"Darkness Ascending" discussion

[ruuger]

This is the discussion post for the episode 5x15, "Darkness Ascending". Spoilers for the whole of the series, including the spin-offs and tie-ins, are allowed here so newbies beware.

Summary:
Lennier discovers evidence about Centauri involvement on the attacks on Alliance ships. Lyta works on trying to find a safe haven for the rogue telepaths.

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

Comments

[selenak.livejournal.com]

Lise and drinking wine in front of an alcoholic: considering that she didn't believe Garibaldi (with reason) about being able to handle his renewed alcohol consummation, I assumed she did it deliberately, too, both to test and provoke him into admitting he needed help. Which didn't work, but nobody ever accused Lise of being a great planner.

...and yes, I also love the scenes with Londo, especially Delenn's hug - and the fact that Londo has no idea why.
Actually, in a way it seems to be less that of Judas kiss than the opposite. When Judas betrays Jesus, they both know what he is doing, but the others either do not, or (in that case of the soldiers) are informed by the kiss. In this case, Londo is pretty much the only one who does not know.

Oh, it definitely doesn't work as as a parallel - which is why I said "an element of", but I couldn't think of a mythological, historical or religious image that fits closer. It's a gesture that expresses fondness - and is sincerely meant that way - but at the same time Delenn is also aware she's washing her hands (ha! another not really fitting image) - of Londo, that tomorrow he won't be an ally anymore but an enemy.

[widsidh.livejournal.com]

Oh, it definitely doesn't work as as a parallel - which is why I said "an element of", but I couldn't think of a mythological, historical or religious image that fits closer.

Yes, I understand that - and in its inverted way it actually seems to fit quite well. It was certainly an interesting point to consider.

The really tragic thing (and the whole Londo story is good old-fashioned Aristotelian tragedy) is that Londo will not as a person stop being Delenn's friend, but only as a representative (or by now rather, a part) of his government confronting an alliance politician. It is the incompatibility between these that somehow makes the situation so hard to bear.

(Agreed about Lise)