Babylon 5 (TV Series) The Fall of Centauri Prime (1998) User Reviews

A personal favorite

[dagnalljulia · 9/10 · 25 January 2020]

This is probably the strongest episode of season 5, and one of my personal favorite episodes of the series. It really showcases the kind of character growth that is possible in a series with this kind of commitment to a continuous story arc, since we get to see, not only major players, but minor characters get a chance to shine. The Regent's final speech is especially moving, since this character was more or less a joke whenever he appeared in previous seasons, the kind of slightly-out-of-touch flunky you expect to find close to positions of power, but even he gets a great moment as he highlights the tragedy of what the Centauri have become in their quest to recover past glory. There's a lot going on, so it's definitely worth multiple viewings, and if you get the opportunity the DVD commentary for this episode with the series creator is well worth watching

Very good!!

[tom992 · 10/10 · 6 April 2021]

Very good episode, but they should've made an entire season out on this story arc about the centauri.

A sad chapter for Londo's character

[InfiniteJesterII · 9/10 · 26 July 2022]

This episode was very good, but it was indeed saddening to see what had happened to Londo. The notion of the Drakh being the puppet-masters of the emperor, and, of course, having all the power in the world yet not having any choices, is pretty depressing to see. It is heartbreaking to see Londo used in the way that he is in this episode, that he has no choice in anything he does. Even the way Peter Jurrasik portrays Londo conveys a sense of sadness and fatigue, a sense of utter defeat. It was quite sad to see this character, who we knew and loved and, sometimes, hated across the 5 seasons of this show turn into this, a mere puppet of scheming masters. Jurrasik's performance, as I touched upon earlier, is simply astonishing. It's touching, bleak, and probably the height of his acting.

I think that this episode ties the mysteries of this season up pretty well, but there are still many unresolved things. That being said, I am aware of a novel trilogy based on the notes of JMS that expands and resolves this arc, and I am looking forward to reading it, as I really feel that some of the threads are unresolved.

A great way to tie everything together

[planktonrules · 9/10 · 23 June 2007]

A lot takes place in this episode and there's barely enough time to breath since the action comes so quickly and you are on th edge of your seat. Throughout the first half of season five, BABYLON 5 has been a big disappointment, as there wasn't much purpose or suspense. It was obvious that this was originally planned as a four season series and the fifth one was hastily slapped together when Turner Broadcasting unexpectedly renewed it. Fortunately, the dull episodes abated for a while and this one is well worth seeing.

While I can't say too much (this would spoil several excellent surprises), the exact power behind the war and why they are doing it is finally revealed. Now Mollari's reaction to this does seem awfully strange, but the WHO and WHY is truly interesting and surprised me a bit.

At the same time, two major events are unfolding. The attack on Centauri Prime begins and the White Star Fleet are unable to stop them. Additionally, Delenn and Lennier are lost on route to Minbar as a result of an attack by a Centauri ship.

The key to this episode is action and suspense--something sorely lacking in much of season five.