TVSquad

A disclaimer: This is one of my favorite episodes. Sharp writing, great character development and high comedy, all in one 45-minute package.

We open on Kaylee and Simon discussing his proclivity - or lack thereof - for swearing. Inara breezes by on her way off ship after Kaylee wishes good luck. More accurately "good sex." After they touch down on the planet they decide to let Simon join in on their operation, posing as the leader of a group of buyers. Jayne has disguised himself since he once was involved in a little theft on the planet and doesn't want to draw attention. This is made more difficult when they happen across a large statue of Jayne standing in the middle of a mud field. 

Post-opening credits Jayne describes what exactly the job was that he pulled in this town. Instead of getting out like he suggests Mal insists they stay, despite Jayne's instistance that the magistrate of this planet isn't a forgiving sort. Of course it's that very magistrate that Inara meets up with. He's contracted her to help him with a problem.

Mal and the majority of the Serenity crew meet up with their middleman in a bar after Simon gives them all a history lesson in ancient Egyptian employee relations. It's then that the comedy really starts, when a guitar player in the bar breaks out into "Jayne", a folk song on the sainted hero of the oppressed, Jayne Cobb. As a side note - it's impossible to watch this, especially Simon and Kaylee's reactions without laughing out loud. Just impossible. The locals finally recognize Jayne and a celebration begins.

In the subplots it turns out Inara has been brought here to help the magistrate's son lose his virginity, a step his father feels is well overdue. Back on the ship Book is looking after River but winds up scaring her after revealing that he shares a hair-stylist with Dr. Emmett Brown. The magistrate finds out Jayne is back and goes to release the partner Jayne abandoned years ago on the job-gone-wrong.

Mal has figured out he can use a "Jaynes-day" celebration as a distraction to get the goods off-world he's been contracted to. Unbeknownst to him, though, the magistrate has electronically grounded Serenity, a fact Inara learns from his son. Jayne is asked to make a speech to the townsfolk but is interrupted by his former partner looking for revenge. He reveals to the citizenry that the money they think Jayne dropped for them was was accident, that his ship was failing and just need to drop weight to stay in the air. 

After Jayne disposes of him they make their way back to the ship. The magistrate's son has defied his father and lifted the lock on Serenity so it can take off where Jayne comes to terms with what it means to be a hero and Kaylee has some fun at Simon's expense.