I forget the name of the episode but it's the one where Book gets shot and he's taken to an Alliance medical facility and when the Alliance scans his ID card, they freak out and immediately give him the attention he needs. Naturally, Mal becomes suspicious about this.

iirc, Book's real identity is also hinted at in the last episode when the bounty hunter Jubil says something like "he ain't no shepherd" with a scoff...

My guess is that Book used to be one of the black ops guys like the main bad guy from the movie but then retired and wanted a quieter life. (which he didnt find)

Sigh, so much potential with such a great set of actors.

Another little anecdote: Towards the end of the film when we see Simon and Kaylee kissing in her quarters, my girlfriend said "well, we know that he's certainly ACTING in that scene".

Actually, he was hoping it'd do well enough for a sequel, and he has/had an idea for that story planned, but yes, he knew there was a chance that Serenity would be its swansong. Also, I think it partially the fact that light or no casualties amongst the BDH would serve to cheapen the element of danger they were facing throughout the movie (and series).

That back story is explored in a graphic novel, but I personally find all the Serenity comics disappointing, if only b/c there's no way to recapture the dynamics of seeing the actors.

I see no value in killing either Wash or Book. Book in particular was particularly galling as it served no plot development or dramatic purpose whatsoever, for such a backstory-rich character to die that cheaply is akin to James Kirk's ignominious and equally pointless death under some falling scaffolding.

Wash... well, it might have elicited the odd gasp and tear in the theatre but again I don't think there would have been any lessening of drama has it not occurred and it did slam a door shut for no obvious gain.

I rewatch the series every now and again, I don't view the film overly fondly. Maybe I just prefer a more shapely Kaylee

There are certain shows/films with ensemble casts that create the perfect "lightning in a bottle" which can't be easily explained but as a viewer you know if it's there or not. Firefly was one of those shows.

Seen Jewel Staite in a film yesterday, Widow on the Hill, it was only when she smiled that I recognised those dimples
Yep Firefly was one of those programs that really clicked but my wife really does not like it at all, then again she dosn't like any thing that maybe SciFi