Did we ever see a labor dispute in Star Trek? In that future, we humans had managed to leave our petty squabbles behind so we could live in a peaceful galaxy where everyone looks good in stretchy polyester jumpsuits with no pockets. Had there been a labor dispute on Star Trek, no doubt it would have happened on another species’ planet and Captain Picard would swoop in with the Enterprise and save the day without violating the Prime Directive and still have time to teach that scamp Wesley Crusher a valuable lesson.
In Straczynski’s future, the government and corporations still exploit laborers and labor unions still go on strike, but there is no ultimate good – not to mention dashingly handsome – guy to save the day. In this future, the negotiations break down to a melodramatic, pencil necked government rep in a blazer left over from 1987 issuing demands and then opening fire when the union doesn’t skip back to work. Sinclair steps in to save the day as best he can, but still winds up irritating most of EarthGov.
And there’s no lovable scamp here, unless you count G’Kar and Londo, who are always learning valuable lessons from Sinclair and the gang. In this episode, G’Kar learns a valuable lesson about religious wiggle room. Londo should have learned that taunting his enemy’s religious beliefs is hardly a positive step in developing lasting peace and mutual understanding, but this is Londo Mollari we’re talking about. At this point in the series, he doesn’t see much further than one-upping the Narn Regime and getting his drink on.
I want to make a comment on the costuming. Every alien species’ garb looks like it’s been carefully thought out and suits their overall identity. The humans look like they’re still shopping at Chess King. It beats the unforgiving jumpsuits of Star Trek, but come on. The riot gear worn by Garibaldi and his security team in this episode looks like cast-offs from the Kiss tour. In a previous episode, Sinclair was walking around in a track suit like he was Paulie Walnuts.
“By Any Means Necessary” is pretty preachy, but it gives a good sense of how Earth’s government is run and how it treats it’s citizens. That background will be important later in the series.
Next up: “Signs and Portents.”
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Lisa Fary's earliest influences are Princess Leia, Rainbow Bright, Astronaut Barbie, and her 6th grade teacher, Ms. Palmer. She's angry that it's 2011 and she still doesn't have a hovercraft, but will accept a jetpack as consolation. That jetpack had better be pink with a rhinestone monogram. 
Is it possible to write anything about B5 without talking about how much better it is than Star Trek in just about any way imaginable? For that matter, would it be possible for me to point out that, yes, labor disputes have been taken up in the DS9 episode “Bar Association”, without the reply that that doesn’t count because DS9 totally ripped off B5 because JMS said so?
Sorry, but I tend to have this reaction when someone spends the first paragraph of a B5 episode review talking about how ST didn’t cover this topic and if it did the ep would completely suck. It only reinforces my belief that B5 is nothing more than Star Trek for people who don’t want to be known as Trekkies.
I think this is the first time I’ve mentioned Trek, so I’ve say yes, it is possible.
This also isn’t necessarily a value judgement. The shows present totally different versions of the future – this compares one aspect of that. Although, it is snarky.
It’s important to maintain a sense of humor about the things we love.
And yes. I”m a Trekkie, too.
You managed to slog your way through the worst episodes of the series… Now on to the good stuff! Keep the reviews coming, I’m enjoying them immensely.
Why is it whenever I say “trekkie,” you get correct me and say “trekker?”
Don’t make me report you to the International Federation of Trekkers – they might end up revoking your membership!
OK, fair enough. BTW, I came here via a link to “The Mayor of San Diego on the Comicon” post, which I totally agree on.
The IFT seems like a reasonable and accepting group. I think they’re more likely to do an intervention.
Eric – Glad you’re enjoying them! It’s been a battle of wills so far. . .