Once We Were Spacemen

Episode #4: Once We Were Warrior Women

Hosts: Nathan Fillion & Alan Tudyk
Guest: Gina Torres
Release Date: November 26, 2025

Episode Overview

In this lively and heartfelt episode, Nathan Fillion and Alan Tudyk reunite with their "Firefly" co-star and friend Gina Torres. The conversation weaves through their shared experiences on sci-fi sets, the roots and resilience needed for a lasting acting career, and the bonds formed in the forge of Hollywood and genre TV. With warmth, humor, and a dose of nostalgia, the trio reflect on friendship, professional journeys, and the unexpected impact their work has had over the years—both on themselves and their fans.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

A Reunion of Kindred Spirits ([01:07]–[06:59])

• Opening Banter: Gina and Alan joke about their “makeout” scene, setting a cheeky, close-knit tone.
  • "You're an excellent kisser, Alan." — Gina Torres ([00:00])
• Introduction: Nathan and Alan describe how their favorite podcast guests are often those entwined in their own weird, wonderful creative journeys, highlighting the unique bond they share with Gina through "Firefly."
• Firefly Memories: The trio reminisce about mishaps in promotional trailers—especially the frequent mispronunciation of Alan’s last name.
  • "In both versions, he mispronounced Alan's last name. It was Alan Tudyk. And Alan Tudyke." — Nathan Fillion ([05:39])

Life Before and After Firefly ([06:59]–[16:48])

• Gina’s Genre Trajectory: She discusses her earlier work in "Cleopatra 2525," "Hercules," and "Xena," noting how "Firefly" pulled her from a niche corner of genre TV into broader sci-fi territory.
  • "So you went from niche to a little more broadly niche." — Nathan Fillion ([09:12])
• Meeting Stories & First Impressions:
  • Memory lane includes first meetings at costume fittings and the authenticity of on-set friendships. Gina recalls being relieved that Nathan was tall—so she wouldn’t have to deal with shorter leading men griping about height ([12:18]).
• Early Career Jitters: Nathan shares an early “near-firing” scare—thinking he was to be replaced, only to learn it was another cast member.
  • "I had no idea what I was doing..." — Nathan Fillion ([15:08])

Roots & Artistic Formation ([16:48]–[22:56])

• New York Beginnings: Gina tells about her formative years at LaGuardia High (“the Fame school”) and being inspired by her sister and early brush with live applause ([17:11]).
• Family Pride: Despite Gina’s fame, her family largely shrugs it off, though remains proud of her perseverance ([21:13]).
• The “House Guest” Analogy: Gina likens a guest-spot-heavy early career to being everyone’s favorite house guest, gradually staying longer until she’s truly “home” ([22:28]).

Endurance & Craft: The Actor’s Life ([22:56]–[26:53])

• Longevity Over Relevance: Gina emphasizes focusing on the craft and seizing any learning opportunity, not chasing trends.
  • "I don't worry about staying relevant. I worry about working." — Gina Torres ([23:24])
  • "You have to love the game…" — Gina Torres ([24:02])
• Not Being Precious: She underscores the importance of humility, adaptability, and finding value (and fun) even in “ridiculous” or challenging jobs.

Impact & Belated Success ([26:53]–[31:56])

• Big Break vs. Body of Work: Gina doesn't believe in the “one big break” myth; instead, it's about consistent, quality work in every role.
• Suits Resurgence: Gina discusses the phenomenon of "Suits" becoming a mega-hit post-COVID, and how its effects rippled into daily life—now even supermarket staff are starstruck ([28:41]).
• Cultural & Character Resonance:
  • Jessica Pearson ("Suits") is especially beloved for her powerful, well-dressed presence, resonating deeply with women and diverse audiences ([30:19]).

The “Makeout” Scene & Onscreen Chemistry ([31:56]–[36:38])

• Behind the Scenes: Alan and Gina fondly recall their rare romantic scenes in "Firefly," especially their marathon makeout from "Our Mrs. Reynolds."
  • "We made out for hours. So it was on the episode of our Mrs. Reynolds." — Gina Torres ([32:06])
  • "You’re an excellent kisser, Alan." — Gina Torres ([33:12])
• Comedy and Chemistry: Nathan jokes about Alan being “consumed” by Gina’s famous lips, while Gina shares a Jaws-inspired quip to a makeup artist:
  • "You're going to need a bigger brush." — Gina Torres ([35:12])
• Trust and Authenticity: They recount trusting each other enough for spontaneous intimacy, such as Alan’s unexpected (but in-character) butt slap ([35:46]–[36:22]).

The Legacy of Onscreen Relationships ([36:38]–[39:52])

• Serving the Story: Gina reflects on sometimes feeling underused on "Firefly," but always giving respect to the work and character.
  • "You have to have love and respect for what you do to make that happen.…" — Gina Torres ([37:00])
• Unexpected Audience Impact: The legacy of Zoe and Wash, a loving, respectful, and “unlikely” couple, has had deep resonance—especially for biracial and unconventional couples.
  • "The great lesson in all of this...you never know what you're putting out there…" — Gina Torres ([37:00])
• Importance of Kindness: Nathan and Alan praise Gina’s warmth off-camera as well as on, noting it’s key to her professional legacy and personal relationships.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the strange intimacy of sci-fi romance:
  "I tend to play weird people, usually aliens and robots and things that don't have romance. Not a lot of sex on camera."
  — Alan Tudyk ([00:44])

• On acting longevity:
  "I don't worry about staying relevant. I worry about working."
  — Gina Torres ([23:24])

• On industry humility:
  _"I call that being everybody's house guest...and hopefully, you know, your reputation gets out there: 'Oh, no, she's a good house guest.'"
  — Gina Torres ([22:28])

• On Seismic Moments:
  "To work hard on something, to enjoy the success...and then to kick back and let it all hit all over again, but even in a bigger way. Whoa."
  — Nathan Fillion ([29:23])

• On giving and receiving:
  "It’s so humbling to see all that come back in this really beautiful, beautiful way."
  — Gina Torres ([38:47])

Important Segment Timestamps

• Opening jokes & chemistry: [00:00]–[02:10]
• Firefly trailer mispronunciations: [05:37]–[06:04]
• Reflections on Firefly’s uniqueness: [07:33]–[09:16]
• Meeting each other & first impressions: [09:21]–[14:01]
• Near-firing/First Lead Nerves: [15:08]–[16:48]
• Gina’s “Fame” school stories: [17:11]–[18:45]
• The “House Guest” phase: [22:28]
• Advice for long-term survival in acting: [23:24]–[24:52]
• On “Suits” global resurgence: [28:41]–[30:19]
• Iconic Wash & Zoe scenes: [31:56]–[36:38]
• The legacy and impact of Zoe & Wash: [37:00]–[38:54]
• Closing mutual appreciation: [39:52]

Overall Tone & Takeaways

The episode is warm, playful, and candid—moving fluidly between backstage goofiness, practical industry advice, and genuine reflection. The camaraderie and mutual admiration among the hosts and Gina Torres are palpable, as are the lessons about humility, persistence, and the unpredictable magic of genre TV.

For fans or newcomers, this episode is:

• A nostalgic celebration of “Firefly”
• A treasure trove of behind-the-scenes anecdotes
• A meditation on the nature of artistic careers, resilience, and friendships that endure across time and genres

Final words from the hosts:
"Clearly, Alan and I love you to death. We adore you and thank you so much for doing this."
— Nathan Fillion ([39:52])

"The feeling is mutual. Oh, yes."
— Gina Torres ([39:52])