B5 S3 Ep8: Messages From Earth

Into the eye of the Purple-Pink!

Whenever I see the word ‘messages’ I think of songs by OMD, the Bee Gees and ELO. I have no idea why, but to me there is something classic and analogue about the word. I cannot explain it. It just is. Anyway, it's a great word.

So here we are with Babylon 5, Season Three, Episode 8, Messages From Earth [or "I've Just Got To Get A Message To You"]. Great title. Great idea and Director Michael Vejar strikes again! I like this director. What a unique visual style and flair. He does interesting things with the camera and the whole episode, especially on Mars, has that creepy, lonely, dark, moody, ominous quality immersed in orange hues. Pinkish hues are nice, but I really like orange hues. My kids were running for cover. One of them made smart remarks about the old effects and even used the words “green screen.” I was like, “where did you learn that.” Too much Disney channel probably. Anyway, they were still pretty impressed with the White Star and those spindly Shadows vessels. No matter how old some of these effects may be by television standards they justifiably scared the bejesus out of the kiddies who either headed for the hills or forced them to bury their faces in pillows!

The episode kicks off in traditional Babylon 5 fashion with a meal. Bacon and Eggs. “I haven’t seen a fresh chicken egg in three years,” a shocked Garibaldi proclaims. Marcus has managed to surprise Ivanova with the ultimate breakfast dish. What better meal to remind us of Earth then good old-fashioned bacon and eggs.

Elsewhere on the station Marcus is proving his value opening a mighty can of whoop ass to protect a woman from a slough of determined attackers. If I had any doubts about our Shakespearean Ranger Man and his abilities they were vanquished here. Hey there Boo Boo, welcome this one aboard!

On Earth, Senate hearings continue into Santiago’s death while evidence has surfaced on Clarke via his former physician proving his timely absence from Earth Force One may not have been just unfortunate timing. Sheridan and Ivanova listen intently to ISN.

Garibaldi’s soft spot for G’Kar continues as he visits him in station confinement. It’s one of two intimate scenes in the entry. I love the lighting used here on G’Kar’s face and how he falls back into the shadows. Vejar has the cinematic touch indeed.




Two solid turns are delivered via Robert Vaughn as a Nightwatch Security Guard and the beautiful Nancy Stafford as hottie Dr. Mary Kirkish. I got curious. I knew she was a hottie! The actress was formerly Miss Florida in 1976 and had a role on Matlock. I never watched Matlock. It's not science fiction.

Garibaldi has found the person he has been looking for to corroborate his story. His “package” has arrived thanks to Marcus and her name is Dr. Mary Kirkish. Seven years ago Garibaldi saw something. He has kept it under wraps until now. She is an important messenger. Mike Vejar serves up a perfect slow motion sequence with her arrival as she is escorted to the war council room to the sound of thumping percussion. Great stuff pumping up the importance of the episode!

Kirkish worked as an archaeologist for Interplanetary Expedition searching for buried technology [can you say Stargate SG-1?] on other worlds. She has been brought before the council to share her story. While on Mars, sonic probes uncovered something in the Martian soil. That thing they found was a Shadows vessel. I love when Kirkish describes it like the one from the news, the one that looks like it came “straight from hell” [maybe not “straight to hell” but cool enough!]. Kirkish now joins a long list of characters happily expounding the state of the galaxy.

Sheridan points out that back home they’re saying they’ve never seen anything like this. The doctor [of archaeology] confirms they are indeed lying.

She explains only a handful of people know what happened after that discovery. Many have died or gone missing. “Sooner or later they’ll find me and I’ll disappear.” Fortunately for Kirkish, Delenn and Lennier have other plans and will handle her sanctuary on Minbar. In other words, thanks for coming and playing a part on our Babylon 5, we’ll call you if we need you, don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out. Tell Sinclair we said hello. Have a great day.

Before leaving she recalls how one worker touched the entity accidentally and died instantly. Yikes! That can't be good. During the excavation she spent time in a Mars bunker [great atmosphere and eerie coloring in these scenes once again]. Through a lookout she witnessed the arrival of another Shadow vessel that reawakened the other lifting it from Mars, as if summoning it from the bowels of hell through utilization of its devastating purple-pink firepower. The doctors were warned to keep quiet concerning exactly what they witnessed [or else]. All were separated and dispatched to different locations with the intention of maintaining silence.

During that dig, Garibaldi was piloting a shuttle for Mars when he too viewed those same events. He went back to that site to investigate, but all he could uncover was a badge, the dreaded badge of a Psi Corps officer.

Now the bad news, just a few weeks ago Dr. Kirkish was brought to another secret location where yet another vessel had been discovered. This time it’s different. Deeply concerned she tells the group how Earth is planning to dissect the knowledge of their finding to learn from it and use it to Earth advantage perhaps as a weapon against others by bringing it home. Whoever is in charge clearly wants to become more like the Shadows in power. Can you say Morden and Psi Corps? In theory, could Morden and Psi Corps be attempting a double-cross of The Shadows? It feels as though the Earth government is employing a very dangerous game with some very dangerous people.

The dreaded Groupthink model inaction. "I dunno Lennier. What do you think?" "I dunno. Marcus?"
Upon receiving all of this information, Sheridan adjourns the meeting and needs time to think…alone, err….with Delenn…kind of alone. Hmmm….

Elsewhere on the station Nightwatch is becoming more and more like Big Brother. Zack is looking very torn and troubled by the developments, especially when Vaughn smiles it’s like playing “God” a bit. I’d say the power is going to your head a bit there big fella. He’s whipping the troops into a bit of a frenzy. I like Conaway’s sometimes exaggerated “WTF!?” facial expressions. I have to admit I’m enjoying him more than I ever thought I could have as the show has progressed.

Sheridan has informed Delenn of his intentions [not those intentions]. Together they will take the White Star to Ganymede and stop the implementation of the Earth plan by destroying the Shadows vessel. White Star GO! The slow pan to Boxleitner in the Captain’s chair was a real nice touch. Classic Vejar! Delenn accompanies the Captain. Their bond and resolve is strengthening and there is definitely a comfort there for Sheridan having her by his side.

So Nighwatch is drawing up lists of those to be arrested and nearly anyone is a suspect as Vaughn stirs up the security staff. I like that Zack is still asking questions. He clearly is trying to figure out which side he’s on and navigate the minefield of issues. At a nightwatch meeting things begin to unravel as an officer asks, “does anyone in this room know where the Captain is?” How’s that for loyalty? Wow. Here's a clue. It's none of your damn business and shut the F up!

The White Star continues its journey to Mars. Lennier recommends that Sheridan rest. Lennier is such a voice of reason and wisdom. It’s interesting to see the Minbari [religious caste of course] stand at attention for Sheridan as he walks by. It must be surreal for Starkiller given his Black Star history. Those Minbari pilots are so funny navigating from those mobile chairs; they even smile later on. So Sheridan heads off to get some rest. Those Minbari beds look comfy. NOT! Delenn looked kind of seductive too. This is a sweet sequence with Sheridan sharing a bit of his past with her about his father. You gotta love Dads.




Ivanova looks terrific with her hair down. She is clearly struggling with events as they unfold and this scene really amplifies her frustration and her inability to have a hand in controlling the outcome as she lashes out at Marcus who’s on the receiving end of her wrath. Marcus is a solid, caring character for taking it as well. He knows she needs to release her tension and absorbs it for her without fighting back.




An interesting point is learned about the Shadows vessels and how they operate. A living creature enters the vessel and merges with it to take control and engage the craft. Earth has sent its own pilot and Delenn is troubled that the merging will be too hasty. Apparently, any life force has a shot at merging with one of these very curious Shadows vessels.

Don’t you just love the sound effects applied to the Shadows ships? It's like there's a hint of Toho, perhaps a nod to Godzilla or Monster Zero in there? It may be unintentional but at least that’s how it sounded as it screeched and released its purple-pink rage on the Mars research station after liftoff. I was half-expecting to see Ghidorah appear. The White Star fires a volley upon the craft and the results are “negligible.” Those moving Mibari chairs are particularly strange, but cool, and it was interesting how the ship’s firepower increased the closer they moved together. One more shot takes off an arm and pisses the enemy off. The White Star is pursued by The Shadow craft as Sheridan lures it into the gravitational pull of Jupiter. The White Star flips 180 degrees and pulls away from Jupiter's strain. The Shadows ship cannot pull out and is pulled back further toward the surface of the planet disintegrating. Interesting that the organic nature of the Shadows vessel did not have the strength to beat Vorlon-Minbari propulsion technology. And how about Captain Sheridan's laid back, brown, leather jacket look. What's up with that?

Just when our fearless heroes thought it was safe to head back into space, the Agamemnon arrives and fires upon them. Sheridan refuses to fire upon one of his own. Of course, it’s also the very ship he once captained [if I'm remembering that correctly]. He also refuses to surrender or it could spell the end of their mission as the “chosen ones.” The future would be Z'Ha'Doomed! Delenn suggests opening a jump point despite being dangerously close to the Jupiter surface. Lennier advises against it. The results could be catastrophic. In other words, they could all just explode. The White Star has not been fully tested on many fronts but continues to astonish and amaze therefore we definitely have to do it! If they played it safe it wouldn't make good television to be sure. Our heroes escape and remain unidentified in the process.

Later, ISN reports that an unknown alien ship destroyed the research station. The Earth powers continue to spin it to their advantage. The Agamemnon is reported to have destroyed the ship. Sheridan shakes his head in disbelief of the report. Yup, that's intergalactic politics for you.

Nightwatch urges Zack to begin probing the Security Chief. Zack is very much a pawn caught between his friendship to Garibaldi and the pressures of fulfilling his duties within the Nightwatch or "fire and flood" as Vir once said to Londo. The question is will he make the right choice? I'm hoping YES.

In the final moments, ISN reports Earth is now under martial law. YEs. Things are looking up as Babylon 5 ends with yet another happy ending.

Classic lines:

Sheridan: “FULL POWER! GIVE ME EVERYTHING YOU’VE GOT!!!”
Lennier: “If I were holding anything back I would tell you.”

Messages From Earth: A-

B5 S3 Ep7: Exogenesis

"Excuse me, did you say you want me to come to your bedroom?"

I was quite excited about this one. You just take one good look at that nasty back-burrowing space bug and you can't help but consider the possibilities that this one might well be a terrific, Alien-esque creepfest. Well, it was not to be. By the way, I thought the Straczynski concept was a good one on the whole and certainly anything but straightfroward. Part of the problem I think might have been that I was looking for unoriginal, exciting even disgusting and just didn't get the fan service. I know I shouldn't be lowering my expectations for such a heady series. If I wanted something that straightforward I should have hit the archive classics like John Carpenter's The Thing.

Here we have Babylon 5, Season 3, Episode 7, Exogenesis [or Nasty Little-Legged Space Critters]. The whole slimy, centipede-like creature burrowing into the back concept really had gi-normous potential. The promise of it never quite satisfied my expectations. It was interesting science-fiction just the same but just didn't quite send it for me.

So it's official for one Lt. J.G. David Corwin [Joshua Cox]. A party is thrown in honor of his promotion or is it in the honor of receiving an actual character name with a speaking part?

I love the fact J. Michael Straczynski takes 'time outs' in his episodes to assemble our favorite cast of characters together so they can unwind over small talk and a cocktail. Sometimes the talk isn't small at all. Sometimes it’s actually big talk. I love those light, intimate moments between characters at the bar or at the table over dinner. Straczynski has a way of relaxing us with a fine meal for a few minutes before rattling our brains with the next intense shoe drops. He delivers those like a sharp shot to the family jewels at times. All is quiet before the storm as they say. I am forever humbled every time those credits roll with ‘Written by J. Michael Straczynski’ and I wonder how on Earth he manages to keep the quality up week after week at such a high level. This entry may not be among his best but it has its moments.

I’m not sure why Ivanova passed on inviting Marcus to the social. Was it her fear of her own attraction or caution of the unknown? Let's face it, you need to work hard to earn Ivanova's trust and loyalty as it should be. But I agree with Sheridan on playing it cool. Better to keep their relationship with Marcus and their new alliance under the radar for the time being.

The one thread I did enjoy in this entry was the whole concept of the “new” employee. Sheridan questions Ivanova about the 'new guy'; in essence, can Lt. Corwin be trusted within the inner circle? Under orders from Sheridan Ivanova must probe Corwin. Funny enough, he is invited to her quarters for a little intercourse. Not that kind silly rabbit! Of course that's what Corwin thinks. He misleads himself into thinking it might just be a hot date. A guy can dream can't he? Of course I'm sure there are a few ladies out there who might find Corwin a tasty after dinner cordial themselves.

Corwin’s eyes bug out [as he imagines the big nasty] at the potential for the request of his presence in her quarters! Great moment! Still, it’s comical because Corwin’s behavior is so very Boy Scout and ‘chain of command.’ He is goody two shoes honest! He's the kind of fellow that follows Earth law down to the letter without question. It's his inability to ask questions that make his colleagues nervous. He sees things black and white, while Sheridan, Garibaldi and Ivanova are forced very clearly to navigate their sticky universe in the grey. It is uncertain he would be able to comprehend the rule-bending nature of the politics in play that are required to violate Earth law in order to protect Earth. So, Lt. “I think I have a date” Corwin picks up flowers en route to Ivanova’s accomodations to engage in another terrific Claudia moment. She has such a tough-as-nails affect that Corwin nervously tells her the flowers were sitting outside her door unable to tell her that he bought them. She sticks the proverbial knife in the heart and tells him 'anyone who would pay for expensive synthetic flowers must be dumb.' Ouch! She knows how to hurt a guy.



I must say Joshua Cox clearly feels more natural in the cute guy role for the show then Warren Keffer ever did. Cox has also eased into it more gradually. He was brought to the fore of 'recurring' without it being forced down our throats. We weren’t beat over the head with him in the credits [LOOK AT OUR NEW GUY ISN'T HE HUNKALICIOUS!] and saddled with huge expectations, but rather slowly introduced to him. After awhile, the more we saw him, the more we wondered does that guy have a story to tell? I feel like his role as part of the story could work out much better and be more interesting. I certainly don't know Straczynski’s long term plans for him. Hell, he could wind up Drazi roadkill for all I know. Perhaps he's simply the Gary Jones [Stargate SG-1] of the series never to stray too far.

Whenever I hear Marcus speak with that delightful English-accented dialogue, I often wonder if he wasn’t a creation for Straczynski to indulge himself with a poetic style reminiscent of Shakespeare. It all seems to roll off the tongue and is alot of fun to hear. He can make nonsense sound terrific! Marcus is alerted that Ranger 1 on Minbar has recommended a heightened state of alert and should pull back from the Earth base of operations. Shadow vessels are being spotted in Sector 800. They are gathering, creating a border on the edge of Centauri space. How these things actually move around and still believe they are undetected in their operations is beyond me. It’s like a 900 pound gorilla with tentacles in the middle of the room, but instead it's a damn space spider the size of the Sydney Opera House. Marcus requests the Rangers drop a long range scanner in Sector 800 and get the ‘F’ out fast! Marcus’ liaison, Samuel, is missing. And now, Marcus himself, is being tailed. Marcus finds Samuel, but something isn’t right. His behavior has changed. His body has clearly been snatched! Samuel was dedicated to Marcus’ cause but now stares blankly with a kind of empty affect. Marcus looks for a man named Duncan [a nice turn by Aubrey Morris] who is also missing. Criminey! It’s like Invasion Of The Body Snatchers!

Marcus approaches Garibaldi in typically colorful style.
Marcus: “An increasingly large number of people in Down-Below aren’t acting normally.”
Garibaldi: “If they were normal they wouldn’t be in Down-Below.”
Marcus: “Well thank you Mr. Garibaldi, one of the leading minds of the 14th Century!”
Garibaldi: “Ivanova’s right- you are a pain in the ass!” [Hey, throw Ivanova under the bus why dontchya!] It’s funny how Garibaldi gets engaged in station problems based upon his own perception of what is serious and what isn’t. He’s a funny fellow. He cracks me up. I like his character alot.

Elsewhere, Dr. Franklin notes an anomaly on a man’s x-ray in medlab. He pulls snot slime from the dead man’s back and the slime wiggles. Damn! That space booger's alive! Marcus comes along and convinces Dr. Franklin to tag along throughout the station to investigate and play I Spy. Anything to get out of medlab and have Richard Biggs earn his keep. What they find in Duncan’s quarters is quite unpleasant and they are surrounded by those alien-human, backbitten folks and held hostage. I do like the idea of an alien race of nasty little space critters being of a higher intelligence than my earlier expectations would lead you to believe. You certainly wouldn't expect a centipede to be smart.

Some of the entry tips the cap to standard science-fiction fare with a touch of the classic coupled with original ideas. There's a bit of homage to in there. So, Franklin and Marcus are held in the Down-Below by those inserted with the alien parasite [Vendrizi if I have that right]. Marcus asks Franklin about Ivanova [always a good time to ponder your sex life when in peril] confirming any suspicions there might be an interest in her for him. He feels she has “a key as yet unturned.” I bet she does buddy and wouldn’t you like to turn it. I'm sure it would be “fascinating to find out,” as he puts it. Anyway, start thinking of a way to get the hell out of there.

Granted, I know the writers will pursue a love connection for these characters from time to time, but I definitely felt a lesbian groove for the voluptuous Ivanova in her dalliance with Talia in Divided Loyalties. Perhaps she’s a switch hitter, but there is a masculine quality to Ivanova's personality that I felt drew her to the softer feminine aspects of her same sex as if to fill a void in her life. She logically has that space in her life since her mother died for whom she was clearly close. Given the male-driven galaxy for which she works it kind of made sense to me which is why Marcus just really doesn't or at least feels a bit contrived. Whoa! I was starting to get deep there I think.

Eventually Marcus escapes while Franklin is in Brown 87 attempting to save a dying host at the Vendrizi's behest. Marcus rescues Franklin but discovers the hosts are merging with the Vendrizi voluntarily. Those whose lives are in jeopardy, at an end or simply directionless are joining with the creatures to extend life and aid the creature's own desire for survival. The alien legacy is to preserve memories in effect preserving the past, present and future from the coming dark age. I love those Shadows allusions. Even when you have a standalone story like this one, elements of the larger arc remind you that the Shadows are there waiting in the wings.

This a really sweet sequence between Marcus and Duncan as Duncan bids farewell. Marcus is beginning to win me over with his unusual mix of quirky, heroic and romantic. I genuinely thought this was a really sweet moment between the two.



Now, the dialogue for Duncan really hit a nerve for me. I've seen Blade Runner maybe 20 times and I own a copy of the Vangelis Blade Runner Original Motion Picture Soundtrack [I love the score!]. Speaking of homage earlier, the script provided for Duncan, while not precisely the same, immediately reminded me of this terrific moment extracted from Blade Runner. You can also hear the dialogue in the audio track on the CD itself which is in heavy rotation in my car. The Duncan goodbye felt very much like a nod to this scene and at least captured the spirit of what Ridley Scott was conveying in his film classic through always underrated actor Rutger Hauer [one of his best ever performances hands down alongside Night Hawks]. The whole idea of how life is fleeting and how we all want to make the most of this short thing called life and how it is essentially a gift. I don't mean to be cheesy, and don't get me wrong, I love Babylon 5, but this segment from Blade Runner is stunning, moving cinematic poetry and is certainly on a level all its own. While it's like comparing apples to oranges it says alot about the quality of Babylon 5's science fiction. If it wasn't intentional it's a funny coincidence. Scott's scene is considerably darker but both are powerful in their own rights.



In the end, Ivanova alerts Sheridan of her Corwin probe and sadly affirms, for now, she cannot be certain of his loyalty. Oh and Franklin tells Ivanova to give Marcus a chance and immediately she deduces those roses given to her from Corwin allegedly found outside her door were actually from Marcus. She seeks Marcus out on the station and plops the roses down in front of him in the Zocalo. “Keep ‘em,” she storms off. Are you sure you want to turn that key pal? Of course, Marcus looks to be open to a good challenge. Happy-go-lucky Marcus is tickled pink by the roses and merely smiles with thanks. Ha! Just like a fellow-clueless.

Londo and G’Kar are noticeably absent in this one and their lack of presence is clearly felt. Given last episode’s events I imagine the plan was to a: allow Londo to heal and b: G’Kar to serve some time for that sentence.

Duncan: “Maybe we all need to wake-up, become special before it’s too late.”

Exogenesis: C

Dust Is The Drug!

There is no other explanation for these indulgences other than the fact it's just kind of fun for me to have a good time while I'm watching Babylon 5. Certainly this is one science fiction series quite worthy of cool music videos. My kids come along and say things like "what the heck are you doing?"

Anyway, I'm off and running with the next episode, but I loved listening to Roxy Music [a riff on Love Is The Drug] while enjoying the always amazing Andreas Katsulas. The physical drama Katsulas delivers as G'Kar through all of that latex is simply astounding. The man is an amazing actor.

B5 S3 Ep6: Dust to Dust

"Ahhh! Is that my hand!?" Now that is significantly F***ed up!
*

The Babylon 5 locomotive steams along with the latest installment, Season 3, Episode 6, Dust To Dust [or Londo Receives His Much Deserved Ass-Kicking]. Now I don't normally condone violence but Londo is lucky he made it this far. Off we go.

*

The nefarious Nightwatch unit continues to step it up a notch with their Babylon 5 surveillance program. There is an almost Nazi-like oversight being cultivated among security troops on the station. Shopkeepers are getting harassed for the sale of ‘Indict Clarke’ merchandise. The unit is clearly becoming more militant in its methods as freedoms begin to get trampled. Thankfully Captain Sheridan is clearly in charge and he lets one fellow know it.

Walter Koenig’s Bester returns. There were a few moments where I asked myself what if Bester was actually a good guy? Bester’s re-arrival and scanning presence places everyone on edge on the Sheridan War Council potentially worried he could potentially uncover key information on a host of issues [The Shadows, Santiago, et.] that might further aid an already corrupt Earth Alliance. There are a variety of options considered before allowing him aboard.

Garibaldi: “We kill him before he has a chance to tell anybody.”
Ivanova: “Can we wound him just a little? We could blow up his ship.”

I enjoy Ivanova’s nasty little KGB streak. This is a powerful sequence with Ivanova taking actions outside her purview [or perhaps not; she is the Lt Commander]. When she makes a decision, she makes a decision and sticks with it. This is stunning stuff. I think it’s one of Ivanova’s many powerful moments to date. Her move is ultimately extreme, but an argument could be made justifying its within character as she is keenly aware Bester might discover her own telepathic power and might attempt apprehension essentially taking everything she's ever worked for away from her. Ivanova is extremely sensitive in this area and has always been throughout the series. She reacts often in self-defense and self-preservation of herself and her colleagues trumping the law when necessary. She is extremely loyal to her friends and her mission/ passion for justice [at times willing to bend the means to justify the ends]. Then of course there is the whole bit with her mother's fate to boot. This is a pretty moving sequence from Christian. Those eyes and those lips are a killer! I love pouty Ivanova!



By the way, how about those seemingly innocuous comments like “the defense grid is acting up.” What? Well, that can’t be good.

Sheridan + Delenn + Garibaldi + Ivanova + Dr. Franklin + Psi Corps suppressant drug + 4 Minbari telepaths = 100% Bester proof. In other words, "don't screw with us!"
Delenn’s plan to counteract Bester involves having four Minbari telepaths in their presence while in Bester's company to nullify his scanning powers. He agrees to take the drug that will properly and temporarily suppress his abilities while on Babylon 5. This is a tasty little sequence with the cast and Koenig. Koenig plays the part with smug nastiness and a cocky little swagger.

Vir, the anti-Centauri, returns. Vir is a cultured fellow with a good heart and seems to be quite satisfied in his new role working amongst the religious caste of the Minbari on Minbar. He is a very trusting and honorable fellow.

Delenn, with Lennier aid, mediates between the Centauri [Londo & Vir] and the Drazi [another exceptional turn from Kim Strauss, the world’s greatest, most underappreciated alien actor]. Londo increases his Centauri colony demands from a previous offer and the Drazi are outraged. With little concern, Londo storms from the meeting. The exchange between Lennier and Vir about Londo is telling.

Lennier: “A darkness carried in the heart cannot be cured by moving the body from one place to another. I don’t think there is anything that can be done for him now.”
Vir: “That’s because you don’t know him. Someday he’ll surprise you.”

This is clearly a hint of things to come for Londo. If anyone knows how troubled Londo is and how lost yet salvageable he might be it would be Vir and his faith in Londo remains. The hope of some form of vindication down his fated path still remains. The moment reminds me that despite the Jeckyll and Hyde persona that Londo has walked, deep down there were many moments where he knew what he was doing was wrong and despite his adoration for the Centauri as its conquistador of alien races he didn't truly believe he was doing the right thing.

Are drugs really the key to enlightenment?
"Dust is the drug I'm thinkin' of, can't ya see dust is the drug for me" [riff on Roxy Music's Love Is The Drug]. Psi Corps puts a political spin on their presence giving the impression they’ve been trying to shut down the manufacturer of the powerful narcotic Dust. It’s a big problem for telepaths, or is it? Apparently, powers are heightened to a state of psychic rape for telepaths. Telepaths can die, but the power that results is of significant interest to Psi Corps as we come to determine.

G’Kar manages to purchase Dust from the seller of a shipment that has slipped aboard Babylon 5 that Bester is hunting down with Garibaldi. G’Kar believes he can use Dust on the Centauri. There is a great deal of history opened here as well. The Dust pusher indicates the drug has not been tested on the Narn as there are no known Narn telepaths. G’Kar indicates that isn't exactly true. He sheds light on the tragic past of the Narn and how Narn telepaths were wiped out by the Centauri ages ago during the first Centauri occupation and Narn extermination. Any known telepaths and their families were eliminated, but they did exist. G’Kar decides to test the drug on himself despite having never been tested.

Able to lift Ambassadorial Assistants with a single hand! Hey listen, it's Vir people! That's no easy feat!
So G’Kar takes the Dust plunge and utters “Mollari.” In a state of ecstasy complete with blackened eyes he makes his way to Londo’s quarters. The results are at once horrific, but also enlightening to G’Kar as he learns the truth behind the current fate of the Narn at the hands of Londo and his “associates.” Based on his absolutely off-the-charts head-trip, I’m thinking never again if he can help it. Addiction to this government-manufactured drud will not be in his future.

Bester is a creepy little guy, but he knows how to make a strong case for his questionable mission and is always amusing thanks to Mr. Chekov, I mean Koenig. Still, never trust the Psi Corps! Garibaldi and Bester bring in a stool pigeon from the Down-Below. Despite his abilities being suppressed, Bester plays the idiot informer like a fiddle using his badge and uniform to get him to sing like a canary. He pretends he is reading his mind eventhough he is unable to do so. I was a little surprised Garibaldi fell for it. I expected a little sharper reaction from him on that. It seemed a little out of character for Garibaldi to be surprised into thinking Bester was actually scanning. I like to think Garibaldi has been in a few interrogations in his day and is alot sharper. Anyway, they continue working together and their temporary partnership is an entertaining one. The whole “piñata” metaphor was classic and once again Bester comes up with a great comeback. "So you think of me as something bright and cheerful full of toys and candy for young children. Thank you. That makes me feel much better about our relationship."

If I were Garibaldi my return volley would have been, “actually, I was referring to the fact I'd like to string you up like a candy-filled donkey and beat the snot out of you.” In the end the Dust is confiscated.

Later at Londo’s room, G’Kar knocks Vir unconscious.

*

A gruesome site and a potential new Centauri doll variant for the Babylon 5 shop!

A bloodied Londo grovels before G’Kar thanks to a punishing beating suffered at his hands. The Dust allows G’Kar to begin scanning Londo as we learn Londo was selected for the ambassadorship aboard Babylon 5 because no one wanted the job. Much begins to be shared with G’Kar as he invades his mind to learn about more about his connection to Mr. Morden.



G’Kar sees visions of his father hung from the tree of which he spoke in Season Two's And Now For A Word [I cannot recall the tree type] reminiscing back to the days of Centauri occupation when he was but a mere pouchling. I particularly like the set pieces here replete with pink. The haunting colors and artificial vibe give it an otherworldly dream-like quality. You know it's not quite right or real and that's why it works.



A Narn elder appears to G'Kar and makes an emotional, powerful plea for him to take a higher path to stop the bloodshed and save not only his people but others. Death is not the answer, but rather honor. G’Kar must be greater, nobler.

“I am who I have always been.” “I have always been here.” We hear these phrases often and sure enough you know the Vorlon is close. Kosh stands nearby as G'Kar awakens from his Dust binge. Kosh consistently reaffirms to the players involved within the Shadows war of destiny, fate and predestination. These things are seemingly pre-determined and inescapable. G’Kar awakens in pain over what he has done and what he has seen.

G’Kar is brought before the court of Babylon 5's judicial arm and sentenced to 60 days in the station brig. Sheridan speaks on his behalf and Garibaldi attempts to offer solace with the G’Quan. G’Kar accepts his punishment standing on his own two feet and tells Garibaldi he is closer to the source than ever before.

Elsewhere Vir and Londo are pretty banged up and licking their wounds. Londo is happy Vir is enjoying his new assignment and expresses his own strong belief and confidence in him. “It should never be a joke to them Vir.” We know now what has shaped Londo's world view [or galactic view] including the fact his assignment was perceived as but a joke once upon a time. Who wanted to work on Babylon 5? After all, the other stations had met their own doomed fates. It illustrates why Londo is so sensitive and overly ambitious at being taken seriously. He'd be like Joe Pesci in Good Fellas if he were an Earther. He’s like an abused school child out for revenge; a chip on his shoulder with something to prove. He’s out to shape a legacy based upon his own prior treatment. He angles to make a name for himself among those who took him lightly at the expense of any race standing in his way. This is at the heart of Londo’s journey, but at what cost?

The epilogue:
Bester and Garibaldi happily part company in the end following their brief collaboration.

Bester: “For what it’s worth Mr. Garibaldi I enjoyed working with you. We made a good team. Perhaps we’ll do it again sometime.”
Garibaldi: “Not a chance.”

In the final moments Bester rejoins a Psi Corps counterpart and their exchange indicates the Dust shipment and its arrival on Babylon 5 was very much a part of a manufactured Psi Corps masterplan to locate a telepath of “acceptable strength.” I'm not sure Bester would need his powers to scope out the candidate which may explain why he was so willing to sacrifice them while aboard Babylon 5. They weren't needed in this particular mission.

G’Kar sits alone in his cell with those words ringing through his mind. “We are fighting to save one another and some of us must be sacrificed if all are to be saved.” Once again, another potent episode complete with moving discourse from the pen of J. Michael Straczynski.

Finally, could the latent gene still exist within the Narn race? Could G’Kar have latent Psi-powers? Hmmm… I don’t think so, but the thought has crossed my mind.
*

Dust To Dust: B+

Ancient Space Disco Ball Remixes

The mind works in funny ways sometimes, but this was just something that was playing in my head so I just had to try it for a laugh. If you didn't know I'm a pretty avid music fan along with my love for science fiction. I like music alot and just about any category will do. This was more or less an experiment. The end result was okay given it was done on the fly. I slowed down the sequence a touch.

I'm digging the Minbari keyboardists!



Please folks that is not Barry Gibb. Perhaps the 5th mystery Gibb brother Marcus, but not Barry. By the way, Ivanova is very sexy in slow motion.



I'll tell you what, that ship Straczynski and company created is such a psychedelic spectacle it is undeniably one of the coolest I have ever seen in sci-fi.

B5 S3 Ep5: Voices Of Authority

Welcome to the dancefloor! Stayin' Alive! Stayin' Alive! "Well, you can tell by the way I use my walk I'm a woman's man no time to talk!" These First Ones are stayin' alive and apparently they've been around alot longer than the 70s.

“Code 7R” and the War Council is called alerted for yet another emergency session. Secrets seem to be hard to keep on Babylon 5. Zack is certainly curious about “Code 7R” and G’Kar has apparently caught wind of the Rangers when he corners Delenn and inquires with her about the ongoing closed-door meetings in yet another solid entry of Babylon 5 Season 3.

Babylon 5, Season Three, Episode 5, Voices Of Authority [or Bow Down Before Our Ancient Space Disco Ball], continues the natural rhythms of a show that clearly found its groove in Season Two.

Delenn: “Wars are won or lost before they’re fought through preparation added to strategy and the selection of proper allies.”

Delenn reminds the group of the last Great War one thousand years ago. It was believed the First Ones went away, beyond the galactic rim forever, where no human or Minbari has ever gone before [queue Star Trek theme-paying a little homage to William Shatner's narration there in my head]. Over the course of millions of years The Shadows have been fought to a standstill by the ancient races referred to as the First Ones. The Vorlons [one of them] remained. Though tired of warfare and perhaps ensconced Delenn believes some may still be here, near us and among the stars in our system.

We get a bit more on our man Marcus. Marcus was trained on Minbar. He has learned these races are old, powerful and dangerous. They do not want to be troubled. They are a bit like a grumpy old uncle, a kind of nasty Winter Warlock if you will.

The War Council believes an attempt to contact the First Ones is needed. Draal, from Epsilon 3, reappears within the council chambers to caution the group while also excited by the possibilities. I don’t know about you, but John Schuck who plays Draal [a role previously portrayed by Louis Turenne a.k.a. Brother Theo] is dreadfully annoying. I didn’t care for the actor the first time we met him in The Long Twilight Struggle. He’s just terrible. I know I’m being hard on him, but I cringe when I see him. Maybe he reminds me of someone loud and annoying. Anyway, Sheridan agrees to travel to Epsilon 3 to determine, with Draal, which race would be suitable for first contact.

To complicate matters, The Ministry Of Peace, Nightwatch division, has sent a liaison to the station under the authority of the Babylon 5 Senate Oversight Committee in the form of one beautiful blond bombshell Ms. Julie Musante [Shari Shattuck]. She is their new political officer. Sheridan is less than pleased about Earth’s latest envoy slash lackey. He must cancel his trip to Epsilon 3 thanks to his latest bureaucratic nightmare. She is indeed easy on the eyes, but damn, she’s hell on wheels! He assigns Ivanova to the Epsilon 3 mission. Ivanova asks if there is anything else he needs. His retort, "a glass of whiskey, a gun and two bullets."

Ms. Musante, escorted to her quarters, uses her assets to get Zack to keep her informed on anything Sheridan is unwilling to inform her on and reminds him he works for the Nightwatch.

Later, over a fine meal, Ms. Mussante continues to annoy while looking extremely hot. She can dish it out in intellect and sex appeal! She has an answer for every question Sheridan poses. She bats those eyelashes and tells Sheridan, “I think I could come to like you…quite a lot.” Okay. Maybe some protection with that whiskey, gun and two bullets would be good. Translation: "I would like to go to your room and boff your brains out!" as she literally throws herself at the Captain. I suppose we can overlook a few minor shortcomings given her other fine skills and abilities if you will. I know, I sound so sexist! I'm Terrible!
*

Such a beautiful face.
Meanwhile down on Epsilon 3, Ivanova steps into the Great Machine. “Whatever you do, do not stray from the path,” urges Draal. This is all quite strange, because apparently if she strays and cannot return to the path she can die. It’s kind of like a dream. Can you actually die in your dream? Apparently here you can. The machine points to Sigma 957. This was the planet G’Kar warned Catherine Sakai about back in Season One's Mind War. Remember those always poetic words of Straczynski as delivered by G'Kar here in Mind War.

*

By the way that Sakai is an attractive lady. Whatever happened to her? Is she with Sinclair down on Minbar?

*

Sigma 957 is an alleged First Ones stronghold. While inside the machine she witnesses images from the past including Earth Force One's explosion and a transmission by Clark speaking of his desire to murder Santiago. We also hear the voice of Morden who is clearly in cahoots and entrenched at the highest levels of power within the Earth government. All is not well for the Earthers and the government is clearly exhibiting signs of major infection by The Shadows. Ivanova is stunned by what she has seen and directs Draal to record the message and the images.
*

Hello luscious!
Back in Sheridan’s quarters, Ms. Mussante is annoying butt also… naked! Sweet! Ivanova appears in Sheridan’s quarters via Epsilon 3 hologram to alert him to her findings. Sheridan ducks into his room to speak with Ivanova leaving a naked Mussante in waiting for further intercourse from Sheridan. Eh hem! Ivanova leaves Sheridan with the naked truth, “good luck Captain, I think you’re about to go where everyone has gone before.” Tough life Captain but someone's gotta do it!

"Get a room! Oh that's right I am in your room. Damn!"
G’Kar grabs Garibaldi’s attention and is frustrated at being kept in the dark concerning the secrets of Babylon 5 or as he calls it “a gathering of forces.” G'Kar clearly finds it difficult to come to terms with the fact he's no longer an ambassador who is on a need to know basis. He’s dying to know.



Ivanova moves to visit Sigma 957 via the White Star with Marcus [fluent in Minbari]. The ship is within Sheridan’s command, but is operated in large part thanks to a contingent of religious Minbari who are readily on hand. Who would have thought Starkiller and the Minbari would be engaged so closely to achieve the same goals, never mind his growing connection to half-Minbari Delenn.

A Nightwatch meeting convenes whereby Ms. Mussante is more than happy to strut her stuff and stomp all over due process to enforce the latest Earth restrictions. So it’s official. She’s a wacko, albeit with a very high sex drive.
*

Talking Heads but not Burning Down The White Star!
Positioned over Sigma 957, Ivanova makes contact with a giant flying disco ball. The ship is devastatingly cool with its discotheque effects. This thing has got to have some filthy rotten firepower to match The Shadows! I was completely humbled by the spectacle the effects team and designers came up with here. It is an original psychedelic creation. A giant stone head appears before her inside the White Star and doesn’t say all that much. The arrogance permeates the ship and it's a clear sign they've made contact with one of the First Ones. Ivanova attempts to communicate with it by informing the alien entity of the coming Shadows. At first, their reaction is one of indifference as they prepare to leave. Ivanova comes up with some good old fashioned human reverse psychology. She jumps into action informing the race of its parallels to the Vorlons, but also by telling them how much superior the Vorlons are. It is priceless.

*

This reminds me of sitting in one of those planetariums when they turned it into a Led Zeppelin light show.
Back on Babylon 5, Sheridan and Garibaldi review the Clark transmission. Sheridan will deliver it to General Hague. The communique has an official code buried within it that will legitimate its authenticity. The news reports the information is being analyzed, but by whom?

Greased Lighting! This was an unexpected exchange for me. I never saw it coming. Where’s Rizzo to smooth things out when you need her?



Sheridan: “No problem making first contact?”
Ivanova: “No problem at all. They’ll be there when we need them. That’s one down and what?several thousand more to go.”
Sheridan: “Yeah, if this war’s gonna be as bad as Delenn says we’ll need all the First Ones we can find.”

Back on Earth Clark is calling the uncovered transmission an alien conspiracy. Santiago’s family is demanding an investigation. “It’s a mess, but the truth is out,” relays Sheridan to Ivanova.

Sgt. Zack Allan, what the hell are you thinking? You idiot! The last thing you should be doing is asking Ms. Mussante what a “Code 7R” is. Are you freakin’ nuts kid? Plant the seed with an unknown variable why dontchya, great job! What a pisser. It’s like near sabotage pal.

*

"I was hoping you were Ms. Mussante."
The final scene is in the late hours as Garibaldi attempts sleep. There is a visitor at his door. The whole thing sends us in yet another new direction. Stumbling to answer, the door opens. It is G’Kar.

G:Kar: “I told you I could help.” [He hands Garibaldi the Book of G’Quan] “Read it!”
Garibaldi: “I don’t read Narn.”
G’Kar: “Learn.”
Garibaldi: “He hates me. They all hate me. That’s why they’re doing this…to make me crazy.”

I’d really like a copy of the G’Quan myself. It looks like a fascinating read from all we’ve seen of it to date. It is an old guide filled to the hilt with wisdom and more importantly loads of great pictures and drawings. Very cool.

Voices Of Authority: B+