Behind the line
What it means
Our interpretation.
The line is Wash being himself, a goofy, fearless pilot turning a suicidal manoeuvre into a joke, which is exactly why his death hurts. Fans use it for any bold flight or gamble, and as shorthand for the shock of losing a favourite mid-sentence. Joss Whedon has said that had the show continued, Wash would have lived.
Context reviewed
In context
Spoilers for SerenityShow the scene
In Serenity (2005), the film that closes the story of the cancelled series Firefly, Alliance forces and a Reaver fleet clash above a broadcast tower on the planet Miranda. Pilot Hoban 'Wash' Washburne threads the ship through the crossfire and crash-lands it near the tower. He is killed by a Reaver spear through the cockpit glass mid-boast, and the final word is cut off. His wife Zoe and the crew are left to hold the line while Mal gets the truth broadcast.
Sources (2)
- Wikipedia: Serenity (2005 film), plotPlot, final actReference checked
- Wikipedia: Wash (Firefly character section)Hoban WashburneReference checked
Context reviewed
