While this was the 11th, and final episode aired in the initial run of the show on Fox in 2002, it was intended to be the 1st and pilot episode. It introduces all of the core characters, and it does so quite well.
As we may have people who have never watched the series joining us, please keep conversations limited to this episode.
I love that this episode shows how much Mal actually cares for Inara, but he is too... proud? to admit he cares for a companion.
Yeah it is a great setup for the rest of the show and it really introduces the characters well. Still don't get why this was not aired first