3. Wash and Zoe (Firefly)
Until the episode "War Stories," Zoe and Wash's relationship was sort of a second-nature, underlying subplot of every episode. We knew they were together, as we'd often see them intimate or in bed together. But as far as exploring the relationship, we're really not given anything until the aforementioned episode. What we do get is a hilarious, gripping, and emotional story of Wash's jealousy for Captain Mal as he takes Zoe's place in a mission and the two end up being tortured together. Not only is Wash's love for Zoe well-grounded by the time the credits roll, but he finds a new respect for Mal, himself. And, Mal, in turn, finds a new affinity for the relationship between his pilot and his first mate. Fantastic episode, fantastic characters. And of course, it all makes
Serenity that much harder to love.