Looks like I get to post the first post-metathon meta. :-)

Author: stormwreath
Summary: Identity, choice and heroism (with a digression on Existentialism) in 'The Chain'
Spoilers: up to Season 8 episode 5, and also for the Firefly episode 'Objects In Space'
Word count: 2,068 
Notes: An analysis of the main themes in episode 8:05, plus a look at Existentialist theory as it applies to Joss's works.

Essay here.