Niners Unite...around Babylon 5!

[OmahaStar]

Born to the Purple

In a strange twist of fate, it is not Sinclair, Garibaldi, G'Kar, or even Susan who gets the first girl in the series. It's Londo.

This story is definately Londo's, and the one of the best of the season.

While negotiating a treaty with G'Kar, Londo meets a beautiful Centauri woman named Adira Tyree. He immediately falls for her, and shows a romantic side that may suprise viewers.

As with all things on Babylon 5, Adira is not who she appears to be. She is a slave, owned by an alien named Trakis, and she has been given an assignment from him. She must steal Londo's Purple Files.

The Purple Files are a collection of secrets of all the important Centauri families, and if anyone - say, the Narn - got their hands on them, the secrets within them could topple the government.

With the help of Commander Sinclair, Londo is able to find Adira and get those files back, and free Adira in the process.

As part of the C-plot, G'Kar's new aide has arrived. She is a thoroughly unpleasant female Narn named Ko'Dath. Don't worry. <span class="spoiler"><font class="small">Spoiler:</font><hr /><span>She only lasts one episode</span><hr /></span>.

As all of this is going on, we also discover that Susan's father, Andrei Ivanov, is dying in a hospital in the Russian Consordium. She has been using the Gold channel (a secure channel that is to be used only under Sinclair's authorization, and allows real-time communication with Earth; this channel is only known to the command staff and Ambassadors) to do so.

In the end, her father passes away, leaving Susan all alone in the night. She's lost her father, she's lost her mother and brother, and she has no one left but herself.

*****************

This just in. Senator Hidoshi has confirmed earlier reports regarding what is now being called the Euphrates Statute. As we reported earlier, the treaty, which was signed late last night by ambassadors from the Centauri Republic and Narn Regime, will allow construction of new jumpgates in and around the Euphrates colonies.

IPX has been granted first rights to search for new sources of Q40.

And now for a word from our sponsor.

 

[Lindley]

Babylon 5 Official Records Archive Search:
Station Report, February 2258. Commander Jeffrey Sinclair Reporting.

After several days of talks---or, more accurately, unproductive shouting matches---between the Narn and Centauri delegations, I am pleased to report that the Euphrates treaty has been ratified by both parties. Some revisions were necessary, but the end result is favorable to Earth interests.

I am very certain that this treaty never would have happened without the assistance of Babylon 5. The Narn and Centauri cannot agree on anything, even something as simple as what time the meetings were to begin. I was able to resolve the problem only by speaking to them seperately. Diplomacy is a strange thing sometimes.

With regards to another matter, I recommend Earth Central investigate Centauri slaveholding practices. While I have no desire to antagonize the Centauri, I must question the wisdom of maintaining close relations with a society which openly practices slavery.

End Report
Jeffrey Sinclair, Commanding Officer Babylon 5

 

[OmahaStar]

Infection

This was the first episode actually filmed, though shown as episode 4. There were so many clunky bits, it's almost a miracle the show got beyond it, and yet, there are bits that can actually be forgiven.

The main idea around this episode is that there are ancient races out there with technologies that some would kill to possess. Including one called Interplanetary Expeditions, which we will see much more of later on, and shorted to IPX. <span class="spoiler"><font class="small">Spoiler:</font><hr /><span>This includes the movie ThirdSpace, the entire Crusade series, and everything dealing with Morden/Anna.</span><hr /></span>

A former teacher of Franklin's, Dr. Vance Hendricks (played by David McCallum, who can now be seen as Dr. Mallard on NCIS), comes to the station to tempt Franklin away from B5, to gain millions of dollars by selling organic technology to IPX. Vance has gotten in with some ... rather seedy partners, including an assistant Nelson Drake (played by Marshall R. Teague. This is the only episode of B5 in which we see Marshall as a Human, though he appears in many episodes through the series).

This organic tech takes over Drake's body, and through a series of scenes, we see him becoming the standard "horror man in a rubber suit". <span class="spoiler"><font class="small">Spoiler:</font><hr /><span>They must have spent a lot of money on that suit, since we see it again later, barely modified, in season 3, as another monster</span><hr /></span>

Side note - In Jane's name, I am so trying to be positive about this episode, cuz frankly I think it's a turd. If this was the first episode I had seen, I would not have tuned into a second. Yuck on every level.

We also get to meet ISN reporter Mary Ann Cramer, who can best be described as a "bitchy puppy". Yes, we see her again, and unfortunately she isn't shoved out an airlock. (sorry, Stephen)

Dr. Hendricks --

Nelson Drake as Human --

Mary Ann Cramer --

And just for fun ... These images are probably too large to display here, but I liked them. They are the "BabCom" screens normally seen in the background. I was watching the JMS intro video on the disc and noticed both versions were on there in wallpaper quality, so I grabbed em. They're links.

http://www.isnanchordesk.com/trekb5/4-babcom.jpg -- Plain "BabCom" picture

http://www.isnanchordesk.com/trekb5/4-babcommessage.jpg -- With "Incoming Message"

*************

I'm Mary Ann Cramer. And for you viewers out there who don't know me, I'm a bitch and everyone hates me. Ok bye.

 

[Lindley]

The thread seems to be slowing down. Opinions on why that is? Too fast? Too slow? Bad stretch of eps?

 

[Blade Runner]

^ I think there's just not much more to say on the current episodes. Maybe we do need to go a bit quicker?!

I for one, am eager to carry on with the series.

 

[Evil Twin]

I'm still ok with the 3 per week thing. Haven't quite had time for "Infection" yet. Maybe later tonight.

 

[OmahaStar]

Posted by Lindley:
The thread seems to be slowing down. Opinions on why that is? Too fast? Too slow? Bad stretch of eps?

Might be ... The same cannot possibly be said for the next set of 3 episodes. 3 of the best of the whole series. Parliament of Dreams, Mind War, and War Prayer ...

 

[Johi36]

Posted by Lindley:
The thread seems to be slowing down.

My excuse: I haven't had time to watch Born to the Purple and Infection yet

 

[Lee T]

I've just finished my "homework" .

Hi, I'm Lee T.
I'm not new to B5 though I only seen most episode only once. As I didn't have the opportunity to see B5 on TV I once bought the first season on DVD convinced mainly by many good comments on this board. I didn't regret it and bought all the other seasons going through them at light speed. I see this as an opportunity for me to watch it again <span class="spoiler"><font class="small">Spoiler:</font><hr /><span> and to find the strength to go through season 5, I was literally stopped by a guy named Byron </span><hr /></span> .
I don't have any version of The Gathering so I had to start with Midnight:

Midnight on the Firing Line
I liked this episode very much and still like it. The characters are well defined the intrigue is interesting. It starts in the middle of things forcing you to pay attention to every detail. I liked it a lot and still do. The thing that particularly caught my attention:
- the diplomatic play, I liked it because it was well done and something new. I haven't seen anything like that in any other show, ambassadors makes for very interesting characters and situations. Furthermore it will deal with their actions and their consequences through time and that really attracted me and made me bought seasons after season on DVD.
- Londo and G'Kar, those two are awesomely well played and have some of the finer lines in the show. It's very interesting to watch where they began again, it makes you realise how much these two will affect and be affected by the events to come.
- Garibaldi and Ivanova, I liked them both from the beginning because of the way they mix lightness and strength, Ivanova is to me one of the best sci-fi female character ever.
- Sinclair took time to grow on me, I didn't really liked him at first, seeing it back I really don't know why. I think maybe the more we know about him the more we understand the way he's played.
- I didn't pay much attention to Kosh the first time I've seen it (I suppose I would have if I had seen the Gathering who introduces the Vorlon more, right?).
- I wasn't very impressed by Delenn the first time around, I didn't realise how important the Minbari wars were important in forging the Humans we see. The past is as important as the present in B5.
Watching it a second time I'm more interested in the raiders. The first time around I didn't care much for those events classifying as a lesser b-plots to give something to do to the other guys in the cast untill we see that there are almost no b-plots in B5 only a-plots waiting in the shadow to pounce on the unsuspectin viewer <span class="spoiler"><font class="small">Spoiler:</font><hr /><span> like the earth president election </span><hr /></span> .


Soul Hunter
I remembered this one as not being very interesting and very "alien of the week". It was surprisingly easy to watch it again mainly because of Delenn. I didn't remember the Delenn/Sinclair mystery started this soon. In fact it's not an "alien of the week" episode at all as the alien isn't the real topic of the episode but a way to indirectly start Sinclair investigation on the Minbari's motives. What I've first seen as a bland episode I now see as a clever move.
On a sidenote it's also fun today to see the range of Mira Furlan between the fragile Delenn we see here and the hardcore Rousseau in Lost.
I almost forgot about Franklin. Well it took time for him to catch my interest, he striked me as very bland at the time. He still does now as he's not really much than a tool for the plot rather than a character here.

Born to the Purple
We learn a lot about the Centauri here and indirectly a lot about Sinclair, I think this is were I began to like him because of his way of handling diplomatic stuff. He seems a lot more convincing in a conference room than in a seedy bar though.
I didn't remember the G'Kar of those times, he strikes me as a lot less interesting and deep <span class="spoiler"><font class="small">Spoiler:</font><hr /><span> They wouldn't have had to trick the futur G'Kar to help Molari, he would have helped though for a price </span><hr /></span>
We begin to learn a bit about the telepath. I didn't like much Talia the first time around, I think I'll be more carefull about them this time.
The b-plot is surpisingly much more character driven as we see Ivanova and Garibald in difficult situations. The plot is a classic but the two actors really use to give depth to their character.

Infection
This one gives me the opportunity to speak up about the only thing I never liked in B5 from s1 to s5: the music. I allways find it overdone and hammy. Since this episode is very caricatural it's especially noticeable here.
I watched these episodes late at night, when I realised this was the fourth one I shut down the operation and went to bed. This expresses well how much I liked it the first time around.
Seeing it a second time I still have a hard time finding any redeeming moments. Let's try
- Sinclair suicidal's streak, I liked it because the captain going alone agains the monster is a staple of sci-fi but here it has a reason to be rather than just an excuse to showcase the main character.
- Susan Ivanova: "Don't. You're too young to experience that much pain." gotta love Ivanova, gotta hate the journalists, gotta love their relationship, another foreshadowing.
- Franklin's begining to grow a personnality, we see two of his main traits here: a very heavy handed consience and a more discreetly pointed at workaholism.
- Another reminder about the weight of the past, another reminder about the concept of purity, tell me if I'm wrong but those concepts have appeared in one way or another in every one of those episodes, right?

 

[Llanita]

Hi all … Thought I’d leave it till I’d watched all three (and figured out what I thought of each one) before posting comments, so, here we go.

Soul Hunter

I definitely agree with the comments posted above saying that this is an odd choice for second episode. I guess, by having a “first contact” episode, they were trying to push the issue of B5 being an all-rounder station and not just restricted to the main races established so far (Minbari, Narn, G’Kar). The Soul Hunters – well, I’m guessing they’ll reappear at a later date, but they don’t seem to have any kind of nationality or over-arching political purpose, so I assume (may very well be wrong!) that their part in this ep was pretty much self-contained.

In terms of the characters, it was nice to get to know Delenn a bit better in this one, much as I’m enjoying the Londo/G’Kar scenes – and I certainly like the new doctor. (And I know it’s cheesy, but I do like the capitalist insect, who just powerfully reminded me of the giant bug in Family Guy! Hee!)! Sinclair is seriously reminding me of Captain Archer from ENT, though: he has a similar way of talking, similar steely-eyed glare into the middle distance and similar propensity to get into violent situations where he gets roughed up. (Mind you, those security guards got owned even worse. Nice to know that redshirts exist in every series! ) The scene with Ivanova speaking as the conman’s body is launched into space was an unexpected and touching one – death is treated with respect in this episode, it’s also relevant when you consider Ivanova’s own loss in the following ep, and I know it must be extremely sad for those of you who got to know and love Richard Biggs before he passed on.

I have no doubt that the reason I’m keeping a keen eye on these things is because I already know that B5 is going to be extremely serialised, but definitely the most intriguing aspect of this episode (though it was an enjoyable one all told) was the Delenn/Sinclair almost-revelation. What is her story, and why did the Minbari approve so much of Sinclair? Course, you guys know! :P It was definitely the best hook that this episode had.

Born to the Purple

Interesting episode – well, to be fair at the moment it’s all interesting to me because I don’t know these characters, but certainly, am more and more impressed by Londo Mollari. He’s very charismatic – it’s just fun to watch scenes with him in. Another thing about this ep is that it’s the first one in which the characters seem to be properly relaxing: the scene in the nightclub with G’Kar, Londo and Sinclair had some of the first touches of humour. Surprised to see that Ko’Dath woman, since had already heard that Na’Toth would be G’Kar’s assistant, but have since found out what the reason was.

The main story was engaging, though a little predictable – I liked Adira and, due to Londo’s own charisma, could believe her when she genuinely had a change of heart over him. Of course, the whole bit of info about the Centauri power structure was interesting too: correct me if I’m wrong but their image seems a bit feudal? Powerful families vying for supremacy, slaves like Adira …? I did like Sinclair’s bit of sneakiness in the nightclub, too, it raised my opinion of him! And I was happy to see N’Grath again, because he’s just, well, amusing. Basically, I felt like the station came to life a bit more in this episode: got more of a sense that there were all sorts of people around just being quirky and having fun. The station as a port of call, basically.


Infection

Right … Well, I enjoyed this one a fair bit, both because of the implications of the story and because it’s just fun to have a crazed Nazi cyborg running around vaporizing people. (In fiction, that is!) It ties in with the “pro-Earth” movement already mentioned in the series. And certainly, the worries that Dr Franklin expresses over corporations funding bio-weapon “research” bode ill: especially when that plotline ends on a bad note in this episode, to the dismay of Ivanova and Franklin. In terms of the B-plot (which is linked, since the interview makes mention of a growing isolationist movement on Earth) – I did really like the talk between Garibaldi and Sinclair about the after-effects of the war. <span class="spoiler"><font class="small">Spoiler:</font><hr /><span>And though I have been VERY good and am religiously avoiding spoilers, I couldn’t help but notice when online the other day that Sinclair gets replaced. Even though he irked me at first, he really has been growing on me, so it’s kinda sad!</span><hr /></span>

When it comes to the guest characters … I thought that Dr Stephen’s mentor Vance was very well acted. I wasn’t too fond of the journalist character, however – she seemed unnecessarily annoying. Is the ISN supposed to be very reactionary, or was this the typical “all press are annoying?” thing. Finally … utterly random but I liked that little exchange between Garibaldi and the alien vendor, about the aphrodisiac/floor polish. Hee.

Anyway, signing off for now! Sorry about the uber-long post!

 

[Blade Runner]

^ I enjoyed reading your thoughts on these episodes and am really glad you are enjoying the show, even the lesser episodes like Infection.

I know that you have found out that <span class="spoiler"><font class="small">Spoiler:</font><hr /><span>Sinclair is replaced, but I think you will like his replacement - possibly more than Sinclair!</span><hr /></span>

The next three episodes are real good ones so I'm looking forward to how you react to them.

 

[OmahaStar]

Llanita, a couple things ...

Soul Hunters ... We won't see them again during the series proper, but they will turn up again, in a presidential way, in the movies.

ISN - Nope. Mary Ann is modeled after reporters JMS knew from his time as one (yes, you read that right). For the most part, they're much more subdued. The most famous one, Jane, is of course my favorite character in the series. Others will come and go, just as with any network. Some, you'll like. Others ...

As to the coded spoiler, don't fear. While that particular person does indeed leave, as with all things B5, it'll come full circle and you'll see them again. More than once. And you'll lurve it.

 

[Lindley]

Babylon 5 Official Records Archive Search:
Station Report, February 2258. Commander Jeffrey Sinclair Reporting.

I must officially protest the recent confiscation of alien biotechnology aboard this station by the EarthForce Bioweapons Division. This technology is far too dangerous to attempt to weaponize it directly. If any part of its original programming were to remain intact when it was activated, disaster could ....

<records corrupted>

....importance of biotechnology is obvious, I recommend extreme care in the handling of these artifacts. And when I say 'extreme', I mean take every possible precaution.

End Report
Jeffrey Sinclair, Commanding Officer Babylon 5

 

[OmahaStar]

So is this pretty much dead or are others going to be participating?

 

[Blade Runner]

^ I don't have as much to say on the current episodes as some of you, but I'm enjoying reading peoples comments (especially Llanita's as it's her first time) and I'll be posting now and again in response to other posters.

Also, I said I'd talk on <span class="spoiler"><font class="small">Spoiler:</font><hr /><span>Sheridan</span><hr /></span> and he hasn't come in to the show yet...

 

[Johi36]

I'll watch the missing 2 episodes later tonight, then I'll read what you all wrote about them

 

[aladinsane]

If this forum continues I'll contribute a thought or two. No promises as to regularity as I don't often have time to post--I do, however, enjoy reading the posts of others. I've been wanting to revisit B5 and am excited to read about and/or discuss each episode.

I love "Midnight" as it sets the stage beautifully for the Londo/J'Kar ongoing conflict/relationship.

"Soul Hunter" is an okay episode--I do like the character development of Dr. Franklin and the new mysteriousness of Delenn. The story plot itself is entertaining, but nothing special.

"Purple" is another okay episode. I enjoy the character development of Londo and his interactions with Vir, but the plot is slow in developing.

I honestly am not sure if I can sit through "Infection" again. I remember this episode being so horribly bad. The cheesiness of the "superbeing" is too much for me to handle.

I'll watch "The Gathering" this weekend and the next set of three early next week. I hope this forum gains some momentum as the episodes get better.

 

[Johi36]

Born to the Purple:

I enjoyed it a lot, it's nice to see Londo in love.

<span class="spoiler"><font class="small">Spoiler:</font><hr /><span>Too bad what happens to Adira in season 3, though... </span><hr /></span>

Quite a few funny moments:

- When G'Kar discovered that he actually helped Londo - priceless
- Londo's very fitting password: "Wine, Women, Song"
- I have to admit that I loved those GameBoy-style thingies in the conference scene!


Infection:

Hmmm, not much to say about this episode, it's not exactly one of my favourites

 

[Llanita]

Heya all ... This isn't an episode analysis, heh, but it is a question that's been nagging at me, but which I always forget to ask in my other posts.

Why does Londo seemingly shave the front of his head (or have his hair extracted from there ...)? I assume this isn't just a receding hairline as it looks a bit exaggerated for that, and moreover he seems to have faint spots added on.

Is this a mark of prestige for Centauri, something all older Centauri do, is it just Londo, does anyone know the answer, is this a silly question?

Btw, OmahaStar, thanks for the reassurances. Am sure I will like <span class="spoiler"><font class="small">Spoiler:</font><hr /><span>Sheridan</span><hr /></span>, and am glad we get to see <span class="spoiler"><font class="small">Spoiler:</font><hr /><span>Sinclair</span><hr /></span> in the future too! (Sorry if this is excessive coding, just incase any other newbies arrive! ) Cheers also for the info re: Mary Ann Cramer!

 

[Lindley]

One assumes it's just the Centauri version of balding. Not every Centauri we'll see has the same issue, but some do.