Favorite family moments by Tallcarddealer

FIREFLY EPISODE DISCUSSIONS

Favorite family moments

POSTED BY: TALLCARDDEALER
UPDATED: Monday, September 5, 2005 20:05
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Friday, January 7, 2005 8:08 AM

I remember somebody started a thread a while back called "Favorite non-verbal character moments." Well, I remember watching an interview with Jewel Staite, where she said that Firefly is actually a family drama. I'd like to start a thread where we all share our favorite moments on the series that show the characters interacting like a family. And don't just talk about Zoe & Wash or Simon & River. Here's just a few of mine, to start us off...

-War Stories: Kaylee chases River around the cargo bay to recover her stolen apple. Mal orders them to shut up with the noise, and adds "one of you is gonna fall and die, and I'm not cleaning it up!"
-Shindig: Kaylee would like to visit the buffet table, and gives Mal this sweet, charming grin that says "Pleeeeeeease, dad?" Mal says, "Fine, don't make yourself sick."
-Trash: More like a married couple than ever, Inara and Mal argue about Inara's inability to find good clients because Mal hasn't been taking any well-paying jobs. "What was the last cargo we snuck past the alliance? They were little geisha dolls with big heads that wobble!" "And people love those!"

Every well-bred petty crook knows that the small, concealable weapons always go to the far left of the place setting.

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Friday, January 7, 2005 9:52 AM

THATWEIRDGIRL

gosh there's so many...

I always like the calvinball scene. Reminds me of family get togethers where most of us are playing some insanely stupid game. A few folks sit on the sidelines and tak about our lack of rules or self respect. it's always a lot of fun.

Remember the annual eight is enough family football game? If someone was asked to join the game it meant they were considered part of the Bradford family. That kind of thing.

In our family, it's no rules Balderdash and Singapore-Rules Uno. Quite hi-larious. And sometimes physical.

www.thatweirdgirl.com

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Friday, January 7, 2005 10:05 AM

GORRAMREAVERS

hehe "Singapore-Rules Uno"? Whats that?

cuz I love UNO. Been a long time though.

The fav family moment for me is the storytelling just before the catalyzer blows in Out of Gas. What make these scenes so great is the fact that the actors really did get along and liked each other. That always shines thru.

-edited-

"..it is my very favorite gun."

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Friday, January 7, 2005 10:40 AM

THATWEIRDGIRL

Quote:
Originally posted by Gorramreavers:
hehe "Singapore-Rules Uno"? Whats that?

cuz I love UNO. Been a long time though.

well, it's much like Uno, in the matching of cards and such. However, there are a few changes to make it more interesting. Certain card plays are a bit like the childhood game of slapjack. A player is able to steal cards from the pile during another's turn. This often results in smushed fingers and slapped hands, and the occasional falling out of your chair. Certain phraes can be said to change the meaning of a card. Say a yellow 7 can become a green 2 if you want. Now, I can't write all the little rules here, cause many were made up was we went along, let's see that would be about twelve years ago. I'll work on getting it al lfigured out and maybe post it at my site.

Maybe we can even modify BWAH!.

www.thatweirdgirl.com

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Friday, January 7, 2005 3:07 PM

TALLCARDDEALER

To me, the friendship between Kaylee and Inara could be somewhere between mother-daughter and sisters.
-Serenity: "Hey, you." "Hey, you."

Also watch how Kaylee looks back at Mal while they both walk away.
-Train Job: Inara brushing Kaylee's hair. So sweet.

A few others:
-Serenity: Wash playing with his dinosaur toys, clearly showing he's one of the kids.
-Kaylee kissing Mal.

"I love my captain."
-Mal threatening big bro Jayne that he will sew his mouth shut if he keeps talking uncivilized.
-Train Job: On the bridge at the beginning. Just the whole jaunty feel of the scene. Kaylee's all like "Was there a fight? Huh? Huh?"
-Bushwacked: Jayne's little spacesuit prank on Simon. You may call it 'breaking in the new guy,' but I disagree.

Every well-bred petty crook knows that the small, concealable weapons always go to the far left of the place setting.

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Saturday, January 8, 2005 5:39 PM

DIRTYBROWNCOAT

I've still only watched up through Ariel, but here are a couple that stood out to me...

From Serenity:

-Mal being "the dad," getting on Jayne's ("the older brother") case the second he steps out of line in regards to Kaylee ("daddy's little girl").

From Out of Gas:

-The scene where they're all hanging out, just before the catalyzer blows. Somebody already mentioned it.

Simon: You...you came for us.
Mal: You're on my crew.
Simon: Right. I guess I just didn't...you don't even like me.
Mal: You're on my crew. Why we still talking about this?
-Safe

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Tuesday, February 22, 2005 7:25 PM

RIELPRYN

Newbie looking through older posts and this one brought one scene straight to mind.

The last scene in "Safe", after Simon questioning Mal about coming back for them, when everyone is sitting around the table. I just love the feel of that scene, starting w/ the laughter all the way through to River stealing the bread off of Jayne's plate.

Gabriel Pryn
"I reject your reality and substitute my own."

Browncoats of Memphis: http://firefly.meetup.com/53/

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Tuesday, February 22, 2005 8:49 PM

SHINY

Quote:
Originally posted by Rielpryn:
Newbie looking through older posts and this one brought one scene straight to mind.

The last scene in "Safe", after Simon questioning Mal about coming back for them, when everyone is sitting around the table. I just love the feel of that scene, starting w/ the laughter all the way through to River stealing the bread off of Jayne's plate.

That one's mine, too. I just love that scene.

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Tuesday, February 22, 2005 10:52 PM

SOUPCATCHER

A lot of good ones already.

Hmmm.

-the scene outside the dress shop at the beginning of Shindig. The banter back and forth and then Mal crosses the line.
-the ending of The Message
-River coming back to the ship at the end of Objects in Space.

Just a few. Actually, I see family in a lot of places in the show

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Wednesday, February 23, 2005 4:43 AM

THALOS

Just finished watching "Our Mrs. Reynolds" for the 50th time.

At the end after Jayne shoots out the net, Mal, Zoe and Wash are on the bridge. Enter Kaylee:

Kaylee: Navigation is back on-line.

Mal: Good work lil Kaylee.

Kaylee: Not soon enough to help (pouts)

(Mal embraces her in a fatherly/big brotherly 1 armed hug)

Mal: It's alot easier to rip things apart then fix 'um. You are still the best Mechanic flying. (then proceeds to kiss the top of her head)

It becomes evident at this point that Kaylee's spirits are lifted.

Of course Wash adds:

"Captain, don't you know kissing girls makes you sleepy?"

"Whoa, good Bible."

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Wednesday, February 23, 2005 8:30 AM

TALLCARDDEALER

Thanks, Rielpryn, for resurrecting this topic.

Every well-bred petty crook knows that the small, concealable weapons always go to the far left of the place setting.

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Wednesday, February 23, 2005 10:06 AM

SHADOWORBUST

Well, the most obvious family moment, not just for the characters but, according to the comentaries and interviews, the cast as well, was any time they were all at the kitchen table.

Some good ones:

'Aunt' Zoe telling the story of why her and Mal always cut their apples.

"If it were one of us, Cap'n wouldn't hesitate."

On the bridge right after the 'Kaylee is Dead' prank.

Everyone's, even Jayne's, reaction to Kaylee getting shot. "You're not killing this man." "Not right away."

The 'Round Table' discussion about River in "Objects in Space".

=======
"As surely as the bullet rips through the victim's flesh, organ, and bone, it shatters the image of the man who pulled the trigger." -Max Payne

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Saturday, February 26, 2005 8:00 AM

BLUEBOMBER

A couple of my favorite family moments...

The Message: When Mal and Zoe are in the kitchen with Inara, telling a happy story about Tracy. It's a touching moment when there's that sad pause, then Inara tries to keep their spirits up - just before they're attacked.

Objects in Space: The last two scenes, from the point where River falls from Early's ship into Mal's arms (the first time I saw that part, it was like, "AWWWW!) to that long steady-cam shot leading from the infirmary to the cargo bay. Love that one!

"Mwa ha ha, mine is an evil laugh. Now die."

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Sunday, February 27, 2005 2:40 PM

SIXGUN

There are many. I think Joss and the gang tried to instill that from the beginning.

Book's place is established in the pilot when the guy that tries to get him to fly on the Brutus calls him Grandpa and subsequently Kahlee does too. Book is the wise old grandpa that maybe was the WWII vet so is tough in times of trouble.

Mal is definitley the father of the group. He sits at the head of the table at dinner. Obviously he's in charge (the MAN of the house). In Safe when River tells Simon, "Don't worry. Daddy will come for us.", Simon thinks she's talking about their real father. I believe she was talking about Mal. She intuitively knows what he is to them.

Inara is definetly the mother and usually sits to Mal's side at the table. She is very protective and motherly toward the younger members of the crew. She and Mal are obviously attracted to each other and fight like a married couple.

Kahlee is like a daughter to Mal and a sister to Simon and River, especially River since they "play" together. Of course Simon is more of a love interest than a brother to her.

Zoe is like Mal's sister and aunt to the younger ones. Her war stories about her and Mal sound like "When your daddy and I were growing up times were tough." stories.

Wash is the nutty brother-in-law/uncle.

Jayne, of course, is the big jock brother or maybe uncle that loves to aggravate the hell out of the youngins. I had an uncle like that. The man loved to irritate us. Nothing made him laugh harder.

Simon is the nerdy middle brother who always got straight A's and the bullies always picked on him. He, however gets revenge by growing up to become rich.

River is the baby sister, perhaps one who is "special", maybe an idiot savant who you feel sorry for but are astounded by her exceptional abilities.

For me too, the dinner table scenes are always the best family scenes. It's when they seem to be the most happy.

Another favorite for me is the end of Out of Gas when they're all gathered around Mal in the infirmary. Sort of like your family visiting you in the hospital. The scene had a warm feel to it.

Well, as a rule I say girl folk ain't to be trusted.

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Sunday, February 27, 2005 7:25 PM

RIELPRYN

Quote:
Originally posted by SixGun:
Jayne, of course, is the big jock brother or maybe uncle that loves to aggravate the hell out of the youngins. I had an uncle like that. The man loved to irritate us. Nothing made him laugh harder.

Slightly off topic, I have one of those uncles.

Gabriel Pryn
"I reject your reality and substitute my own."
Browncoats of Memphis: http://firefly.meetup.com/53/

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Tuesday, March 1, 2005 6:18 PM

MALICIOUS

I love the part in Safe where Simon and River get rescued and the Bad Guy says, "She's a witch!" and Mal says, "Yeah, but she's OUR witch!"

And the fact that they all come back for Mal in OOG, without hesitation, not knowing what they are coming back to.

And in The Message, when they are picking up the mail. It's almost like they are a family at a carnival.

I guess just the fact that they know each other's faults and limitations, yet care about each other anyway. Unconditionally. That doesn't happen in real life very often.

Mal-licious

Co-Holder of the Red Bell from Hell

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Saturday, March 12, 2005 4:29 PM

TALLCARDDEALER

I'm learning to love "Our Mrs. Reynolds." I didn't like it at first. I'm not sure why. I guess it was something to do with the idea that, since Saffron is actually evil and is manipulating Mal, there's nothing Mal could do to stop her from getting to him. But it's really one of the 5 best episodes, maybe the perfect episode to show to somebody to get them hooked on the show, and is a great character episode.

The best family moment of the episode is at the beginning, when the whole crew gathers in the cargo bay to meet Mal's new wife. It's so much fun to watch everybody's reactions. Zoe's acting all happy for her ol' pal Mal, showing off the Mrs. to everybody. Wash is right with her, encouraging Mal to "enjoy his honeymoon." Kaylee is rather appalled at how Mal is treating her, "he makes everybody cry. He's like a monster." Muscle-headed Jayne is all envious, since he just got "that dumb-ass stick sounds like it's raining." Inara is not happy at all, to see her Mal hanging with another girl. Mal himself is desperate and falling apart, since he can't seem to get anyone to side with him. "I don't even know this girl!"

There's also this one shot of River, looking at Saffron. She probably knows that Saffron is more than she appears.

Every well-bred petty crook knows that the small, concealable weapons always go to the far left of the place setting.

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Saturday, March 19, 2005 4:54 PM

LITTLEKAYLEE

I love all of those! I love anytime there is a family type interaction with the characters!

Inara and Kaylee are like sisters, Inara goes on about keeping Kaylee out of trouble and she calls her Mei Mei.
Mal is like the big brother.

but then Inara is like the mother of everyone on ship too, she consols people when they need it, Simon, Book, etc.

I love the Kaylee/River friendship!

the fact that Jayne will be so crude and teasing to people(especially Kaylee), yet you can tell he is worried when someone is hurt!

*Carls*

"Yes sir..Captain Tightpants"

"Also, I can kill you with my brain"

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Saturday, March 19, 2005 5:08 PM

SIMONSCANDYAPPLE

One of my favorite moments has already been mentioned. The scene in War Stories with Kaylee, River, and the apple.

The week before I saw this episode I had been chasing my son, who was carrying an apple, through the house. How afternoon snacks turn into games, sill amazes me at times.

I busted up laughing when I saw Kaylee and River doing the same thing.

________
An apple a day, keeps the doctor away. Wanna bite?

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Saturday, March 19, 2005 7:30 PM

LITTLEKAYLEE

haha
I remember doing a similar thing with a friend and her cap gun in the school hall. I just kept running and she chased me, on the courts and then up onto the stage. it was pretty funny.

*Carls*

"Yes sir..Captain Tightpants"

"Also, I can kill you with my brain"

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Monday, March 21, 2005 1:27 PM

CARLEEAK

Ooo, my first post and it gets to be an awesome topic like this!

Most of my favorites have already been mentioned (dinner scenes, arguing, apple chasing).

Others include

*teasing Jayne about his brain's ability - "Might break something" (Message), "How did your brain ever learn human speech?" (Ois)
*teasing Mal about his wife
*Jayne and Book's conversation during the message, about Jayne's lifestyle and reaction to death (<--LOVE this introspective-Jayne moment)
*Mal's "I'm the dad and I say so" moments "Might not want to take it as a suggestion"

I never thought about it as a family show, but reading this post, it definitely has some really great family moments.

~Carlee

"How's about we move away from this eerie-ass piece of work, and get on with our increasingly eerie-ass day. How's that?" ~Jayne

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Friday, March 25, 2005 4:38 AM

LITTLEKAYLEE

I LOVE them playing their version of Basketball in Bushwhacked! it's so sweet and funny and cute!

*Carls*

"Yes sir..Captain Tightpants"

"Also, I can kill you with my brain"

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Monday, April 18, 2005 6:36 AM

STEVETHEPIRATE

A little bitty one in Ariel - when the group returns to the ship and Mal is chatting with Inara, and he grabs Kaylee in a sorta reverse hug thing. Very sweet, and, from what I understand, unscripted.

----------------------------------------------
It's getting very, very crowded ...

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Saturday, May 7, 2005 11:42 AM

KRYSTLE

I love any of the ones that have already gone, plus, where Inara lays Kaylee's head on her shoulder in "The Message" just after Simon put his foot n his mouth again!

NO POWER IN THE 'VERS CAN STOP ME!

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Wednesday, May 18, 2005 4:14 PM

INEVITABLEBETRAYAL

One of my favorite moments is the discussion concerning the Reaver booby trap in Bushwhacked. The expression on Wash's face are just priceless. My favorite is after Kaylee's line about if she's wrong Mal won't be around to yell at her. Wash's expression is hysterical!

_______________________________________________
I wish I had a magical wish-granting plank.

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Sunday, June 5, 2005 7:59 PM

0REAVER0

I dont think anyones noticed this one and its better then anyones elses i think .

its a hard one to notice like it doesnt just stick out into your face and if your not concentrating youll miss it but its on the first episode

ok kaylee gets shot and all the crew except for shepherd and the fed are in the medical room . and as the camera pans out for a second or 2 you see jayne crouched down like a little worried child rocking waiting anxiously to see if kaylees alright .
Thats why seconds later when mel goes to look in the box rivers in and simon follows jayne jumps up behind simon with his arms around his throat cause he plans on killing him blaming him for kaylee he doesnt belive will pull through.

You can say jayne is a pretty static character but this 2-3 seconds of footage shows that jayne is much more dynamic then that it shows hes not selfish he cares for itleast one other person on serenity and that he does have a thing for kaylee and gives reason for his deep intimacy for simon since kaylee is so in love with simon

0Reaver0

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Saturday, July 2, 2005 3:42 PM

XCLAIM

My favorite family moment is on Serenity when Mal and Kaylee are talking during her recovery.

"Yeah....That went well." -Mal

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Saturday, August 6, 2005 3:33 AM

JACQUI

Other than those mentioned...

One of my favs is when Wash gives a downtrodden Kaylee the support she needs, just 'cause he knows she needs it.

K: Wash, tell me I'm pretty.
W: Were I unwed, I would take you in a manly fashion.
K: 'Cause I'm pretty?
W: 'Cause you're pretty.

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Monday, August 15, 2005 3:43 PM

HOBANWASHBURN

My favorite family moment on Firefly? Two words.... "Light it."

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Monday, August 15, 2005 7:51 PM

FREMDFIRMA

Quote:
Originally posted by Tallcarddealer:
There's also this one shot of River, looking at Saffron. She probably knows that Saffron is more than she appears.

From the deleted scenes, from OMR.
River, speaking of Saffron.

"She's a thief and a liar, and no good will come of her."

You bet she knew.

-F

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Thursday, September 1, 2005 12:52 PM

ENGINEANGEL

my favorite family moments are when the crew actually realize, or admit (in Mal's case), that they are a family. A few of those moments are:

IN SAFE:
Simon: You...you came for us.
Mal: You're on my crew.
Simon: Right. I guess I just didn't...you don't even like me.
Mal: You're on my crew. Why we still talking about this?

when Mal says "You're on my crew" it's basically his way of saying "You're in my family now".

IN OUT OF GAS:
Mal: You'll all be here when i wake up?
(crew nods and smiles)
Mal: good.

this is the critical moment when Mal finally admits and everyone finallyu realizes that they are a family.

IN SERENITY:
(when kaylee's in the infirmiry after she's been shot)
Mal: Hey... Hey little Kaylee, what's the news?
Kaylee: I'm shiny, Captain. A-okay. Can't feel much below my belly, though. And I'm... it's gettin' cold.
(Mal moves to get her another blanket, lays it on her -- all the whole hiding his feelings at hearing that.)
Mal:You just gotta rest. Something on this boat's gonna break down real soon, and who else I got to fix it?
Kaylee: Don't worry none... Doc fixed me up pretty. He's nice. You're nice, too.
Mal: No, I'm not. I'm a mean old man.
Kaylee: You are a nice man, Captain. You always look after us.

this shows the relationship between Mal and Kaylee. the father/daughter relationship. it's sooo sweet.

"this is a good land, and we shall call it ... this land."

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Monday, September 5, 2005 8:05 PM

VISITINGMYINTENTIONS

Sixgun, you've got 'em pinned.

If asked my favourite family moment, I would say "the entire series". If you think about it, they live for weeks at a time where they are in an enclosed area where they have to interact with each other, and no one else ...and yet no one's throat has been ripped out, not even by Jayne! I call that a strong testament to how well they fit together.

If I have to choose just one moment, though, I choose the shot at the end of OiS (of course, I am biased in that it's my favourite episode). Everyone's got someone to talk to. I've always loved the way Jayne and Book work out together. They seem like as unlikely a pair as you'd find, but they get along despite that.

---------------------------------------------------
Early: Where'd she go?

Simon: I can't keep track of her when she's NOT incorporeally possessing a spaceship, don't look at me --

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