Overall: 6.7
After last week's episode, this bit of Marcus-centered filler is kind of a let-down. At this point, I really just want JMS to hurry up and get to the real meat of the show's arc.
Plot Synopsis:
The Lurker's Guide has a summary here.
The Skinny:
The concept of the Vindrizi is not a bad one, mind, but given that we never see them again beyond this episode, what was the point of introducing them in the first place?
As others have noted elsewhere, there are certainly plenty of things the Vindrizi could've been used for. If they are indeed gatherers of memories, then surely they must know something about the First Ones and the previous conflicts between the Vorlons and the Shadows. Come to think of it, instead of sneaking around in Down Below, why can't the Vindrizi use their intelligence as a bargaining chip? "Hello, residents of Babylon 5. We have information you might need about your ancient enemies. In exchange, can you provide hosts? We promise we will only take volunteers." Personally, I think that approach would've done quite a bit to allay people's suspicions.
Meanwhile, I mildly resent the fact that JMS is already pushing Ivanova/Marcus. I don't hate Marcus, but come on. They've only just begun working together -- and I'm simply not a believer in "love at first sight."
Writing: 6.0
As I said, this is a bit of a time waster.
Acting: 8.0
The acting is pretty good, though. I have to admit that Jason Carter can be rather charming -- in a cornball way.
Message: 6.0
Meh. Some have praised this episode for casting non-humanoid aliens as good guys, but that's not really all that groundbreaking. Believe it or not, Trek did that decades earlier.
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