10 Things You Didn't Know About Firefly
8. The Big Red Button
The episode 'Out of Gas' showed Wash Hoburne create an ingenious device that proved vital in the success of another Ill-fated plan devised by Captain Mal Reynolds.
After an engine malfunction, crippling first mate Zoe in the process and cutting off the life support, Mal orders the crew to leave in the shuttles and look for help while he stays behind.
With his usual level of thought put into a plan, its up to Wash to think of a way for the crew to be informed that the ship has been fixed and that they can return safely. Hes does this by installing the red button. Once pressed this will call back the shuttles and allow the crew to dock safely.
Once filming had been completed and the word of Firefly's demise had been confirmed, actor Alan Tudyk removed the button from the set.
In the coming months, creator Joss Whedon received a package from Tudyk which contained the big red button along with a note stating 'When you get your miracle, just hit this' (a line taken directly from the episode in question).
The intention was that if Firefly was ever renewed, one press would bring everyone back to continue the story.