Babylon 5 The Complete Fifth Season: The Wheel Of Fire

Wow. Finally. Closure. What a ride. What an epic story. And now to wrap it up. It's hard to believe it had consumed the past few years of my life, but it was an interesting ride and worth those special Straczynski moments along the way. So concludes my viewing analysis of Babylon 5 The Complete Fifth Season: The Wheel Of Fire.

As you know Babylon 5 Season Five was definitely not ranking up there at the top of my list. In fact, though my grading probably doesn't reflect it in retrospect with comparison to Season One, it was my least favorite of the five seasons. This, of course, puts the much maligned Season One above it slotting it into the four hole for me. I suspect, again in hindsight, I would appreciate Season One now even more than I did when I first viewed it as some here have suggested. Season Five cemented, for me, that the Psi Corps angle was my least favorite portion of the series. I simply could not appreciate that thread when it stood out there entirely on its own most notably in Season Five. Woven throughout the series in dribs and drabs as connected to The Shadow War story it was perfectly measured. The mystery of Lyta and the connection to the Vorlons was a delicious tease. When Byron [ugh!] was added to the mix and it became Psi Corps-heavy it lacked a certain something for me, call it the magic, call it Babylon 5-lite. Again, that's me and that's my entirely subjective take. Season Two, Three and Four were where it was at for me. Season Five ended with some strength following a fairly large dull period. However there were some strong moments to be sure. How would you rank the five seasons?

The DVD Box Special Features includes all-new, digital, widescreen transfers. Seriously, I never could see it in the picture quality of this series. Dated or not, it's a pretty poor transfer. It definitely needs to be revisited by someone and given some tender, love and care. I'd even love to see a Star Trek-styled Remaster with some touched up effects. There's an idea. I doubt Blu-Ray will ever happen for Babylon 5. It would be a pleasant surprise if it ever did. There's the Soundtrack Remastered in Dolby Digital 5.1 as well. The documentaries worth a look include Digital Tomorrow and Beyond Babylon 5. I actually went to check these out for you, but realized once again that I LOST MY FREAKIN' DISC 5! Dang! I am really not happy with myself, but I really have to get over it. Anyhow, it wraps up with a few deleted scenes and some gag reels.

Farewell Babylon 5. You'll be gone, but not forgotten. Besides, maybe I'll hook up with Babylon 4 and time jump back to the beginning somewhere down the road.

Coming Soon: Babylon 5 Big 10 Episodes. Get your lists ready comrades!

B5 S5 Ep22: Sleeping In Light

Babylon 5 ends "in fire."

Drum roll please..... Yee Haw! We made it! The final episode of Babylon 5. As we know, Season Five, Episode 22, Sleeping In Light, was actually slated to be the final entry in Season Four when it was still not yet determined there would be a Season Five. Fortunately Babylon 5 was picked up for a fifth season and this was shuffled to the back end of Season Five, while Season Four ended with The Deconstruction Of Falling Stars. Both entries take place in the future, while the aforementioned episode took place in the far distant future, Sleeping In Light appears to take place in the not-so-distant future. From the looks of it our friends have aged, so let us conclude with the calming title of Sleeping In Light. It's interesting to note the title of this final episode appears right at the very beginning leading me to believe we will not see the standard opening credit sequence we've come to expect.

The year is 2281, twenty years following the establishment of the Interstellar Alliance based on Minbar. Garibaldi narrates dreading the arrival of this day. With Sheridan resting beside Delenn grey of beard we hear the voice of an old friend, Lorien. This is the day we knew would come. This is the day Sheridan would die. It was way back in Season Four, Episode 4, Falling Toward Apotheosis, that Lorien gave some of his lifeforce to Sheridan to prolong his life. Sheridan sacrificed his life in the battle against evil Kosh a.k.a. Ulkesh by channeling his inner Kosh. Sheridan wakes knowing the day of his expiration is upon him. God, that's got to be an awful feeling. One thing is certain, Delenn and Sheridan are still very much together. Their love has endured. Delenn sits upright concerned for her husband's health. You can see it in her face. She, too, has been counting the days.
*

The aged John Sheridan is a silver fox of regal splendor. He is a robed leader and his wife Delenn remains by his side. They sit by a Minbari window. Sheridan tells his wife he can feel it in his blood and in his bones. His time grows short just as Lorien had promised it would. Sheridan refers to Lorien saving his life on Z'Ha'Dum, which resulted from his leap off of that balcony in Season Three, Episode 22, Z'Ha'Dum. I know I mentioned Lorien gave some of his life-giving power to Sheridan following his battle against Ulkesh. So which it is? Did he save him twice? Nevertheless, he definitely was saved on Z'Ha'Dum and you'll recall a number of philosophical exchanges between Lorien and Sheridan at the beginning of Season Four in The Hour Of The Wolf and Whatever Happened To Mr. Garibaldi? consecutively. Quite possibly he was saved twice. Time is up apparently and the message has been delivered to friends. Delenn and Sheridan look on as the sun rises.
*

Next, ahhh, the return of Claudia Christian as our beloved Ivanova. It makes sense she is here given the episode was slated for the end of Season Four. In a way, it also feels that much more nostalgic moving the entry here since it has been some time since we last saw her face. Seeing her we realize how much we have missed her. It would not have had the same impact in Season Four. Ivanova is a general now. A Ranger bursts into her office with a message. She must report to Minbar.
*

Vir is now a man of confidence and a bit of a player as he would have it. With two Centauri women in his bed, the new Vir is significantly more self-assured than the Vir of old. He is summoned to Minbar. I believe Vir is now the Centauri emperor. He would no doubt be keeper-free I suspect thanks to the understandably absent Londo. Londo was choked to death by his friend G'Kar in Season Three, Episode 17, War Without End Part Two. I'm not sure about G'Kar's cloth wrapped eye in the aforementioned entry given the fact he received a fine prosthetic eye in Season Five, Episode 14, Meditations On The Abyss. I can only assume that potential future once presented has been altered, but we don't know how. This is left to some interpretation.
*

Garibaldi sits and reads the paper. It was funny to hear him mention the Dodgers. I suppose their franchise is alive and well in 2281. How about the Boston Red Sox? I sure hope those damn New York Yankees have gone bankrupt and folded. Franklin, the chief of xenobiological research, is apparently visiting Garibaldi and has returned from playing a tennis match with Garibaldi's teenage daughter. They receive word on Sheridan's condition/ status.
*

On Minbar, Franklin looks at Sheridan as a physician. Sheridan asks, "how long have I got?" Franklin suspects four, maybe five days remaining. How exactly could he know? What seems to be the problem here? Delenn and Sheridan prepare in their hearts, but Sheridan prefers celebration over long faces. Later, the group of guests dine and laugh. It is clear Londo, G'Kar and others are absent, but Stephen Furst does a beautiful job with his scene. This is one of those shining moments I will miss.


*

That's enough to choke up the softies, especially when Franklin moves to toast Marcus and Ivanova jumps in. That was special. The reunion truly is a celebration as all are united and embrace their friendship.

Susan Ivanova leaves the room for a moment emotional in knowing her friend John Sheridan will die. I recall, as you will, Ivanova's reaction to losing Sheridan and believing him dead following Z'Ha'Dum. She was always his loyal second-in-command and loved him dearly as a friend. Those things don't change even with the passage of time. I'm sure there are friends you have you feel just the same about despite not seeing them with the distance of years between you. Delenn understands what must come, but she remains strong in knowing he will be gone. She tells Ivanova how she has had twenty years to talk about it and prepare. Wow.

Can you imagine knowing your end date? Can you imagine knowing that day is upon you? As you know, I'm always thinking about death and the finality of it. You think about it, you prepare in your own way to accept such ends and yet you don't know when it will come. No matter how much you plan for it, is any one of us ever prepared to go? Maybe these things have a way of working themselves out. I'm not interested in finding out anytime soon.

*

Delenn speaks of how much she will miss Sheridan. Boy, I know how much I miss my father and think of him from time to time. He's been gone from my life now for about six years. Honestly, it seems like he passed just yesterday. You remember the smiles. You remember the laughter. You remember the embrace of a goodbye. What you wouldn't give to experience all of it once more sometimes. Ivanova talks of losing so many in her life. "There's no one left to play with, there's no joy anymore." I suppose it must feel that way for the aged who lose so many in their lives when they feel they are all alone. Ivanova must be in a tough place after losing Marcus so many years ago. Ivanova mentions David. David is the son of Delenn and Sheridan. He is on a ranger training mission. It was John's wish his son not be there when he passed so that he would remember him as he was. I definitely understand that. Still, if you have lost loved ones like me, even when my father was frail and a shadow of what he once was, I still remember the strapping, vibrant man. Those final moments in the end did not take those wonderful memories away from me. I remember his strength as clearly today as if it were yesterday. I remember handing him a Del's Lemonade while he delivered mail on his route. I remember his appreciation in July with the beads of sweat on his brow and that satisfied smile. Yes, those don't go away.
*

Two years ago Sheridan declined re-election to the Presidency of the Interstellar Alliance. Delenn was appointed his replacement. As a result, Sheridan headed up the Rangers. Delenn has asked Ivanova to be his replacement, a worthy successor. Ivanova heads off to do some sleeping. An anxious Sheridan asks if Ivanova will take the position. A hopeful Delenn tells him she needs some time.
*

Delenn and Sheridan retire for the evening. As he sits upright in bed I couldn't help but wonder what it was like to be sitting there waiting to die. He is taking it rather well. Sheridan shares a story of his father with Delenn about how he used to take him for a drive when he was a kid. He tells Delenn he needs to go out one more time for a ride to feel the space beneath him. Sheridan considers his end on his own terms. He's "always thinking strategy" as Delenn puts it. Come the next day, Sheridan wants it to be a happy one.
*

The next day dawns and Sheridan suits up in his old uniform. Delenn greets him in the hall. She hasn't seen him in his suit in quite some time. "It's a pretty day. A perfect day for a Sunday drive" speaks Delenn. I had a moment. I never expected their embrace goodbye to touch me, but it did. It was powerful, very emotional. I was choked up. I thought no way is this episode going to get me. It's not going to happen. Up until now I really wasn't feeling any kind of emotional connection of the sentimental kind. I was wrong. This is a poetic stunner, a real beauty given all that has come before and affected these two individuals. It resonates because of the bond they share and all they've been through.


*

If ever I questioned their love and their devotion to one another and I recall times along the way that I did, I do not question its authenticity now. This felt real, genuine. I had my doubts about Delenn especially, as you know, but no more. That was painful [in a good way]. That's just crushing.
*

Sheridan returns to Babylon 5 one last time. He arrives at a very quiet station. Budget cutbacks have resulted in plans to shut down the station. Babylon 5 has been decommissioned and broken down. Sheridan grows tired and faint. The station is like a ghost town or more appropriately a ghost station. None of the thriving stalls of business dart the halls. There is no hustle and bustle of the alien cultures that once was in the Zocalo. It is a desolate place. Sheridan recalls moments from his time aboard the station. Zack surprises Sheridan with a personal greeting. The two reflect on the station. Sheridan remembers Lorien and knows the moment when he will "simply stop" is upon him. Zack escorts Sheridan out.
*

Sheridan departs in the White Star. His destination is Coriana 6, where they won the Shadow War. Sheridan arrives there. Meanwhile, back on Minbar, Delenn reaches for her missing husband while she sleeps, but he is gone. That moment is powerful in illustrating how hard it is to let go of those we are so used to holding onto. You really feel for Delenn in that moment. Poor thing.
*

Sheridan orders the computer to turn off all systems as he grows tired, weak and begins to fade. Like something magical out of E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, Sheridan is greeted by the glowing arrival of Lorien. Lorien informs Sheridan "they" have been waiting for him beyond The Rim. Lorien tells him his journey has ended and "another begins." It is time for Sheridan to rest as a beautiful, white light brightens his face. I can only imagine the whole sequence was fairly symbolic of Sheridan's passing into the next life, or in this case The Rim with Lorien and company.
*

Ivanova narrates indicating Sheridan's ship was recovered days later. His body, of course, was never to be found.
*

Back on Babylon 5, J. Michael Straczynski himself, as a member of the "shut down crew" turns down the power. His part in this was bittersweet. It had to be bittersweet for him. It's the perfect decision to be apart of the series in this way as the man always firmly at the helm, steering the series and in charge of its inevitable fate. As the shuttle exits the station along with other space vessels from a variety of alien races, the station ignites in the final act as it explodes illuminating the darkness of space. I wonder why you would have to turn off the power if you planned on blowing the station to smithereens anyway? I know, I'm being a smart ass. Besides, there's far more beauty including the Straczynski moment.


*

"Babylon 5 was the last of the Babylon stations. There would never be another. It changed the future. And it changed us.... Mostly though, I think it gave us hope that there can always be new beginnings ... even for people like us." It might seem Ivanova might find a little hope in this message for her future.
*

Every morning Delenn would watch the sun rise on Minbar, with John, in spirit, by her side.

The final montage of images is comprised of a rapid fire flash of all those involved in the making of Babylon 5. The final credits really close out the series recalling all of the actors involved in its making. The split screen emphasizes how far each actor had come as the character they played. The changes in many of the characters' appearances is sometimes dramatic as well. It was interesting to note how they slipped a little additional information in there about Marcus. Ivanova has requested he not be properly buried in the hopes of "new resuscitation technology." Poor Ivanova, she is lost without Marcus and in a way you can see how alone she looks without him in her eyes. Of course this information was documented many years ago and perhaps she will move on with some closure. Still, as far off in the future as Babylon 5 takes place there's still no such resuscitation technology and I don't believe there ever will be. Cryogenics is a nice bit of science fiction, but if you're dead you're not coming back.

What a universe. What a journey. What an epic tale.
*

I enjoyed the reflective mood of Sleeping In Light. It was lovely and thoughtful and sincere. It's a real tribute to Straczynski's writing and the caliber of talent in his cast that really delivered such a fine slice of closure. While state-of-the-art at the time, the special effects were always a bit distracting for me in general, but it's the story and acting that make it so special and ensure the epic tale's sense of timelessness.

Sleeping In Light: B+
*

I do hope to bring you some of the remaining Babylon 5 films as well as the Crusade spinoff in the future. My sincere thanks to all of you who have been part of the journey and enjoyed the ride with me throughout my personal Babylon 5 discovery. There have been some terrific comments and insights along the way. The Babylon 5 faithful are a loyal, thoughtful base of science fiction thinkers.

And on that note I leave you with a nod to our dear boy Garibaldi. Ebbity, ebitty, that's all folks!

B5 S5 Ep21: Objects At Rest

Because You Demanded It! [As Marvel's Stan Lee always put it].

It almost feels strange to return to Babylon 5 nearly two months after finishing my thoughts on Babylon 5, Season Five, Episode 20, Objects In Motion. It feels like I hitched a ride on a Minbari Cruiser for two months only to return to visit old friends I haven't seen in months and kind of miss. It's funny how weeks can feel like an eternity. Time flies as they say. There's no doubt about it.

Well, I finally succumbed to iTunes and a download of Episode 21 and Episode 22. It kills me to do that after reviewing box set after box set on DVD, but the fact of the matter is I simply have not seen the box set on sale. On a brief getaway over the summer I lost my Disc Five from the Babylon 5, Season Five DVD Box Set and it just never turned up. I hoped. I prayed. I performed small prayers and the occasional dance in front of my goldfish tank. It just wasn't meant to be. You watch, I'll probably find it days after hitting the Publish Post button on this post.

So my fellow B5 friends please excuse any degradation in JPEG picture or MPEG video quality on any of these clips I might present to you. They have been extracted from my Dell flat screen computer. In the end I think the results were fair, but the quality did suffer a touch.

So, where were we? When we last left off there were many goodbyes. Well, I've re-briefed myself by taking a look at my last entry. I know some of you mentioned the wisdom of watching these episodes while connections and mythology for the show were still fresh within my mind. You're not wrong and I have a feeling this was a good idea. So without further adieu, Babylon 5, Season Five, Episode 21, Objects At Rest.

They never did play up the angle of former husband and wife. Not much was learned about this relationship in the end.

Our entry opens on the bridge of Babylon 5 as Sheridan and Lochley reflect back on what has been a full year together aboard the station. Wow. Has it been that long? "Where does the time go?" considers Lochley. Sheridan looks into the blackness of space and indicates time is out there on The Rim and "beyond that" the truth is out there. I knew the truth was out there just like The X-Files always said. I just didn't know it was out there. Sheridan refers to a new headquarters on Minbar for The Alliance and it looks as though he'll be leaving soon as well. I was moved by the sincerity in Sheridan's voice. These are hard things to handle going forward. I was not as moved by Scoggins in her role. I suppose she just never had the time needed to win me over and become the fully formed character I wanted to believe in. She always sort of scratched the surface.

It's kind of surprising these two were married once, but in some ways they seem to have come to terms with their relationship as friends and professional comrades.

Elsewhere Vir informs Ta'Lon that G'Kar has gone. As Vir exits, Ta'Lon enters G'Kar's room. The voice recognition system in G'Kar's quarters recognizes the voice of Ta'Lon and a message is retrieved for delivery to him by G'Kar. I'm assuming this may be the recorded message G'Kar intended for later delivery noted in Season Five, Episode 20, Objects In Motion. It would seem the message was intended for Ta'Lon. How's my memory guys? I'm going to miss the emotional currents that run through this series. Seeing some of it play out here makes me realize how much I have missed it stepping away for so many weeks. So much science fiction is fast and flashy, albeit very well-executed, but rarely deep [Battlestar Galactica], while others attempt emotional, but fall flat on poor dialogue and bad ideas [Stargate Universe], not so with Babylon 5. G'Kar asks that Ta'Lon speak for the Narn in his absence. It's a rather moving request. G'Kar has always trusted Ta'Lon as a friend and has faith in his fellow Narn's strength as a warrior. G'Kar feels he himself had become "more priest than warrior" in the end. G'Kar indicates copies of his message will be forwarded to Sheridan and the others. They will accept him. His final words are important. "Serve our people reasonably, fairly and with honor."

Meanwhile, Dr. Franklin is notifying his replacement, Dr. Hobbes, of her new responsibilities. I can't help but imagine she might have been a fine doctor on Babylon 5 for five seasons. Franklin bids farewell to Sheridan over a serene score by Christopher Franke. Clearly, this entry too, appropriately, is also about goodbyes once again. It makes sense. We'd hate to see a whole set of new threads develop with only one episode remaining.

Delenn is visited by Lennier who is offering his services to help see to Delenn's safe return home. As he looks upon a framed picture of Delenn and Sheridan you can't help but sense there is something clearly not right upstairs in the ol' Lennier wiring. He appears on the verge of a breakdown over his jealousies and personal demons. I suspect he's preparing to do something fairly boneheaded.

Sheridan is briefed by Number One who you'll recall is Garibaldi's replacement as Sheridan's right hand [wo]man. She is the new head of intelligence in place of Garibaldi. She doesn't hold a candle to the man in the humor department. She has no sense of humor. She's stiff as a board. Speaking of Garibaldi, to my surprise, he is still very much with the program, literally. Garibaldi has called a meeting as head of Edgars Industries. He has optioned to promote several mid-level employees who are unafraid of speaking up about problems within the company. He expects all to speak out, stand their ground, make their cases and if they're right they receive a bonus. And if they're wrong he will "eat you for lunch." That's our Garibaldi. Granted, I'd like to think he performed a little background check on them. No one wants a bunch of YES men, but heck who wants a bunch of bitchers, moaners and complainers either. Dr. Franklin departs the station.

Elsewhere on the station Sheridan is annoyed the media knows more than they should about his departure time to Minbar. He wants to keep things quiet remember. No fanfare. Delenn steps out the room as they prepare to leave and Sheridan is left alone with Lennier. Sheridan, now alone with Lennier, appears a bit awkward and has difficulty making eye contact. There's no question Sheridan, in his heart of hearts, suspects Lennier has a thing for his wife. Nevertheless, he does welcome Lennier to stay with he and Delenn anytime he's on Minbar, in a separate room of course. So much for Sheridan's quiet, unfanfare-like exit. ISN has broke news of their travel time and Sheridan is now expected to say a few words to all those who are there to see him off. I suspect leaving isn't easy and certainly emotional, which is why he wanted things kept hush hush. Delenn steps up and speaks on their behalf. She talks of how hard it is to say the human word "goodbye." There is no such word in Minbari, because the idea of meeting again is immerse within their culture. "We will pass this way again."

A less emotional farewell is bid to Zack, but he was a steady, good guy throughout the series. Aboard the Minbari craft Delenn inquires as tot he whereabouts of the Captain. As it turns out the Captain was instructed by Lennier to remain on Babylon 5. Lennier felt it would be "more symbolic" if Sheridan and Delenn captained the vessel for the return home. Hmmm, I will take him at his word on that one, but it feels peculiar. Sheridan looks at the move positively and considers it to be a fine idea. I can't help but feel as though Sheridan handles Lennier with kid gloves so to speak. He's got to be thinking Lennier is a bit on edge and sort of uneasy about his marriage to Delenn. Anyway, something smells fishy about this. I may be overreacting here, but it just doesn't feel right. Sheridan brings about the White Star and it's kind of funny to see the faces that populate the helm of Command and Control on Babylon 5. It's a bit like looking at an alternate universe of a comic book. There is a cast of familiar faces and new faces, promoted faces and veterans. It's interesting. Lt. Corwin, Number One, Vir, Lochley, Zack, Ta'Lon and Dr. Hobbes. This is the new face of Babylon 5. It's funny to note all of the replacements that will keep the seats warm for those who have departed from Londo to G'Kar and Franklin to Garibaldi. Lochley respectfully salutes Sheridan who in turn does the same. The White Star departs.

Sheridan goes for a stroll. He's a bit restless in knowing his departure from the station is permanent. You can understand being fidgety on that one. A coolant leak in the weapons system is discovered. Sheridan rushes to the aid of a downed ranger due to the coolant vapors. An emergency door seals him inside with the ranger. Lennier arrives and Sheridan is relieved, but finds Lennier hesitates to open the sealed door and runs away from helping him. Was the coolant leak manufactured? Was this simply an opportunity for Lennier? I don't think it was manufactured. Sheridan is stunned Lennier runs but must move to plan B. Sheridan uses the Ranger's fighting pike to attempt to shatter the glass emergency door. Lennier is clearly torn and shaken by his decision or indecision. His actions tear at him. Meanwhile, Sheridan breaks through the glass with the weapon. "I can't" declares Lennier. Lennier realizes his error in judgment and rushes to aid Sheridan. What's intriguing here is the timing of the events. Obviously, Lennier makes the right choice too late as Sheridan has inevitably rescued himself. How will it all play out? Wow. Here is the conclusion as the two meet face to face.

Will the shame of his actions be too much? To be honest, Lennier has been conflicted throughout much of Season Five, but he did appear to reacting a touch out of character. It just didn't feel like Lennier, but I suppose crimes of passion can happen even for the Minbari. Bloodshed is certainly no stranger to the Minbari based upon its history, but Lennier is a bit out of sorts. It's a tough one to reconcile.

Delenn reaches out to Lennier who has hastily vacated in his vessel out of shame. Delenn and Sheridan speak. She knows Lennier has had feelings for her. All of his writings and actions to this point indicate what Lennier has done is contrary to who he really is despite his objection to their union which is noted in his writings. His actions do seem a bit fanatical. It was, if you will, a weak moment, in Delenn's opinion. In truth he would not want harm to come to them and it is truly fascinating to see Delenn loyally advocate for Lennier at a moment of near death for her husband. Yes, he wouldn't want to harm you Delenn, but Sheridan is another story.

This scene, this predicament really spoke to me. I was having a moment one day while in the shower about this very issue. I was considering how we are judged by our actions and how we strive to do the right thing day in and day out. I have high standards, for myself and for those around me. A decision was made by someone in my life who I knew to be a decent man and who I knew made a decision that was contrary to his record of actions and behavior. I had thought about all of the good and all of the right that person had done as long as I had known them and yet he made a foolhardy decision that suddenly everyone around him was judging him by. All that had gone before that was good in his life seemed to be meaningless. It meant nothing. It was seemingly forgotten. Yet, a single action, a single decision was all that anyone was willing to define that person by. I found it troubling, so much so that it consumed my thoughts for a time. Certainly the poor decision is always relevant, but often doesn't warrant excommunication. As I said, I showered thinking of it. I suppose we all do some of our best thinking in the shower. There's something about the hot rush of water over the old birthday suit that allows us to open our minds isn't there? I had applied what happened to that man to myself. I thought what if all that I had done so far in my own life had been suddenly washed away by the stupidity of one decision. It could happen. It could happen to any of us. We're not immune. We're human. I try very hard to lead a good life, be a good man, do the right thing and yet one thing could suddenly wash it all away. It's a hell of a place to be walking that kind of thin line. I knew based upon my contemplation on that issue I was not willing to cast that man aside based upon one event, based upon a single act. He was not to be discarded to me. I pray we're all given a second chance, maybe even a third if such a thing happens in our lives. Let's just hope forgiveness is an option. I digress a bit there. Shower over. But this sequence captured those same thoughts I had some days ago.

There's a bit of Sheridan, Delenn and Lennier in all of us. It's a fascinating question and one to always keep in the back of our minds. Is there room for redemption? Is such a possibility available to all of us? I'm not so sure. Politics calls and Sheridan is willing to cut Lennier some slack in the hopes of setting things straight. Sheridan is a good man indeed. He kind of goes with the logic of 'what happens on the White Star stays on the White Star.' What a guy!

On Minbar, Sheridan is greeted by Emperor Mollari, but how? I was even more shocked to see him [over Garibaldi]. I thought for certain there was no way Londo could ever leave Centauri ever again. I suppose his keeper is still keeping tabs on him allowing him to travel accordingly with a short leash. "There's politics and then there's friendship" points out Londo. Funny, but a great fact of life.

That is an interesting moment. Clearly, Londo is hampered by his spidery, creepy-eyed keeper. I believe Delenn was significantly touched by the Shadows and their dark forces enough so that she can sense the keeper and you'll note the haze of the creature's outline in the aforementioned clip. I'm still trying to grasp the significance of that moment. Could it have been her encounter with the Drakh emissary in Season Four, Episode 11, Lines Of Communication? Londo gives Sheridan and Delenn a gift, an urn, to be opened when their child, male or female, turns sixteen years of age. Will it be chock full of bravari?

Delenn is summoned away and in her quarters a holographic image appears of Lennier to greet her. Lennier apologizes for his betrayal. He never intended harm. All of it was a mistake. Lennier will never forgive himself. He informs Delenn he is going away to seek redemption. He asks Delenn to apologize to Sheridan for him as he is ashamed to face him himself. Lennier says goodbye, in a manner of speaking, afterall there is no goodbye on Minbar. Lennier knows he will not earn her love, but he will earn her forgiveness. It's good to see some resolution to this, but you have to wonder if Lennier would allow his pain to cloud his judgment this severely. It was an odd way to go out with the Lennier thread and an unfortunate ending for such a loyal cohort. Having said that, it does clear up the visit by Morden to some degree in Babylon 5, Season Five, Episode 8, Day Of The Dead. Though his date of termination is still unknown based upon those ghostly events, he did indeed betray the An'la'shok by his horrific action. Granted, if reflection upon his death was intended to be figurative, Lennier may have indeed died in a manner of speaking after all and is looking for rebirth here.

Those one-eyed critters are certainly one strange bit of impressive science fiction indeed.

Delenn and Sheridan see Londo off. He tells them both they are his "friends." It's goodbye again, but without the politics. As Londo exits, those who he serves grant him one hour of freedom including a drink. "Now we await the passage of years" informs the creature upon Londo's shoulder. They can talk!? Inside the urn on Minbar lays a keeper sitting and waiting for the day it is to be awakened. Creepy stuff. Yikes! It's a special delivery for Sheridan and Delenn's child to be. So I suppose the question is, did Londo know thus what he brought forth to his friends? Did he bring such a vile gift unknowingly? I'd like to think he didn't realize what was inside that sealed vessel, but something tells me he may have known under orders from his keeper. Gosh, what betrayal that would be if it be so. Further, why? What plans do the Drakh have with this maneuver? Is this payback on behalf of The Shadows to get Sheridan? Is this the precursor to a third installment to a war without end? They are a patient lot as they put it.

At night, Sheridan wakes to record a message. Sheridan reflects on Lorien's life-giving power. If all remains true, Sheridan has roughly nineteen years remaining to live. His message is for his child to come and the day he or she will come of Earth age, twenty-one. Sheridan will not be there when that day comes. He shares his wisdom in the message. His thoughts are juxtaposed with images of all those who have touched his life and ours. It is a moving tribute to the show. Delenn will be his/her greatest champion and advocate. Her courage and compassion are unmatched. Wisdom and fire come in equal measure within Delenn. He really speaks of his love for her. He speaks of mistakes. We all make them. Some will be huge. You can learn from them. You can become stronger from them, but falling down is inevitable. No matter where you are home is always there for you. Home is not a place. It is where passion takes you. You will make friends and lose friends. The process is difficult, but change will result. Life is change. Everyone will find their own way, and their way may not be yours. Treasure that. In the end, it will all work out. The road is never easy. Stay true to what you believe and things will work out. "Never start a fight, but always finish it." Delenn enters and she and Sheridan recall the advice of Sheridan's father. Some of it is cliche, but it is also true. The part about mistakes certainly references what I mentioned earlier about our own imperfections.

There you have it friends, episode 21 of Babylon 5. It was like slipping into a comfortable pair of shoes. It was also a bit like never having stepped away. Objects At Rest felt good. Season Five really began to turn around for me around Darkness Ascending. On the whole, there was a gentleness and a feeling of reflection about the entry, the Lennier incident aside [strange way to go out on Lennier]. It was a pleasure seeing these characters coming to terms with their lives. I enjoyed the look back and the always shining little moments from J. Michael Straczynski. This is a fairly solid way to go. One left, can you believe it? Actually, I suppose you're finding it to be something of a small miracle I got this post finished.

Objects At Rest: B

B5 S5 Ep 20: Objects In Motion

It's definitely very hard to say goodbye to those you care about. Babylon 5 has been busy preparing alot of goodbyes of late.

Three to go. Wow. It's been a blogging journey. The last two entries have been very good. We kick things off with a visit from the illustrious Number One. She is now an elected official within the provisional Mars government. Mr. One Night Stand, a.k.a. Dr. Franklin, observes her entry aboard the station as he looks her over like a dog in heat. Zack asks if he knows her. BOY DOES HE EVER! INTIMATELY EVEN! She's a very tall woman as Dr. Franklin is made to look like a small, wee, little man next to her [slight exaggeration]. It must be those long, luscious legs. Actually, we've never seen much of the girl. She wears far too many clothes. She's looking for Michael Garibaldi. Well, he's busy undergoing detox with Lise's supervision. Franklin escorts Number One, real name Tessa, to Garibaldi's quarters. Tessa is an ice queen and not as attractive for it. I remember thinking she was more attractive than she really is. She brings comforting news to the bald one. Someone is going to try and kill Garibaldi and Lise soon, but who?

Garibaldi in a very intimate relationship with the porcelain throne. Don't you just hate those nights when you get the bug?

Boy oh boy. Welcome to all the happy, happy, joy, joy of the always happy times on Babylon 5, with Season Five, Episode 20, Objects In Motion. Things are moving along and that much closer to the season and series ending finale. It was interesting to note the story is penned by J. Michael Straczynski [as always], but along with Star Trek writer Harlan Ellison [The City On The Edge Of Forever]. Director Jesus Salvador Trevino also returns. This is welcomed news.

G'Kar is still being placed upon a pedestal. Lyta sits alone in the brig. G'Kar pays her a visit. G'Kar discusses his offer about leaving the station. She is aware of it. Lyta assumes G'Kar wants her close to him for his race's vested interest in telepathic DNA. She assumes he has ulterior motives about travelling away from the station with her. G'Kar is disappointed she feels this way toward him. She certainly doesn't know him as we do. He is certain his decision to bring her with him was the right one following his conversation with her. It is clear G'Kar feels she needs help. He is someone who likes to fix things and he has faith in people. He's a true believer.

Sheridan speaks with Garibaldi. His plan is to give Lise and Michael undocumented quarters so they may operate under the radar. Next, they will give an elaborate going away ceremony. The hope is to draw out the bad guy. It was Zack's idea and Garibaldi is proud of his former apprentice's strategy. Sheridan tells Garibaldi it's time he was taken care of for a change.

Elsewhere on the station, a male security guard is stabbed to death in the elevator by an unknown assailant. The baddie takes one of the com links from the deceased's hand. Zack and Franklin find the dead guard later.

The ice queen speaks with Sheridan. Apparently Mars is treated like a colony still. Everything goes through Earth. Number One feels it is part of an Earth plan to create conflict on Mars. Truthfully, the girl playing the part of Tessa is a terrible actress. She's more like a number three or four, maybe even a number five starter. Sheridan has some ideas.

Meanwhile on the station the assailant/ murderer continues to modify the com link device.

A Narn corners G'Kar upset that he is planning to leave the station. He tells G'Kar he spent all of his cashola, a.k.a. Narn currency, to get to him, to see him on the station. He feels G'Kar owes him something. He tells G'Kar without him, without the followers he is nothing. G'Kar, as only G'Kar can, and I would too, tells him, "than I am nothing." I always enjoy the profound words of Straczynski channeled through G'Kar. The Narn follower tells G'Kar he is the one who is the maker of the statuettes. G'Kar is angry and snaps the statue in half telling him to go home and walks away. The male Narn looks rather offended, almost as much as G'Kar. This could get ugly with the follower embarrassed.

By the way, Zack has gotten a bit curmudgeony on us yes? Still, Zack has become a bit of a gumshoe noting the molecular bonded security gaurd's com link is missing and has been substituted with a phony one complete with backing adhesive. Nice job Zack old boy. Zack knows the jig is up. The hitman is in the house.

Supporters are chanting for G'Kar. Sheridan recognizes both G'Kar and Garibaldi in a ceremony of distinction. It was rather odd that the audience was almost entirely comprised of Narn. That's what you get when you're not worshipped like a god as in G'Kar's case. This is the kind of thankless job poor Michael Garibaldi has had over the years. There's little thanks in honest public service. He's definitely done something he's loved because there is no glory in it. The security team is in position awaiting the assassin. I must say, nothing about this concept of a hitman seemed fresh. It felt old and stale as an idea and seemed a little forced. Anyway, the assassin tries to make his move, but is taken out. On the flip side, G'Kar is at the stand and nutsy fagan the Narn worshipper makes an effort to kill G'Kar calling him unworthy. He takes his shot as Zack saves G'Kar leaving Lise exposed who is shot instead. Oh boy, nothing worse than a zealot scorned.

In medlab, Garibaldi visits Lise as does G'Kar who is clearly worried. G'Kar feels just terrible as only G'Kar can. Garibaldi feels he can and will take matters into his own hands and out of the blue goes rushing out of medlab. Huh? Anyway, Garibaldi tells Zack he wants five minutes with the monkey who tried to shoot him and Lise. Inevitably he slams the guy after telling Zack he wouldn't lay a finger on him. So much for that honest public service. Yup, that's Garibaldi. I like him.

Garibaldi brings the scumbag into Lyta's cell and he is on a mission. Lyta uncovers the fact that the board members at Edgars Industries sent the dirt bag.

As G'Kar packs his things Sheridan visits. G'Kar has a survey ship ready to take him away. This is an ever so sweet moment between Sheridan and G'Kar. It is sincere, insightful moments like this that I enjoy most about Babylon 5 and it is moments like this I will miss. Well, I can always revisit my own blog as I tried to capture most of those moments along the way. : ) [Shameless plug].

That message G'Kar records should be a joy to watch. I look forward to seeing it.

Lise pulls out of the PPG shoulder shooting event. Garibaldi wants to marry her as soon as possible and he does. It's one of those quickie-style weddings like in a Las Vegas chapel with an Elvis for a reverend.

G'Kar and Lyta prepare to leave the station on what hopes to be an extraordinary journey together. They are a rather sweet twosome, but then G'Kar does have that affect on people. He even pulls out some of the best in Lyta that I've always liked in her. She had been harder and thicker-skinned through much of Season Five and he seems to have found her sweet spot again [that didn't sound right]. I'm sure G'Kar wouldn't mind a romantic link. Perhaps there is something more intimate in store for them given their earlier conversations when Lyta alluded to her "pleasure threshold." It piqued G'Kar's interest and mine back in Babylon 5, Season Five, Episode 15, Darkness Ascending. There is a bit of a beauty and the beast quality to them. G'Kar speaks of the adventures ahead of them. Lyta humorously replies, "I smell another book coming." I can't help but wonder if G'Kar's character was channeling elements of Straczynski himself throughout this series? I had first thought it was a bit sad that no one was there to see Lyta off. She seemed so alone. She appeared to be feeling alone, but fairly resigned to her fate. I wasn't going to mention it, but that's the feeling I had, then lo and behold Zack arrives. He always had a soft spot for Lyta. They never did get on the right footing or the same page. Their timing seemed to be off in the end. Of course, the dreadful Byron had to show up along with that dreadful storyline for a good portion of Season Five. Arggh! I would rather have seen a date in the life episode between Zack and Lyta. Sadly, he never actually says goodbye to her. He does in his own sweet way and quietly to himself just by showing up and watching from a distance. So, he sees her off in his own sweet way. I wonder if our fiery, red-haired telepath knew he was there? There is a good chance she sensed his presence even though it doesn't show. That might have been a nice touch. A pause would have worked beautifully for me anyway.

So G'Kar and Lyta leave the station in a Minbari survey vessel and one that I don't believe I've ever seen before.

As you know, Lise is the owner of one of the ten biggest companies on Mars in the medical research company Edgars Industries. Garibaldi Babcoms down to the board room on Mars. The board expresses its false concern for Lise, but YOU KNOW our Mr. Garibaldi, he doesn't pull any punches. He lets them know what he thinks of their little, death panel. They of course have their own useless little internal investigation going on. They did have the head of security fingered, but as luck would have it, he hung himself and met an unfortunate early demise. Ah, such a pity. You see these internal things don't always work in science fiction because people end up dead and that's not good at all. His suicide note claims full responsibility and I'm sure he wrote it. Of course it's impossible to prove unless you have a friend like Lyta. Well, little old Garibaldi has all of the information he needs to black mail this nasty bunch of cronies. Garibaldi has assigned Number One to head up intelligence for the Interstellar Alliance. She will be Garibaldi's replacement. Garibaldi tells the board there are new plans for Edgars Industries. There is also an account that will be paid out to hitmen to take care of the board should anything happen to Lise or Garibaldi other than dying of "old age." Nice touch. Resignations must be on the desk toot sweet. Now that's a good business move.

Franklin dines with Number One. They talk about what they "had." What did they have apart from a piece of ass and a hot shower? I really wasn't feeling any chemistry between them. It was a clunker of a scene, but the not-so-apparent, sexual chemistry is there for the two and they will spend the next hour to and fro as the 'objects in motion' mentioned in the title of this episode. Oh! Ba dump bump!

Delenn returns to the station. Sheridan greets her. They are planning to leave and Sheridan will miss Babylon 5. G'Kar and Lyta are gone. Londo is gone. Now Garibaldi and Lise are leaving. This is yet another touching goodbye.

Garibaldi is always such a tough guy. It's a welcomed sight to see him when he's soft and having a hard time letting down those defensive walls. Still, you really get the sense from that sequence that as much as he loved those people around him on Babylon 5 he's never actually allowed himself to stop and be happy. You really get that sense here [based on five seasons of solid character development] and he's finally letting himself take a chance on love. It also feels like these actors, like the characters, are saying goodbye forever. Pretty sweet stuff.

While it wasn't a great episode, there were a couple of standout moments for me that made it worthwhile. I can't help but wonder thinking of all the characters here as they say their goodbyes if the loss of Claudia Christian as Ivanova didn't have some impact on the show for this final season's flow. It certainly didn't help Straczynski's cause, that and losing his scripts of course. Amazing, just two to go. I feel like I'm going to walk off the station and say goodbye myself. There was certainly an air of finality to the proceedings here. It does feel as though we may never see some of these characters again. It could have ended here.
*

Objects In Motion: B-

Unexpected development: Houston, we have a problem. I took my Babylon 5, Season Five, Disc 6 [containing the last two episodes] with me on vacation, and well, I have somehow lost it. I can't understand it. I never lose anything. If you knew me people I don't misplace anything, hardly ever. I'm thorough! Can you freakin' believe this? I feel like such a Minbari- a real bonehead. I have searched high and low and I cannot find Disc 6. It must have slipped out of my laptop case or something. I'm not quite sure what I'm going to do. If I can get Season Five on box set for a sale price I'm going to grab it. I know iTunes offers the episodes at $1.99 a piece, but I know the quality of the shots and images just won't be there. Arggh! I'm so ticked off right now and only two left.