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Babylon 5 / Crusade Reviews
Season 1
Signs and Portents
Season 2
Coming of the Shadows
Season 3
Point of No Return
Season 4
No Surrender, No Retreat
Season 5
Wheel of Fire
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Season 1 - Signs and Portents
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 . . . It can be a dangerous place, but it is our last, best hope for peace.
The year: 2258. The place: Babylon 5


The Gathering


Pilot

Originally aired February 22, 1993

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by Richard Compton Starring: Michael O'Hare (as Jeffery Sinclair,) Jerry Doyle (as Michael Garibaldi,) Mira Furlan (as Delan,) Peter Jurasik (as Lando Molari,) Andreas Katsulas (as G'Kar,) and Patricia Tallman (as Lyta Alexander.)

The pilot introduces the main non-humans Delenn, a Minbari, G'Kar, a Narn, Lando Molari, a Centauri, and Kosh, a Vorlon. It also introduces three of the major human characters, station captain Jeffery Sinclair, station security chief, Michael Garibaldi, and telepath, Lyta Alexander. Although, Lyta disappears and isn't heard from for a while, she does return to play a major role in the series.

In the year 2258, ten years after the end of the Earth Minbari War, Babylon 5 serves as neutral territory for resolving disputes and as a center of commerce.

The members of the Babylon 5 Council, Delenn, G'Kar, Lando, and Sinclair wait for Kosh, the fifth member of the council to arrive. Kosh is poisoned before he gets more than a few feet inside the station. If he dies, the Vorlon empire will destroy the station. Since Kosh lives inside an environmental suit, treating him, or even diagnosing him is nearly impossible until Lyta uses her telepathic powers to find out how he was poisoned. However, that implicates Sinclair.

This is a bit of a who-done-it with evidence leading in the wrong direction and Vorlon ships charging weapons.

Although the acting is often a bit flat, the story is well developed, and the pacing moves the plot along at a good clip. The early 1990's special effects are not as cutting edge as they now are, but they still work fine, especially the fighter ships. Their thrusters actually fire in the correct direction when they turn, accelerate, or slow down.

After having seen the entire series, the makeup and costuming, in the pilot is also a bit rough.

The pilot does a great job of setting up the major plot lines that run through the entire series. It is a must see if you want to watch the series.

Reviewed by Roman Drew November 27, 2018



















Midnight on the Firing Line


Season 1, Episode 1

Originally aired January 26, 1994

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by Richard Compton Starring: Michael O'Hare, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Peter Jurasik, Andreas Katsulas, Claudia Christian (as Susan Ivanova,) Stephen Furst (as Vir Cotto,) and Andrea Thompson (as Talia Winters.)

This episode introduces three more main characters, Lt. Cmdr. Susan Ivanova, telepath Talia Winters, and Londo's assistant Vir Cotto.

Narn warships attack the Centauri agricultural colony on Ragesh 3. The unprovoked attack sends Londo into a fit of rage because his nephew is stationed there. G'kar is equally outraged because the Centauri destroyed his world. He claims the attack was justified. Sinclair goes after the raiders.

This episode is full of emotional posturing and political maneuvering which move the plot along at a good clip. It introduces the complex relationships between Londo and G'Kar, and between Ivanova and Talia. While in the background the election of President Santiago sets up future episodes. There is also a great scene with Delenn and Garibaldi, and his second most favorite thing in the world.

Both the makeup and costumes are an improvement over the pilot, and the characters are better developed. The introduction of Vir and Ivanova adds comic relief and emotional depth.

Reviewed by Roman Drew November 29, 2018














Soul Hunter


Season 1, Episode 2

Originally aired February 2, 1994

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by Richard Compton

Starring: Michael O'Hare, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Peter Jurasik, Andreas Katsulas, Claudia Christian, Stephen Furst, Andrea Thompson, and Richard Biggs (as Dr. Stephen Franklin.)

This episode introduces another main character, Dr. Stephen Franklin. And Sinclair learns that Delenn is a member of the Gray Council, the ruling body of Mimbar.

The soul hunter, played by Willian Morgan Sheppard, nearly crashes into the station in his damaged spaceship, but he is saved and set free to roam Babylon 5. Soul hunters collect the souls of the dying and preserve them in glass spears. Having failed to collect the soul of the Minbari leader, Dukhat, during the Earth Minbari War, this soul hunter sets his sights on Delenn. Rather than wait for her to die, he plots to kill her and add her soul to his collection. Needless to say, that is against soul hunter rules, and Sinclair is determined to stop him.

Delenn believes souls should be free so they can reincarnate into the next generation, which explores another aspect of Minbari religion and sets up future story lines.

The plot works, but the acting falls a bit flat. Willian Morgan Sheppard's performance lacks the kind of fascinating presence or evil power that would make this a great episode. His mumbling and chanting is more irritating than threatening. So, this episode is a little slow and lackluster, but worth watching.

Reviewed by Romana Drew December 3, 2018















Infection


Season 1, Episode 4

Originally aired February 2, 1994

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by Richard Compton

Starring: Michael O'Hare, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Peter Jurasik, Andreas Katsulas, Claudia Christian, Stephen Furst, Andrea Thompson, Julie Caitlin Brown, and Richard Biggs

Dr. Stephen Franklin's old friend, archeologist Dr. Vance Hendricks, played by David McCallum, brings a box of artifacts from Ikarra VII to examine. Unbeknownst to Doctor Franklin, Hendricks assistant, Nelson Drake, played by Marshall Teague, didn't send the artifacts through quarantine, and he killed a guard to get them on the station.

The artifacts are designed to convert people into unstoppable bioweapons, monsters with built in guns programed to destroy anyone who does not conform to the ideal version of an Ikarran. Nelson gets blasted by one of the artifacts and turns into a hunting, killing machine. He then goes around the station randomly vaporizing people and melting holes through walls.

The plot is a bit predictable and straightforward. The Nelson/monster has to rest after every kill, and then he returns stronger than before. How he gets all that power is never explained. Did he eat? Did he hook into the station's power grid? Oh well, Nelson/monster's costume and makeup are great.

David McCallum does a fine job as Dr. Franklin's good old friend who isn't quite as honest, or clueless as he first appears.

Reviewed by Romana Drew November 29, 2018












The Parliament of Dreams


Season 1, Episode 5

Originally aired February 23, 1994

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by Jim Johnston

Starring: Michael O'Hare, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Peter Jurasik, Andreas Katsulas, Claudia Christian, Stephen Furst, Andrea Thompson, Richard Biggs, Julie Caitlin Brown, Bill Mumy, and Caitlin Brown

This episode introduces Lennier, played by Bill Mumy and Na'Toth, played by Caitlin Brown

During a festival to celebrate different religious beliefs, G'Kar is notified that someone is about to assassinate him. You will know pain. You will know fear. And then you will die. At first, he suspects his new attache, NaToth, but she isn't the assassin, so they join forces to find the real killer.

Sinclair rekindles his romance with an old girlfriend. The Centauri host a feast of gluttony and debauchery. The Minbari contemplate life, death, and rebirth. Sinclair introduces representatives from some of the many Earth religions.

The Centauri, Minbari, and Narn cultures are further developed, but other than G'kar running around trying not to die, there isn't much plot to this episode, However, that isn't much of a problem. It has some great scenes. G'kar's, fear and pain is palatable. Londo becomes one with himself after crawling on the table, kissing a statue's ass, and passing out drunk. Take a good look at the statue. It gets explained in a later episode.

And from the moment he walks into the show, Delenn's personal aid, Lennier, is the perfect complement to her character.

Reviewed by Romana Drew December 7, 2018














Mind War


Season 1, Episode 6

Originally aired March 2, 1994

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by Bruce Seth Green

Starring: Michael O'Hare, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Peter Jurasik, Andreas Katsulas, Claudia Christian, Stephen Furst, Andrea Thompson, Richard Biggs, Julie Caitlin Brown, Bill Mumy, Walter Koenig, and Julia Nickson.

This episode introduces Alfred Bester, Psi Cop extraordinaire, played by Walter Koenig.

Talia Winters' friend and mentor Jason Ironheart, played by William Allen Young, comes to Babylon 5 for one last goodbye, and to evade capture by the Psi Cops. The victim of Psi Corps experiment, he has developed advanced telepathic abilities. Bester either wants him, or wants him dead. With little control of his abilities, Ironheart wreaks havoc on the station.

In the meantime, Sinclair's friend, Catherine Sakai, heads off to Sigma 957 against G'Kar's warning not to go. There she encounters something mysterious and dangerous.

In the early episodes, G'Kar seems to be an angry troublemaker, but as time passes his character develops surprising depth. Some of that is seen here in his relationship with Sakai.

Walter Koeing steals every scene he is in. There is always a tension surrounding Bester that never lets go. Although, he sometimes seems to be a villain, and no one on the station likes him, he is committed to his job and considers his actions to be honorable and necessary.

Reviewed by Romana Drew December 16, 2018












War Prayer

Season 1, Episode 7

Originally aired March 9, 1994

Written by D. C. Fontana. Directed by Richard Compton

Starring: Michael O'Hare, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Peter Jurasik, Andreas Katsulas, Claudia Christian, Stephen Furst, Andrea Thompson, Richard Biggs, Julie Caitlin Brown, Bill Mumy.

An old flame of Ivanova's, Malcolm Biggs, played by Tristan Rogers, drops by to say hello, and maybe pick up where they left off, while a plague of attacks on non-humans sets the station on edge. When Minbari poet, Shaal Mayan, played by Nancy Lee Grahan, is attacked and branded, Delenn demands Sinclair find the culprit, and G'kar attempts to incite a riot.

In the meantime, Vir's cousin Kiron, played by Rodney Eastman, and his girlfriend Aria, played by Danica McKellar, come to Babylon 5 to marry against the wishes of their parents. Londo insists they go home and accept their arranged marriages. They refuse, and then they also become victims of the attackers.

Londo demonstrates sensitivity and depth in this episode as he comes to terms with his feelings about his three arranged marriages and arranged marriages in general. And Ivanova learns that her old flame isn't quite the man she remembered.

This is a good solid episode, not a masterpiece but well worth watching. It explores feelings and justifications for racial hatred and intolerance but tempers it with action, humor, and romance.

Reviewed by Romana Drew December 18, 2018














Deathwalker


Season 1, Episode 9

Originally aired April 20, 1994

Written by Lawrence G. DiTillio. Directed by Bruce Seth Green

Starring: Michael O'Hare, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Peter Jurasik, Andreas Katsulas, Claudia Christian, Stephen Furst, Andrea Thompson, Richard Biggs, Julie Caitlin Brown, Bill Mumy, and Sarah Douglas

Na'Toth nearly kills a woman dressed in Minbari clothing as she enters the station. She claims the woman is a Dilgar named Jha'dur, or Deathwalker, an infamous war criminal and assassin. Jha'dur should be long dead or at least quite elderly, but here she is in the prime of her life.

As Dr. Franklin treats her and saves her life, he discovers that she really is Jha'dur and that she has an anti-aging drug she intends to sell to Earth. This leads to dissent on several levels. Some want her tried for war crimes, some want the drug, and Na'Toth has a personal vendetta to avenge. Sinclair barely manages to keep control.

At the same time, Kosh asks Talia to help with a negotiation. As in most things Vorlon, the negotiations don't make any sense, but they do cause Talia to have disturbing visions.

This episode gives insight into the Dilgar war, the league of non-aligned worlds, and a faction of the Minbari warrior caste called Windsords. And according to the Kosh, we are not ready for immortality. It moves along without any problems. There isn't much humor but the outcome is never predictable, especially the end.

Reviewed by Romana Drew December 22, 2018












By Any Means Necessary


Season 1, Episode 12

Originally aired May 11, 1994

Written by Kathryn M. Drennan. Directed by Jim Johnson

Starring: Michael O'Hare, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Peter Jurasik, Andreas Katsulas, Claudia Christian, Stephen Furst, Andrea Thompson, Richard Biggs, Julie Caitlin Brown, Bill Mumy, and Sarah Douglas

Faulty equipment and fed up dock workers lead to an illegal strike, while Londo and G'Kar duke it out over a G'Quan Eth plant.

Miscommunications in the landing bay kills a dock worker and damages a Narn transport, destroying the G'Quan Eth plant that G'Kar needs for a religious ceremony. Never fear, Londo has the only one on the station, which he keeps just out of G'Kar's reach. In the meantime, spaceships stack up outside the station and tempers flare. The Earth Senate Labor Committee gets involved, and a full blown riot is in the making.

Although the strike is probably meant to be the main story, G'Kar and Londo steal the show. The Narn ritual must be held at a specific time, and time is running out. First Londo agrees to sell the G'Quan Eth for an exorbitant price. But when G'kar gets the money, Londo changes his mind just to taunt G'Kar. It is delightful to watch the two actors play off each other.

In the end, Sinclair gets the better of both the Senate Labor Committee and Londo Mollari.

This is a fun episode, well written and well acted.

Reviewed by Romana Drew December 26, 2018

















Signs and Portents


Season 1, Episode 13

Originally aired May 18, 1994

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by Jaanet Greek

Starring: Michael O'Hare, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Peter Jurasik, Andreas Katsulas, Claudia Christian, Stephen Furst, Andrea Thompson, Richard Biggs, Julie Caitlin Brown, Bill Mumy, Ed Wasser, Gerrit Graham, and Fredi Olster

Londo buys an ancient Centauri artifact called the Eye while Ivanova and Sinclair try to outwit the raiders. Centauri psychic, Lady Ladira, has a vision of destruction. Sinclair learns that the Minbari chose him to run Babylon 5, not the Earth government. And, Morden goes around asking VIP's, "What do you want?"

A transport vessel reports a raider attack, so Sinclair sends an entire wing of fighters to help, leaving the station defenses vulnerable. Londo arranges for Lord Kiro to take the Eye back to Centauri Prime, but Kiro is kidnapped. Raiders attack the station, and in the confusion, Lord Kiro is spirited away -- almost.

Morden is quiet, and polite, and utterly evil. Both Londo and G'Kar, in their inimitable ways, initially treat him as a nuisance, but in the end, they tell him what they want. Delenn kicks him out and continues to arranges trangular shaped objects in layers.

And a shadow vessel makes a brief but decisive appearance.

This is a big and important episode. It never disappoints, and it establishes several plot lines that carry through the entire series. G'kar and Londo will come to wish there had never been an episode 13.

Reviewed by Romana Drew December 28, 2018












Grail


Season 1, Episode 15

Originally aired July 6, 1994

Written by Christy Marx. Directed by Richard Compton.

Starring: Michael O'Hare, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Peter Jurasik, Andreas Katsulas, Claudia Christian, Stephen Furst, Andrea Thompson, Richard Biggs, Julie Caitlin Brown, and Bill Mumy

Station worker and general loser, Jinxo, owes money to a general lowlife named Duce. When Jinxo can't pay Duce demonstrates what will happen if he doesn't get the money. Someone, or something in an encounter suit, which looks a lot like Kosh, extends an appendage and touches the head of a woman tied to a chair. The creature wipes her mind, leaving her alive but comatose. Jinxo takes the hint and works the Zocalo picking pockets. Garibaldi catches him stealing from Aldous Gajic, who has come to Babylon 5 to hunt for the holy grail. Aldous takes Jinxo under his wing and tries to rehabilitate him.

As it turns out, Jinxo, or Thomas Jordan, his real name, worked on all five Babylon stations. As soon as he left, the stations either blew up or disappeared. He refuses to leave Babylon 5 for fear it will also suffer the same fate.

When the bodies pile up, Dr. Franklin determines a Na'ka'leen Feeder is on the loose. Londo goes bonkers when he finds out and hides in his quarters.

Even though most of the people on the station dismiss Gajic, Delenn treats him as an honored guest.

David Warner portrays Gajic with warmth, kindness, and just enough skepticism. The character is believable and likable. Tom Booker's Jinxo goes from Duce's timid pawn to Thomas, the next seeker of the grail. And, as for the Na'ka'leen Feeder, He isn't quite as scary outside of the encounter suit, but he isn't easy to kill either, making for exciting special effects.

Reviewed by Romana Drew January 2, 2019












Eyes


Season 1, Episode 16

Originally aired July 13, 1994

Written by Lawrence G. DiTillio. Directed by Jim Johnson.

Starring: Michael O'Hare, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Peter Jurasik, Andreas Katsulas, Claudia Christian, Stephen Furst, Andrea Thompson, Richard Biggs, Julie Caitlin Brown, and Bill Mumy

Two men come to the station and question people about Sinclair. Turns out one is Colonel Ari Ben Zayn from Earth Force, and the other is Harriman Gray from Psi-Corps. They claim to be investigating Babylon 5 command staff to make sure everyone is loyal.

Ivanova refuses to be scanned. Sinclair gets pissed but feels compelled to comply. And Garibaldi investigates. In the meantime, Lennier becomes fascinated with the 1992 motorcycle Garibaldi is assembling. Garibaldi claims the bike is in pristine condition and that he is building it from scratch from parts he scavenged from all over. One would expect Lennier to catch the contradictory statements, but he doesn't.

This episode focuses squarely on Zayn and his increasingly unreasonable and apparently illegal investigative techniques. Unlike Bester, Gray is just a hapless telepath assigned to do a job. He tries to be nice, but no one wants to be near him.

Zayn, played by Gregory Paul Martin, starts out oily and harsh, but by the end of the episode, hatred consumes him. Apparently, he is jealous because he didn't get Sinclair's job.

It is delightful to see Jeffery Combs in his human form as telepath Herriman Gray. Science fiction fans know him as the Andorian commander Sharn; a Ferengi named Brunt, and another Ferengi named Kerm; the Vorta, Weyoun; Plenk a humanoid from the Delta Quadrant; Tiron, a questionable associate of Quark's; and others I may not know of.

Reviewed by Romana Drew January 3, 2019












Legacies


Season 1, Episode 17

Originally aired July 10, 1994

Written by D. C. Fontana. Directed by Bruce Seth Green.

Starring: Michael O'Hare, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Peter Jurasik, Andreas Katsulas, Claudia Christian, Stephen Furst, Andrea Thompson, Richard Biggs, Julie Caitlin Brown, Bill Mumy, John Vickery, and Grace Una

Alyt Neroon, bigwig in the Minbari warrior cast, brings the body of Shai Alyt Bramner, a hero of the Minbari Earth war, to Babylon 5 so the Minbari on the station can see it. The body disappears, and Neroon blames everyone except the true culprit. He all but threatens war if the body isn't returned, further showing the rift between the Minbari religious and warrior castes.

Both Talia and Ivanova find a young telepath, Alisa Beldon. Talia wants to take her to Psi Corps. The Narn offer her wealth in exchange for genetic material. Ivanova tells Alisa there are better options.

Delenn proves instrumental in finding solutions to both Alisa and the missing body. She also continues to stack colored triangles on the increasingly complex structure on a table in her quarters.

Grace Una's portrayal of Alisa is sensitive, natural, and believable. Like most of Babylon 5, the casting is perfect. It was great to see Delenn put Neroon in his place in the end.

We get a hint of the future when Alisa tells Sinclair that she saw the word chrysalis in Delenn's mind.

This is another good solid episode. It continues to develop the characters and further the overarching plot lines within a complete and self contained story.

Reviewed by Romana Drew January 8, 2019












A Voice in the Wilderness Part 1 and 2


Season 1, Episode 18 and 19

Originally aired July 27, 1994

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by Janet Greek.

Starring: Michael O'Hare, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Peter Jurasik, Andreas Katsulas, Claudia Christian, Stephen Furst, Andrea Thompson, Richard Biggs, Julie Caitlin Brown, Bill Mumy, Louis Turenne, and Ron Canada

Epsilon III, the planet Babylon 5 orbits, starts to have earthquakes, so Ivanova sends a geological team to investigate, but they almost get shot down by something located deep in a planetary fissure. Both Sinclair and Londo have visions of someone begging for help. Both disregard the visions. The Mars colony breaks out in war. Garibaldi worries about his ex-girlfriend who lives on Mars. And Delenn's old friend Draal stops by to for a final goodbye.

Sinclair and Ivanova manage to get inside the fissure and rescue the ancient alien controlling a gigantic machine before he dies of old age. Now that the controller is gone, the machine goes into self-destruct mode. Within a few hours, Epsilon III will blow up and take Babylon 5 with it. Just to make things easy to sort out, an Earth heavy cruiser comes through the gate uninvited, and the captain announces he has orders to take over the station and claim any technology on Epsilon III for Earth. He doesn't get far before the Takarn fleet arrives, claiming to be the rightful owners of the planet. And then they shoot at each other.

Often two-part episodes have a little too much plot for a one-hour episode, but not enough for two hours. That is not the case here. A strong well-developed plot and compelling characters carry this episode to its exciting and surprising conclusion.

There are some great scenes. When a survey team ignores Ivanova's orders, she opens the comm and gives them a piece of her mind. "Ivanova is always right. I will listen to Ivanova. I will not ignore Ivanova's recommendations. Ivanova is God. And if this ever happens again, Ivanova will personally rip your lungs out."

Delenn and Draal enlist Londo to pilot a shuttle to take the alien back to the machine. With a wide-eyed grin, Londo makes a suicidal run through the warring Tarkan and Earth ships to dive deep into the fissure with Garibaldi hot on his tail.

This is a great episode. Everyone is still in their original roles. There are only two episodes left before things change.

Reviewed by Romana Drew January 10, 2019












Babylon Squared


Season 1, Episode 20

Originally aired August 10, 1994

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by Jim Johnson

Starring: Michael O'Hare, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Peter Jurasik, Andreas Katsulas, Claudia Christian, Stephen Furst, Andrea Thompson, Richard Biggs, Julie Caitlin Brown, and Bill Mumy.

Babylon 4 suddenly appears in Sector 14, so Sinclair and Garibaldi investigate. The station is unstuck in time, going back and forth randomly. The crew is in a panic to get off. At the same time, Delenn is called to the Gray Council. She has been selected to replace Dukhat as the new leader of the Minbari.

Babylon 4 is a mess. As time ripples through the station, Sinclair and Garibaldi find themselves fighting in a battle, then Garibaldi meets his ex-girlfriend on Mars, all withough ever leaving the station. In the middle of everything, a strange creature named Zathras says that Sinclair is not the One. Someone in a spacesuit partially materarilizes and floats around. Zathras insists he is the One.

Delenn must decide to accept the greatest honor her world can bestow or leave the Gray Council and return to Babylon 5. It is not a decision she makes lightly.

The Gray Council is a wondrously mysterious place. It looks too huge to be on a spaceship, but the special effects are excellent. There didn't seem to be any kind of audience to the council's deliberations, so the dramatic lighting is a bit excessive. However, it makes for a great scene.

Zathras, played by Tim Choate, steals every scene. The costuming and makeup are perfect for his character. And the dialogue gives him one of the most unique personalities in the series.

Plot-wise, this is a big episode. This episode introduces Babylon 4, The Gray Council, time stablizers, Zathras, a triluminary, and the One. And it is the first time we hear the name Valen.

Reviewed by Romana Drew January 17, 2019














The Quality of Mercy


Season 1, Episode 21

Originally aired August 17, 1994

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by Lorraine Senna Ferrara

Starring: Michael O'Hare, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Peter Jurasik, Andreas Katsulas, Claudia Christian, Stephen Furst, Andrea Thompson, Richard Biggs, Julie Caitlin Brown, and Bill Mumy.

While running a free clinic in Downbelow, Dr. Franklin discovers Laura Rosen, played by June Lockhart, treating patients with an alien machine. Karl Mueller, played by Mark Rolston, is convicted of multiple murders and sentenced to a mind wipe, even though Garibaldi would rather space him. And Londo takes Lennier on a trip to the Darkstar strip bar/casino.

At first, Dr. Franklin thinks Laura Rosen is a quack. He learns that her machine transfers some of her lifeforce to her patients, healing their injuries or curing their illnesses. Since she is suffering from an incurable disease, she chooses to spend what life she has helping others. However, the machine does have a more sinister purpose. It was invented to drain the lifeforce of criminals slated for execution.

Talia must scan Muller's mind so she can confirm that the mindwipe is successful. There she learns of the dozens of murders he committed before getting caught, making him the perfect character to come to a bad end.

All the seriousness of the first two stories could drag this episode into a depressing melodrama, but Lennier and Londo come to the rescue. In a bar full of gorgeous showgirls, Lennier relates his life story. Londo is about to die of boredom until Lennier mentions he studied probability. So off to the poker table they go. Lennier rakes in a fortune. Londo, being considerably less successful, has a unique method of cheating that ends in a brawl. Lennier asks, and Londo picks up a gold statue explaining that the snake-like appendages are not decorations.

As always Bill Mumy and Peter Jurasik play their characters perfectly making otherwise silly scenes believable and wonderfully enjoyable. And Mark Rolston's performance as Karl Muller is impeccably evil. Oh, and June Lockhart steals every scene she is in.

Reviewed by Romana Drew January 21, 2019












Chrysalis


Season 1, Episode 22

Originally aired October 26, 1994

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by Janet Greek

Starring: Michael O'Hare, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Peter Jurasik, Andreas Katsulas, Claudia Christian, Stephen Furst, Andrea Thompson, Richard Biggs, Julie Caitlin Brown, Bill Mumy, Julia Nickson, and Ed Wasser.

Garibaldi discovers a plot to kill Earth Alliance President Santiago but is nearly killed before he can stop it. Morden gives Londo credit for removing the Narn problems in Quadrant 37. Delenn has a less than illuminating conversation with Kosh.

Throughout this season, J. Michael Straczynski consistently produces episodes that are self-contained but continue to further several long and complex plot lines. As the season finale, this episode has a strong hook at the end to keep viewers wondering and waiting for the next season. But the rest of the season does not rely on cliffhanger endings to further the long story arcs. However, it does develop those plot lines consistently and memorably.

For the first time, we see shadow creatures with Morden, Londo learns the price of his association with Morden, G'Kar realizes there are things worse than Centauri out to get him, and Delenn uses a triluminary to encase herself in a cocoon, leaving Lennier to worry and Sinclair to wonder.

This is a must see episode. Not only for the way it brings all the storylines into focus and sets up the field for next season but because it is just plain good.

Although Michael O'Hare is in a few later episodes, this is his last episode as a regular character on Babylon 5. He left because of health issues. It would be interesting to know what would have happened had he been able to continue.

Reviewed by Romana Drew January 22, 2019










Season 2 - The Coming of the Shadows
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














Points of Departure


Season 2, Episode 1

Originally aired November 2, 1994

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by Janet Greek

Starring: Bruce Boxleitner, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Peter Jurasik, Andreas Katsulas, Claudia Christian, Stephen Furst, Andrea Thompson, Richard Biggs, Julie Caitlin Brown, and Bill Mumy.

Delenn is in a cocoon. Sinclair is on Minbar. John Sheridan is assigned to head up Babylon 5 against the wishes of the Minbari. They call Sheridan Starkiller because while captain of the Agamemnon he destroyed the Minbari war cruiser, Black Star, the only human to ever commit such a dastardly deed.

Kalain, captain of the Minbari war cruiser Trigati, played by Richard Grove, threatens to kill Lennier and Delenn but gives up way too easily when station guards confront him. The crew of the Trigati never accepted the Minbari defeat and have been in exile, waiting to start another confrontation. Kalain's presence on the station is a mystery and warning sign.

Lennier tells Sheridan and Ivanova why the Minbari surrendered to the Humans at the Battle of the Line. He barley finishes before the Trigati comes through the jump gate spoiling for a fight, demanding Kalain's release, and spewing out fighters. Then Kalain kills himself.

This is another must-see episode. It sets up Sheridan as the new commander and explains a lot about Earth Minbari history. Although changing the main character can spell doom for a series, Bruce Boxleitner steps into the captain's shoes without a hitch. In the end, he shows both wisdom and restraint in dealing with the Trigati.

This is a great beginning for the second season.

Reviewed by Romana Drew January 27, 2019














Revelations


Season 2, Episode 2

Originally aired November 9, 1994

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by Jim Johnson

Starring: Bruce Boxleitner, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Peter Jurasik, Andreas Katsulas, Claudia Christian, Stephen Furst, Andrea Thompson, Richard Biggs, Bill Mumy, and Ed Wasser. Also starring Beverly Leech as Elizabeth Sheridan and Beth Toussaint as Anna Sheridan.

G'Kar is nearly killed investigating the destruction of the Narn base in Quadrant 37. Delen emerges from her cocoon. Londo meets with Morden. Sheridan spends time with his sister, Liz. And Garibaldi is still in a coma.

The book of G'Quan has pictures of the ships that attacked G'Kar in Quadrant 37. It warns that they are evil creatures from Z'ha'dum bent on taking over the galaxy. However, his warnings of impending doom are not taken seriously.

Londo meets with Morden and tells him about G'Kar's plan to send a ship to Z'ha'dum, which is something he will someday come to regret.

Garibaldi recovers, but his assailant escapes thanks to President Clark. Sheridan suspects Psi Corps is behind it all.

Sheridan sees a message his wife, Anna, sent to his sister, Liz, which helps him recover from the guilt he felt over her death.

With important events in the lives of five main characters, the episode doesn't dwell long on any one of the stories, but they are all necessary developments that further the tale of Babylon 5. This episode introduces John's deceased wife, Anna Sheridan, who will be seen again. It also fuels Sheridan's distrust of Earth Dome and President Clark.

Skipping this episode isn't recommended. Besides being entertaining, it fills in a lot of gaps and gets the station back into normal operations.

Reviewed by Romana Drew January 30, 2019














Geometry of Shadows


Season 2, Episode 3

Originally aired November 16, 1994

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by Michael Vejar

Starring: Bruce Boxleitner, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Peter Jurasik, Andreas Katsulas, Claudia Christian, Stephen Furst, Andrea Thompson, Richard Biggs, Mary Kay Adams, Bill Mumy, and Ed Wasser.

Londo discusses Centauri politics with Lord Refa, played by William Forward. Ivanova sorts out the Drazi. And a troupe of Technomages invades the station.

To increase his standing in the Centauri government, Londo wants the endorsement of a Technomage. He sends Vir to make an appointment. Vir fails but has a nice chat with a monster. So Londo tries subterfuge with even less success.

Techomages use science to simulate magic. They are just passing through and want to be left alone. Londo's persistence doesn't sit well, and the mages work some of the magic on his computer and him.

Ivanova is promoted to Commander. Her first assignment is to stop the green and purple war. Bands of Drazi, some wearing green and some wearing purple, pick fights with each other. They don't kill anyone and only attack Drazi, so, other than being a nuisance, no one really cares. Then they start killing each other. After several attempts and a broken leg, she stumbles upon the solution. Somewhere on the station there just has to be a vat of purple dye.

Londo eventually gets his audience with the leader of the Technomages, Elric, played by Michael Ansara. Elric warns Londo that a great hand will reach out of the darkness, and millions of victims will call his name.

This episode introduces Technomages and Lord Refa. It also adds to the feeling of impending doom.

Apparently, Claudia Christian actually broke her foot, so that was added to the script.

This is a good and fun episode.

Reviewed by Romana Drew February 5, 2019












Distant Star


Season 2, Episode 4

Originally aired November 23, 1994

Written by D. C. Fontana. Directed by Jim Johnson

Starring: Bruce Boxleitner, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Peter Jurasik, Andreas Katsulas, Claudia Christian, Stephen Furst, Andrea Thompson, Richard Biggs, Mary Kay Adams, Bill Mumy, and Ed Wasser.

When the EAS Cortez stops by Babylon 5 to resupply, Sheridan gets a chance to catch up with his old friend Captain Jack Maynard, played by Russ Tamblyn. And Doctor Franklin puts everyone on a food plan otherwise known as a diet.

After listening to Maynard's exploits, Sheridan comes to regret taking the Babylon 5 job. But, as soon as the Cortez leaves, it's lost in hyperspace with Sheridan to the rescue.

Sheridan's method of rescuing the Cortez highlights some of the problems of travel in hyperspace. Apparently, it is necessary for the ships to keep a lock on the jump gates, or they drift off course. That implies that the gates broadcast on a very narrow beam. Why not broadcast over a wider area? But it does give the drifting ships an opportunity to see another shadow ship and suffer from just passing near it.

This isn't a bad episode, but it isn't a great one either. Both the acting and the writing falls a bit flat. Litttle new information is covered. There is a good scene where Garibaldi, Ivanova, and Sheridan are sitting at a table with their prescribed diets, eying each other dishes.

Reviewed by Romana Drew February 9, 2019














The Long Dark


Season 2, Episode 5

Originally aired November 30, 1994

Written by Scott Frost. Directed by Mario DeLeo

Starring: Bruce Boxleitner, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Peter Jurasik, Andreas Katsulas, Claudia Christian, Stephen Furst, Andrea Thompson, Richard Biggs, Mary Kay Adams, Bill Mumy, and Ed Wasser.

An old ship, the Copernicus, drifts past B5. Sensing something alive, the crew pulls it into a landing bay and looks inside. They find two cryonic chambers, one with a living woman and one with a dead man. Down below, Amis, a lurker played by Dwight Schultz, goes bonkers, wandering the station shouting about the hand of evil reaching out to kill everyone.

Dr. Franklin revives the woman, Mariah Cirrus, played by Anne-Marie Johnson, and learns that her ship has been in space for over one hundred years. The dead man was her husband. The dead man is a bit of a mystery because all his organs are missing even though there is no evidence of an incision.

Amis continues to run around the station shouting about impending doom. Garibaldi chalks it up to post-war trauma until people show up dead with all their organs missing.

Dwight Schultz's performance is perfect. Underneath the freewheeling insanity, there is sensitivity and vulnerability. And, he is correct about the impending doom.

This episode reinforces the threat from Z'ha'dum and the prophecies of G'Quan.

This is an excellent episode. I highly recommend watching it, if for no other reason than Dwight Shultz's delightful performance.

Reviewed by Romana Drew February 19, 2019














Spider in the Web


Season 2, Episode 6

Originally aired December 7, 1994

Written by Kevin G DiTillio. Directed by Kevin G Cremin

Starring: Bruce Boxleitner, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Peter Jurasik, Andreas Katsulas, Claudia Christian, Stephen Furst, Andrea Thompson, Richard Biggs, Mary Kay Adams, Bill Mumy, and Ed Wasser.

Guests stars Michael Beck, Adrienne Barbeau, James Shigeta, and Jeff Conaway.

Talia's old friend, Taro Isogi, comes for a visit. He wants to negotiate a peaceful solution to the situation on Mars with Mars government representative, Amada Carter. All goes well until he is killed by Abel Horn. Talia sees enough of Abel's mind to determine that he is not in control of his actions.

Abel is supposed to be dead, which leads Sheridan to suspect that he might have been part of the Lazarus project, cybernetically enhanced and programmed to relive the moments before his death a thousand times every day. Although it should drive him stark raving mad, he follows orders from Control.

This is the first time we meet Zack Allen, played by Jeff Conaway. He will become a regular as time passes.

Amada Carter mentions her great-grandfather, John Carter, who lived on Mars. John Carter of Mars, is an Edgar Rice Burroughs' character. And Control agents 86 and 99 work diligently to thwart KAOS.

Talia learns that her beloved Psi Corps has an evil streak.

This is a well-crafted story. Michael Beck gives an intense performance as the painfully disturbed and confused Abel Horn. And Adrienne Barbeau is always a joy to watch.

Reviewed by Romana Drew February 19, 2019














Soul Mates


Season 2, Episode 7

Originally aired December 14, 1994

Written by Peter David. Directed by Mark C Flinn III

Starring: Bruce Boxleitner, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Peter Jurasik, Andreas Katsulas, Claudia Christian, Stephen Furst, Andrea Thompson, Richard Biggs, Mary Kay Adams , Bill Mumy, and Ed Wasser. Also featuring Lois Nettleton as Daggair, Blair Valk as Mariel, and Jane Carr as Timov

For the thirtieth anniversary of Londo's ascension, the Centauri emperor grants him one wish. Londo, in his great wisdom, wishes to divorce his three wives but decides to keep one just for appearances.

Matthew Stoner, ex Psi Corps telepath and Tallia's ex-husband, arrives in B5 claiming to have lost his telepathic abilities, but Garibaldi isn't so sure.

Being divorced means losing access to Londo's bank account and prestige, so two wives, Daggair and Mariel, fawn over him wanting, to be the wife he keeps. Although Mariel does attempt to kill him. His third wife, Timov (vomit spelled backward) doesn't even try to be nice.

Talia has no love for Stoner but agrees to travel with him, much to Garibaldi's surprise. As it turns out he isn't quite as free of telepathic abilities as he pretends. In fact, his telepathic abilities are powerful. There are several scenes reminiscent of Luke Skywalker using the force to influence others.

In a third side story, Delenn asks Ivanova to help with her unruly hair and her cramps, a hint that her human looks may be more than skin deep.

Jane Carr's portrayal of Timov is spot on. She never gives Londo a moment's rest and has nothing positive to say about her co-wives. I think she could take on the shadows if she were so inclined.

Stoner's telepathic skills hint at some of the more complex kinds of telepathy, which is displayed in later episodes.

Reviewed by Romana Drew March 4, 2019














A Race Through Dark Places


Season 2, Episode 8

Originally aired January 25, 1995

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by Jim Johnson

Starring: Bruce Boxleitner, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Peter Jurasik, Andreas Katsulas, Claudia Christian, Stephen Furst, Andrea Thompson, Richard Biggs, Mary Kay Adams, Bill Mumy, and Ed Wasser. With Walter Koenig as Alfred Bester and Gianin Loffler as the lurker and leader of the rogue telepaths.

Bester discovers an underground railroad funneling unregistered telepaths away from Psi Corps and comes to B5 to shut it down. Sheridan has no choice, he is obligated to help Bester round up the culprits, but he doesn't have to be particularly good at it.

The telepaths tell their stories to Talia, shaking her faith in Psi Corps, and persuading her to help them outwit Bester. For once, Bester is bested by the unregistered, untrained telepaths he wants to capture and control. It is great to see him on the short end of the stick for once.

Delenn asks Sheridan out to dinner and they talk for hours, setting up a long story arch about their relationship. Talia and Ivanova also begin to develop a friendship.

Gianin Loffler gives an intense performance as an escaped telepath living in Downbelow. His unique appearance and voice add to the eerie, but powerful way he delivers his lines.

This is a good episode, a pleasure to watch.

Reviewed by Romana Drew March 6, 2019












The Coming of Shadows


Season 2, Episode 9

Originally aired February 1, 1995

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by Janet Greek

Starring: Bruce Boxleitner, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Peter Jurasik, Andreas Katsulas, Claudia Christian, Stephen Furst, Andrea Thompson, Richard Biggs, Mary Kay Adams, Bill Mumy, and Ed Wasser. With Turhan Bey as the Centauri Emperor, William Forward as Lord Refa, Fredric Lehne as the Ranger, and Michael O'Hare as Jeffery Sinclair.

The Centauri emperor travels to Babylon 5 to apologize to G'Kar for past Centauri atrocities, but before he can say anything to anyone, he collapses, which denies G'Kar the chance to kill him. It isn't foul play, he is simply dying of old age. All the while, a strange man follows Garibaldi around the station.

G'Kar is humbled and amazed when Dr. Franklin tells him that the emperor came all the way to B5 just to apologize. He even believes that reconciliation may be possible. Unfortunately, Londo and Refa take advantage of the emperor's imminent demise and call on Mr. Morden. Now, the Narn and Centauri are at war again and G'Kar is crushed.

Garibaldi apprehends his shadow only to discover that he is a ranger sent by Sinclair. The first of many rangers to come through B5.

This is a pivotal, must-see episode. In asking Morden for help, Londo not only seals his own fate but G'Kar's as well. There is no way for him, or his world, to escape the clutches of the shadows.

Londo and Refa's plans put Cartagia on the Centauri throne, perhaps not the best choice. We also see Londo's dream of his death.

Like most of the B5 episodes, this is a complete story, but it's main purpose is to push major plot lines lines forward.

Peter Jurasik and Andreas Katsulas never fail to deliver outstanding performances. G'Kar goes from suicidal resolve to ecstatic happiness, to anger and despair. While Londo goes from worry about his future, to polite political maneuvering, to the internal pain that comes from knowing your success will end in tragedy.

Reviewed by Romana Drew March 10, 2019












Alone in the Night


Season 2, Episode 11

Originally aired February 15, 1995

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by Mario Di Leo

Starring: Bruce Boxleitner, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Peter Jurasik, Andreas Katsulas, Claudia Christian, Stephen Furst, Andrea Thompson, Richard Biggs, Mary Kay Adams, Bill Mumy, and Ed Wasser. With

Just before General Hague arrives, Sheridan leads a small squadron out to investigate a strange ship. It destroys all but one starfury and captures Sheridan. Delenn gets a summons to the Gray Council, and Lennier insists he travel with her.

Sheridan is tortured and forced to fight for his life without any explanation. In a dream, Kosh says, "You have always been here." When he finally gets home, Kosh walks up to him and says the same thing, and then leaves.

This episode has several major plot developments. Delenn, of the religious caste, is replaced by a member of the warrior caste, tipping the balance of the council to the warrior caste. Sheridan tells Hague that the senior staff are all loyal to Earth. Franklin, Ivanova, and Garibaldi all agree to help Hague and Sheridan discover who killed Santiago and if Psi Corps has infiltrated Earth Gov.

Scooping up people and testing them is a tried and true scifi trope, which tends to fall apart if you examine it too closly. Here it works to get Sheridan in trouble and off the station so we get to know Hague a little better. It also lets Delenn come to, or at lease assist in, the rescue.

And in one of the sweetest scenes, Lennier is secretly in love with Delenn. Of course, he will never let her know. Bill Mumy, as Lennier, is always perfect.

This is another solid episode, delving deeper into the intricacies of both human and Minbari cultures, and setting up tension between the B5 crew and Earth.

Reviewed by Romana Drew March 13, 2019












Acts of Sacrifice


Season 2, Episode 12

Originally aired February 22, 1995

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by Jim Johnson

Starring: Bruce Boxleitner, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Peter Jurasik, Andreas Katsulas, Claudia Christian, Stephen Furst, Andrea Thompson, Richard Biggs, Mary Kay Adams, Bill Mumy, Jeff Conaway, and Ed Wasser. With Ian Abercrombie as Correlilmurzon and Paul Williams as Taq

G'kar quells a rebellion and begs for help in the war against the Centauri, Ivanova must learn the fine art of diplomacy, and Londo misses his old friend Garibaldi.

G'Kar nearly gets killed trying to stop his fellow Narns from assassinating the station's Centauri. The war is going badly. But neither Earth or Minbar will join the fight.

Everybody wants a piece of Londo, or at least they want a favor. His star is on the rise, and friends he never heard of all want something.

The Lumati are arrogant, pretentious, and condescending. They don't just close a deal, they consummate it, much to Ivanova's dismay.

How does that work with different species? Narn have pouches, or at least pouchlings. Centauri have . . . I don't know what those appendages are called or what they do, but they aren't at all like humans. This is one of those situations that shouldn't be analyzed too much or the fun goes away.

Although there is no main story in this episode, it shows a day in the life as tensions rise and lives are disrupted. With each episode, both Londo and G'kar develop greater complexity and depth. Ivanova's unique solution to the Lumati quandary is the perfect counterpoint to the seriousness of the other storylines.

This is another memorable episode, well worth watching. Boom! Shabba-labba-labba.

Reviewed by Romana Drew March 16, 2019















Hunter, Prey


Season 2, Episode 13

Originally aired March 1, 1995

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by Menachem Binetski

Starring: Bruce Boxleitner, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Peter Jurasik, Andreas Katsulas, Claudia Christian, Stephen Furst, Andrea Thompson, Richard Biggs, Mary Kay Adams, Bill Mumy, Jeff Conaway, and Ed Wasser. With Bernie Casey as Derek Cranston, Wanda De Jesus as Sarah, Tony Steedman as Dr. Everett Jacobs, and Richard Moll as Max.

Derek Cranston from EarthGov, demands that Sheridan help him find Dr. Evertt Jacobs, President Clark's former doctor.

Cranston turns the station upside down searching for Jacobs. He even commandeers Garibaldi's security officers. Then Sarah shows up and secretly tells Sheridan that Jacobs may have proof someone murdered President Santiago. While the official EarthGov manhunt is on, Sheridan and Garibaldi do a bit of sleuthing on their own.

Jacobs makes his way to Downbelow, not the safest place for the well dressed and uninitiated. Even though Garibaldi and Cranston can't find him, Max has no problem catching the hapless doctor and selling his possessions to the highest bidder. Richard Moll is perfect as the nasty, bad man Max.

Most B5 episodes have a main story with two or three side stories which may or may not be related to the main story. Except for Sheridan trying to make friends with Kosh, this episode stays focused on Jacobs and the attempts to find him.

Sheridan's attempts to friend Kosh pay off, not only in this episode but also in the next.

This episode delves further into the corruption inside EarthGov, and the intrepid leaders of Babylon 5's willingness to circumvent or outright defy EarthGov.

Reviewed by Romana Drew March 24, 2019














There all the Honor Lies


Season 2, Episode 14

Originally aired April 26, 1995

Written by Peter David. Directed by Mike Vejar

Starring: Bruce Boxleitner, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Peter Jurasik, Andreas Katsulas, Claudia Christian, Stephen Furst, Andrea Thompson, Richard Biggs, Mary Kay Adams, Bill Mumy, Jeff Conaway, and Ed Wasser. With Sean Sullivan as Ashan.

To offset some of the station expenses, a shop sells everything B5, dolls, masks, teddy bears, etc. Much to her surprise, Sheridan assigns Ivanova to oversee the shop while he strolls off for a lesson with Kosh. According to the Centauri government, Londo is now too important to have lowly Vir as his assistant. A replacement is on order.

Before he finds Kosh, someone steals Sheridan's link. He gives chase, crashing into a Minbari who attacks him. He kills the Minbari in self-defense. The only witness, also a Minbari, claims it was murder.

Sheridan appears doomed. Everyone knows, Minbari never lie, everyone except Londo because Lennier once lied for him.

This episode delves deeper into relationships; Minbari prejudices and what they will do to protect their beliefs, Londo's fondness for Vir and his refusal to accept a replacement, and Kosh's relationship with Sheridan.

There are a few technical issues. The B5 store couldn't just spring up overnight without all the command staff knowing about it. Who is running the store, and why give profits to the station? Why would a group of people gather in a crawl space in Downbelow to sing medieval church music for a fee?

It has a few truly memorable moments. Londo gets pissed because his action figure lacks proper attributes. Sheridan spaces a teddy bear. And there is Kosh's lesson - a moment of perfect beauty.

Reviewed by Romana Drew March 26, 2019












And Now for a Word


Season 2, Episode 15

Originally aired May 3, 1995

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by Mario Di Leo

Starring: Bruce Boxleitner, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Peter Jurasik, Andreas Katsulas, Claudia Christian, Stephen Furst, Andrea Thompson, Richard Biggs, Mary Kay Adams, Bill Mumy, Jeff Conaway, and Ed Wasser. With Kim Zimmer as Cynthia Torqueman and Christopher Curry as Senator Ronald Quantrell.

Cynthia Torqueman, ISN reporter, spends 36 hours on Babylon 5. Back on Earth, support for the station is faltering, and she intends to find out if the investment is worthwhile.

It's just a typical day on B5. Narn and Centauri ships battle it out right in front of the station.

Torqueman interviews G'kar and Londo, getting very different versions or the war and of each race. She also interviews Sheridan, Garibaldi, Delenn and Senator Quantrell. Each gives their own interpretation of B5. There is even a creepy ad for Psi Corps, with an obvious subliminal message. And Kosh says a few words in his language.

This episode further develops the Narn Centauri conflict, showing that they are both guilty of advancing the conflict, but the Centauri are better at pretending to be innocent victims. It also develops the conflict with EarthGov that will eventually result in significant changes.

This is a solid episode, well-crafted and never boring. For B5 fans it is an important part of the station's history.

Reviewed by Romana Drew March 24, 2019














In the Shadow of Z'ha'dum


Season 2, Episode 16

Originally aired May 10, 1995

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by David J. Eagle.

Starring: Bruce Boxleitner, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Peter Jurasik, Andreas Katsulas, Claudia Christian, Stephen Furst, Andrea Thompson, Richard Biggs, Mary Kay Adams, Bill Mumy, Jeff Conaway, Ed Wasser, and Ardwight Chamberlain as the voice of Kosh..

Vir tells Morden that he wants to live just long enough to see Morden's head on a pike. Sheridan discovers that Morden was on the Icarus with his wife, and therefore should be dead.

Sheridan incarcerates and questions Morden until Garibaldi, and the rest of the command staff tell him to back off. Eventually, Delenn and Kosh insist Morden be released. But Sheridan has one last go, discovering Morden is never alone.

Morden asks everyone what they want, and if it meets his needs, his friends make it happen. He accepts Vir's wish without any emotion, which may have been a mistake.

This episode gives more information about the shadows, the first ones, and a threat much greater than the Narn Centauri conflict. It's an important episode, and a good one.

Reviewed by Romana Drew April 9, 2019














Divided Loyalties


Season 2, Episode 19

Originally aired April 26, 1995

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by Mario Di Leo

Starring: Bruce Boxleitner, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Peter Jurasik, Andreas Katsulas, Claudia Christian, Stephen Furst, Andrea Thompson, Richard Biggs, Mary Kay Adams, Bill Mumy, Jeff Conaway, and Ed Wasser. With Patricia Tallman as Lyta Alexander.

Lyta returns to Babylon 5 half dead in a small ship. She insists there is a Psi Corps super sleeper agent somewhere on the station, and only she can find them. Sheridan is skeptical.

Someone attacks Lyta, but she escapes. Sheridan then agrees to let her send the secret password into people's heads telepathically. Ivanova refuses, which looks rather suspicious.

As it turns out, Ivanova isn't the sleeper, but someone else is.

This is Andrea Thompson's last episode as Talia Winters, and she leaves with a stunning transformation. It also signals the return of Lyta, although it will be a few episodes before we see her again. At the end of the episode, she asks Kosh if she can see him kone more time. He comes out of his encounter suit, but we don't get to see him.

Although it lacks some of the comic relief typical of B5, and it lacks a second storyline, this is a good episode. Patricia Tallman gives an intense performance as Lyta.

Reviewed by Romana Drew April 11, 2019














The Long, Twilight Struggle


Season 2, Episode 20

Originally aired October 18, 1995

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by John C. Flinn III.

Starring: Bruce Boxleitner, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Peter Jurasik, Andreas Katsulas, Claudia Christian, Stephen Furst, Andrea Thompson, Richard Biggs, Mary Kay Adams, Bill Mumy, Jeff Conaway, and Ed Wasser. With John Shuck as Draal and William Forward as Lord Refa.

The Narn plan to attack Gorash 7 leaves their homeworld unprotected but should strike a decisive blow against the Centauri. However, the Centauri learn of the plan and launch an attack on the Narn homeworld. At the request of Lord Refa, Londo asks Morden to defend Gorash 7.

Draal visits B5 and invites Sheridan and Delenn down to Epsilon 3 for a chat. When they return, G'Kar asks for sanctuary on Babylon 5, which stops him from being deported and imprisoned, or worse.

The Centauri nearly wipe out the Narn, and Londo is forced to watch. Although he must continue to act like a conquering ass, he now knows that his fate is sealed. Nothing good can come from his past actions no matter how much power or land the Centauri acquire.

The Centauri bomb Narn with mass drivers instead of explosives. That only makes sense if the mass the driver hurls is large enough to survive the atmosphere and massive enough to do more damage than an explosion. Nudging large asteroids into descending orbits could be devistating, but the Centauri ships fired glowing balls at the planet. It was impressive CGI but didn't really make sense. Why not put explosives into those balls?

This is a pivotal episode, well written and well executed.

Reviewed by Romana Drew April 14, 2019

















The Fall of Night


Season 2, Episode 22

Originally aired November 1, 1995

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by Jamnet Greek.

Starring: Bruce Boxleitner, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Peter Jurasik, Andreas Katsulas, Claudia Christian, Stephen Furst, Andrea Thompson, Richard Biggs, Mary Kay Adams, Bill Mumy, Jeff Conaway, and Ed Wasser. With Roy Dotrice as Frederick Lantz, John Vickery as Mr. Welles and Joshua Lee Patton as Kosh.

Night watch representative, Mr. Wells and Ministry of Peace representative, Mr. Lantz, invade Babylon 5. Wells wants to bring the Nightwatch in line with his goals. Lantz has come to investigate the Centauri Narn conflict.

A Narn cruiser hides behind the planet and asks for help, supplies, and sanctuary, which Sheridan grants, promising to keep its location secret.

Lantz proudly announces that Earth has signed a non-aggression treaty with Centauri just as a Centauri warship arrives to take out the Narn ship. Sheridan launches starfuries, and the battle is on.

From the beginning to this point, the plot is predictable but never boring. The tension builds, and the battle doesn't disappoint. On his way to apologize for keeping his promise and saving B5, to avoid being killed, Sheridan leaps to his death. And we finally get to see Kosh.

Peter Jurasik gives an intense and almost over the top performance as the enraged and terrified Londo Mollari. Andreas Katsulas is just as powerful as G'Kar's hopes are shattered by Mr. Lantz.

The Nightwatch is at odds with the philosophy of B5. EarthGov is a odds with Sheridan and most of the command staff. As an end of season episode, this one is great. It signals the massive changes to come.

Reviewed by Romana Drew April 15, 2019










Season 3 - Point of No Return
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














Matters of Honor


Season 3, Episode 1

Originally aired November 6, 1995

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by Kevin G. Cremin.

Starring: Bruce Boxleitner, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Peter Jurasik, Andreas Katsulas, Claudia Christian, Stephen Furst, Andrea Thompson, Richard Biggs, Mary Kay Adams, Bill Mumy, Jeff Conaway, and Ed Wasser. With Tucker Smallwood as Davie Endawi and Ardwight Chamberlain as the voice of Kosh.

It's a new season, and Babylon 5 takes several steps toward the coming war. Marcus arrives with news of the Rangers. Mr. Endawi, from EarthForce Special Intelligence, comes to investigate. Londo tells Morden he wants nothing more to do with him, which is fine. Morden can always turn to Lord Refa.

The Centauri have blockaded the Ranger camp on Zagros 7. When Delenn and Marcus give Sheridan a new ship, the Whitestar, he goes to the rescue. At Zagros 7, they encounter a shadow vessel, and Sheridan once again shows that he can outwit even a shadow ship.

Mr. Endawi searches for information about the ship that killed Keller (a shadow vessel) and comes up dry until he meets G'Kar. Back on Earth, Endawi has an ominous meeting with Mr. Morden, a Psi Cop, and a senator. Morden and Psi Corps are intimately intertwined with EarthGov, which can come to no good.

With each episode, the storylines get more complex and intertwined. This is a good episode with an exciting battle and many insights into political and personal agendas.

Reviewed by Romana Drew May 12, 2019














Convictions


Season 3, Episode 2

Originally aired November 13, 1995

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by Mike Vejar.

Starring: Bruce Boxleitner, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Peter Jurasik, Andreas Katsulas, Claudia Christian, Stephen Furst, Andrea Thompson, Richard Biggs, Mary Kay Adams, Bill Mumy, Jeff Conaway, and Ed Wasser. With Louis Turenne as Brother Theo.

Chaos is coming in two hours, or so the message says. And it does. One explosion after another goes off. In the meantime, Brother Theo and a group of monks ask to live on B5 so they can learn all the names of God.

Lannier saves both Delen and Londo from one of the explosions but gets trapped behind a safety door. While Lennier is critically injured and comatose. Londo sits with him, showing a softer and more caring side to his character.

When Londo takes a break, another explosion forces him to dive into the elevator with G'Kar or die. Londo expects G'Kar to kill him. But G'Kar only laughs, finding it funny that he gets to watch Londo die without suffering the consequences of killing a Centauri.

This is an exciting episode with lots of action.

Although the show is called Babylon 5, it could be called the tale of Londo and G'Kar. These two characters anchor so many storylines. Their relationship grows and changes with the political events of the times. Both Peter Jurasik and Andreas Katsulas portray the complexity of their characters with sensitivity and believability.

Reviewed by Romana Drew May 14, 2019












A Day in the Strife


Season 3, Episode 3

Originally aired November 20, 1995

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by David J. Eagle.

Starring: Bruce Boxleitner, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Peter Jurasik, Andreas Katsulas, Claudia Christian, Stephen Furst, Andrea Thompson, Richard Biggs, Mary Kay Adams, Bill Mumy, Jeff Conaway, and Ed Wasser. With Stephen Macht as Na'Far and Marshall R. Teague as Ta'Lon.

A lot happens during A Day in the Strife. Traders are upset over new security procedures. Na'Far arrives to send G'Kar home and take his place. A probe will destroy the station unless they answer all six hundred questions correctly. Dr. Franklin's addiction to stems becomes obvious. And Vir is sent to Minbar.

Na'Far persuades G'Kar to return to Narn for the good of all Narns even though it means life in prison or worse. Na'Far's bodyguard, TaLon has more honorable inclinations, as do the majority of Narn on Babylon 5.

The stress of finding the answers to all six hundred questions on top of the general unrest and possible loss of G'Kar makes for an exciting episode. Just at the last minute, Sheridan's insight saves the station.

Is Na'Far a quisling, does she truly believe that destroying G'Kar will help bring peace, or does she see this as personal advancement? We may never know. But it unifies the stations Narn in support of G'Kar.

A Day in the Strife is a fast-paced episode chocked full of action, suspense, and character development.

Reviewed by Romana Drew May 16, 2019












Passing Through Gethsemane


Season 3, Episode 4

Originally aired November 27, 1995

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by Adam Nimoy.

Starring: Bruce Boxleitner, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Peter Jurasik, Andreas Katsulas, Claudia Christian, Stephen Furst, Andrea Thompson, Richard Biggs, Mary Kay Adams, Bill Mumy, Jeff Conaway, and Ed Wasser. With Brad Dourif as Brother Edward, Patricia Tallman as Lyta Alexander, Louis Turenne as Brother Theo, and Robert Keith as Malcolm.

Lyta's back! She arrives with Kosh on his ship. Brother Edward, one of Brother Theo's flock, is forced to remember his violent past.

Edward was a serial killer before he was captured and sentenced to death of personality. The friends and family of his victims hire a telepath to break the mind block, and force him to remember his past. Then they exact their revenge.

Lyta returns from the Vorlon homeworld harder and stronger. Even if Psi Corps finds her, it's doubtful they can capture or control her.

This is a powerful but dark and disturbing episode, somewhat difficult to watch. It explores concepts of spirituality, guilt, revenge, and ultimately, forgiveness. It questions the humanity of death of personality for both the convicted and their victim's families.

Most of the episode is devoted to the Brother Edward story, which is not important to the history of Babylon 5. But the return of Lyta and the revelation that Valen was Minbari, not of Minbari born, and that he formed the gray council are of significance.

Reviewed by Romana Drew April 15, 2019















Voices of Authority


Season 3, Episode 5

Originally aired January 20, 1996

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by Menachem Binetski.

Starring: Bruce Boxleitner, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Peter Jurasik, Andreas Katsulas, Claudia Christian, Stephen Furst, Andrea Thompson, Richard Biggs, Mary Kay Adams, Bill Mumy, Jeff Conaway, and Ed Wasser. With John Schuck as Draal and Shari Shattuck as Julie Musante.

Political Officer, Julie Musante, informs Sheridan that she will help him make politically correct decisions. Ivanova meets with Draal on Epsilon 3 and steps into the great machine.

While in the machine, Ivanova uncovers a video of Morden and Clark discussing Santiago's impending death. Draal records the conversation. Sheridan knows just what to do with it. She also learns where she might meet some of the first ones.

The first ones turn out to be more enigmatic than helpful. Although their ship is impressive, they send a childish version of a Halloween lantern to frighten the impudent intruders. Undeterred, Ivanova stands up to the huge, fiery, image and calls its bluff.

The recording of Clark and Morden makes its way to Earth, causing enough havoc to force Julie Musante home, much to everyone's relief.

John Shuck has such a distinctiuve look, voice, presence, that he often overtakes the character, but I can't think of anyone who would be better at playing Draal.

Voices of Authority is another good episode that moves the long story arch forward while still being a independent episode, demonstrating that it is quite possible to tell a long and complex story while giving each episode a satisfying conclusion.

Reviewed by Romana Drew April 18, 2019














Dust to Dust
Dust to Dust

Season 3, Episode 6

Originally aired February 5, 1996

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by David J Eagle.

Starring: Bruce Boxleitner, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Peter Jurasik, Andreas Katsulas, Claudia Christian, Stephen Furst, Andrea Thompson, Richard Biggs, Mary Kay Adams, Bill Mumy, Jeff Conaway, and Ed Wasser. With Walter Koenig as Alfred Bester.

No one, Sheridan, Garibaldi, Franklin, and especially Ivanova, wants to get scanned by Bester, but they can't stop him from coming aboard. So, they surround him with Minbari telepaths until he agrees to take the sleeper drug. Temporally defanged, he is free to roam the station.

Someone is selling Dust. Bester wants him, but so does G'Kar. Well, to be honest, G'Kar only wants a sample, just enough to test. Dust enhances telepathic abilities in humans. There are no Narn telepaths. Will Dust give G'Kar telepathy?

Telepathy he gets, but only after period of uncontrolled rage. After trashing his quarters G'Kar goes after Londo. Two things intervene to stop him from killing, a peek into Londo's mind and Kosh.

This is a turning point for G'Kar. He is left with a greater understandinging of Londo and several weeks in the brig to think about it.

Dust to Dust delves deeply into the political forces that created Londo Mollari giving a greater depth and somewhat tragic quality to his character. This is a must see episode, not just because it is good, but because it explains why both Londo and G'Kar will change their opinions of each other.














Exogenesius


Season 3, Episode 7

Originally aired February 12, 1996

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by Kevin G. Cremin.

Starring: Bruce Boxleitner, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Peter Jurasik, Andreas Katsulas, Claudia Christian, Stephen Furst, Andrea Thompson, Richard Biggs, Mary Kay Adams, Bill Mumy, Jeff Conaway, Jason Carter, and Ed Wasser. With Josh Coxx as Lt. David Corwin, Aubrey Morris as Duncan

After Corwin is promoted to full lieutenant, Ivanova invites him to her quarters. Marcus discovers his old friend Duncan is missing

Corwin mistakes Ivanova's intentions and buys a bouquet of flowers, starting a funny chain of misunderstandings. At the last moment, Corwin comes to his senses and says he found the flowers outside Ivanova's door. Since Ivanova knows Marcus likes her, she assumes the flowers are from him. She then questions Corwin about his political beliefs. He leaves, more confused than enlightened. Later, Ivanova gives the flowers to Marcus, adding to his confusion, but pleasing him none the less. This thread runs through the episode adding delightful counterpoint to the main story.

Dr. Franklin discovers a parasite in a man who died unexpectedly. Marcus finds Duncan and other contacts are infected with parasites called Vindrizi. Together they try to stop the Vindrizi.

But all is not as it first appears. The Vindrizi are thousands of years old. They bring their memories to their hosts, along with improved health. They have no political agendas and select only willing hosts, preferring to improve the lives of those who have little.

This episode focuses on misunderstandings and incorrect assumptions. It is full of surprising revelations and gentle humor.

Reviewed by Romana Drew June 8, 2019












Messages from Earth


Season 3, Episode 8

Originally aired February 19, 1996

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by Mike Vejar.

Starring: Bruce Boxleitner, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Peter Jurasik, Andreas Katsulas, Claudia Christian, Stephen Furst, Andrea Thompson, Richard Biggs, Bill Mumy, Jeff Conaway, and Ed Wasser. With Nancy Stafford as Dr. Mary Kirkish.

Marcus brings Dr. Mary Kirkish, a former member if Interplanetary Expeditions, to Babylon 5 even though people are trying to kill her. In the meantime, G'Kar sings and write to pass the time while in the brig.

Seven years ago, Dr. Kirkish found a buried shadow vessel on Mars. Her team unearthed the ship, but another shadow vessel arrived, and the two ships flew away together. All members of the team were sent in different directions. Now, they are either dead or missing. And another shadow vessel has been found on Ganymede.

Of course, Sheridan and Delenn take the White Star to investigate. This new shadow ship activates and then destroys the base that saved it. Sheridan attacks the shadow vessel, so it comes after him. He defeats that ship, then the Agamemnon demands the White Star stop and be boarded. But Ssheridan escapes that, too.

While Sheridan's away, Nightwatch goes out to play, putting Zack in a difficult position. Back on Earth, Clark declares martial law.

There's lots of excitement in Messages from Earth. It is also a significant episode in the long story arch. Look for the first shadow vessel from Mars to appear again as well as Sheridan's trick of opening a jump gate inside the atmosphere.

G'kar's attitude is a great counterpoint to the rest of the action.

Reviewed by Romana Drew June 8, 2019














Point of No Return


Season 3, Episode 9

Originally aired February 26, 1996

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by Jim Johnson.

Starring: Bruce Boxleitner, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Peter Jurasik, Andreas Katsulas, Claudia Christian, Stephen Furst, Andrea Thompson, Richard Biggs, Bill Mumy, Jeff Conaway, and Ed Wasser. With Majel Barrett as Lady Morella and Marshall R. Teague as Ta'Lon.

President Clark declares martial law throughout all of Earth's colonies, and Night watch takes over Babylon 5 security. Londo welcomes Lady Morella, the wife of the late Emperor Turhan.

Sheridan calls General Hague and is told to follow the chain of command. Zack and Garibaldi challenge Night Watch. Zack stays with Night Watch. Garibaldi quits. And Night Watch wreaks havoc.

Lady Morella, played so wonderfully by Majel Barrett, sees right through Londo's pretense to want to give her a tour. But the future she sees, and the advice she gives are both enigmatic and disturbing.

It takes Sheridan a while to figure out what Hague meant by follow the chain of command, but when he does, he sets a trap for Night Watch and kicks them off the station.

Point of No Return is just that. Initially, Night Watch recruited people into a neighborhood watch type organization - pretty innocent, just looking for dissidents and criminals. But with time and power, it became the Gestapo. Zack had doubts and questions along the way, but he never quite understood until the end. Power often corrupts, but it feels so good. Night Watch was a perfect example. Had the members understood the real purpose of Night Watch when they first joined, would they have approved?

The Night Watch story is well done and thought provoking. The Londo story hinges on the performance of Lady Morella. Majel Barrett is perfect.

Reviewed by Romana Drew June 8, 2019















Severed Dreams


Season 3, Episode 10

Originally aired April 1, 1996

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by David J. Eagle.

Starring: Bruce Boxleitner, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Peter Jurasik, Andreas Katsulas, Claudia Christian, Stephen Furst, Andrea Thompson, Richard Biggs, Bill Mumy, Jeff Conaway, and Ed Wasser. With Kim Miyori as Captain Sandra Hiroshi, Rance Howard as David Sheridan, Bruce McGill as Major Ed Ryan, James Parks as Drakhen, Josh Coxx as Lt. David Corwin.

And here we go!

Defeated by Earth Alliance forces, the Alexander calls asking for help. An injured Ranger makes it to B5 with news that the shadows have caused civil and interplanetary wars. ISN defies President Clark and reports the secession of the Proxima III and Orion V colonies.

Sheridan cuts all communications before the Alexander arrives, hoping to avoid conflict. It doesn't work. Hague is dead, but the crew is still opposed to Clark and in desperate need of repairs. The Churchill arrives to tell Sheridan Earth Alliance ships are on the way, so Sheridan prepares for war. G'Kar and the Narn join station security. A much-needed boost since Nightwatch got kicked out.

Delenn gets pissed and gives the gray council a piece of her mind. When she leaves, three members of the council stay, but six follow her out.

Earth Alliance ships charge through the jump gate and fire on the station. The Churchill is destroyed. Babylon 5 defenses and starfurys give all they have, but more Alliance ships arrive. Either Sheridan must surrender, or B5 will be destroyed and everyone on board killed.

This is a great, exciting, must-see episode. The entire season has built to this breaking point. In the old cowboy movies, this when Calvary rides over the hill to save the day. There aren't any horses or cowboys in Babylon 5, just Delenn and the Minbari.

Sheridan announces that Babylon 5 has seceded from Earth. He didn't consult anyone first. But he does have chutzpah.

Reviewed by Romana Drew Jume 13, 2019














Ceremonies of Light and Dark


Season 3, Episode 11

Originally aired April 8, 1996

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by John C. Flinn III.

Starring: Bruce Boxleitner, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Peter Jurasik, Andreas Katsulas, Claudia Christian, Stephen Furst, Andrea Thompson, Richard Biggs, Bill Mumy, Jeff Conaway, and Ed Wasser. With as Lord Refa and Don Stroud as Boggs..

Delenn schedules a Rebirth Ceremony. Each participant must give up something the value and tell a secret they have never told anyone before. Everyone can find a good reason why they can't attend. Former Night Watch members plot to defeat Sheridan.

While giving a few Minbari VIP's a tour, Delenn and two other Minbari are captured by Boggs and his friends. They demand Sheridan send the Minbari ships guarding B5 home or they will kill the Minbari.

Marcus takes umbrage at that. He finds a bar where someone should know something and starts a fight. Once Marcus subdues everyone, he has to wait for someone to wake up. While waiting, he and Lennier have a heart to heart about Delenn.

It works. Marcus finds Boggs and Sheridan Tricks them in believing they are in danger, so they all run out into the waiting arms of station security. One throws a knife at Sheridan but hits Delenn. Sheridan catches him.

Delenn is not critically injured but must spend some time in sickbay.

Maybe the rebirth ceremony is just what they need. Sheridan, Garibaldi, Franklin, and Ivanova all visit Delenn, tell her a secret and leave their Earth Force uniforms.

This episode is a kind of rebirth for the series. No longer bound by Earth laws and politics, Sheridan and friends are free to make their own futures, or at least use their wits to avoid getting blown to bits in the impending war.

In a side story, Londo poisons Lord Refa in an attempt to free his world of Mr. Morden and friends. He only gives him one part of the poison, so Refa will never know when or where the other half, the lethal half, will be administered. Although, a bit convoluted, it does work in this context. It also shows that Londo understands the threat Morden poses and is trying to do something about it.

Ceremonies of Light and Dark is another excellent and pivotal episode.

Reviewed by Romana Drew April 15, 2019














Sic Transit Vir


Season 3, Episode 12

Originally aired April 15, 1996

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by John C. Flinn III.

Starring: Bruce Boxleitner, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Peter Jurasik, Andreas Katsulas, Claudia Christian, Stephen Furst, Andrea Thompson, Richard Biggs, Bill Mumy, Jeff Conaway, and Ed Wasser. With Carmen Thomas as Lyndisty.

After a few bad dreams, Ivanova coming to work naked and Vir confined with angry Narns, the story gets going. Vir returns from the Centauri homeworld to find Londo has gifted him with a wife, the stunningly beautiful Lindisty. Ivanova discovers a large number of Narns who passed through B5 had papers signed by Abrahamo Lincolni, and they are all dead.

Vir doesn't want an arranged marriage, but Lindisty is so pretty and so kind that he changes his mind.

Turns out, Abrahamo Lincolni is really Vir. This appalls Londo.

But nothing is what it seems. The Narns are not dead. Vir just made it look that way, so no one came after them. And Lindisty . . .

Carmine Thomas does an incredible portrayal of a kind and loving young Centauri. The perfect wife, until she captures a Narn and gives him to Vir. She is so proud of her father's Narn cleansing raids, and the pleasure she gets from killing Narns. There is no remorse or guilt in her voice or demeanor. And she truly expects Vir to kill the Narn tied up on the floor.

After the previous two episodes, this one is a bit tame. However, It adds depth and compassion to Vir and a greater understanding of how ruthless the Centauri are toward Narns.

Reviewed by Romana Drew June 15, 2019














Ship of Tears


Season 3, Episode 14

Originally aired April 19, 1996

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by Mike Vejar.

Starring: Bruce Boxleitner, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Peter Jurasik, Andreas Katsulas, Claudia Christian, Stephen Furst, Andrea Thompson, Richard Biggs, Bill Mumy, Jeff Conaway, and Ed Wasser. With Walter Koenig as Alfred Bester.

Sheridan investigates a distress call only to find Bester waiting to ask him for help. G'Kar begs to be let into the War Council. ISN returns as a propaganda machine for Clark.

Bester wants to intercept a Shadow transport carrying weapons components using the argument that 'the enemy of my enemy is my friend.' Sheridan agrees, and they take the White Star.

The White Star defeats the fighters protecting the transport, but another Shadow vessel appears and then mysteriously leaves without attacking.

The transport is full of humans in stasis, so they wake one up. She goes bonkers, attaching herself to a web of wires and invading the station's systems. She nearly kills Bester shooting at his Psi Corps badge. He insists she not be hurt. Even though she is out of control and a rogue telepath, she is his lover.

Delenn has the difficult task of telling G'Kar, that by her inaction, she let the Shadows help the Centauri destroy his homeworld. G'Kar had tried to warn everyone about the Shadows long before any serious conflict. Delenn could have confirmed his suspicions but chose to remain silent. He understands why time was needed to build up defenses, but forgiveness will not come easy. He does, however, get to see the new war room.

Garibaldi calls a war council. The Book of J'Quan, which he is still struggling through, tells of a Shadow attack on the Narn homeworld a thousand years ago. The Shadows killed the telepaths first, which may explain why the Shadow vessel didn't attack the White Star when Bester was aboard. But it doesn't explain why human telepaths are weapons components, unless . . .

So much happens in this episode. It explains why there are no Narn telepaths. The Shadows both fear and need telepaths. Although the Shadows have invaded Psi Corps, they don't seem to have any hold on Bester. Bester actually loves someone. And the Shadows openly attack the Brakiri. Another great must-see episode.

Reviewed by Romana Drew June 18, 2019














Interludes and Examinations


Season 3, Episode 15

Originally aired May 6, 1996

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by Jesus Trevino.

Starring: Bruce Boxleitner, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Peter Jurasik, Andreas Katsulas, Claudia Christian, Stephen Furst, Andrea Thompson, Richard Biggs, Bill Mumy, Jeff Conaway, and Ed Wasser. With Jennifer Balgobin as Dr. Lilian Hobbs, Rance Howard as David Sheridan, and Ardwight Chamberlain as the voice of Kosh.

Sheridan can't get other worlds to join the fight against the Shadows because they won't risk getting noticed. Londo prepares for the arrival of the lovely Adira Tyree. Franklin loses it, making bad calls and yelling at people.

Sheridan needs proof he can defeat the Shadows, so he asks Kosh for help. It doesn't go well, but he persists. Eventually, Kosh agrees, warning him that he will be sorry when he goes to Za'ha'dum.

Londo makes elaborate preparation for Adira, the slave he freed a while back. But Morden knows that Londo is responsible for Lord Refa's refusal to work with him. He finds the perfect way to get back at Londo, making it appear as if Lord Refa is responsible.

The Volons intercede in a Shadow attack and destroy or chase away the Shadow vessels. That victory gives other worlds' the confidence to sign on with Sheridan. However, it pisses off Morden, and he has Kosh killed.

Franklin admits that he is addicted to stims and leaves medlab to find himself.

Although Morden doesn't have a lot of screen time, he dominates the behind the scenes actions. Londo wants revenge, and Morden is just the guy to help, to hell with Centauri. And Kosh is dead. Of course, Morden is only a pawn.

The episode has a several emotionally powerful scenes. The intensity of Sheridan's argument with Kosh, and his refusal to take no for an answer, shows Sheridan's commitment to winning the Shadow War. Although it looks as if Kosh is attacking Sheridan, when he shoots beams at him, Kosh has another purspose.

And, Londo's grief is palpable. For all his bluster, inside, he is miserable. Everything he tries fails.

Interludes and Examinations sets the scene for the next two episodes and another major change in the B5 saga.

Reviewed by Romana Drew June 19, 2019














War Without End


Season 3, Episode 16 and 17

Originally aired May 13 and May 20, 1996

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by Kevin G. Cremin.

Starring: Bruce Boxleitner, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Peter Jurasik, Andreas Katsulas, Claudia Christian, Stephen Furst, Andrea Thompson, Richard Biggs, Bill Mumy, Jeff Conaway, and Ed Wasser. With Tim Choate as Zathras and Michael O'Hare as Ambassador Jeffrey Sinclair/Valen.

Ambassador Sinclair reads a letter he wrote to himself 900 years ago. With the help of Draal, Babylon 4 returns to Sector 14. Garibaldi intercepts a message from eight days in the future showing Babylon 5 being destroyed. This two-part episode brings several plot lines together and opens many new possibilities, but it does slip around in both time and space.

While Draal keeps the time rift open, Sinclair takes Sheridan, Ivanova, Marcus, and Delenn to Sector 14 on the White Star. Zathras arrives and gives everyone time stabilizers.

The White Star flies through the rift to Babylon 4. Shadow fighters are about to blow up the station. The White Star defeats the fighters, but Sheridan's stabilizer is destroyed.

Now unstuck in time, Sheridan finds himself many years into the future, facing an elderly Emperor Londo Mollari. The Shadows destroyed much of the Centauri Prime, and Londo blames Sheridan. Back in his cell, Sheridan meets Delenn, who begs him not to go to Z'ha'dum and tells him their son is safe.

Londo is controlled by a parasite on his neck. He gets drunk enough for the creature to sleep and orders Sheridan and Delenn to escape. Then G'Kar walks in and strangles Londo.

While the White Star and its crew wait in space, Sinclair, Sheridan, Delenn, and Zathras go to Babylon 4. Sinclair and Zathras attempt to install time control equipment on Babylon 4 to send it one thousand years into the past. Once there, the Minbari can use it as a base to help them defeat the Shadows, making it much harder for the Shadows to gather enough strength to wage war in the present.

There is a lot of exciting running around and going back and forth before the B4 crew is rescued, Sheridan is back in his own time, and the station is ready to head into the past. With only, Sinclair, Sheridan, Delenn, and Zathras left on B4, and the time shift counting down, Sinclair announces that he will ride the station into the past to meet the Minbari and help them in their fight against the Shadows. Zathras goes with him.

Back on the White Star, Marcus puts it all together, who and what Sinclair is - Minbari not of Minbari born.

The concept of being unstuck in time is a bit hard to believe. Why didn't any of the B4 crew get unstuck when the station went forward in time in Babylon Squared? Why did Sheridan reappear in his body in the past, rather than as a separate person? It doesn't really matter. The concept works here. Best not to spend too much time analyzing it.

Although this episode runs in circles in the middle and can get a little confusing, it is a great episode. It's well worth watching in two one hour segments, or better yet, back to back. It explains what happened to Babylon 4, who Valen is, how Lady Morella's prophecies come to pass, and gives hope for the Sheridan and Delenn romance. And maybe Sheridan will win the Shadow war. But it won't be easy, and there will be casualities.

Reviewed by Romana Drew June 22, 2019














Walkabout


Season 3, Episode 18

Originally aired September 30, 1996

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by Kevin G. Cremin.

Starring: Bruce Boxleitner, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Peter Jurasik, Andreas Katsulas, Claudia Christian, Stephen Furst, Andrea Thompson, Richard Biggs, Bill Mumy, Jeff Conaway, and Ed Wasser. With Erica Gimpel as Cailyn, Patricia Tallman as Lyta Alexander, Robin Sachs as Warleader Na'Kal, and Ardwight Chamberlain as the voice of Ulkesh.

G'Kar learns that several Narn warships survived the Centauri war. A new Vorlon comes to town. Franklin goes walkabout. And Sheridan tests the Shadows fear of telepaths.

The new Vorlon, Ulkesh, tells Sheridan to call him Kosh and asks Lyta, none too politely, if she carries a piece of Kosh.

To test the Shadows, Sheridan takes Lyta aboard the White Star and confronts a Shadow vessel. At first, Lyta isn't strong enough to contact the Shadow vessel, then Sheridan puts his hand on her shoulder. Kosh enters the scene, so to speak, and Lyta paralyzes the Shadow ship. Sheridan drains the White Star's power to kill it, leaving him vulnerable until the ship can recharge.

Four Shadow vessels arrive. A Minbari ship hiding in hyperspace, jumps to the rescue. The telepaths aboard the Minbari ship stop three of the Shadow vessels. Just before the fourth one fries the White Star, G'Kar leads a fleet of ships to the rescue, bringing the non-aligned worlds into the fray.

Franklin wanders the station looking for himself and finds a beautiful singer. But she is ill and committed to singing in Downbelow, and he is on a quest for redemption, or at least for a life without stims.

According to my research, or Wikipedia at least, Ulkesh is the name JMS gave to Kosh's replacement. Although, that name is never used in the show. Now might be a good time to say a word or two about the League of Non-Aligned World. Since they are all part of the 'League,' aren't they aligned with each other? The League of Non-Aligned Worlds sound like an oxymoron.

In past episodes, light streamed out of Lyta into Kosh, without any explanation as to what that light was. It appears that Vorlons can put part of themselves inside humans then sometime later take the bits back.

Walkabout lacks the intensity of the previous two episodes, but it is just right for this part of the saga. The Franklin story is sensitive and well done. The space battle is exciting and intense. And Lyta comes into her own against the Shadows.



Reviewed by Romana Drew June 23, 2019














Grey 17 is Missing


Season 3, Episode 19

Originally aired October 7 20, 1996

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by Jonn C. Flinn III

Starring: Bruce Boxleitner, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Peter Jurasik, Andreas Katsulas, Claudia Christian, Stephen Furst, Andrea Thompson, Richard Biggs, Bill Mumy, Jeff Conaway, and Ed Wasser. With Robert Englund as Jeremiah and John Vickery as Neroon

A maintenance worker goes missing, and Garibaldi goes to investigate. Delenn is chosen to become Entil'Zha, Ranger One to replace Sinclair.

As it turns out, Gray Sector is missing a floor. Garibaldi finds two levels 17, the one everyone knows about and one between Level 16 and Level 17, also labeled Level 17. The alternate 17 is the realm of Jerimiah, his friends/disciples, and a monster. The show never explains if Jeremiah hid the floor, or if some malfunction prevents the elevator from stopping at that floor, only to be discovered by a few unfortunate souls who get in and can't get out.

Neroon challenges Delenn's right to lead the Rangers. He demands the rangers be under the Warrior cast. Lennier sees this as a threat and asks Marcus to prevent Neroon from reaching Delenn until the ceremony is complete.

Marcus challenges Neroon to a fight. Marcus fights the valiant fight, but he is no match for Neroon. Before killing Marcus, Neroon asks why. Marcus' answer not only saves his life but changes Neroon's beliefs.

This is an important episode because Delenn becomes head of the Rangers and Neroon gains a greater understanding of the Rangers. There is also a brief scene about recruiting telepaths. However, it is a bit weak.

The Grey 17 story is not as well-crafted as it could be. Robert Englund does a great job as Jeremiah, but living trapped in a level full of junk, with a delusional leader, and a man-eating monster doesn't bear too much scrutiny.

Reviewed by Romana Drew June 24, 2019














And the Rock Cried Out, No Hiding Place


Season 3, Episode 20

Originally aired October 14, 1996

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by David J. Engle.

Starring: Bruce Boxleitner, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Peter Jurasik, Andreas Katsulas, Claudia Christian, Stephen Furst, Andrea Thompson, Richard Biggs, Bill Mumy, Jeff Conaway, and Ed Wasser. With William Forward as Lord Refa, Louis Turenne as Brother Theo, Mel Winkler as Reverend Will Dexter, and Marva Hicks as the singer.

A team of religious leaders arrive with information about the resistance. Londo sets a trap for G'Kar.

Brother Theo and Reverend Dexter trade jibes and insults. Their clever banter serves as counterpoint to Vir's discomfort and Londo's scheming. In the end, Reverend Dexter holds a typical Southern Baptist service, which rejuvenates almost everyone, except Lord Refa.

Londo orders Vir to tell G'Kar that Na'Toth is alive and imprisoned on Narn. He also tells Vir that his guards will be waiting to capture G'Kar. This upsets Vir, especially after G'Kar falls for the lie and goes to Narn. But all is not as it first appears.

Londo does want revenge and has plotted a diabolical scheme to increase his political standing. Instead of giving G'Kar to his guards, he gives Lord Refa to G'Kar's guards.

At the very end, Delenn surprises Sheridan with a fleet of White Star ships.

Much happens in this episode that is important to the long story arch, but at times it feels a bit disjointed. However, is it still a good episode. " And the Rock Cried Out, No Hiding Place," a traditional spiritual, is wonderfully sung by Marva Hicks. I wished it could have continued for a little longer.

Ominous words begin every new day, starting with "Z minus 14 days," and ending with "Z minus 10 days." No explanation is given for the countdown. Just like the first time through, many years ago, none is needed.

Reviewed by Romana Drew July 1, 2019












Shadow Dancing


Season 3, Episode 21

Originally aired October 21, 1996

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by Kim Friedman.

Starring: Bruce Boxleitner, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Peter Jurasik, Andreas Katsulas, Claudia Christian, Stephen Furst, Andrea Thompson, Richard Biggs, Bill Mumy, Jeff Conaway, and Ed Wasser. With Melissa Gilbert as Anna Sheridan.

So, here we go! The penultimate episode of Season 3.

Sheridan, and everyone he can round up, engage the Shadow fleet. Franklin meets himself and lives.

When Franklin gets stabbed in Downbelow, he nearly gives up and dies. Then his alter ego shows up and throws insults until Franklin gets his act together and decides to live.

Sheridan and Delenn get as many ships as they can from the non-aligned worlds and other allies. Then they wait in ambush for the Shadow fleet. They drive the Shadows away, but one tiny ship exits a Shadow vessel and heads for B5.

The Franklin story is extremely well-acted and has a lot of emotional impact. It adds depth to the Franklin character. However, it feels as if it is here to pad out the plot. The Shadow attack story isn't complex. It is both critical and exciting, but can't fill up an hour by itself. On the positive side, Franklin fighting for his life at the same time our heroes are fighting for theirs is great counterpoint.

Although this doesn't have a complex plot, it does have an exciting space battle and a real twist at the end. Shadow Dancing is a must-see episode.

May the Gods always stand between you and harm in all the empty places you must walk.

Z minus 2 days.

Reviewed by Romana Drew July 4, 2019














Z'ha'dum


Season 3, Episode 22

Originally aired October 28, 1996

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by Adam Nimoy.

Starring: Bruce Boxleitner, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Peter Jurasik, Andreas Katsulas, Claudia Christian, Stephen Furst, Andrea Thompson, Richard Biggs, Bill Mumy, Jeff Conaway, and Ed Wasser. With Melissa Gilbert as Anna Sheridan and Jeff Corey as Justin.

Anna Sheridan returns, and Londo leaves.

Londo is promoted. He is now an advisor to Emperor Cartagia, a job he does not want. Cartagia, insane to the core, has given the Shadows refuge on Centauri Prime, believing this will bring him Godhood and immortality.

Anna Sheridan shows up in the middle of the night and invites Sheridan to Z'ha'dum to meet the Shadows. She accuses Delenn of lying about most everything and promises Sheridan that once he understands, he will join the Shadows, and the war will be over. Unable to trust either woman, Sheridan takes the White Star to Z'ha'dum with Anna. After he leaves, Shadow ships surround B5.

At Z'ha'dum, things don't go the way Anna or the Shadows had planned.

The early parts of this episode are a bit melodramatic. Sheridan is pissed with Delenn, thinking she should have told him Anna might be alive. He's also stressed out because Anna just can't be Anna, but she is. And of course, Kosh warned him that if he went to Z'ha'dum, he would die. So, there is a lot of heated back and forth. Once that's over, the story really gets going.

In the end, JMS tosses everything in the toilet. Sheridan jumps to his death just before the White Star crashes, detonating two enormous nukes. Garibaldi gets captured by a shadow ship. And, both Delenn and Ivanova fall into depression. However, we do learn something about both the Shadows and the Vorlons.

What a way to end the season.

Reviewed by Romana Drew July 5, 2019










Season 4 - No Surrender, No Retreat
"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: 2261. The place: Babylon 5














Hour of the Wolf


Season 4, Episode 1

Originally aired November 4, 1996

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by David J. Eagle.

Starring: Bruce Boxleitner, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Peter Jurasik, Andreas Katsulas, Claudia Christian, Stephen Furst, Andrea Thompson, Richard Biggs, Bill Mumy, Jeff Conaway, Patricia Tallman, and Ed Wasser. With Wortham Krimmer as Emperor Cartagia, Wayne Alexander as Lorien, Damian London as the Centauri Minister.

G'Kar asks two questions, "Where is Mr. Garibaldi?" and "What happened to Captain Sheridan at Z'ha'dum?"

Londo is still on Centauri prime, and so is Vir. Cartagia, insane to the core, has given the Shadows refuge on an island, believing this will bring him Godhood and immortality.

Delenn asks Ulkesh, Kosh's replacement, why he has not attended any meetings or helped in any way. He says it is irrelevant. We do learn that Lyta carries the Vorlon, or part of him anyway, inside her sometimes.

Morden survived the destruction at Z'ha'dum, but he is weak and peeling. Londo is to be his liaison - like it or not.

Ivanova, Delenn, Lyta, Lennier, and a Minbari crew take a White Star to Z'ha'dum to find Sheridan. They barely escape the telepathic trap set for them.

Deep in the tunnels of Z'ha'dum, a shivering and weak Sheridan meets a strange alien.

The early narration by G'Kar sets the tone for this episode. The war has halted for a time, and everyone is taking a moment to figure out what to do next. It is an odd way to start a new season. Had the Hour of the Wolf come after a long break, it might have seemed a bit disappointing. It is basically a catch-up episode. The main characters are still figuring what to do next.

However, there was only one week between the previous episode and this one, which worked fine. Watched together, they make a great pair.

Reviewed by Romana Drew July 6, 2019














What Happened to Mr. Garibaldi


Season 4, Episode 2

Originally aired November 11, 1996

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by Kevin James Dobson.

Starring: Bruce Boxleitner, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Peter Jurasik, Andreas Katsulas, Claudia Christian, Stephen Furst, Andrea Thompson, Richard Biggs, Bill Mumy, Jeff Conaway, and Patricia Tallman. With Wortham Krimmer as Emperor Cartagia, Wayne Alexander as Lorien, Damian London as the Centauri Minister.

The League of Non-Aligned Worlds has disbanded. Garibaldi and Sheridan are still missing. G'Kar leaves B5 to search for Garibaldi. Delenn organizes the rangers for one final assault.

Although G'kar is safe on Babylon 5, as soon as he leaves, he is vulnerable. Now captured and in chains in a Centauri prison, he and Londo plot to save both their worlds.

Garibaldi is in a room without any explanation or hope of escape.

Sheridan is still in a cave with Lorien, neither alive nor dead.

This episode is still sorting out the aftermath of "Z'ha'dum." It follows Sheridan, Delenn, G'Kar, and Garibaldi, so it can't spend very much time on any one of them. However, it does justice to all for characters, giving each a chance to explore their role in the story. The most powerful performances are Londo and G'Kar on Centauri Prime. Peter Jurasik and Andreas Katsulas portray their characters with intense emotions, sensitivity, and depth.

Most of the time, Babylon 5 episodes are individual stories. They further the long plotline but are discrete stories. That is changing. Although the recent episodes are not entirely serialized, they rely heavily on the previous episode, and they don't wholly resolve their plots. There is just too much backstory and too many intersecting plotlines to do that. That is not a criticism, just an observation. This is a great episode.

Reviewed by Romana Drew July 18, 2019














The Summoning


Season 4, Episode 3

Originally aired November 18, 1996

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by John McPherson.

Starring: Bruce Boxleitner, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Peter Jurasik, Andreas Katsulas, Claudia Christian, Stephen Furst, Andrea Thompson, Richard Biggs, Mary Kay Adams, Bill Mumy, Jeff Conaway, and Patricia Tallman. With Wortham Krimmer as Emperor Cartagia, Wayne Alexander as Lorien.

Marcus and Ivanova head out to find more first ones. Zack goes to find Garibaldi. Cartagia tortures G'Kar. Some of the non-aligned worlds plot to revolt against Delenn's plan to attack Z'ha'dum. And Sheridan is still missing. Another episode with multiple intersecting storylines, all requiring the viewer to have watched earlier episodes.

Zack finds the ship carrying Garibaldi. It ejects a life pod with Garibaldi inside and then blows up. At least, Mr. Garibaldi is back on B5, confused and ornery, but home.

Ivanova and Marcus don't find any new first ones, but they do find the Vorlon fleet. Until now, Vorlons seemed rare. If the size of the fleet is any indication, there are plenty of Vorlons. And they're on the warpath, destroying planets with Shadow bases, no matter how many innocent beings get killed in the process.

Back on Centauri Prime, Cartagia is still foppish and cruel, taking great joy in tormenting G'Kar. Londo must watch and kowtow to his emperor, keeping his fear and disgust almost hidden.

A ship docks without permission just as Delenn attends the demonstration against her, hoping to speak to the crowd. Just as thing get out of control, Sheridan walks in.

Although the scenes with G'Kar are hard to watch, Wortham Krimmer does a wonderful job of portraying Cartagia. He isn't even trying to be nasty. He truly believes he is to become a god and that he is free to do whatever he wants to anyone.

So far, in season 4, every episode puts our heroes in more jeopardy. These episodes aren't quite cliffhangers, but they do make it hard to wait for the next installment.

Reviewed by Romana Drew July 19, 2019














Falling Toward Apotheosis


Season 4, Episode 4

Originally aired November 25, 1996

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by David J. Eagle.

Starring: Bruce Boxleitner, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Peter Jurasik, Andreas Katsulas, Claudia Christian, Stephen Furst, Andrea Thompson, Richard Biggs, Mary Kay Adams, Bill Mumy, Jeff Conaway, and Patricia Tallman. With Wortham Krimmer as Emperor Cartagia, Wayne Alexander as Lorien, and Ed Wasser as Morden.

The Vorlons keep destroying any planet that has any connection to the Shadows without regard for the millions of innocent people living on those worlds. G'Kar is still in a Centauri prison being tortured by Cartagia.

Before Sheridan can plan to attack the Vorlons or the Shadows, he needs to get rid of their spy, Kosh's replacement. So, he sends Garibaldi to antagonize the Vorlon and the Lyta to trick him.

On Centauri Prime, Londo persuades Cartagia to take G'Kar to Narn for execution. It seems like a really dumb idea, but Cartagia falls for it. The Vorlons will destroy Centauri Prime in seven days.

The story does take a small break in the excitement so Sheridan can propose to Delenn. Knowing he now has only twenty years to live, he wants to spend all of them with her.

Falling toward Apotheosis is a great title. This episode doesn't exactly fall toward the climax. It charges headlong into the war between the Vorlons and the Shadows. It intertwines scenes of Vorlon anger with Londo's cunning and desperate attempts to control Cartagia. For Londo and Sheridan, there's no backing out now.

This is the first in a three-episode conclusion to the Shadow war. It isn't billed that way, but, none the less, this and the next two episodes belong together. However, when this originally aired, the next episode wasn't broadcast for two months. It wasn't an easy wait.

Reviewed by Romana Drew July 24, 2019












The Long Night


Season 4, Episode 5

Originally aired January 27, 1997

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by John LaFia.

Starring: Bruce Boxleitner, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Peter Jurasik, Andreas Katsulas, Claudia Christian, Stephen Furst, Andrea Thompson, Richard Biggs, Mary Kay Adams, Bill Mumy, Jeff Conaway, and Patricia Tallman. With Wortham Krimmer as Emperor Cartagia, Wayne Alexander as Lorien.

With the offending Vorlon gone from B5, Sheridan is free to attack on the Vorlons at Coriana 6. With both Cartagia and G'Kar on Narn, Londo is free to put his plan into play.

Not one to do thing by halves, Sheridan sends a White Star on a suicide mission with a message for the Shadows, luring them to Coriana 6 just in time to meet the Vorlons. So far, Vorlons and Shadows have avoided direct confrontation. Sheridan plans to change that.

Cartagia is on Narn, beside himself with pride and self-confidence. G'Kar's execution in front of his own people will make all of Narn realize that he, Cartagia, is a god. And since the Vorlons are about to destroy Centauri Prime, he will be safely away from the carnage.

G'Kar is paraded in, wearing a yoke and chains, a bloody bandage covering the eye Cartagia had plucked out. He listens to Cartagia's charges without saying a word. Then he breaks free, takes out several guards, and starts a general riot.

Londo leads Cartagia to a private alcove to do the dirty deed. However, Cartagia knocks the poison dart out of Londo's hand, getting him into a stranglehold. Fortunately, Vir comes to the rescue.

Everything is now in place. Londo is made prime minister and frees Narn. But he must hurry home before the Vorlons obliterate his world.

When this originally aired, I had to wait a week for the next episode, hoping it didn't get preempted and that I could get to the TV on the right day and time. Now, the next episode can be viewed without delay. That is a good thing.

Reviewed by Romana Drew July 25, 2019














Into the Fire


Season 4, Episode 6

Originally aired February 3, 1997

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by Kevan James Dobson

Starring: Bruce Boxleitner, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Peter Jurasik, Andreas Katsulas, Claudia Christian, Stephen Furst, Andrea Thompson, Richard Biggs, Mary Kay Adams, Bill Mumy, Jeff Conaway, and Patricia Tallman. With Wayne Alexander as Lorien and Ed Wasser as Morden.

Sheridan attacks both the Vorlons and the Shadows at Coriana 6. Londo confronts Morden.

Londo tells Morden to remove the shadow vessels from Selini Island. He refuses. Londo kills the Shadows that always follow him and asks again. He refuses again. At this point, Morden is acting rather stupid. The Vorlons are about to blow up Centauri Prime. Getting out of the way seems like the best option, but he still refuses, so Londo blows up Selini.

Vir finally gets to look into Morden's lifeless eyes and wave, just as the Vorlon planet killer cruises in front of the Centauri sun.

Sheridan mines the space around Coriana 6 and waits. First, the Vorlons arrive, sending a planet killer toward the Coriana. Then the Shadows make their appearance. Not much happens, so Sheridan fires off a few nukes. What follows is a space battle of massive proportions, complements of a lot of CGI. Just before Sheridan's fleet gets wiped out, a few more first ones show up. Actually, all of the remaining first ones gather at Coriana.

Lorien brings a representative of the Shadows and of the Vorlons aboard Sheridan's White Star, for a pow-wow. After all the excitement in space, the actual resolution is a bit anticlimactic. Although, Sheridan's response leaves no doubt about how the younger races feel about Vorlon and Shadow interference.

Into the Fire ends the Shadow/Vorlon war and the Centauri/Narn conflict. The Shadow war began during Signs and Portents, fifty-nine episodes ago. The Centauri/Narn conflict has been part of B5 from the beginning. JMS could have ended the series with this episode, but there are still 37 episodes, four movies, and a couple of shorts if I counted correctly. After all, Earth is still in political turmoil. Minbar isn't much better. Psi Corps still has some havoc to wreak. And just to make thing interesting, the Shadows and Vorlons left a few surprises behind.

Reviewed by Romana Drew July 26, 2019
















Epiphanies


Season 4, Episode 7

Originally aired February 10, 1997

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by John C Flinn III

Starring: Bruce Boxleitner, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Peter Jurasik, Andreas Katsulas, Claudia Christian, Stephen Furst, Andrea Thompson, Richard Biggs, Mary Kay Adams, Bill Mumy, Jeff Conaway, and Patricia Tallman. With Walter Koenig as Alfred Bester and Damian London as Centauri Minister.

The war is over, but . . . Earth tries to isolate B5 by blockading travel. Bester wants to go to Z'ha'dum. All is far from well on Centauri Prime.

Londo wisely leaves Centauri Prime after the minister becomes regent. He has an uncanny knack for self-preservation. The minister wakes up with a creature attached to his neck. How and why this happened is not explained.

Garibaldi gets a message, odd images, after which he resigns. Another ominous portent that all is not quite as it should be.

Bester thinks there may be technology on Z'ha'dum to cure his girlfriend, but Sheridan takes Lyta along. Just as they arrive, a large number of ships flee the scene. Fortunately, Sheridan catches on in time to avoid being destroyed.

And Bester is foiled again.

However, Lyta gets a dressing down from Sheridan. His threats sound good, but I doubt anyone can touch Lyta if she doesn't want them to.

So much happens in this episode that it is hard to keep up. Even a group of Elvis impersonators come on board. Epiphanies opens many new story arcs that see the show through this season and into the next.

Reviewed by Romana Drew July 28, 2019














Atonement


Season 4, Episode 9

Originally aired February 24, 1997

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by Tony Dow

Starring: Bruce Boxleitner, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Peter Jurasik, Andreas Katsulas, Claudia Christian, Stephen Furst, Andrea Thompson, Richard Biggs, Mary Kay Adams, Bill Mumy, Jeff Conaway, and Patricia Tallman. With Brian Carpenter as Callenn and Reiner Schone as Dukhat.

Marcus and Franklin take the scenic route to Mars. Delenn goes to Minbar to defend her engagement to Sheridan. And G'Kar gets a new eye.

Dr. Franklin fits G'Kar with a prosthetic eye. It's blue, instead of red, but it works even after he takes it out. By the look on his face, he has plans for that eye.

The main part of the episode takes place on Minbar. Delenn takes Lannier with her into the dreaming, drug-induced hallucinations of past events. Callenn wants to stop Delenn's marriage to Sheridan because her children will be impure and contaminate Minbari genetics with human DNA. But Valen (Sinclair) married and had children who had children, and so on down through the ages.

The dreaming is nicely photographed and gives the viewer insight into the events leading up to the Earth Minbari war, and Delenn's roll in that conflict. This season goes
back to stories the further the long plot lines but stand on their own. This episode just hums along, always interesting and fun to watch.

Just at the end, Marcus and Franklin leave for Mars. Because of the embargo, they can't use any normal methods of transport. Marcus finds a ride that leaves much to be desired. It reminded me of childhood road trips. Several kids, friends, and family, huddled in the back of the pickup with the camping gear, driving through the night to get to a lake.

Reviewed by Romana Drew August 8, 2019














Racing Mars


Season 4, Episode 10

Originally aired February 21, 1997

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by Tony Dow

Starring: Bruce Boxleitner, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Peter Jurasik, Andreas Katsulas, Claudia Christian, Stephen Furst, Andrea Thompson, Richard Biggs, Mary Kay Adams, Bill Mumy, Jeff Conaway, and Patricia Tallman. With Marjorie Monaghan (Number One) and Donovan Scott (Captain Jack).

Marcus and Franklin make it to Mars. Sheridan and Garibaldi go at each other. Ivanova enlists the help of smugglers to bring goods into Babylon 5. And Delenn introduces Sheridan to a Minbari ritual.

Something is definitely wrong with Garibaldi. He gives a misleading news interview, and verbally accosts and punches Sheridan. Sheridan doesn't understand why, neither does the audience, not yet anyway.

The main part of the episodes focuses on Marcus and Franklin. They meet Captain Jack (the one played by Donovan Scott, not the one played by John Barrowman.) He takes them to the rebel hideout, gives them fake ID cards, and books them into the honeymoon suite as a young married couple. Unfortunately, he's not alone.

Although Delenn's Minbari ritual doesn't take much screen time, and we don't actually get to see anything, it is memorable. Sheridan and Delenn must discover each other's pleasure zones, but they are not alone.

In the end, Garibaldi meets with a few obvious bad guys and agrees to work with them - portends of things to come.

We learn that the Drakh keeper, the thing on both Captain Jack and the Centauri regent, cannot be killed. Even if it is removed, it grows back.

Marcus adds a lot to this episode with quips about his 'marriage' to Franklin. Back in 1997, this 'marriage' even though for expediency may have raised a few eyebrows. Today, the quips are still funny.

Reviewed by Romana Drew August 10, 2019














Lines of Communication


Season 4, Episode 11

Originally aired April 28, 1997

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by John C. Flinn III

Starring: Bruce Boxleitner, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Peter Jurasik, Andreas Katsulas, Claudia Christian, Stephen Furst, Andrea Thompson, Richard Biggs, Mary Kay Adams, Bill Mumy, Jeff Conaway, and Patricia Tallman. With Marjorie Monaghan as Number One and G.W. Stevens as Forrell.

Marcus and Franklin make a deal on Mars. The Voice of the Resistance is born. And Delenn breaks up a battle.

Things are politically unstable on Mars. Franklin and Marcus Make a deal with Number One and then Franklin makes his own arrangements. Well, Number One makes them for him.

Sheridan volunteers Ivanova to be the Voice of the Resistance.

While in space, and attempting to stop a battle, Forell invites a friend aboard, a Drakh. There is an old saying. "With friends like these who needs enemies." The Shadows, the Vorlons, and even Z'ha'dum may be gone, but there are still plenty of evil beings waiting for their chance to be featured in an episode.

Delenn pulls a Sheridan like maneuver saving the ship from the Drakh. We also get a glimpse and a better understanding of this new enemy.

I don't have much to say about this episode. It went by fast and easy, always interesting. It is a good stand-alone story that is important to the long story arcs.

Reviewed by Romana Drew August 19, 2019














Conflicts of Interest


Season 4, Episode 12

Originally aired May 5, 1997

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by David J. Eagle

Starring: Bruce Boxleitner, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Peter Jurasik, Andreas Katsulas, Claudia Christian, Stephen Furst, Andrea Thompson, Richard Biggs, Mary Kay Adams, Bill Mumy, Jeff Conaway, and Patricia Tallman. With Denise Gentile as Lise Hampton and Mark Schneider as Wade.

Garibaldi helps smuggle something into B5. Ivanova goes to Epsilon 3 for a chat.

Wade, an obvious bad guy, hires Garibaldi to help a passenger, Garbaldi's former lover Lise, bypass security. They go to Downbelow and collect a vial of anti-telepath serum. The telepaths find out and get pissed. Garibaldi, Lise, and Wade run, but it is hard to hide and evade telepaths.

The Voice of the Resistance needs a lot of power to broadcast all the way to Earth, so Ivanova goes to Epsilon 3 to ask for help. There she meets Zathras. Not the Zathras who traveled with Sinclair into the past, but one of the remaining nine Zathras' who still service the great machine.

All the Zathras' look and sound the same, but their names are different. This one is Zathras, not Zathras, or Zathras.

The scenes with Ivanova and Zathras are great.

Garibaldi not only re-establishes his relationship with Lise, but he gets a job offer from William Edgers. Both the serum and the job offer are important plot developments.

The only part of this episode that doesn't work is the suicide of the two telepaths that get captured by Zack. "Oops, I got caught, guess I should die," doesn't ring true. They didn't even try to get away, or lie, or do any telepathic tricks. They just gave up. It's an easy way to get rid of a character and not have to deal with the follow-through, but it doesn't come off as realistic. Other than that, this is a great episode.

Reviewed by Romana Drew August 21, 2019














Thirdspace


TV Movie 94 minutes

Originally aired July 19, 1998

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by Jesus Salvador Trevino.

Starring: Bruce Boxleitner, Claudia Christian, Mira Furlan, Richard Biggs, Jeff Conaway, Stephen Furst, Patricia Tallman, Clyde Kusatsu, Shari Belafonte, and William Sanderson,

Although "Thirdspace" originally aired during season 5, between "Movements of Fire and Shadow" and "The Fall of Centauri Prime. It fits better in the middle of season 4.

A huge and ancient artifact (for lack of a better word) is found in hyperspace and towed to Babylon 5. This, of course, can't be a good thing.

It isn't long before the vultures' circle. Duce, a lurker from Downbelow, leads a group of losers who demand access to the artifact. One even tries to walk out an airlock to get to the thing. Then, Dr. Elizabeth Trent from Interplanetary Expedition shows up to take over.

Sheridan is not about to give up the find of a lifetime, and IPX is not about to give up their claim to anything they want. A deal is cut. Trent gets access to the artifact in exchange for supplies to help the station, which is still cut off from Earth.

Lyta goes bonkers. She writes all over the walls of her quarters and walks around in a stupor.

Even though she can't possibly know how, Dr. Trent powers up the artifact. This is one of those "How can you be so stupid?" moments. Then the trouble starts. The artifact spews out ships gunning for the station, and free-for-all fighting erupts in the halls. Sheridan, in a spacesuit, flies to the artifact through the middle of the space battle.

"Thirdspace" fits into the B5 timeline but doesn't further any long story arcs. However, it does give insight into Zack's feelings for Lyta, the Vorlon's hubris, and Lyta's telepathic powers.

Most of the regular B5 crew are in this movie, but Garibaldi, G'Kar, and Londo are missing. Watching it between season 4 episodes 12 and 13 has one minor continuity hiccup. In the TV series, Delenn is on Minbar. In Thirdspace, she is on the station.

"Thirdspace" is not critical to the B5 timeline, but it is an excellent movie. Don't miss it.

Reviewed by Romana Drew August 22, 2019














Rumors, Bargains, and Lies


Season 4, Episode 13

Originally aired May 12, 1997

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by Mike Vejar

Starring: Bruce Boxleitner, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Peter Jurasik, Andreas Katsulas, Claudia Christian, Stephen Furst, Andrea Thompson, Richard Biggs, Mary Kay Adams, Bill Mumy, Jeff Conaway, and Patricia Tallman. With John Vickery as Neroon.

Sheridan sends Marcus on a mission to blow up a few asteroids in an uninhabited section of space and Delenn cuts a deal with Neroon.

Unable to get the non-aligned worlds to allow the white star fleet to patrol their borders, Sheridan comes up with a plan using "reverse psychology." But first, he has to persuade Londo to cooperate without out telling him specifically why or how. Marcus, Ivanova, and Dr. Franklin all get unwittingly and confusingly involved.

Delenn and members of the religious cast meet with Neroon and members the warrior cast to stop the civil war on Minbar. There is little trust on either side. Things look promising until someone plants a bomb aboard the ship.

The Sheridan story is funny and well played. The Drazi and Brakiri Ambassadors do a great job of letting their imaginations get the best of them.

Neroon is a wonderful character. He is a powerful warrior who can match Delenn wit for wit. It's never quite clear if he will work with Delenn for the good of Minbar, or if he has his own agenda.

This and the next episode both deal with the collapse of the Minbari government, and should be watched as a set.

Reviewed by Romana Drew August 25, 2019














Moments of Transition


Season 4, Episode 14

Originally aired May 19, 1997

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by Tony Dow.

Starring: Bruce Boxleitner, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Peter Jurasik, Andreas Katsulas, Claudia Christian, Stephen Furst, Andrea Thompson, Richard Biggs, Mary Kay Adams, Bill Mumy, Jeff Conaway, and Patricia Tallman. With John Vickery as Neroon, Bart McCarthy as Shakiri, and Walter Koenig as Alfred Bester.

Shakiri, with the help of Neroon, decimates the religious cast. Garibaldi continues to sneak packages past security for Edgars. And Bester makes Lyta an offer she can't turn down.

Lyta is desperate for work to pay the rent that used to be paid by the Vorlons, but no one will hire a telepath that isn't part of Psi Corps, except Garibaldi. However, Mr. Edgars finds out and insists Lyta be fired. With no place left to turn, she agrees to rejoin Psi Corps and let Bester have her body, after she dies, of course.

Once again, Lyta gets mistreated. The command staff use her when they need her and ignore her the rest of the time. It hardly seems fair or wise. She is a powerful telepath.

Delenn surrenders to Shakiri of the warrior caste in the Temple of Varenni, but she refuses to give up the right to rule. As the Starfire Wheel opens, Delenn steps in and challenges Shakiri to die with her.

An Earth Alliance battleship destroys transport ships carrying refugees, so Sheridan goes on the warpath.

This episode and the previous one are great with one exception. It is completely illogical for the leader of a cast to kill themselves to prove that their cast is worthy to rule, but it is a great scene.

With th Minbari war over, the series is free to take another path and confront Earth.

Reviewed by Romana Drew August 28, 2019














No Surrender, No Retreat




Season 4, Episode 15

Originally aired May 16, 1997

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by Mike Vejar.

Starring: Bruce Boxleitner, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Peter Jurasik, Andreas Katsulas, Claudia Christian, Stephen Furst, Andrea Thompson, Richard Biggs, Mary Kay Adams, Bill Mumy, Jeff Conaway, and Patricia Tallman. With Richard Gant as Captain Edward MacDougan.

Sheridan goes to war. Londo and G'Kar come to an understanding.

Londo tries to mend fences with G'Kar, pouring out his heart and his failings. G'Kar is less than impressed. This is a wonderful scene, showing just how powerful these two actors are and how well they play off each other.

The title says it all. Sheridan takes the white star fleet and engages Clark's forces at Proxima 3. He doesn't intend to lose and won't give up.

This is an exciting and pivotal episode. The space battle is great. The reactions of the ship captains are just right. Some fight, some don't. Some join Sheridan, some get destroyed.

It is pretty easy to have an exciting battle against evil bad guys. Just kill as many as you want. They're obviously the enemy. But fighting your own people gets more complicated. No Surender, No Retreat handles the situation believably and with genuine sensitivity.

This is an excellent episode and of major significance to the long storyline.

Reviewed by Romana Drew September 1, 2019














The Exercise of Vital Powers




Season 4, Episode 16

Originally aired June 2, 1997

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by John Lafia.

Starring: Bruce Boxleitner, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Peter Jurasik, Andreas Katsulas, Claudia Christian, Stephen Furst, Andrea Thompson, Richard Biggs, Mary Kay Adams, Bill Mumy, Jeff Conaway, and Patricia Tallman. With Efrem Zimbalist Jr. as William Edgar, Denise Gentile as Lise Hampton, and Mark Schneider as Wade.

Sheridan needs the telepaths leftover from the shadow war but won't tell anyone why. Garibaldi goes to Mars

Dr. Franklin brings a telepath out of stasis, but still can't communicate with him until Lyta happens by. When Sheridan finds out, he gives Franklin new orders.

On Mars, Garibaldi meets William Edgars and Lise. He demands to know what Edgars is doing. Edgars says he is waging his own little war on Clark but won't give any details.

Babylon 5 has abandoned the stand-alone stories for this and the next few episodes. Here we see just how evil Edgars really is. It is a classic 'us' versus 'them' scenario. In Edgar's mind, the only good telepath is a dead telepath - the standard justification for genocide.

We still don't know what Sheridan has planned for the frozen telepaths, but it looks like Lyta is in on it.

This is an important episode and significant to the long storyline.

Reviewed by Romana Drew September 7, 2019














The Face of the Enemy




Season 4, Episode 17

Originally aired June 9, 1997

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by Mike Vejar.

Starring: Bruce Boxleitner, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Peter Jurasik, Andreas Katsulas, Claudia Christian, Stephen Furst, Andrea Thompson, Richard Biggs, Mary Kay Adams, Bill Mumy, Jeff Conaway, and Patricia Tallman. With Efrem Zimbalist Jr. as William Edgar, Denise Gentile as Lise Hampton, Marjorie Monaghan as Number One, Mark Schneider as Wade, and Walter Koenig as Bester.

More ships join the rebellion, even the Agamemnon signs on. Garibaldi wants to know what Edgars is doing and is willing to betray Sheridan to find out. Lyta, Franklin, and the frozen teeps to go Mars.

Garibaldi uses Sheridan's father to trap and capture him in the hopes of slowing Sheridan's march toward earth. It backfires in so many ways. And Bester explains it all.

Ivanova takes over for Sheridan as fleet commander.

Other than Bester's monologue being a bit overlong, this is a good, and important episode. Lyta and telepaths are in place. Garibaldi is free of Bester's control, mad as hell, and at risk of being killed as a traitor. And if you though Sheridan was a forceful fleet commander, just wait until you see Ivanova.

This is an excellent episode and significant to the long storyline,

Reviewed by Romana Drew September 10, 2019












Intersections in Real time




Season 4, Episode 18

Originally aired June 16, 1997

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by John LaFla

Starring: Bruce Boxleitner, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Peter Jurasik, Andreas Katsulas, Claudia Christian, Stephen Furst, Andrea Thompson, Richard Biggs, Mary Kay Adams, Bill Mumy, Jeff Conaway, and Patricia Tallman.

Sheridan is tortured by Earth Alliance on Mars.

This is an emotion packed episode, but it is just Sheridan getting tortured and not giving in. Watch at your discretion. Since Sheridan is being ruthlessly interrogated at the end of the last episode and at the beginning of the next episode, missing this episode will not disrupt the storyline.

Reviewed by Romana Drew September 17, 2019














Between the Darkness and the Light




Season 4, Episode 19

Originally aired October 6, 1997

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by David J. Eagle.

Starring: Bruce Boxleitner, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Peter Jurasik, Andreas Katsulas, Claudia Christian, Stephen Furst, Andrea Thompson, Richard Biggs, Mary Kay Adams, Bill Mumy, Jeff Conaway, and Patricia Tallman. With Marjorie Monaghan as Number One.

Sheridan is still being interrogated, and Garibaldi gets captured by the resistance. Londo and G'Kar work together, for once, to save the humans.

Franklin and Number One are none too happy with Garibaldi until Lyta takes a look inside his mind. Then they set out to free Sheridan.

Ivanova takes the resistance fleet into battle against the new and improved Earth Force battlecruisers. She defeats Earth Force but is mortally wounded.

As originally broadcast, there was a four month break between this episode and the previous one, which left Franklin and Lyta on Mars with a load of frozen telepaths, while Sheridan gets beat up. It doesn't feel like the best place for a cliffhanger.

This is an exciting and well-choreographed episode. It brings Londo and G'Kar to a new level in their complex relationship. Perhaps not yet friends, they are mutually committed to a common cause.

Now that Sheridan is back in command, the march to Earth begins with a stopover at Mars.

Reviewed by Romana Drew September 17, 2019














Endgame




Season 4, Episode 20

Originally aired October 13, 1997

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by John Copeland.

Starring: Bruce Boxleitner, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Peter Jurasik, Andreas Katsulas, Claudia Christian, Stephen Furst, Andrea Thompson, Richard Biggs, Mary Kay Adams, Bill Mumy, Jeff Conaway, and Patricia Tallman. With Marjorie Monaghan as Number One and J. Patrick McCormack as General Robert Lefcourt.

Being mortally wounded, Ivanova is sent back to Babylon 5 to die. The Mars resistance takes over several patrol stations and gets the telepaths secretly loaded onto Earth Force ships. Sheridan takes command of the Agamemnon. And off we go.

Garibaldi, Franklin, Number One, and the rest of the resistance take out the Earth Force ground defenses on Mars. Then Lyta steps outside for the final coup de gras. She wakes up the telepaths who wreak havoc on the ships.

Once again, Lyta saves the day, but no one credits her. For all the viewer knows, she is still outside the bunker, alone.

With most of the Earth Force fleet disabled, Sheridan speeds towards Earth demanding Clark surrender. Clark, ass that he is, programs the planetary defense grid to target Earth. Then in true Shakespearian fashion, he kills himself.

Right in the middle of all the excitement, Marcus steals a White Star and heads for Babylon 5 where Ivanova is only moments from death.

This is a great episode. It is exciting and emotionally engaging from start to finish. However, upon reflection, there are a few things that are a little hard to believe. Mars does have an atmosphere, but not enough air pressure for humans to walk outside without pressure suits. So running around is heavy coats and face shields just doesn't ring true. But it is hard to think about that while watching the show.

Reviewed by Romana Drew September 18, 2019














Rising Star




Season 4, Episode 21

Originally aired October 20, 1997

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by Tony Dow.

Starring: Bruce Boxleitner, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Peter Jurasik, Andreas Katsulas, Claudia Christian, Stephen Furst, Andrea Thompson, Richard Biggs, Mary Kay Adams, Bill Mumy, Jeff Conaway, and Patricia Tallman. With Denise Gentile as Lise Hampton Edgars, Rance Howard as David Sheridan, Beata Pozniak as president Susanna Luchenko, and Walter Koenig as Alfred Bester.

Marcus gives his life to save Ivanova. Sheridan faces the consequences of his actions. Vir has news from home.

Lady Morella's prophecy is about to come true. The regent is ill. Londo has been selected to be emperor upon his death.

Earth is now free, but not everyone agrees about what to do with Sheridan. It's great to be out from under Clark's oppression, but Sheridan led an insurrection. And that is illegal. President Luchenko makes an offer designed to save Sheridan's crew and followers from prosecution but strip him of power.

Delenn, Londo, G'Kar, the rangers, and the rest of the non-aligned worlds form the new and powerful Interstellar Alliance, with Sheridan as the leader.

This is almost the end of season four and would have made a fine season finally. But there is one more episode, another season, and more movies. While not as exciting as the previous two episodes, it brings many storylines to their conclusions and set the stage for cast changes, and new challenges.

Reviewed by Romana Drew September 20, 2019
















The Deconstruction of Falling Stars




Season 4, Episode 22

Originally aired October 27, 1997

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by Stephen Furst.

Starring: Bruce Boxleitner, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Peter Jurasik, Andreas Katsulas, Stephen Furst, Andrea Thompson, Richard Biggs, Mary Kay Adams, Bill Mumy, Jeff Conaway, and Patricia Tallman. With Roy Brocksmith as Brother Alwyn Macomber, Alastair Duncan as Latimere, Eric Pierpoint as Daniel, and Neil Roberts as Brother Michael.

The Deconstruction of Falling Stars begins with Sheridan and Delenn's return to Babylon 5 after their marriage. Then it plays scenes about the future of B5, taking the story one million years into the future.

Future news historians discuss Sheridan and Delenn, somewhat incorrectly. Daniel tries to get holographic versions of Sheridan, Delenn, Franklin, and Garibaldi to rewrite history. Earth falls into a dark age. And finally one million years into the future, the Earth's sun going nova. And, in the end, a view to the future of the human race.

If ever there was a series closing episode, this is it. But, thanks to the series being renewed, it isn't the last episode.

This is an interesting and fun episode to watch, but not really necessary. There are still movies to watch and the entire season 5 to see.

One note, Claudia Christian is not in this episode because she has left the show. Although, she will be in an episode in season 5.

Reviewed by Romana Drew September 25, 2019










Season 5 - Wheel of Fire
And so it begins. There is a hole in your mind. Commander Sinclair has been resasigned. Why don't you eliminate the entire Narn homeworld while you're at it? Who are you? These orders have forced us to delcare independence. If you go to Z'ha'dum, you will die. Get out of our galaxy. We are here to place President Clark under arrest.
2262












No Compromises


Season 5, Episode 1

Originally aired January 1, 1998.

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by Janet Greek.

Starring: Bruce Boxleitner, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Peter Jurasik, Andreas Katsulas, Stephen Furst, Andrea Thompson, Richard Biggs, Mary Kay Adams, Bill Mumy, Jeff Conaway, Patricia Tallman, and Tracy Scoggins as Capt. Elizabeth Lochley. With Robin Atkin Downes as Byron.

Lochley takes command. Garibaldi gets a new job. And Byron arrives with a group of telepaths looking for a place to call home.

Sheridan has chosen Captain Elizabeth Lochley, played by Tracy Scoggins, to take over from Ivanova. She steps on board determined to get everything under control, organized, and running without a hitch. Zack tries to warn her, but she doesn't listen.

Lochley lays into Garibaldi for attending a meeting. Then she tells the telepaths to find someplace else to live. But the telepaths stay, and Garibaldi does a little one up man ship on Lochley.

Sheridan and the other big wigs prepare for his inauguration as President of the Interstellar Alliance. Sheridan refuses to change or postpone the ceremony even knowing there is a determined assassin gunning for him.

No Compromises is an exciting episode with a great ending. Watch the interaction between Lochley and Sheridan. Their relationship isn't a simple as it seems on the surface.

Reviewed by Romana Drew October 7, 2019















The Very Long Night of Londo Mollari




Season 5, Episode 2

Originally aired January 28, 1998.

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by David Eagle

Starring: Bruce Boxleitner, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Richard Biggs, Bill Mumy, Tracy Scoggins, Stephen Furst, Jeff Conaway, Patricia Tallman, Peter Jurasik, Andreas Katsulas,

Londo has a heart attack, and Lennier joins the Rangers.

A lifetime of stress causes one of Londo's hearts to fail. Franklin works to keep Londo alive long enough for a replacement heart to arrive. In his dreams, Londo confronts his past, his mistakes, failures, and regrets.

This episode uses flashback footage to bring the viewer up to date with past events, and new footage leading to future storylines. As Londo meets the various people in his past, each one forces him to confront difficult past events and decisions. One theme stands out, the one word he must say and mean before he can heal.

The Very Long Night of Londo Mollari is well-crafted and well-acted. Although the whipping of Londo goes on too long. The point is made, both intellectually and emotionally, well before the scene ends.

Peter Jurasik and Andreas Katsulas make this episode work. They play their characters to perfection and play off each other in complex and sensitive ways.

This is an important episode as it changes both the relationship between Lennier and Delenn and the relationship between Londo and G'Kar.

Reviewed by Romana Drew October 20, 2019











The Paragon of Animals




Season 5, Episode 3

Originally aired February 4, 1998.

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by Mike Vejar

Starring: Bruce Boxleitner, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Richard Biggs, Bill Mumy, Tracy Scoggins, Stephen Furst, Jeff Conaway, Patricia Tallman, Peter Jurasik, Andreas Katsulas. With Robin Atkin Downes as Byron and Kim Strauss as the Drazi Ambassador.

Alliance members, led by the Drazi, are reluctant to sign a declaration of principles. The Drazi claim that they have never harmed another world, so they don't need a declaration of principles. Lyta seeks help from Byron.

The Enphili world, on the edge of Drazi space, is nearly destroyed by raiders. They want to join the Alliance in exchange for protection. A ranger brings their request to B5 but is mortally wounded before he can deliver the message. Just as he dies, Lyta enters his mind to find out why he came.

Garibaldi wants to use telepaths to gather covert intelligence. Byron refuses his offer, so Garibaldi enlists Lyta's help. Byron tells Lyta what he heard as the Drazi ambassador as the passed in the hall, and she tells Sheridan.

This is a good episode with a twist at the end where Sheridan puts one over on the Drazi. There is a great little exchange between G'Kar and Londo in the meeting room. And once again, Lyta saves the day, and no one says thank you. They don't even acknowledge her contribution.

Reviewed by Romana Drew October 22, 2019













A View From the Gallery




Season 5, Episode 4

Originally aired February 11, 1998.

Story by Harlan Ellison and J. Michael Straczynski. Telepaly by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by Janet Greek.

Starring: Bruce Boxleitner, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Richard Biggs, Bill Mumy, Tracy Scoggins, Stephen Furst, Jeff Conaway, Patricia Tallman, Peter Jurasik, Andreas Katsulas, and Robin Atkin Downes. With Raymond O'Connor as Mack and Lawrence LeJohn as Bo.

Aliens attack the station as seen through the eyes of two maintenance workers.

Lochley attempts to repel a fleet of attack vessels from an unknown, and never identified alien race. Sheridan tries to get Delenn into an escape pod. Mack and Bo go from place to place, fixing things and commenting on events.

In some ways, the attack feels contrived just to add excitement while Mack and Bo show the viewer the other side of B5. This is a fun episode. Raymond O'Connor and Lawrence LeJohn are perfect as a somewhat mismatched pair of, as Delenn puts it, worker caste.

A View From the Gallery doesn't further any long plot lines or develop any of the main characters, but it is charming and fun.

Reviewed by Romana Drew November 4, 2019













Learning Curve




Season 5 Episode 5

Originally aired February 18, 1998.

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by David Eagle.

Starring: Bruce Boxleitner, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Richard Biggs, Bill Mumy, Tracy Scoggins, Stephen Furst, Jeff Conaway, Patricia Tallman, Peter Jurasik, and Andreas Katsulas. With Nathan Anderson as Rastenn, Turhan Bey as Turval Brendan Ford as Tannier and Trevor Goddard as Trace.

Trace, a bad guy from Downblow, sets a trap for Zack, and Garibaldi investigates Lochley..

Trace and his gang attempt to take over Downbelow, but Zack keeps getting in the way. So they hatch a plan to take him out. However, a ranger trainee, Tannier, jumps to the rescue. He saves the damsel in distress but gets badly beaten up in the process. Being Anla'shok, he must face the mora'dum.

Garibaldi still doesn't trust Lochley and ends up in the brig for his actions. There, he learns a little secret. Sheridan also tells Delenn about Lochley, much to her dismay.

Learning Curve expounds on the Ranger training and philosophy as well as Sheridan's and Lochley's past relationship.

I wonder if Bruce Boxleitner and Tracy Scoggins knew about this story twist when they filmed the first episodes of this season. When I watched this time, I didn't have any feeling that the characters ever knew each other, even when the interactions took place privately. I think I would like to have just a hint that there was more (keeping it mysterious) to their relationship earlier in the storyline. That is probably a question they have answered at conventions, but I couldn't find the answer.

This is an interesting episode with good fight scenes.

Reviewed by Romana Drew November 6, 2019













Strange Relations




Season 5, Episode 6

Originally aired February 25, 1998.

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by John C. Finn III.

Starring: Bruce Boxleitner, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Richard Biggs, Bill Mumy, Tracy Scoggins, Stephen Furst, Jeff Conaway, Patricia Tallman, Peter Jurasik, and Andreas Katsulas. With Robin Atkin Downes as Byron and Walter Koenig as Bester.

An equipment malfunction prevents Londo from getting to a ship waiting to take him home. Bester comes for the telepaths. Garibaldi goes after Bester and gets locked in the brig - again.

It's a good thing that Londo couldn't get to the ship because as soon as it heads home, it blows up. Realizing that Londo's life may be in serious danger, Delenn asks G'Kar to be his bodyguard. G'Kar accepts, but not before poking fun at the situation.

Bester wants Byron and his gang, but Lyta stands in the way. Still, Lyta can't protect them from Bester and a contingent of Psy Corps Bloodhounds. In the end, Lochley saves the day. Or at least postpones the final battle.

Strange Relations is a fun episode. It is always great to watch Bester and Lyta go at it.

Reviewed by Romana Drew November 8, 2019













Day of the Dead




Season 5, Episode 8

Originally aired March 11, 1998.

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by Neil Gaiman.

Starring: Bruce Boxleitner, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Richard Biggs, Bill Mumy, Tracy Scoggins, Stephen Furst, Jeff Conaway, Patricia Tallman, Peter Jurasik, and Andreas Katsulas. With Penn Jillette as Rebo, Teller as Zooty, Bridget Flanery as Zoe, Marie Marshall as Dodger, Fabiana Udenio as Adira Tyree, Ed Wasser as Morden, Jonathan Chapman as Brakiri Ambassador, and Harlan Ellison as the voice of Zooty.

The Brakiri buy part of Babylon 5 for the Day of the Dead ceremony, while Sheridan and Delenn play host to Rebo and Zooty.

The part of the station, purchased for one night only, becomes home for those who have died. Lochley, Garibaldi, Londo, and Lennier are visited by people from their past. Each of the visitors knows they are dead and knows that their time here is limited. Dodger and Adira make an appearance, as does Mordon.

This is a great, fun episode. Penn and Teller shine, even though they don't further any storylines. We learn a little more about Lochley's past.

In the morning, everything returns to normal with an enigmatic message from Kosh sent through Lochley to Sheridan.

Reviewed by Romana Drew November 10, 2019











The Ragged Edge




Season 5, Episode 12

Originally aired April 8, 1998.

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by John Copeland.

Starring: Bruce Boxleitner, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Richard Biggs, Bill Mumy, Tracy Scoggins, Stephen Furst, Jeff Conaway, Patricia Tallman, Peter Jurasik, and Andreas Katsulas. With Marshall R. Teague as Ta'Lon, John Castellanos as Tafiq Azir, and Mirron E. Willis as Brannagan.

A pilot escapes the destruction of his ship and goes into hiding on the Drazi homeworld. G'Kar returns from Centauri Prime to discover he is now a religious icon.

Without his knowledge or permission, G'Kar's journal has been published and widely distributed. It has become the basis for a new religion. As its unintended founder, G'Kar now has a devout following hanging on his every word.

Since the pilot knows who is attacking the Alliance shipping lanes, his life is in danger. Garibaldi has a friend who can find the pilot, so he goes to the rescue. But it all falls apart when he gets drunk.

Season 5 doesn't have the driving long story arch of the previous 4 seasons. Many of the episodes are stand-alone stories. This one does further two long storylines, Garibaldi's struggle with alcoholism and the continuing attacks on Alliance ships. The attacks are a complex story that will unfold during the rest of this season.

This is an interesting and well put together episode.

Reviewed by Romana Drew November 15, 2019











The Corps is Mother. The Corps is Father




Season 5, Episode 13

Originally aired April 15, 1998.

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by Steven Furst.

Starring: Bruce Boxleitner, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Richard Biggs, Bill Mumy, Tracy Scoggins, Stephen Furst, Jeff Conaway, Patricia Tallman, Peter Jurasik, and Andreas Katsulas. With Dana Barron as Lauren Ashley, Mike Genovese as Drake, Reggie Lee as Chen Hikaru, Dex Elliott Sanders as Jonathan Harris, and Walter Koenig as Alfred Bester.

Bester and friends go to Babylon 5 to capture a rogue telepath.

But first, a look into the Psi Corps training program. Bester takes two young, potential Psi Cops under his wing. One telepath in training, Drake, goes bonkers, kills another, and flees to B5. So, Bester takes his two charges with him to capture the culprit.

In the mean time, Drake has hooked up with Jonathan, a Downbelow low-life, to get money.

This is a fascinating look into the world of Psi Corps. Bester has never been portrayed as inherently evil or flawed, but rather as a strong and powerful person who doesn't care about anything except telepaths and Psi Corps. In this episode, Bester is the wise teacher and caring mentor - at least as far as the Corps is concerned.

There are a couple of things that are hard to believe. The exchange between Bester and Zack at the boarding station comes off as wrong. Why is Zack, the head of security, checking passenger ID's. Doesn't he have more important things to do? Or, perhaps he just wants to goad Bester.

More importantly, why does Zack give Jonathan to Bester? What does he expect Psi Corps to do with a mundane? Jonathan did kill a couple of people and deserved to be tried and punished, but giving him to Bester!

Reviewed by Romana Drew November 17, 2019













Meditations on the Abyss




Season 5, Episode 14

Originally aired May 27, 1998.

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by Mike Vejar.

Starring: Bruce Boxleitner, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Richard Biggs, Bill Mumy, Tracy Scoggins, Stephen Furst, Jeff Conaway, Patricia Tallman, Peter Jurasik, and Andreas Katsulas. With Ron Campbell as the Drazi Ambassador, Martin East as Findell, Richard Yniguez as Montoya, and Carl Ciarfalio as the Drazi Vendor.

Delenn sends Lennier on a secret mission. Vir gets promoted. G'Kar finally gets a prosthetic eye of the correct color.

In honor of Londo's return to B5, Vir goes shopping. Londo discovers a 'bug' in one of the shopping bags and uses it to plant a rumor about the Drazi ambassador's wife.

Vir takes another tack. He confronts the Drazi merchant who sold him the food. When that gets him nothing but insults, he leaves, dejected. But he returns in a few minutes. Newly empowered, nothing can stop Vir from making his point.

Lennier befriends another Anla'shock recruit, Findell, who isn't quite up to being a ranger. The second time Lennier saves his life, Findell is given an 'office job.'

G'Kar continues in his role as a religious leader, finding his metaphors and allegories fail to satisfy his more literal-minded converts.

Meditations on the Abyss further addresses the theory that the Centauri are behind the attacks on Alliance ships and that Londo is unaware. Without proof or a solution, Sheridan and cohorts are at a standstill.

Although not the most exciting episode in the series, it flows along smoothly. There are a couple of great scenes, Vir in a fit of rage, and Lennier desperately trying to save Findall's life. It ends with Garibaldi in a drunken stupor, ordering pizza.

Reviewed by Romana Drew November 23, 2019













Darkness Ascending




Season 5, Episode 15

Originally aired June 3, 1998.

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by Janet Greek.

Starring: Bruce Boxleitner, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Richard Biggs, Bill Mumy, Tracy Scoggins, Stephen Furst, Jeff Conaway, Patricia Tallman, Peter Jurasik, and Andreas Katsulas. With Denise Gentile as Lise Hampton-Edgars and Richard Yniguez as Montoya.

Lenier searches for the raiders. Garibaldi has a nightmare. Lyta makes a deal with G'Kar.

Lyta offers the genetic material of all the telepaths to the Narn in exchange for ships and for the freedom to settle uninhabited worlds. G'Kar has a few stipulations of his own.

Lise visits Garibaldi and discovers that he is drinking again.

Although the above are interesting and well-executed, the body of the episode is about Lennier and his quest to identify the raiders. In stealth mode, he attached his shuttle one of the raider's ships, steals some fresh air, and rides it back to a Centauri stronghold. Now that he has the evidence he sought, he has to get home in one piece.

At first, this doesn't make sense. The Centauri are founding members of the Alliance. Why would they attack their ally's ships? Why risk war with the rest of the galaxy? And the even bigger question, why doesn't Londo know about this?

Darkness Ascending is firmly back into the long story arches leading to the conclusion of the series. This is an important episode to understand Lise and Garibaldi's relationship and the coming Centauri war. It also features Lennier, who never seems to get enough screen time.

Reviewed by Romana Drew December 2, 2019













And All My Dreams Torn Asunder




Season 5, Episode 16

Originally aired June 10, 1998.

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by Goran Gajic.

Starring: Bruce Boxleitner, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Richard Biggs, Bill Mumy, Tracy Scoggins, Stephen Furst, Jeff Conaway, Patricia Tallman, Peter Jurasik, and Andreas Katsulas.

Sheridan presents the evidence against the Centauri to the Alliance. Londo confronts his government without success. And Zack finds Garibaldi plastered in his quarters.

Franklin, Garibaldi, and Lennier all present compelling evidence that the Centauri are behind the attacks on the Alliance ships. Londo refuses to believe it, but when he tries to contact his government, he gets the royal runaround. He goes back to Centauri Prime to set things straight. G'Kar, sensing that something is very wrong, goes with him.

Sheridan has a plan to prevent a war, but Garibaldi gets drunk and messes it up.

Back on Centauri Prime, Londo ends up in a cell with G'Kar, no wiser for his efforts. In some ways, Babylon 5 could be called the tale of Londo and G'Kar. In this episode, Peter Jurasik, and Andreas Katsulas, once again give the most engaging performances as they play off each other.

And All My Dreams Torn Asunder is an extension of the previous episode, Darkness Ascending. The next six episodes bring conclusions to the lives of the main characters.

Reviewed by Romana Drew December 19, 2019













Movements of Fire and Shadow




Season 5, Episode 17

Originally aired June 17, 1998.

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by John C. Flinn III.

Starring: Bruce Boxleitner, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Richard Biggs, Bill Mumy, Tracy Scoggins, Stephen Furst, Jeff Conaway, Patricia Tallman, Peter Jurasik, and Andreas Katsulas. With Wayne Alexander as Drakh, Damian London as Regent, and Robin Sachs as Na'Tok.

Londo is abducted from his cell, and something is placed in his head by scary-looking aliens. Delenn and Lennier are attacked on their way to Minbar and left adrift in hyperspace. Vir wants the Drazi to return the bodies of the Centauri ships they have destroyed. Londo finally meets the Regent.

Londo doesn't quite understand what happened to him. He wakes still in the cell with G'Kar, but as G'Kar points out, he can't do anything while locked up. He has to get free and save face. G'Kar is more than willing to provide just the excuse he needs.

Delenn and Lennier take a White Star to Minbar to confront the Gray Council, but they are attacked by the Centauri and left for dead. Oddly, only Lennier and Delenn survive the attack.

Franklin and Lyta travel to the Drazi homeworld to find out what the Drazi do with Centauri bodies. Turns out there aren't any bodies, just pods that look like large, dark footballs - leftover Shadow technology.

Londo has a most disturbing conversation with the Regent. In the end, the Regent turns off the planetary defense system and sends all the ships away just at the Alliance bombs fall across the planet.

For Londo, the story comes full circle. It started with Morden and ends with the destruction of Centauri Prime. This brings to mind the old saying that the road to hell is paved with good intentions.

This is a powerful and somewhat creepy episode. Damian London does a wonderful job as the Regent. He is both comically superficial and deeply poignant at the same time.

Reviewed by Romana Drew December 20, 2019













The Fall of Centauri Prime




Season 5, Episode 18

Originally aired October 28, 1998.

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by Douglas E. Wise.

Starring: Bruce Boxleitner, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Richard Biggs, Bill Mumy, Tracy Scoggins, Stephen Furst, Jeff Conaway, Patricia Tallman, Peter Jurasik, and Andreas Katsulas. With Wayne Alexander as Drakh.

Londo rescues G'Kar from prison. Delenn and Lennier are still adrift. The Drazi continue to bomb Centauri Prime

This picks up where the previous episode left off. Sheridan tries to stop the Drazi attack but fails. He does, however, ask Londo to help save Delenn.

Londo and G'Kar have a heart to heart as Londo frees him. Londo's last act as a free man is to save his best friend.

Londo meets the Drakh and accepts the keeper. It is the only way to stop the Drakh from destroying Centauri Prime.

In the end, Londo accepts his ascendance to emperor and makes highly inflammatory statements

The Fall of Centauri Prime is chock full of important events. Every scene seems to reveal more of the dangers facing the Alliance and the hold the Drahk have on the Centauri. There still isn't any explanation as to why the Drahk are so disruptive. Perhaps it is simple revenge for blowing up the Shadow ships so very long ago.

Reviewed by Romana Drew December 2, 2019













Wheel of Fire




Season 5, Episode 19

Originally aired November 4, 1998.

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by Janet Greek.

Starring: Bruce Boxleitner, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Richard Biggs, Bill Mumy, Tracy Scoggins, Stephen Furst, Jeff Conaway, Patricia Tallman, Peter Jurasik, and Andreas Katsulas. With Denise Gentile as Lise Hampton-Edgars.

G'Kar returns to Babylon 5, somewhat humbled by his time on with Londo and expecting his worshipers to have gone. Sheridan finally learns that Garibaldi is drinking again. Lochley intervenes to help Garibaldi. And Delenn is pregnant.

Everyone is now home from Centauri Prime, each facing their own challenges.

Lochley brings Lise to B5 to help Garibaldi, and Lise offers him control of Edgars Industries. With his new-found power and wealth, Garibaldi offers to free Lyta in exchange for removing the neural block that prevents him from hurting Bester. She makes a counter offer.

Wheel of Fire Shows just how powerful Lyta is, and how frustrated she is with her attempts to find a home for telepaths. Besides being an interesting episode, well worth watching, it sets up the next two episodes, which conclude the Babylon 5 series. Except, of course, for a couple of movies and the final episode, which takes place many years later.



Reviewed by Romana Drew December 2, 2019













The River of Souls




Made for TV movie - 94 minutes

Originally aired November 8, 1998.

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by Janet Greek.

Starring: Jerry Doyle, Richard Biggs, Tracy Scoggins, Stephen Furst, Jeff Conaway, Martin Sheen, Wayne Alexander, and Jeff Silverman.

Garibaldi returns to Babylon 5 to check on an Edgars Industries employee, followed closely by a Soul Hunter. Zack has a run-in with a holo-brothel operator.

A sleazy, disreputable character named Jacob Mayhew runs an illegal holo-brothel in brown sector. When Zack tells him to shut it down, Mayhew calls his lawyer, another slimy caricature of a greedy lawyer.

Robert Bryson, and archeologists working for Edgars Industries, discovers one of the secret places Soul Hunters store captured souls. He steals a big, red, glowing ball and takes it back to Babylon 5. There he tries to communicate with the souls trapped inside.

Soon, a Soul Hunter comes looking for the ball. It is no ordinary ball of souls, it is the remains of all of the people who used to live on Ralga, a billion souls. The Soul Hunters took them because they believed the entire planet was about to be destroyed. That was a mistake, and the souls aren't happy. When Bryson lets a few of them out, they wreak havoc.

This is a good story with excitement, a little mystery, and great comic relief. However, it falls short of being a great movie or episode. Although Martin Sheen is a fine actor, he is poorly cast in the role of Soul Hunter. William Morgan Sheppard from the Soul Hunter episode in season 1 did a fine job of portraying a Soul Hunter. And I think Wayne Alexander (Lorien) could also have done a wonderful job. But Martin Sheen didn't sell the part.

This movie does not further any long story arcs and can be skipped without leaving a hole in the Babylon 5 history. However, my complaints about Martin Sheen aside, it is well worth watching.

Although, The River of Souls aired between Wheel of Fire and Objects in Motion. In the B5 timeline, it fits better after Objects at Rest, and before Sleeping in Light since Garibaldi has been away from the station for a while.

Reviewed by Romana Drew December 2, 2019













Objects in Motion




Season 5, Episode 20

Originally aired November 11, 1998.

Story by Harlan Ellison and J. Michael Straczynski. Teleplay by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by Jesus Trevino.

Starring: Bruce Boxleitner, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Richard Biggs, Bill Mumy, Tracy Scoggins, Stephen Furst, Jeff Conaway, Patricia Tallman, Peter Jurasik, and Andreas Katsulas. With Denise Gentile as Lise Hampton-Edgars and Marjorie Monaghan as Number One.

Number One, Tessa Halloran, shows up on the station warning of a contract to kill Garibaldi. G'Kar can't escape those who worship him, so he makes Lyta an offer.

Zack, Franklin, and Sheridan set a trap to catch the assassin at G'Kar's going away party. It backfires. They get the assassin, but a Narn, upset with G'Kar's leaving, creates a ruckus, and Lise is shot.

Number One talks to Sheridan about the problems on Mars, and he gives her Garibaldi's old job, head of Alliance security.

Garibaldi lets Lyta have at the assassin and discovers that he was hired by the Edgars board of directors. Since he and Lise are now married, he calls the board and gives them the old heave-ho.

G'Kar and Lyta leave to explore the galaxy, and Lise and Garibaldi leave to run Edgars Industries. Since the Alliance headquarters on Minbar is nearly ready, Delenn decides that she wants to take a walking tour of the five mile long station.

This is the beginning of the goodbyes as each of the main characters leaves to pursue lives outside of Babylon 5.

Reviewed by Romana Drew December 2, 2019













Objects at Rest




Season 5, Episode 21

Originally aired November 18, 1998.

Written by Michael Straczynski. Directed by John Copeland.

Starring: Bruce Boxleitner, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Richard Biggs, Bill Mumy, Tracy Scoggins, Stephen Furst, Jeff Conaway, Patricia Tallman, Peter Jurasik, and Andreas Katsulas. With Marshall Teague as Ta'Lon, Jennifer Balgobin as Dr. Lillian Hobbs, Simon Billig as Ranger, Joshua Cox as Lt. David Corwin, and Marjorie Monaghan as Number One.

G'Kar names Ta'lon the Narn ambassador. Franklin makes Dr. Hobbs the new Medlab Chief of Staff and then leaves for Earth. Garibaldi picks a new board of directors. And Lennier makes a catastrophic mistake.

Sheridan and Delenn are packed and ready to leave for Minbar when Lennier shows up to escort them. Once aboard a White Star, something malfunctions releasing toxic gas. Sheridan runs in to help and is trapped when the doors automatically close. Lennier comes to the rescue, but instead of opening the door, he runs away, leaving Sheridan to die. Regretting his actions, he leaves on a shuttle.

Sheridan and Delenn arrive on Minbar and have dinner with Londo. He is pleasant but somewhat guarded. Before leaving, he gives Sheridan a gift for their baby, a sealed jar, with instruction to give it to their child on his sixteenth birthday. The viewer gets a glimpse of at Drahk keeper sleeping inside.

This is the last of the goodbyes except for one. Sleeping in Light is Sheridan's goodbye, twenty years after he died at Za'ha'dum. That episode can be saved until after the rest of the movies or watched next.

Reviewed by Romana Drew December 2, 2019













Sleeping in Light




Season 5, Episode 22

Originally aired November 25, 1998.

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by J. Michael Straczynski.

Starring: Bruce Boxleitner as John Sheridan, Claudia Christian as Susan IvanovaJerry Doyle as Michael Garibaldi, Mira Furlan as Delenn, Richard Biggs as Stephen Franklin, Bill Mumy as Lennier, Jason Carter as Marcus Cole, Stephen Furst as Vir Cotto, Jeff Conaway as Zack Allan, Patricia Tallman as Lyta Alexander, Andreas Katsulas as G'Kar, Peter Jurasik as Londo Mollari, and Wayne Alexander as Lorien.

Sheridan calls everyone together for one last dinner.

Dreams of Lorien lead Sheridan to believe that his time is running out. It has been twenty years since he died at Za'h'dum.

The old friends gather on Minbar and reminisce about their times on Babylon 5. The next morning, Sheridan says goodbye to Delenn and flies away in a ship - alone. He visits Babylon 5, which is being decommissioned. Memories of the station echo in his thoughts, as does a message from Kosh, "When the long night comes, return to the end of the beginning."

He travels to Coriana, where a group of First Ones defeated a planet killer and turned the tide of the Shadow War. There he meets Lorien and his future.

The rest of the group travel to Babylon 5 to watch the decommissioning.

Sleeping in Light is not sappy or melodramatic. It is a masterfully crafted, quiet, and emotionally packed episode. If you love Babylon 5, you will shed tears. Although you may not want to watch it every time you watch the series, it is a must-see the first time.

Sleeping in Light can be watched after watching, all the B5 movies or after episode 21, Objects at Rest. To keep the timeline in line, watch it after A Call to Arms, but its greatest emotional impact is probably watching it after Objects at Rest.

Reviewed by Romana Drew December 2, 2019


Babylon 5 was the last of the Babylon stations. There would never be another. It changed the future, and it changed us. It taught us that we have to create the future, or others would do it for us. It showed us that we have to care for one another, because if we don't, who will? And that true strength sometimes comes from the most unlikely places. Mostly though, I think it gave us hope that there can always be new beginnings, even for people like us.

Every morning for as long as she lived, Delenn got up before dawn and watched the sun come up.











A Drakh virus has penetrated Earth's atmosphere and will kill everyone in five years if an antidote is not found in time.

Who Are You? What do you want? Where Are You Going? Who do you serve, and who do you trust?

A Call to Arms




Made for TV movie - 94 minutes

Originally aired January 3, 1999.

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by Mike Vejar

Starring: Bruce Boxleitner, Jeff Conaway Carrie Dobro, Peter Woodward, Tony Todd, Tony Maggio, and Tracy Scoggins.

The end of the Babylon 5 story arc, and the beginning of the Crusade story arc. Galen, a technomage, tells Sheridan of an impending Drakh attack on Earth and the three people who will help him defeat the Drakh.

Garibaldi and Sheridan check out two new Interstellar Alliance destroyers, the Excalibur and the Victory. After a telepathic message from Galen, Sheridan hurries to B5 to find his new assistants. There he meets Dureena, a thief, and Earth Alliance starship captain Leonard Anderson. He can't find the third person, a Drazi.

Sheridan, Dureena, and Anderson commandeer the two new IAS destroyers and head for Earth to confront the Drakh fleet, destroy the planet killer, and save the world.

That would be a wonderfully happy ending, but then there wouldn't be much of a reason for Crusade. So, of course, that isn't how it ends.

A Call to Arms is Sheridan's last story in the Babylon 5 saga. He leaves the Excalibur for another captain to explore the galaxy and save the world. The movie is well crafted and exciting. Peter Woodward is wonderful as Galen. He has just the right amount of haughty self-confidence without becoming overbearing. Carrie Dobro does a great job as Dureena. She always looks slightly askance at most things and people but comes through in the end. For a thief, the character is surprisingly honest.

Although A Call to Arms is a bridge between Babylon 5 and Crusade, it is well worth watching as stand-alone movie.

Reviewed by Romana Drew February 2, 2020 - palindrome day.















War Zone

Episode 1

Originally aired June 9, 1999.

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by Janet Greek

Starring Gary Cole as Captain Matthew Gideon, Daniel Dae Kim as Lieutenant John Matheson, David Allen Brooks as Max Eilerson, Peter Woodward as Galen, Marjean Holden as Dr. Sarah Chambers, Carrie Dobro as Dureena Nafeel, and Zeus Mendoza as Trace Miller. With Tim Thomerson as Senator McQuate and Will Schaub as Jenson.



Synopsis:

Matthew Gideon, captain of an explorer class starship, confronts a crewmember who is attempting to lead a rebellion because he fears that the ship is headed for Earth. Gideon flattens him, and first officer Lieutenant John Matheson takes him to the brig.

They jump to Earth and see the debris from the battle with the Drakh. Captain Gideon is ordered to Mars.

Galen, a technomage, watches events unfold in what looks like a crystal ball, including scenes of Drakh ships fighting Earth Force ships.

Near Ceti 4, an Earth Force ship chases a Drakh vessel, which is fleeing the Earth battle. They launch a distress beacon and force the Drakh ship to the surface of Ceti 4. The Earth ship is apparently destroyed since it is never heard from again.

On the planet's surface, Max Eilerson, an archeologist, watches the Drakh ship as it streaks through the sky and crashes. He sends Jensen to check it out.

The surviving Drakh shoot Jensen down. There is no way for the archeological team to call for help because of atmospheric interference, and they're certain the aliens that killed Jensen are after them. Trace Miller takes a shuttle and goes above the atmosphere to send a message.

On Mars, Senator McQuate makes Gideon captain of the Excalibur and orders him to find a cure for the Drakh plague. As Gideon is introduced to his team, Dureena Nafeel, a member of the Thieves Guild, fights her way in, demanding she be included. She is hauled off to the brig. Gideon insists Lieutenant John Matheson be his first officer even though he is a telepath. And after talking to Dureena, he adds her to the crew.

They all board the Excalibur and head out for a shakedown cruise. Before they even get started, Galen appears to Gideon

Outside the atmosphere of Ceti 4, Trace finds an Earth Force distress beacon. He uses it to interface with the archeological team's communications and sends a message to Earth. Once Earth Force gets the message, they divert the Excalibur to Ceti 4.

Gideon and crew take a shuttle to the surface of Ceti 4 and meet the archeological team inside a cave. Fighters from the Excalibur take out the Drakh soldiers who are advancing toward the cave. The Drakh remaining at the downed ship get word that reinforcements are on the way.

Gideon and team investigate the Drakh ship and get attacked by the remaining Drakh at the same time the Excalibur is attacked by Drakh ships. Gideon returns to the Excalibur to lead the space battle while Galen saves the crew still on the ground. They capture one of the Drakh.

On the Excalibur, Gideon questions the captured Drakh while Eilerson translates. Since the Drakh is not cooperative, Gideon threatens to send him to Earth where he can die of the plague.

Trace and Eilerson are added to the Excalibur's crew.

The last scene shows Gideon and Galen on another planet. Galen questions Gideon and then agrees to join the Excalibur's crew.



Review:

This is an excellent and exciting introduction to the series. It sets up the overarching challenge - saving Earth - and gathers a diverse and interesting group of characters.

The scenes shift quickly between Gideon, Galen, Trace, Eilerson, and the Drakh. But continuity is never lost, and the story flows smoothly. This technique lets the viewer take in multiple events happening at the same time. It also has the feeling of driving the plot forward at a fast pace.

Gary Cole is the perfect Matthew Gideon. He is a no-nonsense, take action, kind of guy with a wry sense of humor. David Allen Brooks plays Max Eilerson as a self-important ass, which is good counterpoint to the other characters. Daniel Dae Kim plays Lieutenant John Matheson as unflappable. He never gets excited or emotional, but he is always there when needed. Peter Woodward and Carrie Dobro continue as Galen and Dureena from A Call to Arms.

With a five-year timeline to save Earth, there must have been hope that the Crusade would last five years. But only thirteen episodes aired, and the main storyline was left unfinished. Still, the characters are complex, and it is easy to develop an emotional connection to them. The stories are well-written and fun to watch.

Reviewed by Romana Drew February 7, 2020.














The Long Road


Episode 2

Originally aired June 16, 1999

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by Michael Vejar

Starring Gary Cole, Daniel Dae Kim, David Allen Brooks, Peter Woodward, Marjean Holden, Carrie Dobro, and Zeus Mendoza. With Alison Lohman as Claire, Mik Scriba as Barkeep, Marshall R. Teague as Captain Daniels, and Edward Woodward as Alwyn


Synopsis:

The building shakes, and two people call for help. Outside the window, a gold creature with a big red eye ambles by.

On the Excalibur, Captain Gideon shoots hoops while First Officer Matheson tells him about problems on Regula IV, where an enormous golden dragon is attacking mine workers. Upon hearing about the dragon, Galen invites himself along.

Earth Force Captain Daniels asks Gideon for help. He is mining Regula IV for an antiviral mineral that has helped extend the lives of the human settlers. But the locals are making it difficult.

Galen insists that only he and Gideon go to the surface. There they enter the village pub, buy a drink, and wait. After the pub empties, a group of locals returns and confronts them. Alwen, another techomage, enters and disperses the group.

In Alwen's house, they eat and then visit the mine. The settlers were never consulted before the mine was constructed, and it's damaging the local ecology.

Settlers kidnap several mine workers and demand Earth Force leave.

When Daniels hears about the kidnapping, he orders his troops to the surface to free the hostages. They encounter a dragon in space. Guessing it is a hologram, they fly right through it. Then they go to the pub and demand the hostages be freed.

Alwen and Galen show up unleashing a hoard of demon-like flying creatures. At first, the Earth Force troops are unconcerned, believing the demons to be harmless holograms. But the demons become solid and kick people around. In the end, the settlers capture the Earth Force troops.

Alwen tries but fails to persuade the settlers to release the hostages, so he takes things into his hands.

A young woman, the barkeep's daughter, Clair, collapses. Alwen determines that she is dying from an overdose of the antiviral mineral. The mineral has become airborne because of mining. Gideon takes her to the Excaliburfor treatment.

In the middle of the mine, Alwen puts on a great show of special effects. Gideon tells Daniels that Alwen intends to use the curvature of the mine to create an energy beam that will destroy the Earth Force ship. Daniels asks Gideon to kill Alwen. Gideon pauses a moment, gives Daniels a quizzical look, and then fires the Excalibur's main guns, destroying the mine.

Clair has been successfully treated and returns to Regula IV. The mine is being glassed over. The settlers agree to work with Daniels to find a safer place to mine.

Galen and Alwen discuss the future. Since Alwen is believed to be dead, he will go somewhere else.

When the Excalibur leaves, Alwen follows in his ship, which has golden dragons painted on its wings.


Review:

The Long Road covers the hazards of strip mining as well as the disregard of less technological people in order to take their natural resources against their will and without compensation. Instead of preaching, the episode weaves this into an exciting story.

Galen and Alwen have a complicated past and interact well. Daniels is a typical military type bent on getting what he thinks he deserves regardless of who he has to push around.

The set up for the conclusion is excellent. Alwen is determined and somewhat reckless. He might be able to destroy the ship and be willing to sacrifice his life to do so.

The moment of doubt comes when Gideon is so easily persuaded to use his main gun, his biggest weapon.

This is a good, solid episode. The pace is just right, and the dialogue is well written, with lots of humor tucked in unexpected places.

Reviewed by Romana Drew February 11, 2020.












The Well of Forever


Episode 3

Originally aired June 23, 1999

Written by Fiona Avery. Directed by Janet Greek

Starring Gary Cole, Daniel Dae Kim, David Allen Brooks, Peter Woodward, Marjean Holden, Carrie Dobro, Tracy Scoggins, and Zeus Mendoza. With Michael Beck as Mr. Jones.



Synopsis

A telepath inspector, Jones, come aboard the Excalibur to scan Matheson for possible infractions.

Galen has a rock-like object that gives the coordinates to the Well of Forever - a mythical place in hyperspace, but it is days off any beacon. He persuades Gideon to go there and then merges his ship's navigational systems with the Excalibur.

Gideon uses this opportunity to learn more about Galen's ship's navigational systems.

Galen and Dureena play cards. She doesn't trust Galen. She wins by cheating.

Jones scans Matheson and says he finds some disturbing thoughts. He also takes the information about the Excalibur's destination, which was illegal.

Galen visits Dureena and describes the Well of Forever as a magnificent monument that will answer the right questions.

Matheson tells Gideon that Jones took the Excalibur's location and destination from his mind. Jones tells Gideon that he wants Matheson off the Excalibur because he has picked up the occasional thought or emotion. This is normal for a telepath, but Jones says he needs to set a higher standard for Matheson because Matheson is the only telepath in Earth Force.

They fly through a flock of hyperspace creatures that look like jellyfish. Galen says they are harmless, but one tries to mate with the ship.

They speed off to the coordinates, but nothing is there. Galen persuades Gideon to spend a little more time searching because the monument may have drifted in the hyperspace currents. Then they find it.

The Well of Forever looks like a tangled rope with buildings and things on it. It has an atmosphere, so Galen takes his ship and goes to the surface. Gideon follows in a shuttle.

Eilerson scans the monument and discovers it is full of precious minerals and jewels. He wants to mine it. Dureena says it is a graveyard full of memories and goodbyes.

On the surface, Galen tells Gideon about the woman he loved and pours a vial of glittering dust on the surface. He also leaves a pendant he has worn around his neck.

Back on board, Galen points the Excalibur toward a hyperspace beacon, while Gideon has a talk with Dureena.

Dureena sits near Jones and stares at him. In a few minutes, Jones is in Gideon's office, warning him of a bomb aboard the ship. Since the only way Jones could get that information is by scanning Dureena, Gideon tells him to lay off Matheson or be exposed for doing illegal scans.

Galen releases the Excalibur back to Gideon and promises never to betray his trust again.



Review

"The Well of Forever" pits Galen's personal quest against Gideon's mission to find a cure for the Drakh plague. Each thinks they have the advantage over the other, Galen, to take the Excalibur where his ship is too small to go, and Gideon to learn more about Galen's ship and techomages in general. That makes for interesting interplay between the characters.

Both the Well of Forever and the hyper space creatures are interesting. Although, it is hard to figure out what hyperspace creatures eat, and if there are creatures living in hyperspace, why aren't they more common?

The other interesting character interaction is between Gideon and Jones. Jones, the all-powerful telepath tries to subjugate Matheson and brush off Gideon. In the end, it is Dureena who brings him down a peg.

This is a fine episode with good character development and interaction.

Reviewed by Romana Drew February 25, 2020














The Path of Sorrows


Episode 4

Originally aired June 30, 1999

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by Michael Vejar

Starring Gary Cole, Daniel Dae Kim, David Allen Brooks, Peter Woodward, Marjean Holden, Carrie Dobro, Tracy Scoggins, and Zeus Mendoza. With Sophie Ward as Isabelle.



Synopsis

On a dark planet, Dureena climbs a wall while Eilerson writes in a notebook, and Gideon and Galen watch. Galen asks Eilerson exactly what the translations say. "Enter freely through the path of sorrows," Eilerson says.

Galen derides Dureena until she cries. He takes one of her tears and puts it on the door, which opens. Inside there is a large globe full of smoke.

The creature reveals itself when Gideon walks near the globe. After staring at the globe for a moment, Gideon relives his memories of being left in space while his ship flew off without him. He tells the rest of the group that he thinks it is a stasis bubble and has it brought aboard to the Excalibur.

Matheson tells Galen he thinks the captain is drawn to the object.

Aboard the Excalibur, Gideon returns to the globe and remembers more about how he came to be abandoned in space and then rescued. Once home, he was questioned by Earth Force about the event and not believed. Some time later, he wins an apocalypse box in a card game. The creature says he forgives Gideon.

Matheson visits the globe. He remembers being in the Psi Corps during the war. He was tasked with giving "sleepers," drugs that surpress telepathic abilities, to a member of the resistance. She persuades him to help her. She activates a homing device and the resistance bombs the Psi Corps facility. Because of her warning, Matheson gets out in time. The creature says he forgives Matheson.

Galen visits the creature and says he knows what it is. He then relives his last moments with Isabelle, the woman he loved. She dies in his arms, promising to get a message to him if there is anything after death.

Galen is about to destroy the creature when Gideon stops him.

Gideon and Matheson put the creature back into its cave. As they leave, another being enters the cave.

Back on the ship, Matheson gives Galen the transcription of a message the ship recently received. It is all gibberish except for the words 'Galen' and 'love.'



Review

The Path of Sorrows fills in the backstory for Galen, Matheson, Gideon, and to some extent Dureena.

As each character interacts with the creature in the globe, they relive traumatic events from their pasts. Not only did these events shape the characters, but they set each one on the path that lead them to their current quest on the Excalibur.

This episode feels a bit like episodes filled with flashbacks, except most of the information is new to the viewer. So, like the previous episode, there is little here to advance the quest for a cure. Instead, the focus is on character development.

The creature in the globe is enigmatic. It isn't in stasis, but it doesn't seem to have any way of sustaining life. It lives on forgiveness, which is a nice idea. Still, the biologist in me wonders how it can maintain a physical form without some form of energy input.

Reviewed by Romana Drew February 27, 2020












Patterns of the Soul


Episode 5

Originally aired July 7, 1999

Written by J. Fiona Avery. Directed by Tony Dow.

Starring Gary Cole, Daniel Dae Kim, David Allen Brooks, Peter Woodward, Marjean Holden, Carrie Dobro, Tracy Scoggins, and Zeus Mendoza. With Peter DeAnda and General Thompson, Brian Thompson and Robert Black, Eric Ware as Tim, and Curt Lowens as the old one.

Synopsis

On the way to a new location, the Excalibur is diverted to Theta 49 to pick up Robert Black and 30 other people who escaped Earth during the last battle with the Drakh. General Thompson believes they carry the Drakh plague and must be returned to Earth.

Eilerson gets a lecture from someone at Interplanetary Expeditions for failing to report anything useful.

On the planet, Black meets an old man who is dying. He tells Black that he and his colonists have brought a curse to this world.

On the Excalibur, Dr. Chambers treats the landing party with a nanovirus to protect them from contracting the plague for the next forty-eight hours.

On the planet, Gideon and the doctor confront the settlers. Black agrees to be tested for the plague. Dureeena wanders off and discovers the old man. She climbs a cliff and finds a group of her people.

Tim, one of the settlers, tells Black that Earth Force will use them as lab rats if they go with Gideon.

Back on the ship, General Thompson wants the settlers ship's records downloaded, forwarded to him, and then erased. So, of course, Gideon reads the records before passing them on. He then sends Dr. Chambers to search for evidence of the plague on the settler's ship. She finds contaminated food packets.

On the planet, Dr. Chambers takes samples from Dureena's people. On her way back to the shuttle, she is kidnapped by Tim and taken aboard the settler's ship. They take off and attempt to escape leaving Black and a few others behind.

Using a security clearance code, he isn't supposed to have, Gideon looks up Black's military record. Black has connections to both Thompson and the planet where the contaminated food packets originated. Black and the others were experimental subjects in a cyber-implant program to enhance their abilities. The process had so many failures and complications it was abandoned. Black and the others were isolated, so they couldn't tell anyone about it.

Gideon discovers that the settlers did escape before the plague was released and only got exposed from the contaminated food packets, compliments of General Thompson.

He shows Thompson a vid of the settler's ship blowing up with all aboard. However, the settlers are safely on the surface.

He places a beacon in space to warn off any ship that might wander by and to keep track of the planet, warning the settlers not to try to leave.



Review

Unlike the previous two episodes, "Patterns of the Soul" deals directly with the Drakh plague.

At first, both Tim's and General Thompson's attitudes seem unrealistic and overdone, but once the plight of the settlers is fully understood, their actions are more plausible. Although, in the case of General Thompson, the deep flaws in the man's character get worse and worse.

This episode delves into the darker side of Earth Force. Black and his followers have been exploited and escaped only to be condemned to death. Peter De Anda plays General Thompson as disgustingly self-serving.

It was nice to see some of Dureena's people, but their beliefs seemed a bit too primitive for a spacefaring culture.

I liked the ending when Gideon pulls one over on the general.

Reviewed by Romana Drew March 1, 2020













Ruling from the Tomb


Episode 6

Originally aired July 14, 1999

Written by Peter David. Directed by John Copeland.

Starring Gary Cole, Daniel Dae Kim, David Allen Brooks, Peter Woodward, Marjean Holden, Carrie Dobro, Tracy Scoggins, and Zeus Mendoza. With Juanita Jennings as Lieutenant Carr and John Novak as Alain Lebecque.

Synopsis

On Mars, Lochley argues with Lieutenant Carr, Mars security, about arrangements for a conference on the Drakh plague. Gideon interrupts wanting to be sure Dr. Chambers will be safe as she delivers the keynote speech.

In a dark hall, a man kills another man with a knife.

Trace takes Dureena and Eilerson to the surface in a shuttle. Trace and Eilerson discuss who should escort Dureena. She makes it clear that she does not want or need an escort.

On Mars, Lochley and Gideon discuss security when they get notice that a murder has been committed.

Alain Lebecque, a priest, approaches Dr. Chambers. They chat until Carr comes to escort Chambers to Gideon.

Gideon, Lochley, and Chambers examine the victim, Leon Henderson. He has the symbol of Sacred Omega, a doomsday cult, carved on his back. He is taken to the Excalibur, so Chambers can do an autopsy.

As he is loaded on the shuttle, Trace recognizes him as the man who made him want to be a priest.

Lebecque stands in a corner and talks to the voice in his head. It is a woman with a French accent.

In the shuttle, Trace talks about Henderson and his time with the Foundationist Church. He wanted to be a priest, but something bad happened, and he left.

On Mars, Eilerson follows Dureena. His wallet is stolen, and he chases the thief only to come face to face with three men intent on doing him harm. Dureena runs in yelling and tackles the guy who stole the wallet. The others leave, and she hands Eilerson his wallet.

Gideon tells Lochley that Henderson's killer was human.

On Mars, Lebecque hides as Trace wanders by. Then he goes to where a bomb is being assembled.

On the ship, Lochely gives Gideon information on the progress of the investigation, and they plan dinner together.

Back in the bar, Eilerson is drinking at a table full of other men. Trace walks in and hits on Dureena. She tells him no.

Gideon and Lochley have dinner.

Lebecque sets the timer on the bomb, then talks to his voices. Mankind is bad and must be eliminated. He has doubts about becoming a martyr.

In the bar, Dureena dances with Eilerson. Trace wanders outside during the dance. He gets beat up. Dureena gets worried and goes after him. She and Eilerson confront the assailant, who has hold of Trace and threatens to kill him. Carr shows up and kills the assailant.

Dr. Chambers is getting ready to give her speech, Lebecque starts the bomb's timer, and Trace identifies Lebecque as someone he and Henderson knew. They all had a difficult time after innocent people were killed.

Gideon sees Lebecque in the audience as Chambers begins her speech. He doesn't risk approaching Lebecque. Instead, he commandeers the microphone and tells everyone to go home and confront their loved ones. The Drakh plague will kill everyone on Earth in a few months, not years. Humanity is doomed. Everyone should go and spread the word.

The voice tells Lebecque that God's will is served. He should let these few innocent people go.

Lebecque turns off the timer and returns to the bomb, where security forces kill or capture him and his colleagues.



Review

Ruling from the Tomb is a fun episode. The title isn't explained until the very end.

Until now, Commander Lochley, from Babylon 5, hasn't had much screen time, but this episode features her character. Her interactions with Gideon are both funny and telling.

Gideon and Lochley don't ever seem to get it right. Every interaction turns antagonistic, but not in a bad way. They just can't seem to stop stepping on each other's toes. Eventually, they have dinner together. If you were expecting romance, think again. Even that goes comically clumsy.

They are, however, committed to solving the murders and keeping the conference safe. Although verbally awkward, they work together well.

Labecque, the villain, is well played by John Novak. He is just sane enough to almost be normal, but alone, his insanity manifests itself in a believable way. He hears Joan of Arc tell him to kill everyone.

This is a good episode with lots of great verbal sparring.

Reviewed by Romana Drew March 4, 2020.












The Rules of the Game




Episode 7

Originally aired July 21, 1999

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by Jesus Salvador Trevino .

Starring Gary Cole, Daniel Dae Kim, David Allen Brooks, Peter Woodward, Marjean Holden, Carrie Dobro, Tracy Scoggins, and Zeus Mendoza. With Tim Choate as Polix, Joel Swetow as Ris, Sal Landi as Rolf Muller, and Jamie Rose as Cynthia Allen.



Synopsis

On Babylon 5, Dr. Chambers and Eilerson wander around the Zocolo, looking at things and chatting. Cynthia Allen, Eilerson's ex-wife, joins them.

Gideon and Lochley argue with a Brakiri about access to Lorkan 3. The Brakiri says, even though the planet is in Brakiri space, the Lorkans refuse to let anyone land on their world.

Two Lorkans, Ris and Polix, chat inside their quarters about how pure and holy they are.

Lochley sets up a meeting with Ris and Polix. Then she asks Gideon to dinner.

Cynthia tells Eilerson she needs one-hundred thousand credits to pay a loan shark named Rolf Muller. They also talk about Eilerson's cat, Mr. Kitty.

Lochley and Gideon eat dinner. Gideon makes it clear that he will do anything to get permission to land on Lorkan 3.

In their room, Ris and Polix spy on them with a surveillance drone. They plot to kill Gideon to prevent him from contaminating their world.

Eilerson confronts Muller in a bar, gives him fifty thousand credits, and refuses to pay the rest. Muller isn't satisfied. Elierson then has a brief discussion with two Drazi.

Gideon meets with Ris and Polix. They tell Gideon that the most holy one killed the original inhabitants of their world so the Lorkans could live there and use the technology. Only the most holy and pure are permitted on Lorkan 3. Humans would only contaminate the world. Therefore, Gideon will never be allowed to land.

Eilerson tells Cynthia that he will cover the original loan of fifty-thousand credits but not the fifty-thousand in interest. Cynthia's neighbor comes on the vid, saying that Mr. Kitty has been kidnapped. Max returns to the Excalibur.

The Lorkans again spy on Lochley and Gideon. Ris sticks a red crystal on the palm of his hand.

Dr. Chambers visits Cynthia. Eilerson has asked her to make sure Cynthia is safe.

On the Excalibur, Eilerson gets a contraption the looks a bit like a slingshot.

Gideon bets Lochley one-hundreds credits that she doesn't really know what the less desirable parts of the station are like and that no one would recognize her out of uniform. They wander to a food stand where she orders "the usual," and the vendor calls her Captain Lochley. Suitably chastised, Gideon follows her to a private spot where they share the sandwich.

The Lorkans follow Gideon and Lochley.

Gideon and Lochley smell something. Gideon pushes Lochley down just before an energy beam zaps them. They run, and the Lorkans follow, shooting.

Dr. Chambers and Cynthia talk about Eilerson and Mr. Kitty. Muller comes in, and Dr. Chambers flattens him. He leaves.

Lochley and Gideon are still being chased.

The Drazi kidnap Muller.

Lochley and Gideon set a trap for the Lorkans. They fight, and the Lorkans are defeated.

The Drazi have brought Muller to Eilerson. Eilerson uses the odd weapon to shoot a ring around Muller's neck. He shoots another ring around a post and shows Muller what will happen if he gets too close to a small device he holds up. He throws it at the ring around the post, and it cuts the post in two. He tells Muller to return his cat unharmed.

Lochley and Gideon try to unwind and end up in the shower together. Mr. Kitty is returned safe and sound.

A new Lorkan says that Ris and Polix were selling Lorkan technology and keeping the profits, proving that Lorkan purity is subject to temptation. Therefore, the crew of the Excalibur can investigate Lorkan 3 so that the Lorkan people can experience temptation. By learning to resist, they will become even purer.



Review

Structurally this episode is more like a Babylon 5 episode than most of the Crusade episodes. That may be because it was written by J. Michael Straczynski.

It intertwines two separate stories, Cynthia's debt and access to Lorkan 3. It developes Max Eilerson's character, and explores relationship between Lochley and Gideon. The scenes jump from place to place and story to story, always adding complexity without becoming confusing.

This time Lochley and Gideon are more comfortable with each other and work together well. In the end, very well. Eilerson shows that he cares for his ex-wife and his cat, and is willing to go to great ends to keep both safe. He refuses to actually hurt Muller. Rationalizing that if Muller gets too close to him or Cynthia, it will be his fault when the neck ring kills him.

The only thing that doesn't ring true is Cynthia's debt. She didn't act that stupid and didn't seem to be that desperate to go to Muller in the first place.

This is a fun episode and well worth watching.

Reviewed by Romana Drew Mach 20, 2020.















Appearances and Other Deceits
Episode 8

Originally aired July 28, 1999

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by Steven Furst

Starring Gary Cole, Daniel Dae Kim, David Allen Brooks, Peter Woodward, Marjean Holden, Carrie Dobro, Tracy Scoggins, and Zeus Mendoza. With LuAnne Ponce as Janey, John Vickery as Mr. Welles, and Wayne Wilderson as Kevin Sprach.



Synopsis

An alien watches the Excalibur on a display inside a dark room.

On the Excalibur, political assistants, Kevin Sprach and Mr. Wells tell Gideon that he must project the proper image back to Earth to quiet the riots and unrest. Kevin is especially interested in the ship's decor.

Matheson interrupts. Something is 2,000 kilometers away. It's a big ship with lots of dead bodies on board. And one live being.

Several crewmembers fly to the ship in EVA suits. The hull has a big hole blasted from the inside. It looks as if the crewmembers killed each other. They're all naked. One is alive inside a stasis chamber, which they bring it back to the ship.

The doctor tries to stabilize the being before opening the stasis chamber, but it goes into cardiac arrest. Janey runs into the isolation chamber to help him - against all safety protocols. The being dies but not before transferring something to Janey.

Eilerson tries to decode the alien language from data crystals along with the writing on the walls.

Janey goes around the ship touching people, who then follow her as if they were zombies. Each of those people also touches others, converting them.

Eilerson discovers something and calls Gideon to set up a meeting. Janey almost gets to Eilerson but missses. Her friends shoot at Eilerson and miss. He runs down the hall with the converts after him, yelling at a crewmember to hold the elevator door. The man does, and in the process, is shot in the head.

Eilerson tells Gideon to lock down the ship isolating the converts so they can't convert anyone else. Then they use flying surveillance drones to check on the various levels.

Dr. Chambers says that Greenberg, the man that saved Eilerson, is brain dead.

Wells, now a convert, wants to talk to Gideon. They meet on opposite sides of a welded shut door. Wells says they only want to be taken to a populated planet where they can commandeer the bodies of everyone living there. If Gideon doesn't agree, they will kill all the bodies they inhabit and destroy the ship.

Matheson reviews footage taken from inside the alien ship. Kevin points out that the bodies touch each other, pointing toward the stasis chamber, transferring all their consciousness's into the stasis chamber.

Gideon cuts the heat, forcing all the converts into one place. Wells threatens to kill one body every five minutes unless Gideon shows up in person.

Gideon goes dressed in an EVA suit. Janey tells him that his plan is flawed because his suit will run out of air in an hour. When he takes the helmet off, he will be converted. Gideon calls Matheson with a cryptic message.

Matheson first puts Greenberg into an EVA suit and props him up against a wall. Then he opens an airlock on the deck the converts are on.

While Gideon watches, everyone transfers their consciousness to Wells. Gasping for breath, Wells finds Greenberg, hits him over the head, takes off a glove, and transfers everyone into Greenberg's body before collapsing. Of course, Greenberg's brain stem is severed, so the aliens can't control his body.

Gideon calls the all clear, and the deck is re-pressurized while med crews revive the crewmembers. Greenberg's body is cast into space and vaporized.

Before leaving, Kevin presents the crew with new uniforms.

Review

This is a fun, if somewhat predictable episode. It was directed by Steven Furst, who played Vir Cotto on Babylon 5.

Wayne Wilderson does a wonderful job as Kevin. In the middle of a crisis, all he can think about is color schemes. In the end, he doesn't get to repaint the ship, but he does get to change the uniforms. The new uniforms don't look as comfortable or as practical as the old ones.

John Vickery, as Wells is suitably oily, making him the perfect spokesperson for the aliens.

All the aliens are naked. I don't know if that is because 1999 CGI made it hard to do realistic clothing, the animators didn't have time to create variations on clothing and didn't want every alien to be wearing the exact same thing, or they just wanted naked aliens.

Body snatching aliens isn't a new theme in science fiction, but this version is well done.

In the early part of the show, the long-range sensors detected the alien ship when it was two-thousand kilometers away. A light-year is around 9.5 trillion kilometers. Stars are many light-years apart. That makes the long-range sensors, pretty short-range.

Reviewed by Romana Drew March 22, 2020












Racing in the Night.


Episode 9

Originally aired August 4, 1999

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by Michael Vejar

Starring Gary Cole, Daniel Dae Kim, David Allen Brooks, Peter Woodward, Marjean Holden, Carrie Dobro, Tracy Scoggins, and Zeus Mendoza. With Brenan T. Baird as Kulan.



Synopsis

Gideon dreams about a deal he made to gain access to this section of space. If he doesn't find a cure in four years, he promised to spend the fifth year orbing Earth, a target to all the disgruntled people on Earth.

Gideon flies through tall buildings on a Crusade version of a Star Wars speeder bike. On the ground, a worker picks something up, and a beam of light kills him. Eilerson dusts off hieroglyphs on a wall. And Dureena crawls through a tunnel finding a skull and then a huge power source.

The planet has been deserted for at least a thousand years, but everything is still intact.

The body of the dead worker is discovered - eviscerated.

Small fighters descend on the workers. Gideon orders everyone to the shuttle. He leaps on the speeder bike and leads the fighters on a chase through the buildings. Several crash into walls.

Back on the ship, Dureena confronts Galen, but he still refuses to teach her his tricks.

Galen sends a homunculus to the surface to attract the attention of the fighters. It gets eviscerated and captured. Before Galen loses contact with the creation, he sees a graveyard of ships.

Gideon sends probes to the surface and discovers a chamber full of stasis pods.

Fighters come after the Excalibur. Gideon tries to leave, but the ship is held in place by a tractor field, which pulls them toward the surface. He sends fighters down to destroy the tractor beam. They fail, so he uses the main guns, leaving him stranded until the power recharges.

A projection of a Kulan appears on the bridge. The Drakh plague was spread on this planet over a thousand years ago. The residents failed to find a cure and went into stasis, hoping to capture a passing ship with a cure. So far, no luck, but hundreds of ships have been destroyed and their crews killed.

Apparently, all the machinery to eviscerate, collect records, and study people, as well as the fighters, are automated. Kulan is the only person not in stasis. He has only two years to live before the plague kills him, and another is awoken to tend the machinery.

Gideon isn't pleased. He destroys the fighters and tells the Kulan that he will return with a cure, but he won't let any more ships come to this world.



Review

Some parts of this episode work better than others. The speeder chase through the buildings isn't nearly as exciting as the speeder chase through the trees on Endor, but it's pretty good for a 1999 TV show.

The bits between Galen and Dureena are interesting, but feel somewhat out of place or unnecessary. Galen's homunculus is great, though.

The homunculus looks like a computer game character and has a great sense of humor. It gets eviscerated without suffering much. Then its head is removed and conveniently stuffed in a window where it can see the ship graveyard.

Why couldn't the planet's machinery tell the difference between a living being and a projection?

It's well worth watching this episode even if it isn't as well thought out as other episodes.

Reviewed by Romana Drew March 24, 2020












The Memory of War
Episode 10

Originally aired August 11, 1999

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by Tony Dow.

Starring Gary Cole, Daniel Dae Kim, David Allen Brooks, Peter Woodward, Marjean Holden, Carrie Dobro, Tracy Scoggins, and Zeus Mendoza. With John Saint Ryan as the technomage.



Synopsis

Gideon watches an ISN newscast of riots on Earth. Matheson interrupts. It's time to drop probes on the next planet.

Galen shows up and tells Gideon not to go to this planet but won't say why.

Eilerson examines probe data and says the buildings are sophisticated and intact. Galen insists it is suicide to go to the surface.

Eilerson prepares to go to the surface, but his staff are hesitant and try to back out.

Gideon gives Matheson his logs, just in case he doesn't get back.

All the usual crew shuttle to the surface. Galen takes his ship. They walk through plants and step on round balls that puff out red dust. Galen's personal shield protects him from the dust.

Gideon sets up camp in a building and assigns rooms.

Dureena is on a high ledge. She pulls a lever, and a force field walkway forms between this building and the next one. She crosses and retrieves a data crystal, which Eilerson decodes.

Night falls, and people start getting killed. Eilerson finds references on the data crystal to the death that cannot be stopped.

Aboard the Excalibur, Dr. Chambers says each of the dead people was killed in a different way. She also finds nano-viruses in their blood.

Galen finds a glyph on one of the nano-viruses. He goes to the surface and uses his staff to dig a giant hole into which he walks.

Gideon goes back to the camp and locks everyone into their rooms for the night, then follows Galen into the hole.

Galen finds a holographic technomage, why this planet is forbidden, and why the death can't be stopped. The nano-viruses cause people to feel rage and to the need to murder. This planet was at war with another, and the other world offered this techonmage money to create the nano-virus.

Galen is pissed. He finds the machine that powers and instructs the nano-virus. But Gideon is behind him, and Dureena is in front, making it impossible to destroy the machine. Dureena throws a knife at Galen. Gideon shoots at Dureena. Galen hurls his staff at the machine, destroying it. No one is killed, and they all escape before the cave explodes.

Back on the Excalibur, Galen is both injured and distraught. Without his staff, he has no way to control his powers, so he feels it is time to leave. Just then, Dureena walks in covered in dirt and hands Galen his staff.

Review

This is an intense episode. It often cuts back and forth between angry, enraged crewmembers trying to kill each other and Galen confronting another technomage.

Galen's continued insistence that this is an evil planet, without being able to say why gives all the characters doubts, but they go anyway. Once on the surface, the terror begins, but it isn't apparent who or what did the killing.

The holographic technomage, played by John Saint Ryan, is just dirty enough to be believable. Of course, he isn't the actual technomage. That man died years ago. This is only his avatar. None the less, he is still bent on destroying any and all living things that come to this world.

The information is metered out at just the right time to answer one question but ask another.

In many ways, this a good episode, but it is another dead and dangerous world, a common Crusade theme.

Reviewed by Romana Drew March 26, 2020














The Needs of Earth
Episode 11

Originally aired August 18, 1999

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by Michael Vejar

Staring Gary Cole, Tracy Scoggins, Daniel Dae Kim, David Allen Brooks, Peter Woodward, Marjean Holden, and Carrie Dobro.

With Tony Amendola as Natchok Var and Bill Mondy as Nix



Synopsis

Dr. Chambers walks in on Gideon while he is watching porn, which was on a data crystal given to him by Eilerson.

On the way to a meeting, Eilerson tries to retrieve the crystal. At the meeting, a Minbari ranger says he has information that may be useful but getting it will require several illegal activities. A Moradi named Natchok Var, has all the important data from his society. His government is after him. He is being held on Praxis 9 by bounty hunters.

On Praxis, Dureena and Gideon land outside the main dome and walk through the toxic atmosphere where guards shoot at them. They go inside through the back door.

Inside the dome, slaves are being auctioned and lowlifes abound. Dureena says she can find Natchok Var, but needs a distraction. Gideon picks a fight with a large alien, while Dureena signals the Thieves Guild.

They find Natchok Var in a cell. While Gideon frees him, Dureena frees a large group of people bound for slavery. Natchok Var is injured but Dureena and Gideon get him to the shuttle and to the Excalibur. He refuses to let go of the data crystals, even to let the doctor examine him.

A Moradi vessel catches up with the Excalibur. Representatives of that government want to come aboard to talk.

Two come aboard. Nix, the translator, says Natchok Var stole the crystals. They want to the crystals back.

Natchok Var searches the computer in sickbay and finds music. Gideon walks in as Mozart is playing. Natchok Var says he will return the crystals to his government after Gideon copies them.

The Moradi send two shuttles, one for the representatives and one for Natchok Var. The representatives don't want to be contaminated by Var so he must travel alone.

Mathison looks worried as Var boards the shuttle. He later tells Gideon that Var's shuttle is on autopilot. Gideon attempts to protect Var's shuttle but is too late. The Moradi destroy it.

Dr. Chambers discovers that the crystals contain music, art, and literature. They also have a video of Var's homeworld where books and art are being destroyed.

Mathison feels guilty because, had he scanned any of the Moradi, he could have prevented Natchok Var's death.



Review

Racial purity, xenophobia, and suppression of free thought.

By the way Natchok Var guards the crystals, it's obvious that whatever information they contain is of great value to him. However, that information is unlikely to be any help with the Drakh plague. This epsode has two main stories, the difficulty getting Natchok Var to the Excalibur and not fighting the Moradi.

Without all the obstacles, this wouldn't be much of a story. The toxic atmosphere, attack by guards, difficulty opening the door, the distracting fight, and freeing Natchok Var make up the first part of the episode.

Negotiating with the Moradi makes up the second half. With Mathison's self recrimination filling in the end.

On the plus side, it is an exciting and thought provoking episode. Tony Amendola does a great job as Natchok Var. Even with the heavy makeup and prosthetics, his devotion to his cause makes you want to help him. When he gets on the shuttle, alone, the look in his eyes says he knows he is about to die. It's so obvious, why can't Mathison, a telepath, see it?

Bill Mondy is just perfect as Nix, the very astute translator.

This episode has its problems, but it's fun and well worth watching.

Reviewed by Romana Drew April 12, 2020














Visitors From Down the Street


Episode 12

Originally aired August 25, 1999

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by Jerry Apoian

Staring Gary Cole, Tracy Scoggins, Daniel Dae Kim, David Allen Brooks, Peter Woodward, Marjean Holden, and Carrie Dobro.

With Josh Clark as Kendarr, Francoise Robertson as Lyssa, and Harry Van Gorkum as Durkani



Synopsis

While riding in the tube with Mathison, Gideon complains about a smell between levels 14 and 18.

A flying saucer type small ship is found nearly out of fuel and air. They bring it aboard. Inside are two aliens, Lyssa and Durkani, dressed in business suits and speaking English, but obviously not human. They point a gun at the crew and threaten to kill everyone.

Mathison projects the image of a snake. The aliens drop the gun, get captured, and are tossed in the brig. Mathison gets enough from their thoughts to know that they are frightened and desperate.

In a flashback, the aliens search a room looking for evidence of humans on their homeworld. They decide to steal a ship and go searching for the humans.

Gideon says he misses the feel of wind on his face.

There are no records of any species resembling these aliens. Although Durkani insists that humans visited his world causing numerous problems including crop failures and funding shortfalls. He shows Gideon pictures of a blimp and Mount Rushmore as evidence.

There is a flashback of Lyssa and Durkani in an office. They confront someone wearing a mask. They subdue the man and remove his mask to find a human underneath. But that too is a mask. Underneath the human mask is one of their species.

A ship approaches and Special Agent Kendarr comes aboard. Durkani steels his gun. He and Lyssa kidnap Kendarr and run away. They end up hiding in the transport tube.

While searching for them, Gideon discovers a loose waste disposal pipe, the cause of the smell.

They capture the aliens in a transport tube where each passing car makes a nice wind.

Gideon, feeling that this isn't his problem, escorts all three to their ships. Durkani and Lyssa leave first believing that they will be tried and imprisoned or executed. Kendarr stays behind to explain.

Their world was riddled with civil wars. When they had enough technology to get glimpses of other races, they chose one to be the bad guy. Once the world had a common enemy, they banded together. Sense then, there has been peace. Everything is blamed on humans. It was only odd fortune that Durkani and Lyssa found a human ship.

They will not be hurt. Kandarr wants Lyssa and Durkani to reinforce the deception.

Gideon, frustrated with having to put up with these fools, sends down thousands of probes with dictionaries and recordings of the events on the ship. Then he takes a lounge chair and a drink and goes to the tube to enjoy the wind.



Review

This is a fun episode. It's a look at the other side of the Roswell myth.

The first mystery is why these obvious aliens dress, talk, and act like humans, when there is no record of any contact with their species.

The second is why did they need to be rescued in the first place, and why won't they just go home. Nothing makes any sense until Kendarr comes aboard. Even then, it feels as if the Excalibur is in the middle of someone else's troubles, which they are.

The only negative comment is the rather primitive facial prosthetics. The dangling flanges around the alien's heads are great, but the bits around the actor's mouths are not well done.

Visitors From Down the Street doesn't help find a cure for the Drakh plague, in fact, it impedes the search. No one is ever in any real danger. And nothing of consequence happens. However, it is full of quiet humor and well worth watching.

Reviewed by Romana Drew April 13, 2020














Each Night I Dream of Home


Episode 13

Originally aired September 1

Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by Steven Furst

Staring Gary Cole, Tracy Scoggins, Daniel Dae Kim, David Allen Brooks, Peter Woodward, Marjean Holden, and Carrie Dobro.

With Lance LeGault as Senator Jacob Redway, Timothy Williams as David Williams, and Richard Biggs as Dr. Stephen Franklin.

Synopsis

The rendezvous ship is two hours late. When it arrives, Senator Jacob Redway and David Williams, a plumber, come on board. Redway gives Gideon orders to go to Earth.

Elizabeth Lochley is in a disabled starfury, injured and running out of oxygen. She calls for help.

Williams wants to see the Doctor

The ship picks up a distress signal, and Gideon goes to investigate against the wishes of Redway. He finds the starfury, scoops it up, and continues to Earth.

Williams says he wants to be infected so he can go home. He misses his fiancee.

Gideon visits Lochley in sickbay. She led a party to intercept some raiders, but they were more powerful than expected.

As the Excalibur approaches Earth, an atmospheric shuttle ejects a life pod then explodes. Redway insists the pod be brought aboard. It is put into strict isolation.

Williams calls his fiancee from his quarters using Redway's code.

Dr. Stephen Franklin walks out of the pod. He is here to infect Williams and monitor how the virus enters his body in an attempt to better understand the virus. Apparently, it is difficult to locate or study after it has been in someone for a while.

The Drakh pick up Williams' transmission.

Gideon asks Williams why he wants to do this. He says he can't live without his fiancee.

Drs. Franklin and Chambers set the iso chambers for the transfer and monitoring.

Williams enters the isolation chamber and gets on the bed so he can be scanned.

The Excalibur jumps to a new location.

The ventilation between Dr. Franklin's chamber and his is opened and the virus enters his system. To Franklin's supprise, the virus unzips like a computer file, grows, changes, and migrates to the body's critical areas. This proves it is some form of nano technology.

Battle stations. Six Drakh ships close in on the Excalibur and start firing. It will still be about five minutes before the jump engines recharge so Gideon orders fighters launched.

The Drakh damage the comm system leaving the fighters without direction. Lochley takes a fighter and coordinates the battle from space.

William's isolation room gets a false signal and goes into sterilization mode. He is knocked unconscious attempting to escape, so Franklin must manually open the door and get him out before he gets fried.

The Excalibur is taking too much damage and can't yet jump, so Gideon heads toward the Drakh mothership thinking it probably has jump engines that recharge faster than his. Lochley tells the fighters to get close to the Excalibur. The mothership jumps. The Excalibur follows it through the portal and then fires its main gun, destroying the Drakh mothership.

Williams and Franklin return to Earth. Lochley is taken to Babylon 5.



Review

Each Night I Dream of Home, doesn't find a cure for the Drakh plague, but it is a good, solid episode. It starts with some great interaction between Redway and Gideon that leads to an exciting capture of the wounded starfury.

Then Dr. Franklin, from Babylon 5, comes aboard. Not only is it nice to see that character again, but his presence gives the threat to Earth a more personal feel. He is infected and trying to save the world before he dies with everyone else.

Williams desire to be with his loved ones even if he must die with them, also shows that not just the victims suffer.

And in the end everything goes wrong at the same time, making for an action packed conclusion.

I just wonder why Lochley was abandoned. She said she led a party to stop the raiders. Was the rest of the party is killed? Didn't someone from B5 realize she was overdue and go looking? It is hard to imagine that the captain of the station would be left alone in space. But it gave Lochley and Gideon time to interact, which is always a pleasure to watch.

This is the last Crusade episode. The show was canceled with several episodes partly filmed and many others either written or outlined. The series had great promise. It is unfortunate that it didn't run longer.

Reviewed by Romana Drew April 14, 2020.