Group Watch: Acts of Sacrifice

[SmileOfTheShadow]

This one was a very jarring emotional episode as you watch G'Kar go from angry, to desperate, to having hope, to losing it and completely breaking down and back again. Andreas is just amazing. I believe that more and more each time I watch any episode that features him. Knowing all of what happens in the future here, it's even more tragic to watch as the major races all stand by and do nothing at this juncture. So many points where the entire conflict of the show could have been stopped if someone was strong enough to think outside the box early on.

This also features one of the funnier moments in the show, as Ivanova and the Lumati do it "human style." I'd been anticipating watching this episode specifically for that moment. Claudia must have just been thinking "wtf?" while reading the script for this one for the first time.

Another crack up moment is how enthused the Lumati ambassador becomes when he sees down below, seeing it as a sign of "superiority". Just really amusing. Having that light-hearted b-plot of Ivanova's diplomacy is really necessary for this episode since the other plot is so heavy. It creates a balance that makes babylon 5 truly wonderful. So many shows try to take the "dark" route and forget to include something to clear the pallete from time to time, which is really too bad for most shows.

That's all my thoughts. Your turn.

[NotSoWize]

Yes, this is a great G'kar episode. I'm really glad that I have the script books this time through. It was very interesting to see just how detailed JMS was with Ivanova's "human style" dance/chant/whatever with the Lumati. I agree, she had to be questioning JMS sanity when she first saw the script, but she gave it the old college try.

I'm not sure the G'kar crying/laughing scene after meeting with Sheridan and DeLenn really worked for me, even after reading the description in the script book. I could do some more nitpicking, but overall this is a pretty strong episode in my book.

[Babylon5fan07]

A great G'Kar episode indeed. Andreas again one of the most dignified actors in the world. Claudia Christian also a great job with the Lumati stuff.

For me though the most touching moments in this episode that people rarely talk about is Garibaldi and Londo. This really shows that even though Londo is going down the dark road that we all know at the same time we still love him. Forgive me for referencing Star Wars but Londo is like Anakin becoming Darth Vader. We hate Darth Vader for what he does but at the same time we also know that he was once human like us going through emotions and experiencing everything in life including love so we also love him. Darth Vader is still rated the #1 villian in all television or cinema history but we can see a comparison of Londo paralleling the same road. Anyways back to what I was talking about..Seeing Garibaldi having a drink with Londo at the end of the episode even though Londo has done so much bad he's still someone you want to hang out with. I know I would love to have a day with Londo.

But that's mostly what I wanted to point out in this episode.

Alex

[SmileOfTheShadow]

For me though the most touching moments in this episode that people rarely talk about is Garibaldi and Londo. This really shows that even though Londo is going down the dark road that we all know at the same time we still love him. Forgive me for referencing Star Wars but Londo is like Anakin becoming Darth Vader. We hate Darth Vader for what he does but at the same time we also know that he was once human like us going through emotions and experiencing everything in life including love so we also love him. Darth Vader is still rated the #1 villian in all television or cinema history but we can see a comparison of Londo paralleling the same road. Anyways back to what I was talking about..Seeing Garibaldi having a drink with Londo at the end of the episode even though Londo has done so much bad he's still someone you want to hang out with. I know I would love to have a day with Londo.

Oh yeah! I forgot about that when posting it. That definitely was a highlight of the episode, and one of the more touching moments in the show. But...I don't think Londo is comparable to Darth Vader. I don't really think that was Garibaldi *wanting* to hang out with him either, but more of a pity move, honestly.

[Babylon5fan07]

Oh yeah! I forgot about that when posting it. That definitely was a highlight of the episode, and one of the more touching moments in the show. But...I don't think Londo is comparable to Darth Vader. I don't really think that was Garibaldi *wanting* to hang out with him either, but more of a pity move, honestly.

I think that's what makes Babylon 5 a great show..JMS did so much in this show that fans can make their own judgments. I think that even though I still disagree with you at least the show was made for people to make their own judgements. I honestly believe If I was actually in Garibaldi's shoes I would want to still have a drink with him just because of what he has gone through in a couple years already. We all know that at first Londo is a party hardy down to earth, fun and funny guy and then of course we see him slowly going down the path. Oviously I can't say too much here due to spoilers but still I would rather hang out with Londo at his worst than other people at their best. And of course more will be said about this conversation as the series goes on. Now as far as Vader I guess here we have to agree to disagree..I guess it's kind of my own little interpretation. Yes B5 is not SW but for someone like my wife who hasn't really caught on the show as much as I hoped I use this reference to kind of see if there is some spark to interest her more. I'm just really hoping by the time we get done by the end of the 3rd season and end of the 4th season she will appreciate this show more and actually discuss it but I guess it's wait and see.

Alex

[jal]

This also features one of the funnier moments in the show, as Ivanova and the Lumati do it "human style."

that scene rates as Cringe Factor 9 on my scale... absolutely loathe it and always skip that bit... ALWAYS.

rest of it is good.

[Morden]

Forgive me for referencing Star Wars but Londo is like Anakin becoming Darth Vader. We hate Darth Vader for what he does but at the same time we also know that he was once human like us going through emotions and experiencing everything in life including love so we also love him. Darth Vader is still rated the #1 villian in all television or cinema history but we can see a comparison of Londo paralleling the same road.

Actually, I've always loved Darth Vader of course as a cool villain, but I've always HATED Anakin (at least the prequel-Anakin...). Just as must as I loved the iceberg and hated DiCaprio in "Titanic"...

[SmileOfTheShadow]

that scene rates as Cringe Factor 9 on my scale... absolutely loathe it and always skip that bit... ALWAYS.

rest of it is good.

Haha...I could see that. I gues you have to be in the mood.

You just happen to "get a headache" when it comes up...

Puns intended.