(Season 1, Episodes 7-8)
I was recently telling one of my friends about finally seeing the appeal of Firefly in the sixth episode, and she nodded knowingly and casually said, “That’s Whedon for you.” I was previously unaware of this trend, but I’ve been told that a lot of Joss Whedon projects don’t really pick up speed until six or so episodes into the season. This would probably explain why I quit watching Buffy after the, like, fourth episode.
It’s unfortunate that many of Whedon’s shows seem to take so long to pick up speed. Sure, it rewards the more patient viewers but that must really kill the numbers for him. Not everyone can hang on long enough to see something like the “Out of Gas” episode.
“Jaynestown”
Not sure if the title gave it away, but this episode was Jayne-centric. And I liked it. Adam Baldwin’s work as Jayne continued to be marvelous, and the audience got to learn a bit more about his background. I also think it was around here that I started getting fed up with the theme song, and Kaylee’s too-sweet crush on Simon.
“Out of Gas”
Absolutely spectacular episode. Heck, possibly even my favorite so far, and not just because we got to see Wash in that incredibly horrifying moustache/Hawaiian shirt combo (no wonder Zoe was initially put off). It was nice seeing Mal going into Captain mode for an entire episode, uninterrupted by short-tempered badassery. It’s going to be really interesting seeing how the crew works together in the next few episodes.
I’m sure a lot of the male viewers were pleased to find out that Kaylee isn’t quite as innocent as she always seems around Simon. I mean, I was surprised. As it turns out, Kaylee has a sort of Ballardian fetish for ship engines. I always thought when she spoke a little too lovingly about Serenity, she was just really into being a mechanic. Note to self, always knock before entering a dark engine room.
Clacked by Annie Wu 
on Aug 14, 2009 @ 17:00 EST5EDT
I agree with your friend’s assessment. Considering the unadulterated fervor Josh inspires, I’ve always felt blasphemous noticing that his projects don’t get good until he’s had time to think them through, i.e. B:TVS show vs. B:TVS movie and even Serenity vs. Firefly.
However, I truly loved what Firefly accomplished by mid-season, including the reason you listed – the development of Kaylee outside of 1D innocence. However, I want to note, the Firefly producers stated that Zoe wore her necklace as a sign of marriage to Wash. But, she’s also wearing it when she meets Wash for the first time.
Now that you understand about Whedon, you owe it to yourself to go back and watch Buffy! I think Whedon, more than anyone else, knows how to take a show concept, build on it, and then start making eps that really knock your socks off. The second and third seasons of Buffy are all gold.
It’s so sad we didn’t get more than half a season of Firefly.