posted
That's a typical limitation of Sci-Fi shows, though - a bunch of heroes come accross a planet, and EVERYONE THERE agrees on everything. Thus, the plot becomes between the ethics or morality of our heroes, and those of the alien-of-the-week. The variation therefore comes when an opposing force is revealed to have multiple factions. Stargate did this admirably with the Goa'uld system lords, crafting a very textured adversary with multiple leaders and levels under each one.
This has not happened as much (yet) with the various foes on Atlantis - the Wraith have factions but they're all the same in looks and goals, and the Asurans are a unified mind. The addition of Michael to the Wraith, and the various political machinations of the Genii have been pretty fun.
Among my many critcisms of B5, is that the races were SO homogenous, it got severely annoying. The Humans, Centauri, Minbari and Narn were relatively multi-faceted, but basically everyone else was of the "one species, one voice" variety. Also, within a given episode, most of the "big four" were guilty of the "I speak for us ALL!" mentality - and a huge pet peeve of mine, the one actor of a given race who makes decisions for a crowd of like-minded people without discussing it, even when he's surrounded by his own people. >.<;;
Daniel Butler
I'm a Singapore where is my boat
Member # 1689
posted
In that case, I shall have to kill you. Shall I? Oh, I don't think so. Well, what do I think? I think kill him. Oh, lets be nice to him. Oh shut up!
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posted
The exception that proves the rule? Next you'll be telling us the proof is in the pudding.
-------------------- "This is why you people think I'm so unknowable. You don't listen!" - God, "God, the Devil and Bob"
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Anyway, if that's the exception then what about the Mimbari? Not one, but three distinct and socially separate communities with their own traditions, attitudes and prejudices.
For that mattter what about humanity? As you point out, B5 did a very good job at shoing that Earth wasn't USA in spaaaaaaace...Now, if there's one race that most other sci-fi shows portray as monolithic and lacking in diversity, it's Humans. I mean, how often did trek REALLY show any diversity beyond superficially casting different ethnicities, here and there. Everyone still spoke with an american accent, nobody displayed much in the way of cultural heritage. The only exceptions being Sisko's African artifacts and Kim having a nagging dominating mother.
quote:The first-season episode that had Sinclair introducing all of the human religious representatives comes to mind as being an alien monoculture episode.
I think you missed the part where they say it was supposed to be a demonstration of each rece's DOMINANT beliefs. Sinclair's stunt just showed that he's a little more broad minded than Londo, Delenn and G'Kar...big surprise.
quote:Originally posted by Mark Nguyen: Also, within a given episode, most of the "big four" were guilty of the "I speak for us ALL!" mentality - and a huge pet peeve of mine, the one actor of a given race who makes decisions for a crowd of like-minded people without discussing it, even when he's surrounded by his own people.
Except that that's the very definition of an ambassador, to speak for the group! Don't tell me that the United Nations represents each and every sub-culture around. Do Brooklyn, the Midwest, the Deep South, and California each have their own ambassador to the UN? No! The whole point is that the higher levels of power politics always will end up simplifying diversity.
-------------------- “Those people who think they know everything are a great annoyance to those of us who do.” — Isaac Asimov Star Trek Minutiae | Memory Alpha
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Daniel Butler
I'm a Singapore where is my boat
Member # 1689
posted
If you're going to put a representative in for every subculture, you might as well just open up voting to the general public. Which gets my vote!
Registered: Jul 2005
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posted
That's not what I mean. I'm talking (yet again, I know) about the awkward and oftimes cringe-worthy dialogue from jms. Scenes like this:
[Scene: Sheridan and a bunch of aliens in the corridors - always a great place to make political decisions. The alien ambassador stands in front of the people behind him, who look generally angry. He NEVER LOOKS AT THEM.]
Sheridan: I think what you're doing is wrong.
Ambassador: Well, we think what YOU'RE doing is wrong. Or gods/traditions/leaders/scarf colours tell us so.
Sheridan [speaking to the whole crowd]: Well, that's stupid, but fine. My dad/wife/alien hottie/drill sergeant once did something that can help. All of you will suddenly change your minds according to this idea I just whipped up.
Ambassador [Who STILL doesn't look at the people he's representing, even if they're nodding in agreement]: Very well. But because of this, WE have several conditions before we do anything. And here they are.
Sheridan: Wait a second, you're not even going to consult the people standing behind you before changing your minds based on a barely-relevant anecdote I used to come up with a plan?
Ambassador: No.
Sheridan: Why not?
Ambassador: They're extras. They're not paid to speak, or even look at you.
[Aliens nod in agreement, then start to disperse on their own without talking to anyone]
Sheridan: I'll insert a tagline here.
Ambassador: I'll reply with an expression prefaced with "As you humans say...".
[Exeunt]
Awkward, awkward dialogue. Also, lack of speaking incidental characters, another consequence of a low-budget show, was all too obvious most of the time. The lack of ambient chatter from these extras (B5 sound mixing was often atrocious, even for its budget) hurt, too.
Mark
[ September 28, 2007, 08:37 AM: Message edited by: Mark Nguyen ]
Among my many critcisms of B5, is that the races were SO homogenous, it got severely annoying. The Humans, Centauri, Minbari and Narn were relatively multi-faceted, but basically everyone else was of the "one species, one voice" variety. Also, within a given episode, most of the "big four" were guilty of the "I speak for us ALL!" mentality - and a huge pet peeve of mine, the one actor of a given race who makes decisions for a crowd of like-minded people without discussing it, even when he's surrounded by his own people. >.<;;
Mark
Do you mention bad dialogue?
Anyway, off the top of my head I can only think of ONE instance where Sheridan confronted an ambassador and a mob in the corridor like that and it was right after he came back from the dead and mate, if you're going to criticise the dialogue, at least give a direct quote.
As for why everyone in a crowd agreeing with their Ambassador, remember that he is THE local leader of that particular species and is already a recognised spokesperson of their government. Do you think the Drazi Ambassador consults the local Drazi shopkeepers on the latest trade deals or takes a vote when enforcing policy? Doubtful. Besides, if they disagreed with him then they wouldn't be in his mob in the first place.
Daniel Butler
I'm a Singapore where is my boat
Member # 1689
posted
I know I'm going to get flayed raw for this, but...I have never, not once, seen a single minute of Babylon 5. I can't recall it ever being *on* whilst flipping channels. I have a friend that's crazy about it, so crazy he once built a 3.5 foot long model of something called the Whitestar out of Lego bricks...with no plans or kit or anything.
So...is it worth getting into, or isn't it?
I giggle at "If they didn't agree with him, they wouldn't be in his mob."
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