One of the great things about syndication is that it breathes new life into older series that were great in their heyday, but have more recently been forgotten. There are always new folks, new fans, entirely new generations that can become acquainted with these shows and find a place for them in their hearts, just as the original fans did the first time around.
Babylon 5(1993-1998)is one such show that achieved a legen-dary cult status in the hallows of science fiction fandom. Series creator J. Michael Straczynski set out to do a show that would explore a vast panoply of characters, locales and ideologies, but which could also be done on an extremely low budget. He succeeded beyond his wildest dreams, and to this day the names of such fictional charac-ters as Sheridan, Valen, G'Kar and Delenn are spoken with reverence at conventions and on message boards across the globe.
The intelligent storytelling ideals of B5--the show always took for granted that its audience was intelligent enough to understand all the concepts, struggles both symbolic and literal, as well as the moral ambiguities of its characters that were thrown at them--served as inspiration for me when writing my own series of science fiction novels. It's also a little-known fact that when Straczynski was initially pitching Babylon 5 to studios, his ideas served as another type of "inspiration" to a group of producers who decided it was of paramount importance to swipe certain aspects in order to come up with a similar show, also taking place on a deep space station. Straczynski took that company to court and won an undisclosed settlement, showing that nine times out of ten, the truth will out.
Lawsuits and syndication aside, having recently rewatched the entire first season of B5, I thought it might be nice to help introduce the potential next generation of fans to the show. Henceforth, about once a month, this page will be updated with a recap of each subse-quent season of the series. For those new initiates, welcome. For those of you who already know and love the series, prepare for a nostalgic look back...
It was the dawn of the third age of mankind. Ten years after the Earth-Minbari War. The Babylon Project was a dream given form. Its goal: to prevent another war by creating a place where humans and aliens could work out their differences peacefully. It's a port of call; home away from home for diplomats, hustlers, entrepreneurs, and wanderers. Humans and aliens wrapped in two million, five hundred thousand tons of spinning metal...all alone in the night. It can be a dangerous place, but it's our last, best hope for peace. This is the story of the last of the Babylon stations. The year is 2258. The name of the place--is Babylon 5!
--First Season Introduction
by Cmdr. Jeffery Sinclair
Having been a die-hard Star Trek fan most of my life, I was dragged into the B5 realm kicking and screaming. "Watch it, watch it", my friend kept telling me, finally loaning me episodes which I felt obliged to view and report on. I had a tough time at first: why the hell did the guy playing the security chief look so much like Bruce Willis? Was I drunk, or was the actor playing the station commander really less animated than a chunk of rock? And what in the hell was up with that alien Londo's hair?
All science fiction series take some getting used to, and Babylon 5 was no different. However, the further I got into the initial season, the more I got into it and began to understand there was something deeper going on within the storyline. By the tenth episode, I was a confirmed B5 junkie. Straczynski always intentionally describ-ed his series as "a novel for television" with a definitive beginning, middle and end. Once you're able to view the series as a whole, it's hard to decide which is more astonishing: that such an intricate, detailed and self-contained, believable storyline and universe could ever be conceived and executed...or that just one man could really be responsible for it.
SEASON ONE: SIGNS AND PORTENTS(the first chapter)
Episode 1: Midnight on the Firing Line
Episode 2: Soul Hunter
Episode 3: Born to the Purple
Episode 4: Infection
Episode 5: The Parliament of Dreams
Episode 6: Mind War
Episode 7: The War Prayer
Episode 8: And the Sky Full of Stars
Episode 9: Deathwalker
Episode 10: Believers
Episode 11: Survivors
Episode 12: By Any Means Necessary
Episode 13: Signs and Portents
Episode 14: TKO
Episode 15: Grail
Episode 16: Eyes
Episode 17: Legacies
Episode 18: A Voice in the Wilderness(Part I)
Episode 19: A Voice in the Wilderness(Part II)
Episode 20: Babylon Squared
Episode 21: The Quality of Mercy
Episode 22: Chrysalis
Without giving away too many spoilers for the newbies among us, here's how the first season breaks down. We are reintroduced (there was a two-hour pilot, The Gathering, which came out a year earlier, but I'll get to that when it comes time to review the B5 movies) to the main staff and characters of Babylon 5: Commander Jeffrey Sinclair(Michael O'hare), Lieutenant-Commander Susan Ivanova(Claudia Christian), Security Chief Michael Garibaldi(Jerry Doyle), Doctor Stephen Franklin(Richard Biggs), ambassadors Kosh(voice of Ardwight Chamberlain), Delenn(Mira Furlan), G'Kar (Andreas Katsulas), Londo(Peter Jurasik), diplomatic attaches Vir (Stephen Furst) and Lennier(Bill Mumy) and telepath Talia Winters(Andrea Thompson).
Unlike other television series--science fiction or other genres-- Babylon 5 is unique in that whatever the dialogue, scene or action being performed, everything means something. Pay attention while you watch: you may notice something or someone in the back-ground of a scene, or an extra with a couple lines of dialogue who might turn out to be a major player a season or two down the road... seriously. Ambassador G'Kar once said it best: "No one here is entirely what they appear."
During the course of this first season, foundation is laid for the great war to come, the rise to power of a tyrant, and the fall and reformation of two main characters. Midnight on the Firing Line establishes the long-standing hatred between the Narn and the Centauri races, G'Kar and Londo being their respective representa-tives. Soul Hunter establishes a race of self-proclaimed collectors of souls, and opens the door for Sinclair's eventual revelation that during the Earth-Minbari War, something bizarre happened to him during the 24 hours he lost consciousness during Earth's last stand against a greater power, and the sudden surrender of the Minbari when he woke up. Born to the Purple gives us an accurate reading of Londo's joke status as an ambassador on B5, and introduces a seemingly one-shot character that will play a significant guidepath to his final fate. Infection is one of the few episodes of the series Straczynski is actually embarrassed by, having literally written it while experiencing a 104 degree fever. It is in many ways a weak link in the chain...yet somehow still stronger than many other series' "best" episodes.
The Parliament of Dreams introduces us to Catherine Sakai (Julia Nickson-Soul), an on-again/off-again love interest for Sinclair, as well as one of the most touching, beautiful commentaries on the nature of religion at this episode's end. Mind War brings us the Psi-Corps; human telepaths whose job is to find, train and oversee the develop-ment of new telepaths...and eliminate the ones who don't fall into line with the Corps' intentions. Although it's great to have Star Trek's Walter Koenig step into the B5 universe as Psi-Cop Alfred Bester, it's odd that the unique ending of the Jason Ironheart storyline--a rogue, ever-evolving telepath being hunted by Bester and his partner--is never touched upon again in the series. One of the only plot threads to hold this distinction.
The War Prayer tells the tale of a radical pro-human movement which has brought racism to alien life among the stars. And the Sky Full of Stars, while an interesting solo act for O'hare as Sinclair, suffers too much from replays of stock footage flashbacks to The Battle of the Line(Earth's last stand during the war). Deathwalker posits an interesting question: just what price would any person--human or alien--be willing to pay for immortality? It is also a show-case for displaying just how powerful and feared is Kosh's race, the Vorlons. Believers is also another of Straczynski's takes on religion versus medical morality: if a child is dying, which should take precedence--the family's religious beliefs that deny the necessity of surgery, or the doctor's right to override that belief because he has a duty to preserve life? The ending of this episode is one hell of a shocker.
Survivors focuses mainly on security chief Michael Garibaldi's past: his failure to save the life of a close friend(whose daughter now serves Earth Alliance and still bears a grudge), as well as his battle with alcoholism. In another stroke of realism within Straczynski's writing, in this episode when the going gets tough for Michael, he tends to give in to temptation.
By Any Means Necessary is another unusual tale...at least for any standard series. It deals with a dock workers' strike on B5. And if you think that sounds like a yawner, believe me...you're in for a pleasant surprise. Signs and Portents is exactly that: it gives a start-ling clue into how the series will actually end, while providing us with a first glimpse at a very old and dangerous power returning to the galaxy.
TKO is another stand-alone, although it does show Ivanova finally choosing whether or not to have a mourning ritual for her father, who dies in an earlier episode. It's also noteworthy for showing the alien species' point of view that humans are meddlesome interlopers in the galaxy, always looking to put our own best interests forward ahead of others. Grail marks the first time any tv series attempted to create a fully realized CGI character for the human cast to interact with. It works in passing, but Straczynski wisely never fully returned to this. Eyes deals with how the seeming search for the truth can turn into a witch hunt, and is definitely one of the weaker entries this season.
Legacies is the first good look we get at the warrior caste of Delenn's species, the Minbari. There's a very good fight scene between Sinclair(O'hare was always good at these) and a Minbari warrior. The episode is primarily a treatise on the choices one makes in life, and whether or not said choices and wishes will be honored by those we trust after we die. Next up is the two-parter A Voice in the Wilderness, which sets up a major plot turn that will have repercus-sions further down the line. Then follows Babylon Squared, which seems to answer the question of what happened to station Babylon 4, which mysteriously disappeared four years ago. In truth, it is part of a trilogy...the subsequent parts airing in season 3, to make up one of the tightest, best-told time travel adventures in the history of science fiction!
Next is Quality of Mercy, which brings another science fiction vet, June Lockhart(the original Lost in Space tv series) to the station as a disgraced doctor seeking redemption. It also introduces a mysteri-ous healing device, which will also play a major role in season two. Finally we have the brilliant and spectacularly written season finale, Chrysalis--wherein our heroes rush into action to save the Earth President when an assassination plot is uncovered. With all the twists, turns and shocks delivered in this episode, Sinclair hits it right on the head when he tells Catherine Sakai "Nothing's the same anymore". This serves as both a signpost and warning to the show's fans: all bets are about to come off, so brace yourselves.
Official Archives of LanceReviews...
Coming home to Babylon 5
A look back at one of the greatest science fiction futures ever presented on tv!
Heed the signs: Early indications were uncertain as to B5's staying power. Over time, its cult status grew to astounding proportions.
A dream given form: The Babylon 5 station, one of the most intricately detailed, fully realized science fiction locales ever.text.
Claudia Christian as Lt. Cmdr. Susan Ivanova and Michael O'hare as Commander Jeff Sinclair. Both brought a quiet dignity and power to their roles.
Prosthetic makeup for the species Pak'ma'ra. Proof that you could use more than a nose ridge to make an alien race look alien.
Although the CGI for B5 looks a bit dated, it still holds up in comparison to some more recent fare.
Peter Jurasik as Londo Mollari. You don't see it at first glance, but he is one of the greatest, most tragic figures ever created in the realm of science fiction.
They know if you've been bad or good: Talia Winters (Andrea Thomas) and Al Bester(Walter Koenig), mem-bers of the B5 universe's villainous Psi-Corps.
A fairly recent photo of B5 creator J. Michael Straczynski.
Darkness ascending: In the show's second season, the stakes are raised as the threat of the Shadows becomes clearer.
Changing of the guard: Shaking things up was the name of the game for season 2, as evidenced by the replacing of O'hare's Cmdr. Sinclair with Bruce Boxleitner's Capt. John Sheridan.
A promo poster from B5's second season. Notice the changes in the characters, both subtle and abrupt.
In the second season, the truth behind the Minbari's surrender at The Battle of the Line is finally revealed.
Season 2 was a year for revealing what's been hidden. Among the revelations: the truth behind why exactly Ivanova hates telepaths so much.
The Centauri-Narn War finally comes to its tragic close.
The Babylon Project was our last, best hope for peace. A self-contained world five miles long, located in neutral territory. A place of commerce and diplomacy for a quarter of a million humans and aliens. A shining beacon in space...all alone in the night. It was the dawn of the third age of mankind--the year the great war came upon us all. This is the story of the last of the Babylon stations. The year is 2259. The name of the place--is Babylon 5!
--Second Season Introduction
by Capt. John Sheridan
--Second Season Introduction
by Capt. John Sheridan
SEASON TWO: THE COMING OF SHADOWS(the second chapter)
Episode 1: Points of Departure
Episode 2: Revelations
Episode 3: The Geometry of Shadows
Episode 4: A Distant Star
Episode 5: The Long Dark
Episode 6: A Spider in the Web
Episode 7: Soul Mates
Episode 8: A Race Through Dark Places
Episode 9: The Coming of Shadows
Episode 10: Gropos
Episode 11: All Alone in the Night
Episode 12: Acts of Sacrifice
Episode 13: Hunter, Prey
Episode 14: There All the Honor Lies
Episode 15: And Now For A Word
Episode 16: In The Shadow of Z'ha'dum
Episode 17: Knives
Episode 18: Confessions and Lamentations
Episode 19: Divided Loyalties
Episode 20: The Long, Twilight Struggle
Episode 21: Comes the Inquisitor
Episode 22: The Fall of Night
The second season starts off with a shock for everyone--viewers and central characters combined--as Commander Jeffrey Sinclair is shipped off Babylon 5 and reassigned as ambassador to the Minbari, and he is replaced on the station by starship officer Captain John Sheridan! An interesting science fiction conceit..however, the real reason actor Michael O'hare was replaced by Bruce Boxleitner as Sheridan has never been revealed. Fans have speculated upon the mystery for years on end, and creator JMS' only comments(from his limited edition volumes of B5 scripts): "The only people who really know the full situation were the four people in the room at the time the discussion took place. And those are the only people who will ever know" only draw further shrouds about the issue. However, since this is one of the few revelations about B5 we'll more than likely never have revealed, this is all just an aside to the real story: the continuing tale of how Babylon 5's "last, best hope for peace" ultimately fails, old and dangerous enemies resurface, and how a new alliance of light is formed.
In B5's first season, the foundation was laid for the great war to come. In season two, our characters begin their headlong rush into the inevitable...
The first episode, Points of Departure, lives up to its name as we are introduced to John Sheridan, commanding officer of the Earth Alliance heavy cruiser Agamemnon, who is abruptly assigned to take charge of B5. It turns out Sheridan is not well liked by the Minbari, who still resent the method in which he destroyed their flagship the Black Star during the Earth-Minbari War. The timing of Sheridan's posting is also problematic as a rogue Minbari war cruiser sets its sights on reigniting the war, all for their own honor and glory. Oh, and by the way...the true reason why the Minbari surrendered at The Battle of the Line is also revealed. And that is one of the most amaz-ing revelations of the season.
Revelations has Garibaldi finally coming out of his coma, due to Doctor Franklin's use of the alien healing device he came into pos-session of in season one. Delenn comes out of her cocoon and is startlingly transformed, and the traitor who shot Garibaldi is caught and reveals knowledge of a darker menace behind the scenes than many suspected. The Geometry of Shadows, one of the best entries in the season, introduces the Technomages--beings who combine holography and other technology to produce effects and tricks bordering on magic. Of particular note here is the great Michael Ansara(the Klingon commander Kang to you Star Trek fans) as Elric, the leader of the 'mages that are bound for the Outer Rim of the galaxy, since they sense the coming war and wish to preserve their knowledge, rather than risk it falling into the wrong hands. One of those "wrong hands" is considered to be Londo, who seeks an audi-ence and blessing from Elric, to solidify his status among the Cen-taurum. Elric's closing speech to Londo is one of the most brilliantly written and poignant in the entire series.
A Distant Star is mostly a throwaway episode, except for the fact that it shows Starfury fighter pilot Keffer(Robert Rusler) becoming aware of Shadow vessels moving about in hyperspace, and sets up his obsession with finding out what they are, after one of them accidentally kills his squadron commander. Part of the problem with a series like Babylon 5--designed to be a novel for television--is there are occasionally episodes which are obviously meant to exist simply as exposition, in order to set up certain plot points to be exploited later in the series. Of course, their secondary function is to aid in the delivery of the required twenty-two episodes for the season. Sadly, the episode which follows this one, The Long Dark, is another nearly useless one. It has the same premise as Star Trek's "Space Seed"--a centuries-old ship containing explorers who might not be what they seem is found--and even cribs a scene and its dialogue almost entirely from that classic progenitor to Wrath of Khan. It also show-cases a surprisingly poor acting performance from Dwight Schultz(the original The A-Team) as a lurker who's seen a darkness no one should see.
A Spider in the Web doesn't really fare much better, although it features the eternally beautiful Adrienne Barbeau(the original Escape From New York, the original The Fog...it's very sad that I have to keep saying "the original", isn't it?) as a negotiator for an independ-ent Mars program, whose discussions are disrupted by a Psi-Corps assassin. Soul Mates is a somewhat better entry, as it centers on Londo once more, who's been granted the right to divorce one of his three wives...women whom he has referred to in previous episodes as Famine, Pestilence and Death.
The season finally begins to get back on track with A Race Through Dark Places, which heralds the return of Psi-Cop Bester(Walter Koenig), who's intent on shutting down an underground railroad smuggling fugitive telepaths through Babylon 5. The Coming of Shadows is also one of the best written episodes of the season, and is the singular one which honestly begins Londo's descent into ultimate darkness. It's also notable for being the first display of the true measure of the Shadows' power.
Gropos is a superior episode, dealing with the harsh, often short-lived lives of the ground-pounders--the foot soldiers who are first to go into the line of combat. Even though it's set in the year 2259, it's an episode which should be viewed by everyone reading this, because it reflects modern times in many ways, and the psychological underpinnings of men and women who serve and die for us on the front lines every day. It'll give a better appreciation of what they're doing for us.
All Alone in the Night is another example of an episode meant to connect dots and not much else. Captured by aliens who perform cruel experiments on him, Sheridan has a dream which hints at serious changes to come in the lives of his officers. Acts of Sacrifice is another tossaway, although it does feature an amiable perform-ance by the late Paul Williams as a translator for an alien diplomat. We're back on track again though with Hunter, Prey, in which the late Earth President Santiago's former doctor comes aboard Babylon 5, carrying evidence which will prove conclusively that Santiago's death was no accident. It's up to Sheridan and his crew to find him before the new regime's forces can find him and make him disappear.
There All The Honor Lies is an episode which successfully blends the drama of Sheridan facing removal from his post as station commander, following his accidental murder of a Minbari, with the comedy of a B5 souvenier gift shop opening on the station. There's also a very clever dig at then-rival series Deep Space Nine from Ivanova. And Now For A Word is a change of pace for the series, taking the point of view of a news documentary as the Interstellar News Network arrives aboard the station just as conflicts heat up between the Centauri and the Narn.
In the Shadow of Z'ha'dum is a superior episode, in which Sheri-dan breaks every regulation in the book to illegally detain Mr. Morden(Ed Wasser), the representative of the Shadows and sinister confi-dant of Londo in his quest for power, once he realizes Morden was on the Interstellar Expeditions sponsored ship Icarus--the ship Sheri-dan's wife Anna was on, when it blew up years ago.
We go off course again slightly with Knives, another episode meant to provide exposition on the Shadows, but without providing us any real clues. The show hits its stride again however with Confes-sions and Lamentations, in which an entire alien species is at risk of extinction due to a reemerging plague...and lack of treatment due to religious ignorance. The ending is decidedly non-Trek. Divided Loyalties has telepath Lyta Alexander(Babylon 5: The Gathering) returning to the station, with information that could reveal a traitor among Sheridan's group. The identity of the traitor turns out to be a surprising revelation.
The Long,Twilight Struggle is, quite simply, a brilliant episode. Possibly the most brilliant of season two, if not one of the best within the entire series. Londo finally realizes that he's well on the road to hell, but the bridges behind him are burning brightly, and there's no turning back. The Centauri-Narn War comes to an end in a scene that is particularly heartbreaking, due in no small part to series composer Christopher Franke's moving score. The expression on Londo's face alone is worth the price of the box set.
Comes the Inquisitor is mostly another tossaway, as Delenn must face a moral test from a human representative of the Vorlons, to determine if she is the right person in the right place at the right time. It is the revelation of who her inquisitor truly turns out to be, which makes this episode worth watching. Finally, we have the season finale, The Fall of Night, which finally gives the fans what they've longed for the past two years--to see what Kosh looks like under-neath his encounter suit! It is an amazing reveal, sets in motion a great many things, and once again Peter Jurasik's response as Londo to the viewing of Kosh reveals more of the great sorrow which is to come for this character.
While it might seem as if I didn't enjoy the second season that much, I have to say that in Straczynski's defense, he had a lot of plates to spin at once, in order to make certain everything was set up properly for The Shadow War in season three. Season two had to come first obviously, because this is where JMS limbered up his arm for the windup...and season three is where all the crap hits the fan full on.
Season 1
Season 2
One gone, another changed: B5's second season was undoubtedly one for forging new paths.
Season 3
War without end: Season three saw the true beginning of the Shadow War, and set in motion events which would have far lasting repercussions for our characters.
The third season was full of astonishing surprises...
beginning with the seceding of Babylon 5 from the Earth Alliance.
Doctor in peril: Season three proved a trying time for B5's resident physician Dr. Franklin(the late Richard Biggs), who became addicted to "stims"(stimulants).
A hero's return: To the surprise and delight of fans, Cmdr. Sinclair--now an ambassador to the Minbari-- returned for a Kirk/Picard-like team-up(only better) with Sheridan.
Calling in the big guns: At the risk of his own life, Sheri-dan convinces the Vorlons to finally take an active part in the Shadow War.
Shadows within shadows: Another surprise reveal was that Sheridan's wife Anna(Melissa Gilbert) wasn't dead
...she was just working for the Shadows.
The Babylon Project was our last, best hope for peace. It failed. In the year of the Shadow War, it became something greater: our last, best hope...for victory. The year is 2260. The place; Babylon 5!
--Third Season Introduction by Cmdr. Susan Ivanova
--Third Season Introduction by Cmdr. Susan Ivanova
SEASON THREE: POINT OF NO RETURN(the third chapter)
Episode 1: Matters of Honor
Episode 2: Convictions
Episode 3: A Day in the Strife
Episode 4: Passing Through Gethsemane
Episode 5: Voices of Authority
Episode 6: Dust to Dust
Episode 7: Exogenesis
Episode 8: Messages From Earth
Episode 9: Point of No Return
Episode 10: Severed Dreams
Episode 11: Ceremonies of Light and Dark
Episode 12: Sic Transit Vir
Episode 13: A Late Delivery From Avalon
Episode 14: Ship of Tears
Episode 15: Interludes and Examinations
Episode 16: War Without End Part I
Episode 17: War Without End Part II
Episode 18: Walkabout
Episode 19: Grey 17 is Missing
Episode 20: And the Rock Cried Out, No Hiding Place
Episode 21: Shadow Dancing
Episode 22: Z'ha'dum
The third season of Babylon 5 is full of astonishing surprises and revelations. For one thing, the long-promised Shadow War finally kicks into high gear. Straczynski was very cautious in the tantalizing hints he gave out when dealing with fans, both online and at conven-tions. This close-to-the-vest approach was well worth it for the fans.
The saying "It's always darkest before the dawn" was proven absolutely true this year. Our heroes would all have to go through hell and back before any of them saw the light of day again...
Matters of Honor is the opener, and it's an episode that hits all the right marks throughout. We are introduced to the Ranger Marcus Cole(Jason Carter), who will become a steadfast ally to Sheridan and the others. Londo attempts to sever his ties to Mr. Morden--and as loyal viewers will know, this isn't exactly a wise idea. This will definitely lead to problems for everyone's favorite tragic figure later on. And there's also an amusing gaff within the episode: during a fight between Marcus, Lennier and Delenn with some thugs in Down Below, there is a brief shot where two of the thugs are so obviously fighting Bill Mumy's stunt double, for a moment you might wonder "Hey, where'd that other Minbari come from?" It's the only slip-up in an otherwise great episode, and well worth the chuckle.
Convictions is our followup episode, and a bit of a disappointment. The story--about a madman setting off bombs all over the station--is decent enough, but the episode suffers overall from bad casting choices. First off, there is Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa(Mortal Kombat, Heroes), an extremely well known character actor, as Morishi, a security aide to Garibaldi. Tagawa's so well known in fact, that his appearance in each scene is distracting and pushes you out of the "reality" of the story. Liken it to Al Pacino suddenly doing a walk-through in an episode of Smallville, and you'll see what I mean. There is the unnecessary addition of a group of monks visiting B5, which serves only to deliver an unbelievable conflux of coincidences in the search for the bomber. Then there's the bomber himself, an abomin-ably bad performance by Patrick Kilpatrick(24, Boomtown), who must have brushed up with a book called "How To Play A Terrorist For All Situations". I have gained an infinite amount of Respect Points for Bruce Boxleitner, who shares scenes with Kilpatrick. The man's one hell of an actor, to deliver his lines with a straight face rather than busting out laughing every time Kilpatrick opens his mouth.
A Day in the Strife is another "meh" episode. A dangerous probe orbits the station, testing the crew's knowledge to see just how worthy they are of receiving promised cures for disease. A Narn representa-tive of the Centauri comes to the station with the intent of bringing G'Kar back to homeworld. The only true highlights of the episode are the fact that Garibaldi first begins to have his suspicions about there being a problem with Dr. Franklin, and the opening, which has a tense face-off between Sheridan and a loudmouth transport rep...a scene which JMS would actually crib in the pilot episode of his followup series Crusade, for a retread between Captain Gideon(Gary Cole) and a mutinous crewmember.
And before you ask, I will not be reviewing Crusade...unlike B5, that series sucked Vorlon nuts(if they have nuts, that is).
Passing Through Gethsemane is a decent enough episode, cent-ering on a monk(played ably by Brad Dourif) who is persecuted for sins he committed in a past life...one he doesn't remember. It's also a notable episode because of the return of Lyta Alexander(Patricia Tallman), the telepath from the original "The Gathering" pilot episode. And of course, when a central character is reintroduced, there is a revelation to be found.
Voices of Authority is an amusing episode with several surprisingly humorous moments in unexpected places. While Sheridan deals with an unscrupulous representative of the Ministry of Peace, Ivanova and Marcus search for The First Ones--legendary and powerful figures from the dawn of time--to aid in the impending Shadow War. There's a mild knock on Star Trek within the episode, as well as a hilarious comment from Marcus upon finding--and unintentionally angering--one of The First Ones. It's also a notable episode because this is the one where Ivanova finds irrefutable proof that current Earth President Clark was directly responsible for the death of his predecessor. Dust to Dust is an extremely powerful episode, and sets G'Kar(the late Andreas Katsulas) on the path to personal and spiritual redemption, as well as eventually becoming a powerful religious figure among his own people. Exogenesis is an amazingly bland episode, introducing a throwaway race of alien parasites that hide within human beings... a slightly less malevolent version of the parasite episode "Conspiracy" from Star Trek: The Next Generation.
Messages From Earth is simply an awesome episode, and is the first part of the unofficial "Severed Dreams" trilogy. It introduces us to Dr. Mary Kirkish(Nancy Stafford), a former Interplanetary Expeditions researcher who helped uncover a Shadow vessel on Mars, and is on Clark's hit list for what she knows about the project to use Shadow tech. In a pre-credit sequence, Marcus Cole faces off against several opponents, and it is clearly Jason Carter doing his own fighting. The episode also showcases the power and creepiness of the Shadow vessels in full for the first time. At the end, we are shown the connec-tion for the "trilogy", as Clark enacts martial law on Earth. This is also one of the few B5 episodes which directly references a tie-in to a storyline from the Babylon 5 series of comics that were published by DC. Point of No Return is the second half of the "trilogy", and deals with Sheridan's attempts to finally oust the Nightwatch from the station. There is also a well-done appearance by Star Trek's Majel Barrett Roddenberry as a prophetess whom Londo curries for a favor. Finally there is the brilliantly written Severed Dreams, which has Babylon 5 finally seceding from the Earth Alliance, and our heroes making a final stand as Clark sends his forces to reclaim the station. The acting is excellent on every point, the special effects and fight sequences are unsurpassed, and the score by series composer Christopher Franke is powerful, energizing and appropriately tragic. Bravo.
Ceremonies of Light and Dark is another so-so episode, dealing with remaining members of Nightwatch who seek to do whatever is necessary to get the station back under their control...even if it means killing Delenn. Sic Transit Vir is an episode which brings Vir into the spotlight...and it's a fun turn for Stephen Furst. A Late Delivery From Avalon features a great appearance by Michael York as a man who may or may not be the legendary King Arthur, while Ship of Tears attempts to put a human face on the seemingly inhuman Psi-Cop Bester(Walter Koenig), who seeks the aid of Sheridan and his crew to rescue a ship full of captive telepaths, destined for a life of hideous servitude under the Shadows.
Interludes and Examinations is a true powerhouse of an episode. Not only does it feature Franklin's increasing dependence on stims, the Shadows attacking several worlds openly and another sad blow dealt to Londo, but also showcases the death of a major character. Next up is War Without End, Part I which is the first part of what might possibly be the most intricate and tightly written time-travel story ever! Michael O'hare returns as Ambassador Jeffrey Sinclair, who teams up with Sheridan and his crew to wrap up the events in season one's "Babylon Squared", to answer the question of what truly happened to Babylon 4. In War Without End, Part II, all loose ends are finally tied up...and we are shown the startling final fate of Sinclair.
Walkabout begins Franklin's personal journey on his road to rehabilitation from stim addiction, as well as Sheridan's attempt to test the durability and vulnerabilty of a Shadow vessel in combat, to see what it takes to wipe one out. Grey 17 is Missing is one big letdown of an episode, something which JMS himself admits. It's a badly written story--an extreme rarity for the show's creator--and sadly features a pathetically weak performance from Robert Englund(the Nightmare On Elm Street series) as a religious zealot.
And the Rock Cried Out No Hiding Place is another solid episode, in which Londo finally extracts personal revenge upon Lord Refa. Shadow Dancing brings the Franklin redemption arc to a close, as well as showcasing an extraordinarily well done battle between Sheri-dan's forces and the Shadows. The ending is one which was talked about for quite some time. At least, until the season finale, Z'ha'dum. The title says it all: Anna Sheridan, believed dead for five years, returns to B5 just as John Sheridan begins his courtship of Delenn in earnest. The episode overall is fraught with tension on every point, and is the best season finale for any science fiction series since Star Trek: The Next Generation's "The Best of Both Worlds Part I". Viewers were kept on the edge of their seats for months afterward, waiting for the season four followup...and they were not disappointed.
title says it all: Anna Sheridan, believed dead for five years, returns to B5 just as John Sheridan begins his courtship of Delenn in earnest. The episode overall is fraught with tension on every point, and is the best season finale for any science fiction series since Star Trek: The Next Generation's "The Best of Both Worlds Part I". Viewers were kept on the edge of their seats for months afterward, waiting for the season four followup...and they were not disappointed.
The hope for peace failed...would the hope for victory live on?
Season 4
The title at the bottom tells the truth. In this penultimate season, our heroes started to fight back against the darkness, in an effort to bring justice back to the galaxy.
It was the year of fire. The year of destruction. The year we took back what was ours. It was the year of rebirth. The year of great sadness. The year of pain...and the year of joy. It was a new age. It was the end of history. It was the year everything changed. The year is 2260. The place; Babylon 5!
--Fourth Season Introduction
by the entire cast of B5.
--Fourth Season Introduction
by the entire cast of B5.
SEASON FOUR: NO SURRENDER, NO RETREAT(the fourth chapter)
Episode 1: The Hour of the Wolf
Episode 2: Whatever Happened to Mr. Garibaldi?
Episode 3: The Summoning
Episode 4: Falling Toward Apotheosis
Episode 5: The Long Night
Episode 6: Into the Fire
Episode 7: Epiphanies
Episode 8: The Illusion of Truth
Episode 9: Atonement
Episode 10: Racing Mars
Episode 11: Lines of Communication
Episode 12: Conflicts of Interest
Episode 13: Rumors, Bargains and Lies
Episode 14: Moments of Transition
Episode 15: No Surrender, No Retreat
Episode 16: The Exercise of Vital Powers
Episode 17: The Face of the Enemy
Episode 18: Intersections in Real Time
Episode 19: Between the Darkness and the Light
Episode 20: Endgame
Episode 21: Rising Star
Episode 22: The Deconstruction of Falling Stars
The fourth season of Babylon 5 might actually the best of all. This is surprising, considering how good much of the previous season was. However, in this season all the major threads--the finale of the Shadow War, the final fate of Sheridan at Z'ha'dum, President Clark's reign of terror over the Earth Alliance--were wrapped up in grand and satisfying fashion.
The central reason everything had to be tied up was because initially Warner Brothers had told creator J. Michael Straczynski to "wrap up" the show, since it was believed they would not be renewing the series for a fifth season. At the eleventh hour though, the series was indeed given the go-ahead for a fifth year--which of course brought cheers from the fans--and helps explain how the fourth season finale came about...
The Hour of the Wolf is the triumphant opening salvo to our fourth season, wherein we find that a week has passed since Sheri-dan has been rumored dead at Z'ha'dum, and Garibaldi went missing during the Shadow retreat from B5. Ivanova hasn't been sleeping and Delenn hasn't been eating. Londo comes to realize that Centauri Emperor Cartagia is quite mad, and at the end we find that Sheridan did indeed survive his drop into the pit...or did he?
Whatever Happened to Mr. Garibaldi? is actually a misleading title for the second episode, which focuses primarily on the meeting of Sheridan(still stuck in the pit) and Lorien, who is not actually just a First One...but the First One! He informs Sheridan that the captain is caught between life and death--the metaphor of tick and tock--and must surrender to the latter before he can escape all his prisons, both solid and metaphorical. Babylon 5 has always been at its best when Straczynski explores metaphysical concepts, and this is arguably one of his best works, storywise. There is also the capture of G'Kar by Centauri forces, and oh, yeah...we do get a brief clue as to whatever happened to Mr. Garibaldi.
The Summoning begins to set a lot in motion with the rescue of Garibaldi, the return of Sheridan...and has one of the most powerful moments for G'Kar that you'll ever see in the series. Let's just say this: 40 lashes with an electro-whip. Just try to watch this scene and not squirm in your seat. Falling Toward Apotheosis could've been handled a bit better, storywise, but Straczynski set the crew up with a big problem, not easily solved: just how do you kick a Vorlon off the station, if he doesn't want to go?
The Long Night is a very powerful episode, focusing largely on Londo's conspiracy to kill Cartagia, who has allowed the Shadows to nest on Centauri Prime. The method in which Cartagia is taken out isn't the surprise--it's who does it that turns out to be the shocker(hint: don't look at the chapter selections before viewing)! Into the Fire is the true conclusion to the Shadow War, and has many great moments, including an intensely painful scene for Londo(oh, c'mon...! You know by now, the guy never gets a break) and the final fate of Mr. Morden...a hint of this last having been set up in the pre-vious year(quick, go back to your third season set!). Epiphanies features the return of Psi-Cop Bester(Walter Koenig) to the station, along with Garibaldi's decision to step down as chief of security and go into private practice. The true reason for this decision--as well as Garibaldi's more abrasive than usual personality shift--will be uncov-ered in episodes to come. The Illusion of Truth is a point-of-view tale told primarily from the standpoint of an Interstellar Network News crew that goes aboard the station to get an "in-depth report". Since Clark is still president at this point, you can probably guess which way the story skews.
Atonement is one of the weaker entries in the season, and while there is a mildly surprising revelation about the relationship between humans and Minbari, the episode is mainly bland all around. Racing Mars is a very good episode, wherein Franklin and Marcus go to the red planet to form an alliance with the leader of the Mars Resistance, played ably by Marjorie Monaghan(Rescue 77, Andromeda). This is also the episode where Garibaldi chooses to go along with a mysteri-ous group that wants to bring Sheridan down. One odd thing about this episode is the fact that while on Mars, Franklin and Marcus have first hand contact with someone in the thrall of a Keeper(more on that in the fifth season recap), yet this thread is never followed up or touched upon again. A rarity for Straczynski.
Lines of Communication introduces the Drakh, servants of the Shadows, who now seek to establish themselves as a dominant power, since their masters have gone beyond the Rim. The effect for the Drakh is sub-par, and the costume itself is beyond lame. Howev-er, the highlight of this episode--and worth the price of admission--is seeing a seriously pissed off Delenn order her squad of White Stars to wipe out the Drakh ships after the aliens attack them. It's a true winner of a moment. Next up is Conflicts of Interest, wherein Garibal-di is hired as a bodyguard to protect his new boss' wife--which, in typical Garibaldi luck, turns out to be his former flame Lise, played by hottie Denise Gentile(Ordinary Madness, Crossing Jordan).
Rumors, Bargains and Lies brings together Delenn and warrior caste member Neroon(John Vickery) as they attempt to find a way to end the civil war that has broken out on the Minbari home world. But is Neroon on the up-and-up? When Moments of Transition originally aired, I wasn't too caught up in the plot. After all that had gone before with the Shadow War--and what was building up on Earth--I thought it was a fairly lame way to end the Minbari civil war. Now that I've seen it on DVD again, I definitely appreciate the power of the story, which does fit in with the established behavior and culture of that race. Also, Neroon has a very powerful moment toward the end, which proves to be a redemption of sorts for the character. And of course, it never hurts to have a brief cameo by Bester.
No Surrender, No Retreat