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Weekend, and total awe
Jul. 19th, 2010 06:37 amIt was a bit hermit-y, yes, but without the reluctance. Hermit-y, because Saturday was so incredibly hot that I decided to stay home and do some exercise there, instead of going to the gym. And lo, there was an epic thunderstorm in the late afternoon, so I was able to do my sports programme not with a/c, but with all windows open and a natural, cool breeze fanning me.
Yesterday tennis at 8 with my Hungarian colleague Karoly. OMG it was hot. We stayed at the club for a drink and a bit of a chat, and after returning home I did the usual Sunday pedicure routine, and then returned to Babylon 5.
This is where the awe comes in. Total and utter admiration for the talent of J. Michael Straczinsky, and I suppose I ought to throw in a bit of respect for the producers. Because I'm sure it wasn't an easy decision to show the public 40 minutes of torture, without interruption or -- as usual -- switching to another story line. I don' think I've ever read or seen anything so brilliant, thoroughly repulsive, stomach-turning and fascinating. Back in 1995, Guantanamo or Abu Grajb were still far away, and things like concentration camps probably didn't mean overly much to the US viewers.
I am, of course, referring to the episode "Intersections in Real Time" (?) towards the end of the 4th season, where Sinclair is captured by Earth Force, and they try to get him to sign a confession through mental and physical torture. Describing it isn't much use -- those of you who haven't seen it and are interested can watch it on youtube, I guess, and the others will probably remember. Prepare to be deeply shaken, but I assure you it's worth it.
So far I've finished season 4, and I think ordering the whole set was a very good idea. I don't think I've ever watched furher than season 3, so it was new to me on top of being fantastically well written and plotted. What I admire most is the fact that Straczinsky managed to build up a new, riveting and credible story arc after the spectacular finale of the Shadow War -- I was very sceptical whether he could pull it off, but pull it off he did, and admirably so.
I've even developed a certain fondness for Bruce Boxleitner, and that's saying something.
And I cried when Ivanova was dying, lying there broken and bruised and helpless.
Just, WOW. What a way to spend the weekend.
Yesterday tennis at 8 with my Hungarian colleague Karoly. OMG it was hot. We stayed at the club for a drink and a bit of a chat, and after returning home I did the usual Sunday pedicure routine, and then returned to Babylon 5.
This is where the awe comes in. Total and utter admiration for the talent of J. Michael Straczinsky, and I suppose I ought to throw in a bit of respect for the producers. Because I'm sure it wasn't an easy decision to show the public 40 minutes of torture, without interruption or -- as usual -- switching to another story line. I don' think I've ever read or seen anything so brilliant, thoroughly repulsive, stomach-turning and fascinating. Back in 1995, Guantanamo or Abu Grajb were still far away, and things like concentration camps probably didn't mean overly much to the US viewers.
I am, of course, referring to the episode "Intersections in Real Time" (?) towards the end of the 4th season, where Sinclair is captured by Earth Force, and they try to get him to sign a confession through mental and physical torture. Describing it isn't much use -- those of you who haven't seen it and are interested can watch it on youtube, I guess, and the others will probably remember. Prepare to be deeply shaken, but I assure you it's worth it.
So far I've finished season 4, and I think ordering the whole set was a very good idea. I don't think I've ever watched furher than season 3, so it was new to me on top of being fantastically well written and plotted. What I admire most is the fact that Straczinsky managed to build up a new, riveting and credible story arc after the spectacular finale of the Shadow War -- I was very sceptical whether he could pull it off, but pull it off he did, and admirably so.
I've even developed a certain fondness for Bruce Boxleitner, and that's saying something.
And I cried when Ivanova was dying, lying there broken and bruised and helpless.
Just, WOW. What a way to spend the weekend.
