(XXXI) Firefly: "Out of Gas" (Sn. 1, Ep. 8)

We've gone full circle. From Firefly, to numerous other sci-fi shows, and back to Firefly. This episode derives its title from the explosion aboard Serenity which destroyed the air generator, and drastically shortened the ship of its air supply. By pushing Kaylee out of harms way, Zoe was rendered unconscious by the impact of the blast. This incident greatly saddened the entire crew, especially her husband, Wash. He wanted to remain by her side the whole time the doctor worked on her, but Malcolm obliged Wash to return to the deck, to figure out a solution to the greater crisis; they were stuck in the middle of space with a bad engine and a critically low air supply. Kaylee, the expert mechanist, explained to Malcolm that there was just no way to fix the ship without a very important piece which was destroyed. The damage of this critical part, made Serenity seem like a car without an engine. They only had a few hours of air left, and the only viable solution was to abandon ship using two smaller vessels. These also had low air supplies, but at least they could move around and seek help. Malcolm decided to remain aboard Serenity just in case anyone responded to his distress signal in time. Malcolm basically communicated with this decision that he would rather die with his ship than abandon it. Inara was clearly distressed, and she told Malcolm that he didn't have to die alone. Jayne and Wash displayed the same degree of concern on their faces before leaving the ship, but chose to keep their silence.

Malcolm stayed behind, and fortunately a rescue team showed up. Turns out this rescue team was just a group of wolves in sheep's clothing. Despite getting shot, Malcolm still stood up for his ship and ousted the thieves while getting what he wanted from them. Malcolm repaired the ship but couldn't garner enough strength to push the button that would recall signal to the rest of Serenity's crew. He fell unconscious and nearly died, but awoke much later on a sick bed in the ship's medical room. He was surrounded by the entire Serenity, and looked very much pleased.

Malcolm faced very trying times in this episode. He had to make life-changing decisions, and most of them dealt with his very own life. He was ready to give his own life for the ship. This shows great dedication and care, on Malcolm's part. These qualities also reflect in his interactions with the rest of the crew. He seemed heartless and inconsiderate when he pulled Wash by the throat away from his unconscious wife. Sometimes leaders have to be re-emphasize their authority with harsh actions. But these actions are not necessarily inconsiderate; rather they reflect a leader's concern for the greater good. Malcolm couldn't have his only pilot sulking incessantly, when the ship needed to be steered. Malcolm was just demonstrating the quality of tough love. He had to make forth right judgments during the crisis, but showed how deeply he cared for his crew when things turn out for the better.