Reading Neil and Jacqueline's posts ... I sort of take a middle path. Yes, IMO the sexism subtext *is* there (one never denied it) but it's not the *same* subtext it would be if the characters weren't who they were. The latter does influence the former (and vice versa, of course). I said before, I do think having *Avon* in the role subverts it quite nicely because of his kerflummoxed reactions and deep - if Avonishly covered-up mortification at the whole thing (Blake wouldn't have been nearly as much fun, love him as I do. Jenna or Cally may have been admirable reverse-sexism, but would have been dull in themselves. Vila ... oh dear oh dear, only if the Grecian robes in red fur <g>) Avon would have been a lot more comfortable if Meegat had just looked him straight in the eye and said "you do this job for me and I'll help you get your crewmember back. Deal?" For all his arrogance, he has a sense of the ridiculous, and he feels ridiculous in the role the plot has pushed him into.
That the author - whether it's Nation in the original script or Boucher in the re-write - may not have intended this subversion is not important. 'Tis unlikely the author meant to write a sexist tract, either, so we're all reading stuff in as we watch. (Isn't that part of the fun? Don't answer that <g>).
To illustrate the importance of the characters - to me, at least - may I suggest a few recasts? Imagine taking out Avon and putting in Jarvik (from Kairos) or Carnell (from Weapon). Or James T Kirk (ick. Double ick. Six million times ick). Now take them out and put in Harold from 'Neighbours'.* If you can see the same type of sexism in the image of *him* firing off rockets, phallic or otherwise, you're doing better than I am ...
Take out Meegat - naive, desperately, embarrasingly in earnest, but still with total composure - and put in Piri. Or consider Xena or Callisto. Or Sally from 'Third Rock from the Sun'.
There would still be the same sexual subtext and assumptions in all of these versions (personally the Harold/Callisto one appeals to me) but they're differently twisted in each case.
As always JMHO ...
Sally
*Before anyone groans, I have Small Relatives. I tend to see (not watch) small amounts of a lot of programs I'd rather not have :-)
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