Jaynestown (S1X07)
Airdate: November 1st 2002
Written by: Bend Edlund
Directed by: Marita Grabiak
Running time: 43 min.
The seventh episode of Firefly continues the series' trend of transposing 19th-century plots, situations, and iconography into the distant future, with a particular focus on the "retrofuturistic" depiction of the most ruthless form of capitalism that plagued Earth in the past, like those in coal mining company towns.
The narrative unfolds on Higgins' Moon, a terraformed lunar surface under the iron-fisted control of Magistrate Higgins (played by Gregory Itzin), “robber baron” whose power is so absolute that an entire celestial body bears his name. The primary economic activity on this desolate world is "mud farming," a labour-intensive process of extracting valuable mud used in the ceramics of the wider universe. This industry relies on a vast workforce of indentured servants, known as "mudders," who are trapped in a cycle of poverty and hopelessness under the watchful eye of Magistrate. Meanwhile, Captain Mal Reynolds, ever the opportunist, is hired to retrieve hidden contraband in the town of Canton. Inara, the companion, is tasked with a more personal mission, hired by Magistrate Higgins to "deflower" his 26-year-old son, Fess (played by Zachary Kranzler). However, Jayne, the Serenity’s main enforcer, is less than thrilled about returning to Canton, where he had a less-than-happy departure in the past. Upon arriving in Canton, Jayne is met with a surprise: a statue bearing his likeness and songs composed about him by the “mudders”, who have elevated him to the status of a folk hero. This unlikely turn of events is due to an action Jayne inadvertently performed many years prior, which has earned him the adoration of the local population and inspired resistance towards Magistrate.
Jaynestown, written by comic book artist Ben Edlund, is an intelligent and convincing speculation on how isolated societies in the distant future, despite technological progress and the ability of space travel, could regress to oppressive societies reminiscent of the past. The episode is particularly noteworthy for its use of Jayne, arguably the worst member of the Serenity crew – violent, ill-tempered, ruthless and opportunistic mercenary - and the ironic twist that makes him into crew member who has done more good than anyone else. Adam Baldwin shines in a major role, playing Jayne as initially amused, then confused, and ultimately troubled by the consequences of his actions.
The episode is less successful when it strays from the main plot, exploring other characters' development feels weak, such as the growing romantic tension between Simon and Kaylee, or River and Shepherd Book's disagreements over interpretations of the Bible. The subplot is further diminished by cheap laughs over Book's hairstyle.
Despite somewhat pedestrian direction by Marita Grabiak, Jaynestown is nevertheless a good episode, providing fans with a good mix of action, humor, character development, and exploration of important issues. It can be recommended for fans of the series and newcomers alike, offering a thought-provoking and gripping addition to the Firefly canon.
RATING: 6/10 (++)
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