Serenity (Firefly episode)

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"Serenity"
Firefly episode
Introduction of Wash that gives a glimpse into his whimsical personality
Episode no.	Season 1 Episode 1 (originally aired as episode 14)
Directed by	Joss Whedon
Written by	Joss Whedon
Production code	1AGE79
Original air date	December 20, 2002 (2002-12-20)
Running time	86 minutes
Guest appearances
Carlos Jacott as Lawrence Dobson Mark Sheppard as Badger Andy Umberger as the captain of the Dortmunder Philip Sternberg as Inara's client Eddie Adams as Bendis Colin Patrick Lynch as Radio Operator Bonnie Bartlett as Patience
Episode chronology
← Previous — Next → "The Train Job"
List of episodes

"Serenity" is the original intended pilot for the American science fiction television series Firefly created by Joss Whedon. It was the first episode produced for the series and premiered as the show's series finale on Friday, December 20, 2002 on Fox. With studio executives unsatisfied with the episode for the series premiere, the show's second episode, "The Train Job", was re-written and produced as a second pilot to be aired first. The episode shares its name with the 2005 feature film Serenity, which serves as a continuation to Firefly.

In the early 26th Century, Malcolm Reynolds (Nathan Fillion) and Zoe Washburne (Gina Torres) are survivors of their rebel unit in the Battle of Serenity Valley during the Unification War, in which their side lost. Six years later, they are eking out an existence on the edges of space in their Firefly-class spaceship Serenity, taking odd jobs even if they involve petty crime. They also take on passengers to supplement their income, including a man with a secret that will change the path of their lives forever.

In 2003, the episode won the award for "Best Visual Effects in a Television Series" from Visual Effects Society, and was nominated for a Hugo Award in 2003 for "Best Dramatic Presentation, Short Form".