This episode is a well-executed transition between acts that also manages to convey a very Christian message.
Plot Synopsis:
The Lurker's Guide has a plot summary here.
The Skinny:
One of these days, I'm going to compile a highlight reel containing every moment in this series in which Straczynski, despite his professed atheism, reveals his unconsciously Catholic imagination - and the central scene of this episode will definitely be among those highlights. When Delenn offers herself up for Sheridan and declares, essentially, that she has faith in the transcendent, she is echoing the confidence of numerous Christians who, through the centuries, have died for the Gospel. (*) For example, while re-watching this episode last night, I couldn't help but think of the verses read at the last few Sunday masses from St. Paul's second letter to Timothy - a letter he wrote while languishing in a prison cell in Rome. What has been striking in these readings is the resilience they reveal in Christ's most prolific apostle; though St. Paul has been chained "like a criminal," he expresses his certainty that "the word of God is not chained" and that "[the Lord] is able to guard what has been entrusted to me until that day." In a similar fashion, Delenn draws strength and courage from the deep well of her own faith and silences Sebastian in what is almost certainly the episode's most inspiring moment. (**)
And if the above isn't enough evidence of Straczynski's attraction to Christian themes, when Sebastian at last declares Delenn (and Sheridan) worthy, he cites as his primary criterion the words of Jesus Christ in John 15:13: "No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends." True - at this point, Straczynski is smashing you over the head a bit; that is one of the more unfortunate features of his writing style. But the intent is certainly laudable. And as we'll see as we continue to work our way through this series, self-sacrifice is a theme Straczynski revisits multiple times - and on at least two other occasions, he explicitly references Jesus in the service of this theme (though in one of those later cases, the references are largely visual).
But now I shall move on to the other big highlight of this very strong episode: the justifiably famous scene between Vir and G'Kar in that transport tube. Now that's a moment that's both inspired and absolutely necessary. We need to see Vir express remorse because that remorse foreshadows what Vir will be getting up to in the third season. We also need to see G'Kar reject Vir's apology because that rejection makes his future evolution seem all the more astonishing. Here, G'Kar can't even bring himself to acknowledge the sincere apology of a Centauri factotum; later, he will forgive one of the chief architects of his homeworld's decimation.
Other thoughts:
We're starting to hit the big time, folks. As we head into the third season, A and B-grade episodes will predominate - and the current episode is an excellent bridge to that climax.
Writing: 8.5
Sebastian's dialogue is a little too on-the-nose at times, but that is counter-balanced by the wonderful moments Straczynski writes for some of our regular characters. Delenn, G'Kar, and Vir are especially well treated.
Acting: 8.5
Wayne Alexander and Bruce Boxleitner are decent, Mira Furlan and Andreas Katsulas are excellent, and Stephen Furst once again proves that he can quietly act without being overwhelmed by his larger-than-life co-stars.
Message: 9.5
Selflessness (Delenn) and humility (Vir) are both held up as heroic virtues. In addition, the intrinsic value of human (sentient?) life is defended without equivocation. In short, as I remarked above, Straczynski's Christian upbringing once again exerts a powerful influence.
Highlights:
GARIBALDI: Listen, uh... word's getting around that you've been buying weapons for use back home. Is this true?
G'KAR: Mr. Garibaldi, I've been on this station long enough to know that you don't ask leading questions unless you already know the answers. So why don't we just pretend that I've lied about it, you've caught me in your ineluctable web of logic, and cut to the point.
GARIBALDI: Look, I know the captain has given his promise of support. But I also know he doesn't want to compromise the security of Babylon 5 in the process. Now, if you want to outfit an army, that's fine. You knock yourself out. But I don't want those weapons coming through this station. Otherwise, this place is gonna go straight to hell.
G'KAR: We are already, as you so quaintly put it, 'going straight to hell.' You cannot escape what's coming.
GARIBALDI: Well, maybe not. But there's nothing wrong with getting a good head start, huh? (A beat.) I mean it, G'Kar. I appreciate what you're going through, but don't go up against me on this. You'll lose.
(G'Kar sighs.)
GARIBALDI: Thanks. (Then Garibaldi reaches into his pocket.) By the way, uh... I think you might find this of interest. (He sets a data crystal on the table.)
G'KAR: What is it?
GARIBALDI: I've got an old buddy that runs a transfer station in sector 90. It's all by itself right near a jump gate. Half the stuff he handles is illegal goods, but he manages to pay off all the right people. I figure with all that traffic, who'll notice a few more crates? I've already spoken to him. He'll bring through whatever you need. No charge.
G'KAR: Why?
GARIBALDI: Because he owes me a favor, and now we're even.
G'KAR: I meant, why are you doing this?
GARIBALDI: Because you didn't lie to me.
G'KAR: But you must've known that ahead of time.
GARIBALDI: Like you said, I never start a conversation unless I know where it's going... but I always leave a little room for someone to disappoint me. Thanks for not doing it. (When you think about what has just happened over the last year between Garibaldi and Londo, this scene really hurts.)
(Okay. Now we come to another highlight for which the facial expressions are key.)
(You know, I think this show suffered from its general lack of scenes between Vir and G'Kar. Seriously.)
SEBASTIAN: You're being a fool!
DELENN: Then I'm a fool. But it's better to be what I am than what you are.
SEBASTIAN: And what am I? Please. Tell me.
DELENN: You are a creature... who has received pain and given pain... and taken too much joy in its application. You have aspired to dreams and been disappointed... because you are not strong enough... or worthy enough... or right enough. So you lash out at anyone who believes they can make a difference because it reminds you of your own failure. You have to prove they're just as bad - just as flawed - as you are! (I think this can be directed at anyone who wishes to bring our standards down to satisfy the lowest common denominator.)
DELENN: Enough! Your quarrel is with me! You were sent to investigate me! If you want to take someone, then take me!
SEBASTIAN: Well, well. A mutual admiration and sacrificial society. And what is he to you?
DELENN: None of your concern!
SHERIDAN: Don't listen to him, Delenn! Just get the hell out of here now! Go on!
SEBASTIAN: One single move - a gesture - and his life is snuffed out. Or yours. You would trade your life for his? I thought you had a destiny. Is that destiny not worth one life?
DELENN: If I fall, another will take my place. And another. And another.
SEBASTIAN: But your great cause --
DELENN: This is my cause! Life! One life or a billion, it's all the same!
SEBASTIAN: Then you make the sacrifice willingly?
DELENN: Yes.
SEBASTIAN: No fame? No armies or banners or cities to celebrate your name? You will die alone and unremarked... and forgotten.
DELENN: This body is only a shell. You cannot touch me. You cannot harm me. I'm not afraid. (WOW. One minute, Delenn channels Father Damien, and the next minute, she channels the martyrs. This is the most Catholic sci-fi show ever.)
SEBASTIAN: How do you know the chosen ones? 'No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his brother.' Not for millions. Not for glory. Not for fame. For one person -- in the dark, where no one will ever know or see. (Straczynski has quoted the Bible here, people. I rest my case.)
*****
(*) She is also reflecting the confidence of many men and women of other faiths, but as a boy growing up in a Catholic home at mid-century, Straczynski likely learned about the Christian martyrs at at time in his life when such education was most likely to make an indelible impression.
(**) Delenn has always been my fourth favorite character (behind Vir, Londo, and G'Kar), but this comprehensive re-watch has allowed me to rediscover just how awesome she truly is. It's too bad her boyfriend can't quite compete. :)
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