The for-real series finale of Babylon 5 takes us through the gamut of emotions, but two moments — Sheridan and Delenn’s goodbye and the destruction of the Babylon 5 station — break Char every time. We also dig into the deeper meaning of the “Babble for Five” project, which goes way beyond what we see on screen.
In Babylon 5’s seventh (?) series finale, we resolve a ton of storylines. Lennier’s betrayal comes in triplicate; Garibaldi’s new life has benefits; Delenn and Sheridan’s departure grabs the attention of the station. We also get into what it’s like to live on Minbar and Sheridan’s future career as a vlogger.
The “evacuation” of Babylon 5 has begun, as several key players spend their final days on the station. In that time, Garibaldi finds love, Franklin finds a friend with benefits, and G’Kar and Lyta find each other (?). Of those left behind, Sheridan and Delenn know they’re next, while Zack contemplates going nowhere. And somewhere in the middle of all that is an assassination, a wedding and a discussion of parasocial relationships.
As we approach the end of Babylon 5, spinoff ideas are all over the place. There’s the space adventures of Lyta and G’Kar… Bester’s demise at the hands of Garibaldi… and, of course, “Touched by a Vorlon.” In between, we discuss G’Kar’s rise to religious icon, Lyta’s new power, Sheridan’s double obliviousness and Lochley’s commonalities with Garibaldi.
The Centauri War is done, but in its wake comes a heavy reality for Londo, emperor by position but not by authority. However, in doing so, he cements a mutual respect with G’Kar. Across the galaxy, Delenn and Lennier continue their “WTF” relationship; Lise helps Garibaldi; and we discuss a potential Drakh-telepath partnership.
We cover a LOT of ground in this episode. The Interstellar Alliance’s strength is tested by jump gates, attacks on civilians and standards for casualties. Theories about what’s happening on Centauri Prime abound. Delenn and Lennier share trauma. Lyta and Franklin have an “Odd Couple” experience. And Garibaldi descends into chaos. That’s all…
This episode reveals Londo’s two sides: the insightful one and the ignorant one. We discuss whether Londo should be more aware of the sabotage against him and come away with different conclusions. We also get into conspiracy theories, emotional lash-outs and the search for rock bottom
Secrets between Delenn and Sheridan provide fodder for discussion — was it a power move? An emotional move? A biased move? Meanwhile, Garibaldi’s problems with addiction lead to a huge loss; Londo is canceled; and Lyta and G’Kar form an interesting alliance.
Patrick’s “WTF Chart” shifts as two questions arise: How can Delenn be so ignorant of the dynamics of her relationship with Lennier, and where is Lise? But we also see the good sides, with Captain Montoya running Ranger training, G’Kar preaching complicated lessons and Vir both earning a promotion and refining his sword fighting techniques.
Bester has groupies — intern groupies — and they’re just one part of a tapestry of lies weaved by the Psi Corps. As we peer into a “day in the life” of Bester, we see a culture of cover-ups and deceit that leads to a death, leaving everyone except Franklin feeling antagonistic.
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