Last episode

topic posted Wed, December 13, 2006 - 7:51 AM by  Aisha
I've been watching the whole series on DVD and finally reached the final episode last night. I understand that it was filmed at the end of the 4th season, before they knew there would be a 5th. However, so many loose ends were not tied up--the keeper in the vase Lando gave Sheridan and Delenn, Bester and Lita, G'kar & Lando, the Dracs on Centauri Prime. From what I understand of JMS, he's a bit of a control freak so I'm surprised all this stuff was left in the air. Or is it? Are there movies that answer these questions? (I saw the one with Lando narrarating the story, and he had Delenn in a cell, then G'kar kills him in the end.)

So just wondering...
posted by:
Aisha
Philadelphia
  • Re: Last episode

    Wed, December 13, 2006 - 10:53 AM
    My understanding is that these questions are answered in the books; more specifically, the Psi Corps trilogy and the Centauri trilogy. But as I have not managed to get through the third Psi Corps book or the first Centauri book, I can't say for certain.
    • Re: Last episode

      Wed, December 13, 2006 - 6:48 PM
      The Centauri trilogy answered many questions...including what happened to a couple of Londo's wives & Vir.
  • Re: Last episode

    Sat, December 16, 2006 - 7:02 PM
    Most of these issues are resolved in the Babylon 5 books, which I have read. To elucidate, without spoiling the surprise:

    The Keeper in the Centauri vase is dealt with in the Centauri Prime Trilogy (AKA Legions of Fire), written by Peter David (based on an outline by JMS). The final book, Out of the Darkness, deals with the death of Londo and the ascension of Vir (and his bride, whose identity will floor you!). It is in this series that Vir's allies help him deal with the Drakh.

    Bester was scheduled to appear in an episode of Crusade. I've read the script, and it was dynamite! Bester's final fate is dealt with in the book, Babylon 5: Final Reckoning: the Fate of Bester, which according to my computer is still in print.

    Lyta Alexander was supposed to be in a flashback secene during an episode of Crusade, showing her final death in an atomic blast during the Telepath War, but problems developed during negotiations, and another telepath was used. Her passing is mentioned by G'Kar in the TV movie, "To Live and Die in Starlight", which was going to be the pilot for a new series called, "Legends of the Rangers". Alas, it never materialized. Hollywood can be so stupid sometimes.

    There are an awful lot of Babylon 5 books out there, and all of them have to pass muster with JMS (thank god!), because they are part of the official timeline. So, read, and enjoy!

    • Re: Last episode

      Tue, December 19, 2006 - 7:39 PM
      The Legend of the Rangers did make it to pilot form and unofrtunately it sucked. There were able to convince Adreas Katsulas to reprise G'Kar and he was the best part of the show. There was some potential but the script was poor and the characters unconvincing. I don't know if anyone was "to blame" for the train wreck that show was, but it died the death it deserved. I was greatly disappointed at the time as I was looking forward to new B5-universe adventures. I was hoping for something similar to Crusade which had good actors, interesting plot lines, and a lot of potential.
      • Re: Last episode

        Wed, December 20, 2006 - 7:25 AM
        G'kar was such an amazing character. I think the friendship between him and Lando was one of the most poignent relationships on television.
        • Re: Last episode

          Wed, December 20, 2006 - 9:51 AM
          "I think the friendship between him and Lando was one of the most poignent relationships on television."

          I couldn't agree more.

          I loved the scene in the episode from Season 5 that followed around the two station mechanics (I can't remember the ep.name offhand, which is irritating) where the two mechanics were watching G'kar and Londo argue, and one of them commented about them appearing to be married.
          • Re: Last episode

            Wed, December 20, 2006 - 10:38 PM
            The episode in question was titled, "A View from the Gallery", which was written by none other than Harlan Ellison. The two maintenance personnel were Bo and Mack, played by Lawrence LeJohn, and Raymond O'Connor, respectively.

            That episode was pure Ellison--ordinary men on the streets, in the midst of history, and their perspectives; ironic humor (the price of Spoo has risen at the end of the episode!), and unabashed ironic humor.

            I thought the funniest part of that was when the targeting system on B5's weapons console has given out in the middle of the battle, and they call Mack in to fix it. He does, in the nick of time, of course. But the problem? Not a baffling technobabble explanation (such as Star Bleech would do), but cockroaches in the circuitry! Priceless!

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