Ariel

Episode Summary & Review

Summary

The ship heads to Ariel to drop off Inara for her yearly companion health check up. Simon realizes River’s condition is getting worse and decides to sneak her into an Alliance hospital in Ariel for a brain scan. Mal and the others agrees to help him with his plan, but also takes this opportunity to steal some valuable medical supplies in the hospital and sell it at the street market.

Our Take

This is Firefly getting serious, and it mostly pays off. The hospital heist gives the whole crew something to do, and Simon finally steps forward as a character worth caring about, while Jayne’s betrayal adds some real sting. The pacing sags a bit in the middle setup, but the ending lands hard. Worth your time, easily one of the stronger hours of the season.