B5 S5 Ep3: The Paragon Of Animals

Raiders or vintage Battlestar Galactica Cylon Raiders? You decide.

Here we are in the happy days of Babylon 5, Season Five, Episode 3, The Paragon Of Animals. It would appear the natives are getting restless as they say. There is a desire by President Sheridan and the command structure to sign a Declaration of Principles [penned by worthy hands of G'Kar], but the allied worlds are getting vocal over the lack of technological advances through their alliance and partnership among other issues. The Drazi are up to something forging their own voting block.

An alien world is being carpet bombed by what looks like raiders. A Ranger arrives at said planet and gives the alien people under seige there, the Enphele, some hope.

G'Kar is channeling his muse to attempt a rewrite on segments of the declaration to gain Drazi support. He is definitely in the zone and ultra focused. Garibaldi mentions the possibility of utilizing the telepaths as part of intelligence gathering as payment for their residence on the station. Sheridan permits a conversation to happen, but no committments are made at this time.

Garibaldi heads to Brown sector to find Byron. Disturbingly, they have a nice, cozy, little cult developing there. It was slightly unsettling to see them already setting up the old telepath shop and clinging for protection to cult leader Byron. Strange stuff. Garidbaldi is great though in his handling of them until the British-accented Byron runs through his every thought with a fine tooth comb. He is indeed the charismatic Brit of this season as the show's serviceable replacement for the beloved Marcus. He's got the long hair, accent, but a more radical agenda. This is a good sequence.

That went well.

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The Ranger returns through the jumpgate with a damaged White Star and he's rushed to medlab. The Ranger was lucky to make it back, but he slips into a coma and will die in hours. Delenn and Dr. Franklin discuss the who and what but have no real answers. Lyta Alexander is called upon for help. She does not have religious reservations regarding the use of her powers. Byron and crew share a different philosophy. It will be interesting to see how their meeting goes when they eventually come face to face and where Lyta goes with her character this season. I really like her and she is one heck of a red haired babe.

Lyta probes the Ranger's mind to draw information from the dying man. Apparently it was the Raiders that were attacking the alien race the Ranger arrived to help. An alien inside the Ranger's mind speaks for his people wishing to join the alliance. If the alliance does not assist his race within twelve days they will perish forever. The Ranger's final moments are to plead with Lyta to help this race so that he does not die in vain. The man reaches to the light and disappears.

Over dinner Sheridan and Delenn discuss the situation. All agree, with reservation, that this race needs help. Sheridan's Londo impersonation is nearly spot on. Sheridan's observation was not lost on me when that damaged White Star came through the jumpgate. He is concerned that whatever it is they will be facing managed to "trash" a White Star. Now, it was certainly fighting the good fight alone, but trashing a White Star is no easy task. I was surprised as well. Delenn recollects the teachings of Dukhat. "If you can create sufficient fear in your enemies you may not have to fight them. Always remember that terror is also a form of communication." Sheridan orders C & C to organize the White Stars. He tells them the White Stars are going to go find "the neighborhood bully and pick a fight," and that's about the size of it.

Kim Strauss returns to play the role of the Drazi ambassador. He has always been a solid recurring presence in a number of roles throughout the series. As Sheridan and the Drazi depart from their meeting we are graced with the presence of Byron. I think it is safe to say he is a menace to normal relations. I don't like the silver tongued devil. He may have good reasons, but his agenda is one of protecting his own kind and his own kind only. That will be an obstruction to any kind of mutual alliance.

Garibaldi meets with Lyta and fails to exchange any of the normal pleasantries and Lyta calls him on it. I feel for her. She certainly is used and abused by a number of forces in play. I understand that is what Byron is looking to prevent. Still, Lyta has been a solid ally and should be treated with some care and respect by these normals. It's unfortunate her telepathic power places her in a different class whereby people are quick to judge and fail to treat her as a unique person with feelings. Thus the normals/ mundanes/ telepath conflict I'm sure. Patricia Tallman is a fine actress and has really played the part with some genuine feeling throughout the series.

She has not had the easiest of times. There is also an interesting theory there about Bester's behavior reported by Lyta. Interesting. Garibaldi pleads with Lyta to speak with the other "teeps" [short for telepaths] despite her less than enthusiastic support. Garibaldi promises to never ask her for anything else again "until the next time." That's a classic! She agrees to do it. I can only imagine they will call her some kind of mundane sympathizer and not loyal to her people unless she conforms, but we shall see.

Meanwhile, G'Kar is burning the midnight oil in his attempts to work on the Declaration Of Independence, I mean Principles. Sheridan cannot sleep and gets up just in time for G'Kar to swing by. He leaves the scroll of the declaration gift tied at his door. G'Kar is indeed a Narn who believes. Delenn awakens. Sheridan reads to Delenn as it fades to G'Kar voice, a beautiful poetic voice as recited by Andreas Katsulas. I think he could recite food from a well-lit McDonalds menu and make it sound like the Gettysburg Address. Yes, this is one alien who believes in the cause and throws his entire weight and heart into that belief. I feel Sheridan may be right when he admits he cannot read like G'Kar, but he does a fine job too.

Lyta arrives in Brown sector to be greeted by the evil Lord Byron. Lyta does have one advantage in that she is a VERY VERY strong telepath and lets no one enter her mind. Byron doesn't need to be a telepath to know Garibaldi sent her. Here we go.

I suspected the possibility. And so it goes, just as Lyta has been pushed and pulled like a puppet by the normals, here we have the telepath leader manipulating her and pulling her strings accordingly for his own purposes. She just can't catch a break. She has always been a puppet, to the Vorlons, to Bester, to Sheridan and now to Byron. She is also partly to blame because she has been there to make these choices. That is a solid sequence and I would have to give it to Robin Atkins Downe for playing the part of Byron so convincingly. He is very good in the role here. He talks of 6,000 years of slavery and subjugation. He wishes her to see that she is not an animal. He asks if it matters that he help her "friend." She tells him "it matters." He agrees to give Garibaldi the aid of two. Byron's interest in accomdating a fellow telepath speaks to the interest or prejudice or bias he has of aiding his own "kind" and speaks volumes about his agenda in gaining Lyta's trust. He appears interested in fortifying a telepathic power base unbeholden to any interest outside of telepaths. Byron tells Lyta that the Drazi were broadcasting their thoughts quite "loudly." He informs her to tell Sheridan the White Stars are headed into a trap. He is a clever boy.

Lyta reports to Sheridan indicating the Drazi are supplying the Raiders. The Drazi will be leading the White Stars into a trap. Sheridan wisely alters the plan for safety reasons. Garibaldi will notify the fleet NOT to wait for the Drazi. So the question is who is manipulating who? Is Byron being forthright? Could the Drazi actually be that calculating after all these years? I thought they were a good, decent people [remember Babylon 5, Season Four, Episode 18, Intersections In Real Time]. Hmmm. Ahh, such is the life of a Babylon 5 viewer. So I'm about to really lay into my thoughts on Sheridan as he walks around the room thinking he will NOT thank Lyta, but then he does thank her. He should have given her a big fat kiss and hug too, but that's me. Seriously, she deserves some credit from this guy. She was definitely taken aback when he thanked her. She has not heard those words often and she should. Anyway, Straczynski is definitely playing with her head now that she has a new connection with Byron forming, the writer makes her think about her loyalties to Sheridan and company.

The Raiders are enroute to the Enphele homeworld. The White Stars arrive and take out the Raiders. In a meeting at the council chambers Sheridan fills in the Drazi and other races that the White Stars have been successful and have taken up a defensive posture much to the Drazi ambassador's surprise. But why? It would appear the other shoe is about to drop indicating the Drazi were not in cahoots but we are about to find out if that is so. The Drazi asks if the Raiders sent out any kind of distress signal, but Londo indicates it was not possible. The Drazi ambassador is jumpy and impatient desiring to contact his government. Sheridan asks if it is the Drazi ship fleet coming to attack the Enphele. The Drazi race is the problem and Byron was indeed correct. The Drazi plays both sides and the race has been terrorizing the Enphele for a decade. The Drazi ambassador wants to call off the Drazi because he knows they will be annhilated by the White Stars by racing into a hot bed of fury. Bad call Drazi. In a desperate move he indicates he is on the side of the alliance, but Sheridan asks the other allies to decide. He begs to save his people from destruction and Sheridan allows him that plea. Wow. I thought he might let it play out. I suspected a different outcome. I also thought perhaps Byron did not have all the facts, but everything is playing out as it appeared. You see, you never can guess with Straczynski because he keeps you so damn uncertain most of the time that when he finally stays the course on something logical you can't actually believe it to be true.

Sheridan informs the alliance this is precisely why a Declaration Of Principles must be signed. The Drazi was the perfect illustration for that point. The double agent, back door dealings and hidden agendas must stop. How do the Gaim get their creepy alien insect heads into those helmets? The meeting is going very well and much to everyone's surprise. I believe the signing of the declaration is a big surprise to the likes of Garibaldi and Londo who were dubious at best. Lyta looks in with some satisfaction. She was instrumental in forging this next phase of the alliance. She works behind the scenes and gets none of the glory. Ah, the story of my own life.

I was reallly surprised Captain Lochley never made a single appearance throughout the whole entry. It is not lost on Sheridan or Delenn that both Byron and Lyta were critical in this success and that Garibaldi's belief in them was correct. In a moment of comedic timing, after the document has been signed by all, G'Kar arrives to tell Sheridan they must re-sign because he has made the document better. Arggh! So true. The life of writing. I imagine G'Kar was channeling Straczynski here. Sheridan reads, "it's better." "Some days it's like living in a madhouse." Sheridan's final thought is that Garibaldi is right but that they are standing on the precipice of something catastrophic or disastrous, or as he puts it the edge of a "slippery slope" and that this must be watched carefully.

The epilogue: Lyta visits Byron. Byron is a bit of a self-appointed messiah. It doesn't feel right. Still, Lyta is interested in hearing more from our messianic friend as he takes her hand and they walk away. DANGER WILL ROBINSON- DANGER! I don't like that one bit. This has TROUBLE written all over it. The seeds to the Telepath War continue to germinate. This was a decent episode, but something is different about this season versus the previous three. I know many things are different, but it feels less urgent and less interesting for lack of a better word. We shall see. It's early.

The Paragon Of Animals: B-

Dom DeLuise 1933-2009

Big Dom Deluise passed away today. I must confess I was never a big fan of Dom DeLuise. He seemed like a household name at one point when I was young. He even seemed to be everywhere I turned at the movies at one point. He was seemingly attached to Burt Reynolds hip as well. It was like they were brothers. I remember Fatso [1980] and Hot Stuff [1979] and The End [1978] with Burt. I remember being pretty moved by Fatso as a kid. Anyway, those were the high points for me when it comes to Dom. I know he influenced alot of people and was certainly beloved by many.

One of Dom's greatest gifts, he would no doubt agree with a smile, were his kids. My kids love David DeLuise who happens to be the father in Wizards Of Waverly Place. I laughed when I saw him take his regular spot on that kids' series after seeing him as Samantha Carter's love interest in Stargate SG-1. He played the part of unlucky Pete Shanahan. He was another victim in sexy Sam Carter's love wake.

Peter DeLuise, another of Dom's yunguns was also a significant player in the success of Stargate SG-1 and for bringing us Peter Dom - we thank you. Peter directed many wonderful episodes of Stargate SG-1. One of those episodes, Season Three, Episode 16, Urgo, happens to be one of my least favorite. It tries a little too hard to be funny [imho], and is a bit of a snooze on the whole. Peter enlisted his father Dom to guest for the episode as Urgo. In honor of the big Dom I selected one of my favorite moments from Urgo. He was an eternally loveable man. I think the scene really pays tribute to him.



On a side note, who knew Richard Dean Anderson would be the good luck charm to power a franchise? He's really funny throughout Stargate SG-1 and one of the primary reasons I hold that original series so dear. He's a joy to watch. It ranks in my top five.

B5 S5 Ep2: The Very Long Night Of Londo Mollari

I've always enjoyed the blue and reddish hues in Babylon 5.

Baseball is killing me on any free time I thought I might have. I've heard good things about this particular installment of the final season. I suspect J. Michael Straczynski will look to this final season to experiment a little, tie up some loose ends and continue to weave the multi-layered intricacies of his intended story.
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We've all had a few long nights in our day let's see where Londo's night takes him in Babylon 5, Season Five, Episode 2, The Very Long Night Of Londo Mollari. It begins with a call from Minbar. A Minbari informs Delenn of a message received on the homeworld of Lennier's intended return home- for good. It is surprising news that is delivered to Delenn.

Londo Mollari is outraged to learn all incoming food shipments are to be quarantined for health inspections for three days due to infestations. Vir makes an attempt to smooth things over with Zack while Londo takes a swig of the 'very delicate' Brevari, a special Centauri cocktail. He is overcome by toxins falls to the floor while medlab is contacted for help. Londo/ Peter Jurasik is extremely funny here and delivers one of his many note perfect scenes.

Delenn visits Lennier. "Why?," she asks. I suspect working for the wife of Sheridan must be heartbreaking for Lennier to some extent at this point. He definitely does not feel needed or his services required. A union between a man and a woman kind of puts a damper on those things. Lennier will be joining the Rangers. It is "the calling of my heart" [a concept covered extensively in Babylon 5, Season Four, Episode 9, Atonement]. I do believe his previous combat experience makes him a terrific candidate. We have seen some impressive moves by Lennier over the years from his protection of Londo in Season One to his confrontation with Marcus later. I now suspect the calling of his heart is his love for Delenn despite her heart being with another. Nevertheless he must squash and crush those feelings in order to move forward. It's a pretty touching moment between them. Still, is he truly following his calling by leaving? No, but he is saving face as they say on Minbar.

Ah, the ol' fully redundant heart system compliments of the Centauri. You gotta love that.

Clearly Lennier is moving on because he must. It is for the good of his heart. Speaking of hearts, Garibaldi reports to Vir that Londo is in critical condition. He has had a heart attack, just one though, "the left one." You'll recall Londo has the "bi-pulmonary" system. The right heart is the easiest to repair of the two. The right is the big muscle. The left is finer and more complex. Centauri Prime is sending an artificial heart system but it will arrive at Babylon 5 in three days, two days too late. It could be a very long night indeed or a permanant night's rest to be precise.

Delenn and Sheridan look over Londo and recall how he has made them laugh, made them feel angry and annoyed, but never sorry for him until this time. They would miss him if he was to depart. As Delenn leaves she wishes him "good luck."

The camera zooms into Londo's mind where he searches for Delenn. Perhaps this is one of those Straczynski experiments, an effort to try something a little different. He finds her as they sit together at a table to look to his past. She tells Londo he is dying, but he knows this. He seems resigned to his fate. She asks him "do you want to live?" He wonders if it matters, but he tells her "Yes, I want to live." "That is not enough," she returns. She tells him there is a "word," but she will not give him the answer. He walks to a metal grate where a heart pulses. He touches the beating heart, but does not understand. We see G'Kar in the Shadows before returning to the reality of his medlab bedside. The Sci-Fi Fanatic has a confession. I get all freaked out by hearts, beating hearts whatever. The sound of a heart beating will have me grabbing my chest and feeling all mortal. Yeah, I don't like talking about hearts especially when life is on the line. At night, when I am resting, and beginning to slip into a relaxed mode of sleep, The One To Be Pitied will sometimes torture me by simply saying things like "monkey heart" or "heart surgery." That will get me all wound up and she does this to me on purpose with great pleasure.

Lennier visits old friend Vir. This is obviously very cute and sweet as these two friends lick their proverbial wounds together.

I cannot recall which episode it was these two characters sat together at the bar, but I was reminded of that moment they spent together last. I got off my lazy buttocks and checked it out. It was Season Two, Episode 22, The Fall Of Night. Still there may have been another moment along the way.

Some cool camera work.

I loved the funky Londo cam. That's always brilliant. Londo visits one of his favorite watering holes in the Zocalo as he clearly grapples with the possibility of dying. He visits Sheridan there as they discuss the reality of death. "We're all dying Londo, 20 years, 50 years, 100 years, doesn't matter, what matters is what we do while we're waiting around, how we live out the seconds in between." Such a wonderful truth and one of the many Straczynski seems to have such a sharp eye for capturing in his series. Londo acknowledges he has not done well in that regard. Sheridan asks Londo to turn around. G'Kar is behind him, but Londo cannot turn. Sheridan tells him he will die then. Londo must force himself outside of his paralysis. He must free himself or he will be doomed.

"I don't want to die. Please great maker. I don't want to die. Not like this," cries Londo. Vir tells him, "then don't die." Vir tells him he must turnaround to face his conscience. He must come to terms with what he has done to G'Kar. But Londo is stubborn and refuses to turn. Vir warns that he is out of time. G'Kar stands behind his willingness to face his mistakes. Vir tells him he must let go of the pain. Vir tells him his dying would not be for the best and that he would indeed be missed. It's kind of like a dark, science fiction version of It's A Wonderful Life. Seriously, how hard is it for us as individuals to face our fears, to stand and right wrongs or face the truth. It is a difficult thing and I imagine even more arduous when you have done as much damage as Londo.

G'Kar visits Londo. "Now Mollari, now we end this." G'Kar and Londo visit Centauri Prime, the site of the infamous death he has dreamed so many times of his destiny. G'Kar revisits those fateful days of Centauri's attack on the Narn homeworld by Lord Refa and friends detailed in Babylon 5, Season Two, Episode 20, The Long, Twilight Struggle [another long night as you've noted]. Londo wanted no part of it and to some extent that is true, but as G'Kar points out "You said nothing." Straczynski makes a great point here about the guilty and those who would stand by and do nothing remaining silent as people die. How often do you see people refuse to get involved out of fear of something. It happens everyday. People have disconnected and Straczynski's argument is a classic. It is also brilliant how Straczynski goes back to G'Kar's torture to turn the tables and offer us another perspective.

G'Kar takes Londo back to the place where G'Kar was badly whipped in Babylon 5, Season Four, Episode 3, The Summoning. He tells Londo "You were there and you said nothing." Ouch. I thought it was great to see Straczynski revisit this and the depth of pain that was forced upon G'Kar. It was good to see Londo's character have to face up to these atrocities because it was the one area I had a hard time with getting past. It seemed a little too tidy just a tad too quick in the interest of time for Season Four, but here we see it manifesting itself in the festering within Londo's character. This was important. G'Kar tells Londo, "one word was all that was required of you." Delenn had mentioned this earlier. What word is it? "Sorry," "Enough" or "Stop?" Londo tells G'Kar it wouldn't have mattered. I have gone on long enough. Londo nearly relents. You must witness this crucial exchange.

The scene of that fateful electro-whipping is inverted and Londo is now chained to the pillar as G'Kar requests "one word- I want to hear it." As Londo goes into cardiac arrest they pull back his clothes so we can see his infamous sex organs.....wicked cool! Thirty-nine whips later and Londo screams. He is still hanging on. "I don't want to die." G'Kar is clearly Londo's conscience in this battle for life. G'Kar tells him "just a word Mollari that's all it takes." The lightbulb clicks on and Londo realizes, "I've never apologized for anything in my life." Grovelling Londo pleads "I'm sorry." If there is one thing about Londo, when he says something he is sincere in his words. I think more than just a word, it is also the sincerity with which those words are spoke. I hear alot of words from our elected leaders and not much sincerity inside them.

This is the moment the entire entry builds too. I literally choked up at this point and I had been fairly detached from the proceedings until this very moment. G'Kar is standing near him and is overcome by emotion himself in witnessing Londo's catharsis.

Londo is back and in good humor. Vir and Londo discuss an old Centauri tale about a struggle of the spirit between good and evil. Vir implies Londo had undergone such a struggle unintentionally. Londo was never told of the tale as a child like Vir was told. What I did think was interesting was Vir's ability to go back to answering Londo's question in that scene. After fumbling for words, as only Vir can at times, he was able to refocus, compose himself and answer the question. There was real strength there for him. Once again, courage and facing up shines for our man Vir. Both are very different men and we see how such trials face us all big and small.

And so with a heavy heart Lennier says farewell to Delenn.

It's very hard to say goodbye. His heart is broken. Is hers? Lennier is a truly sad little fellow.

So we have a real turning point here for Londo. With his ability to turn the corner and change and his willingness to apologize and forgive himself has he in fact changed the course of his future? One would assume he has done precisely that. I thought there were some tremendous moments in this one that made for a fairly emotional entry. Let's face it, if there's hope for Londo there is hope for all of us.

The Very Long Night Of Londo Mollari: B

You've LOST That Loving Feeling

I'm not sure where it all went wrong for me. I'm sorry friends but I just can't do it much longer. I may continue to make every effort to do so but for how long remains the question. I've lost my love and affection for Lost. There, I've said it.

Our relationship went something like this. Things were so, so good. When we first met, it was love at first sight. Wreckage, a mysterious beast, a random polar bear, interesting characters and back stories with mystery upon steaming heap of island mystery to lap up. We held hands and cared for each other deeply. In fact I couldn't keep my hands off her. We strolled deep into the jungle and stared lovingly into one another's eyes at the prospects of pseudo science fiction coupled with interesting human drama. Then it came to an end with Season One. She disappeared, but I knew she'd come back.

Season Two felt much like a love rekindled. I hadn't seen her for so long and then there were the others and a piece of tail. They were sort of getting in the way of our love, but I was intrigued by the possibilities of an open relationship. There was abuse in dark places and while it was troubling I did like it somehow. Once again, I was left alone as our second season of love came to a close. Things were different between us. Change was inevitable. The honeymoon was over, but before long I was anxious to see my lady again.

Still, despite friends and others bad mouthing my girl I remained steadfast in my support in standing by her side. There was even a reference to the Boston Red Sox. Like baseball, it was all very complex and I was still enjoying the ride. I still very much loved the old girl, but there were new tensions. Something was changing between us and we had been through alot, but as much as I tried to hold it together we were moving in very different directions at the close of a darker Season Three. [The One To Be Pitied went with the hostiles at this point.]

Season Four arrived and we were beginning to go through the motions of our relationship with much less passion and despite trying to mix things up and try new things something was oddly different. She wanted a career and I wanted passion. Was our love Lost? There were the expected moments of excitement but there there was much fighting in the end. I started enjoying those.

Season Five arrived and we began feeling more like strangers. There were a few key moments involving Sawyer that captured the old magic, but alas those nights we were thrown together would not endure and we were just going on and on avoiding the inevitable. Quite frankly our love was gone and thus far no matter how hard I tried I felt vacant and alone. There was a void in the pit of my stomach where it was once filled with a thirst for our connection.

I know, I know. I'm totally playing it up for fun, but seriously folks it has become tedious to watch Lost for me. I have very much joined the Others (or is it the Hostiles?) who fled the show back in Season Three when ratings began to dip, which I still consider a solid run. It just lacks the magic it once owned and has simply become ridiculous at times. I literally almost fell asleep trying to get through the last episode, Some Like It Hoth. A nod to Star Was couldn't even jar me from my sleep-like, comatose state. I mean, bloody Star Wars references and I'm like ho-hum.

Will I remain true to the old flame? Gosh, I'm just not sure I can do it. Am I interested in knowing what the end will bring? I am. Perhaps the payoff will make it all worthwhile. I'm simply not interested in the journey to get there any longer which was always the fun with these characters. The back and forth and the looping, etc. It has been a bit like a dog chasing its tail. There are certainly many facets and details to explore and enjoy for the Lost aficionado and Lost mythology lovers, but I have more interest in the Humanities and revisiting the Greek Gods at this point. Could the show redeem itself with Season Six? It may be too late for me. Nothing grabs me anymore for very long. They have teased this story a little too slowly across too many seasons.

Oh no, I have to go, here comes the bright light again and another bloody nose.

UPDATE: I just finished The Variable and there were some good moments and the episode was stronger as a whole, but still it's kind of goofy and running wild at this point all over the place. I think I'm beginning to understand what it means to be a fan of LOST after all. I'm beginning to feel like a variable. Still, I begrudgingly continue my committment to this relationship.

In fact, when did Charlie die?

B5 S5 Ep 1: No Compromises

Absolutely BABE-O-MATIC!

Here we are at the homestretch of Babylon 5. I have heard many things regarding Season Five, The Wheel Of Fire, some things good and some not-so-good. It is definitely the most maligned season of all the Babylon 5 seasons out there. I must admit that I am excited by the prospects of a reinvigorated new season with new blood just to watch some refreshing new chemistries.
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Here we go headlong into Babylon 5: The Complete Fifth Season: The Wheel Of Fire, Episode 1, No Compromises. The most notable thing about the episode for me is our introduction to new station member, Captain Elizabeth Lochley, played by Tracy Scoggins. Why is it there is such a porn star, Heavy Metal chick quality about Claudia Christian and now Tracy Scoggins. Is it because they are both so bodaciously voluptous? I don't know, but I do like them. I like them alot. She's extrememly hot! So, my first impressions of Scoggins are good. She's attractive but definitely means business. Knowing everything Sheridan has been through the last three years and given his kind of "take it down a notch" attitude at times it will be interesting to see how they interact when we first see them together. She definitely has that early anal-Ivanova quality. She's tough, efficient and looking to make her mark. Still, I think Scoggins is a little more natural as an actress at first impression than Christian. I'm curious how J. Michael Straczynski decided upon her and landed her for the role. She apparently hails from experiences on TV series' Dynasty and Lois & Clark: The New Adventures Of Superman to name just a few. She's been around a bit. I think she'd be on my wishlist too.

Here is the actual message.

Somewhere, a Ranger is being executed by an unknown assailant. He's sending Babylon 5 a message "Special Delivery." He asks the man if he has any last words. "We live for the one, we die for the one," he declares bravely. The killer responds "well one out of two ain't bad" and fires his PPG ending the Ranger's life. And so the latest mystery begins once again for a new season.

The introductory credits utilize a terrific montage of some of the most memorable audio and visual moments from the last four years. It's a nice way to catch people up and recap succintly. The music is rather stately for Season Five perhaps to complement the United Nation-like quality of the new alliances established in Season Four. I'll be curious to see what Michael Garibaldi is up to as well now that Zack is still officially the station Security Chief.

Jeesh! Get a room! Wait, that is their bedroom. Excuse me I should go.

As we begin it is clear Delenn and Sheridan are living together in wedded bliss. They appear to be enjoying domestic life. Apparently they are living lives together but separate, kind of, like two people living together but with separate checking accounts. There are plans to move to Minbar eventually together, but for now they are attempting to strike the necessary balance for their busy lives.
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Sheridan and Lochley meet in his office and this is not their first introduction. They have met before. The station is under Captain Lochley's direct command. For political reasons a human has been selected to run Babylon 5 out of tradition, but also to heal the wounds of the civil war. Sheridan specifically requested Lochley. His reasoning is based solely upon the fact she has proven herself as a capable diplomat, but always ready to fight. I LOVE those eyes and lips on Lochley! She's beautiful. She is just melting me away. She sets the tone regarding her policy with Sheridan. She runs the station her way or not at all. She is not interested in being "micro-managed." Sheridan likes her fiery personality and is pleased she speaks her mind. His involvement is merely necessary when it involves the alliance or politics. Isn't politics apart of almost everything? We shall see. As she departs she is curious why Sheridan didn't ask her which side she was on back home. He indicates he doesn't need to know and he clearly trusts her instincts and decision-making abilities that will serve the station. He is not worried and yet we are left to wonder. She seems like a Clark girl, but I don't know. These things can be misleading in the world of J. Michael Straczynski.

The station is preparing for Sheridan's inauguration and Garibaldi is very much involved in assisting Zack with the proceedings. There are definitely things afoot as we see at least two scheming visitors aboard the station lurking in the shadows to begin the installment.
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This is another actual official message.

Lochley reports to the bay where Lt. Corwin is waiting for her with the dead Ranger that has been taken aboard the station. She receives the special delivery sign. In the President's quarters he gets a special message too. He is a "dead man." I can only imagine it has something to do with some Earth loyalist/purist group. A man named Byron approaches Lochley. He wants her to meet him in Brown 3 in two hours. His people are coming.
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Sheridan reports to G'Kar office and this is a terrific segment with more backstory on Narn and the life of a Narn plus the overall great exchange between the two leads.

They're here.

Dr. Franklin gives Lochley results on the dead Ranger. Lochley worries the dead Ranger may have something to do with Sheridan's inauguration. On Brown 3, Lochley meets with Byron and his "people." She knew he was a telepath and a potentially dangerous one so Lochley brings personnel to help handle his peeps. They are unarmed. They are looking for a home free of the Psi Corps. They are like a people without a land and an independent Babylon 5 is the place they feel they could begin to grow a colony necessary for establishing a world of their own. Lochley responds, "that's a tall order." Byron believes he and his teep peeps can work for the space as payment for sanctuary. I wonder how it will go if Psi Corps visits though. They often make pitstops on Babylon 5 especially that pesky Bester. I imagine Byron's appearance here could be considered the seed that leads to the infamous Telepath War.
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Are you game? It is. He's a nasty looking fellow.

A Gaim ambassador heads into the alien sector followed by the man who killed the Ranger.

Sheridan returns to his quarters to find his threatening audio/visual message. He will "pay the price." In the alien sector we see the bug-like creature demask to unveil the Gaim's true appearance. It's quite cool. The make-up and costume is well done and Straczynski didn't even have to shake the camera or place a haze over the shot. The assassin kills the insect-like alien.

Dr, Franklin looks over the health of the telepathic refugees including a young man named Simon. He is a very powerful telepath who cannot speak. Franklin is allowed to see the only image Simon allows anyone to see. It is a visual of Simon holding a girl surrounded by flames. He is riddled with guilt over her loss.

Simon says ... well, actually, Simon says nothing.

Meanwhile, Garibaldi would very much like to see the ceremony postponed for Sheridan's safety. Sheridan refuses to live in a bubble as he calls it. Well, you are living in a tube that's a lot like a bubble so I think that might qualify. You are living in a bubble. Sheridan feels things need to change as far as how leadership presents itself, but everyone feels it is too dangerous to go forward light on security. Lochley feels the festivities should proceed forward and that her station can handle it agreeing with Sheridan. Obviously we are led to beg the question of trust from her or motivation and so do the characters that are meeting her for the first time here. Nobody is in agreement with Sheridan except Lochley.

It's been a long time since we've seen these four together unless I'm mistaken and not considering the final few episodes of Season Four. Garibaldi confronts Lochley. This is pure Garibaldi as we know and love him. This is classic rapid-fire Garibaldi. It's good to see him back in action. His words and actions are normal and completely in character compared to the unease we felt about him throughout Season Four.

Great scene! There could be a semi-combative relationship between these two as we go forward. We shall see. If it wasn't for Lise I would grab Lochley in my arms and kiss her. Lochley handles the exchange beautifully. For a first appearance in an episode she is really, really good. She stands her ground, she's tough, she's smart and holds her own big time against the whiplashing tongue-smashing of Michael Garibaldi.

Simon is trawling around the airshafts and sees the killer prepping in his room. He sees a visual of the future. The man plans on utilizing the Gaim breathing apparatus to gain access and get close enough to Sheridan to kill him. Boy, that boy has to be powerful. The boy is shaken by what he sees and bumps his noggin on the vent shaft nervously. The man acts gradually pointing his PPG into the airshafts and firing. Blood flows down the wall from the ceiling. The man packs quickly and leaves but the boy is not dead yet. He may be down but not out.

G'Kar is finalizing his work for Sheridan. G'Kar is so filled with pride over his role as a wordsmith. It's very sweet. Security is heavy. Garibaldi is analyzing Sheridan's voicemail. It's good to see him back in Sheridan's full trust and confidence. The always persistent gumshoe that is Garibaldi digs in his heels and looks for a match of voice records in the Earth dome files. The Gaim fella, who is not really the Gaim but the killer this time, is allowed entry into the ceremony. Garibaldi informs Zack he has the man. His name is John Clemens. He was a major who ran the Beta 7 prison systems for Clark. He's an assassin and he is now in the mix. Simon has just entered the room and blows his cover setting off a shoot out. Simon has died speaking the only word he could "NOOO!" He saves President Sheridan in a heroic, self-less act.

Clemens is making a break for it in a Starfury planning to blast the ceremony from the outside via a kamikaze attack. The ceremony begins. The Starfury appears at the window of the ceremony and allows everyone 10 seconds to leave. Garibaldi sneaks up behind him in another Starfury and fires the grappling hook onto his ass. The Babylon 5 defense grid activates. Garibaldi releases the nut and he is fired upon and destroyed. there you go. All in a day's work. Not quite as exciting as Battlestar Galactica. [Clinching teeth] sorry.

This is a great moment as G'Kar cuts through the pomp and circumstance, cuts to the chase and cuts through the crap to get to the heart of the matter. Hysterical.

Byron meets with Sheridan. Lochley has denied Byron's request to set up on the station. Since Byron and friends are like refugees, Sheridan gets involved from the political angle and gives them the okay superceding Lochley's authority. This must be the seeds to the Telepath War mythology. They are granted asylum and are permitted to house themselves in Brown sector. So it's been one day or at least one episode and Lochley's already been usurped of a decision. Should be interesting.

Garibaldi visits Lochley to try and get back on the right footing or so I thought. Garibaldi tells her of the President's plan for a covert intelligence division set up. He is the new head of Covert Intelligence for the Alliance and shakes her hand. The meeting/ exchange is semi-confrontational. It's a great ending and her response is perfect. Perhaps it will lead to some sexual fireworks. Battlestar Galactica definitely shows some skin.

Scoggins is a natural. I like her. "I was on the side of Earth Mr. Garibaldi. Weren't we all?" While semi-playful, semi-sarcastic, there is definitely an antagonisitc, immediate trust issue for Garibaldi regarding the new Captain. He should talk really. While maybe not of his free will, he wasn't exactly on the right side for most of the battle. It was a fairly serviceable episode to get things established despite a few good scenes. Not a single utterance of Ivanova as all ties have been severed and the show moves forward without compromise.

No Compromises: C [Could this title be a reference to Straczynski's uncompromising plans for the final season as well?] It's certainly not the best season opener of the five seasons.

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Season Five Cast:

• Bruce Boxleitner [President John Sheridan]
• Jerry Doyle [Michael Garibaldi]
• Mira Furlan [Delenn]
• Richard Biggs [Dr. Stephen Franklin]
• Bill Mumy [Lennier]
• Tracy Scoggins [Captain Elizabeth Lochley]
• Stephen Furst [Vir Cotto]
• Jeff Conaway [Security Chief Zack Allan]
• Patricia Tallman [Lyta Alexander]
• Peter Jurasik [Londo Mollari]
• Andreas Katsulas [G'Kar]

Earth To Sci-Fi Fanatic, Come In Fanatic

My Saul Tigh life!

Man! I have really checked out for awhile. It's been nice though not having to keep up with a writing schedule. Still, as much as I step away from this place the writing muse is always yearning, calling me back. Well, here I am. I hope to kick things into gear a bit more regularly.

So what the heck is going on? What have I been up to? Well, I started waxing nostalgic and began viewing Lost In Space. I was immediately enjoying the less than challenging entertainment value of that wonderful series. It was taking me back in time. I found myself amused by the inconsistencies and general lack of concern for detail that would get me laughing. I enjoyed it so much I had to begin writing about it so I suspended my Lost In Space viewing.

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Beer and Bill Adama. This is the life! The High Life!

I turned my attention to other random, assorted items. Of course, as I mentioned, work and other things were certainly distracting me and I was definitely feeling a bit run down. I exercise too, but it wasn't helping me on that front. So I just figured I needed to rest a bit. Baseball is starting and my responsibilities as a coach are going to keep me busy until July, but I'll adapt.

So anyway I decided to plunge into Battlestar Galactica purely for escapist purposes. I was blown away. I am headlong into Season Three. Without having to write it's alot easier to plow through science fiction for fun and that was kind of where I wanted to be for awhile. Anyway, I really love that series. I know I listed a Top 100 science-fiction on the blog here not too long ago and it mentioned Battlestar Galactica as number two on that list behind Star Trek: The Original Series. Folks, now I know why. It's simply brilliant. It is a rush night after night. There is much excitement coupled with great writing. I wonder if the J. Michael Straczynski fans out there are also fans of Ronald Moore or if there is a divide out there. The One To Be Pitied finds them both rediculous. Poor thing. She simply doesn't understand. Still, watching Babylon 5 after watching Battlestar Galactica is a bit like watching science fiction in slow motion. I certain mean no offense, but it is just that much more exciting to watch the new Battlestar Galactica. I know it benefits from some of the new technologies, but I also love the camera work and style of that show. Babylon 5 is definitely a more literary work in approach.

So, that's where I have been. I'm still enjoying Battlestar Galactica but I'll be getting back to Babylon 5 soon. I also need to keep the different styles and the fact they were released at very different times with different ideas in perspective so I'm not too hard on Babylon 5 during my analysis of its final season. I also cannot bring myself to write about a different series without finishing Babylon 5. I owe it to you and myself to finish it.
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I'm not sure what I'll look at next when it comes to writing, but I may need to approach something like Battlestar Galactica with a less extensive review and more of an analysis of my favorite moment per episode. It would certainly be far less daunting to write for the blog if I rethink how I will handle my approach on other topics.
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Nevertheless, I do want to finish my Babylon 5 journey the way I began it and I will continue to write about each episode in a way reminiscent of the Jane Killick summaries but with audio/video accompaniment. I simply cannot change tactics. It was good stepping away for a bit though my friends. Perhaps I was suffering from Babylon 5 or writer's fatigue.
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On a personal note, I went on a plane ride the other day. It was a seven-seater and my kids came with me and I actually flew the plane. That was an unforgettable experience. A good friend of mine pilots and asked us to join him and his kids and we had such a good time. It makes you appreciate life a bit stepping away from the routines and taking risks outside your comfort zone. It was an adventure. It was like flying a Colonial Viper and I was a young William Adama. : ) My sincere appreciation for having friends like that.

The Sci-Fi Fanatic is coming in for a landing friends. Clear the decks!