No moment in the history ofFireflylore divides fans quite like the death of Hoban “Wash” Washburne inSerenity. It’s indicative of Joss Whedon’s tendency to kill off his most beloved character whenever possible, especially in a finale setting in one ofFirefly’smost controversial scenes. Because it happens in the franchise’s cinematic swan song, some fans forget it even happened, while others complain that it was a mistake.
Luckily, theFireflyfranchise’s most hated scene gets redeemed inSerenity: Float Out#1by Patton Oswalt and Patric Reynolds. The one-shot is a canonical sequel and the first to reveal that before Wash’s death, Zoë became pregnant. With the reveal of her pregnant belly and the words,“Just like she will,“Fireflyopens the door for Emma Alleyne Washburne, a new character and Wash’s legacy incarnate.
This small moment proves to have massive implications for the future ofFireflyand the comic book sequels toSerenitythat come after.
Wash’s Death Opens the Door for the Future ofFireflyin His Daughter, Emma
Serenity: Float Out#1 by Patton Oswalt, Patric Reynolds, Dave Stewart, and Michael Heisler
Serenity: Float Out#1 features Wash’s friends memorializing him one last time after his passing. The eulogy issue introduces three of Wash’s former colleagues, who, in his honor, pooled their money and resources in hopes of honoring their fallen comrade by launching the Jetwash, a new ship that Wash was preparing to launch. As they approach Wash’s floating ceremony, they all share different stories about him as a way of saying goodbye. It’s presumed that champagne would be on the premises, but, of course, Wash hated the stuff. Instead, Zoë introduces a cheap Asian liquor called un-ga-pae, Wash’s favorite. She then says the following:
Wash loved it. Like he loved his friends. And flying. Just like she will.
This is thefirstFireflystory to establish Wash and Zoë’s daughter.This story is soon followed by the miniseriesSerenity: Leaves on the Wind,which, in addition toshowcasing the Operative’s redemption story, sees Zoë give birth to Emma Alleyne Washburne. Then, twenty years into the distant future,Firefly: Brand New ‘Versefurther elaborates on their daughter’s destiny as she follows in her father’s footsteps as the pilot of the Serenity. Eventually, shesucceeds Nathan Fillion’s Mal Reynolds as Captain.
Does the Introduction of Emma inFireflyLore Justify Wash’s Death?
Wash’s Death Extends the Future ofFireflyThrough His Daughter
In many ways,Firefly’snewest tales in the comic booksre-frame Wash’s death asa necessary evil that produced longevity forFirefly’sdying franchise. The television show itself was short-lived thanks to its cancelation, and the movie could have easily been a one-off farewell for the Browncoats. For all intents and purposes, the Firefly franchise would not have as clear of a trajectory as it has through its comic book sequels if not for Wash’s death. Wash remains a key presence in these stories because of his death, like an empty role that needs to be filled.
Exclusive: New Firefly Prequel Story To Finally Reveal Secret Origin of Malcolm Reynolds’ ‘YEAR ONE’
The untapped origin story of Captain Mal Reynolds is finally entering Firefly lore, as a prequel promises to tell all about the captain of Serenity.
Wash and his legacy holds more significance in his death than if he were still alive. Even if he were still alive to see Emma grow up, the stakes aren’t as high with him alive, andFirefly’sfuture would be murky. His death puts Emma in the role of pilot and first mate to her mother, while her promotion to Captain increases the potential for further sequels, reboots, and revivals that extend the franchise’s future. The sequels prove that Wash’s death helped propelFireflyinto the future.
Firefly
Cast
Firefly is a science fiction television series set in the year 2517, focusing on the crew of the spaceship Serenity. As humans inhabit a new star system, the renegade crew, led by Captain Malcolm Reynolds, navigates conflicts and alliances while pursuing their own interests across lawless territories.
