Overview

“Heart of Gold” is a surprisingly emotional episode, despite being filled with almost as many mistakes as successes. But by the time it is finished, this episode will most likely be remembered for what it does well. And rightly so. Because despite the missteps and awkwardly placed moments, the episode does indeed have a “heart of gold” — one that seems to be pulled in several directions at once. And by the time all is said and done, this still-beating heart is liable to be pulled right out.

Analysis & Criticism

The premise of the story is that a brothel on a rough-and-tumble world is under threat from a man named Ranse, who decides that a young woman’s child is his – and he wants to take it from her to be raised in town with “decent” folk, like his wife. The woman in charge of the brothel, named Nandi (Melinda Clarke), was a former Companion who calls Inara and asks for help. In turn, Inara asks Mal and the rest, as they say, is history.

Except that becoming entangled in the local conflict carries with it a host of emotional problems for both Mal and Inara – particularly when Mal falls for Nandi and spends the evening with her. These interpersonal complexities play out surprisingly well on-screen, helped by the strong performances of the cast. More importantly, though, the events, including the death of Nandi, force Mal and Inara to confront their feelings for one another. In the end, Inara decides to leave Serenity to simplify the situation.

But one has to wonder? Is that the right decision?

As for the rest of the episode, there are a couple of noteworthy moments – namely from Shepherd Book, Zoe and Wash. Zoe seems particularly adamant about starting a family and her comment to Wash, that she isn’t so afraid of losing something that she wouldn’t want it to begin with, seems to be a thematic connection to what Mal and Inara are facing with each other. They seem afraid to lose one another, so Inara simply chooses to walk away – rather than to lose Mal at a later time.

And again, one has to wonder: Is that the right decision?

Shepherd Book, on the other hand, is pressed into action – both as a moral support for the women of the brothel and as secondary player in the inevitable shootout which eventually claims the life of Nandi and several members of her brothel.  It’s interesting to see how Shepherd Book handles himself so effortlessly in these circumstances – as though it were all just another day at the office.

The episode’s most disturbing moments come from Ranse who is little more than a brutal, misogynist villain. His attitude toward women in general is bad enough. But his personal treatment of everyone – from Nandi, to his wife, to the brothel worker who sells out her co-workers for money – is particularly troubling. Of course, in the end, he’s shot and killed by the mother of his son … but one has to wonder what commentary the character was meant to convey?

Overall Grade: B

“Heart of Gold” is, without question, a compelling episode.  The episode does try too hard to pull at the emotional heart strings and, as a result, some moments become exceedingly awkward.  And yet, the finished product is greater than the sum of its parts.  All told, it’s one of the more powerful episodes of the series.

Topics: Sci-Fi, TV Reviews
Filed under: Firefly

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