Babylon 5 (TV Series) Babylon Squared (1994) User Reviews

Although a tad confusing, this episode is super-important to the series

[planktonrules · 9/10 · 5 January 2007]

When you watch this episode, understand that SOME of it might be a bit confusing. That's because you are given a small glimpse of what is occurring and in season 3, this SAME episode is repeated but from an entirely different perspective--giving you a fuller picture of what is occurring. Once again, the genius of the series' main writer Michael Scraczynski shines through, as he plotted many story elements and weaves them in and out of various episodes--never forgetting the loose threads and expertly bringing all these elements into one giant tapestry. This really is something no other sci-fi series has ever done. While other sci-fi shows may be a recurring plot, I have never seen a show like B-5 where even small characters play important parts in later shows.

In this episode you learn that the previous station, Babylon 4, disappeared without a trace a few years earlier. Now, for some odd reason, B-4 reappears and seems to be stuck in some time shift. So, Sinclair and his team assemble a rescue mission to evacuate the old station before it vanishes again, as it's re-appearance is very unstable. While the quirky character of Zathras and the odd and surprising ending may confuse you, please bear with it. The episode is still exceptional and you will later learn in season 3 just how amazing and exceptional it really is when all the mysteries of the episode are revealed.

Babylon 5--Babylon Squared

[Scarecrow-88 · 9/10 · 6 April 2013]

I think sometimes it does take a little time for those involved in the evolution of a television series to build confidence in their capabilities at storytelling. You have episodes like "TKO" and "Grail" which are okay but remind us that there was a time when the status quo in a typical sci-fi series was accepted on Babylon 5. Then you watch "Babylon Squared" and realize what those involved in the storytelling process of this series are capable of. This was exactly what I want in a sci-fi series to keep me hooked. Lay a groundwork that hints at events of an extraordinary kind: such as "a Great War", Sinclair being involved in a time "distortion" (including a creature from the future named Zathras (who speaks in third person) who warns of fighting and death and potential for great peace, along with someone in a space suit, sacrificing himself for the welfare of others, just appearing before Sinclair, Garibaldi, and members of the B4 crew), and, most importantly, the discovery of the vanished Babylon 4 station that had disappeared without a trace. The B4 is temporarily visible at a certain sector being hit by tachyon emissions, and this is a crucial time for Sinclair and members of a squadron assigned the task of getting all the people off the station before it is caught in another time distortion and vanishes again. As we see at the beginning, a time distortion as it happens can kill (an officer goes to the sector when the B4 re-emerges, returning with his insides "aged" to 90 while he still appears externally 30 years old), so Sinclair and Garibaldi need to make the evacuation happen before this joker returns. A subplot has Delenn returning to the religious caste, Grey Council, informed by the other members that she is chosen to be their leader. Delenn doesn't feel her place is leader of the Grey, instead opting (much to their dismay and disapproval) to return to B5 because she feels the prophesy hasn't been fulfilled and it involves her. She also considers humans ripe for potential in achieving great things once they realize what they're capable of accomplishing due to passion and perseverance. Sinclair's role in the future is also recognized here as it pertains to "the one" (as described by Zathras), regarding the suddenly appearing person in the space suit. When the helmet is removed and we see who "the one" is, it only fuels curiosity (particularly the age of the person, and a hand that touches his shoulder, consoling him because "they didn't heed his warning") and encourages interest in seeing where the series goes as it continues. Planting seeds is what multi-faceted series should do, expecting its audience to come along for the ride. I think this episode does just that.

The return of Babylon 4

[Tweekums · 9/10 · 9 September 2018]

When a tachyon emission is detected in a remote sector of space a fighter is dispatched to investigate; it returns on auto-pilot; its pilot has died; apparently of old age. A distress call is then received; apparently from Babylon 4; the station that just disappeared four years previously. Sinclair and Garibaldi lead a mission to rescue the crew. Once on board Babylon 4 they each witness flashes of other times and meet an alien named Zathras who explains that the station is being taken by 'The One' to be used in a great war; whether in the future or the past he doesn't know. While all this is going on Delenn departs Babylon 5 alone and heads to a meeting of the Grey Council where she is offered a promotion which, if she accepts it, will mean never returning to Babylon 5.

This is a top notch episode which tells us much more about how Babylon 4 came to vanish as well as suggesting important things to come; especially when we learn the identity of 'The One'. The way Babylon 4 appears and disappears gives a real sense of urgency to the rescue mission and Zathras's words just add to the mystery; one can only assume that certain details will be returned to at a later date. The story involving Delenn is more than just padding; as one watches one can't help wondering if she will really be leaving Babylon 5 and even after the resolution certain questions remain. Not everything about the episode is serious though; we are treated to an amusing prologue where Sinclair and Garibaldi play a prank of Ivanova. Overall this was another really solid episode; the series is really getting into its stride.

This is where it really starts to get interesting....

[pdavis68 · 10/10 · 22 March 2008]

This episode is the beginning for me, of the genius of this show. Earlier in the season, up to about episode 18, there's not a terribly consistent story being told. It's as if Straczynski is still trying to figure the characters out but has no long term plan. But the real story begins in episode 18. What makes episode 20 genius however, is the connections. By this point, Straczynski has clearly mapped out the next two and possibly three seasons. This episode is retold in season 3 from the point of view of the characters a year and a half in the future.

I've seen shows that flash forward a few episodes and possibly even a following season. But to introduce connections beyond that shows real vision on the part of Straczynski. These kinds of connections continue on for the following 3 seasons and for me, they are what make the show one of the best sci-fi series I've seen.

Sadly, when the series originally ran, I watched the first few episodes of season 1 and dismissed it as a sci-fi show with lousy CGI, mediocre stories and mediocre acting. If I had held on through the entire season, I would have been hooked as I was when I finally sat down and forced myself through it.

Great

[VenVes · 23 July 2018]

Super interesting and exciting episode with some mysterious revelations. Unlike some, I won't tell you what season to expect connections/updates and surprises in, because then the surprise would be ruined for you like it was for me by reading that other individual's review. Watch spontaneously and enjoy.

A Fascinating Retelling of Slaugterhouse Five

[AntoineMDevine · 10/10 · 22 February 2019]

In Kurt Vonnegut's penultimate novel, we are introduced to Billy Miner, who is "unstuck in time," and is able to simultaneously observe all points in the space-time continuum. He received this gift (or curse, depending on how you view it) from an alien race called the Tralfamadorians, who experience life in four dimensions. This plot device is masterfully employed in Babylon Squared, an episode that launches B5 from being another interesting sci-fi series into classic status, setting off events that are revealed throughout the remainder of it's epic 5-year run. Both Babylon 4 and Zathras, who we meet for the first time, are unstuck in time. Like Billy Miner, Zathras seems to be in many places at once as the show progresses, though he is depicted as being one of ten brothers with almost the same name. Like Billy, Zathras knows when he is going to die. "Zathras' place is with the One Who Was. We have - a destiny."

Now I'm going to have to read Slaughterhouse Five again.

If you doubted that this was going anywhere...

[ctz-1 · 10/10 · 31 March 2024]

If you doubted that this was going anywhere, this is proof that there is a big overarching story at work. Back then when this was first shown, I was just amazed that you would have a TV series with a continuing plot and a story like this. This just used to not be a thing back then - a TV show would reset to status quo each week. Babylon 5 has continuing stories and character development all through season 1 but it could be missed if you did not pay attention. Certainly not here - this shows that there is a plan. Rewatching this 30 years ago it's still fantastic because the way it is written and plays out in the context of the series is still amazing even compared to modern series. One of the best episodes of Babylon 5 and I would assume one of the most important episodes in TV history.