Overall: 8.5
This is more filler -- but once again, several very interesting character-based moments are thrown into the mix.
Plot Synopsis:
The Lurker's Guide has a summary here.
The Skinny:
Okay. I'm going to tackle the four - four! - separate plots in this episode in an order based on increasing personal engagement.
The berserker: This plot is basically here to fill up space. Fast-forward.
Franklin is a stims addict: I've never been a fan of either Franklin or his personal plot, but I have to admit that the scene in Garibaldi's quarters is quite good. Franklin behaves just as you would expect an addict in denial to behave. His nasty reference to Garibaldi's own alcoholism is especially striking.
The Centauri attempt to replace G'Kar with their own favored Narn representative: Lots of interesting stuff here. I probably would've added more highlights from this plot if I weren't pressed for time because the core dispute we see between Na'Far and G'Kar is pretty compelling. Should the Narn cooperate with the Centauri and slowly build their strength, or is the cause of freedom so absolutely paramount that it can't wait? I agree with G'Kar here - death is preferable to comfortable slavery - but I also completely understand Na'Far's point of view. That's a sign of excellent writing.
Londo decides he must keep wading through his Shakespearean river of blood and thus sends his conscience away: In his conversation with Na'Far, Londo hits his nadir. He will do plenty of evil things after this point, mind, but nothing that so thoroughly strips away the considerable sympathy I feel for the character. Wow. There is good news to behold in that scene, however: as soon as Na'Far is out of earshot, Vir lays into his superior with all the moral indignation he can muster. Good for him.
Unfortunately, Vir's growing confidence only serves to remind Londo how far he's fallen - and so, like many a sinner, he decides to distance himself from the small, accusing voice of his own conscience. That brings us to the wonderful scene between Londo and Delenn in which Delenn's laser-like insight cuts right through Londo's bull. Londo, for his part, is perfectly sincere when he tells Delenn that he loves Vir and does not wish for him to be harmed, but Delenn has been in Londo's place before. She recognizes exactly what Londo is doing on a subconscious level, and she knows what it means for Londo's soul. By the time this scene ends, Delenn and we end up feeling sorry for Londo once again. (Damn it.)
The other person who immediately realizes what is happening is Vir himself. That's why he puts up such a fight when Londo informs him of his promotion. At first, Vir worries over all the little things he does in his capacity as Londo's attache, but it isn't long before he gets right to the heart of the matter. "If I leave," he says, "you'll be alone." Well, yes - that's it precisely. And Vir is absolutely right to be concerned. Without Vir there to provide ballast, Londo does in fact become a darker and more melancholy character. Londo's cameo in next week's episode is especially telling in this regard.
Mainly, what I love about this episode is what it does for Vir. By the time we get to Vir's departure at the very end, I just want to give the poor guy loads of squishy, suffocating hugs. He is such a sweetheart on so many levels.
Writing: 8.5
This script is very much like the script for Convictions; it is largely filler, but there is a great deal of brilliance folded into the mix.
Acting: 8.0
The aliens are the standouts here. Peter Jurasik continues to navigate his character's huge mood swings like an expert, Andreas Katsulas is, of course, fantastic in his own plot, and Stephen Furst demands we take notice in his own quiet way. We also see nice work from Mira Furlan and the guest actor who plays Na'Far.
Message: 9.0
Straczynski's portrayal of sin and its effects on the soul is, once again, undeniably Catholic. There's also a marvelous - and martial - message in here about the cause of freedom and how it should be prioritized over comfort and "peace".
Highlights:
LONDO: You know, I was thinking of visiting your world sometime soon. I couldn't really get a good look at it the last time I was in the area. Do you think it would be safe for someone such as myself to visit your world now?
NA'FAR: Yes. Quite safe.
LONDO: The streets are kept clear of trouble-makers... rock-throwers... protesters?
NA'FAR: The surviving streets are quite empty, Ambassador.
LONDO: The workfarms... the relocation camps... the construction gangs are all operating at capacity?
(Na'Far nods.)
LONDO: And the executions, Na'Far? The executions continue?
NA'FAR: The executions... continue.
LONDO: (pleased) Ah, progress! It is a beautiful thing to behold, Vir. (Then, with a belittling tone, he once again addresses Na'Far.) You may contact G'Kar now. Go. Go.
(This is by far Londo's most evil moment in the entire series. As a matter of fact, Londo is so evil here that, after Na'Far leaves, Vir immediately objects.)
VIR: Was that necessary?
LONDO: They got out of their place once. We must make sure it doesn't happen again.
VIR: Londo, we've beaten them! Their cities are in ashes, their military is wiped out, they've lost hundreds of thousands of lives. They have nothing left.
LONDO: No. That's where you're wrong. They still have their pride. He tries to hide it, this one, but I can see it in his eyes. As long as it remains, they will always be a threat.
VIR: So is that what it's about? Pride? It's not enough that we've beaten them, we have to break them?
LONDO: Yes. I'm sorry, I thought you understood that. I don't want our people to go through this again in another hundred years. It is the way things are done, Vir. Nothing personal. (Ouch.)
LONDO: And I know that things have been somewhat... difficult between us for sometime now, Delenn. That is most unfortunate. I feel sometimes as though I have lost a friend.
DELENN: I think you've lost much more than just a friend, Ambassador. But that is between you and whatever gods you worship.
LONDO: (in a burst of frustration) Delenn! (He takes a breath to regain his composure.) I don't want to argue with you. Not now. (He takes out the documents he has brought with him.) From time to time in the past, I have helped you, hm? And in return, you said that if I needed a favor, I had only to ask. Now I am asking.
DELENN: Ambassador --
LONDO: Don't worry. It is not for myself. Not for the Centauri Republic. It is for Vir. The Centauri diplomatic mission to your world has been closed for, what, several years now? Some trouble, I understand, with our last envoy. I think that Vir would be the perfect replacement. You will find him most inoffensive. He is friendly, he-he keeps to himself, and he wouldn't even spy on your government. He would consider it rude.
DELENN: (thoughtful) What you ask is not impossible. But I would like to know why this particular favor.
LONDO: Oh, I have some concerns about his development... his... career. It would be a good move for him.
DELENN: (dry) Thank you. And now the truth.
(Realizing he's been caught, Londo decides to level with Delenn.)
LONDO: Over the last two years - to my considerable surprise - I find I have become very fond of Vir. Sometimes in his eyes I see a younger version of myself before... (He trails off, overcome by sincere emotion. A moment passes before he speaks again.) But he would be better off away from here. Away from what must be. He would only get in the way.
DELENN: I think... perhaps you need him.
LONDO: Need? (And the defensive wall goes up again. Damn.) No, I don't need anyone. He is an inconvenience to me. A blight, a pox, a stone around my neck. Here, I give him to you! (He throws a clear sheet on Delenn's counter.)
DELENN: I will see what I can do. Perhaps the mission has been empty too long.
LONDO: Good. (A beat.) Well, I must be going. Thank you for seeing me, Delenn. (He walks to the door, then turns.) You know, sometimes I miss that we don't talk anymore, Delenn.
DELENN: We never really talked, Londo.
LONDO: No... I suppose not. (This scene is devastating on so many levels.)
VIR: I don't want to go to Minbar!
LONDO: Of course you want to go to Minbar! Everyone wants to go to Minbar! It is the vacation spot of the season -- assuming you're of the long robes and head bone set.
VIR: Londo --
LONDO: Vir -- it is a good career move for you. From time to time, you'll come back here, report to me... we will, uh... (He makes a little drinking motion with his hand.) ... do a little business together?
VIR: Who will take care of things when I'm gone?
LONDO: I am quite capable of taking care of myself, Vir. (He pats Vir's shoulder.) I want you away from here. It is not a good place for you. I want to protect you.
VIR: I don't want to be protected!
LONDO: Well, I'm afraid it's not your decision. It's already done. You have been promoted. You will earn more money, receive more attention. Women may even come to find you attractive... in time. I know it is a great burden, but I think that you will adjust. Now, I must go. I am late for my appointment.
VIR: Londo -- if I leave, you'll be alone.
LONDO: Bah. I have always been alone. (Oh, Vir. I adore you. I truly do.)
G'KAR: If I stay here, your families are in jeopardy. Is anything more important than their safety?
NARN: Yes. Their freedom. It's better to die in the cause of freedom than to live in comfort as a slave.
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