"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]

Garibaldi's the only one I'm sure was left-handed (he had a special PPG made up for him). Now I have to watch the fight scene again (oh noes!)

Have you ever noticed how many blue-eyed/light-eyed people there are in this show? It's weird.

Oddly, I heard one critique of the show that had Sinclair has the mad impulsive one and Sheridan as more deliberate. Everyone has their own interpretations, and that's what makes it fun.

[ufgator1977.livejournal.com]

I'm almost positive Bruce is a southpaw; at least when he signs his name. I thought some of the others were as well. I'll have to watch to be sure. I really needed another reason to re-re-watch the shows. ;)

I based my desription of the the two men in terms of their military style. The one maneuver I saw Sinclair conduct was very precise whereas Sheridan tends to think on his feet and is one of those wild card types that is unpredictable in the heat of battle. I would have loved to have see the two of them fight a few battles together.

[vjs2259.livejournal.com]

I fall pretty much on your version of the two men. Although Sinclair had that death wish thing going, always rushing off into battle. Sheridan delegated more I think.

They met during the Food Riots on Mars, didn't they? There's a fic that needs written!

[4thofeleven.livejournal.com]

In retrospect Sinclair did have a lot more reckless action hero type moments than Sheridan. Of course, season one had a lot more 'monster' episodes in general...

It's a common criticism of the character, but I always assumed Sinclair was meant to be unnaturally stiff - someone who doesn't feel they can relax, and doesn't trust their own instincts very well. When he does take action, it's reckless and not well thought out - so he stifles his natural instincts to act and tries to avoid confrontation instead. Sheridan's a lot more relaxed and is better at spur-of-the-moment plans since he's not holding himself in check or giving into the moment entirely.

At least, that's how I always saw it. Sinclair's a lot more relaxed in "War Without End" - I imagine mainly because he feels a lot more in control of his life as a Ranger than he ever did on B5...

[vjs2259.livejournal.com]

I like that interpretation of Sinclair actually. It's more than just introvert/extrovert, self-doubting/confident. I wonder if their war experience had something to do with their different approaches.

[algeh]

Man, now I'd really like to read a fic where Sheridan and Sinclair play chess against each other, or some sort of tactics training simulator, or something, to explore those style differences.