Niners Unite...around Babylon 5!

[Autobot]

Re: B5

Ok here's #4 for this week!

PASSING THROUGH GETHSEMANE

Lyta Alexander returns to B5 via Koth’s ship, while Brother Edward is either the victim of vandalism or delusions.

This episode could have been really run of the mill, but the emotions displayed by the actors really pulled this episode off well, particularly Sheridan, Edward, and Theo. I don’t know much about Christianity, so I’m sure the episode title has some sort of significance, but I did enjoy this episode very much. As the episode went on and we find that Edward had a previous mind-wipe, I hit my forehead in a “doh”-type fashion and thought “I should have seen that coming earlier.”

In the episode’s teaser, Ivanova is informed that she has just been sent a message from Kosh's ship, which is about to come out of hyperspace. Is this a new ability? I had thought that ships could not communicate to B5 while they were in hyperspace, as usually when a ship appears it’s a surprise. Maybe it's a special Vorlon technology.

I noticed that exterior shots the station seemed to be shown on the other side away from the light, thus in shadow, I guess in an effort to make the overall ‘creepy’ tone of the show. Was this a Halloween-episode by chance?

The return of “Malcolm” – could see that coming, after Lyta’s discussion with Ivanova. But what *is* the likelihood of this guy being sentenced on Earth, brought to B5, and then sent back to Earth for training. None, really, but then we get to see Sheridan’s reaction to him.

I liked the return of Lyta also. She and Kosh sure seem to have an intimate relationship now, don’t they? Also, I picked this up on a B5 review at http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/synops/048.html -- “It becomes eerily apparent why she has no need of a breather in the methane environment. Puffing and fluttering gently on her neck are a set of gills.” I didn’t notice that at ALL. I guess the pretty lights held all my attention ;-)

Brad Dourif. He always plays the crazies, doesn’t he! Reference: Ensign Suder on Voyager, Grima in the LOTR movies. Upon doing some more research it appears he played an insane criminal or some-sort in “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” and has played crazies ever since! IMDB says “his intensity destined him to play demented, deranged, or disturbed characters” and “his high-strung style also served him well in a number of horror films,” like the voice of Chucky.

Trek connections:
- As mentioned above, Brad Dourif (Brother Edward) played Ensign Suder on VOY.
- Episode directed by Adam Nimoy, son of Leonard Nimoy and director of TNG’s “Timescape” and “Rascals”.
- Patricia Tallman as Lyta Alexander—she has had a few roles in Trek! TNG Season 5’s “Power Play” as a security officer, season 6’s “Starship Mine” as Kiros and the female Romulan in “Timescape”, a weapons officer in DS9’s “Way of the Warrior” parts 1 & 2, Nurse Tagano in DS9’s “The Muse”, and as a Taresian Woman in VOY’s “Favourite Son”.

 

[Sci]

Re: B5

Autobot said:
I don’t know much about Christianity, so I’m sure the episode title has some sort of significance, but I did enjoy this episode very much.

The meaning of the title is actually explained in the ep, but I'll sum the story, according to traditional Pauline Christianity, up for ya:

The night before Jesus was to be arrested by the Romans, he brought his apostles with him to the Garden of Gethsemane after Judas left him at the Last Supper. He asked the apostles to stay awake with him throughout the night, but none did. Alone in the Garden, Jesus prayed to God that he be spared the task of being crufixied in order to bear the sins of the world, and he even sweat blood. He then repented of his request, accepting his duty to save humanity. Over the course of the evening, he became reconciled to his imminent death; the next morning, Judas came to him and kissed him on the cheek, signaling to the Roman guards which man they were to arrest.
Read Chapter 26 of the Gospel of Matthew for a more poetical account.

The symbolic meaning of this, of course, refers to Brother Edward's realization that he had to sacrifice himself in order to redeam the sins of another -- in this case, his other, his other personality -- and the hesitation he experienced and temptation to avoid this responsibility.

 

[Lindley]

Re: B5

Autobot said:
- Patricia Tallman as Lyta Alexander—she has had a few roles in Trek! TNG Season 5’s “Power Play” as a security officer, season 6’s “Starship Mine” as Kiros and the female Romulan in “Timescape”, a weapons officer in DS9’s “Way of the Warrior” parts 1 & 2, Nurse Tagano in DS9’s “The Muse”, and as a Taresian Woman in VOY’s “Favourite Son”.

She was frequently a stunt double for both Gates McFadden and Nana Visitor.

“It becomes eerily apparent why she has no need of a breather in the methane environment. Puffing and fluttering gently on her neck are a set of gills.”

Gill implants have only ever been explicitly pointed out by G'Kar in "The Gathering". At that time, Lyta mentions how efficient they would be. Later, she's got them herself....but it's never actually mentioned. I find that sort of neat.

In the episode’s teaser, Ivanova is informed that she has just been sent a message from Kosh's ship, which is about to come out of hyperspace. Is this a new ability? I had thought that ships could not communicate to B5 while they were in hyperspace, as usually when a ship appears it’s a surprise. Maybe it's a special Vorlon technology.

No, they can communicate with ships in hyperspace, so long as the ship in question is in range of one of the lock-on signals. Any ship which drifts too far from the beacons suffers interference and eventual loss of communications.

Some ships simply choose not to announce their presence.

 

[BigFoot]

Matters of Honor

What a good way to start a season huh? We get introduced to a new character Marcus whom I have always liked.
And we get introduced to the White Star. That ship is so damn cool, hehe.

But yeah, the ep was great. I loved the bit at the beginning where Sheridan is talking to Kosh and Kosh is pissing him off. So he tells him that, the exact line is: "Well, as answers go: Short to the point, utterly useless, and totally consistent. What I've come to expect from a Vorlon." And Kosh replies: "Good".

I also liked the fact that Ivanova already knew about the Rangers and all that. And the White Star sure did kick some ass, hehe.
Anyway, I should get back to work.

A

 

[aladinsane]

"Matters of Honor"
--We meet Marcus--tough not to like him--who comes to ask for assistance in freeing some trapped Rangers
--With the help of a new ship, the awesome Whitestar, Sheridan co. are able to not only rescue the rangers but to also take out a shadow vessel
--Earth sends a representative to find out what Sheridan and the other races know about the video Keffer took showing a shadow ship

Great way to start season 3. New ship, great new character in Marcus, the really scary and seemingly invincible enemy is shown to be beatable--granted in only a small way, but there is hope. 4.5/5

 

[aladinsane]

"Convictions"
--Mad bomber loose on the station
--G'Kar and Londo get trapped in an elevator due to one of the bombs
--Sheridan and Garibaldi find the bomber and the mother of all bombs in time

The Londo/G'Kar moments save this episode. It would otherwise be a very below average offering. I love G'Kar laughing at the thought of watching Londo die, even if it means he himself must die. 3/5

 

[aladinsane]

"A Day in the Strife"
--Alien space probe shows up asking answers to a rediculous number of questions. The reward for answering correctly is a vast amount of knowledge. Thankfully Sheridan isn't fooled by this Pandora's box.
--In the B-story a Narn arrives to take G'Kar's place. G'Kar agrees to surrender to save lives, but the other Narn won't let him leave in a touching display of support

I actually really like this episode for some reason. It isn't really a great one, and it really doesn't further the whole story much, but it just works for me. 4/5

 

[aladinsane]

"Passing Through Gethsemane"
--Brother Edward is being screwed with big time--someone wants him to connect some dots leading to his past
--Garibaldi investigates and puts the pieces together just as Brother Edward does
--Even though Brother Edward is a former murderer, it's hard not to feel bad for him.

This is a great episode. Brad Dourif is so good as brother Edward--it's about time B5 got a really great guest star. The mind-wipe is an interesting form of punishment. I can't remember for sure, but I think I remember a ST:TNG episode where there is a similar method of punishment. I agree with Autobot that the ending where the guy who is pursuing Brother Edward returns to B5 after being mind-wiped is a bit too unbelievable. I'm sure they have places on Earth where a reformed or wiped convict can serve. 4/5

 

[Jan]

aladinsane said:
I agree with Autobot that the ending where the guy who is pursuing Brother Edward returns to B5 after being mind-wiped is a bit too unbelievable. I'm sure they have places on Earth where a reformed or wiped convict can serve. 4/5

I'm not sure why there's an assumption that Brother Edward's killer was shipped to Earth? We saw in "The Quality of Mercy" that they have the facilities to mindwipe on the station. They wouldn't have needed a change of venue for the trial because Ivanova told Lyta that he never tried to deny what he'd done.

Definitely one of my favorite episodes.

Jan

 

[aladinsane]

Jan said:
I'm not sure why there's an assumption that Brother Edward's killer was shipped to Earth? We saw in "The Quality of Mercy" that they have the facilities to mindwipe on the station. They wouldn't have needed a change of venue for the trial because Ivanova told Lyta that he never tried to deny what he'd done.

Definitely one of my favorite episodes.
Jan

I assume they'd need a telepath to do the mindwipe. Perhaps that's a false assumption. If they could do it on the station then I'd have no problem with the final scene. I really like the dynamic between Sheridan and Brother ? and how John struggles with forgiveness. Good stuff.

 

[Jan]

As I recall, in Quality of Mercy the Ombuds wanted Talia to help them with a preliminary and post-wipe scan. It was also in QoM that they discussed how Earth didn't want that murderer and the B5 brig didn't have the ability to keep long-term prisoners. We never heard that another commercial telepath was sent to B5 so maybe they contracted with another race? That is a bit of a hole but it never bothered me.

Brother Malcolm was the newly created monk that Sheridan struggled to accept.

Jan

 

[OmahaStar]

Jan said:
As I recall, in Quality of Mercy the Ombuds wanted Talia to help them with a preliminary and post-wipe scan. It was also in QoM that they discussed how Earth didn't want that murderer and the B5 brig didn't have the ability to keep long-term prisoners. We never heard that another commercial telepath was sent to B5 so maybe they contracted with another race? That is a bit of a hole but it never bothered me.

Brother Malcolm was the newly created monk that Sheridan struggled to accept.

Jan

Just because we didn't hear about it, doesn't mean it didn't happen. With Talia gone, and Lyta not assigned there, the Psi Corps doesn't have a rep on the station. With everything else going on behind-the-scenes, I'd think the Corps would get someone out there quick, even if we didn't see it on screen.

Up to this point, we've only seen two newbies actually come aboard (Sheridan and Franklin) ... everyone else we've seen has already arrived. Who is to say a level 8 teep isn't already assigned there? Know what I mean?

 

[Jan]

OmahaStar said:
Just because we didn't hear about it, doesn't mean it didn't happen. With Talia gone, and Lyta not assigned there, the Psi Corps doesn't have a rep on the station. With everything else going on behind-the-scenes, I'd think the Corps would get someone out there quick, even if we didn't see it on screen.

Oh, certainly. I just assumed that if the Corps had assigned another permanent teep, that Bester would have at least mentioned meeting with him/her on one or another of his visits.

B5 was pretty rough on its telepaths, though. The first one got called home after scanning a Vorlon and then went rogue, the next one accidentally exposes one of the Corps' black projects and may or may not have ended up with her brain floating in a jar. If you were the Corps, would you be anxious to risk another teep on that assignment or would you try to outsource it?

Jan

 

[Autobot]

Re: B5

Sci said:
The meaning of the title is actually explained in the ep, but I'll sum the story, according to traditional Pauline Christianity, up for yaresponsibility.

Thanks for the enlightenment!

Lindley said:
She was frequently a stunt double for both Gates McFadden and Nana Visitor.

You have such fascinating trivia about B5! I love it.

Lindley said:
No, they can communicate with ships in hyperspace, so long as the ship in question is in range of one of the lock-on signals. Any ship which drifts too far from the beacons suffers interference and eventual loss of communications.

Hmmm okay good to know. It was something that stuck out for me, but looks like I was incorrect. Thanks again!

 

[Orac Zen]

Success - the season 3 box set has been found.


Matters of Honour

Mmmmmm...Marcus...

Errr...what was the question again?

Well, I suppose other things did happen in the episode.

"It was...necessary." Why was it necessary? These Sheridan / Kosh scenes are great, both in terms of the characters and because they're so often such fun.

"I really hate it when you do that."
"Good." Gotta love the Vorlon.

"EarthForce Special Intelligence Division". That can't mean anything good, can it? And it doesn't. At least Endawi isn't the complete idiot with an agenda so many EarthForce / EarthGov / whatever representatives turn out to be. It's fascinating to see the reactions of the various people he asks about the Shadow ship – Delenn's carefully phrased denials, Mollari's dream, G'Kar's honesty and openness and hope that someone will finally listen to him. There's further confirmation of how involved EarthGov and PsiCorps are in what's going on. (Utterly useless random thought: Having recently discovered Space: Above and Beyond Tucker Smallwood's appearance is somehow that bit more interesting.)

I suppose it says something for Mollari that he makes an attempt to dismiss Morden and his "associates". Unfortunately, for me anyway, the effect is ruined by his claim the Centauri "have a manifest destiny". What is it that Morden and co. want with the planet Refa secured for them?

Is anyone even slightly surprised that Ivanova knew all about the Rangers? Is anyone surprised that Sheridan doesn't hesitate to help them? With the creativity so typical of him he finds a way to destroy the immediate threat and keeps a tactical advantage for just a bit longer. And I've wanted a White Star since I first saw one.

A very good start to the season.

 

[Lindley]

Orac Zen said:(Utterly useless random thought: Having recently discovered Space: Above and Beyond Tucker Smallwood's appearance is somehow that bit more interesting.)

He's one of those actors whose presence automatically adds a level of coolness to whatever they appear in.

Others include James Morrison, Nathan Fillion, and Jeffrey Combs.

 

[Orac Zen]

Convictions

Moments like the first scene in this episode make me really dislike Garibaldi. Regardless of his views on the subject his mockery of the Drazi religion is unnecessary. Now that I've gotten that out of the way... I'm not going to turn this into a theological discussion, but I like Theo's attitude. It ought to be shared by more people of faith.

G'Kar and Mollari play the blame game. Stereotypes abound. Kinda points out how stupid stereotypes are, doesn't it? The scenes in the elevator are priceless, even for these two ("Can anyone hear us?" "I hear you." ), and are certainly the highlights of the episode.

The mad bomber plot...meh. Sheridan does good yet again, but it's nothing exceptional. Lennier does good, too, but sometimes I found myself wishing he'd left Mollari where he was....

An okay episode, but not much more than that.

 

[BigFoot]

Convictions

I pretty much agree with what Orac Zen said. If it wasn't for all the scenes with G'Kar and Londo in the elevator the whole would have been a big meh.

But yeah, those scenes in the elevator were priceless.
Honestly, that's about all I can say lol.

B-

 

[Orac Zen]

A Day in the Strife

Gotta love Sheridan. He's rarely conventional, but always effective.

The new representative of the Vichy Narn government turns up on the station and starts throwing his weight around. Sheridan makes it clear G'Kar isn't going anywhere. Naturally Mollari takes the first available opportunity to behave like an idiot and rave on about "progress". Scenes like that make me want to "progress" the character out the nearest airlock without a suit, but as a friend pointed out to me today that means the character is doing what he's intended to do. Doesn't make his behaviour any less repulsive, though. Then we get the contrast of him trying to keep Vir away from what lies ahead. An interesting contrast. Delenn's right, though: Mollari does need Vir....

"Sometimes I miss that we don't talk any more, Delenn."
"We never really talked, Londo." Zing.

Remarkable scene with G'Kar and Na'Far. Both of them make compelling points about the Narn resistance, the Centauri occupation, and the consequences of everything that's happening. G'Kar decides he has to leave for the sake of his people, knowing good and well he'll be killed. The rest of the Narn realise that as high as the price they may have to pay is...it is worth it. Thankfully, G'Kar stays.

It's interesting to observe Franklin's erratic behaviour during this episode. Something's going on, Garibaldi calls him on it, and gets the predictable denials. Could be a problem down the track, maybe....

The space probe plot is interesting enough. Once again Sheridan demonstrates his sharp tactical sense, just in time to avert disaster. He's a good leader and a smart bloke. We get it already.

A definite step up from the previous episode.

 

[Orac Zen]

Passing Through Gethsemane

This is a hell of an episode.

Lyta makes quite an entrance, for one thing. Mollari tries to use the situation to his advantage and is promptly shot down. What's much more interesting is her assisting Sheridan and co. with their investigation. It won't be the last time. And just what errands does she run for Kosh, anyway?

A nicely creepy atmosphere gradually develops. What's the story with the black roses and the messages written in blood? The revelation is startling – the monk who carves cute creatures was a murderer who was mindwiped and managed to rebuild his life. The relatives / friends of his victims aren't interested in that and seek revenge – completely useless though it is. The ending is quite extraordinary – I know the first time I saw it I was stunned, even though I'd pretty much worked out what was going to happen. Brad Dourif gives a typically remarkable performance. Theo is established as the best kind of religious figure. It's powerful stuff.

"Where does revenge end and justice begin? Forgiveness is a hard thing, isn't it, Theo?"
"I don't think anything can ever be more difficult. [...] but something ever to strive for."

Probably my favourite (if that's the right word) non-arc episode of the series. Remarkable stuff.