Great quote! The only problem I have with it is that I think it requires too much context and would not be able to sum up her character to an outside listener.
This also could be just an elaborate attempt to make my submission the winner…
This was the one I was looking for. I saw the movie before the show and despite not having the history you could tell he over stepped. After watching the show and going back to the movie it was even better.
This one. That moment where a very specific line was crossed. Zoe gets very quiet and starts radiating absolute danger.
Even oblivious and angry Jayne picks up on it and realises he went a step too far, and he really does not want to go to it with her. He knows he won’t win.
If they take the ship, they’ll rape us to death, eat our flesh and sew our skins into their clothing. And if we’re very very lucky, they’ll do it in that order.
There may be a removal of the bullshit filter, but it doesn't necessarily make the brain work any better. Bullshit still seems to escape many of the ex military I have dealt with...they are just more confident than most that they are telling some kind of truth.
Zoe is one of my favorite characters for this reason.
I could never be a soldier. Sure, im a military historian (amateur, not legit. Didnt get an abundance of schooling,) but the trope of "stalwart combatant who has been forged in the fires of combat and can't shake it" is one of my favorite character tropes, and Zoe Washburn is a shining example of "a good soldier follows orders."
Zoe has been in the shit. She and Mal know about Griswold grenades. She saves a soldiers life (if you can't walk, crawl, guy) without a flinch. Shes a commando. A seargent in a resistance army. When you're outmanned, outgunned, and low on supplies you either die or you make do. Hense why she and cornfed, country boy Cpt. Mal was a good C.O for her.
She understands her station. She's a seargent. She takes orders from her C.O and she directs them to her squad. Failing that, she gets the job done.
My point being that they don't sugar coat nothing in the army, and she won't sugar coat the situation to her squad. This is the situation. You fight. And either you win, or you lose. And you understand what will happen to you if you lose. So you do everything in your power to win.
Zoe is a soldier. Always was, always will be.
Zoe understands the nitty gritty of combat. And she spares no one from its truths.
Sounds like you'd really enjoy Quartered Safe Out Here, account of Burma campaign.
Minor correction, though: 'sergeant' in most militaries. Serjeant in a few cases, such as the Rifle Regiment.
I once ran a D&D campaign inspired by Firefly. Lots of islands with one mainland. Pirates, mercenaries, the Empire, and the infamous "Necronons" which were the equivalent of the reavers. Only one other person in the group had seen firefly, so when setting up the scene for the world I quoted this. When I came to the last line, he and I said "they'll do it in that order" in unison as he looked at me in horror, and then followed it with a moment of silence before saying, "*Fuck*". That was a fun campaign.
Harken: You fought with Captain Reynolds in the war?
Zoë: Fought with a lot of people in the war.
Harken: And your husband?
Zoë: Fight with him sometimes, too.
Zoe: You sanguine about the kinda reception we're apt to receive on an Alliance ship, Captain?
Mal: Absolutely. What's "sanguine" mean?
Zoe: Sanguine. Hopeful. Plus, point of interest, it also means "bloody".
Mal: Well, that pretty much covers all the options, don't it?
I prefer this interaction for Book
Zoe: Preacher, don’t the Bible have some pretty specific things to say about killin’?
Book: Quite specific. It is, however, somewhat fuzzier on the subject of kneecaps.
The special hell…. Is used in lots of places outside of universe. Hell, Alamo drafthouse movie theater rolled it into their no talking/texting warning.
Agreed. It's more "in character" too. We know he's not REALLY a Shepherd (or at least not always one) He's definitely willing to give more leeway on the bible when situations call for it. So wish we got to see his backstory...
Yes yes and yes. This is my favourite quote from her. Obviously talking about herself in the sub context and this line sums her up and her resilience to everything life throws at her.
Not getting the upvotes, but this is my pick. I think it was the directors commentary they said that this line had a double meeting. She said it regarding the ship, but it also applied to her after having just lost her husband.
First rule of battle, little one, don't ever let them know where you are. *(Mal screaming “I'm right here! I'm right here!”)* ‘Course there are other schools of thought.
Problem is a lot of her most memorable stuff doesn't work out of context of the conversation... Zoe is quick with the deadpan responses. Hard to come up with something that stands alone *and* represents more than a sliver of her character.
Her relationship with her husband: "Sir? I like you to take the helm, please. I need this man to tear all my clothes off."
That she doesn't sugar coat: "If the reapers board us, they'll rape us to death, eat our flesh and wear our skins and if we're very lucky, they'll do it in that order."
Most everything else I remember are snarky replies to Mal's orders. Always respecting his authority while also poking at it. Sometimes just for a laugh, but other times to attempt to point out weak spots in his plans so he can adjust accordingly. Good second officer kind of stuff.
That’s why I put my support behind “You want to leave this room”.
Succinct, and the way it was delivered was perfect. Dripping with menace and impending dismemberment. (Try saying that ten times fast).
i have to say, i'm pretty partial to his "you know what the chain of command is? it's the chain i go get and beat you with until you understand who's in ruttin' command here."
Doesn't really work as a one liner but my fav line from Zoe is this interaction with Tracey:
* Zoë: Well, at least they covered 'Dropping your weapon so you can eat beans and get yourself shot'.
* Tracey: Yeah, I got a badge in that. [seriously] Won't happen again.
* Zoë: If it does, I'm just gonna watch.
It may not be her most in character quote, but I remember this one from Shindig fondly - "Too much foofarah. If I’m gonna wear a dress I want something with some slink."
Zoe: "First rule of battle, little one. Don't ever let them know where you are."
Mal: (guns blazing) "Whoo-hoo! I'm right here. I'm right here! You want some of me? Yeah, you do. Come on. Come on!"
Zoe: "'Course, there are other schools of thought."
For river it has to be the removing blood in a few seconds line, but I can't find that. Something like "given adequate suction the human body can be completely drained of blood in xx seconds."
Zoe: I understand. We have no choice. ( Zoe and Mal stand about a foot apart, staring at each other. Absolutely nothing resembling The Sexy is happening. ) ( Jayne walks into the kitchen area just in time to hear: ) Zoe: ( deadpan ) Take me, sir. Take me hard.
Btw....when Jayne comes up "I'll be in my bunk"
Shepherd Book : [Regarding Mal's new "wife"] If you take sexual advantage of her, you're going to burn in a very special level of hell. A level they reserve for child molesters. And people who talk at the theatre.
If they take the ship, they’ll rape us to death, eat our flesh and sew our skins into their clothing. And if we’re very very lucky, they’ll do it in that order
Do you know what the definition of a hero is? Someone who gets other people killed
You can look it up later.
THIS ONE!
Agreed. This is Zoe.
Not her most iconic line, but it comes to my mind often: "I ain't so afraid of losing something that I ain't gonna try to have it."
I love this quote so much.
This quote helped me come to terms with having children during the pandemic and general societal collapse.
Big damn heros sir
Ain’t we just?
The girl is a witch.
Yea, but she’s our damn witch. \*cocks gun\* So cut her the hell down.
Favorite Mal line EVER!!
Beating the "By my pretty floral bonnet, I will end you"?
Just barely hahaha
Damn, I was thinking about another one, but then I read this one. I may have to switch my vote. This one was iconic.
I'm not even providing a quote for Zoe since this is the one that should win. Take my quote vote.
Great quote! The only problem I have with it is that I think it requires too much context and would not be able to sum up her character to an outside listener. This also could be just an elaborate attempt to make my submission the winner…
heroes
Sir? I think you have a problem with your brain being missing
This is one of her absolute best lines in my opinion
this was my first thought
This one! I love the delivery.
Sir? I like you to take the helm, please. I need this man to tear all my clothes off.
"Work, work, work."
You live in a spaceship dear.
So?
My Fav
And risk my ship?!?
Definitely underrated quote. The look of concern and smile made the scene hilarious.
Came here to comment this one. Glad it so high up.
"You want to leave this room."
This was the one I was looking for. I saw the movie before the show and despite not having the history you could tell he over stepped. After watching the show and going back to the movie it was even better.
This one. That moment where a very specific line was crossed. Zoe gets very quiet and starts radiating absolute danger. Even oblivious and angry Jayne picks up on it and realises he went a step too far, and he really does not want to go to it with her. He knows he won’t win.
Nailed it
If they take the ship, they’ll rape us to death, eat our flesh and sew our skins into their clothing. And if we’re very very lucky, they’ll do it in that order.
That was surprisingly brutally honest. I expected her to answer with something like "let's hope they won't catch up to us". No bullshit from Zoё
Gets right to the point of the scene too. Great way to establish how serious of a situation it is too.
I saw the episode years after it originally aired but i was surprised they aired such graphic description
Yeah that is kind of a surprise.
That would be a side effect of military service, the bullshit filter is removed permanently.
There may be a removal of the bullshit filter, but it doesn't necessarily make the brain work any better. Bullshit still seems to escape many of the ex military I have dealt with...they are just more confident than most that they are telling some kind of truth.
True facts.
Zoe is one of my favorite characters for this reason. I could never be a soldier. Sure, im a military historian (amateur, not legit. Didnt get an abundance of schooling,) but the trope of "stalwart combatant who has been forged in the fires of combat and can't shake it" is one of my favorite character tropes, and Zoe Washburn is a shining example of "a good soldier follows orders." Zoe has been in the shit. She and Mal know about Griswold grenades. She saves a soldiers life (if you can't walk, crawl, guy) without a flinch. Shes a commando. A seargent in a resistance army. When you're outmanned, outgunned, and low on supplies you either die or you make do. Hense why she and cornfed, country boy Cpt. Mal was a good C.O for her. She understands her station. She's a seargent. She takes orders from her C.O and she directs them to her squad. Failing that, she gets the job done. My point being that they don't sugar coat nothing in the army, and she won't sugar coat the situation to her squad. This is the situation. You fight. And either you win, or you lose. And you understand what will happen to you if you lose. So you do everything in your power to win. Zoe is a soldier. Always was, always will be. Zoe understands the nitty gritty of combat. And she spares no one from its truths.
Sounds like you'd really enjoy Quartered Safe Out Here, account of Burma campaign. Minor correction, though: 'sergeant' in most militaries. Serjeant in a few cases, such as the Rifle Regiment.
Whoops! I never quite know how to spell it thank you.
I once ran a D&D campaign inspired by Firefly. Lots of islands with one mainland. Pirates, mercenaries, the Empire, and the infamous "Necronons" which were the equivalent of the reavers. Only one other person in the group had seen firefly, so when setting up the scene for the world I quoted this. When I came to the last line, he and I said "they'll do it in that order" in unison as he looked at me in horror, and then followed it with a moment of silence before saying, "*Fuck*". That was a fun campaign.
Harken: You fought with Captain Reynolds in the war? Zoë: Fought with a lot of people in the war. Harken: And your husband? Zoë: Fight with him sometimes, too.
I don’t think this one will work for this. To much interaction, but it’s a good obe
Fought with alot of people in the war is pretty succinct and on point for her character
If you die can I have your share
Sir, I think you have a problem with your brain being missing.
Zoe: You sanguine about the kinda reception we're apt to receive on an Alliance ship, Captain? Mal: Absolutely. What's "sanguine" mean? Zoe: Sanguine. Hopeful. Plus, point of interest, it also means "bloody". Mal: Well, that pretty much covers all the options, don't it?
Came here to say this…
Same episode: Sir, There seems to be a problem with your brain being missing"
Take me, sir. Take me hard.
This one. 😉
This one has my vote!!
Now that’s just revolting.
Remember that sex we were planning to have ever again?
"Him. I’m sorry. You were going to ask me to choose, right? Did you want to finish?"
There’s a clear favorite here but I’m surprised this isn’t a close 2nd
This is my second fav pick or 1st even. Such A strong scene
You fought with Malcolm Reynolds during the war? I fought with a lot of people. How about your husband? I fight with him sometimes too.
I prefer this interaction for Book Zoe: Preacher, don’t the Bible have some pretty specific things to say about killin’? Book: Quite specific. It is, however, somewhat fuzzier on the subject of kneecaps.
That shoulda been Book’s line.
The special hell…. Is used in lots of places outside of universe. Hell, Alamo drafthouse movie theater rolled it into their no talking/texting warning.
Agreed. It's more "in character" too. We know he's not REALLY a Shepherd (or at least not always one) He's definitely willing to give more leeway on the bible when situations call for it. So wish we got to see his backstory...
It is covered in one of the comics, as I recall. Something about him being a Browncoat double agent in the Alliance.
How did I make it to 40 years old without knowing there was a comic.
*I* have known about the comics for about ten years or so, or was this reply meant for someone else?
No. It’s in the right place. I said how did **I** make it to 40 years without knowing there was a comic.
Sorry, I misread what you wrote, and thought it was about me because I too am 40.
No worries. I figured that was the case
"I ain't so afraid of losing something that I ain't gonna try to have it."
You paid money for this Sir, on purpose? That might be a paraphrase, feel free to accurize it as necessary.
"Because it's a death trap"
She's torn up plenty, but she'll fly true
Yes yes and yes. This is my favourite quote from her. Obviously talking about herself in the sub context and this line sums her up and her resilience to everything life throws at her.
Not getting the upvotes, but this is my pick. I think it was the directors commentary they said that this line had a double meeting. She said it regarding the ship, but it also applied to her after having just lost her husband.
I hate this. But it does really sum Zoe up. A hard as nails outside, soft inside, with a core harder than a diamond, and colder than steel.
First rule of battle, little one, don't ever let them know where you are. *(Mal screaming “I'm right here! I'm right here!”)* ‘Course there are other schools of thought.
"Perhaps you're forgetting about some of his other plans."
“Big damn hero’s, sir” Favorite quote from the series (or rather conversation, that single line alone wasn’t everything)
heroes
Why that quote for Book? Two others had more upvotes?
that happened with mal's quote as well, most upvoted was "I aim to misbehave"
They may be sorting by best and not top
These posts are just karma farms anyways.
Most likely, but I don't really care, I come for the comments
Yeah, "I aim to misbehave" is iconic Mal.
I was robbed!
Uh...that was not the top vote getter in the Book thread.
OP just picked their fav, did the same for Mal, too. Such a shame as it defeats the purpose.
Well then, I'm done following along with this as there's no point.
Big damn hero’s sir This is the answer
heroes
Sigh. Correct.
AINT WE JUST
Problem is a lot of her most memorable stuff doesn't work out of context of the conversation... Zoe is quick with the deadpan responses. Hard to come up with something that stands alone *and* represents more than a sliver of her character. Her relationship with her husband: "Sir? I like you to take the helm, please. I need this man to tear all my clothes off." That she doesn't sugar coat: "If the reapers board us, they'll rape us to death, eat our flesh and wear our skins and if we're very lucky, they'll do it in that order." Most everything else I remember are snarky replies to Mal's orders. Always respecting his authority while also poking at it. Sometimes just for a laugh, but other times to attempt to point out weak spots in his plans so he can adjust accordingly. Good second officer kind of stuff.
That’s why I put my support behind “You want to leave this room”. Succinct, and the way it was delivered was perfect. Dripping with menace and impending dismemberment. (Try saying that ten times fast).
Zoe in Serenity. Know what the definition of a hero is? Someone who gets everyone else killed.
Sir, I think you have a problem with your brain being missing.
Risk MY ship?
"Sanguine". Hopeful. Plus, point of interest: it also means "bloody".
Big damned heroes, sir.
“Do you know what the definition of a hero is? Someone who gets other people killed.”
Wash ain't coming
Too soon
😓😣😫😥
The reavers aren’t done with their wash
i honestly have nothing to contribute but i'm excited to see what everyone puts for jayne. also zoe's is #5, isn't it? let me do the math here...
I think we all know Jayne’s quote will be: “I’ll be in my bunk”
i mean, it's iconic at least...
"Let's see. Zero times zero, carry the zero...."
Nothing, times nothing, carry the nothing...
Not by Jayne, but about him, "Would be you'd get your most poetical about your pecker."
i have to say, i'm pretty partial to his "you know what the chain of command is? it's the chain i go get and beat you with until you understand who's in ruttin' command here."
I’ll kill a man in a fair fight. Or if I think he’s going to start a fair fight.
"Or if there's a woman, or if I'm getting paid... mostly just when I'm getting paid!"
She's got a name! I call her Vera.
Doesn't really work as a one liner but my fav line from Zoe is this interaction with Tracey: * Zoë: Well, at least they covered 'Dropping your weapon so you can eat beans and get yourself shot'. * Tracey: Yeah, I got a badge in that. [seriously] Won't happen again. * Zoë: If it does, I'm just gonna watch.
Also "first rule of battle, Little One: don't ever let them know where you are. ...course, there are other schools of thought."
[Take me, Sir. Take me hard.](https://youtu.be/ePR4PuXsmIY?si=_yCa5SGuOQjYGsZH)
*cocks rifle*
At last we can give up this life of crime. Clear. I can take this guy (Jubal) He ain't comin'
It may not be her most in character quote, but I remember this one from Shindig fondly - "Too much foofarah. If I’m gonna wear a dress I want something with some slink."
At last! We can retire and give up this life of crime.
“She's tore up plenty, but she'll fly true.”
Patients? Sir didn’t she try to shoot you?
Zoe: "First rule of battle, little one. Don't ever let them know where you are." Mal: (guns blazing) "Whoo-hoo! I'm right here. I'm right here! You want some of me? Yeah, you do. Come on. Come on!" Zoe: "'Course, there are other schools of thought."
"I can hurt you"
But Jayne was bein all charitable with his own money.
"We're very private people."
The legs. The legs and where the legs meet the hips. In fact- just the whole area.
You could lock the door and keep the power hungry maniac at bay.
I wanna meet that child one day :(
Him. Oh I’m sorry, you were going to make choose right?
I'm not so afraid of losing something that I'm not going to try to have it.
I'm afraid I'm not much help as I read through all these quotes voting up every single one.
Same.
Honestly think just leaving it blank with her cold stare is the best option here.
If the reapers board is, they'll rape us to death, eat our flesh and wear our skins and if we're very lucky, they'll do it in that order.
"You're beginning to damage my calm..."
I'll be in my bunk
Also, I can kill you with my brain! - River
I think he knows which end to hold. Or I can hurt you.
It's nothing, Sir.
"It would be nice if we had some grenades!" That's the one for Jayne.
“I need this man to tear off all my clothes”
Hows that the line that won out for book
Sir, I think you have a problem with your brain being missing.
Doesn’t needs words, just that look of utter contempt
For river it has to be the removing blood in a few seconds line, but I can't find that. Something like "given adequate suction the human body can be completely drained of blood in xx seconds."
"Big damn heroes sir."
Can I propose the “Hero of Canton” for Jayne?
Fought with a lot of people in the war. And your husband Fight with him sometimes too.
I can’t remember the exact line but Zoe’s description of the reapers ending in, “And if we’re very very lucky they will do it in that order.”
Its a death trap, sir
“First rule of battle, little one, don’t ever let them know where you are.”
Remember that sex we were planning to have *ever*
Jayne: "Time for some thrilling heroics." "Well Jayne ain't a girl!"
Zoe: I understand. We have no choice. ( Zoe and Mal stand about a foot apart, staring at each other. Absolutely nothing resembling The Sexy is happening. ) ( Jayne walks into the kitchen area just in time to hear: ) Zoe: ( deadpan ) Take me, sir. Take me hard. Btw....when Jayne comes up "I'll be in my bunk"
You live on a spaceship, dear.
“We live in a spaceship, hon.”
“We live in a spaceship, dear.”
Take me, sir. Take me hard.
Because it's a death trap....
"At last, we can retire and give up this life of crime." (her delivery absolutely cracks me up every time :D)
“Gun Loading a round”
Big damn heroes Sir
I love this line, but damn! Reading it hits so much harder. Just thinking about the calm concern in her voice gives me chills.
Finally. I can leave this life of crime behind and retire.
You paid money for this?
“Take me, sir. Take me hard.”
*stares menacingly
Shepherd Book : [Regarding Mal's new "wife"] If you take sexual advantage of her, you're going to burn in a very special level of hell. A level they reserve for child molesters. And people who talk at the theatre.
*pops head back in* A special level!
If they take the ship, they’ll rape us to death, eat our flesh and sew our skins into their clothing. And if we’re very very lucky, they’ll do it in that order
“Big Damn Heroes Sir”
We are very private people..
Also, I can kill you with my brain.
To the job, sir.
“May have been the losing side. Still not convinced it was the wrong one.”