Mal handles torture better than any sci-fi character I’ve run across, though Wash sorta makes up for the difference. All I’ve got to say is: they should really, really be glad Zoe’s on their side. Always.
The first time through this, the GF came downstairs to see what I was laughing about. “It’s a torture scene,” I said…
This episode really solidified my love for Mal as a character. I love that he picks a fight with Wash just to keep him alive and destracted from what’s happening. Mal is such badass that he can totally take the torture but he knows Wash can’t. And the fact that Zoe doesn’t even hesitate when choosing which one to take with her - 1) she can’t very well choose Mal over Wash and 2) she knows Mal can survive staying.
“This is something the Captain has to do for himself.”
“No - no it’s not.”
“Oh!” BANG!
I like this episode a lot, but I have to say, there’s one quick scene that I absolutely hate. When the crew starts shooting their way into Niska’s station, Zoe does a stereotypical tuck and roll across the floor, firing her weapon as she comes up. It is so poorly done (I mean really, really slow and awkward), that I almost can’t stand to watch it. I have recently begun to wonder if Whedon said, “OK, we have to have the cliched somersault by the heroine, so let’s make it over-the-top cheesy.” It’s the only way I can reconcile that shot with the rest of the awesomeness that is “War Stories.”
Huh. I agree with this entire post. Good job sir
I know! How is it that torture is so funny when Mal and Wash are involved?
Um, because Mal and Wash are involved? Need there be any other reason? 
This is one of my favorite episodes. I just finished reading Finding Serenity and it was brought up how FOX didn’t like the idea of Zoe and Wash being married. They were fine with them having sex, but not marriage. It’s amazing to me how much their relationship in the show (especially this episode) says about their characters and marriage. They have a good marriage. How often do we ever see one of those, let alone one that is interesting?
Both Zoe and Wash are flawed (her dislike of displaying emotion, his devotion to the childish) but their commitment is firm. And Mal knows this, the viewer knows this, everyone but Wash knows it.
Really this episode is all about “be careful what you wish for” but says it much stronger than the cliche does, and I’m not talking about the torture. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with laughing out loud at those scenes. I love that Firefly makes me laugh so hard, we all need the release that laughter brings and probably don’t get it enough.
Very dark episode. Toasty.
I find myself more and more intrigued by the Book character. Here he acted like an experienced infantryman. I need to find myself a complete list of all the comics and check to see if there’s a soundtrack or other good stuff. Only 4 more episodes.
See War stories is the kind episode that makes me understand why people would put up with all of Mal’s crap. cause after a while it would drive me to violence, but if a person did what he did for wash well, i would probably follow them into hell and back. plus Zoe well who can’t love Zoe after this coming for both her men in one way or another. the entire story seemed to be about loyalty and fidelity to one another. and in the end we see that Mal ain’t afraid of letting his friends finish his fights which is also awesome.
“jayne, this one the captain has to do for himself.”
“no, no, it’s not!”
“oh.”
“i know it is a difficult mission…but you and i, we have to get it on.”
“i understand. we have no choice…take me, sir. take me hard.”
“something about that is just darn right unsettling.”