Firefly’s Worst Movie Mistake Was Redeemed With Just Four Words
No moment in the history of Firefly lore divides fans quite like the death of Hoban “Wash” Washburne in Serenity. It’s indicative of Joss Whedon’s tendency to kill off his most beloved character whenever possible, especially in a finale setting in one of Firefly‘s most controversial scenes. Because it happens in the franchise’s cinematic swan song, some fans forget it even happened, while others complain that it was a mistake.
Luckily, the Firefly franchise’s most hated scene gets redeemed in Serenity: Float Out #1 by Patton Oswalt and Patric Reynolds. The one-shot is a canonical sequel and the first to reveal that before Wash’s death, Zoë became pregnant. With the reveal of her pregnant belly and the words, “Just like she will,” Firefly opens the door for Emma Alleyne Washburne, a new character and Wash’s legacy incarnate.
This small moment proves to have massive implications for the future of Firefly and the comic book sequels to Serenity that come after.
Wash’s Death Opens the Door for the Future of Firefly in His Daughter, Emma
Serenity: Float Out #1 by Patton Oswalt, Patric Reynolds, Dave Stewart, and Michael Helsler
Serenity: Float Out #1 features Wash’s friends memorializing him one last time after his passing. The eulogy issue introduces three of Wash’s former colleagues, who, in his honor, pooled their money and resources in hopes of honoring their fallen comrade by launching the Jetwash, a new ship that Was was preparing to launch. As they approach Wash’s floating ceremony, they all share different stories about him as a way of saying goodbye. It’s presumed that champagne would be on the premesis, but, of course, Wash hated the stuff. Instead Zoë introduces a cheap Asian liquor called un-ga-pae, Wash’s favorite. She then says the following:
| Wash loved it. Like he loved his friends. And flying. Just like she will. |
Does the Introduction of Emma in Firefly Lore Justify Wash’s Death?
Wash’s Death Extends the Future of Firefly Through His Daughter
In may ways, Firefly‘s newest tales in the comic books re-frame Wash’s death as a necessary evil that produced longevity for Firefly‘s dying franchise. The television show itself was short-lived thanks to its cancelation, and the movie could easily have been a one-off farewell for the Browncoats. For all intents and purposes, the Firefly franchise would not have as clear of a trajectory as it has through its comic book sequels if not for Wash’s death. Wash remains a key presence in these stories because of his death, like an empty role that needs to be filled.
Wash and his legacy holds more significance in his death than if he were still alive. Even if he were still alive to see Emma grow up, the stakes aren’t as high with him alive, and Firefly‘s future would be murky. His death puts Emma in the role of pilot and first mate to her mother, while her promotion to Captain increases the potential for further sequels, reboots, and revivals that extend the franchise’s future. The sequels prove that Wash’s death helped propel Firefly into the future.
Serenity: Float Out #1 is available now from Dark Horse Comics
Original article at Screen Rant
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