Shindig

Overview: In order to secure a job transporting cargo off-planet for a client, Mal attends a social event where a dance with Inara leads to him being challenged to a swordfight in defense of her honor.

Airdate: 11/01/2002

Directed by: Vern Gillum

Guest Stars: Mark A. Sheppard (Badger), Edward Atterton (Atherton Wing), Larry Drake (Sir Warrick Harrow), Carl Bresk (Wright), Larry Pennell (Murphy), Michael McMillian (Younger Hopeful), Joshua Grenrock (Porter), Kim Onasch (Banning), Janora McDuffie (Cabott), Casey Piotrowski (Older Farmer), Hunter Cochran (Younger Farmer), Roy Werner (Gentleman)

Of Note:
When Kaylee calls Mal "Captain Tightpants" at the party, this was an inside joke referring to an incident that occurred while shooting the original pilot episode "Serenity". During the scene when Kaylee gets shot and Mal bends over to help her the back of his pants split, hence the name.

In this episode it's revealed that Kaylee is short for Kaywinnit Lee, and her last name is Frye.

Quotes:
Wash: Sleepiness is weakness of character. Ask anyone.

Review By: Jason James Rating:

This is not my favorite episode. I thought the way Mal and Inara acted towards each other was pushed to far. You are rewarded by all of that at the end. Having said that the relationship between Mal and Inara does get developed very well in the process. This episode does have a few little peeks at what the future might look like. Badger makes an appearance in this episode and once again does a great job. Just because it is not my favorite does not mean that it is not a good episode and would still be worth watching a couple of times.