Glen here…
The following reviews have been the subject of much discussion here at Aint It Cool News. They’re rather lengthy, written by AICN friend and operative ROBOGEEK.
A few months back, I reviewed the Final Five episodes of BABYLON 5. This was so long ago that many people may have forgotten these reviews were ever posted. Also, my initial reviews were so melodramatically emotional that many readers found them illegitimate or off-putting.
It has always been Coaxial’s intention to re-evaluate these episodes closer to their actual air date. When I stepped back to consider my initial thoughts, I realized I really had nothing else to say about BABYLON 5’s "Final Five". And I realized that…in typical ROBOGEEK fashion…he had touched on all of the points I might have conceivably wanted to address in a follow-up. So I will let ROBOGEEK’s eloquent and passionate words speak for themselves…and for me.
ROBO’s reviews are a bit more SPOILER INTENSIVE than my initial reviews of the Final Five. All of us here at AICN have sweated and toiled over "how much is too much?" But since my initial (all but spoiler free) reviews were posted, the geography of Spoilerland has changed dramatically. A book has been released which features pointed and accurate details about BABYLON 5’s Final Five. Other web sites have posted accurate and detailed spoilers about the Final Five. Accordingly, we have loosened the reigns on spoilers a bit with this set of reviews. However, be assured, we are still preserving many, many surprises.
BUT, THERE IS A CHANCE YOU WILL LEARN MORE THAN YOU WEANT TO KNOW ABOUT THE FINAL FIVE FROM THESE REVIEWS. As such, I suggest bookmarking this article and returning to it over the next five weeks as each episode cycles across the airwaves. Maybe reading the reviews right after the episodes initially air, but before they’ve been repeated later in the week? That way, the reviews can provoke thought and conversation, and hopefully allow you to see the episodes in a different light when watching re-airings - but not destroy the initial experience of seeing them virginally. These reviews are good, and I feel they ought to be read. But no reviews…not mine, not Robogeek’s…are worth annihilating the thrill, anticipation, suspense and surprise of seeing these *very* magnificent Final Five for the first time.
And now I’ll turn it over to ROBOGEEK. His e-mail link is at the bottom of the page if you have anything you’d like to say to him. I hope you will find Robo's words thoughtful and useful. Enjoy…
"Who are you? What do you want? Why are you here? Where are you
going?"
And so it ends...
For five years, the medium of television has been graced by a series that has challenged its audience and characters with these four simple yet profound questions.
On August 21, I had the extraordinary opportunity to watch -- make that experience -- the final five episodes of "Babylon 5," over two months before they are due to start airing. (They were delivered to AICN by one of our top agents less than a week after TNT received them, in fact). It was... amazing. After spending a week processing their initial impact, I spent an entire day re-watching them over and over, to examine them more closely and try to figure out how I could possibly review them without spoiling them -- or retreading too much of the ground Glen so excellently covered in his outstanding initial review. Since then, I've been laboring like Sisyphus over this review, and finally resolved to give it a rest and pass it along to you, gentle reader.
First, a little remark about my connection to B5. I am a devoted fan, though I became one late. I wasn't aboard the bandwagon from day one, but jumped on right as the Shadow War started brewing, halfway into Year Two (or 2259, if you prefer). Since then, I've followed the series quite religiously, and gone back and seen all the episodes I had missed. Since then, I've consistently ranked B5 among my annual list of Ten Best television series, and have been anticipating the last five episodes as much as anything this side of, well... "THE PHANTOM MENACE!!!" (The title only works if you say it like that. Try it. See?)
I can only hope that "THE PHANTOM MENACE!!!" lives up to my expectations half as well as these final episodes of "Babylon 5" -- especially "Sleeping in Light." After watching them, I was left feeling like I did after finishing the works of fiction that have most deeply affected me while growing up, such as "The Chronicles of Narnia," "The Lord of the Rings," and the six "Dune" novels -- a deep satisfaction, and a profound sadness. I will miss visiting these characters, these places -- but my life has been enriched. So if you're a diehard B5 fan wondering whether or not your five years of allegance will be rewarded later this fall, have no fear.
However, I say that with the assumption that you share similar expectations to what mine were. If you have a very broad, strict set of unreasonable expectations that you simply won't waver from, then you're just setting yourself up for disappointment -- and, arguably, will have no one to blame but yourself. (This isn't to say that I am immune to holding expectations. In fact, much of the first half of this season didn't quite measure up to mine; I _really_ hated Byron -- who I thought was terribly miscast with a far too "Marcus-esque" actor -- and felt much of the telepath arc just didn't work. Instead of sympathetic, I found the telepaths to just be... annoying. But I digress.)
Here are the main things you should keep in mind -- don't expect every single plot (and sub-plot) to be resolved nice and neat. Don't expect every single question to be explicitly answered. Don't expect every mystery to be completely solved. Don't expect to learn the ultimate fate of every single character. Basically, don't expect there not to be any loose ends left over after all is said and done. (Not only will there still be some old ones, there'll be some brand spankin' new ones, too.)
Personally, for the most part, I don't have much of a problem with these loose ends -- based on the critical assumption that there are plans to tie them up in other places, like "Crusade," TNT movies, a feature film, etc. If that happens, no problem. But, if some of these things are never dealt with again, and the five years of B5 is all we ever get, well, I'll be pretty darned upset. However, based on what I think I know, I have the distinct feeling that all -- or at least most -- will be revealed... in the fullness of time.
On the other hand, there is plenty that _is_ resolved -- enough, I think, to satisfy 95% of the fans. The way I look at it is this: "Babylon 5" is an epic novel. It tells one really big story which leaves room that the author will write another novel, and tell new stories. And by the end of this novel, that is strongly hinted at. (Very strongly.)
These last five episodes are, in fact, pretty damn near perfect in my eyes. I have a couple minor quibbles, but in the grand scheme of things, they are _very_ minor. For instance, there were a few characters I really wanted to see but didn't. And there were some questions I really wanted answers to.
But I ain't complaining, because these episodes rank not just among the best of the series, but among the best television I've ever seen. Indeed, after they air this fall, "Babylon 5" had damn well better get an Emmy nomination for Best Drama next year. "Sleeping in Light," in particular, is maybe one of the ten best hours of television ever made (yes, I mean that), and features a tour de force performance by Bruce Boxleitner worthy of a Best Actor nomination. In fact, "Sleeping..." should get Emmy nominations for virtually every category it qualifies for -- especially for writing and direction. (Hats off, Joe!) And Peter Jurasik's performance in "The Fall of Centauri Prime" is a staggering culmination of five years of brilliance, also worthy of an acting nomination.
Collectively, all five episodes comprise the conclusion of the epic that is "Babylon 5." They are all about saying goodbye, in one way or another. Big things happen in each and every one of them. There is an overriding sense of history and resonance that permeates them.
To put it in perspective, let me just say that I haven't had this potent an emotional response to any work of fiction since... well, since "Titanic." (Go back and read that review if you don't get what I'm saying here.)
Before I get to the reviews, however, I want to pass along a couple notes in consideration of some people who I know will be reading this...
Memo to Warner Bros. -- For your information, a widescreen DVD release of "Sleeping in Light" *alone* would compel me to buy a DVD player. And after it airs, plenty other people will share that opinion. These last episodes of "Babylon 5" (actually, the whole second half of Season Five) represent the best work produced by your studio since... well, I'll be polite and not say. If only your feature film division were producing work even half as good as your television and television animation divisions... Anyway, you should be proud of it, and show it off. Trumpet it! And not only are widescreen versions of B5 a good idea for your DVD releases, think ahead to digital high definition TV. (And, in Valen's name, greenlight that "Telepath War" feature already, let JMS do whatever the hell he wants with "Crusade" and stay out of his way. While you're at it, let your television animation department given Batman and Superman the "Price of Egypt" dramatic feature treatment, and beg Richard Donner to do a director's cut special edition of "Superman" as a Christmas present. But I'm ranting...)
Memo to TNT - please_ give us a special widescreen presentation of the series next year -- it's a great way to generate a whole new wave of excitement for reruns. Most importantly, however, back "Crusade" all the way. Execs who haven't seen each and every episode of "Babylon 5" should not be allowed to write stupid memos with insane suggestions for "Crusade," okay? Oh, and by the way, I find your "ER" promos hailing it as "the best television show ever" downright offensive. It's a great show, but it ain't "Babylon 5."
Okay. Enough of that. Just had to get some stuff off my chest. Let's get to the episode reviews. I have tried _real_ hard not to give too much away, but there are minor spoilers throughout, so proceed with caution...
Here are the reviews of "The Fall of Centauri Prime," "Wheel of Fire," "Objects in Motion" and "Objects at Rest", and "Sleeping in Light". I have tried very hard to effectively review these episodes without spoiling them for you.
The first episode wraps up an arc, and the next three comprise a sort of "mini-arc." "Sleeping in Light" is very much a "stand-alone" episode. There are only minor spoilers included -- none I'd consider major. The first review probably gives away more than any subsequent review, so use that as a benchmark.
This is your last warning! There be spoilers below...
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THE FALL OF CENTAURI PRIME
Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by Douglas E. Wise.
Airdate: Wednesday 28 October 1998. (TNT)
"Isn't it strange, G'kar... When we first met, I had no power and all the choices I could ever want. And now I have all the power I could ever want, and no choices at all. No choice, at all."
A one-minute recap of the previous few episodes leads us into a breakneck three-minute prologue, followed by three full acts and an epilogue. This comprises one the darkest, most intense, most terrifying, and most heartbreaking "Babylon 5" episodes ever. It's stunning.
The episode opens as the Narn and Drazi fleets attack a defenseless Centauri Prime, as Sheridan's White Star fleet races there in hopes of intervening. The Regent, gone mad, has disarmed the planetary defense network and sent the home fleet away on a false emergency. Meanwhile, following their encounter with the Centauri, Delenn and Lennier's White Star is disabled and stranded in hyperspace. After retrieving G'kar from the dungeon, Londo confronts the Regent, and comes face to face with... terror.
As Sheridan's fleet faces off with the Narn/Drazi attack force, mysteries are revealed to Londo by the Regent and the Drakh. Meanwhile, Delenn and Lennier are running out of life support while Centauri fleet races back to Centauri Prime. To tell you any more of the main plot would spoil it.
Perhaps the most important part of this episode, however, is a conversation between Londo and G'kar -- arguably their most significant ever. In fact, it easily stands as one of the great, defining moments of the entire "Babylon 5" mythos. For me, while the heart of the "Babylon 5" story has been the relationship between Sheridan and Delenn, the soul of the epic has been the relationship between G'kar and Londo. The depths of that soul are reached in this one conversation.
Peter Jurasik gives a tour-de-force performance in this episode, which raises the bar for the series and sets the stage for the last four episodes. In addition, the epilogue plants seeds for "Crusade" with some heavy foreshadowing.
"Vir, tell them... tell them that I am ready."
But it is the conclusion of the third act -- a minute without words -- that stands as one of the most stirring scenes of the entire series, as Londo faces his past, present and future, trapped alone in his cruel fate. With the help of Christopher Franke's heartbreaking score (man, I want this on CD bad...), this scene brought me to tears. If you've never cried for Londo, you will here. After five years, the full scope of this most tragic of figures is brought into devastating focus.
For the rest of my life, whenever I hear bells tolling, I will be haunted by this scene, and grieve for a man who would be Emperor.
THE WHEEL OF FIRE
Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by Janet Greek.
Airdate: Wednesday 4 November 1998. (TNT)
"I realized it's simpler to make a statue to someone who you believe embodies all your better qualities than it is to actually improve yourself."
G'kar returns to "Babylon 5" from Centauri Prime in hopes that things have settled down. Instead, he's shocked to find that his cult of personality is in full bloom. Sheridan confronts Garibaldi about his drinking, and forces him to make a decision. Meanwhile, a warrant is issued for Lyta's arrest on charges of aiding and abetting terrorist activities against the PsiCorps.
Though dense with plot, this episode is particularly character-driven, and features some very nice conversations -- notably between Sheridan and Garibaldi, Franklin and G'kar, and Garibaldi and Lochley.
Hands down the coolest scene in the episode is when Lochley and Zack attempt to bring Lyta in for questioning. In a truly inspired sequence, Lyta's power is frighteningly demonstrated. As Glen mentioned in his review, Patricia Tallman really has the chance to shine in this episode (and the next), with a really juicy part.
There's actually quite a bit of comedy in this episode on top of one huge revelation, and several significant decisions made by some key characters. In a way, it's a bit of a breather after TFOCP. Also of note is that a very interesting... deal is struck involving three characters, resulting in a rather novel arrangement, and tied to their decision to leave the station.
OBJECTS IN MOTION
Written by J. Michael Straczynski, based on a story by J. Michael
Straczynski and Harlan Ellison. Directed by Jesus Salvador Trevino.
Airdate: Wednesday 11 November 1998. (TNT)
"You see, I believe that when we leave a place, part of it goes with us, and a part of us remains. Go anywhere in this station, when it is quiet, and just listen. After a while you will hear the echoes of all our conversations, every thought and word we've exchanged. Long after we are gone, our voices will linger in these walls for as long as this place remains. But I will admit, that the part of me that is going... will very much miss the part of you that is staying."
Picking up immediately after "TWOF," An old ally arrives on Babylon 5 with some unfortunate news for one of our characters -- regarding an assassination plot, which gives the episode something good to chew on. Garibaldi and G'kar both have very nice, big parts, and this episode marks a turning point for both characters -- and more than one other. Again, a lot happens in this episode, as characters reach crossroads with themselves and with others. And, as is true for all of the "middle three" last episodes (out of the five), while some plot threads are sewn up, some new ones are surprisingly started -- teasing us with some tantalizing possibilities for future stories and spin-offs. Planets re-align and constellations re-configure before our very eyes, so to speak.
OBJECTS AT REST
Written by J. Michael Straczynski. Directed by John Copeland.
Airdate: Wednesday 18 November 1998. (TNT)
"One thing I do want you to know... and to hold in your thoughts in the years to come... I want you to know... that you are my friends... that you always be my friends, no matter what happens. And I... I want you to know that this day means more to me than you will ever know."
The day after "OIM" opens with a quiet moment in CNC, as Sheridan and Lochley share a conversation. By the second commercial break, another character says goodbye to Babylon 5. We're in the home stretch.
Halfway through the episode, there is what I call the "wow" shot, as those last to leave the station say their final farewell to those left behind. Conceptually, it's an absolutely brilliant shot, executed wonderfully, with Franke's marvelous and majestic new "farewell" theme. It's a scene you'll want to watch over and over, as the successors salute the last of their predecessors.
Then, during the second half of the episode, there is a _huge_ surprise, as one character does something that will absolutely shock you. Lets just say that a prophecy is fulfilled. I was utterly stunned. Totally unexpected, and yet... it's consistent and makes sense. Still, I'm sure it'll send some fans into an uproar.
And if that isn't a big enough surprise, another lies in wait, as a character we thought we would never see again makes an unexpected visit, bearing a... gift for the future.
At the end, a character records a poignant message for the future...
and for us.
WARNING: If you are a die-hard B5 devotee, I highly recommend that you do not read this review.
Ideally, "Sleeping in Light" should be experienced in pure blissful ignorance of what is to come. However, if you absolutely must know about it, know that there are (mild) spoilers in the following. I've done my best to balance the goal of reviewing the episode with the hope of not spoiling the experience. I hope I have achieved that. However, there are plenty of very potent hints for the most faithful followers of the series embedded below, which will offer the more astute B5 viewer greater illumination than they might want.
Last chance to turn back. I'm warnin' ya...
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SLEEPING IN LIGHT
Written and Directed by J. Michael Straczynski.
Airdate: Wednesday 25 November 1998. (TNT)
"The Interstellar Alliance, based on the homeworld of the Minbari Federation, was founded in the Earth year 2261, shortly after the end of the Shadow War, twenty years ago. Twenty years of history. Those of us who survived have seen it all, and those of us who understand have been waiting the arrival of this day."
And so it begins... quietly, with a dream of haunting memories, and
the approach of a new day. What follows is, quite simply, one of the
most breathtaking and magnificent hours of television I have ever seen.
A five minute prologue sets the tone of the episode, and immediately
lets us know we're in store for something different, something special,
something unforgettable. Before the first commercial break, diehard fans
may very likely be in tears. If not, it won't be long.
ACT ONE
"Lousy Dodgers..."
After the first commercial break, there are no opening titles, no
fanfare (the episode title and credits appear in the prologue). Here, we
are deftly (re)introduced to the other players, as an urgent message is
delivered to each of them, starting with... (And if you haven't broken out the kleenex yet, use the opportunity
of this commercial break to get them now -- you'll be needing them for
the next half hour.) "A toast... To absent friends, in memory still bright."
This act revolves around an extraordinary dinner party with six old
friends. (And I ain't saying which six!) It is about halfway through
this scene that things start to get really heavy. The gravity of what we
are witnessing sinks in as one of the guests shares a memory of a lost
friend in an incredibly eloquent one-and-a-half minute monologue (shot
in a single, uncut take, natch) that is one of the many moments of
compelling and memorable beauty in this episode.
After dinner, two characters share a conversation, in which one makes
an important offer to (and request of) the other. And then there is the
scene that'll just kill you. A four-minute conversation between... the
middle of the story and the end of the story (nearly two-and-a-half
minutes of which is a single, uninterrupted take; man, whoever directed
this is sharp...). It starts with a memory of childhood, which leads us
to realization that we are nearing... the long night. And while "Babylon
5" has always been about many things, we are brought right to the very
heart of the story -- one of the truly great love stories ever to have
graced the medium of television.
Twenty-six minutes into the episode (not counting commercials, of
course), we are at an emotional depth almost unparalleled in the
entirety of the series thus far -- and that's saying an awful lot. But
we're only half-way through the episode... "Good morning."
Quietly, this act begins with one of the most painful, most
heartbreaking farewells you'll ever see. I can't even begin to tell you.
It's devastating. Then, there is a farewell of a different kind, which
includes news that will stun many viewers. At the end of Act Three, we
embark for... the end of the beginning. (And there's really nothing else
I can say about this act without giving something big away.) "There's so much I still don't understand."
"As it should be."
Five years come down to seven final minutes.
Oh, my God.
There's as much in these seven minutes as in most episodes. More, in
fact. If you've somehow managed to hold back the tears up until now,
prepare to surrender. If you've followed every chapter of this story,
nothing can prepare you for the end. It will not be what you expect, and
contains a number of surprises -- some big, some small; some you may
have wished for, some you never would have dreamed of. (And a cameo
everyone will be talking about... but I should really keep my mouth
shut.)
And then there's the last scene. The last scene. It's among the most
breathtaking, heartbreaking things I've ever witnessed, in the context
of the five years it took to arrive at. The last shot is a moment of
staggering, perfect beauty that'll totally devastate you for days.
Weeks, maybe.
I was very, very tempted to quote the narration that plays over the
final scenes of the closing act, as it so beautifully and elegantly
encapsulates the entire series, and defines the last five years in just
87 words. But I decided I really don't have the right to. You shouldn't
hear those words until you've experienced every single moment of every
episode. And you should hear them in the voice they're delivered in,
attached to the scenes they're read over. (Someday I'd love to know how
long Straczynski labored over this one little paragraph. It's
brilliant.)
I've seen this episode three times now, but have lost count over how
many times I've watched those last seven minutes. And it kills me every
time.
(Oh, and remember how I mentioned there are no opening titles this
episode? Well, stay tuned after the last commercial break for a
two-minute "going away present." In fact, you may want to stand and
salute. It's a real treat -- especially if you've got freeze frame on
your VCR. However, if it's not too late to make a minor suggestion to
TPTB, I'd personally lose the announcer's narration, which I found
unnecessary and intrusive. Instead, let the narration at the end of Act
Four be the last words we hear, and Franke's score play unencumbered
over the closing credits. Think about it.) Across the board, these last five episodes are the most accomplished
of the entire series. But "Sleeping in Light" raises the bar above and
beyond almost anything we've ever seen on television. I am in awe of it.
After you see it, I challenge you to show me a better series on
television. (No matter what TNT's ridiculous promos say, "ER" is _not_
the best television show ever, thank you very much.)
In particular, though, I want to single out Christopher Franke for
his exquisite score. Television scores don't get the same respect as
film scores, by and large -- though generally that's because they're not
as good. But for five years one man has scored "Babylon 5," and I can't
imagine the series without his contribution. Franke has grown on me, and
come a long way. His work on these last five episodes mark a real
departure from his prior work on the series, and are indicative of the
remarkable evolution he has had as an artist. The "Sleeping in Light"
score is particularly brilliant, and I am _dying_ to buy it on CD. (And,
no, my saying this has _nothing_ to do with the fact that Sonic Images
is a sponsor of AICN's Coaxial News.)
So congratulations to Executive Producers Douglas Netter and J.
Michael Straczynski and Producer John Copeland, as well as TNT and
Warner Bros. Television. After finishing on this high a note, I can't
wait to see what's in store for us with "Crusade" this January.
(Reminder to WB/TNT: don't screw it up!)
I also want to tip my hat to John C. Flynn III for his gorgeous
cinematography, John Iacovelli for his marvelous production design, and
Kathie Burr for her elegant editing. And, as I think I already said,
every single cast member is to be applauded for being in top form, and
delivering absolutely wonderful performances. In particular, Bruce
Boxleitner was a revelation; I honestly had no idea he could be _this_
great. I'd point out others, but I don't want to give away who's in the
episode and who isn't any more than I already have.
In closing, there's one other person I have to address. "Babylon 5"
has always been the vision of one man. He has written nearly every
episode, and makes a stunning directoral debut with "Sleeping in
Light." I count him among my personal heroes, though I know he's as
uncomfortable with such adulation as a certain Narn. And, in my book,
he's one of the two most gifted writer/producers working in television
today (the other being David E. Kelley).
Once, when asked what he hoped people would say after watching
"Babylon 5" in its entirety, he offered, "That was a good story." Well,
I can't say that. But I can say this...
That was a great story.
This journey is ended. Another begins. Time to rest now.
Faith manages.
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ACT FOUR
