Firefly: Ranking Episodes From Worst To Best

7. Episode 1: Serenity

Wash: " 'Yes. Yes, this is a fertile land, and we will thrive. We will rule over all this land, and we will call it...This Land.' 'I think we should call it your grave!' 'Curse your sudden but inevitable betrayal!' 'Har har har! Mine is an evil laugh! Now die!'"

"Serenity" is, hands-down, the best introduction to a large cast of characters I have ever seen in television. Every character is distinct and memorable, and everyone has a back-story that has plenty of potential for exploration in further episodes. Mal especially is introduced as a complex, dark, yet still likable character whose past is handled in superb, subtle fashion as we watch him evolve from a zealous, idealistic sergeant who fervently kisses the wooden cross around his neck before heading into battle, to an embittered captain who, despite his lost faith in God and humanity, is fiercely protective of his crew and is known as "a man of honor in a den of thieves."

Tensions aboard the ship also leave much to explore for later episodes: Jayne's questioning of Mal's authority, Book's presence as a Shepherd in the face of Mal's stance against religion, and, most obviously, the presence of Simon and River Tam as fugitives. Throw in the rest of Serenity's fantastic crew - Zoe, Wash, Kaylee, and Inara - and there is no doubt that this show is going to be incredible.