Season Four Episode Reviews

4X1    The Hour of the Wolf 
Plot: Delenn, Ivanova & Lyta search for Sheridan near Z'ha'dum.  Londo meets the mad Emperor Cartagia and decides he must die.  Sheridan is alive in a cave on Z'ha'dum with an alien named Lorien.

A quiet but necessary episode to set up the final installment of the Shadow War.  The Ivanonva in mourning plot is nothing spectacular; it would seem more likely she would strike out in anger rather than just mope around depressed.  This seems slightly out of character.  The Babylon Treaty falling apart makes sense given the selfish paranoia of the League.  It's about freakin' time someone bitches to the Vorlons for not participating in the war!  Vir getting a detailed description of Sheridan's actions on Z'ha'dum from the Shadows makes no sense; it seems to be there just so Ivanova will conclude Sheridan is dead.  The introduction of Cartagia is handled beauitfully; he's insane but still quite dangerous.  Morden's appearance is a let down from his previous encounters with Londo; he just looks too evil with that black cloak and scarred skin.  The genious of Morden is that he doesn't look evil!  There are a few spectacular short scenes; Londo looking helplessly at the skies to see the Shadows arrive and Sheridan meeting Lorien.  The assult on Z'ha'dum is way to short and uneventful, but the return of the Shadow Eye was an interesting bit of continuity, and also explains how the WhiteStar on automatic could reach Z'ha'dum unimpeaded last episode.

4X2    Whatever Happened to Mr. Garabaldi? 
Plot:  G'Kar&Marcus search for Garabaldi.  G'Kar is captured by the Centauri and Cartagia displays him to Londo.  Londo enlists G'Kar to kill Cartagia in return for freeing Narn.  Lorien helps Sheridan find something to live for.  Garabaldi is a prisoner of the PsiCorps.

Probably the best episode of the Shadow War.  Full of powerful scenes that change the face of the series.  The interesting direction of Garabaldi's scene made it seem that much more unreal, as well as the fact that the PsiCorps got him from the Shadows.  The Delenn fasting plot was boring but thankfully brief and understandable.  Her caressing of his video image was a powerful visual.  G'Kar and Marcus searching for Garabaldi was okay but short; the excellent slow-mo capture of G'Kar was another excellent visual.  G'Kar's subsequent arrival on Centauri Prime and the look on Londo's face is very moving, especially when G'Kar asks about Mr. Garabaldi.  The final Londo&G'Kar scene where they strike a deal, ending with G'Kar being bathed in the light of victory is another powerful image.  And best of all, the entire Sheridan&Lorien plot.  Lorien is not only a visually interesting character, but his quiet humor and wisdom makes him the perfect First of the First Ones.  Him helping Sheridan choose to live for Delenn was a touching moment, as was his comments about the fleetingness of life.  One of the series' best episodes ever.

4X3    The Summoning 
Plot:  The Vorlons reveal their planet killer and begin wiping out Shadow planets.  Sheridan&Lorien arrive on Babylon 5 to band the League together.  Garabaldi is rescued by Zack from a freighter, but he is under control by someone.

A real let-down from the previous episode; it focuses more on plot than character drama.  The "rescue" of Garabaldi was too straight-forward to be interesting.  Sheridan's "surprise" return was handled poorly, acting as if anyone wouldn't know that was Sheridan arriving.  But his speech to the League, uniting them together again was very moving.  He seems much more militant now; he wants to defeat them no matter the cost!  He has been hardened by his experience.  The discovery of the Vorlon planet killer was an interesting image and concept, but the indirect way of showing it looses the impact it could have had.  We never see it toast a planet!  Vir's decision to kill Cartagia after seeing his blood-soaked hands was nice, illustraiting how far Vir has come in his time.  The beating of G'Kar while Londo&Vir watch is one of the better scenes of the series.  The whip lashes followed by Cartagia's counting, the look of silent horror on Londo&Vir who are bathed in white light, all create an incredible scene.

4X4    Falling Towards Apothesis 
Plot:  Sheridan, Kosh, Lyta & Lorien take down Ulkesh.  Cartagia reveals his mad plan to Londo.

A middle of the road episode for the Shadow War, with some good plots but other ones that fall flat.  Garabaldi's newfound paranoia of everyone and everything, even his friends, makes him an unlikable character.  Sure, we all know he's a PsiCorps pawn but if its not him anymore why should we sympathize?  Another winning scene:  Cartagia telling Londo his plan to have the Vorlons destroy Centauri Prime so will ascend to godhood.  The look on his face when he says "Let it all end in fire!" to Londo, echoing Kosh's declaration about the fate of the Centauri two years ago.  (2X09)  The action sequence to kill Ulkesh was very impressive, especially since we finally got to see what a Vorlon really looks like.  The battle between the two Vorlons was very impressive, but it seems to me like there should have been A LOT more collateral damage to the station.  When Ulkesh is released, he flips around while Security shoots at him but he does not attack them.  Wouldn't he be even stronger now that he's pissed and unmasked?  I will miss both Koshes...  Londo's manuevering of Cartagia to get him on Narn was absolutely brilliant; he would make an excellent propaganda writer!  The Sherdian&Delenn scene where she learns they only have 20 years is very touching but also strange the way Delenn takes their time in such a calculating fashion.  The final scene where Londo is too busy to notice Cartagia's anger at G'Kar results in G'Kar losing his eye, clearly Londo losing one of his chances for redemption.

4X5    The Long Night 
Plot: Londo, Vir, and G'Kar must kill Emperor Cartagia.  Sheridan engineers Armageddon.

The mood for this episode was set in that early scene lit in red where Londo&Vir meet their fellow Centauri conspirators.  They quietly plot the political ramificaitons of Londo's previous actions and those of killing Cartagia.  A quiet but powerful episode plotting the events that will change the galaxy.  There's the step-by-step assassination of Cartagia, ending with the shocker of Vir being the one to kill Cartagia.  Then Sheridan plans out a final confrontation when the Shadows reveal their planet killer.  The sacrifice of the Ranger to feed the Shadows information worked well.

4X6    Into the Fire 
Plot: Sheridan's Armada faces off against the Shadows and the Vorlons to end the Shadow War.  Londo takes care of Morden and the Shadows on Centauri Prime.

The End of the Shadow War.  Sure, some more battles and explosions and information on the First Ones would have been nice.  But this is THE turning point of the series, even more so than "Severed Dreams".  Not only does it include the most amazing FX battle B5 will ever produce, it also features some of the best dramatic scenes: Londo learning Morden killed Adira, the Londo-Morden, the Vorlon Planetkiller shadowing Centauri Prime, Londo asking Vir to kill him, and of course the end of the Shadow War.  Londo's quiet admission to Morden about some of the people of Celeni staying behind knowing their sacrifice.  The desperation in Londo's voice as he tries to sacrifice himself to save his people.  The final debate between the three sides (or is that four?).  Sheridan&Delenn finally convince the Shadows and Vorlons to leave them alone.  A battle royale that even includes all of the First Ones.  A classic in every sense.  I only wish we had seen it as a two-parter as JMS had originally intended...  One of the biggest disappointments in future episodes is that Sheridan (and everyone else!) seems to have forgotten that Lorien essentially left the galaxy with Sheridan in charge!

4X7    Epiphanies 
Plot: Clark begins his propaganda war against Babylon 5 with a staged raiding attack.  Bester & Sheridan visit Z'ha'dum.  Londo takes care of loose ends on Centauri Prime.

Clearly a step down from the Shadow War, which is true for the entire series, but still entertaining.  Nicely sets up the Earth War arc with Clark lashing out against B5 in desperation now that his big allies The Shadows are gone.  Very reminiscent of Mussolini and Hitler for WWII history fans...  The Lyta-Zack scenes were a welcome to change in Lyta; she is actually speaking for herself now, and is pissed at how she is used.  Fortunately Zack is willing to befriend her when no one else will.  Garabaldi's quitting wasn't exactly dramatic but he actually gives good reasons.  My favorite scene of this plot is when he draws the straight-mouthed face on the mirror...very sad considering it was showing the real Garabaldi trying to get out while the new and emotionless Garabaldi took over.  Of course, even without knowing the truth it is still very sad.  The visit to Z'ha'dum was a little disappointing, but at least it sets up an important plot of Shadow Allies running off with Shadow technology, aliens who believed in the Shadows' cause...  And of course the final chilling scene where we see the innocent and joyous with a Keeper on his neck!  The Starfury battle was very retro but nice.

4X8    The Illusion of Truth 
Plot: An ISN team comes to Babylon 5 to make an Earth propaganda report.

A mirror episode to "And Now for a Word" which is nowhere near it, but average in the extreme.  the Teaser was cute, but the first half of the ISN crew walking around B5 was adequate, the newscast was okay but again no where near its predecessor.  The main interest is in seeing the day to day events twisted into propaganda.  The Garabaldi bit about his new salvage business was neutral.  It was pretty funny the way Sheridan&Delenn said things that could be edited into threats!  Also funny was the mysterious change in background when the reporter asked them mean questions...

4X9    Atonement 
Plot: Delenn&Lennier travel to Minbar where Delenn explores her past with Dukhat.  Franklin&Marcus leave for Mars.

The flashbacks are nice but not standout, the Delenn-Dukhat relationship was very interesting.  Dukhat is a very interesting character:  charming and thoughtful but also humorous.  Dukhat's abusing the Grey Council is very interesting.  The revelation that Delenn started the Minbari War and led the Minbari was quite a shocker.  However everything surrounding that plot was disappointing.  The Zack-Lennier scene was cute, as were the G'Kar's new eye and Ivanova & Drazi party scenes.  Interesting little day to day scenes.  Sheridan sending Franklin&Marcus to Mars makes a lot of sense, and the final Marcus singing scene was a hoot.

4X10    Racing Mars 
Plot: Franklin&Marcus contact the Mars Resistance but Shadow Allies get in the way.  Garabaldi meets Wade who wants him to work against Sheridan.  Sheridan and Delenn share a Minbari pleasure ritual.  Ivanova meets the black market.

The beginning of the mid-season slump.  The Franklin-Marcus comedy bit was pretty funny, but the Mars Resistance part was stupid.  Captain Jack was annoying but looking back on it he was desperately trying to warn them, very sad.  Garabaldi meeting Wade was interesting, mainly because of Wade's empassioned speech about Sheridan hurting the cause, mainly because it makes sense given his belligerance since returning from Z'ha'dum.  Ivanova's meeting was okay, but we finally find out what happened to Garabaldi's hair!  The Sheridan- Delenn thing was silly and stupid.  It cheapens the characters and makes them look stupid.

4X11    Lines of Communication 
Plot: Delenn leads the WhiteStars into battle against the Drakh, old Shadow Allies.  Franklin&Marcus convince the Mars Resistance to join Sheridan.  Sheridan enlists Ivanona to ancor the Voice of the Resistance for the Earth Rebels.

4X12    Conflicts of Interest 
Plot: Garabaldi protects Wade & his old flame Lise who is married to industrialist William Edgars.  Ivanova enlists the help of Eplison 3 and a Zathras to get the Voice of the Resistance running.

4X13    Rumors, Bargins, and Lies 
Plot: Sheridan trys to trick the League into working together.  Delenn works with Neroon to stop the Minbari Civil War but even her own Caste moves against her.

4X14    Moments of Transition 
Plot: The Minbari Civil War ends with Neroon's help.  Bester makes a propisition to Lyta.  Sheridan declars war against Earth.

4X15    No Surrender, No Retreat 
Plot: Sheridan's forces strike Proxima 3 to begin their campaign against Earth.  Londo seeks redemption from G'Kar.

Certainly the best Earth episode yet.  Why JMS had to wait so long for things to get interesting is beyond me.  The first half is purely battle preparation, but since I started watching B5 in the middle of this season I was very keyed up as I was about to experience my first B5 FX blowout.  But the episode still holds up; the battle is visually interesting but also carries the weight of firing on your own ships, a great toll on Sheridan.  But what's best of all is the Londo&G'Kar scene.  Londo comes to G'Kar, begging for redemption.  Sometimes he's desperate, other times he's angry.  G'Kar sits silently, barely saying a word.  An extremely powerful and long scene.  G'Kar eventually agreeing to this carries with his new lifestyle, but his initial reluctance was very human.

4X16    The Exercise of Vital Powers 
Plot: Garabaldi meets Edgars on Mars.  Franklin & Lyta work with the Shadow teeps.

4X17    The Face of the Enemy 
Plot:  Garabaldi betrays Sheridan, and learns the complete truth from Edgars and Bester.

One of the best episodes ever; practically three fourths of the episodes carries the rare scenes of true drama and intensity.  The first act is pure set up, showing a nice sample battle.  Then we see Garabaldi's betrayal of Sheridan, shown as a freeze and go action video played to hard rock.  Very unusual but extremely effective; the format is turned on its head and creates an amazing scene.  The lyrics even reflect the mental state of Garabaldi...  Then in Act Three Edgars reveals the truth to Garabaldi; he's created a virus to enslave the teeps to prevent their uprising.  The break in his voice when he says "telepath problem", echoing to the Nazis and the Jewish problem, shows he's actually a good guy sacrificing himself for the good of the future.  But Garabaldi destroys that plan, destroying Edgars in the process.  And perhaps best of all; the Bester-Garabaldi scene, where Garbaldi sits motionless and helpless to the power of Bester.  Bester casually considers whether or not to kill Garbaldi.  The silent and dark tramcar makes the perfect setting for one of the most powerful scenes of the post-Shadow War era.

4X18    Intersections in Real Time 
Plot: Sheridan is interrogated by Earth.

4X19    Between the Darkness and the Light 
Plot: Ivanova leads the fleet against Earth's Shadow Destroyers.  Garabaldi is captured by the Resistance and with Franklin & Lyta they free Sheridan.

4X20    Endgame 
Plot: Sheridan's fleet strikes Mars then Earth.  Marcus sacrifices himself for Ivanova.

4X21    Rising Star 
Plot: Political ramifications of the Earth Civil War.   Delenn forms the Alliance.  Ivanova cries and Bester plans a telepath war.  Garabaldi finds Lise.  Sheridan & Delenn get married.

4X22    The Deconstruction of Falling Stars 
Plot: A look at the distant future of the Alliance.