"Ceremonies of Light and Dark" discussion

[ruuger]

This is the discussion post for the episode 3X11, "Ceremonies of Light and Dark". Spoilers for the whole of the series, including the spin-offs and tie-ins, are allowed here so newbies beware.

Summary:
Nightwatch targets Delenn because of her involvement in Babylon 5's secession. Londo attempts to sever the ties between Centauri and the Shadows.

Extra reading:
The article for "Ceremonies of Light and Dark" at Lurker's Guide.

Comments

[vjs2259.livejournal.com]

Here we are in the lull between storms, the low point on the roller coaster. Soon, soon, we start back up. (Yes, I am enjoying this, and I don't even like roller coasters!)

Londo is still trying to escape the consequences of his actions. He doesn't say 'boo' to Refa's announcement that he plans to become Emperor. Course he knows who two of the next few emperors will be. Interesting that Cartagia is 'a fool' rather than a psychopath. Brr.

Oh, Lennier. Still, he's trying to put a good face on it, and I have to believe that Minbari just don't go chasing after people who are 'fated for another'. (And that's a point I can go round and round on. Is that Lennier's opinion, or Delenn's, or prophecy, or what?) The capacity for self-deception is nearly unlimited in a lot (maybe most) people. I like it when he loses it and threatens Marcus. 'We are not you.' How does he feel about the introduction of humans into the ranks of the Anla'Shok, a relatively recent innovation?

I think Delenn is well aware of Lennier's feelings, she just thinks he can handle them. She gives him credit for being able to. At this point I don't blame her much; it's later that I think she fails him. and badly. Lennier is one of her big blind spots; which to my mind makes her most interesting, and more real.

The rebirth ceremony is (in my mind, and my fic) one of the most important rituals (and the basis of many). A great change...it covers so many things that happen in life. Oddly, I kept watching for the explanation that the person receiving the confidences had to keep silence--that's a fic convention, not canon, isn't it?
What Lennier gave up; what Delenn would have told and to whom; that's the stuff that fic is made of. *rubs hands gleefully*

[londonkds.livejournal.com]

I wonder whether Refa's team knew all about Cartagia and how to keep him away from sharp objects, and Londo undercutting Refa gave Cartagia the freedom to do as he pleased.

[beatrice_otter]

That's possible; it's also possible that Cartagia was smart enough to keep his more obvious peculiarities hidden until he was Emperor. (Also remember, that Refa was looking for someone young and easily manipulatable; to some extent, it was a case of finding only what you look for.