Over a year later, and I'll bump this thread back open because I recently saw Serenity (after watching the series on DVD).

I can see both sides of the "two deaths" argument here. However, WHY DID IT HAVE TO BE WASH? I adored that character, and frankly, between him and Book (whose backstory I was DYING to see -- he was no shepherd!), I'm not nearly as excited about any prospect of a sequel. Wouldn't be the same without those two, IMHO.

Otherwise, a good effort by Whedon, who was trying to appease a loyal fan base AND a whole group of moviegoers totally unfamiliar with the series. A nasty tightrope to walk, but he did a nice job. Loved seeing more of where River was before she hit Serenity, and also seeing more of the Reavers and how they came into being. Hadn't really given that a second thought till the movie....