Stargate SG-1: The Ark Of Truth

Escape From Witch Mountain!

I decided to step away from Babylon 5 for an entry just to look through these new Narn-enlightened eyes if you will.

I finally took time out to watch the direct-to-DVD film centered on SG-1, Stargate: The Ark Of Truth. It seemed like a good time to do it with the official break between Season Two and Season Three of Babylon 5. Let's just say it was an interesting viewing experience.

Fargate is back! This time we hunting weplicators!

I definitely enjoyed the film, but I must admit I didn't find it as compelling, engaging or as complex as those interpersonal alien/human relationships found in J. Michael Straczynski's epic drama. Sure, the special effects team does outstanding work here on The Ark Of Truth to be sure. Production values are clearly high. The acting is very good and the story centered upon wrapping up the ORI threat/ thread from Stargate SG-1 Season Nine and Season Ten, was also good. All in all, it felt like a bigger budgeted episode of the series. There was nothing truly revealing about it that caused me much pause. I went through the motions to see it through and the execution of the storyline was certainly exceptional as only Robert Cooper can do it. I loved certain action sequences, but I just felt myself yearning to get back to Babylon 5 nailbiting tale. I fully understand they are two different beasts and I'll always enjoy SG-1. It's kind of like a first love, but Babylon 5 truly astounds me at the moment. M! You kind of nailed it for me on a recent post. Part of the major allure for me to Babylon 5 is the three dimensional qualities of its characters. Thinking about it, they are far more complex than SG-1 whereby I think the changes are much much more subtle and slower to develop on that show. I also enjoy the downbeat vibe of Babylon 5. On SG-1, sure there are loads of loose ends [one of the great aspects of the show] that carry on from season to season and things don't always end well, but it is considerably more upbeat. Babylon 5 things don't end well ... often.

Anyway, that aside, I will get on with my overall impression of Stargate SG-1's The Ark Of Truth. Like I said, I liked it. It was solid, but it really didn't cover alot of new ground. In fact, it really works well as a final episode to Season Ten as it should to round out the ORI storyline. The effects were outstanding as one might expect on this decent direct-to-DVD budget.

First, why is it Michael Shanks gets to be introduced in the credits as "and Michael Shanks as Daniel Jackson?" I suppose he's the fan favorite and I like him just fine, but Amanda Tapping deserves an "and" as much as anybody. Personally, Browder and Black, while not on the show for the eight years prior [no pun intended], and introduced in Seasons Nine and Ten, are equally worthy of an "and." Oh well, egos I suppose, but I'm sure Shanks had a number of expectations if he was to return following his omission from Season Six. He had the weight of a sizeable fanbase clamoring for his rearrival.

As it turns out The Ark Of Truth is still very much in the ORI galaxy and the film is loaded with bits of fine action and some good exposition. There was a particularly good scene between Tomin, no longer with the ORI, and Teal'c that was quite moving. Tomin has returned with SG-1 to Cheyenne Mountain now fully aware of the ORI as "false gods" as the Jaffa would say. The IOA puts their fingers in the mix via an agent named Marrick.

Marrick joins SG-1 in the aptly dubbed vessel the Odyssey to traverse the ORI galaxy on their own odyssey.

"Say hello to my little friend!"

Teal'c, Daniel Jackson and Vala are down on the planet searching for the ark. Meanwhile, Marrick has unleashed his little back-up plan to destroy the ORI unbeknownst to Lt. Col. Cameron Mitchell or Lt Col. Samantha Carter. The replicators have been programmed as ZAT gun-resistant. It's like a damn antibiotic-resistant Staph infection. There's a code to disable the replicators but only Marrick knows it. Carter begins to lose control of the ship while Mitchell battles a now transformed replicator-type Marrick. ORI motherships have arrived and are poundng the Odyssey's defenses. There is a three-front battle being waged here and it is exciting.

I have a little remedy for that backache!

Teal'c is shot, but struggles as only Teal'c can. He even receives a touch of help from ascended being Morgan Le Fay. Mitchell has found the replicator queen but continues his battle with Marrick. Daniel Jackson, Tomin and Vala are captured by the ORI and brought before the Doci [Julian Sands doesn't have to do much; he just looks cool] and then a fiery ascended Adria. Very cool effects thanks to Michelle Comens and her effects team.

Once again SG-1 prevails as Jackson unlocks the Ark's code and the Doci absorbs the truth, which is linked to all the priors in the ORI galaxy. Adria is weakened and Morgan Le Fay takes her out. Carter is informed of the code after Mitchell gets it from Marrick and those pesky replicators are wiped out. By the way, Samantha Carter is still pretty hot! It's going to be tough to see her go brunette for Sanctuary and I like brunettes.

Claudia "I look like crap" Black is always a sensation. The steely resolve of Christopher Judge is always the workhorse. Ben, 'the consummate professional, action hero' Browder never ceases to amaze. Daniel Jackson has fully transformed himself over ten years into a worthy leading man.

The Ark Of Truth is a solid conclusion, but not quite as good as Babylon 5 Season Two.

The Ark Of Truth cast:

• Ben Browder [Lt. Col. Cameron Mitchell]
• Amanda Tapping [Lt. Col. Samantha Carter]
• Christopher Judge [Teal'c]
• Beau Bridges [Mjr. Gen. Hank Landry]
• Claudia Black [Vala Mal Doran]
• Morena Baccarin [Adria]
• Tim Guinee [Tomin]
• Julian Sands [Doci]
• Sarah Strange [Morgan Le Fay]
• Currie Graham [Marrick]
• 'and' Michael Shanks 'as' [Daniel Jackson] ;)

Now, where's Richard Dean Anderson when you need him? He'll definitely get an 'and.'

I always knew Morena Baccarin was a flamin' red hottie!

The Ark Of Truth: B+

B5 The Movie Collection: The Gathering

Taking a tip from Babylon 5 connoisseur M, I have opted to check out the Babylon 5 pilot film, The Gathering [from The Movie Collection], before moving on to Season Three. So, here I am going backwards again, but at least this time I’m moving forward with something new.

Since most of the film works to establish characters it was fun to see this whole thing unfold. Clearly the pilot attempts to draw viewers and supporters into Straczynski's masterplan. At the center of The Gathering our characters are introduced and revealed amidst an attempted assassination on the life of Ambassador Kosh via poisoning. Folks, I even found the pilot film to be much better than I anticipated. Perhaps knowing what I know after two seasons had me enjoy the writing and characters in a way I might not have enjoyed as much had I been seeing this first. I’ll never know. Needless to say, this was a solid pilot and I could easily see why it was picked up.

Now, the pilot film I viewed indicated it was a “special presentation” by TNT. Interestingly, as I watched, I immediately felt that the special effects had been touched up particularly on B5 itself. The colors looked more vibrant than what I had been watching and the remastering of this pilot seemed sharper than some of the so-called remastering on the first two seasons to date. The Gathering appeared noticeably crisper and cleaned up for this DVD release. I don’t think it was my imagination. My eyes weren’t lying were they?

One of the things I have truly loved about Babylon 5, over Stargate SG-1, is the fact it is a science fiction show based in outer space. Unlike Stargate SG-1, you actually need space suits or masks [so far anyway]. You need airlocks and if you step out of the airlock without a space suit YOU WILL DIE! When SG-1 travels trough a wormhole, wahlah instant breathable atmosphere [with the rare exceptions]. Nearly every planet visited sports an oxygen-based atmosphere resembling Vancouver. I like the reality of Babylon 5’s space-based saga. Okay, not that Vorlons are real, but the rules in which the story is set apply some reasonable degree of scientific principle. I know it’s not perfect, but I buy into it mostly. I'm sucked in and suspend my disbelief where necessary.

So onto my observations concerning The Gathering, the pilot to Babylon 5 and the series that is fast becoming one of my favorites. I thought Michael O’Hare’s hair was a little better groomed here. It definitely seemed less bushy. How about G’Kar’s make-up? I love the way G’Kar has been established currently in the series, but it was interesting to see his flabby, amphibian-like neck skin. I’ll tell you, the make-up department really is an amazing unit on this series. When the camera is close-up on characters like Delenn or G’Kar, I always look for lines and imperfections in the work and I’m hard-pressed to ever find fault. It is flawless, impressive work on a TV timetable.

I loved the establishing shots of the B5 monorail running through the station’s center. Speaking of those train cars, how about those harnesses that hold the folks on board. Terribly constricting as far as seeing the actors. I’m happy to see they got rid of those for the series.

WHOA! How about that alien dude with the BIG ASS boots! That’s hysterical. I don't believe we've seen that little guy with those 'shit kickers' since.

Delenn’s production design has come a long way. She is loaded with make-up here and even sported G’Kar-like spots on her head. It must have been hard for her, as she has mentioned in some of my reading. I did recognize her voice and her smile; otherwise she was pretty well covered, though you can see her ears in this pilot unlike the first season. I think I prefer her Sinead O’Connor and bone mantle look for Season One, but ultimately I love her current human-Minbari hybrid appearance. She is a beautiful woman and it would have been a shame not to appreciate her in that way. I'm glad Straczynski allowed her to shine.

It was fun to look back at the Londo we used to appreciate as good-humored, wisecracking and even a bit buffoonish. He’s become so dark, troubled and dictatorial in Season Two. Oh how he has changed and fallen from grace. Vir nails it too in his exchange with Lennier in The Fall Of Night [Season Two finale] referring to Londo as a different guy. Everyone knows it including Garibaldi. It must have been one heck of an experience for Peter Jurasik and Andreas Katsulas as actors to portray their respective roles and transform these characters across long-ranging arcs. Don’t say it! “You ain’t seen nothin’ yet!” : )

G’Kar’s proposition of telepath Lyta Alexander to join him for a direct mating exercise to harness her genetics a new kind of Narn was quite amusing. “The direct mating is far more cost effective. Now would you prefer to be conscious or unconscious during the mating? I would prefer conscious but I don’t know what your pleasure threshold is.” Hmmm, now that’s a confident Narn! Impressive G'Kar.

I also noted the score was quite sweeping in style and ambitious for Franke [working as always with the Berlin Symphony Orchestra] who didn’t allow it to sound too synthetic. Season One was more electronica-laced or as I like to call it “soft-core porn,” as I recollect. Season Two has been much improved for me personally in its style. I've enjoyed some of the pieces immensely that have complemented specific sequences. Good music tends to enhance a scene and certainly shouldn't detract from it. Often you won't notice a great score in my opinion and Season One I noticed the music accompaniment a little too much.

Now, as far as the character development goes, there were some nice moments with hindsight being 20/20. There is the scene where O’Hare speaks with the senator on Babcom when Garibaldi enters the room and he lends some background to the Security Chief’s character. The senator talks about how Garibaldi has been bounced from station to station and has little confidence in him. O’Hare refutes his testimony by backing his guy. Justifiable loyalty my friends.

Sinclair gets a bit of babe action from Carolyn [does Catherine Sakai know about this?]. By the way, is it me, or do any of you ever have those moments of pause before you utter the name Sheridan or Sinclair? I have this 'hole in my mind' to coin a phrase. It’s like traveling to England and driving there for two weeks and coming back to America. You have those moments when you’re in the car and thinking, “am I on the right side of the road? [Or is it left?].” I get really screwed up sometimes.

When the crew continues its investigations of the unknown assassin, Sinclair finally orders a shutdown of Babylon 5 based upon Earth Alliance Regulations. I thought, as commander, he waited too long to give that order. The guy could have been long gone at that point. I felt given the nature of Babylon 5 as a very defined and self-contained off-world site it might have been best to lock it down immediately. It's a very containable incident. By the way, I think Babylon 5 needs a cloaking device to protect itself from unexpected assaults. With all of the technology at its disposal it would seem like a good idea, of course funding might be the issue in this very reality-based universe [well, reality is a relative term in science fiction, but you know what I mean].

I love this scene between Delenn and G’Kar because it hints to all kinds of information concerning the series that might not make sense until you've seen at least the first two seasons. It would be one of those moments I might not fully appreciate had I watched it first. In fact, I know I wouldn’t remember it. It’s a great allusion of things to come. How about those crazy Minbari rings and Delenn using some sort of hand energy to open the wall to get them?



A reference to Centauri history is laid out between Garibaldi and Londo in a great exchange in the Zocalo. Ahh, those were the days.



WHOA! Look at this! Another crazy lookin' dude! I don't believe we've seen this fella again.

So Lyta scans Kosh and finds Sinclair, or someone impersonating him [so I'm thinking shape shifter at this point], has poisoned Kosh with a poisonous skin tab. As a result the senator takes measures to remove Sinclair and place Laurel Takashima in charge. Hull testing commences around Babylon 5 and an undetected ship attached to the hull destroys one of the station probes. Sinclair is placed before the council and it is recommended by G’Kar he be deported to the Vorlon homeworld to stand trial.

The vote finds G’Kar and Londo in favor of sending Sinclair to Vorlon space while Delenn abstains. Sinclair’s woman is quite displeased with Delenn's inaction.

Oh and then I come across the G’Kar ‘gill implants.’ Does he still have those things? Cool, but I don’t recall his neck having those same kind of skin flabs. It's funny they were made notable because earlier in this entry I thought he did have an amphibian-like appearance, where by he looks a bit more reptilian in the series. The changes are subtle, but they are there.

By the way, the Centauri have a kind of vampiric-like quality in some ways with those canines. Granted there doesn’t appear to be any bloodsucking going on as far as I know, well at least not literally. The Narn situation is certainly debateable.

Later a second attempt on Kosh occurs at medlab by the shape changer this time impostering Lyta, but Sinclair arrives to save the day. Meanwhile the intruder vessel is discovered and contained. As it turns out the invader is utilizing an advanced technology referred to as a ‘changeling grid.’ Very cool. I didn’t suspect that angle. Now if they have that kind of technolody how about a cloacking device. Is Babylon 5 too big to apply such a mechanism?

Tamlyn Tomita is pretty damned cute as Takashima, but she doesn’t hold a candle to our Ivanova. I’m glad she was bumped in favor of Claudia Christian. I love supple-lipped Ivanova! The doctor was an upgrade to Richard Biggs as well and clearly Straczynski had an African American actor in mind for the role based upon the Doctor portrayed here in the pilot. He kind of reminded me a little of Sidney Poitier just not quite as good looking. Biggs hasn't panned out to be quite what I had hoped so far in the series, but he has his moments.

The Vorlon Empire arrives to acquire Sinclair, but Sinclair is with Garibaldi doing their best to hunt down the assassin. Could those guns be any bigger and more cumbersome in a dangerous situation? Hell, they're freakin' massive! No wonder they downsized to the PPG, I mean, those guns are Aliens-like-styled ridiculous. They look like super soakers!

The final third of the pilot essentially goes on autopilot and gets a bit routine, but understandable, since Straczynski was attempting to draw an audience and get his show picked up. At last, the perpetrator is identified as a Minbari. He touches upon Season One’s big mystery. “There is a hole in your mind” he tells Sinclair before enabling a self-destruct mechanism. The suicide Minbari explodes taking out an area of Babylon 5.

Hey look! It’s Morden as crewman Guerra. I have a feeling the producers/ Straczynski liked what they saw in the actor and altered their plans. Perhaps they even asked Ed Wasser, “what do you want?” ; )

In another twist, it turns out G’Kar had his hand in getting the changeling grid on board Babylon 5. Sinclair does a nice job deducting how it all transpired. It was this early period that definitely turned me off to G’Kar. His motives were unclear and perhaps a bit misguided. Actually, that's not true, G'kar and the history of his people is clearly one of oppression and this narn clearly begins with a vengeful heart. I was reminded of Soul Mates [Season Two], thinking back, when he used one of Londo's three wives to poison Londo with the darts if I recall. So he looks a bit despicable here and he has had his moments along the way where we as fans were clearly less sympathetic.

Sinclair asks Delenn about the “hole.” Delenn reacts awkwardly and replies, “I would never tell you anything that was not in your best interests,” as certain questions are setup to draw interest in for the potential series. Thank God someone took a chance on Straczynski’s work!

The Gathering cast includes:

Michael O’Hare [Jeffrey Sinclair]
Tamlyn Tomita [Laurel Takashima]
Jerry Doyle [Michael Garibaldi]
Mira Furlan [Delenn]
Peter Jurasik [Londo Mollari]
Andreas Katsulas [G’Kar]
Patricia Tallman [Lyta Alexander]


Is it me or is that a digitally-enhanced tree in the mix? It was even moving as if from a breeze. Babylon 5 must have one heck of a ventilation system!

So, what film should I watch next and where exactly should I insert over the course of the final three seasons without giving anything away?

Babylon 5 The Complete Second Season: The Coming Of Shadows

Great science fiction no matter how dated or how old is great science fiction that is timeless. Babylon 5 is one of those stories. Babylon 5 The Complete Second Season: The Coming Of Shadows hits a major high note. Season One felt a bit dated with groundbreaking special effects in their infancy, wooden acting and sketchy storytelling [albeit much of it setting things up], but Season Two really raised the bar in a big way. Season Two absolutely takes off and soars. It's clearly all about the writing, concept and story first and foremost. Straczynski was in full command for Season 2 and really took over the reins of his show. Second, the cast chemistry seriously grooved. All in all, the performances were splendid- regular, recurring and guest turns included. Finally, and not that it’s an essential component, but the effects team must have been working overtime because there were extraordinary improvements over the first season. There were some impressive sequences here. I was humbled. You have to tip your cap to Straczynski. There is much thought and construction that has gone into this story, the characters, the music and the mythology. He also never let up and kept pressing for the best in telling his story. His accomplishment is no easy feat. This is the stuff of sci-fi legend.

Now, I never could understand the point of grading an entire season of a show. There are so many hits and misses within a season, and to calculate an average grade just seems illogical. Take Season One, for example, there were a few strong highlights, but most of it was okay. It's hard enough nailing down an episode sometimes. They can start weak and end strong or have just a few key moments or just register off the charts as exceptional on the whole.

Looking back it’s funny that I scoffed so brazenly with a slight of hand at Babylon 5. I even took a similiar tact as I began viewing the series. The show as it unfolded was nothing like my perception of what it would be. I had a preconceived notion of Babylon 5 being nothing like this. I’m not sure what I was expecting. I had seen “that guy with the hair” and thought he looked ridiculous. I had seen the lizard-like G’Kar and thought he wasn’t alien enough for me to enjoy the show. Whatever I was thinking I was thinking wrong. Never judge a book by its cover as they say or in this case a DVD cover. Folks, I can no longer deny the magnitude of this tremendous tale and what I was allowing myself to miss. I don't know quite how to put in words what I thought I believed this show to be when I knew nothing about it, but it wasn't anything like this! I had no inkling of the tale that would be unfolding.
*

Some of the extras are just fine on this second season set. There is an introduction by series creator J. Michael Straczynski and cast including Bruce Boxleitner. J. Michael Straczynski provides audio commentary on two episodes and stars from the series provide audio for one. Documentaries include Building Babylon: Blueprint Of An Episode and Shadows And Dreams: Honors Of Babylon and more.

I'm not exactly sure where Season Two fits into the pantheon of Babylon 5's five seasons plus Crusade, but this is surely one of the best. The show took a 180 degree turn from Season One and blew my socks off. It was an unforgettable viewing experience to be sure. Season Three here I come.

*

K-Tel presents Londo & Vir singin' the Centauri classics!

B5 S2 Ep22: The Fall Of Night

"Now I'm free....I'm free fallin'."
*
I love Boxleitner. I especially love when he's pissed and says things like "straight to hell!" He's one helluva commander! I also love Ivanova as second in command. She kicks ass! She has that steely-eyed resolve. The two are indeed command and control. I love their sack and spine in hitting the Centauri with both barrels to protect Babylon 5 and the Narn vessel at all costs in the season ending installment of Babylon 5's The Fall Of Night.
*

What's funny about Sheridan's use of the line, "Straight To Hell," is, not only is it where this show feels like it's going, but those same words were uttered by Sheridan in his debut, Points Of Departure, and everything has come full circle here.

So as I immerse myself in this series Christopher Franke’s scores have really been growing on me. Apparently, as many of you already know, he was a member of Tangerine Dream. That makes sense because I’ve heard their music before way back in Ridley Scott’s Legend and his electronica reminds me of those compositions. I thought, as some of you know, the music was pretty horrid at first. It was very cold, serviceable and I just didn’t care much for it, but now I’m really enjoying his suites. His often dark European synthetics match up well with the gritty realities of the Babylon 5 ‘verse. He has a number of light moments that really underscore the tension and drama here. I’ve come to love his input and unique stamp on the project. So many scenes are either quietly complemented by his score or heighten the tension dramatically. Later Sheridan's sequence in the monorail is a great example.

So here we are at the season finale and what a season it has been. I was half-joking last entry when I said I thought we’d see Robert Rusler as Warren Keffer again in the final installment. I thought he might be finished. I really didn't expect him to rear his ugly head again. His general lack of smarts and character development marks him as the inevitably doomed road kill of hyperspace at the hands of those nasty Shadows and their devastating purple-pink firepower. Perhaps attempting to hunt down a giant black spider in space alone in a Starfury was not his brightest life achievement. It shows you how much they thought of his input. Splat! Done! Next!

I must admit folks there is so much happening in Babylon 5 it takes me roughly 2 hours to actually sit through and write down thoughts on each one of these episodes. It is wall to wall jammed with excitement. The Fall Of Night is a humdinger of intrigue and climax as only Babylon 5 can deliver it.

Previously, in Comes The Inquisitor, G’Kar warned the other alien races of potential encroachment on their worlds by the Centauri. The Centauri usurpation of other outposts, outside of the Narn, has begun. “War is spreading.”

So Londo, sporting his classic 'bad guy black' jacket, is clearly out of control. The monster is out of the box, unleashed and beyond reason. The entire region around Centauri is in conflict. The ultimate spin doctor and spin maestro that Londo aspires to be tells Sheridan he is attempting to “stabilize the region” by “establishing a presence.” Uh-huh. Sheridan cannot understand why Londo can’t see everything falling apart. I know how he feels, I just want to beat my head against the wall in frustration. Arggghhh! But, I know it is Straczynski's intention to create one of the world's greatest science fiction-styled Greek tragedies.

Garibaldi nails it a short time later when he informs Sheridan that Londo is not the same guy anymore, he sees fear in his eyes. He is at once angry with him and sympathetic. "Look into his eyes sometime. You can see fast things are moving. For Londo, it’s like being on a wild horse. You don’t want to get thrown off, so you hang on even harder. He’s trapped. You know, half the time, I’m so furious with the guy I could break his neck. The other half, I feel sorry for him."

Meanwhile, Frederick Lantz of Earth’s Ministry Of Peace arrives along with his counterpart Mr. Welles of the Nightwatch unit. Lantz is played exquisitely by Roy Dotrice. Dotrice also appeared in two episodes of Space:1999 including Breakaway. Sheridan assigns Ivanova as their personal liaison. It would seem Earth is finally stepping into the storm that appears to be spreading beyond the Centauri and Narn, but why? Well it turns out Earth has its own agenda [but of course].

Sheridan, elsewhere, has promised an incoming Narn pilot and its surviving heavy cruiser sanctuary. It has jumped to a point on the other side of Epsilon 3 where it remains in hiding. He assures the Narn [Na’Kai] he will protect him while in Babylon 5 airspace.

Mr. Welles propositions Ivanova to become a Nightwatch representative [a.k.a. snitch, stoolie, ratfink]. He urge that it will expedite her future career options. She is incensed and stands by her code of honor by sending him packing. His ovations are made without the informing the Ministry Of Peace.

Sheridan confides in G’Kar of the good news concerning the surviving Narn. G’Kar further learns of Lantz’ visit and requests an audience with the permission granted by Sheridan. G’Kar is over the moon with the news like a kid in a candy store over this new wave of good tidings.

The purpose of the Nightwatch program is becoming clearer. Its intentions are not neutral, but as oversight for Earth Defense interests. Its mission: act as a Big Brother on Babylon 5 and weed out acts of sedition or even those that might be deemed suspicious concerning alien races and their comings and goings on the station [Earthers are not immuned]. I have been tough on Jeff Conaway, but he gives his best turn to date under questioning by Mr. Welles. It’s a good sequence and he plays it well.

Mr. Lantz is meeting with the various ambassadors from the League of Non-Alligned Worlds. Citizen G’Kar requests time, but is bluntly and abruptly turned away and dismissed.

Sheridan learns the Nightwatch associates are feeding information back to Mr. Welles. Lantz arrives in Command & Control demanding to know why fighters are being trained to fight Centauri. Sheridan advises that it would be wise for station pilots to be prepared for any event. Oddly, Lantz demands such maneuvers cease and desist. They could jeopardize his “mission.” What mission? Everyone thought you were here for an analysis of the Centauri dilemma. As it turns out, the real reason for the Ministry’s visit is to sign a Non-Aggression Treaty with the Centauri. Well isn't that just swell. It's the first step to establishing an Earth-Centauri alliance for peace. I believe another way of looking at that is called turning a blind eye and implementing appeasement as they did in Europe with the Nazis. “They’ll never bother us.” Sheridan and Ivanova are stunned. There is a female mole in Command & Control who is sabotaging Sheridan’s authority and just intentions.

The situation is becoming untenable. To ease the tension and stress Ivanova presents a gift to Sheridan. She has brought him a piece of shrapnel from the Minbari Black Star that he took down. She reminds him it has been said no one could take out a Minbari War Cruiser. She assures him Sheridan Starkiller did and that the gift is a symbol that “the impossible is possible.”

*

Matters grow worse when the mole informs Mr. Welles of the hidden Narn War Cruiser. It isn’t long before Londo is notified thanks to the Ministry’s agenda. A Centauri Battle Cruiser arrives through the jumpgate and tensions are at their pinnacle. Sheridan assures the Narn of his word to protect him while in Babylon 5 jurisdiction. I had that sinking feeling for G’Kar again and was praying like a Narn to G'Quan that Na’Kai would survive.

*

Later, Mr. Lantz returns to Command & Control in protest and is quickly escorted off the bridge. Sheridan launches the Starfuries to scatter and cover the Narn warship. Londo is informed the Narn cruiser will be safely escorted to the jumpgate out of Babylon 5 airspace. Londo is cut off by Sheridan via Bab Com and he is none too happy to see his newfound authority dismissed and taken to task. Babylon 5 activates its newly installed defense grid. Sooweet action! The Centauri fires upon the Narn and Babylon 5 simultaneously and the battle is on! Babylon 5 and the Starfuries retaliate with their own firepower. The Centauri ship is inadvertently destroyed and the Narn ship makes it to the jumpgate. I’m secretly hoping that Narn ship is able to play a role in the Narn revenge and come back and kick some major hiney. This a great scene between Boxleitner and Dotrice.

*

Sheridan must stand before the council ordered to apologize and his mirror rehearsal is brilliant.

*

“I apologize. I’m sorry. I’m sorry we had to defend ourselves against an unwarranted attack. I’m sorry that your crew was stupid enough to fly around a station filled with a quarter million civilians including your own people. And I’m sorry I waited as long as I did before I blew them all straight to hell. As with everything else, it’s the thought that counts.” We never actually see the real apology.

*

Sheridan is enroute to the council meeting being held in the Zen Gardens, but is followed by a Centauri onto the monorail transport train that runs through the center of Babylon 5. On the next stop the train empties and he spots an active bomb on board. He overrides the doors while moving and jumps from the train. Sheridan falls into the weightless center of Babylon 5 [I wasn’t sure about how that was possible, but I was willing to suspend belief because it was bloody bleepin’ cool] as the train explodes behind him. Delenn turns to Kosh and a being of light emerges from the encounter suit. The god-like being takes an appearance unique to each race, as they look skyward. Sheridan takes the being’s hand and inquires, “Kosh?” as the form nods in the affirmative.

*

Later Delenn meets with Sheridan. She knows The Shadows will discover the actions of Kosh and will be fearful of the Vorlons. Still, she does not feel the Vorlons would truly act against The Shadows, but believes it to be enough to keep the dark forces at bay for a time.

*

Drazi ambassador: “And you Ambassador Mollari – what did you see?"
*

Londo: “Nothing. I saw nothing."

"He has revealed himself to those who understand," informs Delenn. So there you have it Londo. You are in such deep shit!

*

The whole androgenous-Being-O-Light-man-boy-with-supple-lips-and-whitehot-glow-upon-bald-head thing was just a leeetle bit beeezarre, but man I loved it! So strange and yet so unexpected! Can you imagine a faith so universal that the being or god everyone looked upon was in their own image. Is Straczynski telling us something here? Safe to say Yes!
*

It is the end of Earth Year 2259. The Centauri are expanding their empire with the newly formed Earth-Centauri Treaty. The Nightwatch are incarcerating people aboard Babylon 5 suspected of seditious acts against Earth. Freedoms are being removed. War is upon Babylon 5. Yup, just another happy, uplifting entry in the world of Babylon 5. Ya gotta love it!

Babylon 5 once “the last best hope for peace” is now “the last best hope for victory.” Yes another change is in the air for Season 3.

*

And, of course, as we mentioned earlier, dum dum, one-chromosome-short Keffer takes on The Shadows in hyperspace just long enough to record some footage for the news services before he bites it from the Babylon 5 opening credit roll. Yeah he definitely didn’t get developed. I was not saddened at his explosive demise. I also was not sad to see Mary Kay Adams go as Na'Toth, the replacement of Julie Caitlin-Brown. In fact, I had completely forgotten about her along the way the season was so good. G'Kar was so good going it solo I just spaced it regarding his assistant. Anyway, with the footage now on intergalactic television I guess the whole Shadows thing is definitely out of the bag at this point.

*

Classic exchanges:

Sheridan: “I want all our fighters put through training exercises three times a week from now on…”
Ivanova: “I’ll see to it personally. And if they don’t get any better I’ll start issuing live ammo. That should have a very inspirational affect.”

*

The Fall Of Night: A-

Whew! What a season for Babylon 5.

B5 S2 Ep21: Comes The Inquisitor

G'Kar: Narn of the people.

I’m really glad to see Robert Rusler was used to his potential in the series. I mean, really, what has he made 3 appearances at the most? His screen time is definitely minimal and we certainly know nothing about him. He never struck me as all that interesting anyway. It’s just funny they gave him an opening credit and then buried him in the background. I think the uncredited Jeff Conaway has been in the series more than him. How much did Rusler get paid? Knowing how tight the budget was on this series it couldn’t have been much, but at the same time he didn’t work very hard. I know- they’re saving him for the season finale right? I won't hold my breath, but it just seems like he's been forgotten.

So here Comes The Inquisitor Babylon 5 Season 2. Here’s another shining installment in the Babylon 5 legacy. WOW and what an entry it is! Certainly this is a thinking person’s show [right M!]. The writing is light years beyond the first season at this point matched only by the performances and including some impressive guest star turns since the agonizing days of the screaming Kent Broadhurst appearance in Babylon Squared. Straczynski cleverly weaves a bit of historical Earther infamy into the show and ties it to his own B5 mythology. I Loved that! Pure dead brilliant!

There are two potent segments in play here. The story begins with ousted ambassador, now Citizen G’Kar relegated to Narn leader of his subjugated race. He is expounding to the various alien races in the Zocalo that they could be next. Vir watches with a heavy heart and we know he is the discarded moral compass for the Centauri's one darkened Londo Mollari.

G’Kar later meets with an arms smuggler attempting to run weapons through B5 to feed an underground armed Narn resistance to the Narn homeworld. Mr. Chase is an interesting character and judging by the various close-ups and tilted cameras, the director, Mike Vejar, does a great job of creating a visual style that emphasizes what is in process isn’t exactly on the up and up. I really loved alot of the camera work and lighting in this episode.



Garibaldi catches up with G’Kar and the two have a moving exchange. Garibaldi tells him they’ll be no gunrunning through B5 on his watch and when G’Kar relents Garibaldi appreciates his honesty and gives him a tip about a friend’s transfer station in Sector 90 near a jumpgate that might help the Narn cause. G’Kar lights up with a smile. Small victories as they say.

Garibaldi: “I don’t want those weapons coming through the station otherwise this place is gonna go straight to hell.”

G’Kar: “We are already, as you so quaintly put it, going straight to hell. You cannot escape what’s coming.”

Yikes! I love that all the characters like to say "straight to hell!"

In one of the episode's most stunning pieces Vir and G’Kar, played with much aplomb by Stephen Furst and Andreas Katsulas respectively, meet in the always-uncomfortable 'elevator moment'. Given the Narn/ Centauri war it’s even more uncomfortable than normal. It is a simply fantastic, heartbreaking exchange for both. While I am a huge, unabashed G’Kar supporter, proponent, advocate, Vir takes the cake here as he is clearly riddled with guilt over the Narn devastation at the hands of the Centauri. The silence is deafening, as the dissenting conscience of Vir scrambles and fumbles for the right words standing before the seething anguish of G'Kar. The pain is palpable. Katsulas brings such emotional resonance to his part in this show. His talent absolutely bursts through all of that make-up and latex. His could be the most amazing role by someone as an alien I’ve ever seen in a science fiction series. Composer Christopher Franke’s score is understated and lets the scene breathe until its climax. It is powerful, stunning stuff. How does Straczynski do it?



When G’Kar’s ability to lead comes under question by his fellow Narn, he is tasked with finding out about families back on the homeworld to prove his worthiness. He must complete the task within 24 hours or step aside. G’Kar turns to Sheridan for help who understands it is in B5’s best interests to keep him in that role for balance and calm. Interesting to see guys like Sheridan and Garibaldi play backdoor politics throughout the episode in order to maintain stability or aid in doing the right thing while breaking with code. Sheridan assigns Garibaldi the mission of getting the Rangers involved. It would appear this is the first time the Rangers take proactive action rather than stand idly by waiting in the shadows [ewww, bad pun there].

Nice eyebrows Vir. Ya gotta alove those old Grandpa Ben Centauri brows.

The second thread in Comes The Inquisitor, and just as compelling, centers on Delenn and later Sheridan. Delenn is summoned by Kosh and informed she will undergo interrogation by an inquisitor. Kosh intends to determine if Delenn is worthy of the burden she will bear and whether she can be trusted to see it through.

Delenn: “How will I know who it is?”
Kosh: “You will know if you survive.”

Ah that's comforting. We know from Kosh’s always enlightening words Delenn is in for a harrowing journey. He is looking for confirmation that she can be trusted in handling the “coming storm” for the right reasons.

A Vorlon transport ship arrives at B5. A human interrogator of British decent meets with Sheridan, top hat and cane in hand [visual allusion to late 19th Century England]. Sheridan clearly finds it odd that he has been dispatched from Vorlon space. He understandably begins to probe the new arrival. He blocks Sheridan’s overtures for answers with “you’re not ready for the truth.”

A meeting has been established for Delenn in Grey 19. The Inquisitor’s name is Sebastian, the Vorlon's examiner of choice. At first, I thought Wayne Alexander might be delivering an over the top performance, but instead he is deliciously evil and his British pomp is perfect for the execution of questioning. Delenn is informed of the rules. She is free to leave at anytime, but in doing so she would admit defeat and inadequacy and would be forced to answer before the Vorlon. In other words she is a free and willing participant of the inquisition.

Delenn must answer a series of questions and if the answer is unacceptable she receives a technologically advanced form of shock treatment exponentially increased each time from the wack of his cane. The most fascinating is “who are you?”

This sequence is edge-of-your-seat engaging. The harsh, cold Englishman is in direct contrast to Delenn’s soft, gentle but fight-ready soul. The philosophical analysis is terrific because I began asking the question, “Who am I?” I kept applying such contemplations to myself. Sebastian is like that of a drill sergeant. He works to break her and tear her down. Delenn needs to be ready and strong for the coming war. Weakness will not do and will not be tolerated, yet only when she begins to question does Sebastian relent. Curious.

Sebastian: “Who are you?”
Delenn: “I am Delenn” [electrocution continues]
S: “And you have a destiny?”
D: “Yes.”
S: “NO! Be a nice Minbari. Conform! Be quiet! Admit you are inadequate!”
D: “NO!”

Delenn demonstrates true courage and stamina. Sheridan arrives in Grey 19 after being alerted to Delenn’s status by Lennier. When Sheridan enters he becomes part of the inquisition. [All part of the plan-the 'teaching' by Kosh.] “You’re linked at the hip,” announces Sebastian confirming my own belief that the destinies of Delenn and Sheridan’s feel inextricably linked. Delenn comes to Sheridan’s aid who is also being tortured. Delenn demands all life is valuable. Her destiny is life.



The inquisitor informs them both. “How do you know the chosen ones? No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his brother. Not for millions. Not for glory. Not for fame- for one person, in the dark, where no one will ever know or see. I have been in the service of the Vorlons for centuries looking for you- Diogenes with his lamp looking for an honest man willing to die for all the wrong reasons. At last, my job is finished. Yours is just beginning. When the darkness comes know this. You are the right people in the right place at the right time.” WHEW! WOW! Signs and portents for sure! I just love the poetry in Straczynski's writing. It really is a beautiful thing.

And in the end, we learn, that fine English gent, that king of torture, king of pain is serving his penance to the Vorlons. Plucked from his ugly existence, the Vorlons show the unidentified killer of late 19th Century London the way. Sebastian was their fitting inquisitor. His alter ego was none other than Jack The Ripper. WOW! This is another exceptional entry deftly penned by Straczynski.

*

It's also worth noting the camera direction in this episode is outstanding thanks to Director Mike Vejar. I know Janet Greek and Jim Johnston rank up there I'm sure with the Babylon 5 faithful, but Vejar has contributed some fine contributions and this is clearly one of them.

*

Comes The Inquisitor: A-

B5 S2 Ep3: The Geometry Of Shadows Redux

I was looking for a Techno-Mage, I may have taken a wrong turn. Sorry to have troubled you.

I went back to review scenes from Season 2’s The Geometry Of Shadows that essentially seemed fairly innocuous upon initial viewing, but in retrospect I knew there was much more than met the eye. The story centers on the arrival of the Techno-Mages who utilize smoke and mirrors through science to achieve magic.

Londo spots the Techno-Mage arrival and shares the following with Vir:
“Great maker!…a Techno-Mage. Looks like a human. We used to have them back home long ago. They use science to achieve the effect of magic. I haven’t seen one in years. They almost never travel. They don’t like to leave their places of power. To see even one of them is a rare thing. To see more than one at a time is considered a very bad omen. Three... This is definitely not good.”

You can’t help but laugh a little at this scene given all that transpires following The Geometry Of Shadows. It’s definitely another episode I appreciate more now.



This scene speaks volumes about Londo, his quest for power and lends more insight into the Centauri. Again, Stephen Furst as Vir has one of those shining moments.



Later, there is a scene between Londo and Sheridan whereby Londo offers his services in introducing the Techno-Mage to him. Londo's agenda, of course, is to actually meet the Techno-Mage himself. Londo is a masterful politician [or at times attempts to be] trying to manipulate Sheridan for his ulterior motives, but Sheridan is no slouch. Sheridan is a perfect example of never mistaking kindness for weakness. He is savy, unimpressed and clearly aware of the manipulation at hand.

Londo: “I could be of some small assistance.”

Sheridan: “And what would you get out of it?”

Londo: “Oh, a clear conscience and a peaceful sleep.” Uh-huh. I can see Sheridan rolling his eyes.

Interesting points:

Over 100 Techno-Mage are emigrating to an unknown location.

Sheridan mentions God’s presence in creation. Just hearing that sounded so definitive, so powerful and further exemplified the sheer balls in Straczynski’s writing to take risks, take a stand and be unafraid to tell his story.

The Techno-Mage [Elric] tells Sheridan:
Elric: “That is why we are going away, to preserve that knowledge.”

Sheridan: “From what?”

Elric: “There is a storm coming, a black and terrible storm. We would not have our knowledge lost or used to ill purpose. From this place we will launch ourselves into the stars.”
The final moments of The Geometry Of Shadows is the primary reason I wanted to watch this one again. I kept playing Elric’s words over and over in my mind and wondered if I missed anything. Michael Ansara is excellent as Elric. Some of these guest stars turn in some excellent performances thanks to the great material Straczynski has provided them.

Londo [following several spells by Elric]: “Does this torment end when you leave or am I going to have to spend the rest of my life paying for this one mistake?"
Elric: “Oh, I’m afraid you’re gonna have to spend the rest of your life paying for mistakes…. You are touched by darkness ambassador. I see it as a blemish that will grow with time. I could warn you of course, but you would not listen. I could kill you, but someone would take your place, so I do the only thing I can. I go. I see a great hand reaching out of the stars. The hand is your hand, and I hear sounds, the sounds of billions of people calling your name.”

Londo: “My followers.”

Elric: “Your victims.”

It’s interesting Elric points out to Londo that forces at work behind recent events would unfold with or without him. Clearly, Morden and The Shadows found their susceptible pawn in Londo, but would have found another to ensure the inevitable storm would come.

A very bad day to be born to the purple.
On the separate thread regarding the Purple versus Green Drazi war, I was particularly moved by the fine performance of the actors behind the make-up [especially the Green Drazi played brilliantly by Kim Strauss. What a distinctive voice!]. As nuts as they are, they deliver the message to Ivanova with conviction and it is a captivating thread in and of itself. I almost believed Green Drazi made sense for a moment.  The Geometry Of Shadows is a pivotal installment in the second season.

The Geometry Of Shadows: B+

B5 S2 Ep2: Revelations Redux

Almost moving forward again. I'm trying to be expeditious getting through them to get back on track.

Okay friends, so I’ve revisited a few key episodes and it seems as though I’m often taking one step forward and two steps back. This much is true, but I’m caught up in the language and the details. I’m hanging on every word more than ever. I'm appreciating scenes that I once took for granted. I will indeed go back to the very beginning someday to view this story fully enlightened eyes. I definitely glanced over or discarded certain material when I should have been paying closer attention.

Season 2 Revelations is a harbinger in its own right. This is the beginning of a great sadness. G’Kar, more than anyone, is keenly aware of forces at work and is troubled by what's to come almost as if he senses the future. These are desperate times for G’Kar. There is an assortment of powerful moments here that propel The Shadows arc. I erroneously did not lend my full attention to its many details, nuances, subtext. I see this now. I am such an addict.

Revelations begins when G’Kar on a scouting mission narrowly averting death thanks to the sacrifice of his fellow Narn who lure The Shadows’ vessels off G’Kar's ass and allow him time to escape through a jumpgate back to B5. His investment in the Narn bible, the G’Quan, only serves to shore up his belief that an ancient evil has returned. Making matters worse, Londo secretly bears similiar concerns that certain pieces of the puzzle just don't add up. He knows there may be something to that which G’Kar speaks. Despite his own reservations, Londo turns his back on the potentially devastating reality in turn denying his own moral compass in greedy favor of his desire for Centauri glory. Londo would rather turn to the unknown arms of a potentially lethal enemy. His sense of right and wrong is blurred and overruled by his intense hatred of the Narn and his desire for power rather than fortify a coalition for a common good. He is driven by this and The Shadows know it.

It is disturbing, yet delicious material. Londo's fall is compelling television like none I've ever seen, [better even than, dare I say, the fall of Anakin Skywalker in Star Wars one could argue]. Could redemption be a possibility or is his future to be damned? A series that is a revelation indeed.

Revelations: B+

B5 S1 Ep22: Chrysalis [Redux]

A couple of boneheads. I'm sorry I couldn't resist.

This is my final planned look back into Season 1. Just when you thought it was safe to go through a new jumpgate I find myself needing to revisit the past yet again. My third re-review of Season 1 comes in the form of season finale Chrysalis.

It's interesting to go back and see some of the subtext in the performances particularly between Kosh and Delenn. Straczynski weaves much of his story into the exchanges and some of those messages I breezed over the first time around. “Yes. Thank you. Now I will keep the promise. Goodbye. You will not see me again,” Delenn informs Kosh in her pre-cocoon, large-boneheaded state. It resonates with me more to see there is some sort of inextricable bond there between them, something shared and founded in their past. Before undertaking the transformation Delenn tells Sinclair to see her because “there are things you should know,” but that he does not have much time. Sinclair is jarred by visions of his torture by the Minbari.

Elsewhere we have the always amusing and creepy Morden visit the fragile psychological footing of Londo Mollari. Ed Wasser and Peter Jurasik are always a pleasure to watch.



All of the many fascinating setups in Straczynski’s amazing story come to a head here launching the story headlong into Season 2 for the next phase in his visual novel.

I think Sinclair captures precisely what Straczynski began unraveling here. With everyone at a crossroads, characters are given the free will to choose the right path, yet often it is the path to darkness revealed as the road chosen for many of these players and Straczynski unabashedly relishes it. This scene is one of those turning points and one that illustrates how these characters seem unable to avoid their respective destinies despite being given every opportunity to change their course. They are trapped by fate.

*

"Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes!"
Thinking about it, Chrysalis is a perfect title for this final installment of Season 1. Apart from the obvious physical change Delenn enters into setting up changes for the next season there is more here than meets the eye. Londo is also undergoing his own change and it is notable here. With the support of his newfound associates he is beginning to consider embracing the path to power here. Garibaldi is also in a chrysalis of his own [actually comatose but you get the idea]. His body is fighting and the question of survival is at stake for him and how that affects his decisions early in Season 2. G’Kar too has changed. No longer does he present the bellicose-laden rhetoric that informed his character earlier in the season, but rather replaced with a softening of the true G-Kar. There is unrest on Earth signaled with a change in presidential leadership. And in general, Chrysalis marks a significant departure of sorts for the show itself. Big changes were on the horizon. I don’t think I’m reading into this or overanalyzing Straczynski's intentions here too much either. This is surely by intention as I’m finding almost everything in his story is thoughtful by design.

Yes, we feel 'a darkness' in our bones indeed. So the militarized Narn outpost in Quadrant 37 is wiped out by the purple-pink firepower of the black-fingered hands of The Shadows. There are no survivors. “10,000 of our best warriors dead. It’s as if some great hand reached out of space and just erased them,” says a perplexed Na’Toth. It is here we see G’Kar first acknowledge signs of a return by an ancient evil far more powerful than any race.

One of the many well-designed spacecraft created for the Babylon 5 space opera.

The Earth President is assassinated with the explosion of Earth Force 1 and all witness it in horror from Command & Control. Evil forces are at work and it culminates in the swearing in of Morgan William Clark as the new Earth President aboard Earth Force 2.

Sinclair, looking worse for the wear, is visited by Kosh. “And so it begins. You have forgotten something.” The omniscient Kosh alerts Sinclair who runs to Delenn, but he is too late to speak with her. She is now changing and so too is this show.

G’Kar: “This has been a black day for both of us Lt. Commander Ivanova, a black and terrible day.”

G’Kar to Na’Toth: “Tell the commander he was right. We were at a crossroads and there is no going back.”

And again Sinclair’s final performance with the final words as the episode closes: “Nothing’s the same anymore.” A dark episode indeed.

Chrysalis: B