Do You Agree?

SPOILER WARNING!!!

DO NOT READ BEYOND THIS IF YOU HAVE NOT SEEN "Z'HA'DUM" AND DO NOT WANT TO BE SPOILED!!!

Are You Ready?

Basically, the conflict is this: JMS said that 1/3 of viewers would agree with the Shadows' motives for the war. Essentially, in a nutshell, their motives are to guide and direct evolution through chaos, conflict and pain. They believe that this will help the stronger races survive and grow, while the weaker races will be weeded out.

I've started thinking of this as Active Darwinism. The Shadows are not only thinking "hrm, the strongest will survive," but they're employing means to ensure that.

JMS did not say that 1/3 would agree with their methods (this is important) but their motives. We had rather a heated discussion about this after first seeing "Z'ha'dum;" overall, I'd say about 1/3 of us fell into the 1/3 category. Personally, I'm abstaining...if, however, I had to pick right now, I'd say Not 1/3. Tampering with evolution goes against some sort of core belief in me, triggers some Hitler issues, et cetera.

Species will evolve, regardless of what the Shadows and the Vorlons do. It's not for them to decide who evolves and when and why and how. But that's just my personal take on it. Jennie would disagree -- she even had 1/3 and Not 1/3 buttons made up, and proudly displays her bright red 1/3 button.

We also discussed what the other thirds might be, and I believe it was generally agreed that the middle third belonged to the Vorlons, who are sort of shepherding us, but are essentially doing the same thing the Shadows are, just in a kinder and gentler way. I want them all to stay the hell out of it, personally, so I guess that places me squarely in the last third.

If some of the group have comments, I'll be happy to put them up, as shown here.

Meantime, jump back.