"Walkabout" discussion

[ruuger]

This is the discussion post for the episode 3X18 "Walkabout". Spoilers for the whole of the series, including the spin-offs and tie-ins, are allowed here so newbies beware.

Summary:
Kosh' replacement arrives on B5, Sheridan and Lyta test Shadows' weakness, and Franklin tries to find himself on a walkabout in Downbelow.

Extra reading:
The article for "Walkabout" at Lurker's Guide.

Comments

[4thofeleven.livejournal.com]

It really is a problematic storyline on a lot of levels. And while I'm sure JMS was unfamiliar with the racist subtext of 'walkabout', it's not as if US culture is free of 'lazy, shiftless blacks' as a common trope - and if you're going to not just reference a foreign cultural practice but base an entire episode around the idea, it does behoove you to do your research properly...

[lizbee.livejournal.com]

Exactly. I wouldn't argue for a second that JMS was being deliberately offensive or careless, but at the same time, a little research never killed anybody.