"Chrysalis" discussion

[ruuger]

And so we have reached the end of season 1.

This is the discussion post for the episodes 1X22, "Chrysalis". Spoilers for the whole of the series, including the spin-offs and tie-ins, are allowed here so newbies beware.

Summary:

Garibaldi discovers a conspiracy to assasinate the president. Meanwhile Londo gets help from his new allies.

Extra reading:

The article for "Chrysalis" at Lurker's Guide.

Comments

[vjs2259.livejournal.com]

I agree with this: the Vorlons had their own particular motives and they weren't terrifically concerned with anyone else (except maybe Kosh the rebel). And their manipulation of the Minbari was not terribly attractive.

[nolivingman.livejournal.com]

I believe that Kosh genuinely came to care for Sheridan. I don't know about Delenn.

[swashbuckler332.livejournal.com]

The ambiguity about the Vorlons is what makes Kosh such an interesting character especially in retrospect. Statements that he made that seemed enigmatic the first time around make a lot of sense subsequent times. His mission to Babylon 5 was essentially to position member worlds of the League of Non-Aligned Worlds into opposition against the Shadows. I felt that Kosh's respect for Sheridan made him warm up to him (at least as warm as a Vorlon could possibly get). But while he may have made personal allowances for Delenn, his purpose is to use her.

[nolivingman.livejournal.com]

Yeah, that's my feeling as well. I never saw any sign that Kosh *liked* Delenn. And him giving her encouragement to transform doesn't seem to me like an act of pure kindness.

[swashbuckler332.livejournal.com]

I don't think that Kosh has any reason during the first season to have warmed up to any of the younger races, even Delenn. I think that at that moment he is simply doing what the Vorlons want.

Sheridan comes to him looking for knowledge, and I think that process made him feel that these species may indeed have some potential (I also think that he is impressed with what Sheridan can do). Yes, I do feel that Kosh developed some affection for Sheridan, and by extension felt somewhat protective towards some others, but I think that was something that he developed, not something that was there the whole time.

[beatrice_otter]

They manipulated everyone, not just the Minbari, and no, it's not particularly attractive. As to Vorlon motivations, I don't think attractiveness/childbearing are an issue. Sinclair had to change because otherwise the Minbari wouldn't have accepted him, even with the gift of Babylon 4. From his appearance in the past, and what he said of the future (i.e. the present of Babylon 5), the Vorlons knew that Humans and Minbari would need to fight together against the shadows. A dramatic picture of what is possible (and a pointed reminder to the Minbari of what is necessary) might be the kind of thing they want. Besides, they probably know from Sinclair/Valen that she did.