B5 S4 Ep4: Falling Toward Apotheosis

I think security could walk around in the alien sector dressed in this cool gear the entirety of the episode and I'd think it was a sci-fi classic.

The Vorlons are rising as they implement a mothership with enough firepower to annihilate entire planets. It is a planet killer as we make contact with Babylon 5, Season Four, Episode 4, Falling Toward Apotheosis [formerly Kissing, Mistrust, Eye-Plucking & Vorlon On Vorlon Violence].

Refugees are being taken in by the droves aboard Babylon 5 and other worlds where available. Ivanova, utilizing Babcom Video, provides news updates on the devastation and the resulting refugee problems as well as available sites available for the displaced. Babylon 5 has clearly reached capacity.

Sheridan extends his hand to a fallen civilian lost in the shuffle. People look on as if they've seen the return of Jesus or a messiah. The woman says to Zack, “they say he came back from the dead.” There is much faith now placed in Sheridan who is holding it all together.

Lorien: “They need to believe.”
Sheridan: “Not in me.”

Clearly Straczynski raises the question of belief and faith in false gods and how far people are willing to go to convince themselves the idea of hope is tangible.

Lorien and Sheridan are locked in step at the hip and shortly after this thought had crossed my mind Garibaldi mentions said same at a meeting within the War Room.

It would appear Wayne Alexander has landed a plum recurring role as Lorien making his fourth consecutive appearance. There's a physical aspect to his character that reminds me very much of a character from Dr. Seuss not to mention his Seuss-like philosophical leanings and the fact his name reminds me of Lorax. Also notable is the impact of recurring character Emperor Cartagia played with much flamboyance by Wortham Krimmer also making his fourth return. Morden rears his ugly, now made doubly-ugly by the nuclear blast, crispy-critter-cloaked head for the second time this season.



This sequence really pulled together a lot of what I had been feeling at the end of the last episode, The Summoning. There was much unease in the meeting room between many of the characters. I really felt I had a good read on the discomfort of various players in the final moments of that episode based upon the exchange here. Garibaldi isn’t real pleased he’s being examined and overanalyzed time and again, while Sheridan seemingly gets a pass. He may have a point. Having said that, Garibaldi did disappear and get rescued under very suspicious circumstances. He cannot remember anything after a certain point. He has a damn near hole in his mind. He has no recollection. I think it’s safe to assume he is being handled very carefully and wisely despite Garibaldi’s legitimate beef with Sheridan and this strange character Lorien who has now returned. Fortunately, the appearance of rising up from the dead has a way of casting a spell on people’s attention, plus he’s in charge. But Sheridan arrives with some question in my mind as well. If I were Garibaldi I might be slightly annoyed as well. There definitely appears to be a double-standard in play.

Down on Centauri Prime, Morden updates Londo. With The Shadows spreading across space The Vorlons are intent to destroy any world infected by their presence. A cleansing is in process with the potential for genocide. Morden insists they will never touch Centauri Prime. Londo has had a significant change of heart and looks at things much differently. He has clearly realized his association with The Shadows was a mistake. He is deeply regretful I believe and troubled by the news and insists The Shadows leave and turns to Cartagia for his support. His words fall upon deaf ears. Cartagia will hear nothing of it and Morden smiles from ear to ear. Cartagia urges a Centauri perimeter be established around the planet. Morden exits. Cartagia turns to Londo, now alone, and nullifies his initial plan for a perimeter. Cartagia has different objectives that continue to illustrate just how deranged a man he is. He is deeply disturbed. He expresses to Londo his orders were nothing more than window-dressing, a smokescreen to give the impression of support to Morden. Cartagia takes Londo to his private place to meet the 'shadow cabinet' if you will. Yes, the severed heads. Cartagia once again highlights his plan for martydom. Without a Centauri perimeter, The Vorlons will come to their homeworld and raze Centauri into a funeral pyre thereby cementing his status as god.

Cartagia: “We will turn Centauri Prime into an inauguration pyre to commemorate my ascension into godhood. The fire of our world will light my way…let it burn, let it all end IN FIRE!”

Whoa! Do you recall those fateful words? I know I did immediately. “In Fire.” Our late friend Ambassador Kosh spoke those words when he spoke of the future to a fragile, frail and dying Centauri emperor who was visiting aboard Babylon 5. The emperor looked to him for hope, but Kosh could only speak truth of Centauri fate. Here is that powerful moment from Season Two, Episode 9, The Coming Of Shadows.



By the way, I never really noted, at the time, the bit when Dr. Franklin asks the emperor "what do you want?" Funny that. Now back to our current conundrum- Emperor Cartagia.



Back on Babylon 5, in medlab, Dr. Franklin is giving Garibaldi a final, thorough re-exam. My hope is Franklin spots some kind of transmitter that can be safely removed and spare our dear friend Garibaldi the disastrous potential of Psi Corps activation as a lethal enemy combatant. Please let it be so. At this point, Franklin clears Garibaldi for active duty. As he’s about to exit medlab, the snap of Franklin’s rubber, sterilized gloves upon his hands stirs a flashback for Garibaldi. He is wrapped on a lab table in plastic wrap where he was held prisoner. Now, why exactly plastic wrap? I'm not sure, but he looked like he was being prepped for the microwave. Perhaps they are a strange bunch. It doesn’t register enough to make him question it, but I wondered if the Garibaldi we know and love isn’t going to figure it all out himself somehow. Perhaps he will beat Psi Corps at their game by remembering the suppressed past and saving himself. Seconds after Garibaldi departs Sheridan arrives in medlab to review Garibaldi’s results. Clearly, without displaying it to the others, Sheridan has his own doubts about Garibaldi’s behavior. I like Sheridan’s snappy new, state-of-the-art crew cut. He looks pretty snazzy as a sharp-dressed commander. I like Garibaldi's haircut too, of course his options are limited.

Ivanova continues her Babcom updates informing the station population of new information related to The Vorlons. Apparently they scramble any frequency signals prior to planet bombing. In other words, no messages in or out, of targeted planet.

Elsewhere Delenn visits Sheridan in his quarters where he tells her he’s never heard fear in Ivanova’s voice until now. The situation is becoming critical on the station as far as sustaining the masses and holding together their fragile alliance. Things get a little more intimate when Sheridan shares with her that he clung to the images of “your sweet face” to stay alive. Holding on to her saved his life. “You gave me reason to come back.” Ewww, snuggle-age and more snuggle-like hugging again. Yucko!

Garibaldi discusses the security and population issues affecting the station with Franklin, Ivanova and Zack in the War Room. Franklin suggests shuttling or relocating some of the folks down to Epsilon 3 ['bout time it was used for something]. Sheridan arrives and concurs with that idea. “Where’s your new best pal?” inquires Garibaldi flippantly. You can’t help but feel a little bit for him here. He’s either definitely a little re-wired or he simply is feeling out of sorts since his return and perhaps slighted in a way by his friend Sheridan’s lack of attention or at least prior willingness to confide in him. Garibaldi is definitely feeling underappreciated. He’s definitely off for a few reasons. Sheridan discusses the security risk posed to the station and the planets with the new Vorlon ambassador's presence on board able to report back to his race whether through telepathic extraction or plain old intel. Sheridan raises the question of NEW Kosh’s telepathic abilities and fears he could be aiding The Vorlons new directives and war effort, which run contrary to Babylon 5's plans. For fear of scanning by New Kosh, Sheridan has limited exactly how much and what information is given to his colleagues. Garibaldi is none too happy he’s been left out of the “strategy sessions.”



They really highlight the delicate balance of trust issues at hand here. There is a lot of uncertainty abound and it is definitely a destabilizing factor for this normally tight knit cadre in Season Four.

Enter Lorien and Lyta. Sheridan confirms their plan will go forward regarding the Vorlon ambassador. Lorien warns of the formidable power of the Vorlon. The matched force of a number of Shadow spidery sentients took down the previous ambassador. It will be different this time around, but it may be the only way to save thousands of lives. Everyone has his or her respective orders.

Garibaldi, Zack and four other security officers report to the alien sector to speak with New Kosh. With no answer, security enters. The Vorlon is asked to leave. To say things don’t go well would be an understatement. New Kosh is pissed off, incensed and goes positively electric zapping men and their breathing apparatus forcing them to exit from his quarters. I love when they asked him to leave and he answers them with a resounding “NOOOO.”



Choking their way out of the alien sector, their tails between their legs and gasping for air, our fearless security unit is lucky to escape with their lives. Phase one of their plan to move against the Vorlon is complete.

Londo contacts Sheridan via video communiqué from Centauri Prime inquiring about what he understands to be the intentions of The Vorlons. Quite amusingly Sheridan sarcastically mumbles, “Londo, he’s probably calling collect.” Londo seeks information regarding The Vorlons e.t.a. upon Centauri Prime. Sheridan estimates approximately 7-8 days for their arrival. Sheridan shares his basic plan with Londo and hopes it works. Londo tells Sheridan he owes him one. The new Londo is much more cooperative and kind of rejoining the fray. I like it a lot. “Thank you Captain. I owe you a favor. Good luck to you-to all of us.” When was the last time you saw Londo express that kind of spirit of cooperation? He speaks not in the selfish interests of one, but rather of “all.” They don’t actually show Sheridan’s reaction [they should have], but I have to believe he found it a little strange quite frankly. To see Londo reach out and express a little humility exemplified a true moment of conciliation or at the very least gratitude. It was pretty big. I think a reaction shot from Sheridan was in order there.

Lyta reports to New Kosh with a red herring [her Sheridan-concocted covert plan]. Acting as a kind of mole/ informant for the station gang, Lyta feigns concern for New Kosh. She eagerly tells the Vorlon Sheridan will be moving against him. New Kosh is merely arrogant in his reaction. She tells him that a piece of Kosh may be inside of one of the humans. This has peaked his curiosity and he asks Lyta to bring him to the human. New Kosh expresses concern over the possibility of intentional or accidental Vorlon imprisonment within a human. This is “intolerable.” Yeah, he no like us at all. He has disdain for humans, but phase two of their plan is in effect.

*

There is always terrific lighting in greens, reds and blues in Babylon 5. There is nothing boring about it.
The Vorlon is lured into a trap and he begins to suspect something as New Kosh attempts to infiltrate Lyta’s mind. Thanks to the Vorlon enhancements she intentionally manages to keep him out. He demands she let him in but he’s too late and he stands exactly where Sheridan wanted him. The final trap is set in motion. High voltage power floods the Vorlon area and a full-on weapons assault begins to take out the ambassador. Sheridan isn’t screwing around with this prick. It would appear New Kosh has met his match and standing in some very deep doo-doo with little chance of escape. Interesting that Delenn looks on in near horror at the site of the Vorlon’s persecution. Overmatched, the Vorlon’s Ecounter Suit Head pops off like a cork and the Vorlon creature comprised entirely of energy bursts forth. In the heat of battle Sheridan is attacked which inevitably releases the original Kosh within him. Lorien instructs Sheridan to let go. Meanwhile the station rocks as the Vorlon ship launches. As it makes haste in departing from Babylon 5, the energy waves between Kosh versus New Kosh project outward away from the station and touch upon the Vorlon craft forcing it to explode. Wow, that’s pretty powerful energy. I wonder why the original Kosh was so protective of Sheridan and company, but he was. Also, I imagine a piece of the Vorlon is part of that craft. There was definitely a desire to escape even for the ship which we've always known to exhibit signs of being very much alive as well.
*

I'm diggin' the freaky hand!
Sheridan lies silent on the floor, but Lorien replenishes his being applying his own lifeforce. It would appear Lorien is keeping Sheridan alive. Lorien is visibly weakened after touching Sheridan with his hand complete with elongated fingers. One of the things that truly fascinated me is how far we had come in this series. I mean, here was Sheridan and crew willingly assassinating a Vorlon, a race of beings that were allegedly on the side of the humans at one point. Hell, it wasn't long ago they were sad to see the original ambassador Kosh assassinated by The Shadows [Season Three, Episode 15, Interludes And Examinations]. After four seasons we have the strange dilemma of being between both The Shadows and The Vorlons and getting absolutely no sense of comfort at all. It genuinely felt as though the folks on board Babylon 5 were going it alone. To make matters worse it would appear they didn’t know who was going to stick it up their ass next. This was a disappointing turn in the war effort against The Shadows and only added to the uncertainty of exactly how it would all play out. Straczynski strikes again! Once again unease is the order of the day on Babylon 5. You gotta love it.

Back on Centauri Prime, Londo has summoned the emperor to the throne room. It would appear Londo’s plan of attack to move against the emperor is about to begin. Londo solicits the emperor on who will remember him when he is gone. Who will sing songs of the emperor? Londo suggests G’Kar is the key. It is his belief they should move the trial of G’Kar to the Narn homeworld. Staging the execution there would give the illusion of a sympathetic emperor to their enemies. All could see the beneficence of Emperor Cartagia and what a magnanimous and brilliant ruler he truly is. Londo masterfully executes his political instincts to move against the emperor. He delivers it all with such delicious seditious mastery.



On Babylon 5, Delenn visits Sheridan and Lorien. Lorien admits to the obvious fact that he is indeed prolonging Sheridan’s life. He has preserved his existence beyond his natural death. He will live for an additional twenty years. Delenn looks troubled, but the fact of the matter is Sheridan will live into his sixties. WOW! Sign me up! The guy is supposed to be dead and he gets to live twenty more years. Come on. I was half-expecting twenty weeks or twenty months, but years, yeah he’s doing all right for a dead man. That not a bad bloody prognosis! What more can he ask for? Shoot! I’d take that if someone offered me that at the gates. Sign me up; I’ll take that deal when it comes. Not to mention when it comes, he’ll just stop, expire, and cease. It won’t be a horrible way to go, like say jumping off a cliff or a car accident. It'll be like the sand in the hour glass just runs out. Delenn is clearly saddened by the news. Sheridan comforts her with the knowledge that it’s a long time and not to worry. Sheridan fumbles for a ring. Apparently he’s purchased her an authentic Zocalo special. I was wondering if he got to use one of those Drop and Grab Crane Machine Games to pick up the engagement ring. They don’t snuggle one bit here. They lay the big, fat, wet one on each other.

Back on Centauri Prime, Londo and the emperor prepare for G’Kar’s departure. Thankfully Cartagia is an absolute moron, a mad moron, but a moron just the same. He’s also a despicable thing that goes far beyond the pale of traditional Centauri imperialist values or the Londo-established Centauri directive of Centauris first. His motto would be Cartagia first. You’ll recall the sequence in Season Three, Episode 17, War Without End Part Two [we saw a foreshadowing of this even earlier in the series] when G’Kar strangles Londo complete with leather eye patch. We wondered how on Earth did he get that patch? Well you find out right here. The emperor is disturbed at the way G’Kar has been looking at him and is trying to come up with a cute and clever way to make him pay for that apparent disobedience. I was really surprised Londo walked away leaving it up to that lunatic to decide. I thought he might have attempted to stay and dissuade him from doing something unscrupulous. Perhaps Londo knew he wouldn’t kill him since he had bought into his plan to move him to Narn and that was enough for him. Perhaps he didn't think him capable of such a physical atrocity as well. What he does to G’Kar is just awful and fittingly left to our imagination as the cameras cut away and the door closes.



I was half expecting some kind of wretched scream from G’Kar behind that door, but it does not come to pass. That is one strong Narn. That makes sense, since G’Kar refuses to give the emperor any kind of satisfaction no matter how excruciating the pain. “Pluck out his eye.” Good Lord. He is one sick bastard. I’m not quite sure if Babylon 5 could get any more depressing than this.

This was a great title for the episode as apotheosis is defined as deification. Many questions still remain and circle exactly who The Vorlons are. We have Sheridan returning from the dead giving rise to speculation that he too is a god of sorts. Meanwhile down on Centauri Prime we have Cartagia lapping up the idea of becoming one himself. We are falling towards it indeed or at least neck deep in it.

*

Being zapped by Vorlon eye fire must be fairly unpleasant.
Remember the days when there was a stand alone episode to break up the tension. I’m feeling really tense and I don’t see any end in sight.

Falling Toward Apotheosis: B+

B5 S4 Ep3: The Summoning

They are completely messing with my boy G'Kar. This just isn't right. Someone write me into this script right now! I'm packin' a PPG, Smith & Wesson, Minbari Fighting Pike, Electro-Whip and a handy Vorlon feeder and there's gonna' be hell to pay!

Ivanova requests a White Star to seek out additional First Ones in Babylon 5, Season Four, Episode 3, The Summoning. She has apparently been brushing up on her Minbari language skills in her spare time to allow her the ability to communicate with the all-Minbari posse aboard. Her fluency is apparently imperfect thus far failing on various translations and butchering phrases that roughly translate into the likes of "hatrack ratcatcher" and "brickbat lingerie." These phrases are sprinkled in between the more traditional command and control orders. Delenn has requested Marcus to assist in her language education despite Ivanova’s protests.

Down on Centauri Prime the ridicule and torture of G’Kar has begun. He has been dressed and transformed into a kind of metallic court jester complete with a metal crown of thorns, but he is clearly the butt of the jokes and physical brutality. It is a disturbing sight to behold. The whole thing feels a bit like an allusion to the persecution of Jesus. It doesn't have to be taken as such, but there is an element of reminder about to such persecution in G'Kar's trials. It is a seemingly troubling site to both Vir and Londo as well.

It’s been two weeks of adjustment to life without both Sheridan and Garibaldi and the sadness still lingers. The White Star launches for destination Sector 87. Meanwhile, Zack reports to Delenn he has a lead on Garibaldi’s whereabouts and now discovering G’Kar is missing too.

This is a good shot of Londo & Vir superimposed on G'Kar. The accidental shot looked pretty cool.
Vir, and to some extent Londo, are quite upset concerning the treatment of G’Kar. Vir’s concerns are quite empathetic while Londo offers a kind of troubled detachment as only Londo can so matter-of-factly. Vir and Londo discuss the predicament whilst in the garden on Centauri Prime when Emperor Cartagia suddenly emerges from around a corner. Wortham Krimmer returns yet again and continues to deliver as the emperor. His purposefully over-the-top performance is positively delicious. What an addition to this fine cast. He has really brought to life the character and created such a unique recurring role. He is clearly one of the more memorable guests to date to enter the Babylon 5 verse.

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I love Londo's expression here. It's like "What's the hell is wrong with you buddy? You're not right."
The emperor hilariously describes an annoying change in job description for his “torturer” to “pain technician.” It would appear they have their own union organizers on Centauri Prime. Londo and Vir are aghast at the site of Emperor Cartagia’s bloody hands. In fact, Krimmer is so overdramatic I was unsure if he truly believed what he was saying or if he was baiting Londo into some kind of admission of disloyalty. At times it would appear he is taunting Londo testing him for betrayal. There is an obviously uneasy alliance between these two.

Back on Babylon 5, Delenn visits Lyta in her quarters only to find the room empty with the exception of a single mattress. About the only thing New Kosh endorses for Lyta is her required sleep. The Vorlon knows she needs her rest if he’s going to use the shit out of her. Ambassador New Kosh is a son of a Vorlon bitch! Lyta informs Delenn The Vorlons have their own plans. Delenn has been curious about the silence of The Vorlons. Are their intentions altruistic or selfish? Prior to New Kosh they seemed to be a bit of both. As of this writing I am uncertain but certainly the jig is up.



Meanwhile, Zack and friends are closing in on their potential target alleged to be carrying one Michael Garibaldi. Zack requests the ship’s surrender but is not given the courtesy of a reply. So, in what would appear to be a fairly risky move, several shots are taken at the vessel to disable its engines. I mean you better damn well be confident of your ship's precision on that decision or people could, ummm, DIE. An escape lifepod jettisons with Garibaldi aboard as the ship explodes. Zack, with a pained expression, is slightly concerned he may have enabled the ship’s premature explosion and second-guesses his decision. Yeah, exactly, maybe it’s a little late for that bucko. He's thinking, 'Gee, maybe I just killed the chief.' Cut to the lifepod and Garibaldi lying on a table lifeless. An onboard computer activates with the following message: “Contact confirmed. Initiating program.” Garibaldi’s eyes open in almost programmed robotic response. WOW! It's a major new development to that our man Garibaldi has clearly been monkeyed with and altered. Is he now a new mole for the Psi Corps? Flashback, ironically, to Talia Winters [played by his real life wife Andrea Thompson] waaaaay back in Season One and how she had a deeply programmed personality. The lovely, pleasant Ms. Talia persona was supplanted with an ornery, nasty, vicious, bitch of an artificial personality looking to KILL in Season Two, Episode 19, Divided Loyalties. You'll remember this was the episode we were reintroduced to Lyta. Is Garibaldi now a sleeper unit for Psi Corps without being a telepath? Will he be activated to return home for dinner and make supper and do the dishes like a good husband for his wife? I’m sorry that really is science fiction. Seriously, is this a second attempt to do what Ms. Winters couldn't finish? It will be interesting to see.

Returning to Babylon 5 Zack looks upon Garibaldi who is in a lethargic, sleepy state. His face exhibits concern for him. He will no doubt recall the odd events in space that led to Garibaldi’s arrival and keep a close watch on his behavior. By the way, it would appear to be standard operating procedure for Garibaldi to miss the ocassional season opener or at least begin injured, comatose or incapacitated in some form or another. He loves spending time in medlab to be sure. A pattern is developing here for him to actually start a season physically strong.

*

Poor Lyta, she look like she gets the shit kicked out of her by the Vorlon.
Down in the alien sector the attractive Lyta [okay maybe she could lose the gills] is being sucked bone dry of her own life force by the vampiric like Vorlon, New Kosh, so that she may "carry" him. Poor thing. She looks absolutely drained, pale and a little whiter whenever she is finished with this life-giving process to the Vorlon. She jerks back violently at its conclusion too. There is nothing sensitive or gradual about this New Kosh and his relationship with Lyta. Dare I say, on a bit of a limb, but when New Kosh is finished and essentially exits her body there appears to be an overtly sexual tone about the writing and one hinting of sexual abuse? There is a process in place whereby there is seemingly no benefit to Lyta. It’s like a physical, psychic kind of Vorlon rape. “You didn’t have to pull out of me so fast. You hurt me. While I was carrying you, you felt cold, hard.” It’s interesting when she mentions the word “carrying.” Is this what the process is called? It is undeniably what the humans do for The Vorlons. They carry them. They sustain them. Without them, then what? What is the purpose of carrying the Vorlons? Does it allow them strength and nourishment? Let’s take a look at this disturbing sequence.



When it’s over all the Vorlon wants her to do is be a good, little girl and go sleep so that he may recharge the old Vorlon batteries by getting inside her again later. There is clearly no concern for her mental health or state. Joy doesn’t enter the equation and it doesn’t go well as Lyta lashes out and pays the price. There's something about Lyta. She's quite a sympathetic figure not unlike G'Kar.

Down on Centauri Prime, Londo visits G’Kar and we get more from the intimate exchanges between these two gifted actors. Despite their agendas, there is something about their affection for one another, perhaps a kind of grudging respect. I think maybe even more so for Londo toward G’Kar. These two do understand one another on many levels.



You know what? You can take all of the very best in state-of-the-art computer animation applied to the show for its time and you can drop kick it into next week and keep em’. It doesn’t amount to a hill of beans without the story and without these splendid character performances. Don’t get me wrong, they’re nice to have to open up the Babylon 5 universe and needed, but this is where it’s at for me. You give me a small room with Londo & G’Kar locked into dialogue together and that’s all the pleasure in the world. These two mammoth talents just engage and this sci-fi fanatic is simply in awe. These two are a big part of why I am excited about each installment of the series. At this point, given how strong this series is, it does feel as though Babylon 5 Season One truly is a liability to the first time viewer, because they simply have no idea, based upon the evidence of those first few episodes, where this thing is going to end up. It’s a shame that some don’t get passed those first several entries. Patience is required. I know, as many have pointed out here, that I will return to that first season someday with a whole new and different appreciation. I’m also looking forward to just blowing through it and being entertained without having to think about it or overanalyze it for a blog. It'll be a blast.

Moving along, the White Star is cruising along on autopilot and Marcus and Ivanova share one of those terrific character-driven sequences Straczynski is a genius at writing. I love those quiet moments where the characters get to spread their wings and stretch out their feelings without the chaos of war to keep them from letting their hair down. We know war is right around every corner and we savor the lull in the action. I definitely love these kinds of interactions. They make the show.



We really get some fine insights into the hearts of these two characters. So, is Marcus speaking of Ivanova here? I wonder. Is this a possible future he envisions for himself. Clearly Ivanova isn’t a virgin. But Marcus? He’s a bloody virgin! Shocking! I’m thinking there were a few female fans out there that would happily have stepped in to tame that pony boy by now.

The White Star picks up some kind of time distortion in hyperspace. A ripple effect washes over the White Star as they enter the area. Marcus and Ivanova see the appearance of a massive fleet of Vorlons.

Back on Babylon 5, Garibaldi awakens from a nightmare. Zack informs Garibaldi that Sheridan is dead. Meanwhile, a representative visits Delenn from the League Of Non-Aligned Worlds. There is a hope expressed that those who have aligned themselves with Babylon 5 will withdraw support. Here we have the brutality of politics as chess in play. It is an ugly thing to witness when the fate of the living hangs in the balance.

Down on Centauri Prime, Londo and Vir pay a visit to G’Kar. They enter his darkened cell only to find a spotlight shining down upon Emperor Cartagia. He sits in wait as a spotlight burns upon G’Kar who awaits torture via electro-whip. The emperor demands a scream from his prisoner. This sequence is not for the squeamish and without being graphic you get the picture crystal clear. It is just cringe-worthy and awful to witness. Straczynski delivers it perfectly.



This sequence reminds me of just how measured Straczynski’s use of special effects are within the series. Nothing is ever overdone or gratuitous. A whirr of PPG here, a Vorlon eye blast there, a sliding pike, a bit of electro-whip snap or electrical cane and we get the picture. It is a verse filled with technological gadgetry and weaponry and they offer nice touches to a whole host of scenes without becoming the scene. Certainly budgetary limitations were in play, but the use of the money at their disposal is always applied with just the right touch.

Ivanova and company return to Babylon 5. Meanwhile, another small craft has docked at the station. You know who it is, but exactly how did Sheridan & Lorien actually manage getting off the rock that is Z’Ha’Dum? Lennier is warning Delenn of a gathering of races. The self-appointed Drazi representative stands upon a bridgewalk and shouts to the gathered crowd of Delenn’s plans to attack Z’Ha”Dum. Sheridan steps out from the vessel and makes his way to the crowd taking his place next to the Drazi. Sheridan absolutely captures the attention of all like an impassioned politician. He stirs their imagination like a sermon from a pastor. Rumors of his demise have clearly been greatly exaggerated. His rousing speech assists in keeping the groups united like a statesman, a true leader. Delenn goes to his side and they…they...they snuggle. Snuggle-age I say. Awww swell, isn't that sweet. Okay, now let’s go kick some Shadows’ ass!

*

A snuggle I say!
Elsewhere, Ivanova visits Lyta who is in a weary heap upon her floor. “You know don’t you. It’s started.” Ivanova nods in agreement with great trepidation.

Sheridan fills the inner circle in on the history surrounding The Vorlons and The Shadows. While together, Garibaldi inquires cautiously with who exactly Lorien is. Sheridan tells him his name and that’s all he needs to know. He essentially says, ‘leave him alone he’s with me.’ Garibaldi is skeptical and doesn’t like it. It’s not out of character for Garibaldi to be suspicious at all, but there was such uneasiness about the meeting here. They were all together for the first time and there were still questions surrounding many in the room and where they stood. It felt as though the dynamic had changed between them all. Everyone seemed changed a bit. I can’t put my finger on it, but it definitely didn’t feel like a tight group of friends. There was a sense of mistrust about it. It definitely wasn't as friendly as one might think it to be after being apart so long. Zack clearly has questions regarding Garibaldi. Garibaldi has doubts about Lorien and Sheridan. The circle of trust seems on shaky ground at best.

*

If that's not the look of relief than I don't know it. This is a little more like it.
Ivanova finally engages in her first reunion with Sheridan and enters the meeting with Lyta and Marcus by her side. She embraces Sheridan with great relief and is deeply affected by seeing him again and knowing he is still very much alive. You can see it in her face. How happy is she to see this man? Ivanova breaks to the bad news to them about The Vorlons. It appears The Vorlons are getting protective and proactive. They are on the move, but are they going it alone? They will destroy any race infected or touched by The Shadows. The war just got bigger and it feels like the humans and other races are caught in the middle and on their own.

Straczynski shakes it up yet again and ups the ante. Garibaldi is off. The Vorlons are an enigma more than ever. The stakes just got a little higher as the galaxy seems teetering on the edge of chaos or complete destruction. It’s always interesting in the verse that is Babylon 5.

Odd random thought: [actually more as a result of all of the Ivanova talk] Could Ivanova's attraction to Talia been kind of a result of fulfilling that maternal void more than a lesbian attraction? Hmmm.

*

The Summoning: B

The Muppet Show S3: Pigs In Space & The Mysterious Space Disease

The astounding Spaceship Swinetrek hurtles our fearless heroes into the vast unknown for the further adventures of ... Pigs In Space. It's not really funny, but the kids love it. I know you're diggin' the effects! I can tell by the clamor for more in the comments section.