I can’t think of much to say about this one. Another perfectly fine episode. I guess the most notable thing here is the flashbacks showing Simon and River’s relationship and how it all leads to him being willing to be burned at the stake alongside her. It’s all well and good.

There’s also the part where a job goes bad and Book gets shot and, without their doctor, the crew need to find a way to make him not die. There are hints at Book’s mysterious backstory, but that story is more about what Mal is willing to do for his crew. And he’s willing to do a lot, because it is his crew. He’s a possessive guy, which can make him a prick, but also can make him loyal. Lookit this complicated prick. He’s still a prick, though.

I will note that the episode picks up with the crew finishing a cattle smuggling job they got hired for last time. In my memory that subplot lasted longer, with maybe a whole episode taking place while they were in space with the cows. Maybe it was just the fact I liked that they had cows on the ship that made it stand out as something more in my mind. Because I did like that.