Simon: I'm trying to put this as delicately as I can. How do I know you won't kill me in my sleep?
Mal: You don't know me, son, so let me explain this to you once. If I ever kill you, you'll be awake. You'll be facing me. And you'll be armed.
Simon: Are you always this sentimental?
Mal: Had a good day.
and
Simon: Captain, why did you come back for us?
Mal: You're on my crew.
Simon: Yeah, but you don't even like me. Why'd you come back?
Mal: You're on my crew. Why are we still talking about this?
Firefly could have been a true milestone in original, inspiring character portrayals -even if sometimes obvious "cowboy-themed" repeats- that might have generated a huge fanbase and quite a bit of interest.
Plus, what's not to like about an ex-Veteran trying to make his way in an unknown universe and make an honest (or semi-honest) living while attempting to remain free of unscrupulous governmental agencies, local LEOs, and Jack-Booted Thugs (but I repeat myself) while looking out for 'family'?