Niners Unite...around Babylon 5!

[OmahaStar]

Points of Departure

I like it well enough, but looking back, it's an episode that just had too much going on, and not enough time spent on each thing ... For example, LOVED seeing the Aggie again. It's been too long (and we haven't actually seen it up to this point), and was like seeing an old friend.

That whole "no Minbari harms another" is bs, and reminds me of a certain movie which had another line they didn't shut up about.

What a difference a change in command makes. So the Minbari hate the new Captain, Sheridan. Yet somehow Delenn knew he would be the new commander? And she ordered Lennier to give the new commander part of the story.

1 - How did she know Sinclair would be reassigned? How did she know who would be the new commander?

Wonderful to see Susan in her full pissed-off mode.

Overall 3.5/5

 

[OmahaStar]

Revelations

G'Kar has returned, and gives us the first mention of Z'Ha'Dum.

Delenn is out of her cocoon, and looking very much a Human queen.

Garibaldi is awake.

Ok there. I found *something* positive about this episode. Now, for the rest ...

The actress playing John's sister, Beverly Leech, is abysmal. Just completely dreadful. Either the script was complete trash (which I kinda doubt) or she just can't act. That may be it.

The "new" Na'Toth (for those who don't know, Julie Caitlin-Brown had to leave the role because the Narn makeup was severely affecting her skin, so it was for medical reasons. She does appear again as a Human, pretty soon) is another just dreadful one.

Now, Mary Adams *can* act. On DS9, she played Quark's Klingon wife, Grilka. That character had the exact attitude that would have worked for this Na'Toth. Instead, the actress took it in a completely different direction, and it didn't work, not at all.

1.5/5

One of the worst of the series. Thank Jane "Geometry of Shadows" is up next.

 

[BigFoot]

Well I've managed to catch up. I watched Revelations last night, so that means about... 7 or 8 episodes in three days.

I'm at work right now, so I don't really have the time to post. But I do have to say that I'm gonna miss Sinclair (and I already do).

 

[Llanita]

OmahaStar - I had no idea about Mary Adams playing Grilka! That makes it really strange that she didn't play Na'Toth well, considering how fiery and fun Grilka was. Huh.

Btw, sorry guys, I will catch up soon! Has been a hectic week again in terms of writing things to be handed in.

 

[OmahaStar]

Llanita said:
OmahaStar - I had no idea about Mary Adams playing Grilka! That makes it really strange that she didn't play Na'Toth well, considering how fiery and fun Grilka was. Huh.

There were two Na'Toths ... The first season version was played by Julie Caitlin-Brown. You'll finally be able to see her out of makeup (playing a Human for, I think, the first time in science fiction) playing a female lawyer. Since there are so few lawyers seen in the B5 universe, it'll be really easy to figure out who she is when you see her.

After she left the role, Mary Kay Adams played it for a half-dozen episodes in the second season.

Spoiler: Later Na'Toth

After that, the character just disappears, and is pretty much not mentioned again for a few seasons. She is NOT dead, though, as JCB appears as Na'Toth in season 5, and one of the short stories is all about Na'Toth, years after B5, working with Alyssa

 

[aladinsane]

"Point of Departure" is a "nice" episode. It was necessary to introduce Sheridan and explain the exit of Sinclair. It does reveal a lot about the Minbari war and their reasons for surrender--shared souls. I did like the superstitious speech by Sheridan. Nothing really not to like about this episode, but the episode does lack the intensity of the end of season one.

"Revelations"--let me begin by seconding or thirding the criticism of the actress playing Sheridan's sister. She was AWEFUL! The cliche bit about Sheridan not saying I love you to his wife the last time they spoke was a bit gag-worthy as well. The episode overcomes these negatives by creating the mystery of what is out at the rim, by bringing back G'Kar, and by healing Garibaldi. Like someone mentioned above, I thought it spoke volumes about Sheridan's committment to his people that he'd take a turn at the healing device to save Garibaldi. Lastly, the convenient "disappearance" of Garibaldi's assailant creates even more mystery about the president's death and the vice president's possible involvement. More good than bad by far.

 

[romulus]

Point of Departure - Finnaly the captian I remeber from B5. Ok episode, others have said what I wonted to say about it so I'll just say it was an ok episode.

Revelations - Like has been said cheesy lines maybe becouse they were badly delivered I don't know. Intresting to see the old healing machine pulled out of storage, though I sort of expected it.

Don't have much to say about these episodes, I didn't like them much. Like I said I am ahead and these early episodes of season two were some of the worst I had scene and was thinking of stopping if it kept up that way but it got better. :thumbsup:

 

[OmahaStar]

Geometry of Shadows ... LOVED it!

All the dialogue problems from the last episode are gone ... It's pure and simple, and just plain works.

I loved everything about this episode .. the cast, the acting, directing, script, effects, music, background extras, everything. 5/5

 

[D Man]

Now that we've had "Geometry of Shadows," I've just realized a great little moment in "Chrysalis" takes on a new meaning. The attack on Quadrant 37 was described as though a great hand had just wiped it out...now we've Elric telling Londo "I see a great hand, reaching out across the stars..." Brilliant. It was Londo's hand that did it, after all.

 

[DS9Continuing]

OmahaStar said:
...for those who don't know, Julie Caitlin-Brown had to leave the role because the Narn makeup was severely affecting her skin, so it was for medical reasons. ...

Ah-ha! Caught you out on one. You're mixing Julie up with Mary Woronov, who played Ko'Dath. Mary was the one who had medical and/or claustrophobic problems - Julie opted out of the role of Na'Toth to concentrate on leading lady roles rather than supporting heavy-makeup roles.

Sorry for the hit-and-run. I've been lurking, enjoying the read, but can't join in cuz I don't have the DVDs cuz i'm poor.

 

[OmahaStar]

lvsxy808 said:

OmahaStar said:
...for those who don't know, Julie Caitlin-Brown had to leave the role because the Narn makeup was severely affecting her skin, so it was for medical reasons. ...

Ah-ha! Caught you out on one. You're mixing Julie up with Mary Woronov, who played Ko'Dath. Mary was the one who had medical and/or claustrophobic problems - Julie opted out of the role of Na'Toth to concentrate on leading lady roles rather than supporting heavy-makeup roles.

Sorry for the hit-and-run. I've been lurking, enjoying the read, but can't join in cuz I don't have the DVDs cuz i'm poor.

You're correct about Mary having claustrophobic problems , but Julie did leave because of the makeup having such severe reactions to her skin. I'll try to find the interview this weekend.

 

[Jan]

OmahaStar said:
You're correct about Mary having claustrophobic problems , but Julie did leave because of the makeup having such severe reactions to her skin. I'll try to find the interview this weekend.

FWIW, she's said as much at conventions-the the prosthetics were a factor as far as long-term effects.

Jan

 

[Gul Dukat]

Babylon Squared

This episode really made me appreciate the novel-like story structure of the show. On something like LOST, we could have a bizzare head-trip of an episode like this, and then the plot line could just get dropped. It's more enjoyable when you know that this plot thread will play out in the future. Plus, Zathras was great!
I also liked seeing the design of B4. Maybe I was just being cynical, but knowing the limited budget of this show, I figured that they would just use Babylon 5's model, but with a different color scheme. It makes me wonder what Babylons 1-3 looked like.

Quality of Mercy

Meh, I wasn't impressed. With the opening scene in the court, I had hoped it was a follow-up to the civil suit over an ancestor being abducted. I really don't like the Talia character, and the scene in the killer's head seemed hokey, and her "angst" seemed very forced.
The Franklin plot seemed like JMS was using the "health at the expense of another" plot too soon after "Deathwalker," however, that may be a result of watching these shows over a month rather than 5 or 6, like the original broadcast.
But the bit about Londo's plumbing was great, and made this ep. worth watching.

Chrysalis

Wow.

Amazing episode, the only problems were the fact that Earth Force One is still the ugliest ship I've ever seen, and Delenn's cocoon was a bit silly looking. Rather than wrapping around her, there was a good six inches separating her from it.
But those Shadows... We should keep an eye on them. They may be up to something.

 

[PKTrekGirl]

Okay...I'm not behind on my viewing...but I sure as hell am behind on my posting in this thread. So here are some thoughts:

Chrysalis:

Well, needless to say, this episode is critical. This one and Babylon Squared are by far the two most important episodes of the season - lots going on. Lots that carries forward into season 2. Delenn in a cocoon, Garabaldi lying in a coma, the new "President Clark" in office.

Of course, the most important thing from a Londo Mollari perspective is the destruction of the Narn outpost. And the ease with which this task was 'accomplished' by Morden's 'Associates'. Some scary stuff going on there. Not the least of which is the path that Londo begins to walk.

You know, it's funny. Every time I watch these early seasons now, I get bummed for Londo - knowing where he's going and what will happen to him in the end.

The first time I watched these early seasons though, I was afraid for him at this point...and in fairly short order, was really hatin' him.

I sorta miss that "not knowing where Londo is going" feeling - the emotional ride is alot more powerful, I think.

But alas...I'll just have to try and remember what it was like at each stage...not knowing the future.

Anyway, my Londo Line of the Episode:

Londo: "But this....this is like being nibbled to death by...uh...what are those earth creatures called? Feathers, long bill, webbed feet? Go 'quack'? "

Vir: "Cats".

Londo: "Cats!!! I'm being nibbled to death by cats!"

I love that convo!

 

[PKTrekGirl]

Points of Departure:

Woohoo!!!! Sheridan has arrived!

As much as I like Sinclair...I like him alot better...erm....'later'.

But now, with Sheridan's arrival, the stage is being set for everything that will come. The second part of the coolest 'team' in scifi!

I can't help it...I just love Sheridan.

And he certainly starts out with a bang! The whole Trigati thing was just brilliant. I know that the first time I watched the show, I was really impressed by this, right off.

But what will happen with the Minbari, how that "Star Killer" is running B5???

Some major questions there!

And what the heck is up with Delenn, in the cocoon?

 

[Blade Runner]

Vash said:
As much as I like Sinclair...I like him alot better...erm....'later'...

...I can't help it...I just love Sheridan.

I agree totally. Sheridan is just so damn cool.

 

[PKTrekGirl]

^ Hey...aren't you supposed to be doing the Sheridan perspective?

 

[Blade Runner]

^ I just did.

Seriously, I'll try to post somehting tomorrow. Been a bit preoccupied recently...

 

[Gul Dukat]

Points of Departure

First off, thank God the cocoon looks better. That prop Delenn was sitting behind in Chrysalis looked awful.
I liked the plot about the Trigati trying ton instigate a war, and the fact that there are so many competing interests on Babylon 5 makes for endless story possibilities. I didn't like Sheridan too much at first, but since I'm writing this after having seen up to "A Spider in the Web" he's grown on me by now.
I didn't praticularly buy the "Minbari hate StarKiller" thing, though. The Minbari always struck me as people who would have respect for their foes. "Legacies" seemed to indicate this as well.

Revelations

Oh, so this is where that cool clip in the opening comes from. I love G'Kar, so this was a great one for me. Having him quote "Second Coming" was especially interesting.
Morden continues to intrigue, though I'm dissapointed we haven't seen more of those shimmery fellows in his quarters. Is he even human?
It was odd to see Kosh present at a meeting of the Council, but the more Vorlons, the better.
The only real flaw in this, which, to be fair, started in Chrysalis, was G'Kar's assumption that the Narn base could only have been detroyed by a new or old race. He seemed to come to that conclusion way too quickly, and seemed to toss Occam's Razor out the window. Of course, he's right, but it didn't strike me as likely that he would assume a new species over more likely things like the Vorlons acting on a hidden agenda, a secret Minbari strike force, etc.etc.
Overall though, a great 45 min, despite the rather irritating Sheridan soap opera subplot.

The Geometry of Shadows

Though I enjoyed this one, I have to confess that I was dissapointed that it didn't more directly involve the Shadows, given the title. The idea of techno-mages is an interesting one, and I was suprised to see them here, since I had only heard them mentioned in relation to Crusade. They also hadn't been spoken of too admiringly, so I was suprised to have liked them here.
The Drazi subplot was also entertaining, providing a truly alien point of view. "They can't work out their differences because they have no differences to work out!" The way Ivanova got them to stop was a bit too, dare I say it, Star Trek, IMO.
This rounds out a very solid trio, but I hope to see more of the Shadows soon.

 

[Lindley]

Seeing Kang again, in the persona of Elric, was great in "Geometry".