| | Awwwww! I know. :)
To go off on a bit of a tangent here, what I found interesting is the general treatment of religion. Reynolds obviously has no use for religious folk and does not even tolerate Book saying grace at dinner. I enjoyed the fact that despite some disapproving looks from some crew members, Reynolds does not allow Book to say grace. Too often in our culture of multiculturalism, this would have been played out so that the disapproving looks would 'force' Reynolds to acquiesce, to promote harmony and accept diversity and all. LOL!
Religion, while it exists to some degree in the show via Book, isn't treated as if had real importance. Book is given various levels of courtesy in general, but not specific to his being a preacher, except maybe by Kaylee. But they do pick on him occasionally about his beliefs. LOL!
But back to the mystery of Book.
Most shows these days show just about everyone able to pick up arms and be quite successful with them. Having done my share of target practice with handguns and rifles, I KNOW how hard it is to actually hit the target! LOL!
Before they gave it away with his Alliance Identity card, there were clues that made you wonder about Book. In one scene, they were examining some carnage planetside and Book points out that it was done with a very specific rifle (I forgot what he called it) with laser sights and all. Jayne, the resident mercenary comments, 'you do a lot of shooting at the Abbey Preacher' to which Book replies, 'Rabbits.'
Later Book is asked 'Preacher, doesn't the Bible have some very specific things to say about killing?' to which he replies, "Yes, quite specific.' He pauses for a moment before adding, 'But they are fuzzier on the subject of kneecaps.' (I'm quoting from memory, but that is the gist)
And indeed, he expertly shoots at the kneecaps ... :)
These are pretty obvious clues .. EXCEPT that the setting presented makes it logical for most people to be knowledgeable about arms. They are out on the edge of civilization and simply expected to be proficient with guns though Book's expertise is beyond proficient, it is expert. And because it is set in the future, it isn't terribly clear how much a Preacher might have changed though they do indicate that like today, killing is mostly frowned upon.
Of course, they haven't delved into what the Abbey is. Could just be a home for Alliance trained militant monks. LOL! And yes, they do bring up the fact that supposedly Book is quite chaste. Jayne has a field day with that bit of knowledge.
Here's an exchange you will appreciate Matt,
Book: "I am a Shepherd. Folks like a man of God."
Mal replies, "No, they don't. Men of God make everyone feel guilty and judged."
I better get back to work!
Joy ;)
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