The episode begins as you see a plot by Lord Refa and Londo unfolding to wrest control of the Empire once the aging Emperor dies. This is a very complex and evil bit of scheming and it all comes together thanks to their evil machinations and the help of the scarier-than-the-Devil Mr. Morden! At the same time, the Emperor is coming to B-5. Why is uncertain, but G'Kar is sure he will finally have a chance for revenge for all the years of Centauri rule--he will murder the Emperor! There is MUCH more to the episode than this and the plots go MUCH deeper, but I don't want to spoil the surprises. The bottom line is that the episode is jam-packed full of surprises, irony and suspense. And, on top of all this, it sets the entire Shadow War into motion--which after this episode begins to unfold in earnest. Trust me--it's THAT'S good!! While not the very best episode of the season (this is the final episode of season 2), it's sure close! This is one you've gotta see.
5 Reviews
Peak 90s TV.
GraXXoR15 March 2023
One of the top episodes of the whole series. We get to see so many aspects of what made this show such an absolute torchbearer for the times.
The storyline is even more relevant today in 2023 than it has ever been and hit with such a poignancy that I honestly felt a lump in my throat.
This is Peak 90s TV... Emotional yet forthright and filled with allegory to the brim... And there is one single quote within this episode that, for me at least, defines the whole series.
You will absolutely know the quote I'm talking about when you hear it and will, like me, perhaps, never forget it.
Aahedfdoiauhfq9iuhewrtofiuqhrfoiaurhfoaipsuuhfokasjdhfo.
The storyline is even more relevant today in 2023 than it has ever been and hit with such a poignancy that I honestly felt a lump in my throat.
This is Peak 90s TV... Emotional yet forthright and filled with allegory to the brim... And there is one single quote within this episode that, for me at least, defines the whole series.
You will absolutely know the quote I'm talking about when you hear it and will, like me, perhaps, never forget it.
Aahedfdoiauhfq9iuhewrtofiuqhrfoiaurhfoaipsuuhfokasjdhfo.
There is a LOT going on in this one!
wms-927415 March 2023
Warning: Spoilers
This is the best episode to this point of Babylon 5.
The Centauri emperor comes in failing health to Babylon 5 on a personal mission to create a new era of peace between the Centauri and the Narn. Unfortunately, the political aspirations of some in high Centauri society along with the manipulation of Londo Mollari by Mr. Morden interfere with the dying emperor's hopes and instead a new war begins between the two races.
Mr. Garibaldi confirms there is a hitherto unknown race out there, which we know as the Shadows. Sinclair sends a message to Garibaldi about the existence of the rangers. Sinclair also sends a message to Delenn.
There's a metastory to Babylon 5, a grand space opera spanning the first four years of the series to begin with and then extended beyond. This episode is a critical piece in that grand story, an absolute must-see for that reason. It's also wickedly enjoyable.
The greatness of Babylon 5 for fans of science fiction is founded on episodes like this one. 10/10.
The Centauri emperor comes in failing health to Babylon 5 on a personal mission to create a new era of peace between the Centauri and the Narn. Unfortunately, the political aspirations of some in high Centauri society along with the manipulation of Londo Mollari by Mr. Morden interfere with the dying emperor's hopes and instead a new war begins between the two races.
Mr. Garibaldi confirms there is a hitherto unknown race out there, which we know as the Shadows. Sinclair sends a message to Garibaldi about the existence of the rangers. Sinclair also sends a message to Delenn.
There's a metastory to Babylon 5, a grand space opera spanning the first four years of the series to begin with and then extended beyond. This episode is a critical piece in that grand story, an absolute must-see for that reason. It's also wickedly enjoyable.
The greatness of Babylon 5 for fans of science fiction is founded on episodes like this one. 10/10.
The acting and the special effects are great
dream_voyager29 June 2006
This episode is a real interesting one:It' s about the visit of the Centauri Emperor on B5,who were not able to control events that were done in his name.The Centauri nobles know that he will soon die .... and they want his throne.Londo Mollari,the assigned Centauri ambassador to B5 was asked by Lord Refa,one of the most prestigious nobles of the Centauri Republic to help him to get the Imperial Throne.He reluctantly agreed.He asks the agent of the mysterious Shadows,Mr. Morden to order their mates,the Shadows to help the Centauri fleet to wipe out the Narn colony near the Centauri border.Mr. Morden helps with pleasure.Meanwhile,G' Kar,the assigned ambassador of the Narn Regime was ordered by his government to assassinate the Centauri Emperor,not knowing that he wants to give back the territories to the Narns that were stolen by the Centauri.In the end,the Emperor collapses before the ceremony,and at the end of the episode,he dies.G' Kar was told by Dr. Stephen Franklin about the Emperor' s true intentions,so G' Kar meet with Mollari,and have a drink with him.After the Centauri attack on the Narn colony become known G' Kar feel that he was both betrayed by Mollari and the Emperor.So,despite the the the fact that the Emperor wants peace war will break out between the Centauri and the Narn.The Emperor has to die knowing that his good intentions were failed. The special effects are great,as do the acting:the elegy of the Emperor,the insidious nature of Mr. Morden and Lord Refa,and Andreas Katsulas as G' Kar with changing emotions,and Londo as a being full of fears,lust for power and determination are the things which make this episode a real good one.
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