Roswell
Topic: Science Fiction of 285 South
LisaBham
Moderator
Registered: May 2000-Posts: 1924
06-12-2000 05:55 PM
What do you think?
LSS
Level 5-Registered: Feb 2000-Posts: 1164
06-12-2000 07:19 PM
285 South is part 1 of a two part story which finds our teens going south to Marathon,TX. Aside from being an important episode in developing the Michael / Maria relationship, this show includes some SF elements that are developed further in later episodes and others that remain rather mysterious even from our post-Destiny POV.
1) MICHAEL'S POWERS. In 285 South we see Michael's powers at their worst (fried Jetta engines) and at their best (Kyle flying across the motel room--a foreshadowing of the Warrior Michael of Destiny?).
But perhaps the most perplexing show of power revolves around the key inside of Atherton's home. When Michael concentrates on the key--nothing happens. But when Maria goes over by his side and urges him to try again, Voila! Michael receives the flash that reveals the lock and ultimately the hidden room under the floor.
Why was Michael unsuccessful the first time, but successful the second? Did being next to Maria somehow help his focus? Or is there some significane to Maria that we have yet to find know--even from our post-Destiny vantage point? Is Michael actually stronger, more disciplined with Maria in his life? (Geesh--Have the Candygirls/guys been correct all along?) If so, then are Michael's fears in Destiny (concerning Maria) going to prove counter-productive in the long run?
2) THE SIGNIFICANCE OF ATHERTON. This is a tremendously dangling plot element--both in this two episode series and in the season as a whole. While "The Morning After" introduces us to the key and Michael's vision, and "Missing" matches the vision with Atherton's house, and "River Dog" will enable us to link Atherton to the 1959 corpse alledgedly killed by Nesedo--we are all left with the overarching question--so what???? Are we to understand that all of this build-up is simply so that we can see the symbols on the wall (River Dog)? The language that Max "almost" remembers?
Of course, the pendant that Isabel takes from the dome is important as well. But still, one has the nagging suspicion that our writers are not finished with this part of the story. Perhaps as the alien mythology unfolds in the fall we will learn more about this whole period? Then again, maybe not!
Who really was Atherton??? And why--if he was so important--was his house not combed by the FBI after his death? And--since we are looking backward, what happened to all the materials that our teens took out of Atherton's house??? So many questions--so few answers.
Of course--as has been pointed out on other SF threads, the top of Atherton's dome DOES match the geometric shape on the bad alien's (aka BSB formally known as Howie) hand held instrument...hmmm...
Well--what do you think?
LSS
[Edited by LSS on 06-12-2000 at 07:25 PM]
max&liz4ever
Level 3-Registered: May 2000-Posts: 175
06-12-2000 08:06 PM
i think they should have explained more about aterton towards the end of the season, to try to illustrate what exactly happened and why. it would answer quite a few questions for me.
Lameduck
Level 1
Registered: May 2000-Posts: 39
06-12-2000 08:39 PM
I agree that Atherton is a major unexplained plot element. If he were evil, why, according to Riverdog, were Atherton and Nacedo at first friends? Can Nacedo not see the "evil within"?
In regard to Michael's powers, it was if Maria gave him the confidence to succeed. I hate to sound like a refugee from the Dawson Creek board talking about Pacey and Joey, but its almost as if Maria challenges Michael to become better than he is. Who else could he have quoted Ulysses to? Both Max and Is have a preconcieved idea of Michael as the hopeless screwup; not the best people with whom to talk about your ideals.
And that is why I'm a firm believer in the M/M relationship and regard a M/I pairing with horror. M/I have too many ingrown habits to overcome. Is's possible pregency threw her off stride, but in a long term relationship, Is would become the dominant member. She's already a substitute mother/authority figure to him. With the best of intentions, she would stunt his growth. Only Maria allows him the freedom to grow into what he needs to become.
Sorry for going on for so long. I originally meant just to say that Maria gives him confidence to use his powers, but got completely carried away.
LadyJ
Level 4-Registered: May 2000-Posts: 516
06-12-2000 08:59 PM
I think there is one more aspect to the Michael's powers are more effective with Maria around theory. I think Maria is the first person to ever believe in Michael (even though he hasn't done a THING to win her trust or belief at this point). As Lameduck (love that name!) pointed out, Iz and Max have a preconceived notion of what Michael is about and it usually involves them getting him out of trouble. When Michael first had the visions, both Max and Iz made light of it even though Michael was obviously serious (obsessed). Maria believed in Michael from the moment he showed her the picture of the dome. He didn't even tell her about the visions. Maria had faith in Michael a second time when she asked him to try again to get a flash off the key. (Okay, let me go CandyGirl here and say ~~ did you SEE how Michael looked deep in her eyes to get the strength to find a vision?)
Kate6058
Level 5-Registered: Jan 2000-Posts: 1239
06-12-2000 09:57 PM
Someone posted on one of my mailing lists that the skylights in Atherton's dome are the same triangle shape found in Howie D's beeping signaling device from Destiny. What does this mean, if anything at all?? I'm still waiting for the connection to be made between Atherton/River Dog/Nasedo and Liz and her visions/Hubble/Nasedo/the special unit.
I missed that you posted about this the first time around, LSS.
[Edited by Kate6058 on 06-12-2000 at 11:37 PM]
beanz
Level 4-Registered: Jan 2000-Posts: 639
06-12-2000 10:06 PM
quote:
Originally posted by LSS
Why was Michael unsuccessful the first time, but successful the second? Did being next to Maria somehow help his focus? Or is there some significane to Maria that we have yet to find know--even from our post-Destiny vantage point? Is Michael actually stronger, more disciplined with Maria in his life? (Geesh--Have the Candygirls/guys been correct all along?) If so, then are Michael's fears in Destiny (concerning Maria) going to prove counter-productive in the long run?
I come in here with slight apprehension, as i have never posted on the sci-fi thread before, but prefer to lurk here and enjoy the various observations.Nevertheless.....
The scene above when Michael AND Maria resulted in the success of Michael having his vision, was one that had intrigued me since the episode originally aired.
It would be nice to believe that his success was achieved due to finally having someone show faith in his abilites.Buoyed up with the feeling of self-confidence due to the positive acknowledgement of another being.
I find that in many ways Michael seems to be childlike , partially due to the way his 'parent's' Isabel and Max treat him,partially due to his upbringing and his earnest desire for parental love and guidance. He is vulnerable and yearning for recognition of his capabilites. A child when shown encouragement and cognisance excels to the best of their ability. Is this simply what Maria's influence is over him?
Well, this is the 'sci-fi' thread, so as you will suspect I am going to say no...I think that there may be more to it than this.
It was as though Maria's presence worked as a catalyst for Michaels 'powers'. As if she had the missing 'element' that was needed in order for him to fulfill his objective speedily.
Which brings me to my next thought. Is it a case of the Aliens needing the humans, or a part of them in order for them to become 'whole', complete?(Please tell me if this is beginning to sound like the recipe for a ridiculous love story and make me stop).
Later in...(I forget which ep! sorry), when Max and Liz discover the 'orb', it made me think of the scene that occurred in 285 . Again we saw a combination of Human and 'alien' succeeding in the outworking of a 'power'.(Discovering/activating the orb).
I would like to see the development next season of Human/'alien' power. I would hope that the pairing of the 'couples' would be more than for their physical, mental and emotional needs. But something, dare I say 'deeper'. What exactly? I do not know.Nor can i yet explain. Perhaps my post makes no sense at all.
I apologise if any of this has been covered before!! I did not mean to rehash past theories.
Any other thoughts?
Nemo
Level 3-Registered: Dec 1999-Posts: 421
06-12-2000 11:02 PM
quote:
Originally posted by LSS
Who really was Atherton??? And why--if he was so important--was his house not combed by the FBI after his death?
Apparently he thought he knew something about "Aliens among us," since he wrote that book. Didn't Milton say he had an underground following? (He's dead and buried. His stuff is also in that underground room. But who's been watering his house plants all these years? They look nice and green; maybe they're growing right out of the ground through the floor -- it didn't look solid everywhere.) Perhaps the FBI did not deem him important enough to track him. Weren't we given the impression that no one knew he was dead? That the 1959 corpse was unidentified until Valenti recognized Atherton's photo in Michael's computer printout? [No, my mistake -- that same printout listed Atherton as deceased in 1959.]
quote:
...what happened to all the materials that our teens took out of Atherton's house???
I imagine the FBI special unit has them, and now Nasedo/Pierce can do what he likes with them.
quote:
...the top of Atherton's dome DOES match the geometric shape on the bad alien's...hand held instrument...hmmm...
I think we are supposed to imagine that instrument is a locator or direction finder. (The beeps we heard had a sonar-ping sound to them, to plant that thought in our minds.) Human radar displays would typically have rectangular or polar coordinates; this instrument has to look alien, so it has a pentagon shape, sort of intermediate between square and round. (Just as alien doors are anything but rectangular, no matter how cumbersome.) Now a five-sided figure is natural to a geodesic dome, so there is some chance this is coincidental. But I suspect not; my guess is that the story is headed toward the reason Atherton was killed, which likely has to do with the bad aliens. Perhaps he found out too much about them.
[Edited by Nemo on 06-17-2000 at 09:09 PM]
parisindy
Level 4-Registered: Jan 2000-Posts: 641
06-12-2000 11:44 PM
i think micheal was nervous with everyone stareing at him. When he failed everyone sort of looked away. When everyone wasn't stareing he could do it...Maria just helps his confidence because she didn't give up on him like the others sometimes do.
Clint
Level 4-Registered: Jan 2000-Posts: 747
06-13-2000 04:45 AM
quote:
Originally posted by LSS
......Of course--as has been pointed out on other SF threads, the top of Atherton's dome DOES match the geometric shape on the bad alien's (aka BSB formally known as Howie) hand held instrument...hmmm...
Well--what do you think?
LSS
[Edited by LSS on 06-12-2000 at 07:25 PM]
I just noticed that design last night while watching the show. I wonder is Atherton was one of the bad guys.
Clint
Miss Roswell
Level 3-Registered: Feb 2000-Posts: 387
06-13-2000 05:14 AM
I don't know if anyone else noticed this or maybe it is not significant, but when they were at Atherton's house, I saw the Chrylser symbol (like a skylight) in the celing, does that represent anything???
LSS
Level 5-Registered: Feb 2000-Posts: 1164
06-13-2000 06:46 AM
quote:
Originally posted by beanz
quote:
I come in here with slight apprehension, as i have never posted on the sci-fi thread before, but prefer to lurk here and enjoy the various observations.Nevertheless.....
Well, this is the 'sci-fi' thread, so as you will suspect I am going to say no...I think that there may be more to it than this.
It was as though Maria's presence worked as a catalyst for Michaels 'powers'. As if she had the missing 'element' that was needed in order for him to fulfill his objective speedily.
Which brings me to my next thought. Is it a case of the Aliens needing the humans, or a part of them in order for them to become 'whole', complete?
To begin with--Welcome Beanz to the SF threads (as a poster). Good to hear your "voice"!!! Let me address two of your above points:
1) THE IMPORTANCE OF MARIA. I think it is interesting that the scene in 285 South where Maria "helps" Michael is often the basis for fanfic writers to speculate on whether or not Maria is a half-alien (that elusive "father" of hers). So you are not alone when you theorize that there is "more to it [that scene]" than meets the eye. Maybe someone ought to start a thread about the importance of Maria to the alien mythology of the show!!! (Do I hear cheers from Candygirls/guys across the world?)
2) THE POWER OF SIX (OR EIGHT?). You know, back in SH Michael suggested to Isabel that perhaps the humans and the aliens existed in a symbiotic fashion--that the closer the humans got to them, the more they "remembered". I'm not sure I totally agree with his idea--but what if some variant is true?
What if using the human template to house the cloned alien essence has somehow altered the alien essence in such a way that continued human contact/interaction is not just "nice" but "necessary"?
You know we've explored the "altered Liz" theory on these threads--but what of an "altered alien" theory? Max told Liz that knowing her had made him human. What if that is true on a level of which he is yet unaware? That all of them (including Nesedo) is unaware?
A while back (March/April) when a rash of spoilers came out concerning the last run of episodes, we learned of an upcoming split in our sacred six. Speculation ran wild as to what this would entail. Most thought that Max and Michael would split up (due to all the friction between them). We know now of course that it was the human/alien split they were talking about. Anyway, I seem to remember that the spoilers also talked about "danger" in relation to this break-up. Those that are spoiled may remember this (and correct me if I am wrong). But perhaps it is dangerous NOT for them to be TOGETHER, but for the aliens and humans to be APART?
LSS
Nemo
Level 3-Registered: Dec 1999-Posts: 421
06-13-2000 07:14 AM
I like the idea of the aliens needing the humans. Doesn't it seem like the orbs needing to be together to work properly symbolizes something? Humans/aliens? Max/Liz? Or maybe also head/heart, analytical/intuitive, etc. About the Momogram, people have been asking "Why Earth?" Just a (more or less) neutral sanctuary where the aliens can regroup? I would rather think there is also something here that is vital to their cause.
Now I suspect that Grandma Claudia was in on it, Liz is now vital to it, and Maria also has a big contribution to make.
LSS
Level 5-Registered: Feb 2000-Posts: 1164
06-13-2000 10:30 AM
Nemo:
You know I am of a mixed mind on this one. The more cynical part of me says--earth...because the audience (us) are "earthlings" and like to think of our planet and ourselves as the center of the universe...thus our writers are simply pandering to this.
But as far as the storyline goes...there are so many things about this that just don't make a lot of SF sense. For example:
1) Our trio is asked to learn how to use their powers and go back and save the planet. After what we have seen Nesedo do--what in the world is so great about our trio's (damn, our "quartet's" ...I still can't get used to saying that) potential?
2) And why is earth turning out to be the site of what reminds me of an alien convention? Are we the #1 tourist attraction for this quadrant? [Remember all of Nesedo's "artifacts"?] Do we have some type of resource that is scarce in this section of the galaxy? Are we prime fodder for colonization plans?
I mean, I know that I like earth--but what draws our alien "visitors"?
Nemo--I agree that it would be wonderful if--instead of the "liabilities" we were lead to believe we are in those last few episodes--humankind turns out to be the key of our teen planet's salvation.
No one ever accused us humans of being too humble...!
LSS
ROStaFEHRian
Level 2-Registered: Mar 2000-Posts: 56
06-13-2000 12:08 PM
quote:
Originally posted by LSS
Nemo:
You know I am of a mixed mind on this one. The more cynical part of me says--earth...because the audience (us) are "earthlings" and like to think of our planet and ourselves as the center of the universe...thus our writers are simply pandering to this.
But as far as the storyline goes...there are
so many things about this that just don't make a lot of SF sense
Hi, LSS. ITA. But I've fallen out of the loop a bit, and a lot of things don't make sense.
1) After what we have seen Nesedo do--what in the world is so great about our trio's potential?
2) And why is earth turning out to be the site of what reminds me of an alien convention? Are we the #1 tourist attraction for this quadrant?resource that is scarce in this section of the galaxy? Are we prime fodder for colonization plans?
LSS
LMAO. I love it.
My feeling has been that humans may have been "created" with a little bit of genetic tampering and interference with the natural evolution of this planet. The beings of Max' world (unless, of course, THIS is their world)may feel a proprietary interest in these humans. Hence, "human genetics" was something in their possession (whether or not they contemplated and/or anticipated the outcome of their experiment) something to be exploited.
In some sci-fi lit (ie, like CJ Cherrey), there is the common theme of awaiting the return (after a time so long that time lost it's meaning)of the ancient ones/creators. And THEY are not usually benevolent.
What they may have helped (ie, given a boost)to create developed into a humanity that, over time, have proven they have the right stuff. That they had qualities (psychological? physical? etc) to be the receptacles for whatever this eau de essence
is.
I'm not sure what is alien in Roswell yet. The memory of Origin/The Beginning may have been lost by a society that colonized other- or perhaps multiple- worlds in a vast diaspora (BTW- the human genetic aspect may have been an unplanned event..ie, accident, unauthorized mating..yadayada). The red giant/supernova may have been just the beginning of a dispersal that started so far back in time there is only a collective unconscious.
The Quadpod's immediate ancesters may have come from some more reasonably close neighbor- possibly even Venus if the story writers want to go there- after some socio-political disaster decimated nearly all except those who escaped, those who may have been engaged in genetic experiments (authorized or not) and were trying to return home with the "solution" but crashed on take off (or the reverse, were entrusted with/stole the secret weapon/solution- ie the Quads- and crash landed).
I think the answer is going revolve around "reconstituting" bloodlines. That is one of the main themes of the grail tales: restoration of bloodlines. Not just any blood lines.
Rosta
Missing being around Crashdown.
shapeshifter
Level 3-Registered: May 2000-Posts: 352
06-13-2000 02:33 PM
Only during the rerun did I notice the incident with Maria and Michael's vision from the key. Perhaps it's on the same level as the healing rocks? She was concentrating with him? Having a hippy mom, this might not be an alien concept to her.
shapeshifter
Level 3-Registered: May 2000-Posts: 352
06-13-2000 03:01 PM
Originally posted by Zero (seems I'm always quoting Zero) in the Importance of Liz to the Alien Mythology revisited threadquote:
James Atherton was born in Pohawnee, Tennessee in 1911. He got interest in ETs after the "1927 Buffalo Visitation." He was involved in Project Grudge (1948) and later Project Blue Book (1952) [sounds like college finals to me?] which were originate by the air force to explain the sighting, decide if they pose a threat to national security and decide if they were using advanced technology that the US could use. [That's all I could read. From Rt. 285]
Leneba
Level 3-Registered: Feb 2000-Posts: 284
06-13-2000 06:03 PM
LSS,
I too like the idea of a symbiotic relationship between the humans and aliens. Max and Liz both make several references throughout the series to the feeling that their lives began with the events at the Crashdown. Something that was dormant seemed to be triggered by their new closeness. At the very least, they all have a new level of self-awareness. Max, Michael and Is now know that they can reveal their "true" selves and still be loved. Maybe they needed the reassurance that these relationships/friendships provided before they could move forward with the exploration of their past. Their human side (which we now know is literally correct) has an anchor for the first time, so now it's safe (but still scarey because the potential losses are greater) to venture into the alien aspect of themselves. Before Max healed Liz, they were so careful to keep hidden. It must have been crippling. I think Michael was correct with his speculations to Isabel in SH.
Here's a question regarding powers:
In Leaving Normal, we see an angry and frustrated Max knock down a bathroom stall wall with a punch. And in 285S, the shove that Michael gives Kyle seems unusually powerful. At least Kyle's reaction to it indicates that it was a huge surprise to him. So do the Podsters possess unusual physical strength? Or is their physical strength augmented by their powers when they choose (or in Michael's case, when instinct kicks in)? In the example with Max, it seemed like a purely physical act. With Michael, they way they slowed the action down, I think it was meant to convey that he was using his powers.
GraceKel
Level 4-Registered: Dec 1999-Posts: 784
06-13-2000 08:07 PM
Well I have to credit Bluecornmoon for finding the similar Chrysler logo on the top of the dome in 285S-ofcourse I think it has some meaning but not sure exactly what
But I have a question---as they enter the dome and Max looks up at the LOGO he turns around and looks at Liz and Maria who seem hesitant to come in-then at Isabel who proceeds to look at Michael and Michael kinda smirks and laughs a bit. I did not get this-WHY? Anyone else?
I also noticed that Michael says to Max and Isabel, "I AM CONNECTED TO THIS THING, AND IT IS NOT LETTING ME WAIT." He says I not WE! I find Michael says things like this quite a bit "THERE OUT ON MY VISION QUEST and I'm stuck back here where two girls yacking" NASEDO IS MY FAMILY AND I AM GOING TO FIND HIM. In the WHITE ROOM when he is telling Nasedo "hey I did not get the manual, why did you leave me alone" (not sure that is exact quote there but then later at end of WHITE ROOM when Nasedo says you go I have to take care of something. Michael says "no you're not leaving me alone again" or something similar. He does't say us. This is why I think Michael is connected to Mr Harding/Nasedo as they call him and Tess and that Max and Isabel are from the other group.
On another thread Nemo came up with another interesting little thing to ponder---in THE MORNING AFTER----Michael says "MY DAD's COOKING" ------We know that someone has been frying people 180 degrees quite a ways back. And I hadn't made that connection but now on top of that in ID at the end Michael tells Isabel "theres alot you don't know about me, I ALSO COOK. He now cooks at the CRASHDOWN. Michaels powers have improved quite a lot since Mr Harding and Tess showed up.
Also noticed conversation between Sheriff and Kyle in his room---SIGNS----camera pans to WARNING a couple of seconds later "DON'T MISS THIS" a sec or 2 later to sign "IN YOUR FACE" and then back "DON'T MISS THIS" I cannot figure out what they wanted us to notice though---anyone else.
starry_sky
Level 1
Registered: Jun 2000-Posts: 1
06-13-2000 11:25 PM
Hi! I'm new here and I have been reading a lot of the sci-fi posts over the past few days. I think that all of you have some great observations!
I unfortunately don't have any of the episodes besides 285 South on tape. I really didn't get a chance the first time around to really see all of the episodes, although I did try to watch when I got the chance. Now I'm really upset that I missed out on so much.
However, I was able to make out the computer information on Atherton. What I found really interesting was that it said:
"When his curiosity was peaked by the infamous 1927 Buffalo Visitation, he knew he'd found his true calling- extra-terrestrial contact with this planet."
I don't know if someone has already brought this up, but I personally find it quite interesting. Maybe all of you can make something out of this.
GraceKel
Level 4-Registered: Dec 1999-Posts: 784
06-14-2000 02:35 PM
Thanks for the info Starry_Sky now I will have to think about Mr Atherton's importance for awhile.
Nemo
Level 3-Registered: Dec 1999-Posts: 421
06-15-2000 07:33 AM
quote:
Originally posted by LSS
... why is earth turning out to be the site of what reminds me of an alien convention?
Or is it the Sultan's Hideaway Motel?
Nemo
Level 3-Registered: Dec 1999-Posts: 421
06-15-2000 08:21 AM
Is this episode an analogy of the larger story? Aliens travel to a distant place (dome = Earth) hoping to find help for a longstanding problem (they don't know their history). But others are watching; they get pursued by several parties working at cross purposes. As a result, so many characters converge at the destination, it looks almost like a convention.
[Edited by Nemo on 06-18-2000 at 01:49 PM]
Nemo
Level 3-Registered: Dec 1999-Posts: 421
06-18-2000 02:07 PM
That alien-in-a-box in Maria's car seems like a joking reference to what is later revealed in AlienMom's message: just add some concentrated "essence" (didn't the ancient Greeks or Romans use the same word for wind/breath/spirit?) and out pops a reconstituted alien. (And already in the Pilot was that statue whose face gets erased, then restored.)
At the sheriff's office was a missing-persons poster "Have you seen us?" with pictures of what might be three children. Also, the motel room number was 3.
[Edited by Nemo on 06-18-2000 at 02:15 PM]
GraceKel
Level 4-Registered: Dec 1999-Posts: 784
06-18-2000 02:18 PM
Nemo I like your idea of the smaller story being an example of the bigger story but I am not following the alien in the box thing--could you explain more please?
LSS
Level 5-Registered: Feb 2000-Posts: 1164
06-18-2000 02:46 PM
Hi GraceKel:
I think that Nemo is using the following analogy (correct me if I'm wrong Nemo):
Box = human flesh (their bioengineered bodies)
Alien doll = alien essence
LSS
San Luis Valley
Level 2-Registered: May 2000-Posts: 88
06-18-2000 03:14 PM
I'd forgotten about Maria's contribution to Michael's visions in 285 South until seeing last week's rerun, but it certainly seems to reinforce the idea of a symbiotic relationship between the humans and hybrids.
Even Isabel's dreamwalking abilities seemed to gel in White Room and Destiny when Alex was with her, holding her. Suddenly she could get into others' consciousnesses while they're awake.
Nemo
Level 3-Registered: Dec 1999-Posts: 421
06-18-2000 03:16 PM
Actually, I was thinking of the compressed air as the "concentrated essence" that pops the alien doll into its designed shape. (And pondering whether the word history of pneuma/wind/spirit was relevant or intended.) I hadn't thought much about the box, so maybe there is a better interpretation of that, as LSS suggests.
[Edited by Nemo on 07-01-2000 at 11:57 AM]
Nemo
Level 3-Registered: Dec 1999-Posts: 421
06-18-2000 04:01 PM
After noticing the similarity of Atherton's pentagon skylight to those devices (direction finders?) in the hands of possible enemy aliens, there seem to be a lot of people on various threads considering whether Atherton might have been an evil alien, or collaborating with them. But maybe the pentagon is just a practical shape for a skylight in a geodesic dome that is built out of triangles meeting in sixes and fives. Atherton didn't necessarily choose it as a symbol of identity. (It's not like a flag.) So maybe Atherton was simply who he seemed to be: an earthling who got interested in the possibility of encountering aliens and spent much of his life searching for them.
This gets back to the question of who is Nasedo. Long ago Rosta pointed out that there was trust between the original Nasedo and River Dog's people, and that this was significant. I think she's right about that, so I suspect the shapeshifter we now call Nasedo, who seems unlikely to trust humans or to inspire the trust of River Dog's people, is not the original. I get a feeling that he does not have our three podsters' best interests at heart. (Michael: "You're not the person I was expecting.") This Nasedo may be working with the enemy aliens to defeat AlienMom's plans. (Maybe that pairing-up scheme is false, to confine our alien friends' attention among themselves instead of finding strength through relationships with humans?) Maybe the original Nasedo found Atherton to be an ally in trying to find or evade the enemies. (Atherton and River Dog were said to be the only people he trusted.) And maybe Atherton was killed by the present Nasedo impersonating the original, as Rosta suggested. After all, we now know this recent Nasedo has killed and impersonated many times.
[Edited by Nemo on 06-18-2000 at 04:07 PM]
Leneba
Level 3-Registered: Feb 2000-Posts: 284
06-18-2000 04:29 PM
Nemo,
I too feel uneasy about the inconsistancy between the description of the Nasedo who befriended Riverdog and his people, and the individual who turned up towards the end of the season. Deliberate, or just a goof on the part of the writers? (I'm secretly hoping it was intentional.)
Hey, I don't know if this is significant, but the name Tess can be short for Theresa or Quintessa.
Theresa: (Greek) Reaper
Quintessa: (Latin) Essence
Hmmm.
Nemo
Level 3-Registered: Dec 1999-Posts: 421
06-18-2000 04:34 PM
Leneba, what about the name Claudia?
Leneba
Level 3-Registered: Feb 2000-Posts: 284
06-18-2000 04:43 PM
Nemo,
After contemplating your last post a little more, I had to go look in my dictionary.
essence (from the Latin esse, to be) The intrinsic or indespensable properties that serve to characterize or identify something (that's the first def.) An existing thing, esp. a spiritual or incorporeal entity. (that's the last def., and IMO, the definition that was intended by the writers)
pneuma (Greek) The soul or vital spirit.
So I think you are right. Essence in this case has something to do with the breath of life.
BTW, the information on Tess came from Bruce Lansky's 35,000+ Baby Names and my dictionary is Houghton-Mifflin's The American Heritage Dictionary.
Leneba
Level 3-Registered: Feb 2000-Posts: 284
06-18-2000 04:50 PM
Or should that be Breath of Life?
Claudia (Latin) lame. Feminine of Claud (Latin) Claudius, name of two famous Roman clans, presumably derived from claudus, 'lame'. Biblical, 2 Tim. 4:21, the name of a Roman convert.
I got that from The New American Dictionary of Baby Names, which is really good at giving the history of names, but doesn't have as many names listed as the other.
GraceKel
Level 4-Registered: Dec 1999-Posts: 784
06-18-2000 07:10 PM
Nemo I never thought of the fact that maybe the SHAPESHIFTER/Mr Harding may have shapeshifted into the original Nasedo and killed Atherton and let him have the blame for it---but this does explain the double story we from Riverdog---in Riverdog ep Riverdog says I once knew someone like you who befriended me and everyone here on the reservation....but then later when he says the man killed Atherton---and later in the Balance he tells a different story about how the elders thought he was an evil spirit and decided to test him when he got sick and .....I have always been confused by this doubletalk story but someone shapeshifting into the original could explain this.
Nemo
Level 3-Registered: Dec 1999-Posts: 421
06-19-2000 07:47 AM
That Aladdin's-lamp on the motel door -- aren't its proportions like the orbs? (Interesting: activate the orbs and a Genie appears with answers to questions.) Then maybe the 3 above the lamp suggests that there might be 3 orbs? This suggestion has been made elsewhere but I don't remember the reasons, except that some observers think it was not Pierce's hand we saw operating the surveillance tape playback, with an orb lying nearby.
Marathon is also an interesting name. A long way to go, 3 hours or so. But also the site of an ancient battle: a victory of the home forces (defending an early democracy?) over foreign invaders.
I wonder whether it's significant that Marathon is in a different time zone.
[Edited by Nemo on 07-02-2000 at 03:32 PM]
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