Firefly, Inara/Mal musical videos

[alexandral]

Firefly, Inara/Mal musical videos

I have finished "Firefly" and "Serenity" this week. What to say? I am so sorry it all is over and all we have is 14(?) episodes and a film… It is a great show, and probably the best sci-fi show I have watched up to date.

I think it is very well-done and every character is amazing. But OMPH!! Mal and Inara! Relationship so complicated, so beautiful! I am afraid this post is going to be incoherent writings of Mal and Inara shipper. I have almost stopped obsessing with "Rome" finale since Wednesday. EEEEE! Wednesday is the day when I watched "The heart of gold" episode for the first time.. :D





I am heart-broken and happy at the same time. Happy because OMPH! This is so beautiful! But heartbroken because I think whatever way I look at this, Mal does not love Inara as much as she love him.

Inara:
A lady (oh, a woman doesn't quite fit, I think) who at the beginning , before you get to see her for real, seems to be in total control of her life. But with every episode, bit by bit, in little conversations and gestures you she opens up a little and what inside is a little girl who feels a need to belong. A girl who is so drawn to captain Reynolds and so afraid of rejection. When she is kissing "wounded" Mal in the episode "Our Mrs.Reynolds" she is just that – a girl in love. And when it comes to "The heart of gold" , her reaction to Mal's spending a night with her friend Nandy is so incredibly heart-breaking….

Mal:
I think he has some deep feelings for her, but there are few things (and very major things) that are in a way : Inara's profession, his responsibilities as a captain and his total belief that Inara doesn't share his feelings. The last one is a most important one, I think. And I can absolutely see it, just another case of "oh, he is so clueless". Everyone around them seems to notice how Inara feels, what is wrong with you, captain?????? I am so so angry with you for sleeping with Nandy!! SO ANGRY!!!!!!!!!!!!! How come you have all these problems with Inara's profession and don't seem to have them with Nandy's profession?
I don't blame Inara for leaving at all.. I see that for her probably this was a moment when she realised that Mal will never love her. I do think Mal loves Inara, but I can see how from her point of view he doesn't. And think she felt she had to go because she has this big burning torch for him and it will never disappear if they are close.

Oh, I wish they shown us more of Mal/Inara in "Serenity", this wasn't enough for me. It seems that Ianra is going to stay on "Serenity", but I just want some more..



Just Another Woman In Love. I don't know who the singer is, but this song is beautiful (and haunting) . I like how this video shows Inara's feelings, so lovely..

Concoa Verdes Anos" by the Kronos Quartet. Oh, just so perfect and almost ethereal!

All American rejects: "If you are so strong, you might as well do it alone". ** sniff **

Comments

[soniag.livejournal.com]

I'm so glad you enjoyed Firefly! Makes me want to watch it again.

I, too, love Mal and Inara. And I adore the moment in the movie when he says "You spin me about" or something to that effect.

*sigh*

[alexandral.livejournal.com]

Isn't it just so excellent? Oh, I looooooved the moment you mentioned. He was so lovely and out of breath that I almost forgiven him his story with Nandy.. he does not know what to do with Inara and at the same time if he just let himself go!!! ** sigh **

[meganbmoore.livejournal.com]

I think Mal loves Inara as much as he's capable of loving someone(well, he loves Zoe, but that's a completely different kind of love) but is oblivious to it.

I think the thing with Nandy was that she was fun and attractive and willing, and there were no ties. Sleeping with(or indicating an interest in) Inara would be a personal tie and, despite his protectiveness with Kaylee and River(I think the "younger sister" type of relationship is unthreatening to him) the only tie he can acknowledge is with Zoe, and even then, it's because she's a part of his life that in many ways, Zoe is a major part of his self-identity. Even that relationship isn't "normal" though because she still has the military mindset...it's just that they've been together so long that the idea of their living apart or not being a part of each other's life is absolutely unfathomable to them.

Did you watch the deleted scenes in Serenity? There are a few Mal/Inara things there. I adore when Mal and Inara are talking and everyone is eavesdropping...they're such shippers...

[baleanoptera.livejournal.com]

Zoe is a major part of his self-identity. Even that relationship isn't "normal" though because she still has the military mindset...it's just that they've been together so long that the idea of their living apart or not being a part of each other's life is absolutely unfathomable to them.

hello again! Just jumping in here because you've summed up so beautifully the whole Zoe and Mal friendship, and I just had to comment on that. ;)

And I agree with you that Mal is oblivious to the fact that he loves Inara. I've always taken it the way that after the battle of Serenity he is afraid of committing to anything emotionally, and this includes Inara as well. The fact that she is from Zhinon and voted for Unification doesn't help either.

[meganbmoore.livejournal.com]

Heh, we seem to like a lot of the same things.

I love my OTP relationships, but I tend to obsess over other relationships just as much, if not more at times(in Veronica Mars, you'll hear me go on more about Veronica/Weevil than Veronica/Logan, even though I dodn't romantically ship V/W at all but I do V/L) and Mal and Zoe have one of the most symbiotic relationships ever. I think part of the reason Wash *bawls uncontrollably* could never COMPLETELY figure it out was because he couldn't imagine how a guy(a good looking one at that) with a functioning sex drive couldn't be remotely interested in Zoe physically(and vice versa) yet have them be so imseparable. I meam, in Serenity, I don't think it ever crossed Mal or Zoe's minds that she'd leave.

On an individual basis, I don't know how much which side of the war you were on matters to Mal unless you MAKE it matter. He has deep scars from it, but mostly seems to separate it from individual beliefs about it. It happened, he lost(and lost everything) and he has to move on, even though part of him is always there(which brings us back to Zoe) But as it as that and Inara goes, I don't think it factors in except as a defense mechanism to argue with her about. I think the only way it factors in is as another way to shut out his feelings for her.

[alexandral.livejournal.com]

but is oblivious to it.

Oh, this is interesting.. I think you are right. And this adds to the fact that even after "the heart of gold" he doesn't look like he believes that she has any feeling for him.. I think because they last the war some part of him is damaged and just doesn't see/want anything for himself. (And here is where I like him so much and at the same time want to hit him on a head).

I think the thing with Nandy was that she was fun and attractive and willing, and there were no ties.

I thought this first too, that Mal didn't have deep feeling for Nandy and that in a way this made things easier. What got me confused was their sex scene (which I loved). Mal seemed to have some real feelings for Nandy there. As much as I want to imagina that he was imagining Inara whist sleeping with Nany, I don't think he did.. Oh, he made me so jealous on Inara's behalf there! And the fact that Nandy died will make her "alive forever" in his mind.. ** some more jealousy here **

Zoe is a major part of his self-identity. Even that relationship isn't "normal" though because she still has the military mindset...it's just that they've been together so long that the idea of their living apart or not being a part of each other's life is absolutely unfathomable to them..

Like baleanoptera I love how you described Mal's relationship with Zoe. I agree with you – though I am all about romantic relationships, it adds a BIG extra for me when a fiction has a beautifully developed relationship of a different kind, like in Mal/Zoe's case. "Firefly" is great for this, actually.. I like Simor and River, Kaylee and Inara, even Jayne and Shepard.. And this is why I like "Rome" so! Vorenus and Pullo!

Did you watch the deleted scenes in Serenity? There are a few Mal/Inara things there. I adore when Mal and Inara are talking and everyone is eavesdropping...they're such shippers...

You see, I was so desperate on Wednesday that I downloaded "Serenity". I am going to get a DVD as soon as I am out of the house today.. And yep, I love how everyone on "Serenity" is a fan of Mal/Inara..

[sixphanel.livejournal.com]

:) It's been a while since we "talked", and I haven't seen better moment than this one to say "hi" :D

Firefly... *sigh* what a great tv show (and movie) I think it would have been my favourite scifi, if I wouldn't have known Battlestar Galactica. It's sad that we just have 14 episodes Not fair. Anyway... Mal&Inara... love. Great ship. Not enough of it. :(
I was thinking the other day in this show, and I realized how much I miss it. But I don't want to think too much in it, because I don't want to be sad *sniff*

See you!

[alexandral.livejournal.com]

EEEEE! Hi!!

Firefly... *sigh* what a great tv show (and movie) I think it would have been my favourite scifi, if I wouldn't have known Battlestar Galactica.

"Battlestar Galactica" was my absolute favourite during it's season 1, and even 2. Unfortunately, the season 3 of BSG is not something I like very much.. I confess, I even stopped watching BSG completely. So in a way, may be one-season status of "Firefly" is a plus after all. :D I like "Farscape" very much too, it is a very close second..

It's sad that we just have 14 episodes Not fair. Anyway... Mal&Inara... love. Great ship. Not enough of it. :(

And they apparently deleted some Mal/Inara scenes in "Serenity".. ** sigh ** NOT FAIR!!!

[sixphanel.livejournal.com]

I "hated" BSG season 3... but fortunately, the latest episodes were great! So I'm excited about tomorrow's season finale and what will happen on next season. You should see it, some day... there's going to be a 10 month hiatus until 4th season, so... xDDDD

And about Serenity... I think there was some deleted scenes on the dvd... I can't remember now, I'll have to watch the movie & extras again lol.

;)

[alexandral.livejournal.com]

I "hated" BSG season 3... but fortunately, the latest episodes were great! So I'm excited about tomorrow's season finale and what will happen on next season.

Oh, you sure ignite an interest in my inner BSG-lover. Because it was my first love and the show that brought me into fandom and LJ. Hee! I didn't know fanfiction existed until I Googled for X-files Mulder/Scully and BSG Kara/Lee around the same time, in late summer 2005..

I think I will watch the finale at least. :D

And about Serenity... I think there was some deleted scenes on the dvd... I can't remember now, I'll have to watch the movie & extras again lol.

Because I was so desperate on Wednesday I downloaded it. But I bought DVD yesterday and YAY! There is a lovle lovely Mal/Ianara scene where he says "Why did you leave?" and she says "Why didn't you ask me not to?".

[baleanoptera.livejournal.com]

Yay! Your finished! Now I can talk about Firefly without worrying about spoilers.

when I watched "The heart of gold" episode for the first time.. :D

I've been waiting to hear your reactions to "heart of gold". It's such a huge Mal/Inara episode.

As for why he doesn't seem to have problems with Nandi's profession I think it's because he feels she is honest about it. She calls herself a whore, and that is what she is. I get the feeling that Mal thinks the term "companion" is a fancy and false way of saying whore, and that it glorifies the job.

I also think it's easier for him to accept Nandi, since he isn't bothered with jealousy as far as she is concerned.

Now it's great that Inara stays, but there is a further, yet slightly hidden, glimmer of hope at the end of "Serenity". Before Book dies he tells Mal: "I don't care what you believe. Just believe something". And as we have talked about before one of Mal's problems is that after the Battle of Serenity he doesn't dare believe in anything, let alone such a thing that Inara might love him.
But in the final scene of "Serenity" he talks to River and tells her what the first rule of flying is (and I'm quoting it all here since I love it so):

Love. You can know all the math in the 'Verse, but take a boat in the air you don't love, she'll shake you off just as sure as the turning of worlds. Love keeps her in the air when she oughta fall down, tells ya she's hurtin' 'fore she keens. Makes her home.

And I've always taken this scene as a sign that Mal has found something to believe in - he has found love. And that might just reflect well on his relationship with Inara as well.

[alexandral.livejournal.com]

As for why he doesn't seem to have problems with Nandi's profession I think it's because he feels she is honest about it. She calls herself a whore, and that is what she is. I get the feeling that Mal thinks the term "companion" is a fancy and false way of saying whore, and that it glorifies the job.

I also think it's easier for him to accept Nandi, since he isn't bothered with jealousy as far as she is concerned.

At first I thought that Mal allows himself to be with Nandy just because she is good-looking, available, etc.. What made be sad was their sex scene. This scenes was so beautiful and there was so much feeling in it. I felt so jealous on Inara's behalf (I hope this is not a too strange thing to do :D) . It felt for me that Mal was really falling for Nandy. And because she died she will be always there is his memory. I would rather if Mal was having flash-backs of Inara during the sex scene. :(

Love. You can know all the math in the 'Verse, but take a boat in the air you don't love, she'll shake you off just as sure as the turning of worlds. Love keeps her in the air when she oughta fall down, tells ya she's hurtin' 'fore she keens. Makes her home.

Oh, I loved it so too! And you gave me HOPE! I read this as if Mal wasn't speaking about himself specifically, but about all his crew members and their individual stories, loves of different kind. I agree with meganbmoore, there are so many great non-romantic relationships in this show. (Jayne and Shepard being my favoure, them always hanging in the gym and 'all :D) . But I totally buy it and will maintain from now on that Mal is saying thing meaning he is finally allowing himself to love, to have feelings for Inara..YAY!

I have to go into town soon and I am going to get DVD of "Serenity" and watch deleted scenes. I did a download on Wednesday, I was so sad after "The heart of gold" and this download doesn't have deleted scenes..

[alexandral.livejournal.com]

I always found that Mal was full of love for his crew and for Inara. In fact, I thought he had to keep fighting not to sacrifice everything and everyone around him just to be with her.

Oh, I am trying to think this too, after "Serenity". When he went to recue her all on his own and was so happy even thought it was a trap and then said "I came there for you". But I was very happy. I wish we had more more more!

Tragic love is the best:)

I do agree, actually. Tragic love never ends, very many happy loves have a "boring" ending. :D

[sandra666219.livejournal.com]

thanks for the updates of "Firefly" and "Serenity" I wanted to watch them, but friend Pinkie said they were dull as dirt. So I didn't watch.

But then again she told me V for Vendetta was a movie about gay rights. I just saw the movie a few weeks ago. It had nothing to do with that. I think she going mental.

Now she tells me she has ghosts in her house. She is mentally losing it alright.

so you are a sci fi fan too. I like sci fi also.

[alexandral.livejournal.com]

thanks for the updates of "Firefly" and "Serenity" I wanted to watch them, but friend Pinkie said they were dull as dirt. So I didn't watch.

Oh, I loved it (as you can tell perhaps). I even watched all deleted scenes yesterday which I don't do very often. :D

so you are a sci fi fan too. I like sci fi also.

I love love love sci-fi. I loved it before I loved Korean and Japanese dramas. :D

[sandra666219.livejournal.com]

Me too. I watch everything Sci-fi. Then last year I got into the dramas. Now a sci fi korean and japanese drama would be good.

IF you can watch japanese drama, Yasha, it has a sci fi feel to it. you may like it.

[alexandral.livejournal.com]

I also become a dorama fan not that long ago, I think the end of last summer. "Long Vacation" was my first dorama.

IF you can watch japanese drama, Yasha, it has a sci fi feel to it. you may like it.

Thank you for the recommendation .. I also like anime, for me it is a bit of sci-ci, a bit of dorama and a bit of animation…

[sandra666219.livejournal.com]

anime too. I love anime. I watch it all the time.

we have more in common that I thought. that's so cool. You should see my anime collection. all box sets. my newest one is robotech, the whole thing. All 21 disc. Finally got it. it was on sale. Now I am on a quest to see which one to buy. on my lj there is link for that Yasha. I think you might like it. I was glued. I wanted to know the secret.

[alexandral.livejournal.com]

we have more in common that I thought

Fantastic!!

[quabazaa.livejournal.com]

Ahhhh I love Firefly so much..! Mal/Inara are so frustrating but so good.. sigh. I definitely believe that sometime they figure things out in the future! Glad you liked the series :)

[alexandral.livejournal.com]

Oh, they are one of my favourite OTPs now. So good. I think the best thing I like about them is an attraction of opposites - Mal is so idealistic and Inara is pragmatic.

[kiaforrest.livejournal.com]

a confessed M/K shipper here - BUT
I agree that Inara's feelings for Mal are much deeper than she realizes, until Heart of Gold.

In Heart of Gold what struck me is how overwhelmed her reaction was. Remember in Shindig she's with Atherton Wing, her Life/ Profession IS what it is. She was contracted, might contract permanently... someday. She tends to choose young men, childish men, controllable men. Choosing is the point for her. Mother/ goddess/ mentor is a role she prefers. Equality might be some 'perverse seductive fantasy' in her view.... When we meet her in the opening show, her threat of 'leaving' because Mal won't do what she thinks is right destroyed any budding trust he might have been developing IMHO, and for a companion such an error in interaction was revealing, again IMHO.

In Heart of Gold, Mal's contract with someone else is devastating for Inara, but that was *all* it was. He wasn't going to stay, Nandy wasn't going to sign up as crew. His time with Nandy makes perfect sense to me - but that's a side track for later :giggle:. Inara mocks his reactions to Atherton in Shindig, then holds a ruler of expectation to Mal's behavior that is so Out of Character for her. Mal's not parading his contract, he Was trying to be discreet, just blew it is all :grin: But Inara clearly is blown out of the water by her feelings. She hides and purges the response rather than dealing with Mal, Nandy or even the emotions. Just dumps them and decides to move on rather than confront. Mal fussed, prodded, mocked & stood his ground in Shindig - even though it was stoopid ground :g:. Inara fell into the quicksand and either couldn't or wouldn't reach out.

I don't think he's clueless, though. I don't think he's capable of returning the level of intimacy she'd need. I think his ability to accept her profession as a 'fact of their life' would be like accepting he was "on the wrong side" in Serenity Valley - just not going to happen. Manipulation, even pleasantly, is so similar to enslavement in Mal's heart that Inara's affection/ responses would always be questioned & she'd shatter into Millions of Pieces (as in Heart of Gold) to have her soul/ heart questioned every time she touched or reached out.

It WOULD be a destructive relationship, but even *I* can see the temptation :grin:

And O the Firefly Lurve!

[alexandral.livejournal.com]

Choosing is the point for her. Mother/ goddess/ mentor is a role she prefers. Equality might be some 'perverse seductive fantasy' in her view....

This is very interesting, OH YOU ARE always thinking so deep!! I agree. I think Inara did what she liked, and choose whom she liked and could control until she met Mal. And him she can't control but it adds to the attraction IMHO.

In Heart of Gold, Mal's contract with someone else is devastating for Inara, but that was *all* it was. He wasn't going to stay, Nandy wasn't going to sign up as crew. His time with Nandy makes perfect sense to me

I think it was fine until the moment of Nandy death. She would never be someone Mal left behind anymore, she is someone he is going to remember for life.

She hides and purges the response rather than dealing with Mal, Nandy or even the emotions. Just dumps them and decides to move on rather than confront.

I think she just realized HOW much she loves him and in a face of it and also with added irrational feelings any lovers have as to how much their subject is interested in them she decided to flee. I agree with you, I think if she just confessed everything to Mal at the end of "The Heart of Gold" things could have been very very different.

I don't think he's clueless, though. I don't think he's capable of returning the level of intimacy she'd need. I think his ability to accept her profession as a 'fact of their life' would be like accepting he was "on the wrong side" in Serenity Valley

I think you are right here too. He can't just "say" to her to leave her profession, she has to decide for herself. This IMHO happened at the end of Serenity. Inara decided to stay, but not as on-board companion anymore. And as someone else said , it was different with Nany. Because it was nothing serious Mal didn't care for her profession. But anything with Inara will be SERIOUS.

And O the Firefly Lurve!

It is just not enough of it. I would love to see Inara changing..