"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

[vjs2259.livejournal.com]

I almost skipped this commentary cause I suspected it would go a bit aft agley. As it has, but here goes anyway.

Stephen's journey fascinates me, although I don't think it was particularly well done, it's a neat concept. I wonder at JMS's decision to place it here, and whether it was just done in order to culminate at Shadow Dancing. Also to give us some moral ambiguity (Is he deserting his post at a crucial juncture? Or taking himself out of the picture since he can no longer trust his own judgment?) Arrogance and a cultivated air of infallibility are pretty integral to the medical profession; constant second-guessing can be crippling,, although lack of self-reflection and humility is also disastrous. It's a narrow path to walk, and it's not surprising many fall to one side or the other.

I like Lyta's return, and her pathetic attempts to find out what happened to her boss?friend?patron?mentor? She really does have a basis for grievance. No wonder she hangs with Vorlons, they may only use her, but at least they see her. I really like Dr. Hobbes. And doesn't anyone in this crew watch fashion trends? First Londo's uniform changes, now Vorlons who like leather...not a good sign.

I always assumed Sheridan's later change in attitude towards Lyta came from his sense of betrayal?disgust? at the Vorlons and inability to trust her afterwards, but my husband made an interesting suggestion...that his sympathy towards Lyta here is Kosh reaching out to her. I really, really love that idea.

It's always interesting to see more of Downbelow and the citizenry therein. Cailyn's attitude towards staying where she is actually needed is a slap at Stephen although he doesn't get it yet. She's been pared down to her essence already; he's in the process. And give Stephen credit; he and Marcus are the only two who bother with lurkers (plus Garibaldi but except for oh, war veteran guy, name escapes me, it's in a policing way rather than helping or understanding way.)

I do know one other person who likes Byron, over at the B5 Podcast. Their commentary on S5 was rather interesting in that regard. Not quite enough to convince me, but interesting.

And frankly, any episode that gets Richard Biggs out of his shirt? Can't really call that a waste...