Overall: 9.3
This episode really knocks you over. And - surprise, surprise - it features Londo and G'Kar. Hmm. There seems to be a theme here.
Plot Synopsis:
The Lurker's Guide, as usual, has a synopsis here.
The Skinny:
Stephanie S. - Oh, Londo, no.
Londo takes another HUGE step towards damnation in this episode - and once again, Straczynski does a fantastic job keeping Londo's decisions true to his established character.
Londo's scenes are rich with forward and backward continuity. The first great example of this occurs in the episode's opening scene. A few weeks ago, Londo was forced to kill his best childhood friend thanks to Refa and his faction - and here, Straczynski doesn't let us forget it. Any rapport that may have existed between Londo and Refa is completely gone by this point. When Londo arrives at the palace, the aura he carries with him is one of impatience; to him, Refa is an unpleasant thing he's stepped in that he wishes he could scrape off his polished Centauri boot. Then Refa gets around to why he's summoned Londo to Homeworld, and the scene that follows some time later is one of the episode's core moments.
The manner in which Refa persuades Londo to participate in the plan to attack the Narn Homeworld is another example of this episode's continuity (forward continuity in this case). It's absolutely critical to note that Refa does not appeal to Londo's hatred of the Narn - though that certainly exists - or to Londo's personal ambition - though that exists as well. No - when Refa runs up against Londo's resistance, he appeals to Londo's patriotism. It is Londo's better nature, sadly, that leads him to make his fateful choice. And I say "better nature" because in later episodes, it will be this national pride that will inspire Londo to do the right thing. Here, however, one of Londo's greatest strengths becomes his greatest flaw.
Folks, this is the stuff that classic tragedy is made of - and that's a big reason why I'm so in love with Londo and why I consider him one of Straczynski's greatest creations. Straczynski's other great creation, of course, is G'Kar, who in this episode gets his own moments of stunning continuity. When Sheridan offers his assistance, for example, G'Kar's response is a devastating reminder of the events of The Coming of Shadows: "The last time I offered someone my hand, we were at war twenty-four hours later." Gulp!
And the scene in the council chamber? That scene is absolutely terrific for a multitude of reasons. SABR Matt has occasionally made fun of Londo's raging here (it's hard to explain what my co-author does, but trust me, it's funny), but to me, it makes perfect sense. Because these two are physically incapable of fighting it out in the abstract, it makes sense that Londo, now committed, would go after G'Kar personally. And G'Kar's response is truly iconic; there's really no other way to describe it. When G'Kar declares that the cause of freedom will never really be defeated, he sends shivers down my spine.
Plus, before I forget: Londo coughs in the chamber. I have to point that out because it is deliberate on Straczynski's part. That cough is a signal that Londo's now wholly on his way to fulfilling his death dream. And that brings me to another outstanding feature of this episode: the symbolism. In addition to throwing in Londo's cough, Straczynski and the production team also do wonderful things with windows and light. It's a great touch, for example, when G'Kar snuffs out his final candle after G'Sten's ship is destroyed by the Shadows at Gorash - and the lighting (or lack thereof) during Londo's critical scene with Refa is nothing short of perfect. Oh, and my fellow Centauriphiles would probably beat me to death if I didn't mention Londo's Window. Oh my God, Londo's Window. I had to insert the clip in the highlights below because those shots are probably the best in the series and would certainly not be properly captured by a transcript (especially given that the scene is dialogue-free). And I think the powers that be realized that. As I proceed with my reviews, you're going to see Londo's Window reappear in different forms many times. I could seriously write a full essay focusing solely on Londo's Window. (Yes, I am that obsessed. :D)
Sheridan and Delenn also have their parts to play in this episode, but I'm going to let SABR Matt talk about that if he chooses. For me, it is Londo and G'Kar who make the episode. Everything and everyone else hardly matters. (Yes, I am also that biased. LOL!)
SABR Matt - Let no evil stand unopposed, give no sanctuary to that which slithers from the gates of hell, let no day pass restfully while freedom lives in peril.
Unlike my co-author, I do think the Transylvanian snarl in the council chamber is badly...badly overplayed. :) This despite the recognition that Londo's desperate attack on G'Kar (done to prevent him from looming over Londo's bruised conscience) was well within his character, and entirely necessary to the telling of the story. But that aside, this episode is, exactly as Stephanie S. conveyed, one of the most brilliant pieces of visual artistry I've seen in American Science Fiction, despite the mediocre CGI. She described well for you the use of lighting, reflection, framing and blocking to set the proper mood. The musical and audio accompaniment is also well done, just FWIW.
I will, however, note that although this episode really is primarily about the Narn/Centauri story, the early development of Sheridan and Delenn's more personal relationship is, despite later shmoopiness (as my co-author puts it), well done here. I would also go so far as to say that B5's abandonment of neutrality in favor of standing against evil is worthy of praise on its' own and would likely have made this episode a near-feature even without the Narn/Centauri story - at least for me. Bias is OK here though, in this case, the episode really does center on the story told in my co-author's comments above.
Writing: 9.5/10.0
I'm tempted to give this script a perfect ten, but despite all the wonderful Londo/G'Kar drama, some of the dialogue is just a little too forced and cheesy to merit that score. See the final highlight below for a good illustration.
SABR Matt Chimes In: You know what...to hell with cheesy. Every. Single. Superhero movie I've ever loved had iconic action tag-lines that were undeniably cheesy and filled me with undeniable joy to hear. Sometimes cheesy is good...sometimes you need black and white language. I am usually the first to mock J.M.S.'s horribly stilted and frequently exposition-laden dialogue, but this episode works perfectly exactly as it's written.
Acting: 8.5/8.0
Again, Peter Jurasik (yes, even when he's bellowing and flashing his vampire teeth) and Andreas Katsulas are awesome five ways to Sunday. They both have the ability to take cheesy dialogue and make it sound brilliant - and there is plenty of material here to justify crowning Jurasik the King of Reaction Takes. The same cannot quite be said of the rest of the cast, though. John Schuck (Draal) in particular overdoes it.
SABR Matt: I am not as taken with Peter Jurasik as my sister, but he was indeed absolutely brilliant in this episode...in all but thirty seconds of footage. The growl was too much...sorry. :) The rest of the cast was better than usual (not saying all that much...I love Bruce Boxleitner as a person, but as an actor...ew)...especially Mira Furlan. I did not much care for the bit players among the Narn and I really didn't care for Draal either. Still...I didn't lose the moment in but two places (the growl just cracks me up...that shouldn't happen...and Draal's ham-bone voice work is routinely mocked even by B5's most devout fans). A plus for this show.
Message: 10.0/10.0
One of this episode's greatest virtues is that it is morally confident. There will be no negotiating with evil here. Instead, the heroes will stand up and fight it. In addition, Staczynski once again demonstrates his keen understanding of how evil works. It doesn't appeal to our inner monster; it appeals to our inner angel.
Highlights:
REFA: You have been much in our thoughts lately. We know this has been a hard time for you. Our work here --
LONDO: --has cost me the life of one friend already. How many more do you have lined up, hm? (Ouch. Yes, the emotional divorce is definitely complete.)
LONDO: And you are sure that your information is correct, hm?
REFA: Of course. We intercepted a coded transmission from Narn Strategic Command to one of their flagships. They intend to strike at Gorash VII.
LONDO: Could be misinformation. An attempt to draw off our main force while they strike elsewhere.
REFA: Yes, I have heard this from others in the Centaurum, but I don't think so. It has just the right ring of desperation to be true. Took some doing, but I managed to convince some of our generals that the message is genuine. Enough for what is necessary.
LONDO: Then you are going to be waiting for them at Gorash VII, yes?
REFA: No.
LONDO: What? Are you mad? They'll destroy our supply lines!
REFA: Not if your forces are there waiting for them.
LONDO: My forces? And where will all your generals be during this, hm?
REFA: Launching a full assault on the Narn Homeworld itself.
LONDO: Great Maker. You can't be serious!
REFA: Of course I'm serious.
LONDO: Refa, any force attempting to invade Narn will be up to its neck in blood - its own!
REFA: We have no intention of invading Narn. Flattening it, yes. But invading it? We will be using mass drivers. By the time we're done, their cities will be in ruins. We can move in at our leisure.
LONDO: (who can hardly believe what he's hearing) Mass drivers? They have been outlawed by every civilized planet!
REFA: These are uncivilized times.
LONDO: We have treaties!
REFA: Ink on a page. This one move will end the war in days instead of months and save thousands of Centauri lives. We only require your assistance and that of your allies.
LONDO: Listen to me, Refa: my allies have begun to worry me. Reports I have received. Their sheer strength --
REFA: Yes, they are very powerful, which is what we need! I don't understand your reluctance, Londo.
LONDO: I am not reluctant. I just feel that things are moving too quickly. They threaten to spin out of control!
REFA: Nonsense. We know exactly what we are doing, and now is not the time for doubts, Mollari. We are here because of you. It's a little late to back out now. (A beat.) Londo, everything depends on your cooperation! At this very moment, a dozen of our largest battlecruisers are standing by in hyperspace waiting for your decision. If you wish to serve our people, how better to do so than to end this war quickly - gloriously - and with a minimum of Centauri blood.
LONDO: (dark) All right. I will bring my associates into this, but this is the last time. We are Centauri. If we are to seize our destiny, we must do it ourselves. (Notice how Refa appeals to Londo here. And by the way, Londo means what he says about his "associates", too. As we'll see, he spends much of the third season trying to cut contact between his government and the Shadows.)
SHERIDAN: Are you sure you know where you're going?
DELENN: Of course. I have an excellent memory.
SHERIDAN: Positive?
DELENN: Abso-fraggin-lutely, damn it. (Sheridan looks surprised.) Since our last discussion, I've been studying your use of language. Do you approve?
SHERIDAN: Er, well, we'll talk about that later. (LOL!)
G'STEN: G'Kar, this is hardly enough information to --
G'KAR: You know the Centauri! You know how they operate! Attack, neutralize, secure, and then move on to the next target. Why would they withdraw from Dross before finishing the job?
G'STEN: I don't know. Perhaps they encountered heavy resistance.
G'KAR: Well, they might regroup, but they wouldn't leave. G'Sten, listen to me: if there's even a chance they mean to attack Homeworld --
G'STEN: The mission's too far along to stop it without proof.
G'KAR: Well, with a little more time, I --
G'STEN: There's no time. We're about to launch.
G'KAR: G'Sten!
G'STEN: I'm sorry, G'Kar. I have to go. I'll finish this conversation when I return. (Eeeeep. G'Kar's panic is palpable here.)
DRAAL: This has been a hard and trying year for you, Captain Sheridan. It might be helpful for you to know that you are not alone - and that in the long, twilight struggle which lies ahead of us, there is the possibility of hope.
(Okay. And now it's time for another video highlight. Hooray for You Tube.)
(There it is, Londo. There's your rebirth of glory.)
G'KAR: Then there's no other way?
NARN: If the bombardment continues, in a few days we won't be able to keep them out anyway and hundreds of thousands more will die. We have no choice but to surrender.
G'KAR: What about our people here?
NARN: I don't know. It will depend on the terms of the surrender. With luck, the Centauri will be feeling generous. If not --
G'KAR: Either way, I will return home on the next shuttle. I should be there.
NARN: No. If you come back here, you will only be killed. You are the only one of the Kha'Ri who is still safe.
G'KAR: I should be with my family.
NARN: I understand how you feel. But if you want to save them, you have to listen to me. I have to go soon. I don't know how much longer we can keep this channel open. The power keeps going out. Before that happens, I have a message for you from the Kha'Ri. It is probably the last message they will ever send... and the hardest thing I have ever asked you to do.
(We cut to Sheridan's office.)
SHERIDAN: Ambassador?
(There is a long pause.)
G'KAR: Captain Sheridan, I... I've been instructed by my government to come to you and ask for... (He has trouble even saying the word.) ... sanctuary. (Wow.)
LONDO: A little over five standard hours ago, the conflict, which began with the Narn declaration of war, came to an end. (Nice spin, Londo. But you know who really started it.) The Narn regime has offered their complete and unconditional surrender. (There is whispering in the chamber.) The terms imposed by the Centauri Republic are as follows. One: the ruling body known as the Kha'Ri will be disbanded, and its members subject to arrest and trial for the commission of war crimes against the Centauri.
SHERIDAN: Earth requests the right to send observers to these hearings.
LONDO: That request is denied. Two: to prevent further acts of terror by the Narn against our people, from this day on, the penalty for the murder of any Centauri by any Narn will be the execution of 500 Narns - including the perpetrator's own family. Three: a provisional ruling council appointed by my government will take up the responsibility of rebuilding a more civilized Narn government as a colony of the greater Centauri Republic. (After this, Londo coughs - an important symbol.)
SHERIDAN: Is there anything else?
LONDO: Yes. Just... one thing. (He walks up to G'Kar.) Because the Narn Homeworld is now a protectorate of the Centauri Republic, we reserve the right to determine who can speak for Narn. As a result, Ambassador G'Kar may no longer represent the Narn in any official capacity whatsoever. His appointment as ambassador to Babylon 5 is hereby withdrawn. And as the only member of the Kha'Ri still at large, Citizen G'Kar will return to Narn for trial.
SHERIDAN: I'm afraid that's not possible. Prior to this meeting, Ambassador G'Kar asked for sanctuary here on Babylon 5. As it is within my province to make such decisions, I agreed.
LONDO: Surrender of all members of the Kha'Ri is stipulated in the Narn-Centauri agreement!
SHERIDAN: Oh, I'm sure it is, but I didn't sign that agreement, Ambassador. Neither did Earth.
DELENN: As cosponsor of Babylon 5, the Minbari government supports this decision. The neutrality of this station applies even to the wishes of the Centauri. Citizen G'Kar may remain here for as long as he chooses.
SHERIDAN: Face reality, Ambassador Mollari. If your government is serious about all these rules, you're going to need someone here whom all the other Narn will recognize as credible.
LONDO: If this is your decision, then I cannot stop you. Nevertheless, as of this moment, G'Kar is no longer an official representative of Narn and must be removed from this council!
SHERIDAN: We will wait until --
LONDO: NOW!
(Everyone is taken aback by Londo's ferocity. After a moment of silence, G'Kar slowly stands.)
G'KAR: No dictator... no invader... can hold an imprisoned population by force of arms forever. There is no greater power in the universe than the need for freedom. Against that power, governments, tyrants, and armies cannot stand. The Centauri learned this lesson once. We will teach it to them again. Though it take a thousand years, we will be free. (It's interesting to watch Londo's face here. Though he is more powerful politically at this point, he knows he has lost to G'Kar.)
SHERIDAN: G'Kar, I know we've had our... problems in the past... but I can't imagine going into the council chambers and not seeing you there. Straight. Tall. Ready to argue with anyone about anything. I don't know, I... I don't think I want to go the next ten years... without your insight... or your words. For what it's worth... every resource that I have... every... contact... any way that I can help you win back your planet... it's yours. (He holds out his hand.)
G'KAR: The last time I offered someone my hand, we were at war twenty-four hours later. (Ouch again.)
DELENN: Captain. John. You see what is happening all around us. The Great War is nearly upon us. Now that the Narn/Centauri conflict is finished, the next wave will come soon, even more deadly. There must be one fortress of light to stand against the darkness. That place is this place. It must be protected at any cost. (Beat.) Until now, the Rangers in this area have been under my direct command. I now transfer equal authority to you. And like them, I will stand by you in the days ahead.
SHERIDAN: Well, I don't quite know what to say. For the last year, things haven't exactly been going our way. I started to wonder if it would ever get better. (A pause.) I think it just did. Tell the other Rangers, the ambassadors - everyone in this "army of light" - that Babylon 5 stands with you. Tell them... tell them that from this place, we will deliver notice to the parliaments of conquerors that a line has been drawn against the darkness... and we will hold that line no matter the cost. (Yes, it's a bit cheesy, but we love it.)
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