That scene always gets to me too... it was shot just about perfectly.

I was a casual buffy fan, so I never got a chance to check out firefly during its initial TV run. I saw Serenity in the theaters and was blown away. I knew the TV series had to be just as good, and I admit it really is. I really am hoping there is more firefly, but who knows?

I blame the failure of the show on a mix of marketing and a lack of mainstream appeal. It's a great show, but many people won't be hooked on the first episode.