Firefly: The Message

FireflyAs part of its repeat of the entire series (which has now attained cult status), Sci-Fi Channel airs the 13th episode of Joss Whedon’s science fiction series Firefly, starring Nathan Fillion. (This is an episode left unaired from the series’ original run on Fox, not a newly produced episode.) Richard Burgi (The Sentinel) guest stars. Read more


FireflySerenity stops at a space station to pick up their mail and get a little R&R. Simon tries to whisper sweet nothings in Kaylee’s ear, but manages to put his foot in his mouth instead. The mail turns out to be a bit of a surprise when a package addressed to Mal and Zoe turns out to be coffin carrying the body of Tracey, a private they fought alongside during the war. He carries a message tape asking Mal to bring his body home to his family, a request Mal tries to fulfill. When Alliance officers pursue Serenity, however, he wonders what’s so valuable about Tracey and asks Simon to perform an autopsy. The second Simon’s knife hits, Tracey wakes up screaming. Tracey had been faking his death, trying to get away from people he double-crossed during a job smuggling artificial body parts. Tracey begins to befriend Kaylee while Mal looks for a way out of their jam. Book may have an idea… but Tracey fears betrayal just enough to do something stupid.

Order the DVDswritten by Joss Whedon & Tim Minear
directed by Tim Minear
music by Greg Edmonson

Cast: Nathon Fillion (Mal Reynolds), Gina Torres (Zoe), Alan Tudyk (Wash), Jewel Staite (Kaylee), Adam Baldwin (Jayne Cobb), Morena Baccarin (Inara), Sean Maher (Simon Tam), Summer Glau (River Tam), Ron Glass (Shepherd Book), Jonathan M. Woodward (Tracey), Richard Burgi (Lt. Womack)

Notes: This episode was not broadcast by Fox and first aired on Sci-Fi in 2005. It was also the last episode produced.

LogBook entry by Dave Thomer