Babylon 5: The Scripts

Hey all. I wanted to touch base about the Babylon 5 Scripts written by J.Michael Straczynski. Thanks to M, I went ahead and bought them up a week before they were gone. Honestly if she hadn't mentioned the books I never would have known about them. I'm just a clueless fan of science fiction making my way in the world.
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Here's the message that was posted at the end of June on Cafepress.com.

"The Babylon 5 Scripts of J. Michael Straczynski Limited Edition 14 volume series availability ended on June 30, 2008. They are no longer available and will never be re-issued. Congratulations to all who got them."

I was warned that there wasn't much time left to get them so I went for it. I'll post more about them someday when I finish the series and have a chance to read them. Fortunately I'm the proud owner of a set of these honkin' books. I'm pretty excited and pretty broke for it just the same.
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Anyway, as some or most of you know, Cafe Press issued them and they have just recently posted the following:

"Later this year we will be releasing the Babylon 5 Scripts of J. Michael Straczynski: TV Movies. With this book is a special opportunity. For the first time J. Michael Straczynski is letting fans ask any question they want about the four TV Movies Thirdspace, The River of Souls, Legend of the Rangers or The Lost Tales.

You can click here and it will take you to the site where you can submit your own question. I know those of you who have been following my own thread/ personal journey of Babylon 5 discovery are very thoughtful and have and would offer some great suggestions for that book.
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I haven't done so as of yet, but I'm going to submit a question as well. Having not seen any of those films he has proposed to answer questions for in his book I'm at a slight disadvantage. I'm going to come up with a fairly overall-film-specific question like:

"Which of your films resulted in your favorite accomplishment?" or "Who provided the greatest direction for your vision in the films personally, yourself included, alongside series regulars Mike Vejar, Janet Greek and Jesus Trevino?"

Hopefully these are some decent questions and they will be considered. Also, I'm actually interested in knowing the answer to these questions. No one gets specific recognition for their question, they are just going to pick the very best questions and use them in the book and I know the folks here will come up with some great ones.
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If anyone would like to post their thoughts for some good questions [without killing me on any hardcore spoilers] please do so because I'd love to see your thoughts on this great offer from Straczynski. If not, head over and definitely drop some great questions for the book.
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Finally, why is it In The Beginning or A Call To Arms are not included in this book's offerings? I can understand why The Gathering might not be considered as the series pilot, but perhaps you all have some thoughts on why the other two are not included. Maybe they are going to be discussed in the book and perhaps they are just not mentioned in this question. I don't know.
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Okay, that's all for now, but I wanted to make sure you knew about it. Fasten-Zip Out!

Specially-Formulated Babylon 5 Aspirin

I'm preparing for my Mind War friends since I've been forewarned the series will be getting tougher to get those mental faculties around.

Babylon 5 Aspirin is now available at select science-fiction and DVD outlets.

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There's no guarantee they will help get you through this series, but hell it's worth a shot by any means necessary!

Trekkies

This image about sizes it up for some of the folks trawling about in this documentary.

On a whim with about 90 minutes to spare before heading out this morning I got to thinking what could I watch? Well, I decided upon something from my vast untapped DVD library that I hadn't examined yet and settled upon the documentary Trekkies.

I don't know about you folks, but I love documentaries when they are done well and this is no exception. Film critic Roger Ebert game it "Thumbs Up" and I have to admit I like what he has to say sometimes. He's a fairly intelligent gentleman and always thoughtful in his film selections. I don't always agree with him. He loved Deep Blue Sea and that just wasn't good. No. I digress. That's not why I bought the DVD anyway. I just happened to mention that he liked it.
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I bought Trekkies mainly because I love fan culture and the world of fandom and seeing filmmakers catch a glimpse of these people's lives [whether it's comic book fans, Star Trek fans, Star Wars fans, anime cosplayers, etc.]. It's awesome. It's hysterical. It's kind of sad. It's kind of cool and at the very least these people are originals. Well, after checking it out I recommend it wholeheartedly. Here's a small sample of one of the rare, sweeter moments from the outing hosted throughout by Denise Crosby of Star Trek: The Next Generation acclaim of course. It seems like James Doohan was a big softie with a big heart but I really don't know.

The film is almost 90 minutes and edits footage between real fans [an interesting bunch] and input from the actors themselves like Leonard Nimoy of Star Trek: The Original Series right on through to Kate Mulgrew of Star Trek: Voyager. It's a fascinating look into the lives of these fans and I think the film does justice to fans not by mocking them or poking fun at them in anyway, but rather respecting them and their generally harmless fanaticism. This is a great example of one of the many fantics. She even testified in her Star Trek uniform for the Whitewater trial. I'm not sure how much credibility she had showing up in that outfit though. Still, I really like this Bobby.


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As you can see, I've included a few film samples to give you a taste of what's on offer in the event you have time to check it out. Like I said, these folks are often intelligent and perhaps a little eccentric at times [maybe that's an understatement considering one fellow enjoys dressing up as the NASA astronaut character from ST:TNG], but generally good folk. Okay maybe really eccentric, some might even say weird, but those interviewed are likeable.

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There's even a debate on whether you qualify as a Trekkie or a Trekker. I'm not really sure I'm either but a friend recently referred to me as "the most normal wacko" he'd ever met. I'd like to think that's a compliment. I think. If a trekkie qualifies as someone who likes to watch the show than count me in. If a trekkie qualifies as someone who collects the DVDs and maybe a few spaceships here and there count me in. If a trekkie qualifies as someone who looks for an actor's hair or script notes or rummages through their trash than count me out. If anything Trekkies is entertaining. Some might find it creepy in parts and that can be a bit off-putting, but I love observations like this into human behavior even if it's lacking a more effervescent vibe.

Trekkies: B+

B5 S3 Ep16: War Without End Part One

This is the first time we see these two leaders in the same frame, Sinclair and Sheridan together. Also, no scar remaining from the encounter with Kosh in Interludes And Examinations.

OK. It’s going to be tough to top the stirring drama of Interludes And Examinations but we’ll see what happens here. Babylon 5, Season Three, Episode 16, War Without End Part One [or WAR! What Is It Good For? Maybe Saving A Little Thing Called The Future!] is suppose to be a doozie, in fact, a two-part doozie no less. We’ll soon see. One big upside is Director Michael Vejar is on the case for both, always a good sign. For some reason, when I was writing my thoughts down about this installment I wound up drafting roughly 6 pages. I generally write about 4 pages so this one was fairly lengthy and clearly packed with loads of information, so off we go.

Those semi-cheesy computer animated environments, in this case Minbar, are always tough to really love and get excited about, but they serve to open up the Babylon 5 universe to be sure.

Susan "Hot Lips" Ivanova.
As far as our guest list goes, most notable here is the fact the late Tim Choate returns as Zathras and more importantly the much beloved/ maligned character of Jeffrey Sinclair now an ambassador played with always convincing, wooden passion by Michael O’Hare.
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I love maps. I especially love REALLY BIG maps!
Lt. Corwin picks up a distress call from Sector 14, the site of Babylon 4’s disappearance. Oddly, the transmission signal being received by Corwin and conveyed to Ivanova is the voice of one desperate Susan Ivanova. Huh? That’ll freak you out especially if you’re Susan. Garibaldi says it best about Sector 14, “Time doesn’t work right in there.” That's pretty succinct enough.

So Garibaldi launches via starfury to Sector 14 to investigate what the hell is going on, while Sinclair is coming aboard Babylon 5 unannounced. I thought it was interesting here that these two old friends were physically missing each other and essentially not crossing paths at all.

Damn! My eyes were closed can you take another picture?
Back on Minbar, earlier, there was a letter presented to Sinclair with his name on it. On Babylon 5 Delenn receives a similar letter in her quarters. Lennier insists, “it must be done, or the dream will die” referring to a kind of prophecy in motion. Delenn has been here to see it through and she knows, as she always knows more than she lets on, what is about to transpire. Delenn arrives in the War Room and is quite urgent with Sheridan that they must report to the White Star with Marcus and Sinclair. Both have also arrived at the War Room. It’s strange but cool to see both Sheridan and Sinclair in the same episode for the first time.

Time to visit the dentist big guy.
Garibaldi reports from Sector 14 that the temporal field is twice as large. The source is a tachyon energy field transmitting from Epsilon 3 controlled by Draal. He is widening it for a reason. Down on that planet below, enter Zathras. It’s good to see him again, but not those teeth. Delenn knows they must head to Sector 14. Sheridan is reluctant, but she is acting on prophecy, so off goes the White Star.

Garibaldi continues picking up Ivanova’s voice. “They’re killing us.” Additionally he is receiving a visual. She is calling out in bloodied, battered desperation. She indicates the Captain is dead and the Shadows are coming. They are locked on, a bright light ensues from behind Ivanova and then the signal terminates. This is troubling, good stuff.

Now that's what I call a powerpoint presentation!
Delenn recaps for the War Council, via a visual presentation, long past events never before seen outside of the Grey Council of archival footage from the last Great War. These events also surround that of the White Star. Delenn asks Sheridan, “do you trust me John?” “With my life,” he answers. The footage presented to the team is of an allied base that was destroyed long ago. Here’s the catch, Babylon 4 was essentially stolen and brought into the distant past to aid in the war effort against The Shadows as a replacement base of operations. Without Babylon 4 the war would have been lost. Delenn references Season One’s Babylon Squared and how, then, Commander Sinclair saved Babylon 4’s crew. Delenn informs her friends that The Shadows sought to destroy Babylon 4, and surprisingly the footage indicates the White Star was involved in saving Babylon 4. Yes, the White Star will travel back in time six years, through the enlarged temporal field, to save the fledgling Babylon 4. A stunned Sheridan engages Delenn, the question of “who stole Babylon 4 is the biggest mystery of the last decade. Now you’re telling me, it was me, is me, is going to be me?” It’s not all about you John. Just kidding. That’s a great scene. At the time no one knew where Babylon 4 came from just that it helped win the first Great War explains Delenn. Delenn indicates saving Babylon 4 will save Babylon 5, if not in eight days Ivanova’s desperate transmission will become a reality. I imagine, too, Babylon 5 will be critical to winning the next Great War as it is already serving as a base of operations. Umm, I'll take an aspirin please, make that two.

Marcus begs the question that I found myself asking, “I still don’t understand how taking Babylon 4 will prevent the destruction of Babylon 5.” Good question Marcus my man. If Babylon 4 didn’t exist, The Shadows would never have been driven from Z’Ha’Dum, but rather would have dug in, waited it out, strengthened their forces. It was instrumental in stopping them then. Today, the strength of The Shadows war machine would have been much greater and Babylon 5 would already be destroyed. Good Lord folks, my head is spinning.

Sheridan checks in with Garibaldi who has now witnessed, via the Ivanova transmissions, Babylon 5’s destruction over and over. Time stamp on the message is eight days away. If they don’t save Babylon 4, the end of Babylon 5 will be assured. It was interesting to see the disintegration of Babylon 5 because there is a ship exiting the station’s docking bay just moments before it blows [see picture]. Who could that be? Granted this shouldn't come to pass, but it would have been cool to know who escaped on that ship just moments before the station went BOOM! Sheridan sends Garibaldi back to Babylon 5.

Sinclair turns to Sheridan and tells him, "You're a bastard for taking my job on this show!" Just joking. Sinclair thinks they’ll work well together like “Butch and Sundance…Lucy and Ethel.” Buddy, you’re no Butch and Sundance. I’m sorry but O’Hare just isn’t funny. I mean to say; he doesn’t even deliver funny with that odd little smile of his. Sorry pal, we don’t miss you. Perhaps I'm being hard on him but my head hurts.
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The return of Zathras and some very bad hygiene.
Meanwhile, cargo has arrived at the White Star from Epsilon 3 to aid in their effort. Zathras, too, is part of that cargo. Sinclair directs Zathras not to mention anything that could change the past. Either Tim Choate’s make-up was a bit off or he aged a bit in two years, like any of us, but he just looked a tad different than I remember him.


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Sinclair tells Sheridan he will need a favor. Sheridan ensures Garibaldi is dispatched home to Babylon 5 at the behest of Sinclair. Why? Is he saving Garibaldi’s life? Is he ensuring Garibaldi is there to play his part in this elaborate puzzle? I thought it was interesting at the outset that their paths did not cross. Surely it wasn’t manufactured, but it worked out well for Sinclair.

Sheridan: “Why the secrecy? Didn’t you wanna talk to him?”

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Sinclair: “More than you’ll ever know.” [I thought that was pretty moving]
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There goes Garibaldi & Sinclair, like two ships passing in the night [literally].
Still, those two names, ugh! Why couldn’t Straczynski have gone with Sinclair and Rogers? [Something, anything to get away from another ‘S’ name]. So, Sinclair watches through a window into space as the two ships pass and Garibaldi recedes into the distance. “Goodbye old friend.” Sinclair flashes forward to an image of Babylon 5 being boarded and inevitably disintegrating. These are scenes you’ll recall from Season One’s Babylon Squared. How could we forget? That was a very powerful singular episode indeed within that season. Sinclair assures himself, “No it won’t happen. I won’t let it happen.” And with that the White Star plunges into the temporal rift.

Interestingly, when Garibaldi returns to Babylon 5 Zack unwittingly alerts him with the news that Sinclair was aboard earlier but left with Sheridan. Garibaldi is stunned. “You’re kidding right? Did he leave any kinda message?” Yeah, the message is he wants to save your ass big guy. The message, Mr. Garibaldi, is- LIVE! Sinclair has left a message for Garibaldi, but the vid screen flashes “Password Required.” I love when Garibaldi starts throwing words out like "Fasten-Zip." "Hello old friend" does the trick, yet that was more like Pass words or a Passphrase.
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Special Effects with a VHS Camcorder and 99 cents. Horrible.
White Star scanners pick up Shadows vessels inside the temporal field as well as a little old, highly radioactive fusion bomb. As the Shadows fighters attack, Lennier enlightens us with new information concerning the Vorlon-Minbari hybrid ship that is the White Star. “The White Star is based on Vorlon organic technology. It learns from experience, changes, evolves. The skin of the ship now uses the Vorlon defense system. Most of the energy is reflected away leaving only the physical impact.” As Sheridan puts it, “cool.” Can you imagine that kind of technology? That is ridiculously off the charts cool. By the way, Bill Mumy sure knows how to deliver scientific analysis better than anyone, granted he hasn't had the meatiest of roles. So the Shadows attack craft continues firing upon the White Star with little success. The White Star moves into position on its primary target. Ivanova fires upon the bomb and destroys it. One problem. Each crewmember was given one of those time stabilizers mentioned way back in Babylon Squared to keep everyone ‘stuck’ in time. Unfortunately the impact of the explosion somehow damages Sheridan’s device and he disappears, or if you recall how Kent Broadhurst yelled it back in Babylon Squared, “we’ve become unstuck in time!” I’ll never get that out of my head. Speaking of heads I'll take another aspirin.

Zathras was definitely less intriguing to me this time out and a little more annoying than I found Choate to play him way back in Season One, but I may have been in one of those less forgiving moods. I thought Sinclair’s return was okay, but, well, I’ll leave it at that. Sinclair’s line probably best-conveyed Straczynski’s overarching aim of the show concerning telling a story at all costs. The actors are secondary. “Sheridan knew the risks the same as we did. All of us are expendable. What counts is the mission. He’d want us to continue.” Amen! I think he’s talking about Straczynski there and himself as expendable. Tell that story damn it! Of course, Boxleitner’s not going anywhere. Sinclair takes over the Captain’s chair. That was a little weird to see. Get outta' that chair dude!

We cut to Sheridan [now unstuck in time on Centauri Prime- nice rhyme] being kicked in the gut before an aged, future version of what appears to be Emperor Londo. He looks also to be Sheridan’s executioner as he tells him he will finally put him out of his misery. Sheridan drove away the Shadows, but the remnants of the war have come home to roost on Centauri Prime, a victimized homeworld of unrest. He unveils the chaos, “the legacy of your war” as he peers out across his city of flames from on high. "Your war"! What the hell are you talking about Londo? I think it could clearly rest upon your shoulders if you really wanted to get right down to it. "Your war" my ass pal. Granted, we all know The Shadows were going to instigate a full blown conflict one way or another and Londo just happened to be an instrument or tool in getting to that point.

Meanwhile, Jeffrey “I’m like the arrow that springs from the bow” Sinclair is clearly ready to die as he speaks with Delenn. The White Star lands aboard Babylon 4. It’s a pretty decent effects moment [better than that overexposed shot above]. Zathras is really quite pathetic and no one seems to give two shits about the poor fellow. No one cares about him. It’s sad. He delivers rambling little ‘poor Zathras’ speeches and everyone rolls their eyes like 'oh, that’s just Zathras being Zathras for ya. Who cares about him unless we need him.' Damn! That is cold.

Sinclair [to Delenn]: “Ready?”

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Delenn: “Why do your people always ask if someone is ready right before you’re going to do something massively unwise?”

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Sinclair [with his trademark smirk, smile-grin]: “Tradition.”

TO BE CONTINUED…stay tuned for War Without End Part Two, same Babylon time, same Babylon channel... That would be channel 5 for newcomers. Now where is that aspirin?

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War Without End Part One: B+

Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog

It's not often I keep up with the latest and greatest on television or the net. Granted new doesn't necessarily mean better as Babylon 5 has proven. Still, my latest diversion zeroed in on something sparkling new and exciting over at iTunes for Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog.

It's the latest download-only film series [not unlike finding Sanctuary]. Comprised of Acts 1,2 & 3 [45 minutes] it's a delicious, original short film starring some of television's finest. I was completely engaged by the simple, but refreshing concept energized throughout by musical numbers. It's not Moulin Rouge! but it's damn good fun. The songs are exceptional as they map the course of a would-be super-villian dying to join The Evil League Of Evil, the love of his life and his arch-nemesis Captain Hammer [the hammer isn't for his fist] in this terrific tale.
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First, it's directed by Joss Whedon of Firefly and Buffy The Vampire Slayer fame of course. It's also written by Joss with the help of, apparently, talented family Zack Whedon, Jed Whedon and Maurissa Tancharoen. The musical numbers are cleverly dished out by Joss and Jed Whedon and I've provided two samples for you to give it a look.


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The cast provides some splendid moments and the always amazing Neil Patrick Harris steals the show as Dr. Horrible. Nathan Fillion is always a favorite from his days on Firefly and he hams it up as Captain "I love myself" Hammer. Felicia Day is adorable as Penny.
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The ending isn't quite what you'd expect and that's what I love about Joss Whedon. Who gets the girl? You'll see. It's funny how some of the very best in science-fiction or television in general has to be relegated to the obscurity. The mainstream doesn't know what it's missing. Still, with the broad appeal of internet access nowadays perhaps Dr. Horrible is in very good company. Click here for more on Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog.
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Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog: B+

B5 S3 Ep15: Interludes And Examinations

This photo hands down captures one of the highlights of Babylon 5 Season Three for me and perhaps the series as a whole. The verbal battle between these two powerful figures has never been more exciting. Holy Encounter Suit!

The introduction is perfect featuring narration by Susan Ivanova voiced over ongoing operations in the War Room. August 3rd, 2260. Personal diary. I was wondering how the hell Morden managed to keep slipping by screening and security to set even a foot on Babylon 5, but Ivanova's narration lends some understanding to it. Morden has his share of moles within security personnel who are clearly in his back pocket. Background checks are allowing for lapses in obtaining quality people and riff raff like Morden are gaining entry.

Anyway, Ivanova's serious, matter-of-fact tone reminded me of classic Original Series Star Trek when Captain Kirk, played by William Shatner, voiced over the opening minutes of an episode in the same style. Ivanova brings us up to speed on the Shadows maneuvering. They have been attacking in the open, on the outer rim, for ten days.

Adira [one of the hottest Centauri bald chicks to grace the program in Season One] is returning and Londo is over the moon preparing for her arrival.
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By God, he is one Dirty Rotten Scoundrel.
The devil himself, the evil Morden [always played deliciously by Ed Wasser], is back and more treacherous than ever. When we first see Mr. Morden he is meeting with some kind of informant and the snitch is left for dead in his wake. He’s already up to no good before the credits even roll. Would we want it any other way? Oh and those nasty Shadow spiders with their crickety sound effects are hanging all around him unseen but protective at all times. It’s always a pleasure to see Wasser in his recurring role for Babylon 5. Welcome to Babylon 5, Season Three, Episode 15, Interludes And Examinations [or The Kosh & Sheridan Showdown] and hands down one of my favorite episodes of the season.

Folks! I have had an affection/ love affair for this space pilot-looking, gas mask-breathing, apparatus-affixed alien creature right along throughout the series. This race has always been milling about in the background whether it be in the bars or coming on board the station. Glimpses of the race have held me enraptured and desiring to know more teasing me with just a simple moment here and there. It is definitely one of the coolest alien designs of any science fiction series out there. Maybe it’s because the thing reminds of an extra from the Cantina scenes on Tatooine from Star Wars. It definitely has that look for me. It even talks all weird with its electronica-laced vocals. I imagined it would have a more robust-sounding voice. Well, finally, Straczynski brings his [and his team’s] creation to the fore and I’m thankful for it because there was no indication that would necessarily happen. This is Ambassador Shilaq [the spelling of which I am uncertain] and Sheridan is attempting to bring her/ it on board the newly forged alliance. Still, they won’t budge since they haven't been attacked and there's nothing to indicate that they will be attacked. Sheridan knows better. I like when the ambassador asks Sheridan to show her some power. Show me The Power! This is great.
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Sheridan [referring to The Shadows]: "They are going to come for you sooner or later."

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Alien pilot [in strange electronic girl voice]: "You do not know that. The enemy is powerful. Show us you have equal power then we will consider. If not we will stay quiet." Ah yes, pacifists awaiting the slaughter.

Elsewhere, Dr. Franklin, who admitted "I think I have a problem" during the rebirth ceremony in Episode Eleven, Ceremonies Of Light And Dark, now knows he definitely has a problem. [Isn't it funny how many episodes at this point inform past episodes and future episodes? It's enough to make your head spin.] Actually, it takes Franklin a little time to come to that realization but he's definitely a stark ravin' lunatic of a mess thanks to all the stim use. Here’s a good luck at his frayed temper and once again the many wonderful moments Straczynski writes for his actors.



The up close and personal exchanges are absolutely a thrill every time for me! Here’s another between Londo and Morden. Do you remember when Jerry Seinfeld would greet Newman in the show Seinfeld? Don't you just want to say “Hellllo Morden.” Vir always comes closest to doing it. Like Season Two, Episode 12, Acts of Sacrifice, and a whole host of others, the character exchanges make for some of the most riveting in the Babylon 5 cannon. The red lighting really highlights this sinister moment between two very strong-willed, agenda-driven personalities. It’s like they're meeting in Hell. Londo should never have made that deal with the devil.



Delenn visits Sheridan in the War Room. I feel for Sheridan. His frustration in attempting to unite the races to fight the Shadows is slow and at times feels futile, but he's getting there. It's a great lesson that things don't always come easy. They need to move quicker and he knows it. There are so many great scenes I damn near wanted to record this whole episode. Delenn suggests a show of force by making a victory happen against The Shadows to illustrate for the alien groups 'hope' that fighting back is indeed a viable solution to this growing threat.

Meanwhile Garibaldi meets with the beautiful Dr. Lillian Hobbs to try and obtain information on Dr. Franklin’s blood work. Garibaldi's is often willing to break with protocol or ethics to get to the truth. Dr. Franklin witnesses the exchange. Elsewhere, Morden makes a point of bumping into a frantic and busy Vir who is readying for Adira’s arrival. Vir is classic.

Morden: “Anything I can do to help?”
Vir: “Um, short of dying, no.”

Getting nowhere with Vir he makes a point of obtaining any information he can from the vendor Vir had just met with in order to weave his tangled web. He is certainly up to no good and appears to be planning to upset the apple cart as only Morden can.

Franklin comes clean about his addiction to Garibaldi just shy of Garibaldi finding out about it himself. Garibaldi inevitably finds the invasion of privacy concerning his friend uncomfortable and refrains. Babylon 5 just keeps heaping on pile upon pile of drama and tension and it is palpable. Straczynski never seems to waste a moment of his airtime with fluff of any kind.

Now, the next sequence is amazing. This episode contains quite possibly one of the single most powerful moments in the series, at least for me. This is that sequence and it is gut wrenchingly powerful made all the more so by the final minutes of this installment and the fate of Kosh.



You feel so much for Sheridan’s position and what he is trying to achieve. Still, astoundingly, there is just as much emotion and feeling that comes out of that encounter suit thanks to Ardwight Chamberlain. His ability to make that happen is worth mentioning. Sheridan is clearly feeling the strain placed upon him by The Shadows and like a desperate animal cornered he really lashes out to get some movement in the war against them. Sheridan calls Kosh on the carpet big time! Holy Toledo! The movements, the close ups are intimately perfect. It is an outstanding verbal and mental joust between two powerful allies with competing strategies. Fascinating stuff! It is one of the most gripping sequences in all of Season Three [maybe the entire series, so far] as Kosh goes all Darth Vader on Sheridan’s ass at the end. The Vorlons are critical in this war and appear omniscient on so many levels with tremendous power so why are they so damn neutral? They happily use humans as pawns and manipulate strategy but reluctantly join the fold. It's interesting. Still, I like Kosh.

Not to mention, I absolutely love the writing in this section and the pace and speed of the verbal match. The sharp barbs and quick retorts by Sheridan juxtaposed with the commanding simplicity of Kosh is simply a marvel. I had such empathy for both players here. I was completely and utterly wiped out watching it unfold. I was like “yeah, you tell him Sheridan.” “Good point Kosh.” “That’s right Sheridan.” “That away Kosh.” “Don’t take that Sheridan.” “Unacceptable behavior Sheridan.” “You let him know who's boss Kosh.” “Okay, maybe you have a point there Sheridan.” Good Lord. Whew!

Classic exchange:
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Sheridan: "Don't turn your back on me. Don't you even try to walk away from me. Just who the hell do you think you are?...For three years now you've been pulling everyone's strings getting us to do all the work and you haven't done a damn thing but stand there and look cryptic! Well, it's about time you started pulling your own wait around here. I understand you have a saying-'understanding is a three edged sword'. Well, we've got a saying too-'put your money where your mouth is!'" [hysterical!]

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Kosh: "Impudent."

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Sheridan: "You said you wanted to teach me to fight legends, well you're a legend too, and I am not going away until you agree."

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Kosh: "Incorrect. Leave now." [Vorlon shock applied]

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Sheridan: "No."

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Kosh: "Disobedient." [You see. It's like humans are the children of these gods.]

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Sheridan: "Up yours....unless your people get up off their encounter-suited butts and do something I've got nothing to lose. Hell, my own government wants to kill me and if we lose this war I'm just as dead."

Um, he kinda, like, saved your ass in Season Two, Episode 22, The Fall Of Night. Easy does it there big guy, how soon we forget. Seriously, it must be trying to move an enigma like Kosh to direct action.

So in the end Kosh relents and dispatches the Vorlon forces to wreak havoc on The Shadows. The attack is potent and easily as forceful as their Shadows counterpart. Caught unawares, The Shadows get a little taste of the Vorlon flyswatters. Impressive. It is reported to the War Room that the Vorlons are winning. Finally, there is something to celebrate at last.

Meanwhile, Londo is choked with emotion eager with anticipation to reunite with the one woman that he has truly loved. I think Adira kind of does it for him. Unfortunately, when we finally see Adira we see her in a body bag. I was so looking forward to her arrival myself in the hopes of seeing the same actress return. Sadly for me, and for Londo, that was not to be. Londo stands before her covered body literally a broken man. His heartache points to the work of Lord Refa as her potential assassin. I was immediately thinking Morden myself. Of course we’re not certain, but I believe it was indeed Morden. Londo always pulls us back in by proving to us he can care, he can love and that he does indeed have heart.

Morden learns of the Vorlon attack. As a result, various races are lining up behind Sheridan in support of his plan as he had hoped. Sheridan plans to thank Kosh only he won’t be able to do so. Morden, complete with breathing mask and his spidery companions, gets to Kosh first in the alien sector. His associates are there to assasinate him for his use of power against The Shadows. As he is brutally destroyed, Kosh, in essence, channels himself before Sheridan in the form of Sheridan’s father. The loving image of his father is someone Sheridan identifies with and the words that come from the mouth of David Sheridan [played touchingly by Rance Howard] are clearly the words of Kosh in his final moments. He reassures him he did the right thing and that it was indeed time for him to do things his way. His demise is not his fault. “As long as you’re here, I’ll always be here” are his final words to Sheridan. It is yet another moving moment that brings some closure to the earlier conflict between the two characters before his life is extinguished. Is there something to The Shadows and The Vorlons' relationship? It's as if The Vorlons are intentionally staying out of the conflict for now for a reason. When Kosh finally does make a move utilizing the strength of the Vorlons, Morden and his associates quickly move specifically against Kosh to make some kind of statement. It is very interesting indeed.

Kosh won’t be able to save him on Z’Ha’Dum and he knew that during their argument, because he knew if he relented and gave Sheridan what he needed he would most certainly be killed. So, why did he know that? Kosh wasn’t withholding friendship [if you want to call his ambiguous support such a thing] from Sheridan he simply knew he wouldn’t be there to help him because he would be dead. It is a powerful scene as Kosh turns to his attackers expecting their inevitable arrival following what he had ordered against The Shadows. Hats off again to Chamberlain for his performance. He does wonders in that clunky suit managing to eek out every ounce of emotion from the singular opening and closing of that green eye. Director Jesus Trevino also deserves a tip of the cap as well for getting those cameras right in there on the faces of these amazing characters [Morden, Kosh & Sheridan].
*

Random shot of Susan "Hot Lips" Ivanova because why not.
Sheridan is aware of the fate of Kosh and now understands what Kosh meant, just as Kosh had indicated during their fight that he did not understand the greater implications of the move by The Vorlons. Delenn assures Sheridan The Vorlons will send another replacement to Babylon 5. But I’m not sure if anyone can replace him. As mysterious a figure as Kosh was I was really beginning to enjoy the big lug and I kind of related to him and his modus operandi. I have to agree with Sheridan who makes a great observation. You never envisioned Kosh experiencing fear, but in this episode he definitely exhibited signs of that emotion as he lashed out at Sheridan. He was clearly fearful of dying. In hindsight Sheridan sees him differently, as a mortal being seeking self-preservation too.

Adira was indeed poisoned. Here's ANOTHER terrific sequence between Londo and Morden as he runs right back to his loving arms. NO!



I felt like Morden played Londo like a fiddle by implying Refa was trying to even the score and Adira was that casualty. Morden is a master of deception creating war and chaos at every turn and now he clearly intends to bring it upon the Centauri. Personally I expected Londo to see through the rouge. It seemed like a shameless ploy, but once again Londo has that focused look of determination and it’s hard for him to shake that when he gets something in that head of his. Could Londo’s reunion with Morden be one of those five opportunities suggested earlier that he avoid by Lady Morella in Point Of No Return. The only thing I was uncertain about was whether or not Londo fell for Morden’s shtick completely. It would appear he did unless he is becoming a really good actor [not the actor, but the character]. It’s a complex sequence. Of course Londo is more than willing to use Morden just as Morden will use players as means to achieve his own ends. But when Morden is more than happy to selfishly put forth the needs of the Centauri at the cost of anything and everything else I’m thinking the jig is up.

Dr. Franklin meets with Sheridan to resign due to his all-consuming drug habit and his justifiable fear that he could eventually kill someone. Holding his license to practice medicine, he leaves his position as Chief of Staff of Medlab on a handshake.
*

The head of Kosh’s encounter suit is battered and sits before Sheridan, Garibaldi and Delenn before the remains of his suit are placed aboard his ship and sent back into space. It’s a moving sequence to say goodbye to the ambassador. The ship will take his remnants into space “to perform its last duty in memory of Kosh,” says Delenn. Hmmmm. She knows an awful lot of information.

I definitely tend to favor the more dramatic episodes heavy in dialogue and between characters. I love the battle of wills or the interludes and examinations most, it makes for engrossing viewing.

Interludes And Examinations: A-