Helen wrote:
There was a scene in an early episode where Avon shows him a thing or two about computers, but there are also quite a number of times where Avon clearly demonstrates his contempt for Gan's intelligence. For example: When they are looking for Orac in Shadow,Gan tells the crew that he even called out Orac's name. Avon replies, "That requires a degree of stupidity that no amount of training could match."
What part of "Snarky comments aside" was unclear? I *am* aware of the oft quoted insults-- but then, Avon has insulted the intelligence of all of them at various times. Perhaps you beliueve that Avon's words always reveal true, deeply held convictions-- I prefer to scrutinize his actions.
Yes, so do I. But you appear to be assuming that just because he says something he means the opposite. He is "snarky" to Cally, Vila, Tarrant, Blake... and yet, however grudgingly, allows them their expertise. I can't think of a single occasion where he shows any respect for Gan's intelligence. The only time he comes close is when he explains the Liberator's functioning to Gan in "The Web" and even that's pretty contemptuous (and I'll tell you one thing that scene does show-- that Gan's more intelligent than he lets on. Which makes one wonder why he's hiding it). Even after Gan dies--and everyone else is upset about it--he's sarcastic about him and uses his death to score political points off Blake.
As for the dangerousness of Gan vs. Doran, I definitely did not make it clear that I meant that I thought the Federation was jumping to erroneous conclusions when they thought Gan was more dangerous than Doran to them.
Why would the Federation jump to erroneous conclusions? They're fascists, not idiots.
Also, almost everything mentioned (encouraging Vila to assualt Servalan, shooting guards) happens after the initial arrest. They apparently didn't realize what a beast he was.