Episode 22: "The Deconstruction of Falling Stars"

Guest stars: Roy Brocksmith (Total Recall) as Brother Alwyn, Neil Roberts (Nick Fury, Agent of SHIELD, as Alexander Pierce) as Brother Michael, Eric Pierpont (Alien Nation) as Daniel, Alastair Duncan (The batman, The Hound of the Baskervilles, with Jeremy Brett)as Latimere.

Synopsis: Sheridan and Delenn return to Babylon 5, to much celebrating, which irks the more quiet Sheridan. Garibaldi tells him it can't be helped. Londo remarks that such things on his world are reserved for funerals. The rest leave him as a killjoy.



ISN shows a panel debate about the birth of the Interstellar Alliance and the problems it faces. The panel plays out like an episode of CNN's Crossfire. Records then jump ahead to the year 2362, 100 years in the future. A panel discusses the 100th anniversary of the Alliance. It is dismissive of their accomplishments and suggests Sheridan is overrated. They speak of B5 housing rogue telepaths and the violence that ensued and we see a historical record. They then continue criticising Sheridan and say even his death was an affair in public relations. One commentator passes off stories of Delenn being alive as myth, perpetuated by the Alliance to maintain unity. Suddenly, an aged Delenn appears in the studio.



Delenn flips them the bird and departs.

The record jumps ahead to 2762, 400 years later. An Orwellian government wants to break with the Interstellar Alliance, but must deconstruct the past to convince the people. A man creates simulations of the command crew, then begins to manipulate them to say what he wants. however, the simulation of Garibaldi is just and cantankerous and rebellious as the original and breaks programming .



Records jump to 3262. Earth has been devastated by the Great Burn, a nuclear strike launched in the future we saw in the previous segment. A monk adjusts the video camera recording events. He is Brother Alwyn. he is approached by Brother Michael, who is troubled by things. Rome does not recognize their order, which has been tasked to preserve history, much of it lost in the Great Burn. He is recording words of Sheridan and sees similarities to the Bible. He speaks of prophecies of the Rangers coming to reclaim the earth. Brother Alwyn assures him that people need reason and faith to survive and that, with the distrust of science, after the Great Burn, the Rangers may be there, acting in secret. brother Michael is reassured and goes back to his task. Brother Alwyn ends his transmission with his report on the progress and we see a Ranger uniform, in a wardrobe. He says it may be time to reintroduce gasoline. He suggests Brother MIchael bears watching for future recruitment. He ends with "We live for the One, we die for the One."



The episode ends with the observer of the records. He has gathered all records for the past 1 million years. he watches the earth's sun turn nova, then prepares to join the others on New Earth. He transforms into energy and enters an encounter suit. He leaves on a ship with the Ranger symbol.



We end with Sheridan and Delenn in bed, as Sheridan wonders about their future legacy. Delenn tells him they must do what they think is right. History will judge.

This episode was created to fill the gap after "Sleeping in the Light" was pulled, when the series was renewed. It hints at future events, like the Telepath War, which we will see in season 5. It also hints at the events of "Sleeping in the Light," and Sheridan's death. meanwhile, it shows us how people with agendas twist history to fit their viewpoint and use it as propaganda. How things are deconstructed to tear them down, to be replaced by a new perspective. Deconstruction can be positive, like tearing apart ideas like "manifest destiny" and revealing it as racist genocide and a grab of territory, so that legend gives way to truth, or it can be used negatively, to demonize those in the past, to replace their viewpoint, as some on the Right have attempted to do with the Roosevelt era, to perpetuate the Neocon ideal. At the same time, they present America has having a divine destiny, an idea put forward by some extreme Right Wing historians, rather than show that America, like all lands, has had moments of glory and shame, that people do good and ill and that people need ti understand the bad, to see the good in the proper context. America was born in a grand experiment in democracy; but, it was never a perfect experiment. it has been a long struggle between factions who want to pull it in one direction or another, for good or ill. As Santayana said, "Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it."

The first segment shows how political factions manipulate history to fit into their agenda, ignoring the inconvenient and presenting their spin on the rest. It is not a product or Right or Left, as all sides do this. History is often less factual than interpretation of events by a viewpoint, group or individual. It presents an allegory of the then-political debate, as the Neocon movement was in full flower, while the Clinton Administration was in office. It was a time of a great clash as elements on the right sought to unseat Clinton via any method, ending in impeachment, but not a vote of removal from the Senate, mirroring the attacks on Andrew Johnson, in the post-Civil War era. We saw a government shutdown, which set the tone for further partisan divides. Again, science fiction shows us our world, in a slightly altered fashion, so we can see it in a new light.

The second segment shows how repressive regimes rewrite history to advance their ideology and agenda, as witnessed in Stalinist Russia, as even Communist heroes were deleted, when they became inconvenient to Stalin's regime. orwell picked up on this and made it a major element of 1984 as Winston Smith works at a job where he rewrites that history. We then see how Garibaldi's distrust of authority carries through to AI programming, as he turns the tables on the authority controlling his program. Almost reminds one of Bruce Boxleitner and Peter Jurasik's previous foray into sci-fi, Tron.

The last segment is a partial homage to the classic sci-fi novel, A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M Miller. In the novel, the earth has been decimated by nuclear war. A group of monks work on preserving history, the Albertian Order of Leibowitz. It follows the example of its patron saint, Isaac Edward Leibowitz, an electrical engineer who survived the nuclear holocaust and sought to preserve scientific knowledge. The parallels are obvious. the interesting twist here is that the monks are in fact a cover for the Rangers, who are secretly working to rebuild Earth, to rejoin their brothers in the Alliance.

The final segment shows mankind has evolved to First Ones status, now existing as hybrid energy/matter beings, who travel in encounter suits. They have become like the Vorlons. It is later revealed that New earth is the Vorlon homeworld, left behind when they went beyond the Rim.

The episode is frustrating and amazing. We want to see more, as it hints at the future. We want to see what happens with the monks, if they succeed. we want to know about the Telepath War. So many questions are raised an most are never resolved, except in head canon. Only the Telepath War will play out in season 5, and not exactly like you would expect (much like the Shadow War).

"In the Beginning"

Guest stars: Theodore Bikel (Rabbi Koslov) as Lenonn, Reiner Schone as Dukhat, J Patrick mcCormack is Gen Lefcourt, Robin Atkin Downes ((Byron, in season 5) as Morann, Robin Sachs (Hedronn and Na'Kal) as Coplann, Yasemin Baytok (Frasier, Indecent Proposal) as Centauri Woman (later named Senna Refa), Jacob Chase as Luc Deradi, Erica Mer as Lyssa Deradi.

Synopsis-On Centauri Prime, two children play. They run up to a window and look out., Their governess calls them away and says only the Emperor may look out that window. They are disturbed by the voice of the Emperor, whi is sitting on the throne. He beckons the woman to bring over the children. She apologizes and says they will leave.





10 years before "The gathering" and earth is flexing its muscles, after the Dilgar War. They seek to expand their sphere of influence and are preparing an expedition to move into Minbari space, to investigate the rumors about them. Londo is a representative to earth and consults with Gen. Lefcourt. He tells them to leave the Minbari alone.



Meanwhile, on Minbar, Lennon, the leader of the Anla'Shok, the Rangers, is worried about funding for the Rangers, to deal with the prophecy of the return of the Shadows. He requests to address the Grey Council. Eventually, he is summoned in the night. He is brought before them and Dukhat, whose acolyte, delenn, has just been placed on the Grey Council. Lenonn pleads his case and Dukhat is receptive, despite objections from others. delen suggests sending a ship to Z'ha'dum, to see if the Shadows have returned. Dukhat agrees and says it will be the Council's ship. They set off on their journey.

On Earth, John Sheridan is offered the chance to be the XO on the Prometheus, which is setting off for Minbari space. it is a great promotion opportunity; but, he turns it down, out of loyalty to his skipper. he is wary of the captain of the Prometheus and his record with First Contact protocols. Lefcourt says he is making a mistake, but it is his choice. The Promtheus goes out on its mission and encounters the Minbari ship. The Warrior Caste follow the tradition of approaching with open gun ports, showing they have nothing to hide. This alarms Dukhat.



On the Prometheus they detect the open gunports and the captain orders the ship to open fire. We see the gunner fire the fateful shot, which hits the cruiser, killing Dukhat. In grief, delenn calls for the extermination of the humans who did this and the war begins. The war goes badly for the humans. On the Lexington, Sheridan and his skipper patrol a sector of space, when they are attacked by the Minbari. The captainis killed, leaving Sheridan in command. He hides in an asteroid field to buy time to repair their ship. He seeds the area with nuclear weapons, which destroy the Black Star, the Minbari ship, allowing the Lexington to escape. The scene of the victory is seen on Earth and broadcast to all colonies, making a hero out of Sheridan.



Lenonn appeals to delen to end the war and attend to Valen's prophecy. She is met by Kosh and Ulkesh, who had advised Dukhat. She sends Lenonn as an envoy to meet with the humans in neutral space. On Earth, G'Kar agrees to sell weapons to the humans, at a price. He also helps them put together their mission. Lefcourt briefs Sheridan, saying they are losing the war and it is a chance for peace. Meanwhile, Gen. Fontaine confronts Stephen Franklin about his past. he had encountered dying Minbari and tried to help, while travelling the galaxy, before the war. They demand he turn over his notes for bio weapons research. he refuses, out of the sanctitiy of all life and is arrested. He is brought to Sheridan to go with him. The group meets Lenonn in the Epsilon system. They seek to bring a peace, to work towards fighting the real enemy, the Shadows. However, before all is revealed, a Centauri cruiser attacks the sight from orbit, killing Lenonn. The war continues.



The President of Earth makes an address. The Minbari are in the solar system, headed for Earth. A last desperate fight will be launched, a line of ships to stop the Minbari. The fate of humanity hangs in the balance.



A teen-aged Susan Ivanova comes to say goodbye to her brother Ganya, a Starfury pilot. She wants to join up and he tells her to live a while. They part and she gives him her earring to protect him and bring him back home.



The Battle of the Line begins.



The Minbari signal their surrender and the war comes to an abrupt and amazing end. Out of the ashes of it comes the Babylon Project, to create a meeting place for negotiation and mediation, to prevent another war. The end result is babylon 5, in orbit around Epsilon 3, in neutral space.

Londo finishes the story and bids goodnight to the children. The start to depart and Lyssa runs back and asks, "Did they live happily ever after?" Londo smiles and says that part remeains to be seen. The children depart and Londo orders more wine. he looks at a monitor and sees John Sheridan and delenn talking in their cell, embracing, as seen in Sheridan's future echo, in "War Without End." As we saw there, Londo uses alcohol to numb his keeper, then frees Sheridan and Delenn, with their promise to help save Centauri Prime.

The movie makes great use of existing footage, while mixing in new scenes. The actors are de-aged, as much as make-up and CGI could accomplish. It has a tendency to flatten the face, making them look somewhat artificial. Claudia Christian is given a short wig and is shot at an odd angle to make her look younger and smaller. She also receives no credit in the episode, which is never explained (but likely due to the dispute that led her to leave the show). We see G'Kar aid the humans, though in a rather cynical manner, showing the G'Kar of season 1. Londo shows great admiration for the humans, showing the early Londo, who hasn't yet bargained with the devil. Ironically, it is the old Londo who tells the story, as we see the effects of his deal. Centauri Prime is in ruins, fires raging. Londo looks ancient and sad.

We would later learn that Luc and Lyssa were the children of Urza Jaddo (or members of his House) taken in by House Mollari, fulfilling his promise to the dying Urza. The woman is Senna refa, daughter of Lord refa, also brought under Londo's protection. This would be revealed in the Centauri Trilogy, by Peter David, who also wrote the novelization of this film.

There are some continuity problems. Franklin and Sheridan have met, yet don't know each other when they meet on B5. You could argue that they are keeping their mission secret, though it is a weak argument, given the history seen in seasons 2-4. For it to never come up confirms the notion that it was never originally intended. Also, G'Kar meets Sheridan, before their meeting on B5, and meets a Ranger, before he is introduced to them. He also is brought before Delenn, who lets him go when he passes on Lenonn's message, about what is in Dukhat's secret chamber. Granted, delenn was transformed when Sheridan meets her on B5, so he wouldn't necessarily recognize her; but, it is all a bit much. It has many of the same problems that the Star Wars prequels have with the original, as changes to continuity are made, after the fact, even thoughthe story is set before. this is the hazard of writing about the past, after you have detailed its future, if you aren't attentive to the fine details. Still, it is the best of the B5 movies.

Season 5: "Wheel of Fire"



Season 5 almost didn't happen. Warner did not renew the series and the finale was filmed. Everyone was ready to call it a day, when the reprieve came. B5 was picked up for the TNT network, which launched its presence with a double feature of the movies "In The Beginning", detailing the Earth-Minbari War, and the pilot, "The Gathering." They then began running the first 4 seasons, 5 days a week. Viewers were ready for what lay ahead in season 5. As the title suggests, the new Interstellar Alliance was in for some trouble. The series was also in a bit of a quandary. "Intersections in Real Time" was supposed to be the cliffhanger season 4 finale, while "Between the Darkness and the Light" was to open season 5. The Earth Civil War was to come to a conclusion. We got all of that at the end of season 4. JMS wasn't ready to go straight into the season 5 arc; so, like season one, we had to wait around a bit, as the series marked time and moved characters into place. Joining the series were Tracy Scoggins as Capt. Elizabeth Lockley, the new commander of Babylon 5. Scoggins, like Jeff Conway, was a fan and excited to be there and ran with her opportunity. She faced a tough uphill battle, as fans of Claudia Christian were not happy at her absence. The stories of the fights with producers had soured many. Scoggins would win them over. Also joining was Marshall Teague, who made more regular appearances as Ta'Lon, providing counsel to G'Kar, whose life will greatly change this season.

Wayne Alexander will return as yet another alien, though a more sinister one. We will see the Drazi homeworld, more of Centauri Prime, see the Rangers in action, learn of a society of rogue telepaths, watch Garibaldi deal with the consequences of his actions in season 4, especially due to Bester's programming. We will have a reunion with those who are gone, in Neil gaiman's episode, "Day of the Dead." We will say tearful goodbyes at the end of the season, then see the story come to its final end, in "Sleeping in the Light." It is one of the most fitting ends to a tv series I ever watched.

Note the intro, which gives a great encapsulation of the previous seasons, with key lines of dialogue. then, note the heroic march sound of the theme. This is about the rise of the Interstellar Alliance, an organization that will bring a brighter future to mankind and alien.

Episode 2: "The Very Long Night of Londo Mollari"

Guest stars:

Synopsis: Delenn is awakened by a call from Minbar (damn Worker Caste phone solicitors!). They say they will get her replacement aide to her right away, or several. She says WTF? Turns out lennier is going away; he's joined the French Foreign Legion. or, rather, the IA version, the Rangers. Delenn tries to talk to him; but, his mind is made up. She sees him off, then we see Sheridan join her after he is gone. Wonder why he is leaving?



The main story focuses on Londo. he's trying to get some bravari (Centauri booze) past quarantine impound; but Zack ain't having it. While Vir distracts him with reasonable compromises, Londo takes a swig and collapses. Vir thinks he's been poisoned; but, he actually had a heart attack. Centauri have two, with the second filtering the blood. That's the one that's gone bad, making operating tricky. Londo has visions of everyone. Delenn is a fortune teller and we see bloody cards (yep, the Eastern European is the gypsy fortune teller). Sheridan appears in several outfits, then as a white robed figure, talking about death. G'Kar appears and we relive his torture at the hands of Cartagia, with Londo as G'Kar and G'Kar as cartagia. G'Kar points out every time Londo could have acted to halt events, but said nothing. Londo finally comes out of it and delivers a weak, but sincere apology to the watching G'Kar.



Not an earthshattering episode; but, some nice character pieces. lennier can't take Delenn and Sheridan now being married and runs off to prove he is a man, in the Rangers. Bill Mumy gets to play depressed and heartbroken and conveys it well.

The Londo stuff is interesting, though at its best when it is Londo and G'Kar, as Peter Jurasik and Andreas Katsulas play so well off each other. You really feel like Londo finally gets it. he tried apologizing before; but could never fully empathize with G'Kar and his people. He was more concerned with how his actions brought trouble to centauri prime, and that Narn was just caught in the middle. By the end of this, he finally sees the light and sincerely apologizes and G'Kar finally accepts. From this point on, their relationship will be more as friends, who have walked through hell together. Londo still has more hell to come; but, G'Kar will be there for him.

Episode 4: "A View from the Gallery"

Guest stars: Raymond O'Connor (The Rock, lots of tv)as Mack, Lawrence LeJohn (City of Angels)as Bo

Synopsis: The story follows two maintenance techs on their rounds through the station, as an unknown alien race launches an attack on the station. The aliens send a probe, which is destroyed and Lochley is alerted to the aliens. She orders preparations for an attack and a launch of Starfuries. Mack and Bo witness Lochley and Sheridan argue about him leaving the station and Mack remarks about admiring Sheridan, that he gets in the trenches. Bo agrees and they move on. They eat lunch then are called to Medlab to fix some equipment. Franklin is preparing for alien and human casualties and Bo asks why. He tells him a story of Franklin's father being part of a group shot down and captured, around the time of the Dilgar War. An alien doctor treated and cared for him, despite the wishes of his superiors. Franklin's father made it out alive, due to that doctor and the solidified Stephen's idea of what he wanted to do with his life. he considers all life sacred, no matter the origin. Bo is impressed.

Mack repairs a secondary targeting console, just in time to allow the defense grid to take out a raider. He literally gets the bugs out of the system, producing an insect. Bo and Mack talk about Lochley being on the wrong side, according to rumor. They are called to prep the sanctuary area. While there, a breaching pod moves on the station. An alert goes out and they are trapped in a transport tube, with Zack. they are prepared to fight, but, Zack sends them to safety. They end up among Byron's telepaths. The fighting rages outside and Bo says he wishes he was with them. Byron helps him see the battle from the point of view of a pilot. He thanks him, then sees the telepaths stop an alien intruder, making him leave.

Mack and Bo are called to help put out a fire, when they encounter Sheridan and Delenn. Sheridan orders them to take Delenn to the nearest lifepod. They depart and Delenn asks their names, taking them aback. They explain their job and Delenn calls the Worker Caste, which they agree fits. She tells them that it would not be sensible to take her to the lifepod, as it will result in severe malfunction, which she gurantees. The get the point and she moves on to help and they are impressed by her. They go to a shelter, where they observe Londo and G'Kar bickering. G'Kar speaks of growing up in shelters, due to Centauri bombing. Londo speaks of duty and responsibilities, robbing him of a childhood. Gkar says Londo carries his shelter with him, while he is free to leave his, when the bombing is over. They depart and Mack wonders how long they have been married.

White Stars arrive and save the day. They observe Franklin dealing with the casualties and Bo sees the pilot whose mind he shared, dead. They run into Lochley and Mack tells her she is doing a good job and she is okay in his book, She seems genuinely pleased by that and thanks him. They pass delenn and Sheridan, walking arm in arm and Delenn says hello to them, calling them by name. They are amazed that she remembers.



This seems an odd episode. The story idea came from Harlan Ellison, who suggested the idea of a day on the station, as seen by someone outside the command staff or other major characters; an average "joe". Thus, we get the POV of two maintenance techs, the guys who fix the equipment, clean up after the battle and keep the place running. there are nice comedy moments, such as when we see Bo using one of the vacuum cleaner-like scanners on the deckplates and then asks what it actually does (something fans routinely asked, as that was a common background action). They also serve to present how the command staff are seen by others. They are the first to give Lochley positive feedback, which helps lift some of the tensionshe has been feeling. delenn recognizes in them two people who are vital, yet unseen, who serve others. That is an important role in Minbari customs. She also demonstrates her sense of humor. Meanwhile, they see the love she and Sheridan share and when they talk to Delenn alone, they, too, sort of fall in love.

Not everything works; but, it is a satisfying episode overall.

Episode 6: Strange Relations"

Guest stars: BESTER IS BACK AND GARIBALDI IS PISSED!

Synopsis: At the end of last episode, Sheridan revealed a secret to Delenn, about his past with Lochley. This episode, delenn runs into Lochley and says Sheridan told her the truth. Awkard responses follow; but, Delenn assures her she is fine with it. garibaldi is skulking around and overhears; but, still doesn't know about Lochley's past. Oh, she also told him off, last episode, revealing she didn't side against the government but making it clear she acted in the best interests of those under her command, her duty and her lawful orders. We do not know anything more than that.



Meanwhile, Lyta is stealing medical supplies for the telepaths and Stephen catches her. he tells her it's okay, but ask next time. Delenn asks to speak to him when he is free. She and G'Kar offer him a chance to be chief MO for the IA, researching medical topics, especially things like cross-species contagions and healing practices. He jumps at the chance.



Lyta spends some time with Byron, mooning over him, when all of the telepaths sense an arrival: Bester, with Psi Corps "bloodhound" units. He meets with Lochley. Meanwhile, Garibaldi is insecurity when one of the officers lets slip that Bester is there. Garibaldi runs out with fire in his eyes. he finds Bester and Lochley sharing tea and goes to turn Bester into a stain, when Lochley stops him. Garibaldi goes in again and she gets between. He is about to shove her aside when she decks him. She has security arrest him. They stad there for a minute, blinking, until she tells them they are 5 seconds from a court martial. They haul off Garibaldi. Bester grins. The bloodhounds go after Byron's people, with security. Sheridan isn't happy; but, Lochley hits him with the IA charter and legal authority and he backs down, but tasks her to find a way to prevent Bester from taking the rogues, within the law.



Lyta blocks the bloodhounds; but, bester pushes. She demonstrates strong telekinesis and Bester is impressed. he starts to question her limits; but, backs down for the moment. Lyta tells Byron to scatter the telepaths. The bloodhounds slowly start rounding them up, then run into Byron. He is physically attacked and arrested. Bester has a particular interest in him.



Lochley learns that Garibaldi used his codes to access Lochley's personnel file and goes to the brig to have it out with him,. She reveals why Sheridan trusts her: she was married to him for 3 months, when they came out of the Academy. It didn't go well and they parted, but retained a mutual respect and trust. Garibaldi replies with "How many wives does he have?" "Just 3," Lochley replies. She still isn't letting Garibaldi out until Bester is gone.



Franklin gives Lochley an idea and she unveils it as Bester is about to take away Byron and the rogues. Because they have been in alien space for extended periods, they must undergo a quarantine while they are checked for infectious diseases, before being allowed back on Earth. bester fumes but must relent, provided they aren't allowed to leave the station. Sheridan is happy and Lochley can relax. Corwin later compliments her, then she remembers Garibaldi is still locked up. She calls security and hears him ranting and smashing things, yelling to be let out.

Meanwhile, a docking accident prevents Londo from leaving B5. The ship that was supposed to take him can't wait for repairs and plots course for home, then blows up. Londo lucked out. Delenn offers another job to G'Kar; that of being Londo's bodyguard. They both enjoy the idea of how it will be received in the Royal Court. Delenn is starting to show a wicked side!



We are starting to get back into the arc. Bester is always good to stir the pot. We don't know his relationship with Byron; but, he has a mad-on for him, beyond being a rogue. is it his charismatic leadership or is it something more personal. Lyta is all doe-eyed around Byron and she joins him, in the end, as the telepaths sings hymns of joy together. She has found a community and a purpose. Lochley gets to both uphold the law and uphold justice, both aiding and thwarting Bester. She hasn't drawn a line in the sand, yet, and is walking a fine tightrope. Question is, how long before one side has to give?