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 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.