"Whatever Happened to Mr. Garibaldi?" Discussion

[aris-tgd.livejournal.com]

Apologies for the late post! Sunday kicked this mod's butt and my Monday schedule is not helpful for catching up on stuff I missed Sunday.

This is the discussion post for the episode 4X02 "Whatever Happened to Mr. Garibaldi?" Spoilers for the whole of the series, including the spin-offs and tie-ins, are allowed here so newbies beware.

Summary:
G'Kar tries to avoid capture by the Centauri while continuing his search. Delenn urges the Rangers to strike against the Shadows.

Extra reading:
The article for "Whatever Happened to Mr. Garibaldi?" at The Lurker's Guide.

Comments

Londo and G'Kar

[selenak.livejournal.com]

Londo and G'Kar, G'Kar and Londo: the first on screen scenes with the two of them together in the same room since Dust to Dust are so worth waiting for, and make me think Peter Jurasik and Andreas Katsulas are gods of acting every single time. Londo's changing expression when G'Kar is brought to the throne room alone. And then that conversation in the cell, oh, that conversation. As with the agreement about Refa's death which we didn't see, there is an incredible amount of trust on both sides on display without the two ever acknowledging as much. Londo is confessing to high treason to someone who could, were he not G'Kar, use that to improve his status with his captors, if not bargain for his freedom, or at least to condemm Londo at the same time; G'Kar is trusting the man who started the Narn/Centauri war to keep a promise made under duress which goes against all that man has done so far. And it works, because it was always incredibly personal between them. Note that G'Kar's first reaction to the news of the Centauri attack in Coming of Shadows wasn't "those dammn Centauri are at it again!" but "He betrayed me!".

Asking G'Kar's help against Cartagia demands incredible gall; so does asking Londo for the withdrawal from Narn. And not despite but because of the dark history between them, they do it and make it work. The emotional intimacy there is breathtaking. And there are so many layers. I think my favourite moment is when G'Kar says "you didn't ask about the price", Londo turns back and says "you're not exactly in a position to bargain, G'Kar". Because of the tone of challenge, wonder and amusement there; I think part of Londo is relieved because if G'Kar can make demands in the condition he's in, then he really is strong enough to withstand the horrors waiting.

Also: back in Dust to Dust, G'Kar when in Londo's mind said "how does it feel to be victim? Does it make you understand what we're going through?" But the way it works with Londo Mollari is the other way around. It's not suffering abuse himself, it's seeing G'Kar suffer abuse that brings fully home to Londo the need to change.