The Train Job was the first episode of Firefly to be aired, because Fox didn’t want to start with the pilot, Serenity, they wanted something that had more action. So the script had to be reworked quickly to not only introduce the characters anew, but have solid action beats.

It launched the series on 20 September, 2002, and was written by Tim Minear and Joss Whedon, who also served as director for the episode. I remember sitting there, watching this episode, I had to get through the short-lived John Doe that aired before it. But when the series opened with that a great teaser, and then introduced us to that theme performed by Sonny Rhodes, I remember thinking I am on this boat for life.

Malcolm Reynolds (Nathan Fillion) and his crew have been hired to pull of a train heist. He really likes the idea of stealing from the Alliance. Unfortunately, he learns that the cargo contains much-needed medical supplies for the mining town of Paradiso. And that is going to put him on the badside of the terrifying, Niska (Michael Freeman), and in deeper against the Alliance, and the local Paradiso lawman, Bourne (Gregg Henry).

In 45 minute runtime, the episode had to not only hit the action beats, and set the style for the show, it had to introduce the characters to us. Consequently, it’s a fast-paced, quip-filled escapade. We get glimpses of what River (Summer Glau) went through, and each character has a wonderful moment to shine as they make their (first) appearance. And a very creepy rhyme.

And you can tell by looking at it, that there were budget constraints, but it works, still. The Alliance are outfitted in armor as featured in Starship Troopers.

Rewatching it now, one notices that Wash (Alan Tudyk) must be a heck of a pilot, because all of the shots inside the ship as it travels through atmo have no sense of movement. Or maybe that’s cause Kaylee (Jewel Staite), as engineer, keeps it running smooth.

It’s a fun episode, loud, and enjoyable, but would have been even better had it been broadcast in order. And damn, you often forget how attractive and talented this cast is.

Bushwhacked was written and directed by Minear, and had an airdate of 27 September, 2002.

The Serenity comes across a ship attacked by Reavers, and there seems to be something seriously wrong with the lone survivor (Branden Morgan). Before they can delve much further, the Alliance shows up.

Jayne (Adam Baldwin) and Simon (Sean Maher) have some friction developing between them. He’s probably holding a grudge against the doctor for the doping he got in the last episode.

The crew have to hide River and Simon before they all undergo individual grilling by Commander Harken (Doug Savant).

Unlike my complaint in the previous episode, there is a sense of a bit of movement aboard the Serenity as she travels. Minear is able to shift gears nicely in this episode. It starts fun and light, turns very creepy, and then has some great character exploration through the crew’s grilling. The dialogue in this sequence is fantastic. And then back to creepy again as Mal and some Purple Bellies (Alliance men) go after the survivor, who is trying to survive the anguish he was witness to, by slowly becoming a Reaver.

Minear moves the story along, once again making sure that everyone gets a chance to shine. There’s such great chemistry between the cast, and the dialogue is so sharp. It’s completely captivating. And the series builds the Reaver mythology.

Damn this was a good one. I can’t wait to continue my exploration of the series.