Firefly: Heart Of Gold

November 25th, 2008

Episode 12

Synopsis

Some brothel women put out laundry when several baddies folks drive up. A gentleman named Burgess demands to see a pregnant woman, saying the baby is his. He uses a device to sample the baby’s DNA. Meanwhile, aboard Serenity, Wash receives a distress signal for Inara, sent by Nandi, the head companion at the brothel.

The Serenity pays a visits to Nandi’s ranch. Jayne is more interested in the women than the job. Simon examines Petaline, the pregnant woman. Nandi tells Inara the odds are 50 50 that Burgess is the father of Petaline’s child.

Mal and Inara pay Burgess a visit. He shows him his cool laser gun. After the meeting, he receives the results of the DNA test, saying he is the father.

Mal feels Burgess is very determined and won’t give up easily. He offers to evacuate everyone, but Nandi wants to fight for her hard-earned property. The crew boards up the house and arms for a gun fight. Just then, Petaline goes into labor, and Simon helps birth the baby.

Nandi asks Mal if he’s interested in any of the women. They continue talking over drinks and eventually spend the night together.

That night, one of the women secretly tells Burgess that the Serenity is defending the brothel. Burgess gathers a lynch mob of sorts and prepares for attack.

The next morning, Mal runs into Inara while leaving Nandi’s room. Inara feigns indifference, but once alone, she cries.

Wash and Kaylee return to Serenity and are ambushed by people hiding inside. A large group of vehicles opens fire on the brothel. Jayne takes out the lead machine gunner. Burgess pulls up behind the house and grabs his newborn child.

Several of the men march through Serenity. Wash and Kaylee trap them in a hall, and Wash accidentally traps himself in the engine room.

Inara pulls a knife on Burgess, and another woman reclaims the baby. Burgess manages to escape, and fatally wounds Nandi.

Angry, Mal rides horse after Burgess, fleeing in a hover car. He pulls alongside and throws Burgess into the dirt. With all the men captured, Petaline pulls out a gun and shoots Burgess.

After Nandi’s funeral, Inara informs Mal that she is leaving Serenity.

Thoughts

I’d say this episode and Trash are my least favorite episodes. I do like the way they start with a conventional plot and then put a few twists in it. But this on in particular, defending a house of hookers shoot-out style is just not a subject I’m into. I think it’s a little too close to the western genre for my tastes.

However, this is the first time we’re really shown the depth of Inara’s feelings for Mal. Her decision to leave the ship is a emotionally satisfying highlight of the series.

Next Episode: Objects In Space
Previous Episode: The Message

TV Shows: Firefly

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