GUEST STARS
Michael York – Arthur
Michael Kagan – Emmett Farquaha
ANALYSIS
J. Michael Straczynski has written that Babylon 5 is about examining the idea of the hero. With that in mind, what does this "King Arthur" add to the discussion?
Let’s look at some motivations. David McIntyre isn’t really crazy – it’s more like he’s on a mythic bender – but he is driven by survivor’s guilt. It’s a trait he shares with fellow Line hero Jeffrey Sinclair, and to a lesser extent with widower John Sheridan.
There’s a subversive contrast here: the "real" King Arthur was literally born to be a hero. He was the son of a king, he had a happy childhood, and he came to his role through a series of heroic deeds and gifts. His end is tragic, but he is born in sunlight.
Straczynski ignores this optimistic beginning. His "Arthur" is fixated on the last days of his reign, the bloody battle that ended the legend. Arthur reverses the traditional motivation by letting the looters of his last battlefield inspire his present heroics.
Sure, this is "just" David McIntyre’s viewpoint. But it’s still a subversive take on Arthurian legend. Straczynski is arguing that it is pain that makes the hero, not noble birth or a wizard’s training.
Kicking butt for the greater good
Straczynski also reinforces another favorite theme here: heroism isn’t just what you do, it’s who you inspire by doing it.
That’s why it’s so appropriate that G’Kar – the second-greatest leader on Babylon 5 – is the one who enthusiastically follows King Arthur. He becomes Arthur’s first knight, then makes David McIntyre his own knight-errant, doing good deeds on Narn.
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It’s never clear whether G’Kar buys into the myth, but it is clear is that he recognizes the value of a man who inspires the best in others.
There’s also a negative example proving the theme. Marcus has at least one analogy wrong: Dr. Franklin is no Percival. He’s a problem solver, not a hero, and he sees people as problems.
Franklin is smart and courageous, but he never leads or inspires. He gives orders, confronts and tells people what he thinks is best for them. In a word, he prescribes – and the results usually leave him kicking himself afterwards.
COMING UP NEXT
"Ship of Tears"
His heart and boots match
But barren soil bears flowers
Even Bester loves.
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