Re: Alright, so let\'s speculate...
Returning to the original topic of speculation: I would like to think that none of the major characters actually died in that finale, not because I'm afraid of having well-liked characters killed off, but simply because I feel it would have been premature. Gideon, in particular, was very much the backbone of the series up to that point -- far more so, IMO, than Sinclair had been.
I also personally think that the sheer rage Gideon would have had coming out of being shot at (whether or not he actually was hit, but assuming he survived if he was) would have been extremely useful, dramatically -- far more so than his death.
I'll admit I'd probably feel differently if the character of Matheson had been better developed, and maybe if a full season had occurred, that development would have happened. Having a strong XO to step into a martyred CO's shoes would have worked just fine, but Matheson was too much a 'supporting' character for the stories that actually aired. There's not enough substance to the character as aired to date to make having him step into that role believable.
Frankly, the opportunity to see the character of Gideon again is one of the reasons I really hope Crusade gets revived. I think Gideon is, in many ways, a far more interesting character than either Sinclair or Sheridan, and I look forward to seeing him developed further.
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Mike "Uncle Mikey" Shappe
