Television Review: Our Mrs. Reynolds (Firefly, S1X06, 2002)

Our Mrs. Reynolds (S1X06)

Airdate: October 4th 2002

Written by: Joss Whedon
Directed by: Vondie Curtis-Hall

Running time: 43 min.

Despite the limitations of a single television show episode, Our Mrs. Reynolds demonstrates the power of creativity and skill in crafting an engaging narrative. The plot begins with a Western-inspired scene, where the crew of Serenity is hired as mercenaries by the inhabitants of the impoverished planet Trinity to deal with local bandits. After a successful mission, the crew is rewarded with a party, during which Mal gets drunk. Upon waking up on Serenity, Mal encounters Saffron (played by Catherine Hendricks in guest starring role), a beautiful woman who claims that, during the revelries, they were married. Mal initially doesn’t want to have anything do with her, but, due to prior engagements, can’t turn Serenity to bring her back. In the meantime, until the issue is resolved, Saffron insists that she is treated as his wife and even volunteers to perform conjugal duties on her alleged husband, which Mal finds increasingly difficult to resist.

The unexpected marriage plot is a popular trope on American broadcast television, both in sitcoms and drama shows. Experienced viewers know that the issue will be resolved by the episode’s end in a way that allows protagonists to continue their regular lives. The only question is “how”, and this is where script by Joss Whedon excels.

Saffron's presence on board the ship provides an excellent opportunity for Whedon to showcase his characters' reactions to the mysterious newcomer. Mal is torn between his attraction to Saffron and his duty towards his crew members, while Wash is intrigued by a wife who is more traditional and subservient than his Zoe. Jayne reacts with troglodyte-like lust, and Inara is embarrassed over her inability to recognize that she isn't the most seductive and feminine woman on board. Saffron's presence also fuels unresolved sexual tension between Inara and Mal.

Whedon's script excels in its ability to change the tone from Western and sitcom into a slightly more serious form of space opera. The introduction of a new method of space piracy adds an original element to the story, and the episode is structurally written in an excellent way with Whedon adding almost parody-like and literal intrepretation of Chekhov’s gun. However, the convenience of the protagonists' predicament is somewhat mitigated by the predictability of the resolution.

The greatest asset of the episode is Christina Hendricks, who shines in her role as Saffron. She plays an enigmatic character who easily wins over the Serenity crew and audience while also employing her charm. Although early 21st-century broadcast television standards prevent her from using her famous anatomical details in too explicit a form, Hendricks, who soon afterwards became a star by playing iconic Joan Harris in Mad Men, leaves a lasting impression. Her performance is so memorable that Whedon deliberately leaves the door open for Saffron's reappearance in future episodes.

The main problem with the episode is absence of River's character in the main narrative. Whedon and Vondie Curtis-Hall actually shot the scene showcasing her keen perception of Saffron's intentions, which could have made the plot even more intriguing. This scene was deleted due to broadcast network’s time constraints.

Our Mrs. Reynolds is a testament to the creativity and skill of the Firefly team. With its engaging narrative, memorable characters, and impressive performances, the episode stands as one of the better installments of the Firefly series. The direction by Vondie Curtis-Hal is solid, and the episode works well within the limitations of its content.

RATING: 7/10 (+++)

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