This episode opens with a flashback to 10 years earlier in the Tam household when River and Simon were kids. The crew arrives to a backwater colony to unload cattle they had been transporting. A gunfight begins and Shepherd is mortally wounded. Mal makes the decision to leave with Shepherd and leave Simon and River, who had been kidnapped, behind. The Tams are taken to a backwoods settlement to be their doctor, but River's odd ways get her in trouble. In this episode we learn that Shepherd has a secrets deeper than we think, for a check on his ID card got immediate attention and he was treated with top medical care by the Alliance. When Mal asks about his connection with the Alliance, Shepherd dodges his question.When on the ship again he says, "It's good to be back home."
The crew swoop in to save Simon and River from being burned as a witch just in time. When Simon asks Mal why he came back for them, Mal said "because you're part of my crew." The episode ends with a meal together. All the characters are now home.
Going home, being part of a family, belonging, communion (?) are themes in this episode. What does it mean to feel safe? Funny how we call the worship center of a church the "sanctuary." It's meant to be a safe place, a place to commune with your brothers and sisters in Christ. May we care for those who are broken and never leave behind those who are lost.
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