The crew goes back to Parsippany (spelling?) for supplies. It becomes apparent that Zoe and Hoban are somewhat interested in some down time, and it's probable Zoe would like to settle down on the planet.
We see Inara negotiating with a man named Atherton. Mal realizes he is a "client" of Inara, and it becomes somewhat apparent he is jealous. Inara seems more inclined to life on the planet.
The down time spent on the planet shows us more of the interpersonal relationships between the crew. Kaylee wants a dress, and is somewhat inspired by the clothing Inara wears. Captain Mal makes fun of her for it. Zoe is obviously disappointed and disgusted with Mals attitude, as he hurt Kaylees feelings.
Atherton takes Inara to an party, and it becomes apparent Inara is one of the most desirable “companions” available. He wishes to make Inara his permanent companion. At the same time, Mal buys Kaylee the dress, and takes her as a companion to the party. He's trying to find a man who may have work for the crew.
During an intimate encounter between Zoe and Hoban, we learn Zoe is 2nd in command of the ship. Jayne is apparently 3rd in command behind her.
Atherton, Inara, and Mal all encounter each other at the party. Tensions run high when Atherton and Mal meet face to face. Mal points out the floating chandelier, and says it “almost outshines our girl here." He then asks Inara for a dance. It becomes obvious Mal has feelings for Inara, but she has some feelings for Atherton, and the lifestyle he could provide for her on the planet.
Kaylee becomes a hit with all the guys at the party because she knows the mechanics behind the machine.
Mal gets into a fight with Atherton over Inara. After Mal punches him, a mandatory duel is set for the next day. Mal has the opportunity to get out of it by running away, but refuses.
River speaks for the first time. This is notable, because these are the first rational words we see, and it provides a potential glimmer of a normal way of life for her.
Inara teaches Mal how to use a sword during a duel while Atherton sleeps. He calls her a “whore” numerous times, which obviously hurts her feelings. The captain points out that he isn't disrespecting her, just what she does. Mal asks Inara not to take Athertons offer. This shows the captain has a true weakness when it comes to Inara.
After watching the duel, we see that men will do things that seem irrational for women they love. This may end up becoming the episode I use for my APR because it shows the most important elements of the romantic aspects in each relationship ; Especially between the relationship between Inara and captain Mal. We also see Inara is obviously torn between two men that she cares about. She cares about Atherton because he can provide a wonderful life for her, but she has a deeper love for the captain, despite the lifestyle he lives.
Inara interrupts the duel when Atherton is about to finish Mal. Then Mal overtakes Atherton, and has the opportunity to finish him, but doesn't. We then see Athertons true feelings as he insults Inara and vows to make sure Mal never finds work again.
It becomes apparent that Inara is gracious that Mal would defend her honor. At the end of the episode she reveals that she wouldn't have stayed on the planet with Atherton regardless.
Now that I think about it, Inara may have been acting warmer to Atherton throughout most of the episode than she may have really felt towards him. Atherton is her client, so she cannot be rude to him or else risk losing her reputation as a companion.
ReplyDeleteTotally true, and she may have acted this way with just about any client. We see Mal is especially involved and concerned about this situation however. Mal could no longer play tough guy and pretend like he didn't care. Though Inara does state she wouldn't have stayed with Atherton in the end, we don't really know that until after the dual.
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