thanks Finlay!
yeah the pilot episode is kind of rough but it sets up the universe, characters, and is really well done when you break it down (like Mal using many religious/faith symbols in the war and then after he wants nothing to do with it, showing he lost everything including his faith in serenity valley). Though it is not as fun as the other episodes. There is a tone shift halfway through the season from serious to more light hearted and fun.