B5 Redux

I've been watching Bablyon 5 these last few days (getting ready for the new DVD).

I am constantly impressed with how JMS works in all the groundwork of the world, and foreshadows stuff, and does it in such a way that you don't see it all.

Case in point: The Quality of Mercy.

Big plot point - Alien Healing device, used later for 2 major events. Strong introduction.
Big plot point - Death of Personality; a big deal in a later issue.
Minor plot point - Lennier lies to protect Londo - sets up a number of times where the Minbari do things they don't normally do for honor, or for someone else - and the lying to protect someone else and for honor is a big point when Sheridan is framed for murder.
Minor plot point that is huge foreshadowing - Janice, in speaking of her mother not being a doctor anymore "She wanted to help everyone, and it was too much for her, and she started taking stims, and then she made a mistake. It cost a patient his life, and she lost her license" Hmm... do we see that later?

Just amazed at how packed first season was in setting all the groundwork to make everything else be as wonderful as it is. I mean ties to at least 4 specific episodes are set up here.