Babylon 5 (TV Series) The Ragged Edge (1998) User Reviews

Not bad, but also not much accomplished

[planktonrules · 6/10 · 20 June 2007]

This is a decent episode but not one in which much is resolved--and in many ways it's like filler. The episode begins with Garibaldi still feeling sorry for himself and using alcohol--even though he's an alcoholic and even though this topic has been explored a little too often on the show (with him and the doctor). When he goes on an undercover mission to find out about who is nearly causing the alliance to fall apart, because he is drinking and lets his guard down, he makes some HUGE mistakes. This plot didn't do a lot for me.

On the other hand, I did like the plot involving G'kar. Apparently his writings that he's been working on so patiently for the last two years were secretly published without his consent. As a result, G'kar must accept his new and unwanted position as a religious sage, best-selling author and philosopher. I loved how his character changed and grew so much throughout the series and this is a great direction for this lovable guy.

JMS buried the lede

[Mischief810 · 8/10 · 24 September 2014]

"Andy K" delivers a powerful performance in this episode's subplot. While the main plot line of Garibaldi's alcohol-induced mistakes is good, it's Katsoulas who steals the show in this one.

In journalism, "burying the lede" means the writer and editor failed (or deliberately intended not to) bring the most important part of the story up front. That, I think, is the case in this episode.

Unlike the buffoon character of Londo, the character of G'Kar has developed quite well in this series. He's a tough guy, but he's not without his intellectual, philosophical and even religious qualities.

Katsoulas was such a fine actor, and he really does show his range in this episode. Even though this installment can be properly described as a filler, and even though this episode shows that the budget for the series was getting close to empty, it's still well acted and well worth watching.

Andy K, we're gonna miss ya.

Filler episode? I think not.

[glornt · 9/10 · 25 August 2020]

First of all, the show needed a break from the "Telepath War" storyline; this is the only sense in which this might be considered "filler".

In addition to being a break from the telepath soap opera, however, this episode advanced the ongoing mystery of who is behind the "raiders". Despite Garibaldi's mission failure, the alliance leaders learn something very important, and in a very interesting way. This was well done.

If anything, it's the G'Kar subplot that, while entertaining, would more properly be considered filler than Garibaldi's mission, but even here, a possible turning point in the way the Narn look at other species is hardly insignificant.

Overall, this was an excellent episode. It is likely that coming after the end of an intense mini-arc some may see it as "filler", but it definitely advances the main "raiders" story line as well as providing insight into one of the show's main characters (and species).