So, the chanting of "Mary Had a Little Lamb" is so their mind would be focused on the repeating lyric and a telepath wouldn't know what was being hidden beneath it. It's a reference to the science fiction story "The Demolished Man" by (wait for it) Alfred Bester. Great story about trying to commit murder when your thoughts can be read by others. Definitely a great episode. We referred to this and the last two episodes as the "Psi Corps trilogy", because you really see how Talia's relationship with Psi Corps changes through the episodes. We had all sorts of theories of how Jason's gift to Talia would be used. Fun times.
As I recall, when Walter Koenig first came on set during "Mind Wars" someone yelled "senior officer on deck" and everyone stood at attention to show appreciation for how he had been part of the legacy of scifi television. I *loved* the character of Bester. Just the right amount of smugness that you just want to punch him in the mouth. But then you realize he is baiting you to do it, so he can get the upper hand while your emotions are out of control. At least that's how I perceived him.
Definitely the best Talia episode so far. The rent part is just fun. I like that Garibaldi went to Ivanova first. It was a good guess, but wrong. A telepathically induced illusion ... That is quite something - and Bester has no idea :)) Yes, Delenn's dress was certain to "turn heads". Yes, as you said yourself, we often have more in common than we think. Great to see you enjoy the series.
I loved the way the clinic in season 1 was introduced to allow for this payoff. The series is sooooo good at using little bits like that. Walter Koenig doing a stellar job as Bester as always. Sad to say, most people only know him as Checkov, but DAMN the man can act sooo well given a decent character to portray.
For some reason when it focuses in on the Badge at the end I always thought there was a listening device hidden inside the badge, but I guess not since nothing in the show eventually shows that. But I wouldn't put it pass Psi Corps to do that.
Not wanting to spoil anything, so just going to say... you are going to see things you don't want to see, and hear things you don't want to hear.. but everything works out in the end..
Most of the remaining episodes in season 2 were written by JMS. It just heat better and better. Buckle up, it’s a fun ride. Also: it is nearly impossible to not type more! Bump up your schedule, you’ll want to binge from now on!
So, the chanting of "Mary Had a Little Lamb" is so their mind would be focused on the repeating lyric and a telepath wouldn't know what was being hidden beneath it.
It's a reference to the science fiction story "The Demolished Man" by (wait for it) Alfred Bester. Great story about trying to commit murder when your thoughts can be read by others.
Definitely a great episode. We referred to this and the last two episodes as the "Psi Corps trilogy", because you really see how Talia's relationship with Psi Corps changes through the episodes. We had all sorts of theories of how Jason's gift to Talia would be used. Fun times.
4:01 I love that you left this in. This is one of my favorite things about B5, how well they represented informal military traditions on the show.
Bester is my favorite guest cast member on B5, so well acted. 😁
As I recall, when Walter Koenig first came on set during "Mind Wars" someone yelled "senior officer on deck" and everyone stood at attention to show appreciation for how he had been part of the legacy of scifi television.
I *loved* the character of Bester. Just the right amount of smugness that you just want to punch him in the mouth. But then you realize he is baiting you to do it, so he can get the upper hand while your emotions are out of control.
At least that's how I perceived him.
Definitely the best Talia episode so far.
The rent part is just fun.
I like that Garibaldi went to Ivanova first. It was a good guess, but wrong.
A telepathically induced illusion ... That is quite something - and Bester has no idea :))
Yes, Delenn's dress was certain to "turn heads".
Yes, as you said yourself, we often have more in common than we think.
Great to see you enjoy the series.
I loved the way the clinic in season 1 was introduced to allow for this payoff. The series is sooooo good at using little bits like that.
Walter Koenig doing a stellar job as Bester as always. Sad to say, most people only know him as Checkov, but DAMN the man can act sooo well given a decent character to portray.
For some reason when it focuses in on the Badge at the end I always thought there was a listening device hidden inside the badge, but I guess not since nothing in the show eventually shows that. But I wouldn't put it pass Psi Corps to do that.
Really glad your watching this series. Its amazing and its held up well over the years.
alfred bester is one of the best tv villains ever. especially acted by walter koenig.
Season 2 episode quality picks up quite a bit from last episode onwards. They are a lot more consistently good now.
Oh no, I've caught up with your B5 reaction. Now I gotta wait fo the next one. :(
Just remember the VCR character.
Not wanting to spoil anything, so just going to say... you are going to see things you don't want to see, and hear things you don't want to hear.. but everything works out in the end..
Can't wait to see how this ends
Loved this episode!
Need to add seatbelts to the couch, your gonna need them starting next episode
Great reaction, you nailed it!
Most of the remaining episodes in season 2 were written by JMS. It just heat better and better. Buckle up, it’s a fun ride.
Also: it is nearly impossible to not type more! Bump up your schedule, you’ll want to binge from now on!
❤🧡💛💚💙💜
it will get much darker i always remember B5 being much like WW2 ands a few other thing always darkness before the dawn