The Emperor makes a deal with the Shadows to become a god. Morden is falling apart and not happy about it. No sign of Garibaldi, and what’s Sheridan doing?!?
Poor Ivanova and Delenn, missing the captain and refusing to believe that he’s really gone.
First time we see the new Centauri emperor. Wow, Mollari’s right — he’s really quite mad, isn’t he?
HOLY COW, Vir has lost a lot of weight!
Londo, however, looks older and more tired than last season:
And Morden is definitely looking worse for wear:
Interesting to see how his personality has altered…more bitter and definitey darker. He’s also not quite all there. Though he seems to have Londo pegged pretty well.
Londo: I won’t do it!
Morden: Of course you will, Mollari. Because you’re drawn to power. Because you’re my friend. Because you’re afraid what someone else might do in your place.
Morden’s skin-picking mannerism was really grossing me out.
Kosh #2 sure is meaner than Kosh #1, isn’t he? Also, I’m hugely curious about the nature of the relationship between Lyta and Kosh #2.
From Lyta’s “Is there anywhere else you need me to carry you” after those streams of light go into Kosh’s open suit, it seems like Vorlons are able to share the bodies or minds of humans temporarily.
So hm…maybe this means that Kosh #1 still exists, but inside Sheridan’s mind? Don’t tell me.
Interesting to hear Lyta say that Kosh #2 feels darker than Kosh #1 when he was inside her.
Lyta: You’re planning something, aren’t you? Something that you’re not telling me.
I’m liking G’Kar more and more. Amusing exchange between G’Kar and Zack about Daffy Duck. 
And I loved G’Kar’s speech about why he’s going out to look for Garibaldi.
Yay, I’m glad Londo’s back wearing purple! I hope the cleaners lose his black outfit. I’m hoping this is more than just a change of costume for Londo. Don’t tell me.
Disturbing to see yet another part of Londo’s vision/dream come true, with the Shadow Ships passing overhead because the Emperor is giving part of Centauri to the Shadows.
Yay, I’m glad that Londo is asking Vir to come join him, though I’m amazed that Vir agrees, considering how Londo has treated him. But this shows the depth of Vir’s love for Londo, and how he is willing to forgive Londo over and over again.
I just hope Londo doesn’t hurt Vir again. Don’t tell me.
Londo: The horrible truth is that you are the closest thing I have to a friend. I’m as shocked and dismayed as you are, but there it is.
Hm…Ivanova’s getting pretty chummy with Lyta, considering she’s a telepath. I guess Talia Winters helped change Ivanova’s attitude. I hope Ivanova doesn’t fall for Lyta, though. She has to end up with Marcus!!
Don’t tell me.
Creepy when Lyta’s eyes go all black.
Lyta: They heard us. They know we’re here…
And then Ivanova sees those weird fiery eyes in the sky and hears it “calling” her. Didn’t she see those eyes when she was in Draal’s machine? And it seems as if the Thing (whatever it was) almost took over the ship! Smart of Lennier to anticipate something like that happening.
Lennier: Initiating the ‘the hell out of here’ maneuver.
AND WHAT THE HECK IS SHERIDAN DOING DOWN ON THE PLANET? Does he know who he is? Why isn’t he trying to contact B5? What happened to him after he fell? Where did he get the blanket? Who’s that guy with him?!?
Don’t tell me.
Next episode: Whatever Happened To Mr. Garibaldi?
[For those who comment below: As the title of my blog indicates, I'm watching B5 for the very first time so PLEASE refrain from posting plot/character spoilers/hints about upcoming episodes, or including links to pages with spoilers (unless you warn readers that they contain spoilers). More info about spoilers here. Thanks so much! - Debbie]
12 comments ↓
Even though you said “don’t tell me” I think it’s safe to say that Londo’s switch back to the purple outfit was simply TV trickery so that they could show the footage they shot in Season 1 of Londo viewing the Shadow ships in the sky. It’s quite clever actually and I only noticed the outfit change during this latest viewing as a direct result of your previous comments about Londo’s changing wardrobe.
I think at least some of the footage is new… but they were still concerned that Londo’s appearance match that in his vision, which meant going back at least temporarily to the purple coat.
Hmm…giant fiery evil eyeballs in the sky…where have we seen this before?
(ducks to avoid hail of peanuts)
Well SOMEONE had to say it…
Re: Vir losing weight
Between Season 3 and 4, Stephen Furst was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, and deliberately lost weight to help get the diabetes under control.
Yes, the new Centauri emperor is quite mad.
G’Kar may know of household gods from interaction with the Centari, who seem to be similair to ancient Rome.
Morden might not have his associates with him this time.
I think Vir may have more *duty* to Londo than love, though I think he stays with Londo to be that balancing voice, a conscience. Yeah, a friend.
Deb,
Tturning on the captions is another way to get some of the quotes and correct spellings.
Did you really wait the week to view this to feel more of the first-time fan experience?
Oh, and be on the look-out for a familiar face in Cartagia’s “shadow cabinet” in a future episode.
Some JMS bits:
Q. How do the actors get back into character after a long summer break?
A. Usually they just pick up the script…and get right back into it. They’ve got the characters down now, so there’s not a lot needed to get back into it. Some of them run lines with each other, like Stephen and Peter, since that relationship is something very special, but mostly they just learn the lines and come in. Some of them want to see the final episodes, but some don’t. The only one to see most of the last two episodes thus far is Bruce, who was just totally knocked out by them.
Peter has said that whenever he needs to get back into character, he just straightens and says, “MISter GARiBALdi,” and he’s right back into it.
Q. Why the new music?
A. We change the theme every season to reflect the tonality and direction of that season’s story. Every season when it butts up against the previous season’s intent, a lot of folks ask why change it, it was better before…and then, by the end of the season, when people see how it fits in, generally they like it a lot…and then ask why it got changed for the *next* season….
Londo seems to invoke the plethora of Centauri gods fairly casually, and to invoke the “Great Maker” when he’s serious. That suggests that Centauri religion (at least as practiced by Londo) is a sort of halfway blend of polytheism and monotheism.
The associates are there — Londo sees the flakes of skin on the floor move after Morden leaves.
Yes, season 4 starts so sit back in your seats and prepare for the ride of your life.
“It was the year of fire. The year of destruction. The year we took back what was ours. It was the year of rebirth. The year of great sorrow. The year of pain. And the year of joy. It was a new age. It was the end of history. It was the year everything changed. The year is 2261. The place — Babylon 5.”
Best opening narration ever. Promising much. And it delivered.
That instrumental florish at the beginning of the opening credits sounds so much like….hope.
Late to the party but I just had to say “thanks” for sharing your first impressions like this. It is always fun to see our favourite series appreciated again by new eyes.
I’m so glad I came in late though, as biting back on spoilers can be so hard sometimes!! I also remember how hard I pushed to avoid spoilers for episodes airing early in other countries though, it really does enhance the show.
Of course, to get the ‘true’ B5 experience, next time you hit an episode that really grabs you and leaves you wanting more, DO NOT rush into the next one. Force yourself to hold back as long as you can (we first timers had no choice!) That sense of anticipation and delayed payoff was also a distinct part of the experience! And there are precious few “Grey 17 is missing” to disappoint - the wait is always worthwhile
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