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The Narn wanted freedom from the Centauri... They fail. "There is no greater power in the universe than the need for freedom. Against that power, governments and tyrants and armies cannot stand. [...] We will teach it to them again. Though it take a thousand years, we will be free." [more inside]
posted by flibbertigibbet on Aug 17, 2018 - 6 comments

A metaphor for AIDS as seen in the 1980s plague has hit the Markab on the station. "What happens? What happens is that we honor the memory of those who are no longer with us by using what we have learned to save others. To exercise faith, and patience, and charity. To reach out to those who are afraid. If we can do that, then their passing will have had meaning and we will grow from it." [more inside]
posted by flibbertigibbet on Aug 6, 2018 - 5 comments

Londo meets with an old friend, who has danger on his heels... Sheridan goes to the heretofore unmentioned Spooky Sector (Grey Sector) and begins hallucinating... Or does he? "Insanity is part of the times. You must learn to embrace the madness. Let it fire you." [more inside]
posted by flibbertigibbet on Aug 4, 2018 - 4 comments

Much is revealed about Kosh and Mr. Morden. "I'd like to live just long enough to be there when they cut off your head and stick it on a pike as a warning to the next ten generations that some favors come with too high a price. I would gaze up into your lifeless eyes and wave, like this. Can you and your associates arrange this for me, Mr. Morden?" [more inside]
posted by flibbertigibbet on Jul 29, 2018 - 13 comments

The former doctor for President Clark is in hiding on Babylon 5, and Sheridan needs to protect the doctor before Clark's goons silence him forever... Meanwhile, we learn more about Kosh and the Vorlon. "I sought understanding. I listen to the song. Your thoughts became the song." [more inside]
posted by flibbertigibbet on Jul 1, 2018 - 3 comments

G'Kar tries desperately to find allies for the Narn. Ivanova tries to cement an alliance with a new alien species, and engages in chicanery to do so. Londo has some regrets about his new position. "There is nothing to mediate, Delenn. Unless others choose to become involved, we will destroy them, or they will destroy us. There is no in-between." [more inside]
posted by flibbertigibbet on Jun 23, 2018 - 12 comments

Sheridan is kidnapped while in a Starfighter. Delenn returns to face judgment. "You have always been here." [more inside]
posted by flibbertigibbet on Jun 16, 2018 - 3 comments

[all-seasons rewatch] [major arc; titular episode of the season] Emperor Turhan, of the Centauri Republic, comes to Babylon 5 to make an announcement. Londo and G'Kar pass each other, like ships in the night... "Oh, enough [regrets] to fill a lifetime. So much has been lost, so much forgotten. So much pain, so much blood. And for what, I wonder? The past tempts us, the present confuses us, and the future frightens us. And our lives slip away, moment by moment, lost in that vast terrible in-between. But there is still time to seize that one last, fragile moment. To choose something better, to make a difference, as you say. And I intend to do just that." [more inside]
posted by flibbertigibbet on Jun 9, 2018 - 10 comments

[major arc; titular episode of the season] Emperor Turhan, of the Centauri Republic, comes to Babylon 5 to make an announcement. Londo and G'Kar pass each other, like ships in the night... "Oh, enough [regrets] to fill a lifetime. So much has been lost, so much forgotten. So much pain, so much blood. And for what, I wonder? The past tempts us, the present confuses us, and the future frightens us. And our lives slip away, moment by moment, lost in that vast terrible in-between. But there is still time to seize that one last, fragile moment. To choose something better, to make a difference, as you say. And I intend to do just that." [more inside]
posted by flibbertigibbet on Jun 2, 2018 - 5 comments

Londo attempts to woo a gathering of Technomages who have arrived on the station, to mirror an event in the early Empire and bring himself prestige. Ivanova tries to stop the regularly scheduled Green Drazi/Purple Drazi conflict. "There is a storm coming, a black and terrible storm. We would not have our knowledge lost or used to ill purpose. From this place we will launch ourselves into the stars. With luck, you will never see our kind again in your lifetime." [more inside]
posted by flibbertigibbet on Apr 21, 2018 - 6 comments

Franklin busies himself with saving Delenn and Garibaldi. Sheridan's sister arrives to discuss his late wife, Anna. G'Kar returns with news. Morden makes a request. "The darkness has come again." [more inside]
posted by flibbertigibbet on Apr 14, 2018 - 2 comments

The Centauri and the Narn bicker about the ownership of an outpost, and one side takes decisive action. Delenn takes an irreversible step, after consulting with Kosh. Garibaldi's informant is killed and he wants to find out why. "And so it begins." [more inside]
posted by flibbertigibbet on Apr 2, 2018 - 2 comments

The Centauri and the Narn bicker about the ownership of an outpost, and one side takes decisive action. Delenn takes an irreversible step, after consulting with Kosh. Garibaldi's informant is killed and he wants to find out why. "And so it begins." [more inside]
posted by flibbertigibbet on Apr 2, 2018 - 1 comment

[major arc] Babylon 4 reappears after vanishing four years ago. The Grey Council meets. "Summoned, I come. In Valen's name, I take the place that has been prepared for me. I am Grey. I stand between the candle and the star. We are Grey. We stand between the darkness and the light." [more inside]
posted by flibbertigibbet on Mar 22, 2018 - 9 comments

[arc episodes] The planet around which Babylon 5 orbits begins to activate long-dormant weapons systems that threaten Babylon 5. Mars colony loses communication with Babylon 5 due to rioting, to Garibaldi's distress. Delenn's old mentor arrives on the station. "Incorrect answer! The third principle of sentient life is the capacity for self-sacrifice: the conscious ability to override evolution and self-preservation for a cause, a friend, a loved one. It has been too long, Delenn. You have forgotten your training. Soon you will have forgotten all about your old friend Draal." "Not if I live to be a thousand and one." [more inside]
posted by flibbertigibbet on Mar 17, 2018 - 4 comments

[arc] A Minbari war cruiser arrives to display the body of a fallen Warrior caste leader. Meanwhile, Talia and Ivanova butt heads over the fate of a young telepath... "You talk like a Minbari, Commander! Perhaps there was some small wisdom in letting your species survive." [more inside]
posted by flibbertigibbet on Mar 14, 2018 - 3 comments

[minor arc episode] Sinclair and his staff are investigated by internal affairs because of the past year events, thanks to Jeffrey "haven't found a rule I wouldn't bend" Sinclair. Meanwhile, Garibaldi and Lennier bond over rebuilding an Old Earth motorcycle. "I must admit, Mr. Garibaldi, I am fascinated by this vehicle. Do you realize that it was a symbol of masculinity in your society at one time?" [more inside]
posted by flibbertigibbet on Mar 10, 2018 - 4 comments

[major arc; the season's titular episode] Mr. Morden asks a question, repeatedly. A Centauri delegation arrives, and cannot prevent the thing which they know will happen (as they deny their fate). "What do you want? [...] And then what?" The spoiler discussion! [more inside]
posted by flibbertigibbet on Feb 25, 2018 - 15 comments

[major arc; the season's titular episode] Mr. Morden asks a question, repeatedly. A Centauri delegation arrives, and cannot prevent the thing which they know will happen (as they deny their fate). "What do you want? [...] And then what?" [more inside]
posted by flibbertigibbet on Feb 25, 2018 - 9 comments

[arc episode] A dock worker is killed in an accident involving a exploding Narn freighter, leading to a strike. Meanwhile, G'Kar needs a plant from the aforementioned Narn freighter for a religious ceremony, but finds that past decision of his has complicated his life... "Oh, why does the universe hate me so?" [more inside]
posted by flibbertigibbet on Feb 17, 2018 - 3 comments

[arc episode] An old flame of Talia's from Psi Corps, arrives at Babylon 5 with a warning. Meanwhile, G'Kar warns Sakai away from her job job at logging mineral deposits on Sigma-957. "Let me pass on to you the one thing I've learned about this place. No one here is exactly what he appears. Not Mollari, not Delenn, not Sinclair… and not me." [more inside]
posted by flibbertigibbet on Jan 21, 2018 - 7 comments

[arc episode, most meaningful in retrospect] Babylon 5 is having a "week of religious festivals" to encourage inter-species respect. G'Kar fears he is being followed by an assassin. Sinclair's on-and-off-again lover, Catherine Sakai, arrives. "Aaahhh, our household gods. In a world where every day is a struggle for survival, you need all the gods you can get." [more inside]
posted by flibbertigibbet on Jan 13, 2018 - 8 comments