"Born to the Purple" discussion [spoilers]

[ruuger]

This is the discussion post for the episode 1X03, "Born to the Purple". 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 "Born to the Purple" at Lurker's Guide.

Comments

[beatrice_otter]

Part of the reason I do love this episode as well is that for me, this is the first episode that really takes the emphasis away from Sinclair and focuses it on the supporting cast: Ivanova and Garibaldi; Londo, Vir and Adira, etc. While Babylon 5 is supposed to revolve around first Sinclair, then Sheridan, I find that some of the best stories come when the "starring" officer fades more into the background and the rest of the ensemble is allowed to shine through.

I wouldn't say that B5 is supposed to revolve around the two commanders, necessarily; I'd say more that it's supposed to revolve around the ideas and philosophy, and the two commanders are the main (though not only) vehicle to explore the ideas with. But as to who I like to watch the most on B5, I agree totally. Sheridan and Sinclair are good characters, but very much in the typical SF hero mode. It's the other characters who are the most unique and thus the most interesting to watch.

[lordbleys.livejournal.com]

Many scifi series revolve around the captains, and many viewers are used to this forumla. It is good to see someone notice the departure from regular formula scifi television.