Having watched it a second time now, here is what some of its highlights to me were:
1) David Martel - I, like GKE, was also worried about the 'pretty boy' captain thing, but I think he fit the part well and was believeable. I think once a series starts, he will settle in very well.
2) The Story - It was great. Lots of mystery. Im sure there is misdirection involved too. Is The Hand really what the Minister said? Either way, cool stuff and it left a lot of questions on the table.
3) Dulann - This is one guy who from right out of the gate BECAME the character. Alex WAS Dulann, as if he has been playing him for years. This character more than the rest really jumped out as a natural. The Dulann/Martel scenes were great too. Someone on another thread likened them to a Kirk/Spock relationship, which I agree with. The amazaing part is getting that kind of feel for the friendship/loyalty in a pilot. It took the Kirk/Spock thing years to develop, Alex did it in just the first pilot.
4) Sarah Cantrell - While I wasnt a fan of the minefield scene, I was drawn to her character. There is lots going on behind the scenes with her, and Myriam did a great job of bringing it out.
5) Putting Grenades in the Lifepod with the Minister - This is not something you will ever see in Star Trek. Clever, dirty, underhanded, resourceful, and ruthless. Refreshing to see an enemy dispatched in a way that wasn't P.C., which some shows almost usually do.
6) The devious JMS. That last line from G'Kar about 'no one is exactly what they appear' was perfect. While it is a plug from a line in S1 B5, it also almost slaps you in the face about all that took place in this show. Ladies and Gentlemen, this will be one hell of a series.
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'I don't believe in the no-win scenario' - JTK
[This message has been edited by Recoil (edited January 21, 2002).]