B5 S3 Ep21: Shadow Dancing

Things are getting quite cozy as we heat up to the season finale.

What a terrific angle on B5 with my favorite saucer in the foreground. This was a refreshing new opening shot. Did anyone ever see the silly, wacky fun of the Jim Nabors/ Ruth Buzzy vehicle The Lost Saucer or Far Out Space Nuts with Bob Denver [of Gilligan's Island fame]? These were both released in 1975 from The World Of Sid & Marty Krofft. They had a zany world of imagination indeed with Land Of The Lost [1974], Sigmund And The Sea Monsters [1973] ["and Johnny & Scott are friends"], and H.R. Pufnstuf [1969]. That was some good, old-fashioned, family fun-oriented kids science-fiction! Good times. They just don't make stuff like that anymore. In fact, the quality of output began to slide for Sid and Marty with their newer stuff Bigfoot And Wildboy [1977]. Yup. The end was near. Alright enough of that.

It’s pretty clear to me that J. Michael Straczynski is a closet fan of the Gibb brothers. Who isn’t? Let’s face it, for what possible reason would you title your episode after Andy Gibb’s 1978 hit single of the same name, Shadow Dancing? Okay maybe because the enemy is known as The Shadows and perhaps intergalactic space battle and dogfights is a bit like dancing or a ballet of fire as they say. All of that is simply coincidental I'm sure. No, I don't seriously think he likes the Bee Gees, but he might.

Delenn and Lennier call a council meeting with the alien worlds to assure their trust and support. The Shadows are preparing for an offensive strike and they need to be ready. Sector 83 is building with refugees and ripening in size for the enemy's assault. They receive the allied support with reservations.

Sheridan calls upon Ivanova and Marcus to take out the White Star as a scout ship to alert the Babylon 5 forces when The Shadows’ arrive. They are to maintain radio silence. Sheridan’s words are not exactly inspiring, but he is a realist. He tells them they have a 50/50 chance of making it. The alliance fleet will be on standby.

So here we are in the throes of the Shadow War 2260 with Babylon 5, Season Three, Episode 21, Shadow Dancing [or Andy Gibb Would Be Proud And Possibly Scared]. I must tell you. Being a big fan of the up close and personal dialogue between characters I’m also a big fan of the up close and personal hand-to-hand styled combat situations in my action sequences. I’d love to see The Shadows and Rangers go hand-to-hand in the future, but whether that’s to happen or not remains to be seen. We shall see.

Melissa Gilbert is in the credits as Anna. Cool! I love her. I especially loved her in Little House On The Prairie. Watching her on that show was like sitting with a big bowl of popcorn and another whopping bowl of ice cream. That series was complete comfort food as a kid. I know this is [another] key moment in the series, plus we all know Gilbert and Sheridan are married in real life which adds a nice touch to her appearance. Straczynski goes back to reference the video transmission scenes picturing Sheridan’s wife exhibited way back in Season Two, Episode 2, Revelations [I believe], but this time inserting Gilbert in place of the unknown actress. Anyway, it’s going to be interesting here.

Sheridan offers the White Star crew an Egyptian Blessing: “May God stand between you and harm and all the empty places where you must walk.” That's a great blessing.

I really liked this scene between Garibaldi and Zack and my patience over Franklin’s walkabout falls very much into Zack’s own train of thought here.



Man, Franklin is seriously screwed up to be going on and on like this. I mean, he’s sitting in the Down Below like a freak under a sheet in a near fetal position for cryin’ out loud. He looks like he lost his best friend for Pete’s sake. Pull it together already!

Marcus offers to teach Ivanova Minbari and even tells her she’s "beautiful" using the language, but, of course, she doesn’t really know what he has said to her. Damn it Jim! She's a telepath not a translator!

Delenn intimates a little rendezvous later now that she and Sheridan are growing closer. A man and woman spend three nights together where the female observes the male. It’s a little more complicated, maybe a bit strange even, but essentially they sleep together. I think. Not the best pickup line if ever there was one. Normally if someone tries seducing you with that kind of plan you can expect an icepick and hatchet to follow. Anyway, this will unite them within a single bedroom just in time for Anna’s arrival. You will recall the vision from Season Three, Episode 17, War Without End Part Two. I must admit, and I’ve said it before, I’m just not all that moved by the Sheridan/ Delenn connection. It just doesn’t feel quite right or natural to me. I know I'm in the minority here. But trouble is on the horizon. I can feel it.

In the Down Below, Franklin intervenes in a brawl and gets a nice, cerated knife stuck into his gut. He’s bleeding badly and the guy he aids gets up and just leaves him there to die. It was a shocking moment. Still, it would seem to me his actions seemed very much in character for the man and I kept wondering why he was out there walking still. Perhaps the moment helped remind him of who he really is inside. You can't deny your nature. Resistance is futile. How’s your walkabout going now? He is literally bleeding to death. As he looks at his bloody hands he says “this is not good.” You’ve got that right Jack.

With Babylon 5 preparing for war Franklin sure picked a fine time to go for a stroll to find his innerself. Is this anytime for a personal discovery? Now he’ll need time to heal and recover if he’s saved at all and I’m sure there’ll be plenty of incoming wounded to compound the problems.

The White Star picks up a Shadows’ scout vessel. In turn the enemy craft picks up the White Star’s presence and a battle ensues. The scout ship attempts to get off a signal to The Shadows’ fleet. Ivanova and company jam its signal while moving to stop it.

Meanwhile, Franklin weakens and is visited by three ghosts. Joking. He is visited by his conscience. I like this side of his character. It’s far more sensible and thinking clearly as he says to himself, “Now look where it’s got you,” referencing the walkabout. His crisis of conscience is a battle of Franklin versus Franklin. Franklin really lets Franklin have it. Franklin knows Franklin is right, but Franklin isn’t backing down from really driving home the point to Franklin that Franklin is being a right pain in the ass. Are you with me here? I’m really glad Franklin arrived to harass Franklin out of his lethargy, because I thought the whole act was bit of a crock or cop-out for Franklin. Here’s Richard Biggs with fellow actor Richard Biggs as Franklin and Franklin. They give two very BIGgs performances quite frankly.

Thankfully Franklin's conscience wills himself to stop running away. Amen that’s over.

As the White Star battles, each ship exacts some damage. Suddenly, out of nowhere, here come The Shadows. Ivanova somewhat astonished simply says the words, “That’s alotta ships.” Marcus seconds that emotion with “that’s a bloody awful lotta ships.” It is a massive armada and they ain’t kidding. Damaged the White Star is like a sitting duck. With no jump drives they are helpless.

Ivanova: “Well, who wants to live forever?”
Marcus: “I do actually” [that is classic!]

With the signal launched here comes the cavalry. A jumppoint opens and the battle rages between the Shadows’ forces and the Rangers/ allies. Delenn shows Sheridan the hologram deck of the Minbari cruiser’s command and control center. They are surrounded by the battle visually and can give orders from that station to all. The battle is fierce and visually very impressive for its day. The computer animation has come a long way from the initial stages of its use in Season One. I remember way back when thinking the effects were just slightly better than the floating cookies [meteors] you could find on the ceiling of Space Mountain at Disneyworld. It wasn’t good. There have been vast improvements along the way. Without giving a play by play you can see it for yourself. Also, those flying saucers have some pretty smokin’ cool laser green fire zaps. I don’t think I’ve ever mentioned it, but I love when The Shadows go into cloak mode and kind of waver on the screen like ripples of water. That is so very cool and ranks right alongside when they shrivel up and die.

Folks! I desperately tried to work in a Shadow Dancing music video by Andy Gibb to some of the action footage from this installment, but alas it was not to be. I just couldn't time it right and it just didn't work so I had to let it go as much as I wanted it to happen. So, the good news, I spared you from the torture of one of my random and shameless Babylon 5 Music Videos.

Franklin is found and rushed to medlab along with the returning wounded. The battle was apparently not a complete loss, but less than a rousing success.

Out in deep space a Shadows vessel releases a spacecraft from its fluid-black skin. High Definition would really help make out the shapes of these smaller objects on screen, but it's a minor gripe I know. At first I thought it was a modified Starfury craft, a Trojan horse of a sort, but then I realized I hadn’t seen Anna Sheridan yet up to this point and it would be her.

As Sheridan, Ivanova and Delenn deliberate what’s in store next for them from The Shadows, Ivanova asks a great question. Why haven’t they attacked Babylon 5? Sheridan flashes to a black & white image of Ivanova [with a crow on her shoulder] asking him, “Do you know who I am?” Sheridan says he keeps seeing images ever since Kosh died. He sees himself in a Psi Corps uniform. In another image Garibaldi tells him “The man in between is searching for you.” Then Ivanova, again, with face netting telling him “You are the hand.” He saw these very moments earlier in Season Two, Episode 11, All Alone In The Night [boy, that seems so long ago]. The images are very odd and I love the crow and dove touches. There must be some mystical significance to the crow and dove. I love those Ivanova lips. In classic Straczynski fashion, Sheridan says “signs, portents, dreams” referencing and weaving in the show's past and follows with “next will be reading tea leaves and chicken entrails.” Funny that, though I don't believe the remaining Season box sets use Chicken Entrails as a subtitle. They are all certain that their station is quite vulnerable.

In the end Franklin is a better man and despite the incredulity of his walkabout process in my mind it certainly worked to further his character. I think. But then again he just wants to "do it again."

So, finally, Sheridan and Delenn are in the dark in that bedroom. Son of a gun it was all coming together. The image Delenn had in War Without End Part Two was about to come to pass. Anna Sheridan was now making her way aboard Babylon 5. WOW! This is going to get really interesting. As the final minutes proceed enter Melissa Gilbert as Anna Sheridan as she walks through that door and ther snowglobe drops. Brilliant! Ivanova is alerted to her presence. The proverbial shit hits the fan and Anna Sheridan is in the house.

I had a few questions. How in the galaxy did she know Delenn’s name? Is she an agent of The Shadows now? Is it really her? That was as solid a cliffhanger if ever there was one. AWESOME!!! Simply Awesome.

Shadow Dancing: B+

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Up Next: THE BIG Z!

B5 S3 Ep20: And The Rock Cried Out, No Hiding Place

The moment many had been waiting for...

We are entering the final, big three episodes of Babylon 5, Season Three with Episode 20, And The Rock Cried Out, No Hiding Place [or My Pet Rock Never Cried].

Z MINUS 14 DAYS. The countdown has begun moving us closer to the season finale, Z’Ha Dum.

Commander’s personal log, December 7, 2260. Once again, I do enjoy the narration provided by Ivanova. It lends a bit of weight and darkness to an already dark storyline. I like it.

Telepaths are being dispatched to a variety of races that are working within the alliance against The Shadows.

The narration points to Sheridan’s fatigue as a man seemingly locked within at the War Room complete with 5 o’clock shadow to prove it.

Franklin is still on walkabout. I found this thread to be slightly humorous. It’s like, 'get over yourself already'. Please find yourself for the love of God! It’s like, buddy, how much walking can you do on a cylindrical space station. The answer: apparently a lot of walking.

I do believe Brother Theo may be Santa Claus.
Hey, there's ol' Brother Theo! Louis Turenne always lends a great turn to the show. Ivanova refers to him as “annoying” and “comforting.” I’m more inclined to go with the latter or at least a pleasure to have around. She follows that with an observation on G’Kar being much the same way. I’ll admit, I love G’Kar but she has a point. He does possess the ability to be overbearing and have his “annoying” moments. But heck, nobody's perfect! To prove the point he lays it on pretty thick here to Ivanova making a case for an academy award. Check it!



Cut to Londo informing Vir adamantly that G’Kar must be dealt with. The man is a Centauri obsessed to be sure. Vir tries to deflect his desires by making the point that there is a much larger war between races raging. Vir also reminds Londo that G’Kar has asylum on the station. Londo is like a dog with meat and you cannot pull that meat away without a big, old, fat bite out of your hand. Londo has a plan to get G'Kar back to Narn for execution. Get G’Kar off the station and he’s an unprotected sitting duck. Man he is one cold bastard resolute and insistent on getting Citizen G’Kar. G’Kar clearly remains his one loose end it would seem. It's interesting how similiar in their loyalties to their people they are. G'Kar remains Londo's archnemesis, but there’s something about the two of them. It’s like they are ying and yang. They sort of complement each other. Anyway, he tells Vir he wants the plan to become reality.

William Forward returns as Lord Refa and he, like Turenne, is always a terrific guest on Babylon 5. Erick Avari guests as Rabbi Leo Meyers, but I’m not sure why they really needed him unless he plays a role much later. He didn’t have much to offer. Mel Winkler is pretty convincing as Reverend Will Dexter. It's a solid guest cast for the entry just the same.

Sheridan remains steadfast by the War Room as he attempts to make some logic out of the illogical Shadows’ attack pattern. They appear random. The stress of work and the fact he hasn’t slept since Kosh died are shared with Delenn. He's under a lot of stress and may need to get laid.

Londo plants information with Vir to notify G’Kar Na’Toth is still alive and being held captive on the Narn homeworld. This is sure to get him out of the sanctuary provided by the station. The two offer positively brutal but delicious performances.



I just couldn’t imagine Vir doing that to G’Kar given all he has done to save the Narn and sacrificing his own marriage and even more importantly looking into the wounded eyes of G’Kar once before in Season Two, Episode 21, Comes The Inquisitor. Remember that powerful elevator sequence. I’m having a hard time seeing him do that to G'Kar, despite the fact Londo has him essentially against a wall or bent over a barrel, however you look at it.

It is uncovered through Lord Refa’s visit with a Centauri minister that the noble house of of Refa and Mollari are essentially divided and feuding. Apparently the minister is here to get to the bottom of which party is primarily responsible for the schism. Who is the most credible? Or, who is the most masterfully conniving and deceitful and clever in their subjugation of the truth? I put my money on Londo always. Not because I'm smart, but because he's in the opening credits every season. : )

By the way, I had forgotten Stephen Furst played Flounder in the film Animal House [1978]. That is a classic American film! Anyway, Flounder [a.k.a. Vir] goes to visit G’Kar at his quarters and while awkward they speak. We never know what happened behind those closed doors but did he do the right thing? It’s left to our imagination. Vir reports back to Londo ashamed. Londo and Vir argue in the hall in front of Centauri guards. One of the guards exits to the right, presumably loyal to Refa, to inform him of Londo’s plan.

Sheridan, Delenn and Ivanova have dinner with the spiritual leaders who offer them underground data from Earth via data crystal. Wouldn't that be something if we all carried data crystals rather than thumbdrives? Its purpose could be two-fold and serve as jewelry while aiding your work.

G’Kar approaches Garibaldi for his help. G’Kar needs to be smuggled to Homeworld and he needs a ship. You know Garibaldi likes his boy G’Kar. These are my two favorite characters.

Meanwhile, Vir is kidnapped and questioned in a dark room by Lord Refa. Refa extracts the information via telepath.

Classic dialogue from the Reverend who meets with Sheridan:

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“The legs get funny when you get older. You’re sitting they wanna’ stand. You stand they wanna’ lay down. You lay down they wanna’ go for a walk.”

Sheridan shares his burdens with the reverend in confidence. The reverend suggests sharing the responsibility with someone so as not shoulder it all alone. He tells Sheridan how “she” loves him. For a moment, since it was not explicitly mentioned, I thought what if the “she” he was referring to was Ivanova. But that just cannot be. It makes no sense in the traditional scheme of things, but Ivanova does care about Sheridan deeply. Sheridan sort of snaps at the reverend in defense of Delenn ensuring he does not add additional stress to her plate.

Z MINUS 13 DAYS

G’Kar is now in a bunker on Narn Homeworld. The skies are filled with ash and red in tone as particles float through the battle-weary Narn atmosphere. Unbeknownst to G’Kar, Refa readies to take him down with the information he has obtained. I thought the coloring around the Narn bunkers looked suspiciously reminiscent of that found on Mars in Season Three, Episode 8, Messages From Earth. It certainly stands to reason that Narn is essentially a dustbowl at this point to be sure.

Delenn reviews the MASSIVE War Room data map and agrees there is no pattern concerning The Shadows’ attacks at first glance. Upon further review on a computer grid, Sheridan and Delenn realize there is an area completely unmolested by The Shadows at the center. Could they be intentionally sending a message to races in the hopes of lulling them into a false sense of security? Could a safe area be drawing them to certain doom? Sheridan and Delenn believe the alleged safe haven will be dealt a lethal blow when the population within it builds great enough to make it a trap. I really didn’t understand Straczynski’s use of Nagasaki and Hiroshima in comparing the situation through Sheridan. I was thrown off slightly as he attempted to illustrate his point with those examples. The data is isolated to determine a major offensive is nearing. “The only way to beat them is to think like them,” says Sheridan to Delenn. She, of course, misunderstands what he is saying and a short bit of cutesy comedy ensues resulting from it. Sheridan tells her “that’s what I’d do.” The scene is played for cute but to be honest, given that kind of monumental discovery, and what's at stake, I didn’t feel it was good timing for funny. That's just me.

Londo rescues Vir. Meanwhile down on Narn Homeworld.

Refa: “You’ve just taken your final step as a free Narn.” Gadzooks! I was definitely nervous about this.

Then the story throws me a complete and utter curveball that I never saw coming. Refa tells the Centauri guards to move on G’Kar. No action is taken and he asks what they are waiting for. G’Kar presents the transmission in his possession, which is a holographic message from Londo. Londo informs Refa the guards are loyal to him and makes it clear to him his life will end because Refa took from him “that which I loved.” WOW! Big mistake Refa! You trumped G’Kar in Londo's priority manual. He must REALLY HATE you! I was stunned. What a powerful, tremendous revenge tale. Now, things get even more interesting when Londo pins the annihilation of the Narn race on Refa. Is that true? No and Yes, kind of. An argument can be made both ways. So is he lying? Yes and no and he masterfully manipulates the situation to his benefit. The final minutes here are fascinating and I kept imagining what G’Kar might be thinking. Potentially I think G'Kar was clearly willing to make Refa a fall guy to save two thousand Narn as promised by Londo. G'Kar has had no no reason to love any Centauri up to this point. That was clearly a valued exchange to him and I believe it was a personal decision in the best interest of his people not to know the truth. Maybe, in fact, he knew the truth but was willing to turn a blind eye and not ask too many questions given Refa’s questionable anti-Narn character. So Londo personally assigns blame regarding the deaths of millions of Narns to Refa. I thought, ‘you bastard!’ That’s a pretty sweet political move Mr. Londo. Londo ensures not only that Refa dies through this but that his family too is brutally shamed. Never forget, not unlike Londo, G'Kar wants his people free!

So Long Refa. We hardly knew ya. U will be missed.
G’Kar gives his final approval but to keep his head attached for identification. Ewwww. Seeing Refa attempt to run in slow motion, while intercutting to the gospel service aboard Babylon 5 was effective directorial, story execution genius. Lennier reminds me of the damn Saturday Night Live Church Lady singing in those pews.

Here is a powerful excerpt reflecting the title taken from that well-written gospel number:

"There's no hiding place down here. Ya know I went to the rock to hide my face, but the rock cried out no hiding place... you know the sinners gonna' be runnin'...their gonna' run to the rocks and the mountains, but their prayers will be too late. You know they forgot about Jesus...but they'll be running tryin' to find a hidin' place when it comes their time to die."

I don't know who wrote this piece, but it's damn good and sung brilliantly by the congregation. It really pulls together the dark nature of many of these characters and speaks volumes about the choices they're making. So the Narn pummel Refa to his death. I must admit I will miss infrequent guest William Forward. He was definitely one of my favorite recurring characters. He was so deliciously conniving.

It's funny, I was trying to make sense of the title apart from the gospel number's association with it and then it started to make sense. And The Rock Cried Out, No Hiding Place clearly alludes to the barren, dusty rock that has become Narn. It is a red-tinged wasteland of dust and rubble thanks to the carpet bombing of the planet by the merciless Centauri. It's one gigantic, lifeless rock and there is no place to hide indeed for anyone on this once thriving planet. I also got to thinking how ironic it was G'Kar and Londo were allied together essentially standing on G'Kar's planet. Londo bears much responsibility for getting them to this place. Still, could this be the seeding of a detente of sorts between the two? Could this be a warming in their relationship? Will a page turn in a new direction for Season Four? Intriguing. this was a pretty neat turning point.

Londo meets with the Centauri Minister and presents a crystal found on Refa [planted by G’Kar] that was perceived to have aided in the Narn resistance to assure Refa’s shame. Londo is wickedly fiendish in this episode and does a genuine hatchet job on Refa. He manipulates the situation masterfully. I was a little surprised. I thought it was tremendous political theatre, back door dealing, betrayal, backstabbing, murder, et cetera. It seemed a little out of Londo’s realm of attainment, but he proved himself to be a survivor. Why not mix the poison with that other poison cocktail he had planted in Refa’s system? Would that not have been easier? Still, this is fairly complex and a hell of a lot more fun to watch. Londo speaks with Vir who is furious he was used. Londo knew Refa used telepaths and couldn’t tell him the real truth.

Elsewhere, Delenn takes Sheridan on a magic White Star ride to introduce him to the newly created fleet of White Star vessels. The fleet will be piloted by The Rangers to fight The Shadows. Yee Haw! How can I thank you Delenn. Howsa 'bout layin’ a big fat smacker on my lips! The two lip-lock for the BIG ONE! It’s a well-lit BIG ‘OL FATTY FAT KISS! Whoa! Mama! It’s an intergalactic French kiss of epic proportions!

[The end credits note Wayne Alexander of Comes The Inquisitor fame played the part of a Narn named G’Dan]. Cool.

So this episode really had my mind in a pretzel, but then when I stopped trying to overcomplicate matters it became crystal clear. This is how my train of thought ran. How did G’Kar get this transmission into his hands? How did this plan come to fruition? Clearly the whole idea of Na’Toth, who went suspiciously absent in Season Two, was nothing more than a red herring. It threw me off the trail. G’Kar clearly went to Narn knowing she wasn’t there. Vir told him something behind those closed doors. Did Vir set him up to die? Will his conversation with G’Kar come back to haunt Vir later? I should think it might. Was I missing the obvious? Then it dawns on me, freakin’ Londo must have intervened and actually gone to see G’Kar to strike some kind of deal, some sort of temporary partnership, a bargain as only he can. In fact, he may have spoken with G'Kar prior to speaking with Vir, which means G'Kar may have been even more disappointeded by Vir's actions when he arrived at his quarters. I mean G'Kar looked visibly disgusted or troubled by Vir's arrival. G'Kar may or may not have understood the kind of pressure Vir was under. Could this all be referencing some of the “unfinished business” foretold in Season Three, Episode 17, War Without End Part Two? This was clearly some sort of cease fire between the two character actor titans given the win-win nature of the proposition for both G’Kar and Londo. The Narn benefited immensely from this decision. Londo, too, gets his revenge. He clealry must have gone to him. It has to be love and revenge trumped his rivalry with longstanding nemesis G’Kar. Wow! I had more questions than answers at the end of this one. These two characters are just wonderful and two of thebest ever written for science fiction.

This one ended very strong indeed.

And The Rock Cried Out, No Hiding Place: B
[The G’Kar/Londo/Vir/Refa thread was stronger especially in the end: B+ there]

Garibaldi Does The X-Files

Note how even Garibaldi gets creeped out by the puppet. Bloody no good puppets! Puppets are just no bloody good!

B5 S3 Ep19: Grey 17 Is Missing

"Say hello to my little friend[s]" - Smith & Wesson.

I have to confess, and I'm sure you can all understand, writing doesn't always just happen. I try to channel the flow of creativity with every blog entry, but there are times when, quite frankly, you just ain't feelin' it. It either flows pouring from pen to print or the creative well is dry. There are times I’m writing and I absolutely have to slog and trudge my way through it. It's like I'm at war with my keyboard. So I'm sure y'all have days like that when you probably don't wanna be writing, but you grit through it anyway sometimes with less than satisfactory results. I try to retain a quality entry but I have those grey days from time to time if you will. Speaking of which...

I have to tell you that I was quite anxious by the possibilities of the latest Babylon 5 episode based on the title alone. It held me captive with the promise things could be very interesting indeed. This was a heavily Garibaldi-centric episode and I love Garibaldi, but the man has to have decent material to work with to succeed.

Off we go with Babylon 5, Season Three, Episode 19, Grey 17 Is Missing [or A Nightmare On Grey 17] Too bad it wasn't Episode 17 or Grey 19. Sheridan, with new information at his disposal surrounding the success of his Lyta experiment against The Shadows, begins an aggressive recruitment program to formulate a tactical telepathic unit to assist in their mission. Recruitment is clearly difficult as potential candidates tend to bow out once they learn what their pre-determined role will be against the deadly Shadows. Obviously the pay isn't great and they tend to turn tail and run. Zack appears to be in charge of the program.

Sheridan suggests Ivanova contact Franklin for assistance. The doctor had information on underground telepaths. He feels its worth looking into for the next step in their cause.

Down in a manhole on Grey 17 an electrician is swallowed up by something mysterious. Wah-lah, he is now missing as well.

Back on Minbar Homeworld, Delenn is collecting Jeffrey Sinclair’s belongings when her colleagues suggest she become his replacement, the new Ranger One as the position is dubbed in layman's terms.

Zack reports to Garibaldi who is spinning the chamber of a classic Smith & Wesson .38 caliber revolver that apparently once belonged to his grandmother who was a Boston police officer or “slug thrower.” Cool. I love Boston! [Go Red Sox!] The Earth weapons were phased out and replaced with flesh melting PPGs. Zack informs him of the incident on Grey 17. Garibaldi agrees to check it out personally.

Garibaldi: “I like mysteries, but I hate Grey sector. I swear it’s like the Centauri Triangle in there. There’s always some damn thing goin’ wrong.” WOW! A Centauri Triangle! Is that like the Bermuda Triangle? It sounds cool. I'd like to see an episode in the Centauri Triangle.


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Ivanova finds Franklin. He’s still on his walkabout tour, which is now more like a withdrawal-about as he goes on solo detox from the stim use which really came to light in Episode 3, A Day In The Strife. I liked when he told Delenn he thought he had a problem at the end of Episode 11 too, Ceremonies Of Light And Dark [both from Season Three]. Gee, ya think. Franklin has the data Ivanova needs and he agrees to give it to her as long as everyone just leaves him alone. He seemed angrier than normal and clearly irritated. I’m not sure if there was something more to it. I can’t say that it was out of character, but he was clearly agitated in an unusual way. I guess that's drug use and withdrawal for ya.

Garibaldi speaks with a colleague who tells him there are only 29 Grey levels and Garibaldi knows that’s just not correct. He's certain there are 30. Garibaldi does an effective job of implementing good old-fashioned detective work and never takes anything for granted to determine where Grey 17 went. I love when he's standing in the elevator kind of laid back sort of passing the time. The guy is just too damn cool.

“Magic is fun when you’re dead.” That creepy little puppet totally reminded me of that 1978 thriller Magic starring Anthony Hopkins. I don't actually remember the movie. I just remember the puppet and those words. In fact I hadn't even realized it was Anthony Hopkins in that film. It just always comes back to the puppet for me. I hate the Chucky films for the same reasons. Terrible, little puppets with freckles are even worse. In fact, I hate puppets. They rank up there with clowns. Still I think I dislike puppets more than clowns even. Puppets are always trouble. Puppets=trouble+death. Now, mind you, I don't mind MUPPETS. They are sooo not puppets in the traditional 'scare-the-shit-out-of-you' sense and completely different, far different, Farscape different. We'll explore this someday when I get to Farscape. So Grey 17 is sooo not missing, it’s just kind of being by-passed. So what gives? And how the hell did someone pull that off?

Now back on Babylon 5, Delenn informs Sheridan of the good news. She is preparing a ceremony on the station to become the new Ranger Smith, er Rick, I mean Ranger One and Sheridan gives his full backing. She is worried some will not agree with her as the selection to lead. ENTER Neroon of the warrior caste. You remember good ol’ Neroon. Happy-go-lucky, my life-is-just-terrific Neroon. I wanna’ party with you Neroon. Yeah, that Neroon. He doesn’t like it one bit. He’s very unhappy [shocker] that a religious caste member is engaging in overseeing military actions without the input of the warrior caste. So he has a bone to pick with her- his bone. Delenn justifiably reminds him that the Grey Council of Nine opted not to act when given the chance. Neroon is a purist. He’s a kind of Aryan-type Minbari and wasn’t a big fan of Sinclair at the helm given he was human. Neroon is a true believer in Minbari code. He asserts the warrior caste should lead the Rangers. Oh and he starts name dropping guys like Valen [so funny, little does he know about Valen and Sinclair- quite amusing]. He says Valen would want it. It’s the law. Just a reminder: Worker, Religious, Warrior Castes. Delenn rightfully tells him he violated the law by rejecting the balance of the nine on Grey Council. Neroon counters with the fact Grey Council was disbanded. Man! You got an answer for everything boy [even if you’re arguments are a tad bit Neroon-spin]! He calls Delenn’s desire to lead, the act of a religious zealot. Hell, that’s the pot calling the kettle black. Neroon should be in the religious caste; ironically he’s more of a zealot than anyone. Neroon tells her to walk away or he will stop her “by any and all means necessary.” The phrase reference reminded me of the title to Season One, Episode 12, By Any Means Necessary.

White Star engineer and frequent party organizer Lennier.

So Delenn informs Lennier of her meeting with the hawkish, uncompromising Neroon. Lennier does not take it lightly. I was wondering if he might go all warrior caste-like on Neroon’s ass to protect Delenn. If Neroon would make a great religious fanatic, Lennier, too, would be a kick ass warrior. Apparently there has been no Minbari-on-Minbari murders in 1,000 years. Sheesh! What the hell was wrong with the guy 1,000 years ago who decided to murder someone and end the no-hitter? That’s a pretty good freakin’ record. He must have been a real marrow head to pull a boner like that! Anyway, the rules have changed with the council disassembled. She makes Lennier promise not to inform Sheridan about Neroon. Clever little Lennier promised not to tell Sheridan, but never promised he wouldn't turn to his old buddy Marcus. Clearly there is a real trust there. Lennier makes a great point. Apart from his personal concern for Delenn, should murder occur, it might spark a Minbari civil war between the three castes. It would be caste warfare! Get it class warfare - caste warfare! The One To Be Pitied didn't think it was funny. Okay. Lennier simply wants Neroon delayed so the ceremony can be completed, but warns Marcus that Neroon is a fierce adversary and lethal warrior [but, in other words, I'm willing to sacrifice you for the greater cause just the same]. The brave and noble Marcus is fearless, but as we find out not fierce enough for Neroon.
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I friggin' hate puppets! This could be one of the freakiest I've ever seen!
Garibaldi awakens after being knocked unconscious by the poison puppet dart. Now at this point I’m thinking Robert “Freddie Krueger” Englund should be making an appearance here some time soon. He does. He’s even got creepy old A Nightmare On Elm Street-like fingerless gloves to boot. It figures this guy would be hanging out with loons and a puppet. He plays Jeremiah and quite frankly it’s a pretty weak part with not a lot to work with in the dialogue department. He speaks all kinds of cultist gobbeldy-gook about the end of the world and going out pure and Stardust or something like that [referencing Delenn and Minbari beliefs] to Garibaldi while all of his Charles Mansun-like followers look on as if they're thinking, "when are we rolling out the Kool Aid?". I completely checked out of this scene. It was pointless or it felt that way.

Sheridan asks Delenn about her parents and she gives us a touch of her backstory here. She had strong parents whom she loved, but was separated from them at a very young age.

Meanwhile, the charismatic Jeremiah is holding Garibaldi captive in front of his captivated cult audience. I didn’t find him to be charismatic or captivating myself, but his followers are clearly intoxicated with him. I can’t tell you how closely Jerry Doyle reminds me of Bruce Willis. I know I’ve said it before and many feel the same and it’s no revelation, but there are moments when I swear you couldn’t tell the two actors apart. They say we all have a twin out there and Doyle and Willis are pretty damn close. So as his name suggests, Jeremiah is a slightly radical religious wacko in the vein of Marshall Applewhite, leader of the Heaven's Gate Hale-Bopp Comet cult group, who died in a mass suicide in 1997. If you recall, that group believed Jesus was in a spacecraft behind the Hale Bopp Comet. They needed to die so their souls could join the craft when it passed by Earth taking them to another galaxy called Heaven. Yeah, right, pour me that Kool Aid and sign me up! I'm surprised Jeremiah and his friends aren't in favor of wearing black Nike sneakers when they sprint off to the next life. Jeremiah's group is a certifiable cult of looney toons. Actually these guys do it right [more on that in a moment].

Marcus surprises Neroon and like Gandalf of The Lord Of The Rings he shall not pass! Marcus invokes “denh shah”- to the death! The battle begins. Delenn stands with pride at the ceremony while Neroon barely breaks a sweat. Marcus is bloodied and beaten senseless as he starts quoting Zathras when he loyally proclaims before his victor, “We live for the one. We die for the one.” It is at this moment Neroon understands that humans are willing to die for Delenn. Marcus unfortunately takes it on the chin big time to prove that point.

Back on Grey 17 Garibaldi finds the bloody clothes of the missing technician. He also hears a monstrous voice. There’s a creature loose on Grey 17. How it got there and got on board will forever remain a mystery to me. I’m sure Jeremiah and his rag tag group got it there somehow, but how is another question entirely. Still, this group has plans for a big demise. The creature is a Zarg. It is the cult’s belief they might be devoured and go to the next life pure, like the Minbari, or some such nonsense.

The cool thing for me was the Zarg. I love monsters! I LOVE THEM! The Zarg is also “one of the most dangerous aliens in the sector,” says Garibaldi. Damn! This should be good. So let’s see that Zarg! Ahhh! The Zarg is embarrasingly unimpressive. I mean Garibaldi blasts it in the face with a bit of pipe steam and off it scampers into hiding. COME ON! WTF!? It’s a fucking Zarg! Remember that bit about being one of the most dangerous creatures in the sector. Does that not hold any weight? I’d hate to see what the not-so-threatening monsters had to offer. If it’s dangerous I’d like to think it would take a little more than a blast of pipe steam to send it packing. Geesh Straczynski ya really had me up until this point. Did we run out of time or something? Did the effects department go on strike? Damn it! I was finally going to get a good look at a good old-fashioned, sci-fi monster and it’s a bona fide Babylon 5 dud. It’s a dude dud in a rubber H.R. Giger suit that had its nuts removed on Grey 17. You’re a flippin’ Zarg grow a pair pal. Alright having said all that I liked the name and the Zarg looked pretty cool for a guy in rubber. Still it was a wasted opportunity. perhaps if they had just stayed away from the full lens shot and worked with close-ups alone. I dunno. Maybe we’ll get to see a better monster in the future. Anyway, Garibaldi kills the seething, raging, fierce, beast of Zarg [not!] using the steam pipe and his Smith & Wesson slugs and downs the guy with frighteningly bad teeth in latex rubber. It was kind of Giger-esque, but definitely low budget Giger. I’m not really sure this was a very worthy thread.

Lennier goes to Marcus’ aid. His life was spared by Neroon. Interesting. In the end, Neroon visits Marcus “one warrior to another.” He has respect for him. Delenn and Lennier hear them laughing in medlab together. Neroon’s analysis was spot on. He essentially acknowledges he's been quite the asshole, noting how not right it was that he himself would be so quick to kill one of his own, while a human was perfectly willing to protect his people. Perhaps there is hope for Neroon. I still think it would have been fun if Lennier opened up his own can of whoop ass and I still don't want to hang with Neroon. Speaking of Lennier, there has to be something to that. How can Lennier be so warrior-like and be part of the religious caste? Did he get sent for retraining as punishment or something? By the way, Lennier could have so taken that Zarg with a handful of body shots with the old Lennier fists of steel.

Grey 17 Is Missing: C-
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I love Jerry Doyle, but boy was he forced at PPG point to work with some pretty dodgy material.

Top 50 Science Fiction Shows

This is a shot of the ceiling at The Star Trek Experience, Las Vegas closing in September.

This is a great list and here is the link to Boston.Com.

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Top 50 Science fiction shows are as follows [the episode shighlighted ar emy favorites]:

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50. Earth: Final Conflict

49. The Wild Wild West

48. 3rd Rock From The Sun

47. Buck Rogers In The 25th Century.

46. That Was Then

45. The Greatest American Hero

44. Lois & Clark: The New Adventures Of Superman

43. Nowhere Man

42. Science Fiction Theatre

41. Futurama

40. The Thunderbirds

39. The Man From U.N.C.L.E.

38. Batman

37. Space 1999

36. The Bionic Woman

35. Battlestar Galactica

34. The Avengers

33. Lost In Space

32. My Favorite Martian

31. Alien Nation

30. Voyage To The Bottom Of The Sea

29. The Six Million Dollar Man

28. Adventures Of Superman

27. Buffy The Vampire Slayer

26. Stargate Atlantis

25. The Jetsons

24. Wonder Woman

23. Tales From The Crypt

22. Andromeda

21. Quantum Leap

20. The Hitchhiker

19. Dark Angel

18. V

17. Firefly

16. Flash Gordon

15. Logan's Run

14. Star Trek: Voyager

13. The Outer Limits

12. Xena: Warrior Princess

11. Lost [no way.]

10. Sliders

9. Mystery Science Theatre 3000

8. Dr. Who

7. The Twilight Zone

6. Stargate SG-1

5. Babylon 5

4. The X-Files

3. Star Trek: The Next Generation

2. Star Trek: The Original Series

1. Battlestar Galactica [This is a serious travesty. It's not better than ST:TOS. Sorry.]

These shots were taken via a cell phone and aren't great. This is from the table at Quark's Restaurant.

I think it's notable Earth 2 and other superhero classics like The Incredible Hulk were not on this list. Earth 2 I could do without but the Hulk! I was really surprised the writers didn't find a way to include Enterprise and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. I know many people who loved those shows. The quality was definitely there. Also, noticeably absent is Farscape. This is a crime. Otherwise, it's a fun list and a more accurate Top 50 Science Fiction list than most I've seen.