Overall: 7.7
This episode is not a literary masterpiece by any stretch of the imagination, but there is enough here to keep me thoroughly entertained. Londo and G'Kar sniping at each other in an elevator? How could you not love that?
Plot Synopsis:
Thank goodness the Lurker's Guide exists. It's certainly a time saver.
The Skinny:
The plot of this episode strikes me as Straczynski's elaborate excuse to get Londo and G'Kar trapped in an elevator together. Which is not to say that I object to this. Londo + G'Kar + elevator = maximum hilarity of the very black kind. G'Kar's giggling is so infectious that one finds it very easy to forget the vengeful intent behind that laughter. But, of course, a dark undercurrent of rage is undeniably present. That's what makes those elevator scenes so interesting on the second or third (or umpteenth) viewing. (Plus, you just have to love how Straczynski cleverly subverts the old "enemies must work together to escape peril" trope. Even as he gradually succumbs to smoke inhalation, G'Kar never backs down. That's dedication.)
The other standout bits of this episode involve Lennier. For example, I absolutely adore Londo's awkward one-man show at Lennier's bedside in the Med Lab. Granted, a part of me wants to strangle Straczynski for writing that scene, as he once again forces me to feel for Londo when I really don't want to do so. Still, wow -- Londo's gratitude really is genuine there, and it's very touching. Also fantastic is Lennier's scene after he comes out of his temporary coma. The fact that Lennier openly regrets saving Londo's life is a truly devastating comment on the current (quite deserved) state of Londo's reputation. Ouch!
Oh, and before I forget: this episode also introduces us to Brother Theo, who is awesome. How refreshing it is to see a Catholic character who is portrayed as intellectually curious and sincere in his faith!
On the whole, this episode is filler material -- but as I stated above, it's not bad filler. Indeed, some scenes here border on the superb.
Writing: 8.0
I normally give filler episodes 6's or 7's on the writing, but this script contains just enough character-based brilliance to just make the 8 range.
Acting: 8.0
Patrick Kilpatrick overplays his character's psychosis, but everyone else puts in solid work. I especially love Peter Jurasik's performance in the Med Lab -- and, naturally, his scenes with Andreas in that elevator. Heh. Those two really are this show's dynamic acting duo.
Message: 7.0
Generally speaking, this episode would get a 6 here, as it is not a message-heavy outing. However, the presence of a positive Catholic character prompts me to award one extra point to the production team. Heaven knows we need more Christian-friendly characters on TV!
Highlights:
Thanks to YouTube, I can post at least one important highlight. I triple-dog-dare you not to laugh once G'Kar gets going:
Oh, and also --
LONDO: I’m not sure that actually made sense, but I’m afraid that if I try to go back and figure it out, I will start bleeding from my ears. (LOL!)
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