442 – Firefly – Ariel

The Serenity gang’s master plotter, Simon, plans a high-stakes heist on the planet Ariel.  Meanwhile, perfidy is afoot. Simon and Eugene discuss Ariel. Episode Synopsis:  The Serenity arrives on the planet Ariel, one of the Core Planets in the Alliance.  While most of the crew are hoping to spend some time off the boat, Mal and Zoe are distinctly hostile to the idea of setting foot on a Core Planet, and Mal forbids anyone from leaving the boat.  Everyone except Inara, who is legally obligated to subject herself to a two-day medical evaluation as part of her Companion’s License requirements. [expand title=”More…” swaptitle=”Less” tag=”strong”] River attacks Jayne with a knife because, you know, she’s crazy, which leads to some hard feelings on Jayne’s part.  Mal confines River to quarters at all times and Simon admits that, yes, River’s condition is getting worse. Simon comes forward with an idea for a job.  He plans an intricate heist to break into the local hospital where the gang can steal extremely valuable medical supplies, and at the same time, he will be able to take River to a 3d medical imager and run diagnostic procedures on her, hoping to find out what’s been done to her. The plan starts and goes by the numbers – that is until it is revealed that Jayne has cut a deal with the local police to turn in Simon and River for the reward.  That plan, too, begins to go wrong when the police aren’t willing to share the reward with Jayne and the people who want River – the mysterious men with blue hands – aren’t willing to let any witness, including the police, live. Jayne stages a breakout and, with a little supporting help from Mal and Zoe, they escape the men with blue hands, and lift off the planet with their ill-gotten booty. Simon, unaware that Jayne betrayed him, is very appreciative that Jayne saved him and his sister. Mal, not so naive, threatens to kill Jayne for betraying his crew.  Only time will tell if Jayne actually learned the lesson Mal was preaching. [/expand]