Editing Heart of Gold

{{Titleicons|tv|real}}
{{Television episode infobox
|image=[[File:Ep_heartofgold_sc042.jpg|250px]]
|title=Heart of Gold
|episode=13
|guests=Melinda Clarke
Kimberly McCullough
Fredric Lehne
Tracy Leah Ryan
Angie Hart
|writer=[[Brett Matthews]]
|director=[[Thomas J. Wright]]
|production=
|airdate=August 19, 2003
|prev=[[The Message]]
|next=[[Objects in Space]]}}

'''Heart of Gold''' is the thirteenth episode of the ''[[Firefly]]'' TV series and wasn't aired during the original series run. It is the last of three episodes that were not broadcast in the original 2002 Fox run.

A Companion-trained friend of [[Inara Serra|Inara's]] who runs a brothel calls for help from [[Serenity]] when a local bigwig reveals his intentions to take “his” baby from the girl he impregnated.

==Synopsis==
At a ranch-like whorehouse in the middle of a barren land, a man in a hover craft, [[Rance Burgess]], accompanied by thugs on horseback, approaches the madam, [[Nandi]], looking for "the girl." Despite [[Nandi|Nandi's]] protest that "the girl" had left, the thugs drag [[Petaline]], a nine-month-pregnant young woman, out to face him. He forcefully extracts a DNA sample from her to verify if the child is his, threatening to cut it out of her if need be. When the men leave, a group of women crowd around [[Petaline]] and [[Nandi]], wondering who can protect the distraught mother-to-be from the ruthless tyrant.

Cut to [[Malcolm Reynolds|Mal Reynolds]], practicing his gun draw. [[Inara Serra|Inara]] enters the dining area behind him and startles him with her greeting. He then claims that she didn't startle him and that "Bwaahh!" is a warrior's cry. [[Hoban Washburne|Wash]] shortly arrives to announce a distress call, specifically asking for [[Inara Serra|Inara]]. As she leaves, he aims his gun and quietly growls "Bwah." Onboard her shuttle, Inara talks to [[Nandi]], an old friend, on a vidscreen, and offers to ask the ''[[Serenity]]'' crew to help. Overhearing the conversation, Mal muses about "a whole house full of [[Companion]]s", but [[Inara Serra|Inara]] corrects him, reluctantly calling them "whores". [[Malcolm Reynolds|Mal]] seems bemused that they, unlike [[Inara Serra|Inara]], are "independent", and uncharacteristically dismisses [[Inara Serra|Inara's]] offer to pay for the assistance. [[Inara Serra|Inara]] insists on keeping this "strictly a business arrangement". [[Zoë Alleyne Washburne|Zoë]] assembles the crew to explain the voluntary nature of this mission. [[Jayne Cobb|Jayne]] predictably objects to such a risky humanitarian endeavor. [[Derrial Book|Book]] tries to appeal to his seemingly non-existent altruistic side, but [[Malcolm Reynolds|Mal]] quickly gains his support instead by pointing out the women's trade. ("They're whores." "I'm in.")

Arriving at [[Nandi|Nandi's]] ranch, the crew is warmly greeted by the proprietor and her employees. [[Jayne Cobb|Jayne]] eagerly takes advantage of their hospitality, [[Derrial Book|Shepherd Book]] shares an awkward moment with two women in need of spiritual counseling&mdash;who note that the last preacher who came by only read one prayer and then took 'payment' from both of them&mdash;[[Simon Tam|Simon]] goes to examine the soon-due [[Petaline]] (with [[River Tam|River]] in tow), and [[Kaywinnet Lee Frye|Kaylee]] bemoans her own lack of attention from the doctor. [[Malcolm Reynolds|Mal]] and [[Zoë Alleyne Washburne|Zoë]] discuss the situation with [[Nandi]], who describes the poverty [[Rance Burgess|Burgess]] enforces on the locals "so he can play cowboy".

That evening, [[Malcolm Reynolds|Mal]] and [[Inara Serra|Inara]] take a trip into town to allow [[Malcolm Reynolds|Mal]] to size up their opponent. The odious [[Rance Burgess|Burgess]] only confirms [[Nandi|Nandi's]] assessment. He also takes a second to show [[Malcolm Reynolds|Mal]] his laser pistol, with an auto targeting scope. Shortly after the ''[[Serenity]]'' couple departs, [[Rance Burgess|Burgess]] gets his own confirmation — he is the father of [[Petaline|Petaline's]] baby.

Returning to [[Nandi|Nandi's]] ranch, [[Malcolm Reynolds|Mal]] announces that ''[[Serenity]]'' will depart forthwith, rather than face "a monster who thinks he's right with God" and who won't back down after only a single thrashing from some temporary help. [[Nandi]] diplomatically acknowledges his need to protect his own people, but [[Malcolm Reynolds|Mal]] clarifies that he expects to evacuate [[Nandi|Nandi's]] people as well. [[Nandi]] refuses to leave her hard-earned property and way of life, and [[Malcolm Reynolds|Mal]] reluctantly accepts the challenge, admiring the streak of stubborn independence they share; even Jayne optimistically notes that they may be able to catch Burgess off-guard given that he won't be expecting a fight.

The ''[[Serenity]]'' crew gamely spends the next day and night building up the brothel's defences and preparing some surprises for the villains. [[Zoë Alleyne Washburne|Zoë]] and [[Hoban Washburne|Wash]] have a tense conversation (clearly not a new one) about having a baby themselves in the near future, and [[Zoë Alleyne Washburne|Zoë]] puts her foot down on the subject — after Wash says "I'm not sure it's the best time to bring a tiny little helpless person into our lives," Zoë objects; "That excuse is getting a little worn, honey...I ain't so afraid of losing something that I ain't gonna try to have it. You and I would make one beautiful baby, and I want to meet that child one day." [[Nandi]] shows off a prized collection of guns to [[Malcolm Reynolds|Mal]], slipping in some subtle queries about [[Malcolm Reynolds|Mal]] and [[Inara Serra|Inara's]] relationship, and observing that the two shipmates share a dislike of "complications". She talks about the [[Companion]] training she shared with [[Inara Serra|Inara]] on the latter's home world, [[Sihnon]]. She says that [[Inara Serra|Inara]] was in the running to become "house priestess" of House Madrassa when she suddenly left, without explanation, to travel among the [[Union of Allied Planets|Alliance]] worlds. [[Nandi]] had left before then, straining at the restrictions of [[Companion]] life. She moved to this border world and assumed control of the whorehouse (implying a hostile takeover), cleaning it up and making it a better workplace for "the girls". [[Malcolm Reynolds|Mal]] and [[Nandi]] gradually move toward sex, pausing only when [[Nandi]] says "I ain't her", which [[Malcolm Reynolds|Mal]] deflects without directly acknowledging her implication of his feelings for [[Inara Serra|Inara]].

Meanwhile, [[Petaline]] approaches delivery with Simon and a nervous [[Inara Serra|Inara]] attending, both of whom reveal that they've never delivered a baby before ([[River Tam|River]] unhelpfully contributes some of her typical odd pronouncements and behavior, such as asking who is "in there"). That evening, back in town, one of [[Nandi|Nandi's]] girls, [[Chari]], reports to [[Rance Burgess]] on [[Malcolm Reynolds|Mal's]] preparations. After making an angry speech to his men implying women's ordained place as submissive servants to men, he makes [[Chari]] kneel before him to perform "a few more chores".

The next morning, [[Malcolm Reynolds|Mal]] arises from [[Nandi|Nandi's]] bed and stumbles into [[Inara Serra|Inara]] in the hallway. As he tries to make excuses, [[Inara Serra|Inara]] calmly acknowledges his sleeping with [[Nandi]], even thanking him for comforting her friend, and suggests that [[Companion]]s don't feel embarrassed about sex because of the lack of puritanism that [[Malcolm Reynolds|Mal]] exhibits on the subject. But later, she sobs deeply in private.

[[Malcolm Reynolds|Mal]] reviews the state of their defenses with his people and gives some last-minute advice to the worried women. [[Nandi]] looks in on [[Petaline]], whom [[Inara Serra|Inara]] is coaching while [[Simon Tam|Simon]] prepares for the delivery. The two [[Companion]]s share a look, and [[Nandi]] realizes that [[Inara Serra|Inara]] is much more attached to [[Malcolm Reynolds|Mal]] than she let on. When [[Nandi]] starts to discuss this with [[Malcolm Reynolds|Mal]], they are interrupted by "imminent violence" from Burgess's approaching forces. [[Rance Burgess|Burgess's]] men have gained prior access to ''[[Serenity]]'' and ambush [[Hoban Washburne|Wash]] and Kaylee as they board. [[Hoban Washburne|Wash]] and Kaylee have their hands full avoiding fire and are unable to answer [[Malcolm Reynolds|Mal's]] call for air cover assistance.

The battle begins, with the villains using automatic and laser weapons on the ranch house and its occupants. [[Jayne Cobb|Jayne]] deftly takes out the machine gunner named Kozick, and [[Derrial Book|Book]] works a Kaylee-rigged fire hose to put out fires caused by the laser gun.

Back on ''[[Serenity]]'', [[Hoban Washburne|Wash]] lures the invaders into the rear hallway, and Kaylee locks them inside. The two shipmates belatedly realize, however, that they've locked themselves into their opposite's rooms — pilot [[Hoban Washburne|Wash]] in the engine room, and engineer Kaylee pointlessly able to reach the bridge.

As [[Petaline]] gives birth, the traitorous [[Chari]] lets [[Rance Burgess|Burgess]] inside. He quickly storms into the delivery room, taking the newborn boy. [[Nandi]] overhears [[Petaline|Petaline's]] cry of despair and heads off the departing [[Rance Burgess|Burgess]]. [[Inara Serra|Inara]] sneaks up behind him and puts a knife to his throat, allowing one of [[Nandi|Nandi's]] girls to recover the child. [[Rance Burgess|Burgess]] gets the drop on [[Inara Serra|Inara]], shoots [[Nandi]], and escapes. [[Malcolm Reynolds|Mal]] arrives too late to save [[Nandi]]. He and [[Inara Serra|Inara]] grieve for a moment over the fallen woman, then have a silent conversation of looks that impel the rage-filled ship captain to pursue the kidnapper and murderer. He ultimately captures the man and drags him back to the ranch, setting the unrepentant and unbowed man on his knees before [[Petaline]] and their baby. She cheerfully introduces baby Jonah to his father, then shoots him in the head, execution-style and avenging Nandi. [[Petaline]] tells the remaining thugs to "go on home", and orders the treacherous [[Chari]] to accompany them. The girls and the crew have a funeral for Nandi and some of the deceased, during which one of the girls, [[Lucy]], (played by Australian singer, [[Wikipedia:Angie Hart|Angie Hart]]) sings "[[wikipedia:Amazing Grace|Amazing Grace]]." ''[[Serenity]]'' then departs.

Back on the ship, [[Inara Serra|Inara]] reiterates her gratitude that [[Malcolm Reynolds|Mal]] was able to comfort [[Nandi]] on what turned out to be her last night, but [[Malcolm Reynolds|Mal]] can only regret his failure to save her. As [[Malcolm Reynolds|Mal]] tries to broach the subject of his and [[Inara Serra|Inara's]] unacknowledged feelings toward each other, [[Inara Serra|Inara]] muses about how [[Nandi]] created a family, and how that kind of shared strength and love makes people never want to break away. She then shocks [[Malcolm Reynolds|Mal]] by announcing that she will be leaving ''[[Serenity]]''.

==Credits==
* [[Nandi]] ([[Melinda Clarke]])
* [[Chari]] ([[Kimberly McCullough]])
* [[Rance Burgess]] ([[Fredric Lehne|Fredric Lane]])
* [[Petaline]] ([[Tracy Ryan|Tracy Leah Ryan]])
* [[Helen]] ([[Heather Black]]), Jayne’s favourite
* [[Lucy]] ([[Angie Hart]]), Christian
* [[Emma]] ([[Doan Ly]]), Christian
* [[Belinda Burgess]] ([[Sandy Mulvihill]]), Rance’s wife
* Puppet Theater Narrator ([[Jim Lau]])

==Quotes==
* [[Quotes#Heart_of_Gold|Memorable Quotes From the Episode "Heart of Gold"]]
==Behind the scenes==
The episode highlights the difference between a Companion and common prostitute, suggesting that however much she might make financially, Nandi has fallen a long way in being reduced to this. A parallel may perhaps be drawn with the status Malcolm Reynolds enjoyed in the army, compared to his current fugitive condition.

During Wash and Zoe's discussion of eventually having children, Wash states his desire to not have a child is based off of "objective analysis." However, the DVD subtitles mistakenly write this line as "subjective analysis."

==Mandarin Translation==

(''Special Thanks to [http://www.browncoats.com/index.php?ContentID=42e83b412a309 BrownCoats.com].'')

*"The House would tell you not to come. I know they ordered you to shun me when I left." "That isn't why I haven't seen you Nandi. The House can '''''gen houzi bi diushi.''''' [engage in a feces hurling contest with a monkey.]" - ''Nandi and Inara.''
*"'''''Zhufu ni, meimei.''''' [Blessing on you, dear sister.]" - ''Nandi bids Inara farewell.''
*"It's so good to see you, '''''meimei.''''' [little sister.]" - ''Nandi greets Inara.''
*"'''''...wei zuozhe manzai er qu...'''''' [...swollen of her, they left...]" - ''From the shadow puppet play.''
*"Y'all are pulling, not squeezing like I said. Next one doesn't hit that board is giving up a special treat, '''''dong ma?''''' [understand?]" - ''Jayne teaches the whores to shoot.''
*"'''''Zhen mei naixing de Fozu,''''' [Extraordinarily impatient Buddha,] Malcolm, I been waiting for you to kiss me since I showed you my guns..." - ''Nandi.''
*"'''''Wangbadan...''''' [Sons of bitches...]" - ''Nandi curses when one of her girls is shot.''
*"Got you, you '''''niao shi de dugui!''''' [piss-soaked pikers!]" - ''Wash escapes pursuit aboard'' Serenity.

==Apocrypha==
Mal's use of the sound effect "Bwah" in this episode inspired the title of a fan-made Firefly-based variant of the western-themed card game ''[http://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/3955/bang BANG!]'', appropriately titled ''[http://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/24348/bwah BWAH!]''.

==Episode scripts==
* [http://www.russellmadden.com/Firefly_transcript_HEART_O.html "Heart of Gold" transcript]
* [http://web.archive.org/web/20070822221509/http://www.firefly-browncoats.com/script-heart-of-gold.html "Heart Of Gold " shooting script] from Firefly Browncoats at Internet Archive

[[ko:Heart of Gold]]
[[Category:Firefly episodes]]
[[Category:Post-FOX cancellation episodes]]