First to answer your question. JMS didn't pull off the ambiguity. At least not completely. Everytime I watch the episode, it seems as if Franklin's argument doesn't hold water. The other two could be right, but with the "Soul stealing" machine, it seems there might be a soul. (Given that once it takes the soul, the body drops lifeless). However I will add, science fiction can employ souls. It doesn't have to just be fantasy. You just have to be careful with its handling. JMS was not so careful. (Given he's an atheist, he somes to have a thing for souls)
This episode was very clunky. No subplot, just the A-Plot with various questions (and not many of those). The acting was a bit thuddy, and the set design left a lot to be desired. I'm now wondering how much of this show was being viewed through rose coloured glasses back then, or how much improved in later seasons. (I'm sure the writing improves). I was really disappointed re-watching this. And am waiting impatiently for Born to the Purple, Parliament of Dreams and Mind War.
The large bits of info and mysteries around Delenn do work for me. Including her showing herself becoming uncharacteristically enraged (Not the last time it happens, but I cannot think of any other time where it was used so effectively).
I had forgotten how hard Ivanova could be. Almost wooden, but many shows take some time to find their legs. Actors too in a roll.
And, hm. Favorite Quote. I'll add: "I hate it when you get heroic. It cuts into my business. A man's gotta earn a living, you know?"
![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
zvi and
no subject
Date: 2010-06-25 11:05 pm (UTC)First to answer your question. JMS didn't pull off the ambiguity. At least not completely. Everytime I watch the episode, it seems as if Franklin's argument doesn't hold water. The other two could be right, but with the "Soul stealing" machine, it seems there might be a soul. (Given that once it takes the soul, the body drops lifeless). However I will add, science fiction can employ souls. It doesn't have to just be fantasy. You just have to be careful with its handling. JMS was not so careful. (Given he's an atheist, he somes to have a thing for souls)
This episode was very clunky. No subplot, just the A-Plot with various questions (and not many of those). The acting was a bit thuddy, and the set design left a lot to be desired. I'm now wondering how much of this show was being viewed through rose coloured glasses back then, or how much improved in later seasons. (I'm sure the writing improves). I was really disappointed re-watching this. And am waiting impatiently for Born to the Purple, Parliament of Dreams and Mind War.
The large bits of info and mysteries around Delenn do work for me. Including her showing herself becoming uncharacteristically enraged (Not the last time it happens, but I cannot think of any other time where it was used so effectively).
I had forgotten how hard Ivanova could be. Almost wooden, but many shows take some time to find their legs. Actors too in a roll.
And, hm. Favorite Quote. I'll add:
"I hate it when you get heroic. It cuts into my business. A man's gotta earn a living, you know?"
I've always loved Garibaldi.