Out of Gas is the "pivotal episode" of the series.  We learn how everyone managed to find their way onto Serenity.  I like this point in the series because the show has "found itself".  As we learn about how each character found their way onto Serenity it is also as if the writers, directors, and the performers have settled into the production.  Everyone knows their roles now.  Everyone knows what to do without thinking.  A well oiled machine of a show has finally surfaced.  What makes this even more interesting is that the show was like that from the very first episode.

When I think if Out Of Gas, I think of the many times I have imbued an object with affection.  Sometimes it has been my car while other times it is something like a favourite t-shirt.  For myself, there is a level of comfort I feel for certain objects.  I like to keep them close or, at the very least, know where they are and that they are safe.  Sounds weird, doesn't it?  But, don't you have favourite "thing"?  It could be a book, a night light, cookie jar, teddy bear - just about anything.  For me it is my old security blanket.  I have sealed my blanket in a plastic bag and keep it in a drawer.  I don't take it out daily for a cuddle or anything - I have pugs for that.  The majority of the time I don't think of my security blanket.  But when I need a little pick-me-up when life is getting me down all I need to do is think about my blanket and remember all of the times I used it to keep me positive.  It makes me feel better.  I think of Mal's instant love for a derelict spacecraft as the same as I love my derelict security blanket.

The very last scene of the epiosde hurts my heart each time I view it.  I just want to cry because I know what it is like to "find yourself" in something.  To see the same qualities you have in something.  It is hard to explain but when you feel it for the first time, you never forget it.