"By Any Means Necessary" discussion [spoilers]

[aris-tgd.livejournal.com]

(Sorry for the delay, folks! Working on a night shift + being in the pacific time zone == delays get stretched out.)

This is the discussion post for the episode 1X12, "By Any Means Necessary". Spoilers for the whole of the series, including the spin-offs and tie-ins, are allowed here so newbies beware.

Extra reading:

The article for "By Any Means Necessary" at the Lurker's Guide.

Comments

[widsidh.livejournal.com]

This is probably my favourite s1 episode (I reserve final judgement till I've rewatched all), certainly my favourite standalone.

These are among the best examples of Sinclair-style diplomacy, and I think it is important that it is mentioned at the end how unpopular he is making himself on Earth (given he was never their first choice for command anyway.
It occurred to me that the change of actor in a way was a blessing of sorts for the Sinclair character - it saved him having to deal with whta Sheridan is going to face. At least as commander - Ranger 1 may be a much better role for such a spiritual character to be in.
Then again, it would be intersting to know how Sinclair would have dewalt with it ...:-)

The comment about the "current" recession sent a shiver down my spine.

As for Londo & G'Kar, each time they have such a comic relief type outing in s1, their characters almost surreptitiously gain depth (see various comments above). Their arc is arguably the widest and most profound, and it is nice to see aspects emerging this early which will become important later on.

[bonspiel.livejournal.com]

Their arc is arguably the widest and most profound, and it is nice to see aspects emerging this early which will become important later on.

I'd forgotten how wide their arc truly was, having not seen the first season in a long time. I totally agree. On the surface it doesn't seem that there's a lot going on - Londo steals G'Kar's plant! G'Kar gets mad! But it shows more of both of their motivations and why they do the things they do.

I like this episode for a lot of the same reasons that others have mentioned. I thought the union plot was dealt with evenhandedness, and it foreshadowed a lot of the later larger issues with the Earth government. I always liked how B5 does give time to the 'background' characters, like the dockhands. One of my favorite episodes, the name of which I've totally forgotten right now, is the one done completely from the POV of two... I think they're maintenance workers? during the war.