This episode is the beginning for me, of the genius of this show. Earlier in the season, up to about episode 18, there's not a terribly consistent story being told. It's as if Straczynski is still trying to figure the characters out but has no long term plan. But the real story begins in episode 18. What makes episode 20 genius however, is the connections. By this point, Straczynski has clearly mapped out the next two and possibly three seasons. This episode is retold in season 3 from the point of view of the characters a year and a half in the future.
I've seen shows that flash forward a few episodes and possibly even a following season. But to introduce connections beyond that shows real vision on the part of Straczynski. These kinds of connections continue on for the following 3 seasons and for me, they are what make the show one of the best sci-fi series I've seen.
Sadly, when the series originally ran, I watched the first few episodes of season 1 and dismissed it as a sci-fi show with lousy CGI, mediocre stories and mediocre acting. If I had held on through the entire season, I would have been hooked as I was when I finally sat down and forced myself through it.
I've seen shows that flash forward a few episodes and possibly even a following season. But to introduce connections beyond that shows real vision on the part of Straczynski. These kinds of connections continue on for the following 3 seasons and for me, they are what make the show one of the best sci-fi series I've seen.
Sadly, when the series originally ran, I watched the first few episodes of season 1 and dismissed it as a sci-fi show with lousy CGI, mediocre stories and mediocre acting. If I had held on through the entire season, I would have been hooked as I was when I finally sat down and forced myself through it.