Zek's slow-motion change is something for me to look out for during the rest of the series that I hadn't thought of. Either now or 25-30 years ago. It's going to affect how I think of certain plot elements moving forward.
In the meantime, I have some time while I wait for an online Seminar, and I want to make up for not posting any reviews last week (except for one that had nothing to do with DS9, VOY, or B5), so it's onto...
"A Distant Star" (B5 S2E4)
Caught up now with where I want to be! Got it in with time to spare before the Seminar.
In the meantime, I have some time while I wait for an online Seminar, and I want to make up for not posting any reviews last week (except for one that had nothing to do with DS9, VOY, or B5), so it's onto...
"A Distant Star" (B5 S2E4)
The A-Plot: We see more of Sheridan settling into his role as the new Captain of Babylon 5. I think this is the end of this particular mini-arc because he seems settled in by the end of the episode. Before that, he's complaining that he's used to commanding ships and feels like he's been benched. Even his friend, Captain Maynard of the EAS Cortez, is surprised he's Captain of Babylon 5 instead of a ship. It immediately reminded me of Admiral Kirk, who wanted to be in command of a starship but was forced to stay behind a desk. The only difference is Kirk never settled into his new role, whereas Sheridan seems like he has, especially after he talks to Delenn.
Keffer, who looks to me like the Official Stud of the series, has to rescue the Cortez which gets caught in hyperspace. Keffer and his team rescue the Cortez and Ivanova promotes him. At one point, before they go on the rescue mission, Sheridan says he wishes he was going out there with them. This demonstrates exactly how Sheridan wants to be a man of action in the think of the action and not stuck dealing with politics, diplomacy, and bureaucracy.
The more I think about it, the more I think Sheridan is the Kirk to Sinclair's Pike.
The B-Plot: Franklin mandates Sheridan, Ivanova, and Garibaldi go on diets. The restrictions are draconian and Franklin watches over them like a hawk.
It's played for laughs and I take it in the spirit it was intended in. But, if this were real life, I'd tell Franklin to back off. Though, maybe I'm biased. Since I hit 40s, I've had to be way more careful about what I eat than ever before. Frustrating as Hell. Maintaining my weight and staying in shape has become almost a full-time job. It's not easy.
I love it at the end when Garibaldi has to smuggle in some "contraband" food and drink to celebrate the memory of his father, an annual tradition, Franklin catches in the act, and then Garibaldi manages to rope Franklin into enjoying the meal with him.
The C-Plot: The Minbari aren't sure if Delenn can be considered one of their own people anymore. When Sheridan introduces Delenn to Maynard, Maynard also comments on her not looking Minbari. This wasn't really as much on the radar of public-consciousness in the '90s and I wouldn't have thought of it back then, but today in the 2020s, I read Minbari as being trans-species, if that makes sense. She's transitioned into being something else. I think Delenn is going to have to fight for her place if the Minbari end up not accepting her.
Overall: There's a lot here but a lot of it feels like set-up, some nice character bits, and plots that get characters where they need to be. I give it a 7.
Keffer, who looks to me like the Official Stud of the series, has to rescue the Cortez which gets caught in hyperspace. Keffer and his team rescue the Cortez and Ivanova promotes him. At one point, before they go on the rescue mission, Sheridan says he wishes he was going out there with them. This demonstrates exactly how Sheridan wants to be a man of action in the think of the action and not stuck dealing with politics, diplomacy, and bureaucracy.
The more I think about it, the more I think Sheridan is the Kirk to Sinclair's Pike.
The B-Plot: Franklin mandates Sheridan, Ivanova, and Garibaldi go on diets. The restrictions are draconian and Franklin watches over them like a hawk.
It's played for laughs and I take it in the spirit it was intended in. But, if this were real life, I'd tell Franklin to back off. Though, maybe I'm biased. Since I hit 40s, I've had to be way more careful about what I eat than ever before. Frustrating as Hell. Maintaining my weight and staying in shape has become almost a full-time job. It's not easy.
I love it at the end when Garibaldi has to smuggle in some "contraband" food and drink to celebrate the memory of his father, an annual tradition, Franklin catches in the act, and then Garibaldi manages to rope Franklin into enjoying the meal with him.
The C-Plot: The Minbari aren't sure if Delenn can be considered one of their own people anymore. When Sheridan introduces Delenn to Maynard, Maynard also comments on her not looking Minbari. This wasn't really as much on the radar of public-consciousness in the '90s and I wouldn't have thought of it back then, but today in the 2020s, I read Minbari as being trans-species, if that makes sense. She's transitioned into being something else. I think Delenn is going to have to fight for her place if the Minbari end up not accepting her.
Overall: There's a lot here but a lot of it feels like set-up, some nice character bits, and plots that get characters where they need to be. I give it a 7.
Caught up now with where I want to be! Got it in with time to spare before the Seminar.
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