Classics: B5 3:1 - Matters of Honor

Overall: 6.8

This episode is pure set-up material. Thus, there isn't a lot here to write home about.

Plot Synopsis:

The Lurker's Guide has a summary here.

The Skinny:

This episode does have a few features that work in its favor. For one, it doesn't spend fifteen minutes lovingly describing the White Star's capabilities, nor does it waste time on lingering shots of the White Star's exterior (perhaps because Straczynski was actually kind of displeased with the design and even remarked once that it looked like a plucked chicken). Number two, it follows up on the misgivings Londo has expressed regarding the Shadows. Number three, in revealing that Morden has been taking regular trips to Geneva, it answers a lingering question regarding recent developments on Earth.

Naturally, my favorite parts of the episode feature Londo. For example, it's very interesting to watch Londo's reaction upon his discovery that the ships in his dream do exist. And Londo's dawning apprehension that Morden and Refa are actively circumventing his wishes? As we'll see, when that particular gun on the wall fires, the fall-out will yield some damn terrific drama and intrigue.

But as I implied in my introductory remarks above, this episode otherwise leaves me with little to say. My reaction to Marcus Cole was and is one of complete indifference (apologies to all those who dig his Awesome Fighting Pike), and I don't find the battle with the lone Shadow ship especially rousing, even if it does re-emphasize Sheridan's willingness to take crazy risks to achieve a victory. Bottom line, as an opening to what is arguably this series' strongest season, Matters of Honor is merely adequate.

Writing: 6.5

The script is pretty blah. It serves its intended function but does little more.

Acting: 7.5

The performances are also pretty utilitarian for the most part -- although we do see some nice work from both Peter Jurasik and Andreas Katsulas in their respective scenes with Endawi.

Message: 6.5

And lastly, while it is nice to see Sheridan take his role as co-commander of the Rangers seriously, this episode is pretty light on the message front.