Classics: B5 4:14 - Moments of Transition

Overall: 8.3

This is another very strong episode, but the acting pulls down the overall score.

Plot Synopsis:

The Lurker's Guide has a complete summary here.

The Skinny:

This episode is chock full of consequential material:

• First, JMS lays the groundwork for Lyta's eventual fascination with Byron and her transformation into a more dangerous rogue. 'Tis true -- I don't like the Byron plot any more than the rest of fandom does, but in its early stages, it does kind of make sense. Sheridan is wholly immersed in his conflict with Clark, so he simply doesn't notice that Lyta is in desperate straits.



• And speaking of those matters which are preoccupying Sheridan, this episode also announces the big news that Clark's ships are picking off civilian transports, which leads us right into next week's blockbuster feature. I'm not sure I was 100% satisfied with the performances in that final scene, but the lines are definitely rabble-rousing. And it should be pointed out that, once again, JMS is endorsing military force as an acceptable means to fight evil once all other avenues have been exhausted. Hoo-yah!



• In the end, though, the most important plot in this episode is Delenn's plot, which concludes the Minbari Civil War in a manner that is quite satisfying and also offers a fitting climax for Neroon's arc. Who would've thought that Delenn's occasional adversary would one day die to preserve her life? But again, Neroon is a man of honor and a patriot. That's what makes him a fascinating character.
  
  I do have small quibbles with the message of this plot, however. First of all, the claim that religion should serve the people is only partially correct. In reality, religion has a duty to the truth first and foremost, and that truth is not a democratic entity. Serving the truth, however, will ultimately lead to serving the people because our standard of living is highest when we live as God intended us to live. Secondly, the claim that the responsibility of fighting a war always falls on the young and powerless is itself an incomplete truth. While it is indeed the case that most of our soldiers have fallen in the 18-30 bracket, we must never forget how many of these men and women volunteered for the job (and yes, there were volunteers even when we had a compulsory draft). Stating that these kids are merely pawns in the war games of the powerful comes dangerously close to the old liberal lie that the military is filled with poor, ignorant rubes who were pressed into service because they had no other choice. And our soldiers definitely deserve better than that.

These soldiers certainly don't feel they are powerless idiots.

Writing: 9.5

As I suggested, this is a tight script that accomplishes a great deal.

Acting: 7.0

This is about when we start to notice that Pat Tallman is just not a very strong actress. And as I said above, I also wasn't entirely pleased with everyone else.

Message: 8.5

Sheridan's willingness to take the fight to Clark earns this episode some serious Brownie points, but a few of those points are lost due to the half-truths advanced in the Minbari plot. See above.

(By the way, I apologize for not including a quotes section here. I'm a bit pressed for time this week. Next week's review will definitely have highlights, though. I promise!)