Joan, I loved the glasses episode, too, although I tend to over-analyze it by wondering what was to stop him from simply going to an optometrist's office and finding a pair of glasses that at least approximated his prescription.
Don't forget the Bill Mumy was also in Babylon 5. To judge by the number of science fiction shows he has been in, I am guessing he must be a fan of the genre. His roles are all so different that its not a matter of his being typecast.
Joy,
Lynn
