Just got up to the episode where they introduce the Nightwatch. It’s a brilliant piece of writing depicting the use of “special roles” to “help”.

They instantly reminded me of the “brown shirts” and equivalent that Mussolini and Hitler used when Fascism was first popularised.

It’s scary that it is still so relevant. Almost as if we don’t learn from history (or science fiction for that matter).

  • Rincewindnz@lemmy.worldOPEnglish
    2·
    6 months ago

    To be fair, I’ve wanted to like the show for decades. I love DS9 as a binge watch and recently flipped between a rewatch and giving B5 another crack. I think I would often get to episode 7 in season 1 and lose interest. It hooked me this time. The jump from pilot to episode 1 was a little jarring, but man it had me completely this time.

    All the characters are so brilliant in their own way. Faceless weird aliens who say less than 3 words in an interaction (Kosh and “Kosh”) have dramatic character development and differences.

    The “nice guy at first” but jerk doctor who’s just like his dad who he struggles with.

    Just waiting to see if walkabout works for him.

    G’Kar and Molari, the aides… Ah it’s such a rich tapestry.

    • PaupersSerenade@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
      3·
      6 months ago

      Yeah, Season 1 can be pretty exposition heavy at times and, (while I wouldn’t critique Michael O’Hare for stepping down for health issues) the change of Captainship didn’t help. I actually skipped it for a friend with ADHD and just filled in info as required for the first few episodes of S2.

      There’s a quote ‘there are no bit parts, only bit actors’ and this show has some amazing acting from smaller parts. ‘Sebastien; remembered only as Jack’, the Markab doctor , and basically every Drazi spring to mind.

      G’Kar and Mollari have, IMHO, the best arcs of the series in terms of personal growth. All of the characters change over time (wonderful), but those change the most. “My shoes are too tight, and I’ve forgotten how to dance”. Clown to King, Warrior to Prophet.

      • Rincewindnz@lemmy.worldOPEnglish
        1·
        6 months ago

        And they did a “girls’ mission” which didn’t feel like those forced “girls’” missions.