Regime change

[altariel]

Over the weekend, several of us had a short discussion about elections in SF television. We struggled to think of examples of shows in which elections have provided an ongoing narrative. Babylon 5 is a notable exception; Free For All in The Prisoner is a great one-off. I happen to find elections really exciting and great drama, so I don't know why they don't turn up more often as an element in narrative.

Blake's 7 only refers to elections in passing, e.g. Sarkoff's election in 'Bounty'. Thinking about the justice machines that we see, which give the appearance of justice being done, it's fun to speculate that perhaps there are electoral machines, giving the appearance of democracy being done. We see Servalan seize the Presidency in 'Star One' of course, but I would like to know more about the setting up of the Federation. I remember reading a story about the setting up of the Federation in which the bad guys were put into power with the mandate of the electorate and then promptly dismantled the apparatus for elections, à la 1930s Germany. I can't remember what this story was or who it was by; I think it might be 'Drug Induced Tranquillity' by Christine Lacey, in 'Pressure Point', edited by the inestimable temeres. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, and an online link would be great.

As DS9 drew to a conclusion, there was a lot of change at the top, although very little of it seemed to be as the result of free elections: Worf does for Gowron and hands power over to Martok; the Nagus chooses his successor; and, of course, poor Cardassia, suffering coup and after coup and then blown to smithereens. BTW, you were right, kalypso_v, Winn is briefly both Kai and First Minister, in the third season episode Shakaar. Little separation of religion and the state on Bajor!

I found the transference of power to Laura Roslin and her swearing-in as President really moving, and BSG is beginning to live up to my hopes that it would not just be a run-around, and would examine its premises in greater detail. In last night's episode, 'Bastille Day', the promise of forthcoming elections was a significant part of the story. I hope this picks up as a plot thread and gets explored in forthcoming episodes or - even better - a forthcoming season.

My own favourite SF (in its broadest sense) elections are in the near-future drama A Very British Coup. It really captures the drama and excitement of elections, but then it's all very close to real life.

Edited because my memory sucks.

Comments

[kalypso-v.livejournal.com]

BTW, you were right, steverogerson, Winn is briefly both Kai and First Minister

I thought that was me? Arguing for the position, I mean, not holding it. Or did we both?

[altariel.livejournal.com]

Has my gorgonzola memory struck again? I'm sorry :-( I couldn't remember that she'd held both positions, and somebody said that she had - was that you?

[kalypso-v.livejournal.com]

Well, let's see if Steve owns up. I'm pretty sure I said it but sometimes I'm a bit vague about who I am.

[altariel.livejournal.com]

I remember saying things that other people have said particularly when it's something really interesting and thought-provoking. Funny that.

[glitterboy1.livejournal.com]

Hee! Well, it's ok, just so long as you don't remember it out loud in the presence of the person who really did say it. Just follow that rule, and it's surprising what you can get away with. ;-)

[altariel.livejournal.com]

*hands over eyes* I can imagine myself doing that. Still, I think taking notes or recording every conversation I have would probably be a bit excessive.

[glitterboy1.livejournal.com]

:-D

I think the weekend would have generated an awful lot of tapes!

[altariel.livejournal.com]

Bugging one's friends is, again, probably a bit excessive!

[steverogerson.livejournal.com]

It wasn't me who said it

[altariel.livejournal.com]

Text duly tweaked.

[eldritchhobbit.livejournal.com]

So glad to see "Free For All" mentioned. It's a personal favorite.

No. 2: Are you going to run?
No. 6: Like the blazes, first chance I get.
No. 2: No, I meant run for office.

Great stuff. Andromeda has had elections involved in several episodes, as well. Neat post!

[altariel.livejournal.com]

Heh, that's a great exchange. And I love the icon too!

[kathyh]

BSG is beginning to live up to my hopes that it would not just be a run-around, and would examine its premises in greater detail

I missed the mini-series and am now kicking myself about it as I have been really pleasantly surprised by the first three episodes of BSG. It's really got some quite intriguing things going on and feels as if someone has really put some thought into it. Apparently Richard Hatch will be back so I'm guessing that the elections will be an ongoing plotline.

[altariel.livejournal.com]

If you can catch the miniseries, it is absolutely worth it; one of the most enjoyable things I've seen in ages. There's a bit of sag about two-thirds of the way through, but I can forgive it that because it's so well thought through. Glad to hear Richard Hatch will be back; I liked his performance and character last night (tho' it took me a bit to recognize him!).

[selenak.livejournal.com]

Winn is briefly both Kai and First Minister, in the third season episode Shakaar. Little separation of religion and the state on Bajor!

Bajor is a borderline theocracy anyway. It's also worth noting that even after Shakaar is First Minister, it's Winn, not S., who represents Bajor in the negotiations with the Dominion in In the Cards. When conferring with Sisko about how to handle the no agression pact, she doesn't give the impression she has to get back to Shakaar on the matter, either.

Anyway, elections in TV shows: there is The West Wing, of course, but otherwise B5 is my only viewing experience of an ongoing narrative really making continuous use of them.

[altariel.livejournal.com]

I guess the secular government might be a post-Occupation innovation? I can't remember now. I suppose it's possible that Winn could have a separate position in the government that derives from her being kai, like the bishops in our House of Lords.

The West Wing: d'oh! I was fixated on SF shows.

[selenak.livejournal.com]

Given that the caste system was abolished only through the occupation, I find it quite plausible that there was a theocratic government pre-occupation as well. After all, the Vedeks seem to have the highest standing in society.

[hafren.livejournal.com]

I don't recall the B7 rebels mentioning the possibility of holding elections after their proposed coup in VftP, though to be fair they have other priorities at the time.

[altariel.livejournal.com]

I suppose that could excuse them not recognizing Travis too.

[executrix.livejournal.com]

I tend to assume that the elections would keep getting put off. In the interests of security, you understand.

[the-wild-iris.livejournal.com]

Hmm... it is hard to think of examples. There were a couple of single-shot Buffy episodes revolving around prom queen elections :). But sci-fi seems to have too much fun predicting totalitarian futures for us all.

[altariel.livejournal.com]

There were a couple of single-shot Buffy episodes revolving around prom queen elections

Hee! As fiercely fought as national elections.

[hafren.livejournal.com]

Not exactly SF but.. the worst thing about this election is that when I hear "Bush" I look up at the screen expecting to see Paul McGann in an 18th-century naval lieutenant's uniform and what do I see instead? A bemused-looking chimp with a suit on. It won't do.

[altariel.livejournal.com]

Unfair!