Favourite bits that ARE NOT obvious!

POSTED BY: Littlemanlovesfire
UPDATED: Monday, October 4, 2004 23:19
VIEWED: 27110
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LITTLEMANLOVESFIRE

Tuesday, September 14, 2004 7:13 PM

Does anyone have any favourite moments in Firefly which seem to connect with you but which you've never heard other people mention? Bits that really aren't obvious at all.

3 examples from me.

JAYNE: "Sorry preacher, was I making too much noise?" - The Message

I just love the relationship these two have - Jayne seems to develop a huge amount of respect for Book over the course of the series and I think it's also an extremely touching relationship they have. We've all seen the hints that deep inside Jayne is a kind and caring soul and I think when he's alone with Book is the only time he isn't ashamed to drop his defences - the sincere and considerate delivery of that line (you'd expect him not to care) sums it up perfectly for me and their conversation afterwards about death is also a highlight.

KAYLEE: "...and they have some kind of hot cheese over there!" - Shindig

Makes me want to hug Kaylee so tight - not that I usually don't of course. She's such a darling and seems to be so excited about the prospect of hot cheese! It really rams home for me how poor our BDMs are - I know they talk of real baths and how Simon's cake is made from the same crap they ate for dinner but...Hot cheese isn't exactly a big deal! But for Kaylee who probably grew up in quite a deprived family and now lives on a ship where real tomatoes and strawberries are a delicacy it's the most amazing thing she's ever seen!

Finally I'd go with Inara and Mal's faces in HOG after Nandi is killed. No words are exchanged but you can read a thousand things passing between their eyes in those couple of seconds. I particularly love the way Inara's face changes subtly and it's like a telepathic link between them all of a sudden - "That bastard Burgess did it. Kill him for me please Mal." An amazing moment and some incredible acting!

MOHRSTOUTBEARD

Tuesday, September 14, 2004 7:54 PM

I love a lot of River's mannerisms and things I didn't always appreciate on first viewing. For example, in Heart Of Gold, when Inara asks Simon how many babies he's actually delivered, and he replies, "As a primary? This would be my first." And then River chimes in, "Mine too."

I also love in Safe how she says, "A post-holer. For digging holes for posts." Or in Jaynestown when she comes back to Book, saying, "I tore these out of your symbol and they became paper. . ."

Summer is so cute!

I don't know how non-obvious these are, but I didn't appreciate them until subsequent viewings, and I've never really seen them too much on any "favorite moments lists."

"You've just gotta go ahead and change the captain of your brainship, because he's drunk at the wheel."

HERO

Tuesday, September 14, 2004 8:06 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Littlemanlovesfire:
...Hot cheese isn't exactly a big deal!

What have you got against hot cheese? I can live without fresh vegetables and eat protein cake, but hot cheese is a staple.

At Sam's Club you can get these big gallon size cans of nacho cheese along with party size tortilla chips...add heat and you've really got something, and that something is what makes America the greatest country in the world...Nachos!

Other nations build monuments to the greatness of humanity...the Great Wall, the Tower of London, the Parthanon...but Americans build monuments to prospertity and all upon a foundation of hot cheese.

H

LITTLEMANLOVESFIRE

Tuesday, September 14, 2004 8:08 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by MohrStoutbeard:

I also love in Safe how she says, "A post-holer. For digging holes for posts."

Sorry if you already got this - I didn't on first viewing but you've noticed how that relates to later in the episode I take it? She says it again when she's tied to the stake (or "post").

MOHRSTOUTBEARD

Tuesday, September 14, 2004 8:12 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Littlemanlovesfire:
Sorry if you already got this - I didn't on first viewing but you've noticed how that relates to later in the episode I take it? She says it again when she's tied to the stake (or "post").

Yeah, sorry if I wasn't clear. I was talking about when River says it to Simon at the end of the episode, before our big damn heroes arrive.

"You've just gotta go ahead and change the captain of your brainship, because he's drunk at the wheel."

LITTLEMANLOVESFIRE

Tuesday, September 14, 2004 8:29 PM

Just reminded me of another one.

"Yeah but she's our witch. [chk-chk] So cut her the hell down."

Though that's possibly quite a lot more obvious.

RHUTTNER

Tuesday, September 14, 2004 8:31 PM

Quote:

Finally I'd go with Inara and Mal's faces in HOG after Nandi is killed. No words are exchanged but you can read a thousand things passing between their eyes in those couple of seconds. I particularly love the way Inara's face changes subtly and it's like a telepathic link between them all of a sudden - "That bastard Burgess did it. Kill him for me please Mal." An amazing moment and some incredible acting!

I totally agree with you on this. For some reason HOG gets a bad rap, but I think there are several excellent things in this episode. Inara's look is the best example of that. It was an amazing performance.

Only difference of opinion I have is instead of 'Kill him for me please Mal' I take it as 'Mal, you go kill that gorram SOB'.

RIJPE

Tuesday, September 14, 2004 8:34 PM

Regarding the "post-holer" thing. I agree that it is mentioned twice in "Safe," but I believe the first time was by Kaylee in the store, and the second time was River, when she was tied up to one.

LITTLEMANLOVESFIRE

Tuesday, September 14, 2004 8:49 PM

Whenever I watch it with mates (who all love it and get all of the jokes) there's always one joke which is another favorite moment of mine that other people never seem to notice. The following exchange:

JAYNE: "I'll be in my bunk."
ZOE: "Jayne! Grab your weapon!"

Seems so obvious to me!

Not getting a joke reminds me of the last Buffy episode "Chosen" where she goes "I want you...to get out of my face." - I was appalled that I never got that was a pun until Joss mentioned it in the commentary. Doh! A genius pun at that, but one which apparently very few people got.

FREMDFIRMA

Wednesday, September 15, 2004 12:13 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by MohrStoutbeard:
I love a lot of River's mannerisms and things I didn't always appreciate on first viewing. For example, in Heart Of Gold, when Inara asks Simon how many babies he's actually delivered, and he replies, "As a primary? This would be my first." And then River chimes in, "Mine too."

I also love in Safe how she says, "A post-holer. For digging holes for posts." Or in Jaynestown when she comes back to Book, saying, "I tore these out of your symbol and they became paper. . ."

Summer is so cute!

I don't know how non-obvious these are, but I didn't appreciate them until subsequent viewings, and I've never really seen them too much on any "favorite moments lists."

"You've just gotta go ahead and change the captain of your brainship, because he's drunk at the wheel."

Actually, the line I loved is one you can just barely catch, and you'd almost have to be lookin for it..

River - "I wonder who's in there?"

That was sooooo river.

-F

EBONEZER

Wednesday, September 15, 2004 1:10 AM

In war stories, after Wash and Zoe have the fight, the one where Wash says, "Call him 'sir' he loves that."

Mal walks in and i can't remember the conversation exactly, but Zoe call's him Sir, and in the background Wash gives her a thumbs up. I get such a kick out of that.

And of course the shadow puppets bit.

-----------------------------------

Four out of five dentists reccomend calling Ebo a girl.

DARKJESTER

Wednesday, September 15, 2004 1:51 AM

Quote:
Not getting a joke reminds me of the last Buffy episode "Chosen" where she goes "I want you...to get out of my face." - I was appalled that I never got that was a pun until Joss mentioned it in the commentary. Doh! A genius pun at that, but one which apparently very few people got.

I just now got that!! Slap me up side the head with a raw fish 8 or 9 times and I might notice!

MAL "You only gotta scare him."
JAYNE "Pain is scary..."

THEGREYJEDI

Wednesday, September 15, 2004 2:17 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by ebonezer:
In war stories, after Wash and Zoe have the fight, the one where Wash says, "Call him 'sir' he loves that."

Mal walks in and i can't remember the conversation exactly, but Zoe call's him Sir, and in the background Wash gives her a thumbs up. I get such a kick out of that.

And of course the shadow puppets bit.

-----------------------------------

Four out of five dentists reccomend calling Ebo a girl.

Actually, that's from Serenity.

Wash: Don't forget to call him sir, he likes that.
Mal: Who likes what?
Zoe: Nothing, sir.
Wash: *thumbs up*

I like in Our Mrs. Reynolds, when Kaylee says that Mal makes everyone cry, there's Jayne's hand caressing Saffron's shoulder.

Joss mentions this in the commentary of Serenity, but there's the flashes of Mal and Inara looking at each other, but the other doesn't see it.

--------------------------------------------------
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http://www.jed-soft.com Gamer Rigs, Budget Prices

WYDRAZ

Wednesday, September 15, 2004 2:54 AM

There are many moments like this for me. Most recently I was watching the Train Job again. In the first scene our BDHs are in the saloon, when the drunk at the bar makes the Unification Day announcement.

Jayne says, "What day is it?" After a moment he follows with, "What month is it?"

I don't even think I caught that the first time. It especially struck me as funny because I was feeling the same way. I can't believe it's September already.

Oh, and play Strange Adventures in Infinite Space. http://digital-eel.com/sais

SHINYDUDE

Wednesday, September 15, 2004 4:33 PM

For me, one thing that always makes me giggle like a school-girl is in Trash. When Mal and YoSafBridge have the Lassiter and Durran returns to the room -

MAL: Unless it looks like we're stealing
your priceless Mexican, 'cause that's
what we're doing. Don't ask me about
the gun, 'cause that's new.

DURRAN: Well. I appreciate your honesty.
Not, you know, a lot, but --

The way Durran's line is delivered, with a lilt in his voice and tilt of his head, just cracks me up!

I'll be in my bunk...

LITTLEMANLOVESFIRE

Wednesday, September 15, 2004 8:47 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by TheGreyJedi:
Actually, that's from Serenity.

Wash: Don't forget to call him sir, he likes that.
Mal: Who likes what?
Zoe: Nothing, sir.
Wash: *thumbs up*

I'm almost willing to swear on my life that it's War Stories. DVDs are out on a conversion right now so I can't be sure but I'm certain you're wrong - some good soul (not me though) should type up every line of every episode to go on this site you know :)

TREVELYAN

Wednesday, September 15, 2004 9:10 PM

my favorite is in serenity when kaylee and simon are talking at the dinner table, theres a very quick shot of jayne and hes giving simon this kinda "stay away from my kaylee" look. mabye thats not what joss intended the look to mean but im a firm believer that jayne has a crush on kaylee.

-You wanna go little man?
-Only if its some place with candel light.

RUSSIACHICK

Wednesday, September 15, 2004 9:32 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Littlemanlovesfire:
Quote:
Originally posted by TheGreyJedi:
Actually, that's from Serenity.

Wash: Don't forget to call him sir, he likes that.
Mal: Who likes what?
Zoe: Nothing, sir.
Wash: *thumbs up*

I'm almost willing to swear on my life that it's War Stories. DVDs are out on a conversion right now so I can't be sure but I'm certain you're wrong - some good soul (not me though) should type up every line of every episode to go on this site you know :)

That's definitely Serenity. I just started watching the DVDs again from the beginning -- we got through Serenity and The Train Job, and I noticed the thumbs up for the first time last night.

LITTLEMANLOVESFIRE

Wednesday, September 15, 2004 9:33 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Trevelyan:
im a firm believer that jayne has a crush on kaylee.

Well he's male ain't he?

Though maybe he's sly ;)

Now that would be an interesting bit of character development!

ARNIEVG

Thursday, September 16, 2004 2:25 PM

I like the scene in Heart of Gold where the baby is being born and River looks down and says "Who do you think is in there?" It's a very good line, and the looks that she gets from Inara and Simon are priceless.

Annie

"You wanna go little man?" - Jayne
"Only if there's candlelight." - Wash

MANTICHORUS

Thursday, September 16, 2004 2:42 PM

I like the bit in OiS when they find River with the gun, how River's first reaction is to call, "Kaylee." I think it shows the bond between them wonderfully, especially as just before (this will get vague, as an Aunt and Uncle are borrowing the DVDs...) Mal says, "River, sweetheart--"

--------------------------------------------------
"The opposite of love is not hate, it's indifference. The opposite of art is not ugliness, it's indifference. The opposite of faith is not heresy, it's indifference. And the opposite of life is not death, it's indifference." -Elie Wiesel, quoted in US News World Report.

CYBERSNARK

Thursday, September 16, 2004 2:44 PM

I'll third River's "Who's in there?" line.

Also Mal's "Is there a reward?" in Serenity (when Lawrence arrests Simon).

And in Safe: "You see that man hanging out of the spaceship with the big gun? It's his will y'all should be worried about." Nice little nod to "Saint Jayne."

Quote:
Originally posted by ShinyDude:
DURRAN: Well. I appreciate your honesty.
Not, you know, a lot, but --

The way Durran's line is delivered, with a lilt in his voice and tilt of his head, just cracks me up!

Almost makes you think that, in another 'verse, Mal & Durran might've been buddies.

-----
We applied the cortical electrodes but were unable to get a neural reaction from either patient.

TREVELYAN

Friday, September 17, 2004 12:27 AM

my friend reminded me of this one and i have decided that is my favorite. the seen in serenity when simon is operationg on kaylee and jayne is crouched outside looking in. just more fuel for the jayne loves kaylee theory....i think i should form a club.

-You wanna go little man?
-Only if its some place with candel light.

MOHRSTOUTBEARD

Friday, September 17, 2004 1:11 AM

Quote:
just more fuel for the jayne loves kaylee theory....i think i should form a club.

I would definitely say that Jayne loves Kaylee. . .but as a little sister. I've never really seen anything to suggest that he was in love with her, but he does seem to be rather protective, like an older brother might be.

"You've just gotta go ahead and change the captain of your brainship, because he's drunk at the wheel."

QUICKSAND

Friday, September 17, 2004 2:07 AM

Great question.

First, just wanted to say on your Book/Jayne comment ("Sorry preacher, was I making too much noise?") ... I agree with your choice of quotes and your comments, but I think this relationship goes back to previous discussions of Who Book Really Is (or Might Be). I'm of the opinion that Book works for Blue Sun (and have been told many times I am crazy), while a slightly larger number of folks think he's either a cop or ex-cop. Anyway, therefore, this means Book would get along with Jayne exceptionally well, cuz I imagine Jayne is like most of the guys Book commanded back in the Force.

Which is not a comment on any present-day law-persons, mind you... just pointing out that most non-Mal authority figure in 'Firefly' tend to be rather... brutish. ;)

ANYWAY...

My comment is from "Our Mrs. Reynolds." I've watched this episode more times than any others (it NEVER gets less funny), and keep trying to pick up little indicators of Who Saffron Is. I could be wrong here, but I really only see one moment... in Mal's quarters, when he gets all nervous, "Wh-- is there blubber?" he asks, then checks. Saffron smiles, and HAS to laugh... even YoSafBridge is amused, as he's clearly unlike the guys she's used to... and of course, charming as only Mal can be.

I dig that.

QUICKSAND

Friday, September 17, 2004 2:11 AM

Quote:
I like in Our Mrs. Reynolds, when Kaylee says that Mal makes everyone cry, there's Jayne's hand caressing Saffron's shoulder.

Dude, Jayne wasn't "comforting" Saffron... he was totally checking her out! *eww!*

ANKHAGOGO

Friday, September 17, 2004 2:16 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Mantichorus:
I like the bit in OiS when they find River with the gun, how River's first reaction is to call, "Kaylee." I think it shows the bond between them wonderfully, especially as just before (this will get vague, as an Aunt and Uncle are borrowing the DVDs...) Mal says, "River, sweetheart--"

Yeah, I didn't catch that til like the 3rd time I watched Objects in Space, and it's now one of my favourite bits. As is Kaylee talking about the 14-year-old genetic experiment that she got whupped for doin' god only knows what with (but that I heard on first view, I think).

In The Train Job, when Mal n Zoe are fixin to get interrogated, Mal pulls out the chair for Zoe.

I've mentioned this before, but in Heart of Gold, when they're in the cargo hold discussing whores, Jayne's got on one of his normal trashy t-shirts. When we see them next, planet-side, Jayne's got on a striped button-down type shirt. He dressed up for the whores! That's just so....oddly sweet.

I like that in The Message, Kaylee's wearing the same dress she had on in Out of Gas, when Mal walked in on her n Bester.

And I like that Simon's clothing style changes. Starting out, he's all pulled-togther-spotless-complete-with-vest-and-sometimes-jacket boy, but by Out of Gas, he's quite a bit more casual. I can't remember right now where the change actually become apparent -- might be War Stories, now that I think of it. Maybe I should watch it again, make sure.

Eomer: "Hi! Stop me if you've heard this one ...an elf, a dwarf, and a man walk into the Riddermark..."

QUICKSAND

Friday, September 17, 2004 2:16 AM

I don't mean to single ArnieVG out (a few people commented on this line), but I think the actual line is "What do you think is in there?"

Which, to me, is much, much funnier.

ARNIEVG

Friday, September 17, 2004 2:39 AM

Actually she does say "who." I just watched the scene again with subtitles (just in case I was in fact wrong). But you're right it would have been funnier had she said "what" instead.

Annie

"You wanna go little man?" - Jayne
"Only if there's candlelight." - Wash

EBONEZER

Friday, September 17, 2004 3:39 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Trevelyan:
my friend reminded me of this one and i have decided that is my favorite. the seen in serenity when simon is operationg on kaylee and jayne is crouched outside looking in. just more fuel for the jayne loves kaylee theory....i think i should form a club.

If you listen to the comentary on that ep, whoever is comentary-ing says (at that moment) that, "and here's a litte inditcation that Jayne has a bit of a crush on Kaylee." or something like that.

Also, i thought of another, in War Stories Zoe hands Simon Mal's ear, then somebody says something about 'getting the captain back' and Jayne looks at the ear and says "What are you gonna do, clone him?"

-----------------------------------

Four out of five dentists reccomend calling Ebo a girl.

DROCCULARI

Friday, September 17, 2004 4:42 AM

I'm doing these from memory, but two of my favorites are.... In Objects in Space the crew is discussing Mal's theory that River is a reader, Wash and Zoe have an aside something like this:
Wash: That sounds like science fiction.
Zoe: You're living on a spaceship dear.
Wash: So?
It's the "So?" that always cracks me up.

In Serenity, the guy trying to talk Book into taking passage in his ship calls him Grandpa, and Book, probably not for the first time, uses the passive-aggressive line, "I'm not a Grandpa, Never married," to get away from him. Then after meeting Kaylee, and showing her the mystery stuff in his box, she says, "Oh, Grandpa!" Out of habit, Book again says, "I'm not a Grandpa, Never married," but this time it''s half hearted and ineffective because he's been completely disarmed and charmed by her.

DIETCOKE

Friday, September 17, 2004 1:05 PM

I think this is in reference to Mal's existential hell....nothing matters. Joss talks a little bit about it in the Serenity commentary.

My thoughts.

WATFALHURST

Saturday, September 18, 2004 11:28 PM

Two of my favorite "hidden" moments moments

When they are entering Persephone atmo, Zoe and Wash are on the bridge talking about it being a second home and they realize they are entering a bit hot ZOe says "Planets comin up a bit quick" with Wash saying "That's 'cause I'm going down to fast.... likely crash and kill us all"

Then in THE MESSAGE where River complains about her food having become problematic and then just minutes later calling Simon such a boo(?)

Just a little girl with a very big brain

some people juggle geese

KINGOFKOINS

Sunday, September 19, 2004 12:42 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by WatFalhurst:
Then in THE MESSAGE where River complains about her food having become problematic and then just minutes later calling Simon such a boo(?)

She calls him a boob.

--------------------------------
It's sickening how comforting the privacy of the mind can be.
"Bible's broken; contradictions, false logistics. Doesn't make sense." - River
http://stripe.filetap.com

CIELLA

Sunday, September 19, 2004 3:51 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by tomerai:

in the beginning of OiS
Mal: None of it means a damn thing

That always struck me, because it was the last episode and it was like nathan was saying all his and everyone's hard work and effort making Firefly doesn't matter because they just end up getting cancelled.
i'm guessing mal's refering to his efforts in the war, are there any other theories to what he's refering to?

While I agree this statement goes with along with the rest of Mal's life, especially the war, I think here he's refering to specifically his relationship to Inara. She's leaving and his life on Serenity just got that much dimmer. Not to mention all his incredibly obvious pleas for love were just wasted ;-)

NWUKSTEVE

Sunday, September 19, 2004 11:42 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by arnievg:
Actually she does say "who." I just watched the scene again with subtitles (just in case I was in fact wrong). But you're right it would have been funnier had she said "what" instead.

I think "who" is funnier.

I guess now that I've replied to the thread, I should add one of my favourite non-obvious bits. There's a scene in Serenity where Mal tells Zoe to shoot anyone getting nosy about the cargo. When Zoe slightly questions the shooting, Mal adds "politley". That qualifies as non-obvious to me, because I hadn't really noticed it until somebody mentioned it on another thread as their all-time favourite quote.

---
Whadyall order a TV series you don't want for?

EST120

Sunday, September 19, 2004 1:19 PM

trash.

"jayne is a girl's name." - river

"my grandmother always said, "this too, shall pass."
-the bellman

LITTLEMANLOVESFIRE

Sunday, September 19, 2004 2:29 PM

This is from Buffy so it's not totally relevent but many of you will no doubt know it.

In Graduation Day where Richard Wilkins goes "I have to ingest several of the inhabitants of this box." Faith goes "Ingest?" and he just looks up at her with this horrible dark look on his face and goes "Eat."

One of many great moments from "The Greatest Villain in Anything, Ever."

CALHOUN

Monday, September 20, 2004 1:02 AM

One of my favourite scenes is in "The Train Job" when Jayne is intimidating everyone then passes out from the drugs. Wash says "did he just go crazy and fall asleep?" The part I love best comes up next when Wash starts conversing with the others and nonchalantly RESTS HIS FOOT ON JAYNES BACK. Muahaha, love that part.

Theres plenty of other favourite scenes/lines that arent obvious.. another time

LITTLEMANLOVESFIRE

Monday, September 20, 2004 11:02 PM

Ooops, replied to wrong message here. Ignore me.

ANNIK

Tuesday, September 21, 2004 3:36 AM

I fourth (or is it fifth) the line about "I wonder who's in there?" from River as being fantastic.

And I think it was on viewing OoG the 10th-some time before I clued in that the "gas" they were referring to was atmo, not fuel. LOL!

Cheers,
Annik
... my sister's a ship. We had a complicated childhood.

LOSTINSPACE

Wednesday, September 22, 2004 9:51 AM

I have a few:

I'll whatever River's "Who's in there?" line. And her "me too" about being her first time delivering a baby.
In Serenity when River pokes her tongue out when Simon is giving her a needle.
In Trash just the fact that Mal puts Saffron in the box to get her on board Serenity. And her newest husband Monty yelling "I SHAVED MY BEARD FOR YOU, DEVIL WOMAN!" as his ship takes off. And Kaylee's "Really? But I thought we loved Monty!" (asks Zoe) "Don't we love Monty?".

I could go on forever! Firefly is the best!

COSMICFUGITIVE

Wednesday, September 22, 2004 11:18 AM

I have a few favourite unobvious bits. It's hard to think of any.

In 'Jaynestown', Jayne's sitting at the table in the bar worrying about keeping a low profile. As he's drinking, he makes the loudest slurping noise in his cup!

In the same episode, it's funny to see Simon cover his ears as 'The hero of Canton' is playing in the background.

It might be obvious, but in 'Objects in Space' when Jayne hears fighting outside his room, he takes the cover off his gun rack, wraps around himself and goes back to sleep..

Kaylee's facial expressions are great. When Mal insulted her in 'Shindig' she looked really hurt.
It was brilliant acting.

I love it when Kaylee and River hang out too.

LOSTINSPACE

Wednesday, September 22, 2004 11:31 AM

hahaha.... those bits are great.

I remembered another bit. Joss points it out on "Objects in Space". The way Jayne is eating the apple while it is on the knife- and how it is so ridiculous - no one else would eat an apple like that. And of course Simon's line "my sister is a spaceship...we had a difficult childhood"

THESOMNAMBULIST

Wednesday, September 22, 2004 1:52 PM

Ok this may be a really obvious one so sorry, but I always loved the way Mal strutts back into Serenity bollock naked (forget the name of the episode - but it's the one where Mrs Reynolds returns) with all the other crew members carrying on as ordinary. Especially as Inara is there, and rather than appear bashful Mal quite happily parades around "Cobblers out" in front of her. A confident man indeed!

There are many thousands of others mostly to do with River: The baby remark as has been stated is great.

Also Jayne, whatever he does is just excellent. When he recieved that dumb hat from his mother and rather than try and hide it or be embarrased, he actually displays real heart and puts it on. I thought that showed what a softy he can be in the right circumstances.

But there are so many must watch some more to pick out all the subtleties.

www.cirqus.com

COSMICFUGITIVE

Wednesday, September 22, 2004 1:55 PM

Book's reaction when Inara's new female client arrives is funny. He seemed quiet and uninterested at first. Despite Kaylee & Jayne's curiousity. It wasn't until Kaylee said 'he's here' that made me laugh.
It's in the movement, like when someone's disturbed from their sleep and they don't know where they are. His face looked worried.

LOFWYRR

Wednesday, September 22, 2004 3:18 PM

Quote:
In the same episode, it's funny to see Simon cover his ears as 'The hero of Canton' is playing in the background.

I don't think Simon is so much cover his ears as holding his head together to forestall the explosion of his brain.

JENSKI

Wednesday, September 22, 2004 3:24 PM

My fav moment is when the crew are sharing a meal in the galley at the end of Safe, and River steals Jayne's bread! It's such a nice moment.

"Some people juggle geese."

MANTICHORUS

Wednesday, September 22, 2004 3:32 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by TheSomnambulist:
Ok this may be a really obvious one so sorry, but I always loved the way Mal strutts back into Serenity bollock naked (forget the name of the episode - but it's the one where Mrs Reynolds returns) with all the other crew members carrying on as ordinary...

It's Trash, the same one that they nick the Lassiter in.

--------------------------------------------------
"The opposite of love is not hate, it's indifference. The opposite of art is not ugliness, it's indifference. The opposite of faith is not heresy, it's indifference. And the opposite of life is not death, it's indifference." -Elie Wiesel, quoted in US News World Report.

COSMICFUGITIVE

Wednesday, September 22, 2004 5:05 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by LOFWYRR

I don't think Simon is so much cover his ears as holding his head together to forestall the explosion of his brain.

Hahahaha That's true!

SHAMBLEAU

Wednesday, September 22, 2004 5:38 PM

Here's three from The Train Job.

While the sheriff is interrogating Mal and Zoe, he lights a cigarette, walks over to a jail cell and gives it to a prisoner. It's a beautiful character moment and works to set up the sheriff letting them go at the end.

When Crow enters Serenity with the other goons, Inara and Kaylee are standing next to each other. Crow throws his knife into Mal's shoulder, and all hell breaks loose. Kaylee just stands there, stunned, with bullets flying everywhere. Inara grabs her and pulls her to cover. You get Kaylee's innocence and Inara's ability to think on her feet in one brief shot.

Before that, we'd already seen Inara's quick thinking when she slapped Mal to give her time to set up the cover story before he could blow it.

shambleau

THRAWN

Wednesday, September 22, 2004 5:47 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Ankhagogo:
Quote:
Originally posted by Mantichorus:
I like the bit in OiS when they find River with the gun, how River's first reaction is to call, "Kaylee." I think it shows the bond between them wonderfully, especially as just before (this will get vague, as an Aunt and Uncle are borrowing the DVDs...) Mal says, "River, sweetheart--"

Yeah, I didn't catch that til like the 3rd time I watched Objects in Space, and it's now one of my favourite bits. As is Kaylee talking about the 14-year-old genetic experiment that she got whupped for doin' god only knows what with (but that I heard on first view, I think).

In The Train Job, when Mal n Zoe are fixin to get interrogated, Mal pulls out the chair for Zoe.

I've mentioned this before, but in Heart of Gold, when they're in the cargo hold discussing whores, Jayne's got on one of his normal trashy t-shirts. When we see them next, planet-side, Jayne's got on a striped button-down type shirt. He dressed up for the whores! That's just so....oddly sweet.

I like that in The Message, Kaylee's wearing the same dress she had on in Out of Gas, when Mal walked in on her n Bester.

And I like that Simon's clothing style changes. Starting out, he's all pulled-togther-spotless-complete-with-vest-and-sometimes-jacket boy, but by Out of Gas, he's quite a bit more casual. I can't remember right now where the change actually become apparent -- might be War Stories, now that I think of it. Maybe I should watch it again, make sure.

Eomer: "Hi! Stop me if you've heard this one ...an elf, a dwarf, and a man walk into the Riddermark..."

I like little details like the clothing as well...my latest, I just watched Serenity for what must be the 30th time, and the Dortmunder has "Dortmunder" written vertically on one of the towers. You can see it in the shot from behind.

But my absolute favorite, and though I know it's been mentioned a whole bunch of times I think it still counts as subtle, is River saying "he looks better in red" after slashing his t-shirt that has the BLUE SUN LOGO on it. That's just brilliant.

Also, Jayne and Book get along well from the very beginning - when Book says grace (not out loud) in Serenity, Jayne is definitely the one taking it the most seriously.

CHEWIE

Wednesday, September 22, 2004 6:35 PM

I think my favorite bit is in "Ariel", when Simon is tring to teach Jayne, Zoe, and Mal all the medical language. There's a part where Mal screws up and curses in chinese real fast and then says "...shiny." I love how its all run together. I laugh my butt off every time I hear it!

COSMICFUGITIVE

Wednesday, September 22, 2004 8:20 PM

'Bushwhacked'.

When The Alliance board Serenity, Wash sharply raises his hands and puts on a false smile in the background. He's the only one to do it.

It's a great moment because he looks really stupid. (In comparison to the rest of the group.)

AURAPTOR

Wednesday, September 22, 2004 11:04 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by CosmicFugitive:
'Bushwhacked'.

When The Alliance board Serenity, Wash sharply raises his hands and puts on a false smile in the background. He's the only one to do it.

It's a great moment because he looks really stupid. (In comparison to the rest of the group.)

Speaking of Wash and 'Bushwhacked'.... Ilove his exaspirated half smile/look of worry when Kaylee answers when Mal asks if she can disarm the booby trap device that the Reaves left. "...if I mess up, it's not like you'll be able to yell at me." Wash's response...Classic!

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

YT

Thursday, September 23, 2004 5:27 AM

Quote:
Originally quoted by Lofwyrr:
In the same episode, it's funny to see Simon cover his ears as 'The hero of Canton' is playing in the background.

Quote:
Originally posted by Lofwyrr:
I don't think Simon is so much cover his ears as holding his head together to forestall the explosion of his brain.

That's the way I took it, too, @first. But he is covering his ears so, maybe he's doing that to forestall . . . etc.

Keep the Shiny Side Up

Wutzon: Ekoostik Hookah, "Sweet Lucy", from "Ohio Grown"

YT

Thursday, September 23, 2004 5:39 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by shambleau:
When Crow enters Serenity with the other goons, Inara and Kaylee are standing next to each other. Crow throws his knife into Mal's shoulder, and all hell breaks loose. Kaylee just stands there, stunned, with bullets flying everywhere. Inara grabs her and pulls her to cover. You get Kaylee's innocence and Inara's ability to think on her feet in one brief shot.

Ya, that's good work. Acting, of course, but it's in the shot so . . . Writer? or Director?

Quote:
Before that, we'd already seen Inara's quick thinking when she slapped Mal to give her time to set up the cover story before he could blow it.

I thought that was quite risky on Inara's part. A slap can tend to provoke an immediate response. Fortunately for our BDHs, Mal's did not violate the story that Inara had prepared.

Quote:
shambleau

Just outa curiosity, have you seen "Vintage Season"?

Keep the Shiny Side Up

Wutzon: Widespread Panic, "Rock", from "Light Fuse Get Away"

LITTLEMANLOVESFIRE

Thursday, September 23, 2004 6:49 AM

Can't believe I didn't say this before but

WASH'S REACTION TO TISSUE PAPER IN THE NOSTRILS!

ALTERNITY

Friday, September 24, 2004 5:47 PM

In Bushwacked, Kaylee is in the engine room of another ship with Simon and finds a useful working part for Serenity. She gingerly holds it up to show to Simon and then puts it in a bag that he is holding. As soon as the full weight of the engine part is in bag, Simon drops it.

roj

SOUPCATCHER

Friday, September 24, 2004 6:15 PM

Oh yeah. I loved that little bit. It reminds me of the scene in Shindig when they're all outside the dressmakers. Mal is complaining about how heavy the bag is that he is holding. After he makes the crack about Kaylee, Zoe effortlessly shoulders the bag, gives him a look, and walks off. That always gets me laughing.

I shaved off my beard for you, devil woman!

BRYNNMCK

Friday, September 24, 2004 7:15 PM

I love the look on Simon's face when Kaylee is turning her head upside down to look at the "alien" in "The Message." He looks down at her with this little smile, as if to say, "You are the cutest thing I've ever seen." And so she is.

I also adore the way that Mal catches Kaylee's hand on the way up the stairs at the end of "War Stories." Maybe that counts as obvious, I don't know, but I remember being really touched by that the first time I saw it.

Also, the fact that Mal understands exactly what River means when she's talking about the cows in "Safe." It's a nice reference back to his early life on the ranch, and of course to the importance he places on being free. (Again... maybe obvious, I don't know.)

NIKNAK

Friday, September 24, 2004 9:49 PM

Bushwacked - When Simon and River are hiding outside the Ship. Simon is terrified while River smiles at the view.

The mixed expression on Simon's face of fear of space and surprise at River's wonder is superb. It emphasises their different characters and it made me smile.

BERENTAUR

Saturday, September 25, 2004 1:06 AM

This is very unobvious Wash moment, well I think it is.

The bit where Mal punches Simon in Serenity and Jayne says "saw that coming" and in the background of that shot with Jayne you can see Wash. He is nodding his head up and down and then he looks over at Mal and shakes his head.

I only noticed it last night, I'm not even sure it's meant to be there, but I found it funny. It was very Wash.

"Also, I can kill you with my brain"

GEORDIESTEVE2003

Saturday, September 25, 2004 1:30 PM

For me it has to be some great Jayne moments, like in War Stories where totally oblivious to Mal's injuries he slaps him in the stomach and then gets the free Wife Soup.

Jayne spitting on his knife and saying, smells like crotch.

Jayne's little whimper just after he has torn the tape off his torso in Jaynestown.

PIZMOBEACH

Saturday, September 25, 2004 2:58 PM

A moment I keep finding myself hitting the rewind button for is from Jaynestown. It's the morning after when Stitch comes into the Mudder's bar and approaches Simon yelling about Jayne. Just the way Simon says, "Sir," cracks me up. Even in the face of this "attack" he tries to remain very dignified and proper. The tone of it though, it comes out more like "well, a*h*" instead of respectful.

PERIDIDDLE

Saturday, September 25, 2004 3:10 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Berentaur:
The bit where Mal punches Simon in Serenity and Jayne says "saw that coming" and in the background of that shot with Jayne you can see Wash. He is nodding his head up and down and then he looks over at Mal and shakes his head.

That's a great moment...just saw it.

My favorite bit is in Safe, in the beginning of Act Two. Sheperd Book has been shot, and he tells Mal 'Afraid I might be needing a preacher.' Mal begins to turn to Jayne and tell him something, but still replies 'You just lie there and be ironic.' in his deadpan way. I didn't notice it until about the 4th viewing, and I love it.

"Bwaa...it's kind of a warrior...strikes fear into the hearts of..."

COSMICFUGITIVE

Saturday, September 25, 2004 3:37 PM

In Bushwhacked, when Mal tells Jayne to get off the ship that's been attacked by Reavers. His face looked funny as he stood there with the torch in his mouth. It almost looked like he thought: 'Why me?"

I can't remember what episode it's in (although it's mentioned somewhere on the commentary), but Alan Tudyk is miming holding the steering wheel. I never saw it at first. The camera man looked as though he panicked.

NEUTRINOLAD

Sunday, September 26, 2004 5:38 AM

I gotta second the moment in OiS where River hears Mal thinking,

"None of it means a damn thing."

So right on so many levels.
Inarra is leaving, despite his feelings and what he's done, really for her, in Shindig and HoG, and he's crushed.
He's always trying to deal straight with folk, and getting screwed for it.
He fought hard for indepence and lost, not least I'm guessing because of what he may view as the incompetence or just plain cowardice of his superiors in that war. After all, he held Serenity valley and they backed down.
And for the actor saying it, I wonder if he knew at that point that they weren't being picked up? The look on Nathan's face, the subtle crack in his voice. Either he felt part of that, or he's the world's most brilliant actor.

MALICIOUS

Tuesday, September 28, 2004 1:49 AM

Okay,

I just watched Shindig again yesterday and noticed something I hadn't previously. As River is ripping labels off of the canned goods and Book and Simon go to stop/help her, Jayne peeks at someone else's (Simon's?) cards. He then says, "Are we gonna play cards or are we gonna screw around??" The scene immediately cuts to Zoe and Wash who have, obviously, just been screwing around. Quite funny, I thought.

Mal-licious

THESOMNAMBULIST

Tuesday, September 28, 2004 9:41 AM

Wow I have another moment... There are so many.

But one of my favourites without dialogue is the scene in Jaynestown the morning after they've all been drinking.

I just love the way Kaylee is lying on Simon - it's as though she placed herself on top of him, while Simon was asleep, and yet its so innocent looking . Even funnier that they spring appart when Mal looks at them suspiciously.

Also in Jaynestown the look Mal gives Jayne as they're ready to leave the ship and he's talking to the doctor, he takes a quick glance at Jayne and just briefly interupts himself to wonder about Jayne's get-up. Classic. It's so very subtle the acting is just superb.

www.cirqus.com

CYBERSNARK

Tuesday, September 28, 2004 3:00 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by geordiesteve2003:
like in War Stories where totally oblivious to Mal's injuries he slaps him in the stomach

And Mal's grunt of restrained agony.

-----
We applied the cortical electrodes but were unable to get a neural reaction from either patient.

ALTERNITY

Tuesday, September 28, 2004 5:38 PM

In "Safe" not very long after Simon and River have been abducted, Jayne is going through their stuff. While he is doing that he has a stethescope in his ears and a tongue depressor in his mouth.

roj

ASTRIANA

Tuesday, September 28, 2004 6:23 PM

Nope, it actually is Serenity. The conversation starts with them walking up to the bridge after Mal sees the imprint on the cargo pulled from the derelict. Zoe's expressing concern that Mal's acting jumpy, Wash talks about everyone needing a vacation... "some sweet little getaway"...

Zoe: Well, if the cap'n says it's alright..
Wash: Why don't we just TELL Mal we need a few days, 'stead of asking him?
Zoe: He's the captain, Wash.
Wash: Right, I'm just the husband.
Zoe: Look, I'll ask him.
Wash: Don't forget to call him "Sir", he likes that...

Mal enters

Mal: Who likes what?
Zoe: It's nothing, Sir.
Wash: *thumbs up*

~Astriana~
~Mostly-Invisible Long-Winded Goddess of Inter-Board Communication and Diplomacy a/k/a El Jefe Magnifico's Mistress... of Communications and Harems~

...I'm still free,
You can't take the sky from me.

LADYSILVER

Tuesday, September 28, 2004 6:42 PM

Love this thread, everyone. I've gone back to check out things I didn't see the first time (or several times) around just because of your posts. Thank you from this first-time poster.

My bits are from OoG, my favorite ep. The sounds Mal makes when he's getting up from the cargo bay floor and just as he's heading into the bridge to hit the red button (and falls to the floor) are heartbreaking. I ache just listening to him. He is so obviously in pain.

During the "what we do got" speech, Mal pats one of Serenity's ducts. But my favorite favorite is later in the ep after he's replaced the catalyzer, he pats it three times before he starts the engine.

And during "Ariel" when Kaylee and Wash are in the junk yard, Wash picks up and throws a catalyzer at the wrecked shuttle.

And lots more. "Firefly" is full of great bits, obvious or not.

THEREALME

Wednesday, September 29, 2004 8:28 AM

Welcome, LadySilver. Enjoy your stay.

The Real Me

SHEPHERDQ

Wednesday, September 29, 2004 11:03 AM

I have several I like, but some struck me that I have not seen mentioned at all. I Like when a show puts in a strong family link, even if the characters are trying to hide it or not. Simon lives for his sister and makes no secret of it but his reactions are most often clinical. When river is talking to simon about the bits ( apples she and Kalee had ) she says they came back up " I threw up on your bed " Simon hugs her, pats her back and smiles and says, " yep' your my sister." Major family love/bond impact.

Inara's give away about how much she cares for Mal when Shepherd Book says he does not think that Mal would like it if he prayed for him, Inara says, " Just don't tell him. " turns and mumbles, " I never do"

The Journey is the worthier part.
www.southdownabbey.com

YT

Wednesday, September 29, 2004 10:01 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by LadySilver:
And during "Ariel" when Kaylee and Wash are in the junk yard, Wash picks up and throws a catalyzer at the wrecked shuttle.

Ow, still haven't noticed that, & I just watched that ep again last night. Gave my set to friends with a 36" set, and been watching the show this week. Noticed a few things I'd never seen before, but now I have to go back @least to that scene.

Keep the Shiny Side Up

Wutzon: Gov't Mule, "Rocking Horse", from "the Deep End vol 2"

BRYNNMCK

Thursday, September 30, 2004 4:21 PM

That's right after Out of Gas, too. I could not get over that. I don't care if it's a "nothin' part," if I'd almost died because of it, I'd want about ten spares on board. Hilarious.

BRYNNMCK

Thursday, September 30, 2004 4:29 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by TheSomnambulist:
I just love the way Kaylee is lying on Simon - it's as though she placed herself on top of him, while Simon was asleep, and yet its so innocent looking . Even funnier that they spring appart when Mal looks at them suspiciously.

Weelll... I'm intrigued by the bits that aren't so innocent. Like, for instance, Simon's hand on Kaylee's thigh. And the fact that his shirt's all unbuttoned. Not that I've, you know, worn out the pause button on that scene or anything.

Also love Simon's reaction when he sees Mal. Sean Maher does "confused and hung-over" so well. And then Mal's total lack of interest in Simon's attempts at explanation.

ALTERNITY

Thursday, September 30, 2004 5:34 PM

A couple scenes where no words are spoken...

In "Jaynestown", Simon's face is a study, every time he learns something new about The Hero of Canton. His confused and dumbfounded stare is great.

In "Our Miss Reynolds" when Inara is trying to hide the fact that she kissed Mal. She's propped up against a wall trying very hard, but not very successfully, to look, sound, and act like she hasn't been drugged. Kudos to Morena as an actor for pulling that off. I haven't seen many actors convincingly act like a novice trying to act. You have to be good, but not too good. You have to be bad, but not too bad. Morena rocks.

roj

MALICIOUS

Thursday, September 30, 2004 8:02 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by BrynnMcK:
Quote:
Originally posted by TheSomnambulist:
I just love the way Kaylee is lying on Simon - it's as though she placed herself on top of him, while Simon was asleep, and yet its so innocent looking . Even funnier that they spring appart when Mal looks at them suspiciously.

Weelll... I'm intrigued by the bits that aren't so innocent. Like, for instance, Simon's hand on Kaylee's thigh. And the fact that his shirt's all unbuttoned. Not that I've, you know, worn out the pause button on that scene or anything.

Also love Simon's reaction when he sees Mal. Sean Maher does "confused and hung-over" so well. And then Mal's total lack of interest in Simon's attempts at explanation.

I like the part early-on in Jaynestown where Mal and Jayne are trying to convice Simon to pretend to be the "Boss" who is buying mud and Simon says, "Alright, alright, just stop...DESCRIBING me."

Mal-licious

PIRATEJENNY

Friday, October 1, 2004 5:34 PM

for me its when the Alliance crew boards the ship in Bushwhacked and they start looking under the Place mats on the table when they are searching the ship for River and Simon.. I always laugh I just think its so funny

also in OIS when River bends down to pick up the branch thats really a gun..I knew she was a ballarina even before I listened to the comentary, and besides she was always bending her feet in an arch... I admire flexablity... I just think Summer/River is so gracful...thats one of my fav's

KAYLEEFRYE

Sunday, October 3, 2004 4:57 PM

Okay, I have a couple.

In Serenity, after Kaylee gets shot, and she's obviously in pain and a little out of it, Simon asks if she can move her feet, and she says "Are you asking me to dance?" I just thought that was so Kaylee. And in that same scene, Inara tells Mal to run, to do what Simon says, and that seems to make him all the more dead set against doing it. And he starts to yell at Inara for telling him what to do, but then Kaylee yells in pain, grabbing at his leg, and the look on his face as his brain does a 180, and he does what Simon says to protect Kaylee.

Also, I think it's in Bushwacked, but I'm not sure. Mal knows that this guy they've brough on board is extremely dangerous. He's thinking about what's to be done, and he looks out the infirmary window and sees Inara and Kaylee, and decides to lock in the almost-reaver. Seeing those two, the two he feels most protective over, quickens his decision. It's almost as if they are the sole reason for it. I just love that from Mal, how protective he is.

In war stories, seeing Kaylee holding a gun and shaking in fear, it just makes me want to cry. She is just so scared.

Oh, and I love the little sign Kaylee made for her room. It's so cute, and so Kaylee.

Okay, that's enough of my inarticulate (but loving) ramblings for now.

MALICIOUS

Monday, October 4, 2004 12:23 AM

I just watched Objects in Space (AGAIN!) and just now noticed that the first time you see Jayne sleeping in his bunk, he is on his stomach with his mouth open. Later, when he tears the cloth down and turns over, you see a drool spot on the pillow. SO Jaynesque.

Mal-licious

WILDBILL

Monday, October 4, 2004 1:57 AM

I managed to narrow this down to three bits:

3rd place: Mal's stymied silence after being offered a foot-washing in "Our Mrs. Reynolds". Great dialogue (less is much much more).

2nd place: The reflection of the Alliance ship off Mal's faceplate near the beginning of "Serenity". Combined with his expression and the musical cue this really worked to let me for me.

1st place: The first cut to River in Early's ship in "Objects in Space". Wow. The cut came off Early's dialogue and into River's laughter with another great musical cue just pefectly.
As an added bonus, River is all kinds of adorable in a spacesuit.

CARTAGIA

Monday, October 4, 2004 9:04 PM

For some reason I rather enjoy the scene in 'Safe' right after Zoe delivers the line about 'sanguine' also meaning "bloody" and reaches to open the airlock door, Mal kinda raises his hands in the air sorta half-assed... like he thinks he's making a joke.

Then about 5 guys are standing there with guns pointing at him. Then his arms jump straight up.

For some reason I just kinda find that scene funny

Simon: I've never shot anyone before.

Book: I was there, son. I'm fair sure you haven't shot anyone yet.

LWAVES

Monday, October 4, 2004 9:49 PM

Three from me are:

River talking to the cows about how they don't remember being cows until they see the sky. And then Mal understanding.

Kaylee mentioning several times that they need a compression coil and then it breaks in 'Out Of Gas'. Also in the 'Ariel' junkyard when Wash finds the med shuttle he throws away the very part they needed in 'Out Of Gas'.

Everything that Jayne says. Nuff said.

On a side note Jaynes fascination with Kaylee could also be a kind of older brother/protector type of thing. He definitely has far more depth than he portrays on the outside.

lwaves

MALSDOXY

Monday, October 4, 2004 11:19 PM

In 'Jaynestown'...when Mal and Wash are returning to Serenity, greets Zoe in cargo bay...watch Wash's face as Mal is telling her about Jayne, the Hero of Canton...you'll fall on the floor...

And in 'War Stories' when Wash has wormed his way into the drop, the look Mal gives Zoe (Off-camera), he just shakes his head at her like, 'Do I have to take him?'

"Haven't you killed me enough for one day ?"
- Mal, War Stories