Niners Unite...around Babylon 5!

[aladinsane]

"Exogenesis"

This is one of those episodes that when I first watch I know is going to be terribly derivative, but ends up surprising me in a good way. The whole alien invading the human body and taking over the mental capacities has become a sci-fi cliche; however, the twist that they were welcomed makes it passable. I also enjoyed the Marcus/Stephen moments. I can see why JMS has them "interact" again later. There's so much that could potentially be horribly bad that it's amazing how decent this episode is. 3/5

 

[Autobot]

Lindley said:
Dust temporarily gives the user telepathic abilities. The second person had been assaulted by the Dust-user; Franklin figured out to look for Dust because the backstory of the assaulted person matched the rantings of the user.

Ahhhh!

Kosh was "appearing" as G'kar's father in the hallucination. This isn't the last time he'll take on the role of a father figure, either.

Hmmmmm! Thanks, Lindley!

 

[Jan]

Autobot said:
DUST TO DUST

<snippety>

I didn’t understand the vision of Kosh as the angel, and Kosh being in the room with G’Kar and Londo. Not sure if we’re supposed to figure it out or just think “hmm that’s strange” and leave it at that.

As Lindley said, Kosh appeared as G'Kar's father and in fact, manipulated G'Kar's entire vision. Now, obviously G'Kar was ready for an insight or the experience he had wouldn't 'stick', so to speak. But did anybody beside me really resent what Kosh did? G'Kar was manipulated, no more, no less.

 

[BigFoot]

Dust to Dust

Another good ep. We get to see Bester again which is always fun. I really loved all the scenes with G'Kar. The bits with Londo and Kosh were great, and I really liked the courtroom part. G'Kar not trying to get away with what he did.
And Garibaldi and Bester working together was great.

B+

 

[OmahaStar]

Voices of Authority

"The truth is out" ... so sayeth the Sheridan.

Well, it's cranked up a notch here, in'it?

With Draal's help, Susan acquires absolute proof Clarke was behind Santiago's death. And that death was aided by none other than Morden. This is the second time we've witnessed him conspiring with the President's office.

Julie Masante has arrived on the station. She's to be the new political officer assigned to NightWatch. She's a slimy bitch, and would work so well in Bush's regime.

Booji! Booji! Booji! Love it!

And Zog finally shows up. *smirkle* It's about time, dammit!

5/5

 

[OmahaStar]

Dust to Dust

Ah, another one of those episodes I just adore from beginning to end.

Under the influence of Dust, a drug which allows non-telepaths to temporarily become telepathic, G'Kar attacks Londo, learning every detail of Londo's life from birth to the current moment. Every experience he's ever had, G'Kar now knows.

In the end, Kosh - entering G'Kar's mind, appearing as G'Kar's father - clears the Dust from G'Kar's system, and helps to heal the Narn. G'Kar is sentanced to 60 days in lockup for his assault on Londo (and Vir).

There's more, including Vir's return, Bester and Judy, and Minbari teeps, but the most important bit is what happens with G'Kar.

"The program is complete. The G'Kar you knew no longer exists" - as Talia might have said. What happens in this episode changes G'Kar so dramatically, so completely, he'll never be the same again.

5/5

 

[OmahaStar]

Exogenesis

Ya know, I never really cared for this episode. The main bit is a trip with Marcus and Stephen. It sets up their friendship, which will continue.

It's just that they're out there trying to go after the Alien of the Week in down-below, and it's boooooring. The only good part is from Marcus, going "Can I quote you?" (something he signed for me when I met the actor)

The other part, though, I do enjoy. In the aftermath of David Corwin's promotion, Sheridan (in a cameo in this episode) orders Susan to "sniff him out" and find out if he can be trusted to keep their secrets.

2/5 - 1/2 point for the Corwin bit, and 1/2 point for Marcus' overacting in the Zocalo.

 

[OmahaStar]

Next up, starting Sunday (well, it is Sunday for some of you!) are three whopping big stories ... Messages From Earth, Point of No Return, and Severed Dreams.

Time for some major popcorn.

 

[OmahaStar]

Messages From Earth

Secrets keep coming out.

Dr. Mary Kirkish, with Marcus' help, has made it to the station. She has witnessed - years apart - two different Shadow ships being dug up in Earth's solar system. One was a few years back, the other just recently.

Garibaldi was there the first time, and saw part of the Shadow vessel. He also found something else ... a Psi Corps pin, badly burned.

Now, the thing about this episode is, nobody focuses on the events that actually happens. Everybody talks about how the actress playing Kirkish looks just like Sam Carter on StarGate. And it's true. This episode aired a year and a half before SG1 began, but still ... for fans of both series, it is an odd thing.

Vaughn Armstrong, who has been a bunch of characters on the various Trek series, guest stars in the first of two episodes, playing the head of the station's NightWatch.

4/5

 

[OmahaStar]

Point of No Return

At the end of the last episode, Clarke (with all kinds of evidence coming out about his murder of Santiago, and other underhanded dealings) declaired Martial Law. He's ordered the NightWatch to take over Babylon 5.

Fortunately, G'Kar's around to help. With roughly half the station's security force belonging to NightWatch, somebody's gotta take up the slack. And that comes at the hands of the Narn currently on the station.

Interesting timing, considering the widow of the former Emperor is taking a tour of the station. That woman, Lady Morella, is played by the First Lady of Star Trek, Majel. (she needs no last name, just like Jane!)

For Londo, she reveals that he will, without question, be Emperor one day. But so will Vir. One of them, only after the other has died.

Loved seeing Jane in this episode. Almost heartbreaking, with what happens to her in her next appearance. I must have a box of tissues ready for that one.

5/5

 

[Autobot]

MESSAGES FROM EARTH

An archaeologist informs the B5 crew that the ships of the Shadows have been uncovered, yet covered up. Sheridan and the White Star take on a mission to destroy the ship most recently-found.

We get deeper and deeper and deeper. I thought it was a big jump to say “Earth and the Psi Corps are working with the Shadows.” There are many other possibilities that came to my mind, like maybe Psi Corp were taking over the digging out of the Shadows ship, using the shuttles to do it from the air. The jump that they’re working together was stretching things, I thought.

Interesting turns with the ones keeping up the Patriot Ac… errr I mean Nightwatch.

As Sheridan speaks of Earth, when trying to get comfortable on the angled bed, I thought “Delenn, get those big starry eyes out of your head!” No crushes, please… Then when he starts talking about the rain, I thought maybe Delenn would start peeing on his head. Ok maybe not.

Vaughn Armstrong plays the security guard who’s the main Nightwatch guy. Wow he sure looks young here! It’s only like 7 or 8 years between this episode and ST: Enterprise where he played Admiral Forrest.

So there is a secret experiment happening on this planet, shrouded in secrecy. A strange alien ship, and it’s going to be dug out and investigated so that we can use its secrets, maybe even operate it. Completely hush-hush. But hey, let’s broadcast our involvement at least out of orbit so that passing ships can pick up the feed! :P

Trek connections:
- Vaughn Armstrong is most recognizable as Admiral Forrest in ENT. He also played the Klingon Commander Korris in TNG’s “Heart of Glory”, Gul Danar in DS9’s “Past Prologue”and Seskal in “When it Rains…” and “Dogs of War”, in VOY as Telek R’Mor in “Eye of the Needle”, Two of Nine in “Survival Instinct”, Vidiian captain in “Fury”, Alpha Hirogen in “Flesh and Blood I”, Korath in “Endgame” parts 1 & II, and other roles in ENT of Klingon captain in “Sleeping Dogs”, Kreetassan captain in “Vox Sola” and “A Night in Sickbay”. According to imdb, he auditioned for the role of Riker on TNG, and overall has been in 27 Star Trek episodes.

 

[Autobot]

POINT OF NO RETURN

Martial law has been declared, and Nightwatch given control of security. Meanwhile, one of the former Centauri’s wives accepts Londo’s invitation to visit B5.

Nice episode. I very much enjoyed Majel Barrett’s character, I thought it was very well acted and such a strong performance. Great job Mr. Director for Sheridan’s wake up call; the computer comes on at whatever time, but Sheridan is already wide awake, sitting up, until the time, showing that what is happening weighs too heavily on his mind. So much expressed in that action.

So Londo can still escape a gruesome fate by watching for three signs, which I’m sure *will* come up: 1) save the eye the does not see; 2) he must not kill the one who is already dead; and 3)he must surrender himself to his greatest fear, knowing it will destroy him.

Then he dies an old emperor, with Vir ascending the throne! Loved Vir’s laughing/reaction when Lady Morella says he will also be emperor.

Trek connections:
-Majel Barrett. I think you remember her, little one.
-Ed Trotta played a character named Gen. O’Reilly. He was in the VOY episode “The Chute” as a character named “Pit.”

 

[Autobot]

SEVERED DREAMS

Sheridan, as a result of offering sanctuary to ships with allegiance to Adm. Hague, must declare independence from Earth Alliance, and thus defend the station against EarthForces.

Wow! My notes while watching this ep consisted of just two items: "Holy $h!t." and "Kick @ss!" Loved Delenn’s threat, “If you value your lives, be.somewhere.else.” The Narn sure aren’t very good in hand-to-hand combat though, no wonder they lost to the Centauri. They were running single file through a doorway into the enemies’ crossfire! Ummm shoot from *behind* objects, don’t make yourself easy to pick off! Otherwise… fantastic episode!!

Very touching when Sheridan calls his father, when all communication lines are cut off and he’s facing the unknown. Almost brought tears. His dad was played by Rance Howard, father of director Ron Howard.

Trek connections:
- Bruce McGill played Major Ryan, taking over the command of the Churchill after Gen. Hague was killed. You might recognize him as Captain Braxton in VOY’s “Relativity”.
- Phil Morris portrayed the 1st officer on the Churchill in this episode. He was the young kid in the army helmet in TOS’s “Miri”, in STIII:TSFS as Trainee Foster, on DS9 as Thopok in “Looking for Par’Mach in All the Wrong Places” and Remata’Klan in “Hippocratic Oath”, and in VOY as Lt. John Kelly in “One Small Step.”
- James Parks played a character named “Drakhen” in this episode (not sure which guy that was). According to imdb he was in VOY’s “The Chute” as Vel and in ENT’s “North Star” as Deputy Bennings.

 

[OmahaStar]

Psst, Autobot ... Just curious ... Are you forgetting anything mind-blowingly important from "Severed Dreams", the actual event that leads Sheridan to break away from Earth? (hint - her name is Jane)

 

[eastman23]

Autobot said:
Loved Delenn’s threat, “If you value your lives, be.somewhere.else.”

Yup, one of the best lines.

The Narn sure aren’t very good in hand-to-hand combat though, no wonder they lost to the Centauri. They were running single file through a doorway into the enemies’ crossfire! Ummm shoot from *behind* objects, don’t make yourself easy to pick off!

Yeah, they kinda screwed up Garibaldi's plan to sit and wait for the EA marines to come to them.

"Severed Dreams" was one of the best episodes. Everything from the end of season 1 has been building to this point.

 

[Orac Zen]

I'm behind yet again, but at least I'm in time for the Trilogy. Quite reasonable episodes, these...

Messages From Earth

Things are becoming even more unpleasant, with talk of "extreme measures" to deal with the various "problems" facing EarthGov.

G'Kar uses his prison time to consider everything that's happened...and to write. Like so many things in this series, that will prove to be significant.

We learn that a Shadow ship was discovered on Mars seven years ago, and considerable measures were taken to deal with everyone who knew anything about it. We learn that EarthGov is prepared to use Shadow technology against anyone and everyone who oppose them, and PsiCorps is fully involved. We learn that Nightwatch is equally complicit and quite zealous in its pursuit of alleged "traitors", and Zack finally realises there's a bit more to this mob than getting a few extra credits.

Sheridan makes a major decision. The government he served is long gone, and he realises he cannot bring himself to have anything to do with the current regime. They have to be stopped, one way or another. For someone with his dedication to duty and honour it's a huge step, but he doesn't hesitate to take it. He and Delenn continue to grow closer. As bedroom scenes go it's pretty tame , but it's a wonderful scene nonetheless.

Naturally it's the Agamemnon that appears to challenge the White Star after a typically innovative Sheridan tactic to destroy the Shadow vessel. Delenn shows equal imagination to deal with the situation and spare Sheridan having to make that particular choice. Quite a team.

The final scene with Ivanova and Marcus is almost as good as the Sheridan / Delenn stuff...until reality intrudes. The stakes are abruptly and greatly raised.

Quite an episode.

 

[Lindley]

You know, I never did figure out why Station Security was tasked with repelling boarders.

You'd think they would have a dedicated marine force for that job.

 

[Orac Zen]

Point of No Return

It's truly remarkable, the number of things that go to hell in this series.

But things are certainly degenerating. The station's main EarthForce contact is on the run and the Nightwatch makes a move, complete with smirking references to carrying extra ammo and ramblings about dealing with "traitors". Thankfully some members of station security have the sense to reject involvement. Garibaldi attempts to appeal to their better natures, with limited success.

Sheridan faces reality; Franklin doesn't, but inadvertently provides the key to getting out of the mess Sheridan finds himself in. It's a fine detail, but it's a legitimate one...and the Nightwatch are dealt with. That just leaves everything else.

G'Kar is released and sets about making himself useful, in the best possible way in the circumstances. I look forward to learning more about his revelation.

Meanwhile Mollari is bitching about the inconvenience of all this interfering with his wish to learn if his "grand destiny" will come to pass. He has an interesting notion of serving his people, doesn't he? Morella's prophecy has been discussed to pieces and the last part of it – almost an afterthought – is priceless.

Morella: "There is always choice. We say there is no choice only to comfort ourselves with a decision we have already made." I like the sound of that, for some reason.

Yeah, this one isn't bad, either.

 

[Orac Zen]

Severed Dreams

This is, in my opinion, the single greatest episode of the series. Indeed, I can't think of many episodes of any other series I've ever seen that even approach, much less equal, "Severed Dreams" for quality in any sense of the term. It's just about flawless. A few highlights from an episode packed with one great moment after another:

"How strange. I am not getting a confirmation on your identicard." What a priceless scene, with Mollari getting a minor taste of the treatment his arrogance deserves.

"It's time someone made them [the Grey Council] face reality." Making people face reality, whatever it is, can be incredibly difficult (if not impossible). I can't think of a better person for the job than Delenn. Surely only a complete idiot would try to stand in her way. There are at least two such idiots in this episode. They wise up soon enough.

Captain Hiroshi ramming her crippled ship into one of the EvilEarthForce ships. The Narn (silly as their actions were) not hesitating to give their lives to defend the station.

"Only one human captain has ever survived battle with a Minbari fleet. He is behind me. You are in front of me. If you value your lives...be somewhere else." Every time I watch "Severed Dreams" I repeat that small scene at least half a dozen times. Everything about it is spot-on.

Sheridan's final symbolic break with the EarthForce he knew. His reunion with Delenn. The celebrations on the station...and the realisation that this is only the beginning.

Absolutely extraordinary episode.

 

[eastman23]

Orac Zen said:
Morella's prophecy has been discussed to pieces and the last part of it – almost an afterthought – is priceless.

I loved Vir's reaction to her, thinking it was a joke at first. And then the scene later with Londo and Vir sitting on opposite sides of the couch uneasy about each other.