas of plot and character development.

SAMANIE

Monday, September 3, 2007 5:11 PM

I would show the pilot and out of gas because it shows the connections between the characters so well.

WYTCHCROFT

Friday, September 14, 2007 10:09 PM

most recent - as in today - pre credits brawl from train job, then whole of jayne's town. this after watching oh brother where at thou - coz i am one devious wytch!

oh, yeh, - it worked.

BULLET0IN0THE0BRAINPAN0SQUISH

Tuesday, October 2, 2007 2:58 PM

Being a recent convert myself (Firefly just started showing in the Philippines last month), I got tired of being the only one moaning "I want to be on a spaceship!" during breaks. So I went to my friend's house last Saturday and forced them to watch Serenity. It was long, and I didn't think I convinced them of Firefly's power so I put on Jaynestown.

People then started saying shiny.^^

Ain't we just.

BORIS

Sunday, October 14, 2007 4:16 AM

Out of Gas for the character exposition
Our Mrs Reynolds for the best one liners
then when I've got them hooked I throw in War Stories coz it's my favourite, and I love the commentaries...Why don't Alan Tudyk and Nathan Fillion have their own comedy show? they kill me they're so funny.

BORIS

Sunday, October 14, 2007 4:16 AM

Out of Gas for the character exposition
Our Mrs Reynolds for the best one liners
then when I've got them hooked I throw in War Stories coz it's my favourite, and I love the commentaries...Why don't Alan Tudyk and Nathan Fillion have their own comedy show? they kill me they're so funny.

SORCHA425

Sunday, October 14, 2007 11:07 PM

The first episode I saw was "Ariel", which got me intrigued due to the whole Simon's offering a job to the crew. . . that, and the blue-handed dudes and the ebola-inducing gas. . .

I think it's better to begin with something that will grab right away, and I did well with "Ariel." I asked questions and wanted them answered; hence, I got my hands on the first couple of discs. But I do agree that "Out of Gas" is a good starter. "Serenity" is great, but the length might hinder the average person, especially if he/she is skeptical.

Just a thought.

K

KACEK

Friday, November 30, 2007 3:29 PM

*Sigh*
I read this thread hoping to get ideas on how to convert our 19 year-old housemate, A.
He caught the tail end of me watching an episode (It was my birthday and I was treating myself to a dose of Mal :)). He asked what it was and my stepson, M., (same age as the housemate) rolls his eyes and says "You haven't seen her watching this show, she only watches it ALL the time!" :P
A has never seen Firefly (the series) but he is familiar with Serenity. The movie was not enough to hook him, so which episode should I show?

I was debating between the pilot and Out of Gas and came here for an opinion. Still seems to be split between the two...

JONGSSTRAW

Friday, November 30, 2007 4:13 PM

I'd go with Jaynestown. No way anyone could not like that episode.

SORCHA425

Saturday, December 1, 2007 3:31 AM

If he likes a good laugh, I'd say Jaynestown. But as I said before, Ariel's a good hook.

K

JEWELSTAITEFAN

Wednesday, December 5, 2007 9:55 AM

The Pilot should be the way to go. If KayLee shot or shooting Dobson doesn't get them, they might be hopeless. Others are engrossing, but either too far out of sequence or needing too much background. WE are all looking from the perspective of already being hooked. After the BDM, I first saw the end of Ariel, and was hooked - but the whole setup at the beginning might throw off the uninitiated.
Out of Gas is probably my fave episode, but doesn't have as much impact if you're not already familiar with the characters - like everything that is said between Inara and Mal.

ILIVEATSERINITY

Wednesday, December 5, 2007 8:27 PM

actually, Joss wanted the train job to be the pilot but the producers wouldn't let him. they said it didn't have enough content to make a pilot.

ILIVEATSERINITY

Wednesday, December 5, 2007 8:33 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by kaneman:
Quote:
Originally posted by Shannara:
joss introduced the show in the pilot and so should you!

"A ship like this, be with you until the day you die"

I agree. Gives some background also.....

Actually Joss wanted to introduce The Train Job as the pilot but evil producers wouldn't let him. They said it didn't have enough content to be a good pilot.

JEWELSTAITEFAN

Thursday, December 6, 2007 7:27 AM

??? Where do you get that from?
I thought the network declined the pilot and Joss and Tim had to create the entirety of Train Job over a weekend.

ILIVEATSERINITY

Friday, December 7, 2007 2:23 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by jewelstaitefan:
??? Where do you get that from?
I thought the network declined the pilot and Joss and Tim had to create the entirety of Train Job over a weekend.

Watch the special features on the Firefly First(and only

) Season. he said that he wanted the train job to be the piolot but the producers wouldn't let him.

I would totaly F*** River

ILIVEATSERINITY

Friday, December 7, 2007 2:27 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Kacek:
*Sigh*
I read this thread hoping to get ideas on how to convert our 19 year-old housemate, A.
He caught the tail end of me watching an episode (It was my birthday and I was treating myself to a dose of Mal :)). He asked what it was and my stepson, M., (same age as the housemate) rolls his eyes and says "You haven't seen her watching this show, she only watches it ALL the time!" :P
A has never seen Firefly (the series) but he is familiar with Serenity. The movie was not enough to hook him, so which episode should I show?

I was debating between the pilot and Out of Gas and came here for an opinion. Still seems to be split between the two...

To be Honest i saw the last episode first(a beautiful heart) and i fell in love with the whole series. but i think any episode would be good. their all funny and they are all amazing!

I would Totaly F*** River

WHITESILENCE

Saturday, December 8, 2007 11:16 PM

For some reason, no one ever believes me when I say something is good. Particularly my family members. Not really sure why.

So my way of hooking people into stuff is to just start watching in a public place when they're around. They'll catch bits and pieces as I go along and then get curious and want to start from the beginning. So I get to watch the entire thing again. :D

SORCHA425

Thursday, May 29, 2008 5:30 PM

ah, very tricksy there. i do the same thing. i shared a house with 3 others, and i'd always stick firefly or the newer doctor who on when everyone came home from work. they at least stayed to watch the episode. exposure is key. :)

K

MONTYSSOUPCATCHER

Sunday, August 3, 2008 7:41 PM

My episodes would be serenity as this sets everything up really the characters the backgrounds to the story etc and i like Heart of gold just for some of the lines in it they make me laugh. such as
Jayne "i dont know these folk dont care much to"
mal "they're whores"
jayne"im in"
That makes me laugh everytime. Also the bit were kaylee asks wash to tell her shes pretty and gets the reply "if i were unwed i would take you in a manly fashion". Despite seeing these episodes again and again these things still make me laugh.

VERASNEWOWNER

Friday, August 22, 2008 12:50 PM

Hello hello hello.

Havnt been here for a while due to lack of a computer.

anyway, i know a guy who is a massive sci fi fan, in his collection he has serenity...

But NO Firefly.

*Ducks*

Yeah, he has the gaul to own the movie but not to fall in love with the show before hand. He didnt even watch it in '02/3 when sci-fi uk premiered it.

so, the other night i made a pact...

were gonna sit and watch a couple of episodes soon, so i picked 5 out all 13.

Serenity

Ariel

Our Mrs. Reynolds

Trash

The Message

We shoul really watch them in order, but hes a 'Verse Virgin so ill let it go for a while.

Those are what i would choose.

EIDELON

Friday, August 22, 2008 1:04 PM

"Out of Gas", of course. Although the original pilot "Serenity" would be a close second.

"You wanna meet the real me now...?"

BROWNCOAT1300

Saturday, August 23, 2008 2:18 PM

I would have to pick "shindig"
the right amount of humor, the right amount of big damn hero.

SHINY

EIDELON

Sunday, August 24, 2008 1:52 AM

Good call! Lol!

TRAVELER

Tuesday, September 9, 2008 2:39 AM

I would start them with "Serenity". You need to know who these people are and how they get together. It is an excellent episode anyway.

Love the end with Mal all pissed off about Whitefall and walking into his spacecraft with some foolish agent who has a gun to River's head.

Gotta love Mal's quick reaction to this situation.
It is like he does it everyday. Even Jayne takes it in stride as he helps Mal throw the trash out the hatch.

Gotta see them in order.

When I saw Farscape out of oder I had no idea what was going on. Now I have the ability to see this show in order and it is so much better.

http://www.imdb.com/mymovies/list?l=28764731
Traveler

JOSSISAGOD

Tuesday, September 9, 2008 2:10 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by ILiveAtSerinity:
Actually Joss wanted to introduce The Train Job as the pilot but evil producers wouldn't let him. They said it didn't have enough content to be a good pilot.

You might have heard this before, but if you havn't, read below.

I'm sorry, I must correct this if it hasn't been already. Joss wanted Serenity(the episode) to be the pilot, but the producers thought it was too long, with too much information in one sitting.(funny I thought that was what a Pilot episode was supposed to have)

Fe'nos Tol
JOSSIS(Most Definitely)AGOD

Self appointed Forsaken! Been on the list for a while now!

98% of teens have smoked pot, if you are one of the 2% that haven't, copy this into your signature.
"Look at me, I'm STUPID!" The Doctor.

DRAGINSPLEEN

Tuesday, September 23, 2008 10:55 PM

I was actually introduced to the 'Verse with the movie, Serenity, by my dad. I thought it worked quite well to reel me in, as my over actified imagination kept going, "now who's this?! What? Waitaminute. How'd she get there in the first place?! Wow! This is frickin' awesome!" I had to know more about these fantastic personalities, and I still remember my dad saying "..you know there's a TV show where everybody's alive again." :)) ..like the movie came before the show.., that cracks me up now, how he worded it :P
As for an introduction episode from the series..? I started with the Pilot and it worked great, but if I hadn't seen the movie first.., I'd probably pick Ariel. Good heist-style action, and a good dose of high tech sci-fi for people leery of getting on board with a western theme. Hook 'em with the tech, the humor, the characters, ..then show 'em the cows and horses later. Nothing against westerns (or cows or horses), mind you, but for people used to Star Trek and Battlestar Galactica...
And Jayne trying to remember all the doctor jargon, and failing miserably, would be enough to make anyone grin :)

FIREFLY151

Wednesday, September 24, 2008 6:05 PM

Draginspleen, I was introduced with the movie too. :) (Although I did see the very, very end of Ariel months before).

If you're lucky it would be great to introduce people with the movie. It's excellent from the start. It instantly captivates, then becomes hilarious when we enter Serenity.

While you may not have the time for the movie, I think that's only because the worry is that a lengthy feature might bore your friends. But I reckon they'd definitely wanna keep watching the movie from start to finish. And once you get to River's kickass seen in the bar, you'll have them won over.

For an episode I'll have to go with MrShinyVerse, who started this thread. Our Mrs. Reynolds was great. It's entertaining, and like ly to win over the proposed stereotype of mates.

In the end it depends on the type of people watching. And while it would be nice to start with Serenity, you really have to consider whether it's a risk worth taking. There's evidence that Firefly newbies can lose interest in it. The movie i just a much better starting point. But hey, that was just with me, so as I said, it still depends on your mate's interests. :D

Great thread :D
Domeone should count up what everyone's said and make a grand tally. If it doesn't happen soon I will :D

---
Keep Writing, Keep Flying

CELLARDOOR

Thursday, February 26, 2009 5:13 AM

The pilot "Serenity" worked to win me over.

I showed my parents the pilot and my mother said at one point, "None of them are very likable, are they...?" I had to bite my tongue a little there. A few days later I showed them "Train Job" which my father loved (he's more of the Western buff) and my mother said, "Now they're funny and likable! Ok, I'm understanding better now."

Didn't figure "Our Mrs Reynolds" would be the best introduction in this case, taking my audience into consideration. :)

I'd like to see a tally as well, if someone has the time!

PEACEKEEPER

Thursday, February 26, 2009 8:25 AM

Its got to be Ariel, without a shadow of a doubt. You are left in no doubt as to modus operandi of not just the crew as a whole but of the individual members.You are aware of the trouble that river is in and are given the only real glimpse of the alliance operatives chasing her.You see Simons skills in action and you see Jayne isnt to be trusted. And at the end you are left in no doubt who's boss. An episode full of action, tension and good story arc. I saw the ep ages ago on the UK Sci-fi network, and although I had never heard of Firefly before that and never really followed it until much later, I always remember it as being good tele.

Peacekeeper- keeping order in every verse

BROWNCOAT78

Thursday, February 26, 2009 4:29 PM

i would chose from shindig,janystown,pilot,or heart of gold

"we did the impossible once yhat makes us mighty"

LEEDAVIDT

Monday, March 2, 2009 5:37 PM

the pilot was great.
i also think our mrs. reynolds would work as well. that hot lil' redhead with the angelic voice won me over,and over,and :)

Saffron: But we've been wed. Aren't… we to become one flesh?
Mal: Well, no, uh… we're still two fleshes here, and… I think… that your flesh oughta… sleep somewhere else.
Saffron: I'm sorry. When we talked, I'd hoped, but I—
[She gestures with her hands, losing the sheet. Mal turns away.]
Mal: Whoa, hey! Flesh. Um… Saffron… i-it… it ain't a question of pleasing me. It's more a question of what's…
[Mal, breathing heavily, strains not to look at the naked woman.]
Mal: … um… of what's morally right.
Saffron: I do know my Bible, sir. "On the night of their betrothal, the wife shall open to the man as the furrow to the plow, and he shall work in her, in and again, till she bring him to his fall, and rest him then upon the sweat of her breast." [N]
[Cut to Mal, who is openly staring now.]
Mal: Whoa. Good Bible.

http://www.myspace.com/leedavidt

BYTEMITE

Monday, March 2, 2009 6:20 PM

I've had very good results with Jaynestown, when the people I know can't commit to watching the pilot episode.

COZEN

Monday, March 2, 2009 7:03 PM

Imho, ya gotta go with the lowest common denominator. Give your audience the shock value of 'Mal kicking Crow through the engine', and you've gained a fan or few. Ergo, The Train Job, and go for the "whoa" crowd.

There are other episodes, such as Objects in Space, that would draw the, um, more intellectual audience, but my point is that in order to maximize common viewership, one puts one's best efforts into drawing new viewers in via shock value. Also, given my conceit regarding generally limited attention spans, TTJ gets to the quick, for instance, faster than Serenity (the pilot).

Then there's those odd statistical outliers like cozen, who became kinda interested from seeing the last 2/3 of OMR, but was sold on the show when he tried out the following episode on a whim, and was totally sucked in by Sonny's rendition of the theme song. Having said that, I wouldn't count on that tune to be a selling point for any normal peeps.

***
Take my love, take my land
More Firefly I demand.

BYTEMITE

Monday, March 2, 2009 7:10 PM

I've tried The Train Job too because it actually does have a pretty good run-down of the characters and backstory of the series in lieu of the pilot episode. But for some reason, I can never get people to stick around and watch that one.

ANOTHERSKY

Friday, March 6, 2009 8:41 AM

I'm a movie convert. So I don't know how it was to see them aired in original order, without the knowledge of Serenity.

I do know what a heck of a re-wind it was to see their character progressions from the beginning.

That said, I would NOT do Ariel, Heart of Gold, or Our Mrs. Reynolds.

These have "special character background knowledge" necessary for jokes and true depth of plot. Plus they're all episodes where one or more prominent characters is really unbalanced.

Train Job, maligned as it is, seems to do a pretty good job of setting us up fast with the 'feel'. But it of course can't stop there.

I show people the first half of Serenity (ep.) Usually they can't stop in the middle. :D If they can, it usually means they wouldn't find the rest exciting enough. Y'know, too hokey. Infidels.

Other than that, I agree with Steamboat28: bar fights and spaceships all the way.
I liked The Movie well enough, but it was that scene from the series where Mal gets thrown through a holographic bar window by guys in cowboy boots that I knew I ain't comin' back from the black.

Going for a ride.

Another Sky