The first book that really knocked me out was the 'Brothers Karamazov.' I read it when I was a senior in high school.
The drill instructor must have total and complete control. Mindless obedience is what he's after.
After doing 'Firefly' and moving on, I always wanted to be part of a series again. I love doing films, too, but there's just something special about being part of the team and feeling like you're actually a part of the family, and I always look to re-create that.