The original prisoners on Cygnus Alpha were evidently from Egypt and Turkey, going by the accoutrements in their shrine.

“You will contact your ship and order it to land”
“ I can’t do that”
He genuinely can’t do that. Jenna hasn’t learnt how to land the ship yet. LOL

Such as what, in particular?

Avon’s being a bully.

The textiles, the Egyptian one on the altar being worth rather a lot of $$$$$ by now, the two brazier stands (Egyptian) and the ewer and basin (Turkish).

Nobody asked why the Liberator collected them, either.

At least he's honest about it, unlike Blake.

At least he's honest about it, unlike Blake.

Oh look, the Cygnus Inquisition. We were expecting that, I think.

Blake was never dishonest, he was always very clear about what he wanted.

What else might one expect? If you've come from the Federation – and even if you haven't – someone's always going to take advantage of everyone else. This is no Big Man society.

Avon is the least of their worries. Blake, Vargas....

“You will contact your ship and order it to land”
“ I can’t do that”
He genuinely can’t do that. Jenna hasn’t learnt how to land the ship yet. LOL

Big Men societies aren't much of a thing in the 'developed' West. More's the pity, really.

The textiles, the Egyptian one on the altar being worth rather a lot of $$$$$ by now, the two brazier stands (Egyptian) and the ewer and basin (Turkish).

What else might one expect? If you've come from the Federation – and even if you haven't – someone's always going to take advantage of everyone else. This is no Big Man society.

She never does! I think the only time we see it land is in 'Dawn of the Gods', and I think it did it by itself, rather than by Tarrant.

Been fun guys. See you next week.

Agreed. Libby has more sense than to let Tarrant attempt a landing.

My feeling entirely. If you want someone to follow you, you have to demonstrate you can provide, not just talk about it.

Agreed. Libby has more sense than to let Tarrant attempt a landing.

I LOVE these details! A mixed batch from BBC props. But how to explain in terms of B7? Did these things come with Vargas' ancestors? Was there trading between Cygnus and other worlds?

I think I'm misunderstanding what a Big Man society is. I would see it as a bad thing - Trump, Bolsonaro etc.

Big Man Societies
It mostly happens in Australasia, such as Papua New Guinea.
Traditionally, among peoples of non-Austronesian-speaking communities, authority was obtained by a man (the so-called "big man" recognised as "performing most capably in social, political, economic and ceremonial activities".
(Wikipedia)
So it's someone who has proved his worth, that the rest of the group recognise as a leader, rather than someone who can browbeat people into following him.
At least, that's my take on it.

I do think we are rather underestimating Tarrant here . . .

Have a good week, everybody! Glad I was able to join in today. Even though this isn't one of my fave eps, it's necessary for story & character arcs. And it has some excellent moments!

That's pretty much how I feel about it.

That makes sense! But is that not pretty much exactly Trump and Bolsonaro? They provide for their followers by funnelling government money their way, and by 'owning the libs'? That they wear suits is neither here not there.

Nothing to do with them. Do you know about the Potlach? Big Men gain their position by demonstrating that they can provide for their group. Massive displays of wealth like the Potlach are exactly that.

Like one of my favourite Paul Darrow quotes on Jack 3: "Jack 3: As relaxing as a bedtime story read by Brian Blessed."

Nothing to do with them. Do you know about the Potlach? Big Men gain their position by demonstrating that they can provide for their group. Massive displays of wealth like the Potlach are exactly that.