I finally gave into my curiosity, I started watching Firefly. But I have a few questions...

The show is amazing, and I can see why people were so upset at it's cancellation. I am completely saddened to know that this show will end prematurely. I just finished episode 9, Ariel. The series has lived up to the hype so far and I am looking forward to the next few episodes and then Serenity.

I am completely new to the series, so I don't know what to expect and I can't finish watching them right now because my internet at home went out, and won't be back on for a few days. (Was watching the episodes via Nexflix.)

My questions:

Do they ever reveal who Sheppard Book actually is? He seems to know a lot about crime and weaponry. Several occasions Jayne has pointed that out. Plus there is the scene where Book was shot, and refused entrance to the alliance medical facility until he showed his ID badge, at which point the Fed's attitudes changed drastically.

My other question is: Do they ever reveal what the deal with River is? Do they explain why she is such a valuable asset to the Alliance and why they kill everyone who comes into contact with her?

Please don't spoil anything for me, just let me know if they get to these issues... It's killing me that I can't watch any more until Saturday!