The Shatner-Picard Index
Listen to Episode 5b
A New Character Center
For season 2, one of the main threads was Sheridan’s character development. From a character standpoint, he. was coming in at a serious disadvantage. Most of the cast were defined in terms of their relationship to Sinclair.
JMS spent most of Season One building up the world of B5, using Sinclair as a foil for everyone. To Garibaldi, he was both a hero to look up to and a cautionary tale of what can happen to soldiers who survive. To Delann he was a beacon to both follow and to point others to as the mystery of his relationship to the Mimbari is slowly revealed. To G’Kar, he represents an inward path to respectability for Narn within the coalition of worlds.
Whadaya know... I'm I beacon of respectability.
Sheridan was stepping into an impossible task. Within the plot of the show, he is taking over leadership B5 along with the massive responsibilities there. In the meta-narrative of developing the story, Sheridan has to replace the show’s guiding center. Not only does he need to introduce himself to the audience and the other characters, but he has to establish why he is capable of being the guiding center to all these relationships in motion.
Ready for the job
Effects on Season 2
Because of this unforeseen “Changing of the Guard”, the first batch of episodes in season 2 feel a bit like we’re backtracking. This ended up working out in Sheridan’s favor. Sheridan got the chance to have a multi-season character arc. And that’s where the Shatner-Picard index comes in.
Within his first two episodes, it’s clear Sheridan was picked by the new aggressive isolationist Clark administration because of his military past. Sheridan had the only major victory against the Minbari during the war. The Clark administration assumed they were getting a pro-Earth pawn.
In my youth, I was also a rustler
Instead, Sheridan was hand-sewlected behind the scenes by Santiago as a successor to Sinclair. He’ll need to come across as Pro-Earth to his superiors, but use tactical diplomacy between multiple factions to achieve his true goal: peace through mutual understanding among alien races.
Sheridan would always be smart enough to present himself as what people needed to see - but was always ahead of everyone and serving a greater agenda. much like Londo staying ahead of the Centauri Senate in seasons 3-4 as he was dealing with Refa and Cartagia.
JMS always had this in mind for Sheridan. From the Lurker’s Guide:
“…remember the first rule of Babylon 5: nobody is what they appear. Not entirely, anyway There’s always something going on, something that somebody’s not telling. Some folks are making the error of looking at Sheridan… and thinking ‘this is all that he is.’ Except, of course, that they weren’t and he’s not. I would not create a character that is just what you’re seeing.”
I contain multitudes
The Measure of a Captain
This is the thought that led me to developing the Shatner-Picard Index. Every captain can be placed on a spectrum where one extreme is the brash headstrong Shatner type, and the other is the diplomatic and thoughtful Picard.
Note that in Shatner’s place, the actor’s name is used over the character to demonstrate just how overpowering being a Shatner can be. Just look up how the cast of TOS has to pronounce Sabotage by the force of Shatner’s personality.
To measure where Sheridan lies on the scale, I decided to give him a score for each episode in season 2. It would be 1 - 10 points as either a Shatner or a Picard. I kept a running tally over the course of the season. Sheridan is declared a Sheridan or a Picard depending on the larger total. We subtract the lesser total from the greater and the final number becomes the index of how much of a Shatner or Picard the captain is.
Which one R U?
Shatner points are awarded for irrational behavior, solving problems with fists, going it alone and mating with alien women. Picard points are awarded for solving difficult diplomatic problems, encouraging solutions through working together and sipping tea.
We can do it over there, behind the set
Other Captains on the Scale
Shatner and Picard are each +10s in their direction on the scale. +10 is also the maximum score a captain can get. For example, Captain Ahab would be a +8 Shatner as the megalomania is not the same, but similar to many Shatner qualities. Captain America gets a +6 Picard as he uses his fists a lot, but is more known for his diplomatic and leadership abilities.
Captain Sinclair presented strongly as a Picard. But his sucka-punchin ways ultimately earned him a +4 Shatner.
Captain Marvel (Batson) would be a +5 Shatner, while Captain Marvel (Danvers) would be a +2 Picard, and Captain Marvel (Rambeau) is a +7 Picard… and Captain Mar-Vell (Lawson) is a +3 Shatner.
You get it.
Sheridan’s Score Per Episode
I’ll now be going through every episode of season 2 to attempt a justification on each rating. I’m well aware that this is highly subjective. Especially given that I’m going from notes and memory here. It’s one of the absolute best things about not having a comments section, I can offer my insane opinions and the only way to respond to me is through social media. Keeping this house clean of filth and putting it where it belongs. That last sentance may also begin to explain why I’ve never gotten traction in those worlds. Oh well… on to the episodes.
Truth be told, I only respond there to one person...
Episode 1 - Points of Departure
Sheridan walks around the station introducing himself to everyone. Comes off as flirty but not in a Garibaldi Elevator Creep way. Doesn’t really solve anything yet and is very interested in the hydroponic garden. Well start with a small edge toward Shatner as he. does little to gain the crew’s trust as an insider.
Well, Hello...
+2 Shatner
- Shatner: 2
- Picard: 0
Episode 2 - Revelations
The revelation seems to be that Sheridan has the hots for his sister. I’ll give him a mulligan for this one. Not sure if getting your sister drunk counts toward hitting on alien babes. I’m pretty sure someone has brain-swapped Sheridan for this one as he acts nothing like the Sheridan that will go on to lead Babylon 5. This is like Data when he was emption chipped and over-emoted.
Family always sends Tron off his rocker
+3 Emotion Chipped Data
- Shatner: 2
- Picard: 0
- Emotion Chipped Data: 3
Episode 3 - The Geometry of Shadows
A personal favorite of the season that has little Sheridan. He only has a couple of scenes in this one, and comes off as a bit manipulative. But so did Picard at times. A good example of him coming off as more Shatner than he is while letting the Picard slip through. The techno mage even brings it all home by giving Sheridan an orange blossom.
It's a metaphor for my growth... as a captain
+1 Picard
- Shatner: 2
- Picard: 1
- Emotion Chipped Data: 3
Episode 4 - A Distant Star
The crew goes on a diet in this one. Not much captain development here.
Sometimes all you need is one image and you get the entire episode
No Points!
- Shatner: 2
- Picard: 1
- Emotion Chipped Data: 3
Episode 5 - The Long Dark
Sheridan doesn’t take as much of a center role. Franklin attempts to get it on with a widow awoken from Cryo-sleep. Sheridan is very steady in the scenes he does have in tracking down an alien parasite. His knowledge of ancient ships gets them out of the parasite mess and he proves a firm leader through crisis.
Bedside manner
+2 Picard
- Shatner: 2
- Picard: 3
- Emotion Chipped Data: 3
Episode 6 - A Spider in the Web
Sheridan holds B5 as neutral territory despite the other wishes of Earth. This despite discovering that a man aboard the ship is actually a cyborg distributing lightning sucka punches.
...and you press this one to start the brew cycle.
+2 Picard
- Shatner: 2
- Picard: 5
- Emotion Chipped Data: 3
Episode 7 - Soul Mates
Unlike most episodes, Sheridan is more of the audience surrogate in other characters’ stories. For Winters, he plays sounding board for her past with Mr. Stoner. For Londo and his trio of wives, he gets to react to the shenannigans. At least until Londo is poisioned. And even then he mostly relays information to Franklin.
He gets in some smug looks at Londo’s woes before the whole poision deal, giving a slight edge to Shatner.
I like when the captain breaks the fourth wall to call me out directly
+1 Shatner
- Shatner: 3
- Picard: 5
- Emotion Chipped Data: 3
Episode 8 - A Race Through Dark Places
Here’s where his desire to bed an alien woman comes to the forefront. Nothing could be more Shatner, at least until we hit Episode 16.
We can do it over there, behind the set
+10 Shatner
- Shatner: 13
- Picard: 5
- Emotion Chipped Data: 3
Episode 9 - The Coming of Shadows
Advantage to Picard as Sheridan gives Heartfelt speeches to the emperor about the dignity of service in space.
Edelweiss... Edelweiss.. you look happy to greet me
+4 Picard
- Shatner: 13
- Picard: 9
- Emotion Chipped Data: 3
Episode 10 - GROPOS
Another tense negotiation episode where Earth ground forces are forcibly stationed on B5. Ultimately Sheridan helps find a diplomatic solution. This one reminded me of Sinclair’s labor negotiation tactics in “By Any Means Necessary”.
I can be military too
+2 Picard
- Shatner: 13
- Picard: 11
- Emotion Chipped Data: 3
Episode 11 - All Alone in the Night
Though he learns from the experience, Sheridan’s brash sense of immortality gets him in trouble.
So you always wear that thing on your neck? Not only on planes?
+1 Shatner
- Shatner: 14
- Picard: 11
- Emotion Chipped Data: 3
Episode 12 - Acts of Sacrifice
Very positive Picard vibes here. Sheridan displays superb negotiating tactics to help Narn. He gets in a good line here about the practicality of governments… “But I’ve learned the hard way that Governments deal in matters of convenience, not conscience”.
Words of Wisdom
+5 Picard
- Shatner: 14
- Picard: 16
- Emotion Chipped Data: 3
Episode 13 - Hunter, Prey
Sheridan geeks out over Kosh’s ship and gets in with some rebel groups. He gets hit with the Vorlon Green plot light and vows to learn more. The nerdiness around Vorlon tech and the Down Below improv groups point me toward Picard.
Bathe me in your green greatness!
+2 Picard
- Shatner: 14
- Picard: 18
- Emotion Chipped Data: 3
Episode 14 - There All the Honor Lies
I’m scoring this one as a wash. Sheridan is framed for murder by a Mimbari warrior faction. He gets put in the pressure cooker for a bit, then just lets out.
The bear gets spaced
No Points!
- Shatner: 14
- Picard: 18
- Emotion Chipped Data: 3
Episode 15 - And Now For a Word
Sheridan is dodging a reporter for the entire episode while dealing with Centauri smuggling weapons and harassing Narn. His final speech at the end on why B5 is worth the effort puts this in Picard territory.
Gee whiz, I love this place
+2 Picard
- Shatner: 14
- Picard: 20
- Emotion Chipped Data: 3
Episode 16 - In the Shadow of Z’ha’dum
Picard was doing so well until Sheridan blew it for this one. The thought of his DEAD WIFE drove Sheridan a bit into madness here. This behavior is beyond brash and gets Sheridan another full 10 score.
What happened to MY WIFE!
+10 Shatner
- Shatner: 24
- Picard: 20
- Emotion Chipped Data: 3
Episode 17 - Knives
I wasn’t planning on returning to the Emotion Chipped Data bit, but Sheridan clearly gets emotion chipped here. Both Sheridan and G’Kar get full on trippin’ across B5 episodes. I can’t really attribute any of his behavior here to anything but the chip.
This happens to Lyta like every episode later on
+2 Emotion Chipped Data
- Shatner: 24
- Picard: 20
- Emotion Chipped Data: 5
Episode 18 - Confessions and Lamentations
Not a big Sheridan episode. He has dinner with Delann, but falls asleep keeping an even score.
Lennier as a third wheel kinda rocks here.
No Points!
- Shatner: 24
- Picard: 20
- Emotion Chipped Data: 5
Episode 19 - Divided Loyalties
Sheridan is very diplomatic and by the book here under pressure to root out a traitor. He even volunteers to go first on the Thing test. To Picard it is!
It was me, Winters, the whole time!
+3 Picard
- Shatner: 24
- Picard: 23
- Emotion Chipped Data: 5
Episode 20 - The Long, Twilight Struggle
Sheridan comes through with Narn Empathy. Granting sanctuary to G’Kar directly in front of Londo is perfect. Plus, his growing Picard side has proven to the Rangers he is a fit commander for them.
Partners
+2 Picard
- Shatner: 24
- Picard: 25
- Emotion Chipped Data: 5
Episode 21 - Comes the Inquisitor
While Sheridan is tied in chains by the inquisitor, it feels like it’s going to Shatner. But when it was revealed as a Vorlon test of his loyalty to Delann, the pendulum swung back to Picard.
Kosh, where are you?!?
+1 Picard
- Shatner: 24
- Picard: 26
- Emotion Chipped Data: 5
Episode 22 - The Fall of Night
This is the best example of what we’ve seen many times so far. Sheridan knows that he is perceived as a rough, Pro EarthForce type by nature. He is able to play off that well through all of this season to hide the rising rebellion at B5. Especially with regards to the Rangers.
Here, Sheridan has to quickly use the rules to get the Narn empire out of another potential huge casualty loss at the hands of the Centauri. All while Earth is pressuring him to give up the Narn to the Centauri. It takes a Centauri cruiser firing upon B5 for Earth to back down, and Sheridan is cool through the entire exchange. The season finishes on a major Picard.
There you are, Kosh!
+5 Picard
- Shatner: 24
- Picard: 31
- Emotion Chipped Data: 5
Wrapup
And Picard takes it. Really, most of the Sheridan points came from two episodes. And the one for A Race Through Dark Places was really a career +10 for Alien tail chasing. At +7 Picard, Sheridan can take his place among the Hall of Fame Picards.
Props to top Picards everywhere!
Join me at some time during Season 3 Babylon 5 coverage where I cover that season’s random obsession: Who on B5 has the best hair?
What Did We Learn?
Brent Spiner will sneak in anywhere
Next Episode
We cover Babylon 5: Season 2 Episode 13 “Hunter, Prey” in the next full episode. Coming to you Sunday, October 5th.