Firefly 1.10 FAQ
What’s it called?
“Ariel.”
Who’s responsible?
Teleplay is credited to Jose Molina (“Dark Angel”).
Isn’t this just the eighth episode to air? What’s this “1.10” business?
Fox is running these early, “stand-alone” episodes out of order, at least until midseason.
Well, in what order has Fox been running them?
1.3 The Train Job 9/20 ****
1.4 Bushwacked 9/27 ***
1.7 Our Mrs. Reynolds 10/4 ****
1.8 Jaynestown 10/18 ***
1.9 Out of Gas 10/25 ****
1.5 Shindig 11/1 ***1/2
1.6 Safe 11/8 ***1/2
1.10 Ariel 11/15 ****
1.11 War Stories 12/6
1.12 Heart of Gold 12/13
1.1&2 Serenity 12/20 ****
Is there a "Previously on 'Firefly'" clip package?
There is.
What does TV Guide say?
“The crew helps Simon infiltrate a ritzy planet's hospital for info on the experiments going on at River's school. But as he uncovers the cause of her psychosis, a betrayal by one of the Serenity members puts the Tam siblings back in the hands of the Alliance. McGinnis: Blake Robbins. Doctor: Tom Virtue. Simon: Sean Maher. River: Summer Glau.”
A betrayal by one of the Serenity members? It’s not Jayne, is it?
That would be telling. What we can tell is what forces Simon’s hand: In the teaser, River cuts Jayne open with a very large knife.
Simon discovers the cause of River’s psychosis?
He does, with the help of something akin to a 26th century CAT scan. “Why ... anyone would cut into a healthy brain is... They did it over... and over. They stripped her amygdala. […] It's like a ... a filter in your brain that keeps your feelings in check. She feels everything. She can't not.”
What is TV Guide not telling us?
Arial is the fancy core planet Inara has to visit for her annual companion physical, as dictated by guild law. It’s near the heart of the Alliance, and – until River turns violent - Mal is determined that no one leave Serentiy except Inara.
Is it true Simon actually hires the crew?
Yes.
How does he intend to pay them?
By leading them to the hospital’s vast stores of wildly expensive pharmaceuticals.
The big news?
The blue hand group is willing to kill anyone who has had even the most casual conversation with River. A number of unsuspecting Alliance officials die at blue hands this week.
Do we see the blue hand group?
We see a lot of them this week. Comparatively speaking.
Do the blue gloves stay on the whole time?
Yes.
Does Kaylee kiss any doctors this week?
No. Kaylee is the only regular stuck on the ship during the big crime.
Does River kiss any preacher-types?
Book is MIA this week. It’s explained in the teaser that he’s off meditating at the “Bathgate Abbey.”
Does Inara kiss any captains?
Inara’s busy with her physical throughout the whole heist.
Does Zoe kiss any pilots?
Zoe and Wash are not unromantic, but they're also very busy helping Simon, Mal and Jayne carry out the caper.
What’s great?
The way it looks like “Firefly” may be down to eight regulars. Those scary-ass blue hand fellows. Simon's enduring heroism. The plotting. The rocket-like pacing – it feels like they crammed about 70 minutes of story into 45 minutes. The forward motion the final scene promises.
What’s not so great?
It’s not a big episode for comedy, but one doubts anyone will notice.
Is it true Fox will decide early next week whether or not to let “Firefly” finish its first season?
That’s the word.
How does it end, spoiler-boy?
“No, mei mei. It’s time to wake up.”
Herc’s rating for “Firefly” 1.10?
****
The Hercules T. Strong Rating System:
8 p.m. Friday. Fox.
