Understanding the Original Chronological Order of Firefly Episodes: The Untold Story

Firefly, the critically-acclaimed space Western created by Joss Whedon, has captured the hearts and imaginations of fans for a decade and a half. However, the question of how to watch the episodes remains a point of confusion and debate. Here, we delve into the original intended order of the episodes, which is often overlooked but crucial for a complete viewing experience.

The Standard Viewing Order: Chronological

The most commonly recommended and accepted viewing order for Firefly is in chronological order, based on the storyline. In this order, the series is organized as follows:

Serenity Pilot The Train Job Bushwhacked Shindig Safe Our Mrs. Reynolds Jaynestown Out of Gas Ariel War Stories Trash The Message Heart of Gold Objects in Space

Watching the episodes in this order helps maintain the continuity of the storyline, ensuring a seamless narrative arc that enriches the viewing experience.

The Reassigned DVD Order: Production Versus Air Date

Despite the chronological order being the most recommended, the DVDs of Firefly are arranged in a different manner. This order, known as the DVD set order, is the standard format in which fans watch the series. Here is the order as listed on the DVDs:

Serenity Pilot The Train Job Bushwhacked Shindig Safe Our Mrs. Reynolds Jaynestown Out of Gas Ariel Trash The Message Heart of Gold Objects in Space

This order is considered the standard and accepted viewing order because it follows the air date of the episodes, rather than their production order. However, it's important to note that this wasn't the original intention of the episodes' creators.

The Original Production Order: The True Intended Order

What many fans and critics overlook is the original intended and chronological order of the episodes, which aligns directly with their production order. This order was intended for both the production and the initial airing of the series on Fox. Here is how the episodes were originally intended to be watched:

Objects in Space The Message Serenity Pilot The Train Job Bushwhacked Shindig Safe Our Mrs. Reynolds Jaynestown Out of Gas Ariel Trash War Stories Heart of Gold

According to this production order, "Objects in Space" was the final episode, not "The Message". This original order was disrupted when the series was canceled by Fox before all episodes could air.

Key Takeaways:

Chronological Order: The order in which the episodes were originally intended to be aired, aligning with their storyline. DVD Set Order: The order in which the episodes were released on DVD, following their air date. Production Order: The original intended order, which places "Objects in Space" as the final episode.

Due to the series cancellation, the previous final episode, "The Message," was reordered and placed at the end. While this change was made to accommodate the DVD format, it alters the intended narrative and emotional arc of the series.

The Emotional Impact of the Final Production Order

One of the most significant aspects of the production order is its emotional impact on the series' final episode. "The Message" was filmed with a somber and sombering tone, as the cast and crew had not yet been informed of the show's cancellation. The funeral scene in "The Message" was a genuine and deeply moving moment, reflecting the reality of the situation.

However, Joss Whedon and the crew wanted to leave the audience on a more uplifting note. To address this, they reordered the episodes to feature "Objects in Space" as the final episode. This gave the series an optimistic conclusion, with the crew's adventures continuing even after the show's premature end.

Yet, the switching of the episodes creates some continuity issues. In "The Message," Mal Reynolds refers to River as a "mind reading genius," while in "Objects in Space," Mal appears surprised to learn that River can read minds. This abrupt change can create confusion and break the narrative flow, affecting the viewing experience negatively.

Understanding the original production order is crucial for fans who wish to fully appreciate the intention behind the series. While the chronological order provides a cohesive storyline, the production order offers a deeper insight into the creative vision and the emotional depth of the show.