Top 12 Episodes of Firefly-Number 1

Number 1-Out of Gas

If you've been following this list, then you may already know my top pick. It might surprise you a little considering how the last few picks have been because they don't focus completely on Mal, but this episode is the exception to that rule. Sure we get to see lots of snippets about the characters and a look at some of the background of the crew, but the story is really about Mal trying to save his ship and stay alive.

A part goes wrong on the ship causing an explosion and the systems to shut down. In an attempt to save everyone, Mal sends everyone off in the shuttles and tries to keep the ship from dying. You don't get all of that from the start. It comes in flashbacks. Actually what you know at the start is that Mal is alone on the ship and in really bad shape. Probably dying.

One of the great parts is the way-back flash backs. We get to see Zoe and Mal the first time they walk onto Serenity. We get to see Wash when he gets hired to pilot the ship. We also get to see how Kaylee and Jayne join the crew. There is also the first time that Inara gets a tour of her shuttle.

In the present time, Mal is in a lot of trouble because a ship answered the distress call, and while he is trying to negotiate for the part that he needs, the captain of the other ship shoots him. Mal manages to work up the will power to keep himself going enough to stand up to the other crew, shoot his heart full of adrenaline, and get the ship up and running again.

• Young Wash's mustache.
• Mal fell in love with Serenity the first time he saw it.
• Mal wants to go down with the ship rather than leave it to die.
• It's Simon's birthday.
• Jayne sells out to the highest bidder most of the time.