Over on the 'change one thing thread, Ubik wrote:
And while I agree that that's part of it, overall I have to disagree. Story arcs are meaningless if you don't have characters that you want to follow through those arcs. I think that's by far JMS' greatest strength as a writer, and not in B5 alone.
I've seen him take over a character I'd barely ever heard of and knew nothing about and make me sad when that character died (Silver Surfer: Requiem). And even if you haven't experienced much of his other projects, would t really have been B5 if you hadn't really cared about Londo's descent and struggle for redemption?
Other things I think are strengths are:
- being willing to experiment. I've loved most all of his off-format episodes.
- being able to create his characters and universes using everyday language. For contrast, much as I love Harlan Ellison and some of his work, I never really get immersed in his stories because I'm having to reach for the dictionary so often.
- taking time for the 'moments', whether it's Peter Parker making sure the popcorn he's been offered is just the way he likes it or watching Londo walk alone to his coronation with only the tolling of bells.
Which (though it may surprise some), doesn't mean I think he's perfect.
- Sometimes he's kind of repetitive. This is probably only noticable to those of us who've seen a lot of his work. But "Never start a fight. but always finish it" could be part of his coat of arms, I think. Thankfully most of what he repeats really does bear hearing often.
- Similarly, there seem to be sounds and names that JMS is very fond of. Can't remember the name of a race or ship? Try Enfilli or Enfalli. Name of a character? David or some form of Elizabeth are likely for first names. Man- or Janowski.
All in all, pretty minor 'flaws', but sometimes a bit distracting.
Anybody else?
Jan
Originally posted by Ubik
I've seen him take over a character I'd barely ever heard of and knew nothing about and make me sad when that character died (Silver Surfer: Requiem). And even if you haven't experienced much of his other projects, would t really have been B5 if you hadn't really cared about Londo's descent and struggle for redemption?
Other things I think are strengths are:
- being willing to experiment. I've loved most all of his off-format episodes.
- being able to create his characters and universes using everyday language. For contrast, much as I love Harlan Ellison and some of his work, I never really get immersed in his stories because I'm having to reach for the dictionary so often.
- taking time for the 'moments', whether it's Peter Parker making sure the popcorn he's been offered is just the way he likes it or watching Londo walk alone to his coronation with only the tolling of bells.
Which (though it may surprise some), doesn't mean I think he's perfect.
- Sometimes he's kind of repetitive. This is probably only noticable to those of us who've seen a lot of his work. But "Never start a fight. but always finish it" could be part of his coat of arms, I think. Thankfully most of what he repeats really does bear hearing often.
- Similarly, there seem to be sounds and names that JMS is very fond of. Can't remember the name of a race or ship? Try Enfilli or Enfalli. Name of a character? David or some form of Elizabeth are likely for first names. Man- or Janowski.
All in all, pretty minor 'flaws', but sometimes a bit distracting.
Anybody else?
Jan
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