"And the Sky Full of Stars" discussion [spoilers]

[ruuger]

This is the discussion post for the episode 1X08, "And the Sky Full of Stars". Spoilers for the whole of the series, including the spin-offs and tie-ins, are allowed here so newbies beware.

Extra reading:

The article for "And the Sky Full of Stars" at Lurker's Guide.

Comments

[4thofeleven.livejournal.com]

I think Neame works very well - yeah, he's a little stagey, but the simulation is practically a stage play anyway, so it works. Plus, it adds an element of unreality to those scenes... and, interestingly, he does seem a lot more realistic in his acting in his scenes outside the simulation.

And I agree entirely; I really like Sinclair as a character, and his storyline.

[shapinglight]

The only place I'd come across Neame before this in a TV program was in a BBC drama called Colditz, about the prison camp. It was all very long ago, of course, but I remember him as being excellent. Very much a stage actor, though.

This episode was another that was a complete revelation to me, after being used to Star Trek. I still wasn't used to sci fi shows that actually cared about season long arcs and emotional continuity. Wonderful stuff.

And I agree entirely; I really like Sinclair as a character, and his storyline.

I'm glad someone does. I don't know what JMS's original idea was, having never read what he said, and I admire the way he managed to work so well around the cast change (I believe the producers insisted on it), but I'll always regret that we didn't get the story as JMS had envisaged it.

[wychwood]

You guys aren't the only ones! I love Sinclair; he's one of my favourite characters. I do like Sheridan as well, though, and I tend to think that he does a better job with some of what happens later than Sinclair - I do like the way things work out, even if I miss Sinclair.

[shapinglight]

I do like Sheridan as well, though, and I tend to think that he does a better job with some of what happens later than Sinclair -

I agree, even though I like Sinclair better. I wouldn't mind Sheridan taking over as B5 commander at all if Sinclair had still been in the show. A cameo in season 2 and a two-part guest slot in season 3 just isn't enough for me, because his storyline seems so important.

On the other hand, once he was gone, I can see why priorities had to be shifted and that storyline effectively sidelined. You have to use what you have.

That said, there are some things Sheridan ended up doing - the mystical stuff with Lorien in particular - which strike me as better suited to a more introspective character like Sinclair. Ah well, never mind.

[widsidh.livejournal.com]

YOu sure aren't on your own.

I prefer Sinclair as a character, even though I started watch in in Season 3 and only got to see him as a commander much later (I did see the Valen thing quite early on though, and it only made very moderate sense at the time...).

I am glad though, that Sheridan awas written as a new character rather than just being an actor substitution.

[shapinglight]

I am glad though, that Sheridan awas written as a new character rather than just being an actor substitution.

Oh yes, definitely! That was something else that struck me as different at first viewing. They didn't just try to foist another actor playing the same character onto us but gave us a whole new character.

Considering the amount of rejigging JMS must have had to do to the plot, that was quite brave, I think.