Episode 20: "And the Rock Cried Out, No Hiding Place"

Guest stars: Mel Winkler (The Doctors, Oswald) is Rev. William Dexter, Erick Avari (The Mummy, Heroes) as Rabbi Leo Mayers

Synopsis: The screen shows the cryptic message Z Minus 14 days. Ivanova narrates a log entry. They are recruiting telepaths (we see a human try to bluff his way in, thinking it is just another job). They are being shipped off with League ships. Brother Theo and his monks have served as a calming presence, though we see Theo get a letter and react in a slightly negative manner.

G'Kar confronts Sheridan, demanding that Narns accompany the telepaths as body guards. Sheridan says their security has been assured and G'Kar counters his people are formidable fighters and would be greater protection. Sheridan finally gives in. Londo and Vir are having dinner, when Londo says he must do something about G'Kar once and for all. he has concocted a plan to get G'Kar to Narn, willingly, to rescue Na'Toth. Vir is disgusted and leaves. He goes to G'Kar's quarters to warn him.



Ivanova and Sheridan welcome new arrivals: Rev. William Dexter, Rabbi Leo Mayers, Buddhist monk Mr Chong, and Muslim cleric Rashid Abdul. They are there to confer with Brother Theo. Delenn invites them to dinner with her and John. Also arriving is Lord Refa and Minister Virini, a high official with the ear of Emperor Cartagia. Refa makes the case against Londo, to Virini, while Londo makes the case against Refa.



Sheridan is troubled by the Shadow attacks, as he can't discern a strategy. Delenn talks about how unapproachable he has become and he admits he isn't sleeping well. She forces him to attend the dinner, later. At dinner, it is revealed that Brother Theo has orchestrated a network of clergy to gather real information and news about Earth and disseminate it to the colonies and elsewhere. He presents a pack of data crystals, which he secreted in his bible. He plans to hold a service in the chapel for the population to build their spirits.



G'Kar approaches garibaldi about smuggling him onto narn. Garibaldi argues, but G'Kar wins. Vir gets onto an elevator and is snatched by Centauri and taken to a chamber. He is confronted by refa who demands to know Londo's plans. When Vir resists he uses a telepath to pull it from him.



He then detains Vir while he goes off to intercept G'Kar, on Narn. Later, Londo shows up and rescues Vir.

Later Sheridan is working in his office when rev. Dexter walks in, unable to sleep. he sits down to tea and talks about his days as a chaplin, during the war. He asks Sjheridan who helps him shoulder the responsibility that he faces. Sheridan talks about sharing the work and Dexter tells him that wasn't what he asked. he points out that Delenn loves him, that he could see it at diner, with every glance she gave him. Sheridan says he can't burden her with these problems as she has to deal with enough of her own. he gets curt with dexter and he backs down. he stops and then tells a parable about how his wife, before they weremarried, used to help him clean his apartment. She had her own things to do and he finally asked her why she was there cleaning his place, when her's was just as bad. She said that when she cleans her place, it is clean. When she cleans his, she is helping him. Sheridan starts to understand what he means, that Delenn wants to share the burden to help him, because she loves him.



Later, Sheridan is in the War Room, with Delen. they again analyze the Shadow attacks. Finally, they notice that a sector is being purposely left alone. Sheridan realizes that the Shadows are using this to draw in the fleeing people, probably in anticipation of a big strike, saying that is what he would do. Delenn is horrified and Sheridan says to beat the Shadows they need to think like them. Delenn objects to this and drags Sheridan off to Rev. Dexter's service, saying Sheridan needs a new perspective.



At the service, Rev. Dexter speaks about the enemy; is is not the aliens, it is not the Shadow, it is fear and ignorance. He ralies the people to understand they can stand against those who would have them fear and hate another. The service then moves into a communal spiritual.



On Narn, G'Kar looks out at the desolate terrain, the air choked with dust, which will take years to settle, after the bombardment from space. He leads the Narns under the Kha'Ri building, in the tunnels, where he runs into Refa and Centauri soldiers. Refa tells him that he will be dragged to Centauri Prime in chains, as a gift to Cartagia. He orders the guards to take them and they do not move. G'Kar produces a holographic projector, with a message..



Londo presents the data crystal to Virini, proving Refa's duplicity and securing Londo's place, also enacting his revenge. Later, Vir confronts him and he says he knew Refa would use a telepath and that all was planned. Vir argued about the callousness of endangering him. He says he doesn't know Londo anymore and storms off.

Delenn takes Sheridan off in the White Star to show him a surprise. She says the White Star was never intended to be unique. She presents him with a sight to behold.



Sheridan now has a fleet of ships for the Rangers to pilot, to take the battle to the Shadows. Sheridan is stunned and the pair embrace and share a passionate kiss. The scene ends with the notice Z Minus 10 Days.

Terrific episode, as we see a purpose to Brother Theo and his monks, though they have been left aside for most of the season. Sheridan learns that he needs to share his burdens with delenn, as it makes him a better leader. It also pulls them closer together. Londo gets his revenge, but may pay a hefty price for using Vir.

When the episode first aired, I was a little disappointed in Rev. Dexter, as a seemingly stereotypical Black Southern Baptist Preacher. He was a little over-the-top. However, once the idea of the religious couriers comes up, I was more accepting of him and the idea of Brother Theo, which had seemed to go nowhere, in the season. However, it is his counselling of Sheridan that won me over. People have misconceptions about chaplins in the military. They are there to provide spiritual guidance and religious services; but, their greater role is to provide counselling to service members, outside the chain of command. The chaplin is a neutral figure who can listen to your concerns and provide guidance. Like anything, there are good and bad ones. Father Mulcahy was a pretty good depiction of the role of the chaplin. Even as an atheist, I respected the role of the chaplins. I used talk about Eastern thought with one of ours, who described himself as a "zen Methodist." He was never judgemental about my disbelief and we always had good conversations. Rev. Dexter is a good chaplin. He rocognizes that Sheridan is being pulled under by his heavy load. he didn't just chance upon him, he was looking for him. He is able to steer Sheridan to the answer he needs, which will make him a better leader, for the battles ahead. Sheridan's is renewed by his experiences and Delenn's gift at the end shows him how he benefits by pulling her in, rather than pushing her (and others) away.

The sight of the White Star fleet is a great capstone to everything and Christopher Franke's music nails the emotion of it, right through Sheridan and Delenn's kiss. There is hope. However, the Z Minus countdown is ominous. It's meaning is obvious, if you pay attention. Z is Za'ha'dum. Kosh told Sheridan that if he goes to Za'ha'dum, he will die. he later says he will not be there when Sheridan goes to Za'ha'dum. It becomes apparent that something will draw Sheridan to the Shadow's world; but, what could do that?

The scenes of the communal singing, juxtaposed against Londo's revenge is a great idea. The song hammers home that Refa cannot hide from his fate; there is no escape. The Narns will have their revenge on him and G'Kar will secure freedom for 2,000 of his people, even if it means a bargain with Londo.

Episode 22: "Za'ha'dum"

Guest stars: Melissa Gilbert (still Half-Pint) as Anna Sheridan, Jeff Corey (Butch Cassidy, true Grit, Seconds, and on and on) as Justin

Synopsis: We repeat Anna's arrival. We cut to Medlab, where she is thoroughly examined to gage the truth of her identity. It checks out, but there is scarring, on the back of her neck and head.



Sheridan questions her about how it is possible. She says the Shadows want to meet him and that he doesn't know the truth, that he has been manipulated. Delenn admits knowing that Anna was alive, but she was afraid John would try to rescue her, saying those who would not serve the Shadows would be destroyed.

Ivanova and G'Kar are checking aboard fusion bombs, for use against the Shadows. Londo tells Vir he has been made an advisor to the Royal Court, but doesn't see it as a reward; more a short leash. Later, Londo meets a human, a friend of Mr Morden, who warns him to be somewhere else, soon.

Anna pushes hard to get John to go to Za'ha'dum. He finally agrees, if she will tell him what happened to the Icarus. She says they landed there and awoke the Shadows. There was an accident that destroyed the Icarus and most of the crew. The survivors agreed to aid the Shadows in a vulnerable time and to study their advanced technology. She tells them they want to present their side to John. He agrees to go.

They take a White Star, after the crew has off-loaded. Anna is uneasy in the presence of Vorlon technology. Sheridan notes this. On B5, Sheridan's message to Delenn is released to her (time delay) and he tells her he knows it is a trap, but he has to know the truth. Ivanova prepares for a possible defense of B5. Shadow vessels appear and she scrambles fighters, led by Garibaldi. G'Kar alerts her that two fusion bombs are missing.

Sheridan and Anna arrive on Za'ha'dum and enter a room, where they find Morden and another man, Justin.





Justin explains that the Shadows and the Vorlons are two of the last races of the First Ones. The Vorlons believe that advancement comes through order and discipline, while the Shadows believe advancement comes through conflict. The Vorlons are like parents, scolding unruly children, while the Shadows kick over the anthill to stir up the ants into building a better anthill. Sheridan questions their logic and Justin first tries persuasion. Sheridan asks about Anna and Justin admits she had been inserted in a Shadow vessel, but was pulled when they realized who she was. She isn't the same woman anymore; but, it won't matter because she and he will do what they are told. Two Shadows appear and advance towards Sheridan. Later, John runs out of a doorway, bruised and bloodied, stopped by a balcony, overlooking an abyss. Anna and a pair of Shadows advances.



The Shadows withdraw from B5 space.



WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This was the finale of finales. Questions were answered, the game was changed. Sheridan took the fight right to the doorstep of the Shadows. He knew Anna was gone (Franklin showed her the medical reports of the implants). He followed along, knowing it was a trap, because he had one of his own; the fusion bombs, set off at Shadow central. Once again, Sheridan turned a tactical disadvantage into a victory. The Shadows pulled back to regroup. However, Sheridan is gone; Garibaldi is gone. Still, why did Kosh's voice urge Sheridan to jump? It was certain death, how could he survive? That will remain until season 4 (and boy was that a tough wait!).

As for Melissa Gilbert......................

EVIL HALF-PINT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



Nellie and Mrs Olsen had nothing on her! Gilbert has fun with it all and plays it well.

Jeff Corey was a respected character actor in Hollywood of the 1940s. He was involved in the Federal Theater Project (which was depicted in The Cradle Will Rock) and attended a few meetings of the Communist Party, but never joined. He served in the US Navy in WW2. In the 1950s, he was called to testify before HUAC. he refused to name names and ridiculed previous testimony. He found himself blacklisted for 12 years. Unable to find work as an actor, he became an acting teacher, one of the most influential in Hollywood. His students include: Jane and Peter Fonda, Robert Blake, Barbara Streisand, Rita Moreno, Robin Williams, Robert Towne, Jack Nicholson, James Hong, Sally Kellerman, Richard Chamberlain, James Dean, Leonard Nimoy and Anthony Perkins. By the 1960s, with the influence of his former students and an easing of the hysteria, he began to get roles again, appearing in movies and on tv. He appears in "The Cloudminders," on Star Trek TOS, as well as numerous shows, like barney Miller, Night Court, The Six Million Dollar Man, Bob Newhart Show, and many, many more. His role as Justin is small, but memorable.

He introduces himself as a middleman, invoking Sheridan's dream, where he is warned to beware the "Man in the middle." He knows not to trust Justin.

The philosophies of the Shadows and Vorlon reflect those of the Arysians and Eddorians, in the Lensman Saga, from EE "Doc" Smith. Both races manipulated and guided evolution on various worlds, leading to both the Lensmen and the Boskone Pirates. The philosophy of the Shadows reflects the idea that technological advancement comes swiftest in times of conflict, as seen in the two world wars. By the end of the second war, we had jet aircraft, rockets that could potentially leave the planet, and atomic power. Electronics and medicine advanced greatly, computers were developed. It sounds tempting, until you remember the cost in lives. meanwhile, the Vorlons manipulate through genetic manipulation and spiritual guidance, leading people, rather than allowing them to choose their own path. As we will see, these conflicting ideas will form the battles of the Shadow War and its ultimate, unexpected resolution.

Babylon 5, Season 4: "No Surrender, No Retreat."



Season 4 is about everything coming together. The Shadow War is front and center and reaches its climax. Then, we pick up the battle to free Earth. There are major changes in store, as we see changes in Garibaldi, after his disappearance (in a Shadow vessel) at the end of season 3, and the repercussions of Sheridan going to Z'ha'dum. We will see more of the Psi Corps, see new changes in the intwined relationships of Londo and G'Kar, see Lyta back full time, and see Marcus become more infatuated with Ivanova, as well as Lennier struggling to deal with Delenn's love for Sheridan. We will also see more of the schism on Minbar.

Episode 2: "Whatever Happened to Mr Garibaldi?"

Guest stars:

Synopsis: Sheridan dreams of a glowing figure, asking "Who are you?" "What do you want?" He awakens to find Lorien. They converse and Lorien questions his reality. Eventually, he tells Sheridan he is dead. he hasn't eaten or drank water, has fallen miles; he cannot be alive, unless he is between moments. he asks him if he has anything worth living for? Sheridan replies, Delenn. We learn that Lorien is not one of the First Ones; he is THE First One, the oldest sentient being in the galaxy.







Delenn is unresponsive and fasting herself to death. Lennier breaks protocol and alerts Stephen. he tries to reason with Delenn. Later, he provides her with Sheridan's personal log entries. They reveal his love for her and his father's advice to turn a negative into a positive, even in tragedy. he said if you are falling off a cliff, you may as well try to fly. Delenn is inspired to try again and works to rally people around the Rangers, as a fighting force to shore up the other worlds. They will man the White Star fleet and take the fight to the Shadows, no matter the odds.



G'Kar is off-station, searching for clues about Garibaldi's whereabouts. he traced a piece of the ship to another world and interrogates the seller. he comes up against some thugs and is rescued by Marcus. They hide out from the authorities, as this is around Centauri-controlled space. The barman, who accosted G'Kar, identifies him to a Centauri officer. G'Kar sends Marcus back to B5 to use their resources, when the Centauri come for him in the night. He kills a couple but is taken.



On Centauri Prime, Londo sees more of Cartagia's cruelty and madness. Later, he is awakened and summoned to the Emperor, who presents him with a gift: G'Kar, in chains.



More thrills, as we learn that Sheridan is "mostly dead", hanging onto life because of Delenn. Lorien is the oldest of the ancients and he tells Sheridan that he "has a vorlon inside..." him. It must be Kosh, which Lyta sensed, before Sheridan left for Z'ha'dum. Delenn rallies the Rangers for the fight, her fire reborn, thanks to Sheridan's recordings. G'Kar, searching for Garibaldi, falls into Centauri hands, where he is to be tortured and executed. Londo sees the events he set in motion come to tragedy far worse than imagined. He has had hatred for G'Kar; but, his soul is sickened by the sight of the chained G'Kar, as the plaything for mad Cartagia and his toadies.

Meanwhile, what of Garibaldi?

We see him in some kind of cell, being interrogated by voices coming through a loudspeaker. he rants and rages, throws a fit, until he is gassed. Into his cell steps a figure in a gas mask, wearing a Psi Cop uniform. Is it Bester (too tall) or another? What do they want with him?



It is all very reminiscent of The Prisoner, as the Psi Corps (especially the Psi Cops) has been filled with such homages (like Bester's "Be seeing you" salute). Like Number 6, Garibaldi is held by unseeen warders, who want to know what happened to him. They use various psychological techniques against him, even drug him. To what purpose?

The episode ends with Londo visiting G'Kar in his cell. He needs an ally and he makes a proposition. In exchange for helping to kill Cartagia, Narn will be freed.

Episode 4: "Falling Towards Apotheosis"

Guest stars:

Synopsis-Cartagia is bent on godhood, with the destruction of Centauri Prime to act as a pyre for his ascension. Londo convinces him to hold G'Kar's trial and execution on Narn, to get Cartagia away from the Shadows and his forces. He goes along with it, while showing further madness. He doesn't like the way G'Kar looks at him and has a guard pluck out his eye, thus creating the one-eyed G'Kar of Londo's vision. We also see his "Shadow Cabinet," his collection of heads of those he has had executed, on a whim.



On B5, Garibaldi is acting paranoid. Franklin checks him for Shadow impants and finds none. Garibaldi questions Lorien's presence and wonders why Sheridan gets a pass for his miraculous return, yet everyone keeps questioning his. Sheridan decides to remove Ulkesh (fake Kosh), now that the Vorlons are attacking worlds. He sends Garibaldi with a team to tell him to bugger off. Garibaldi is particularly cranky about this. They get their clocks cleaned and have to evacuate Kosh's quarters. Lyta leads Ulkesh into a trap, with the station's power grid directed at him, along with intense PPG fire. Delenn is hit in a crossfire and Sheridan rushes to her aid, only to be attacked by Ulkesh. He releases Kosh, who battles Ulkesh in their true forms. An explosion of energy ripples across the station, into space, engulfing Ulkesh's sentient ship. Ulkesh and Ksh are no more, but Sheridan collapses. Lorien gives him more energy, as he did on Z'ha'dum, which is how Sheridan survived (along with Kosh's aid). He tells Delenn that he can't create life, only prolong it. He says he has given Sheridan 20 years, at most. Delenn is alarmed by this; but, Sheridan tells her it doesn't matter, as long as they are together. he presents her with an engagement ring.



We finally see what the Vorlons really look like, sort of plasmic energy, with pseudo-pod shapes. Kosh was opposed to his brethren's harsher ideas of dealing with the Shadows and still clung to the younger races. Lorien saved Sheridan and gave him some life. He gives him more, but only about 20 years. Sheridan proposes to Delenn. The stage is set to take the fight to the Shadows and Vorlons, as both are a threat. Cartagia's madness may engulf Centauri Prime. Sheridan responds to an inquiry from Londo about the Vorlon's path which is headed towards Centauri Prime. We can tell something big is about to happen.

Episode 6: "Into the Fire"

Guest stars: Julian Barnes (Crossroads, Days of Our Lives, Pacific Rim) as Durano

Synopsis: Londo prepares for the Vorlons, trying to rid Centauri Prime of Shadow influence. Lord Durano, Minister of Intelligence comes to him and reveals that it was not Refa who poisoned Adira; it was Morden and the Shadows. Londo kicks him out and does a bit of over-acting, smashing up the room.



Later, he is in the throne room and Morden, now fully healed (and with some funky hair, like he was trying to grow a crest) is dragged before him by guards. Lodno demands the Shadows leave and Morden refuses, smugly.



WHOOOOOOOOYEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Later, Londo calls in Vir and tells him he has a gift for him, in the garden.



Londo joins Vir, saying he has sent a message to the Vorlons that he has removed the Shadows. Vir is troubled and Londo is puzzled. Vir points out that Londo was touched and influenced by the Shadows. We see the Vorlon planet-killer eclipse the sun. Londo pleads for Vir to kill him. Suddenly, the Vorlon ship moves on, leaving Centauri Prime standing.

At Coriana 6, the fleet is massed. The White Stars take out a Vorlon observation post, with some awesome CGI. It's enough to draw the Shadows and the Vorlon. Fighting ensues. The First Ones enter the fray and destroy the planet-killers. The Vorlons grab Sheridan's mind, while the Shadows grab Delenn. Lots of philosophical debate follows. Lorien taps both minds and shares it with the fleet. Everyone sees Sheridan and Delenn tell off the Shadows and Vorlons. n asteroid hits the ship, jarring Lorien and the Vorlons and Shadows figure out that everyone heard. They launch an attack, but a Drazi ship sacrifices itself and the others surround Sheridan's ship. The Vorlons and Shadows appear on the ship and Lorien tells them it is time to join the others beyond the rim. Sheridan tells them to "Get the Hell out of our galaxy!" and they bugger off.







And so, it ends....

The Shadow War is over. The Vorlons, Shadows, First Ones and Lorien move beyond the rim of the galaxy, leaving behind the younger races to pursue their destiny, on their terms. At the time, it seemed disappointing. Oh, we got some bad-ass battle scenes; but, it ends in a debate? Over time, I have grown to like it. The war between the Shadows and Vorlons was philosophical, fought through pawns. In one way, it was a metaphor for the Cold War, a pointless battle of ideologies, fought via proxy wars on foreign soil. never once was the battle taken directly to their stated enemy. The same was true for the Vorlons and Shadows. With Lorien's help, and Kosh's tutoring, Sheridan is able to break the cycle. It is quite a change for the gung-ho military leader we first saw. He is a thinker.

Time for a moment to pause and reflect, right? Not on this show; not in season 4. This is the season where stuff happens! In the next episode, the celebration ends abruptly.