Television Review: Shindig (Firefly, S1X04, 2002)

Shindig (S1X04)

Airdate: November 1st 2002

Written by: Jane Esperson
Directed by: Vern Gillum

Running time: 43 min.

The fourth episode of Firefly marks a shift in tone from the previous episodes, which have been exploring the harsh realities of life on the space frontier. Instead, Whedon's fictional universe delves into the complexities of civilisation and the social dynamics that underlie it. In this instalment, the crew of Serenity returns to the planet Persephone, seeking opportunities and a much-needed break from their arduous life. However, they become entangled in a web of intrigue and deception, as the episode explores what goes on behind the scenes in Whedon's fictional world.

The plot revolves around Mal's reunion with his old associate, Badger, who enlists his help in arranging a transportation deal with the enigmatic Sir Warwick Harrow (played by Larry Drake in guest role). This aristocrat, with a penchant for smuggling, seeks to transport his property off the planet without arousing suspicion. However, Badger and Harrow's relationship is far from cordial, leaving Mal to broker the deal through a seemingly accidental encounter at the grand party, which is Persephone’s social event of the year. This lavish affair brings together the planet's elite, including Inara, who has been hired by the possessive and arrogant Atherton Wig (played by Edward Atterton) and who wants to keep her as his permanent companion. As the two men cross paths at the party, tensions run high, culminating in a potentially fatal confrontation. However

Shindig is a very light-hearted episode, where, despite some scenes of violence, no one ultimately dies. The emphasis is on humour, mostly using the "fish out of water" motif, particularly in the case of Kaylee, whose character is brought as Mal's date to the grand ball. Kaylee's enthusiasm for attending the ball is infectious, but her lack of fashion sense and understanding of upper-class mores provide much of the episode's comic relief. Jewel Staite, who portrayed Kaylee, later revealed that this episode was her favourite to film.

While the script by Jane Espenson provides an efficient world-building and some clever dialogue lines, the direction by Vern Gillum leaves much to be desired. The hand-held camera work, which would later become fashionable due to the reimagined Battlestar Galactica, here makes the whole affair look cheap, which is unsuitable for the ball scene that is supposed to show Whedon's fictional universe in all its glitz and glamour. The costumes are interesting, but it seems that, just like with the space frontier looking too much like the 19th-century American West, the "civilized" world looks too much like 19th-century Europe.

The final duel scene looks a little bit anti-climactic, with Mal expectedly getting out of his predicament, but not in a convincing way. The final "twist" which shows what kind of property is being smuggled also looks a laugh too cheap.

Despite these shortcomings, the episode shows some fine acting, although English actor Edward Atterton, who finished his career soon afterwards, doesn't do much as the antagonist. Veteran character actor Larry Drake is much more effective with his relatively limited role. Mark Sheppard is again effective in the recurring role of the roguish Badger. Among the regular cast, Summer Glau makes the best impression due to her brief scene as River in a trance, where she handles the Cockney accent with ease.

Shindig is an enjoyable but flawed episode that provides an interesting insight into the complexities of civilization in Whedon's fictional world. While it fails to live up to the standards set by some of the previous episodes, it remains an entertaining and memorable instalment in the Firefly series.

RATING: 5/10

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