6. “Sergeant, it’s a difficult mission, but you and I have to get it on.” “I understand. We have no choice. Take me, sir. Take me hard.” – Mal, Zoe, “War Stories”
Most of this episode centers around Wash feeling like the woman in his relationship with Zoe and his attempts to be more manly, as well as dealing with his jealousy for Zoe’s relationship with Mal. However, after being tortured by the sadistic criminal Niska, Wash thinks twice about joining in the crew’s many fights.
Clearly it was the torture talking when Wash suggested Mal sleep with his wife Zoe, but that doesn’t make this exchange any less amusing. It also helps to shed light on the true nature of Mal and Zoe’s relationship: they are friends and comrades in arms, nothing more.
5. “No power in the ‘verse can stop me.”- River, “War Stories”
What starts off as an offhand quip during a game at the beginning of the episode takes on a whole new meaning when it’s repeated at the end. With River and Kaylee pinned down by three gunman as they defend Serenity, River takes the gun from the trembling Kaylee and reassures her. River takes one look, closes her eyes, and kills the three attackers cleanly and efficiently.
While the answer to what happened to River wasn’t revealed until the film Serenity, this scene gave us our first glimpse into River’s neuroprogamming. The fact that she says that line in the same tone both times makes it even more chilling.
4. “…if your hand touches metal, I swear by my pretty floral bonnet I will end you.” – Mal, “Our Mrs. Reynolds”
This scene is probably the only time Mal actually pulls off a plan to completion without a hitch in the entirety of Firefly. Capping it off with this hilarious quip only makes the victory that much sweeter. The exchange just before this line where Mal acts offended that Jayne thinks him an ugly bride is almost equally funny.
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