While many science fiction shows could be considered masterpieces, the 21st century has seen a particularly strong surge in quality, both in film – think Children of Men, Inception, and the work of Denis Villeneuve – and on television, with shows like Battlestar Galactica, Lost, and The Expanse expanding the possibilities of the genre. However, one show arrived in 2002 that arguably paved the way for all of these: Firefly.
Joss Whedon, the creator of popular shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel, brought us Firefly, a space-themed Western starring Nathan Fillion. Set in the year 2517, the show centers on the adventures of the crew aboard the ship Serenity. For science fiction fans, Firefly is essential viewing – and many consider its single season to be Whedon’s best work. The episode “Out of Gas,” written by Tim Minear and directed by David Solomon, perfectly exemplifies why Firefly is so highly regarded.
This episode is different from the show’s typical format. It tells its story through three different time periods: the present, recent events leading up to the present, and flashbacks showing how the crew of the Serenity first met. The way these timelines are interwoven is remarkably done, with each one adding to our understanding of the others. In just 45 minutes, the episode reveals great new details about the characters, giving them impressive depth, all while remaining a thrilling story on its own.
Firefly Nailed An Episode That’s A Key Part Of Sci-Fi TV
The Firefly episode “Out of Gas” is a standout example of how well a flashback episode can be done. Unlike older flashback episodes from the 90s—which were often used as a cost-saving measure—this episode skillfully uses flashbacks to both advance the story and deepen our understanding of the characters. This unique approach keeps the episode engaging, and it’s executed almost flawlessly.
Flashbacks are a common technique in television, but they’re especially effective in science fiction. Lost famously built its entire story and world around them, arguably mastering the technique with the episode “The Constant.” Other shows, like Westworld with its multiple timelines and Battlestar Galactica‘s use of flashbacks in episodes like “Daybreak,” have also creatively incorporated them with varying degrees of success.
This technique isn’t exclusive to science fiction, but it’s particularly strong in the genre due to its often grand ideas and significant consequences. Using flashbacks keeps the characters relatable and human, no matter where the story takes place – and that’s a major reason these shows succeed. Firefly perfectly demonstrates this, with the episode “Out of Gas” enhancing the entire series.
Firefly is available to stream on Hulu.
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2025-10-25 20:12