Topic: Babylon 5: Marathon

[DJ Doena]

Season 3: Point of No Return

Disc 1

Matters of Honor

Synopsis: A Ranger training post is sealed of with mines and one ranger who could escape asks Babylon 5 for help. Meanwhile Londo tries to cut his connections to Mr. Morden and his associates. Also a representative of Earth comes to Babylon 5 to investigate about the Shadow vessel that destroyed Lt. Keffer's Starfury.

My opinion: I always liked Marcus and I sure love the White Star. But Sheridan has to be a bit mad to try a stunt like the one in this episode. Good introduction to the next step of the story.

Convictions

Synopsis: A series of bombings shake Babylon 5. Bombs planted by a person who has no political agenda but to spread fear. And when Lennier tries to save Londo he gets badly hurt.

My opinion: While I never really understood the motives of the bomber I really liked the tube scene between Londo and G'Kar. I also liked the arrival of the monks around brother Theo who will stay for a while on the station.

A Day in the Strife

Synopsis: A probe approaches Babylon 5 and transmits a message: When Babylon 5 can answer a series of highly complicated questions, they will receive important knowledge in return. If not, the probe will explode and take B5 with it.

My opinion: Another average episode, there's not really much to say about it.

Passing through Gethsemane

Synopsis: Again we see the monks. But one of them is troubled because he gets flashes of memories but he can't remember the events. Meanwhile Lyta Alexander return to the station on a Vorlon(!) transprt ship. She has been to the Vorlon homeworld but is forbidden to tell about it. She now works for the Vorlons and must hide from the Psi Corps.

My opninion: Great episode about crime and punishment. To see the life of a mind-wiped person and how the victims of a crime can't let go. I really liked the acting of Brad Dourif (Dune, Deadwood) and the actions of brother Theo at the end of the episode.

[DJ Doena]

Disc 2

Voices of Authority

Synopsis: Draal invites Sheridan to Epsilon 3 to search and contact the First Ones but Sheridan is distracted with the arrival of his new political officer from Earth.

My opinion: The direction in which Earth policy is developing is quite alarming. Did anyone recognize the off-voice to whom Clark was speaking? It was Mr. Morden's voice, so the Shadows are also involved in the murder of the former Earth Alliance president Santiago.

Dust to Dust

Synopsis: Someone smuggles a drug called "Dust" onto the station. Dust gives temporarily teep abilites to normal humans. But it has strong side effects and is highly addictive. Bester comes to the station to catch these dealers, too.

My opinion: One does not know it yet, but this is a very important episode in G'Kar's character developement and I also liked the idea of disabling Bester's abilities via the sleeper drugs Ivanova's mother was forced to take.

Exogenesis

Synopsis: There is an alien parasite that takes over the bodies of lurkers in down below. But the parasites aren't what they appear to be.

My opinion: The idea of symbiotes who keep the knowledge of the universe is interesting and the story was well told.

Messages From Earth

Synopsis: During archiological diggings a Shadow vessel is found on the Jupiter moon Ganymede. This has happend before on a digging on Mars several years back. But back then another Shadow vessel nourished the first on and both escaped. Bujt this time Earth wants the knowledge of that ship and the Babylon 5 crew cannot allow to let the ship fall into Earths hand.

My opninion: Great action flick. It shows what the White Star is capable of. Sheridan had to take a stand. His own government in league with the shadows wasn't something he could bear and he made his point very clearly although no one on Earth knows it - yet.

[DJ Doena]

Disc 3

Point of No Return

Synopsis: All hell is breaking loose. Clark has declared martial law and dissolved the senate. Open fights have broken out on Earth. General Hague is on the run and tries to organize a counter-strike. And Night Watch tries to take over command of Babylon 5.

My opinion: "Name of the season" episode. Loved it. As well as the next one. If Sheridan would be a lawyer I wouldn't trust him as far as I could throw Babylon 5. Night Watch has was practically destroyed on Babylon 5 and G'Kar change of character is completed. He is now a different person than the one he was in the first season. I also liked Majel Barrett ("Nurse Chapel" in ST TOS; "Lwaxana Troy" in ST TNG; widow of ST creator Gene Roddenberry) in the role of Lady Morella.

(click to show/hide)

Londo has to do three things to avoid the fire according to Lady Morella's prediction;
"You must save the eye that does not see.
You must not kill the one who is already dead?
You must surrender yourself to your greatest fear, knowing that it will destroy you."
I always thought about them and what they mean. I assume that the "eye that does not see" is referering to G'Kar. Londo saves him and his homeworld later, although G'Kar loses an eye. The second one is refering to Sheridan IMHO. He dies on Z'Ha'Dum, but Londo saves him and Delenn in events told in "War Without End" and "In the Beginning" shortly before Londo dies. But the surrender part - I never figured out where exactly JMS was hinting at.

Severed Draems

Synopsis: After the bombings of Mars the Earth colonies Orion 7 and Proxima 3 are declaring endependence from the Earth Alliance. And so does Babylon 5 when Earth heavy cruisers are coming to take over control.

My opinion: As I said: Another great episode. Many died this day. But it were fantastic battle scenes, especially when the Churchill rammed straight into that other destroyer. And the favour of the battle is turning every second. When the reinforcments from earth jump into normal space you think it's all over and then Delenn comes to the rescue with Minbari cruisers and the White Star. Awesome!

Quote of the episode:
Delenn: "Only one human capatin ever survived a battle with a Minbari fleet. He is behind me. You are in front of me. If you value your lives, be somewhere else!"



I'll watch the rest of the disc tomorrow because it's getting late.

[DJ Doena]

I'll watch the rest of the disc tomorrow because it's getting late.

Having said that almost a fortnight has past.

Sorry, I've been quite busy over the last weeks and I also watched my newly acquired first season of "J.A.G." over the last three days.

But here it continues:

Ceremonies of Light and Dark

Synopsis: After heaving defended Babylon 5 against the Earth cruisers the crew has to "bury" the dead. But there are still followers of Clark's and members of Night Watch on board who intend to retake the station. Meanwhile Delenn plans a Minbari rebirth ceremony which commemorates a great change.

My opinion: It is the "cool down" episode after the heated events happend in the previous episodes. Although it's not really a full cool down. For that matter from now on it won't be really cooled down until after the last but one episode of the fourth season. Sheridan finally admits that he has fallen in love with Delenn and the main staff gets their new uniforms!
A minor remark: Sometimes B5 has the same problem as Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. The authors can't decide how strong some aliens are. In an episode in season one we see Sinclair and Neroon fight and they both seem equally strong while in this episode Lennier (who has a far less impressive stature than Neroon) lifts Marcus easily with one outstreched(!) arm. We've got the same problem with the Narn and (in Star Trek) with the Klingons and the Cardassians.

Sic Transit Vir

Synopsis: Vir Cotto - being Centauri ambassador on Minbar for some time now - visits the station. So does Vir's soon-to-be-wife. And also a blood-thirsty Narn who has sworn a blood-oath to kill Vir because Vir apparently  has sent over 2000 Narns into labour camps - where they all died.

My opninion: One must admit it: Young Centauri women are very, very hot! Even when they are bald. I find it a very good Vir episode and it is unfortunately one of few episodes. I always liked him because he is so different than Londo and most of the Cenaturi. He has seen to much of what Londo has done and he always at least tried to talk him out of it - but now he could actually do something! Too bad, G'Kar never learns of it.

[DJ Doena]

Disc 4

A Late Delivery From Avalon

Synopsis: Arthur Pendragon, King of the Britons has arrived at the station to return Excalibur to the Lady of the Lake. Meanwhile Sheridan tries to set up a defense treaty of Babylon 5 with the League of Non-Alligned Worlds.

My opinion: Loved the speculation whether or not he could be King Arthur, especially with the experience that the Vorlons have indeed taken people from Earth. Michael York played this role very well. I also liked the episode because I think that a sword is the most fair weapon on a battle field - if something like a "fair weapon" exist. I always liked what I call "sword movies" (e.g. all kinds of "3 Musketeers" movies, Highlander, "Last Samurai" and so on). "Sword movies" are one of the few movies I'd watch even if they were made before the 80s.

(click to show/hide)

Another slight contradiction to "In the Beginning": Marcus tells Dr. Franklin, that the Rangers badge he wears is called "Isil'Zha". It's Minbari and means "the future". Franklin doesn't seem to having it heard before. In ITB this one Minbari word saves his life. Would you ever forget the one word in a foreign that saves your neck?
There's also another glitch regarding this badge and ITB: In an early episode of this season Marcus explains how these badges are being produced. One needs Minbari and Human blood for it. Lenonn wears that badge even before the Minbari ever encountered the Humans. So how have they produced it back then?

Quote of the episode:
Garibaldi: "What are you so nervous about? We went up against the entire Earth Alliance and two carrier groups." Security guard: "Yeah, but this is the post office. This could get us in real trouble."

Ship of Tears

Synopsis: Bester comes yet again to the station to ally himself with Sheridan. He fears that alien forces have to much influence on the president and that they are threatening the Pis Corps. And so he acts accordingly to the old rule "the enemy of my enemy ..."

My opinion: Again a very good Bester episode in which we learn a lot about the Shadows and we get the insight that Bester has indeed a heart beating in his chest. And now it makes sense why the Narns were the first victims of this great war. They knew too much about the Shadows and how to beat them.

Interludes and Examinations

Synopsis: Sheridan needs a great victory against the Shadows to draw other races into the war against them. And for this victory he needs the support of the Vorlons, the only race capable of winning such a battle. Meanwhile Londo is awaiting Adira Tyree, the exoctic dancer he fell in love with in the first season. But Morden is unhappy, that Londo did cut Morden's connection to Lord Refa.

My opinion: It was great to see that a Vorlon can be made angry and that they have feelings just like the rest of us (fear of death for instance) and it was a very sad moment to see Kosh die. It was also sad to see Londo doing all the wrong things again. He was fooled again by Morden and was too blind to see it.

War Without End Part 1

Synopsis: Ranger One / Entil'Zha Sinclair comes to the station because he got a letter addressed specifically to him, but written over 900 years ago. When he arrives Delenn discloses to him, Sheridan, Marcus and Susan that she knows, where (or better when) Babylon 4 went, after it got lost. It was used in the great war a thousand years ago and it would be their task to steal it and move it back in time.

My opninion: Just like I waited for "Comes the Inquisitor" in the last season I waited for this one in this season. I always liked the fact that Sinclair simply wasn't forgotten after he left Babylon 5. And for this episode he had to be there since we saw a "future Sinclair" in the "Babylon Squared" episode in the first season. Can't wait to see the continuation.

[DJ Doena]

Disc 5

War Without End Part 2

Synopsis: While Sheridan is somewhere stuck in time the rest brings Babylon 4 from the time where it originally disappeared (six years previously) to the time where Sinclair and Garibaldi evacuated it (2 years previously). And then one of them brings it back a thousand years in time.

My opinion: Valen, a Minbari not born of Minbari. A very good conclusion to the Sinclair storyline. And very well put together with the events and footage in "Babylon Squared".

Let me make another point about time traveling: Time travelling is a fairly common conept in Sci-Fi. Personally I distinguish between three different kinds of "time theories".
The first one is the Multiverse. In that you travel "back in time", repair something and when you travel forward again you land in a different universe. It's based on the theory that every choice you or anyone else makes creates a new universe for each possible outcome. Left or right? There will be two universes, one in which you went left, one in which you went right. When you back in time you simply choose to ge left instead of right this time. But the other universe will still be there where you went right. Although it is not really time travelling the TV show "Sliders" uses the concept of multiverses.
The second one is the most comfortable. You went back in time, repair something and when you arrive in the future you will be the only one who recognizes the change that has be done. This concept is used in "Back to the Future" and several Star Trek episodes.
In the third one time is a closed circle. You can jump in any point of time but whatever you do it has always been done this way and will always been done so. The first "Terminator" movie is an example for this (but only the first one, not the sequels). Kyle Reese brings the photograph with him that is made at the end of the movie. John Connor sends Kyle back in time and Reese becomes the father of John. Has always been, will always be that way. Ironically, Star Trek uses this concept, too, for example in the DS9 episode "Trials and Tribble-ations".
The third one may seem scary one because one could think there is no such thing as a  "free will" because every event seems to be carved in stone, but that is not true. It only states that every descicion we make can only be made once and when we look on it from an out-of-timeline perspective we see which descision we've made when the time has passed or what descision we will make when it still lays ahead. But once we've done anything we cannot undo it. It is unchangeable and unerasable.
Babylon 5 uses the third concept of time travelling. Sinclair is Valen and he has always been. He didn't change the past, we (the viewer) knew of Valen before we knew of Babylon 4. And when Sheridan jumps into the future we see events previously seen in dreams or prophecies. And it makes perfect sense. Prophecies (that are actually seen and come true, not fake ones) are only possible when the future has already been written. Londo sees his death and it comes true exactly as he saw it. Delenn warns Sheridan not to got to Z'ha'dum but he will go as he has always done it and will always do.

Walkabout

Synopsis: After Dr. Franklin took a leave from his post as chief of medical staff a few episodes earlier he wanders around the station. He tries to get rid of his stim addiction and uses an old aborigines tradition called Walkabout. Meanwhile Kosh's replacement called "Kosh" arrived at the station.

My opinion: Assumed she sung herself, Erica Gimpel  has a great voice. And we see the first real fight between the White Star and the Shadows.

Gray 17 is Missing

Synopsis: After Sinclair has left Delenn is supposed to be become the new Ranger One / Entil'Zha. But that is a post the warrior caste member Neroon claims for himself. Meanwhile Garibaldi investigates the mystery of "Gray 17", a section of Babylon 5 which does not exist - officially.

My opinion: The "Gray 17" part was - in a miss for another word - weird. And so was the character played by Robert Englund. But I really liked the other part where Marcus was willing to lay down his life for Delenn and Neroon had to acknowledge her leadership over the Rangers.

And the Rock Cried Out, No Hiding Place

Synopsis: The royal court on Centauri Prime demands that the dispute between House Mollari and House Refa is to be settled. And Mollari as well as Lord Refa have a plan how to achieve this. Meanwhile three religious people come to the station. Officially to sheperd their herds, inofficially to bring news from home and the resistance.

My opninion: The Z-countdown has begun. Sheridan once said "Always plant a lie inside a truth, that makes it esear to swallow.". And what a nice plan had Londo planted into another plan. I really liked the plot twist because at the first watch it came fairly unexpected. And it was awesome to look at the White Star fleet.

[DJ Doena]

Disc 6

Shadow Dancing

Synopsis: Many refugess are gathering in sector 83, where the Shadows have not yet attacked. But Sheridan expects an attack on that sector soon. So he assembles a fleet of Minbari ships and ships of the non-alligned worlds to protect the refugees. Meanwhile Dr. Franklin is still on Walkabout.

My opinion: Babylon 5 has a great way of showing fantastic space battles but never fails to show the price, too. The view of that many destroyed ships is terrible and yet awesome.

Z'ha'dum

Synopsis: Anna Sheridan has returned from Z'ha'dum. She is an ambassador of the Shadows and she tries to convince John that the Shadows are not the evil race the Vorlons and Minbari say they are. And John went with her to Z'ha'dum.

My opinion: "If you go to Z'ha'dum, you will die." And he died. Great season finale. Finally we understand why the Shadows do what they do, but does he end justifies the means? I think not. And that includes the means of the Vorlons, too.

Season analysis: Best season of Babylon 5. It feels as if it were made out of one piece. And n fact it is, JMS has written the entire season himself. Yes, there were weaker episodes in it but I have yet failed to hear of a perfect TV show season but bottom line is that was one of the best Sci-Fi show seasons. And I know quite a lot of Sci-Fi shows.

[Najemikon]

Yes, there were weaker episodes in it but I have yet failed to hear of a perfect TV show season...

That would be Buffy Season Two. 

[DJ Doena]

Season 4: No Surrender, No Retreat

Disc 1

The Hour of the Wolf

Synopsis: Sheridan seems to be dead. Mr. Garibaldi is missing. Londo is called back home to the royal court and emperor Carthagia. Carthagia has given the Shadows a base on Centauri Prime on the Island of Selini. Mollari fears for the safety of his homeworld. Meanwhile the alliance against the shadows is breaking apart because the shadows have temorarily retreated and Sheridan has gone.

My opinion: A very slow beginning of a new season. That is somewhat ironic if one knows how packed this season will be. But at least we know that the character of Sheridan isn't out of the game. But it is not clear whether hes is dead or not.

Whatever happened to Mr. Garibaldi?

Synopsis: Sheridan is still in what seems to be a cave with a being that identifies himself as Lorien. Lorien claims that Sheridan is dead and all indications point to that being true. Meanwhile G'Kar is looking for Mr. Garibaldi.

My opinion: I really liked the conversation between Sheridan and Lorien who was the very first being in the universe. And again Londo proves that his first priority is the well-being of Centauri Prime even if that means to kill the emperor and/or die in the attempt.

Quote of the episode:
Sheridan: "If you're falling off a cliff, you may as well try to fly. You've got nothing to lose."

The Summoning

Synopsis: Delenn plans to attack Z'ha'dum with the entire White Star fleet and all who are willing to come along. Ivanova tries to find more of the First Ones to join the fight. Meanwhile the captured G'Kar is humiliated in the royal court on Centauri Prime and tortured afterwards. And Ivanova discovers a huge Vorlon fleet in hyperspace.

My opinion: The Vorlons have attacked the Shadows directly. Now it gets really ugly and the younger races are cought in the middle. This episode leaves you with the foreboding of doom. Now it even seems to be pointless that Sheridan has returned from Z'ha'dum. Very depressing.

Quote of the episode:
Drazi: "We thought you were dead." Sheridan: "I was. But I'm better now."

Falling Toward Apotheosis

Synopsis: The Vorlons have attacked and destroyed several more planets that were "touched by the Shadows". They use a vast ship called the Planet Killer. Sheridan plans to kill the Vorlon ambassadorand Londo suggests to trial and execute G'Kar on the Narn homeworld.

My opninion: Sheridan plans to kill a Vorlon. That's a though decision that could've turned out very badly. But it was really cool to see an angry Vorlon and then to see two Vorlons fighting. It had to be done and it won't be the only hard decision to make for Sheridan (see next episode). But we also learn that Sheridan has a price to pay for his journey to Z'ha'dum but he has accepted that price for a greater good. Very good episode.

[DJ Doena]

Disc 2

The Long Night

Synopsis: Now the Shadows use a Planet Killer of their own and they attack planets that supported the Vorlons. Meanwhile Londo tries to assassinate emperor Carthagia. And Sheridan plans to lure the Vorlons and the Shadows into the same solar system to confront them.

My opinion: It's a decision I'd never would want to make. To command people to go into battle where they might die is one thing. But to order a mission where the soldiers have to die in order to accomplish the mission it is totally differnt thing.

Into The Fire

Synopsis: Parts of the White Star fleet are attacking Vorlon outposts to delay the arrival of the Vorlon fleet at Coriana 6. Meanwhile Londo tries to get rid of the Shadow vessels on his planet and he learns about the truth of how Lady Adira (see "Interludes and Examinations") actually die. And then the greatest battle of our time begins...

My opinion: The Shadow war may be over. But the story isn't over yet. It's quite intersting to see that races like the Vorlons and the Shadows, both millions of years old, are still frightened of the unknown, of what lays ahead. And even they feel more secure if they are accompanied by someone who is even older than they are. But now the younger races have this galaxy for themselves. Let's see what they make of it.

Epiphanies

Synopsis: Bester arrives at the station and tells the crew of the new sanctions that Earth president Clark has put into place. But his informations come - as usually - at a price. Meanwhile Mr. Garibaldi quits his job as chief of security.

My opinion: Something's going on with Garibaldi, that's for sure. It was aain a good Bester episode but in the great picture it's one of the transition episodes between the Shadow war and the liberation of Earth.

Quote of the episode:
Bester: "The corps is mother. The corps is father". Lyta: "In that case, Mr. Bester, I'm an orphan."

The Illusion of Truth

Synopsis: A team of reports from ISN tries to sneak on the station but they are caught. Nonetheless they get permission to make a report about the stations and its crew. The "documentation" is shown at the end of the episode.

My opninion: It's the second time a TV show is aboard Babylon 5. And it is perfectly shown what power lies in the hand of the media. If they want to they can twist every fact into its exact opposite. In the eastern bloc there was a joke: Russians and americans do a race. The americans win. But when it comes to the news it goes like this: "In a race today the russian team achieved a very good second place. The americans however were only the last but one."

[DJ Doena]

Disc 3

Atonement

Synopsis: Delenn is called back to Minbar. Her clan will decide if she should be allowed to marry a non-Minbari. She has into go to the dream oracle and relives the events that lead to the Earth-Minbar war. Meanwhile Sheridan sends Dr. Franklin and Marcus to Mars to bring news and make contact with the Mars resistance.

My opinion: Great episode which fills the last holes about Delenn's involvement in the Earth-Minbar war and a great explanation why The merging of Human and Minbari souls began a thousand years ago. Loved it

Racing Mars

Synopsis: Dr. Franklin and Marcus arrive on Mars and make contact with the resistance - or at least they try to. Meanwhile Ivanova suspends Sheridan for 48 hours from active duty, he hasn't had a free day fro more than nine months.

My opinion: It's an OK episode. Not much to say about it.

Lines of Communication

Synopsis: The problems of Minbar are getting worse. The conflicts between the warrior caste and the religious caste becomes more violent and Minbar stands on the brink of civil war. Delenn is forced to meet with a race called "Drakh". Meanwhile Franklin convinces the Mars resistance to work with them and stop the terrorist bombings on the Mars colonies.

My opinion: Delenn has to go to Minbar to fight for her planet, Sheridan has to go to Earth to his planet. It's a sad episode because even with the ended war there are still many open wounds that must heal and many conflicts left to be solved. One asks oneself if it will ever going to end. It's the same question as in real life: Will there be ever a time where there is not a war or fight going on on this planet?

Quote of the episode:
Delenn (to Sheridan): "Curious thing about Humans. Minbari cities remain untouched and unchanged for centuries. I leave for three days and you redecorate."

Conflicts of Interest

Synopsis: Garibaldi has to smuggle his former love in and out of the station. Meanwhile Invanova tries to find a power source for their news broadcasting system.

My opninion: One asks oneself what the Psi Corps did to Mr. Garibaldi. He is so hostile towards his former friends and colleagues he won't get any help from them in the near future. Nonetheless it was a good episode especially the ending with the newly installed broadcasting system.

[DJ Doena]

Disc 4

Rumors, Bargains and Lies

Synopsis: Sheridan tries to get the League of Non-Alligned Worlds sign a defense contract that allows the White Star fleet to patrol along the borders. And he does that in an very unusual way. Meanwhile Delenn (as representative of the religious caste) negoiates with Neroon (as representative of the warrior caste) in secret to end the fully outbroken civil war on Minbar.

My opinion: The episode is a great mixture of humour and seriousness. It's funny to see hwo Sheridan drives the league into the illusion that there is a new enemy to make them sign the treaty. And it's great to see how the mutual adversaries Delenn and Neroon work together to help their people. And then you realize that Neroon is going to betray Delenn. Very sad.

Moments of Transition

Synopsis: The religious caste has to surrender to the warrior caste. A place is chosen for the surrender. A place of great historical meaning from the time before Valen founded the Grey Council. Meanwhile Lyta is desperately looking for a job when Bester comes along an makes a proposal.

My opinion: While the Lyte storyline wasn't that interesting, the events back on Minbar were quite fascinating. One episode you are to believe that Neroon betrays Delenn. And the next you learn the plan hidden in another plan. It was a very good ending for the character or Neroon, an end worthy of a true warrior. And the end of the episode promises a great storyline for the next episodes.

No Surrender, No Retreat

Synopsis: After President Clark ordered the killing of 10'000 inoocent people on refugee ships, Sheridan is no longer willing to stand by. He prepares an attack agains Earth Force ships that carry out such illegal orders. They are going to retake the colony of Proxima 3, then Mars and finally Earth. A fleet of White Star ships and Starfuries has taken course to Proxima 3.

My opinion: Brother against brother. Civil war. The Minbari just had their own civil war, but it didn't feel as real as this one. This is probably because I - the viewer - am human. Of course I know it's only a TV show but nonetheless a battle between humans feels much more real than the war amongst the Minbari castes. And you hope with Sheridan that the crew of the destroyer can evacuate before it explodes. A worthy episode as name--giver of the season.

The Exercise of Vital Powers

Synopsis: Garibaldi has arrived on Mars and finally meets the head of Edgars Industries, William Edgars. And Edgars fills him in on his thoughts and worries about Clark, the Psi Corps and Sheridan. Back on Babylon 5 Lyta is able to awake the teeps that were "modified" by the Shadows. Sheridan needs them for a certain task in the war to free Earth.

My opninion: A quieter episode but nonetheless an important one. Garibaldi decides to capture Sheridan and hand him over to Clark. What the hell did the Psi Corps do to him that he would do such a thing? The interesting question is: How many decisions made Garibaldi on his own and how many was he forced to do due to his Psi Corps reprogramming.

[DJ Doena]

Disc 5

The Face of the Enemy

Synopsis: Lyta and Dr. Franklin have arrived on Mars with a shipload of frozen teeps who were altered by the Shadows. Meanwhile Sheridan is lured to Mars were his father is held captive and Garibaldi learns of the plans that William Edgers has for the teeps.

My opinion: Garibaldi is fucked. He cannot be held responsible for his actions but nobody will believe him. And why? Bester! But seriously: I can understand Bester's motives. He cares a lot about "his" teeps. Although it's hard for me to understand why both Edgers and Bester see the teeps as a different species.

Intersections In Real Time

Synopsis: Sheridan is being interrogated.

My opinion: Short synopsis? Yes. But great episode. It's practically a two man show featuring Sheridan and his interrogator. But Bruce Gray plays his role perfectly. I wouldn't want him to interrogate me. ;-)

If a fifth season would have been for sure at this time, this episode would have been the season finale. But since it wasn't for sure, JMS wanted to make sure that his story is properly finished.

Between the Darkness and the Light

Synopsis: Garibaldi can convince Lyta, Franklin and the Mars resistance that he was reprogrammed by the Psi Corps. Then they try to break out Sheridan. Meanwhile Ivanova has to deal with advanced Earth Force destroyers that are anhanced with Shadow technology.

My opinion: The race for Earth is coming to an end. But as Indiana Jones said "That's usually when the ground falls out from underneath your feet". And while they technically had won the battle they had heavy losses. In my opinion it was necessary to see that Sheridan's forces are not entirely unbeatable, that makes it more believable.

Quote of the episode:
Ivanova: "I am Susan Ivanova. Commander. Daughter of Andrei and Sophie Ivanov. I am the right hand of vengeance and the boot that's gonna kick your sorry ass all the way back to Earth, sweetheart. I am death incarnate.  And the last living thing that you are ever going to see. God sent me."

Endgame

Synopsis: The final attack on Mars and Earth begins. First the Earth destroyer fleet over Mars is taken out with the help of the frozen teeps, then Sheridan takes on Earth directly. Meanwhile, Marcus is making a hard decision.

My opninion: "Prepare for ramming speed." Sheridan is also aware of the third principle of sentient life (see "A Voice in the Wilderness"). He would have sacrificed himself. He did it before on Z'ha'dum and was ready to do it again. Great episode, although it was a bit implausible that nobody on Earth was able to deactivate the defense grid.

[DJ Doena]

Disc 6

Rising Star

Synopsis: Marcus sacrificed his own life to rescue Ivanova with the alien healing device (see "The Quality of Merci"). Sheridan has to answer for his actions against his own government. Meanwhile Garibaldi is on the search for Lise Hampton-Edgers and Delenn makes a proposal to EarthGov.

My opinion: The great storylines are over. The Firt Ones are gone. Minbar is peaceful again. Earth is free. Mars is free. Everytime I see that episode I know it's over. Yes there is another season, but it isn't the same anymore. A very good second to last episode.

The Deconstruction of Falling Stars

Synopsis: In german the episode is called "In Hundred, In Thousand Years" and that's pretty descriptive. The episode shows what will happen over the next year, in a hundred years, in five hundred years, in a thousand years, in a million years.

My opinion: As I explained earlier JMS wasn't sure whether there would be a fifth season. The final episode "Sleeping in Light" was shot with the fourth season. But then it became clear that JMS got the OK for another season and SiL was moved to the end of season 5. As a replacement this episode was shot. Most people don't like it but I always thought it to be a good episode. I really liked the university discussion, the abbey and the end of the episode.

Quote of the episode:
Last man on Earth: "This is how the world ends. Swallowed in fire, but not in darkness. You will live on. The voice of all our ancestors, the voice of our fathers and our mothers to the last generation. We created the world we think you would've wished for us. And now we leave the cradle for the last time."

Season analysis: Another great season. Second only to the third season. Both seasons togaether are one of the best pieces of Science-Fiction I've ever seen.

[DJ Doena]

Season 5: Wheel of Fire

Disc 1

No Compromises

Synopsis: It is planned that the inauguration of President Sheridan will be take place on Babylon 5. But there is someone who has a faible for dead presidents. Meanwhile Captain Lochley arrives at the station as a replacement for Commander Ivanova. Also a group of telepaths arive and they are not Psi Corps.

My opinion: It was an ok introduction to the last season and I really liked G'Kar's way of getting the ceremony done.

The Very Long Night of Londo Mollari

Synopsis: One of the two hearts of Londo has given up and while they wait for a transplant, Londo lies in a coma where he has to face the things he has done or not prevented.

My opinion: A walk down on the sin road. I am not much of a fan of any dream or coma episode, they are often strange (and supposedly intended to be that way), but I don't like the idea that I have just to decide    subconsciously to wake up and suddenly wake up.

The Paragon of Animals

Synopsis: Sheridan tries to convince the members of the Interstellar Alliance to sign the Declaraton of Principles. But there is some resistance to do so. Meanwhile a planet on the border of Drazi space is attacked by Raiders and they ask Babylon 5 for help.

My opinion: This one as a fan of speeches I liked a lot. The writers did a excellent job in putting those words into G'Kar's mouth. Although I found it a bit unrealistic that the Drazi could be suddenly a thread to a large Whitestar fleet, even when they ambushed them.

A View From the Gallery

Synopsis: We watch the events of this episode through the eyes of the maintenance people Mack and Bo who work on the station And they have to repair all kind of things while an unknown force is attacking the station.

My opninion: Great episode. To switch the view from the main characters to some "by-standers" was a fantastic idea. Of course they had to cross paths with the mains, but the focus remained on them.

Quote of the episode:
Mack (to Bo about Londo and G'Kar): "So, how long you figure they've been married?"