"Babylon 5" No Compromises (1998)

User Rating:

7.6/10   

Director:

Janet Greek

Writers:

J. Michael Straczynski (creator)
J. Michael Straczynski (writer)

TV Series:

"Babylon 5" (1994)

Original Air Date:

21 January 1998 (Season 5, Episode 1)

Genre:

Action | Drama | Sci-Fi

Plot:

Captain Lochley arrives just as preparations are underway for Sheridan's swearing in ceremony as the President of the newly formed Interstellar Alliance. Telepaths arrive seeking a sanctuary while they search for a home world. |

Plot Keywords:

Space | Space Station | Saga | Cult Favorite | Futuristic

Cast

Bruce Boxleitner	...	President John Sheridan
Jerry Doyle	...	Michael Garibaldi
Mira Furlan	...	Delenn
Richard Biggs	...	Dr. Stephen Franklin
Bill Mumy	...	Lennier (credit only)
Tracy Scoggins	...	Capt. Elizabeth Lochley
Stephen Furst	...	Vir Cotto (credit only)
Jeff Conaway	...	Zack Allan
Patricia Tallman	...	Lyta Alexander (credit only)
Peter Jurasik	...	Londo Mollari
Andreas Katsulas	...	G'Kar
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Joshua Cox	...	Lt. David Corwin
Anthony Crivello	...	John
Robin Atkin Downes	...	Byron
Tim Eyster	...	Simon
Mauricio Mendoza	...	Ranger

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Trivia:

This season was produced under a new network (TNT rather than the WB). The show had a reduced budget and a shorter shooting week to help cover costs.

Quotes:

[first lines]
Man: [over radio] This is Earth Alliance Destroyer Acheron. We've got your package.

A better than expected transitional episode

*** This comment may contain spoilers ***

Considering that the character Ivanova just left the show and this is the first episode of season 5, my expectations for this particular episode were pretty low. After all, the major plots of seasons 3 and 4 were completed and no major conflicts seemed to be brewing as this season began. In fact, much of this is probably due to the expectation that there would not be a fifth season and writer, Straczynski wrapped everything up nicely in the previous season. However, despite all this, this was a very good episode because there was genuine tension and a good plot--not just an introduction of a new character (Captain Lochley).

The episode begins with Lochley arriving aboard B-5. Fortunately, not too much time is spent devoted to getting to know her character, as the plot begins to explode and little time is spent dawdling about her arrival. Sheridan is awaiting his inauguration as the President of the Galactic Alliance and G'Kar is beside himself trying to come up with the perfect oath Sheridan will take for the office. However, even this is interrupted when a crazed psychopath begins taunting Sheridan--leaving messages that he will murder the President-elect! This made the episode very tense and at the ceremonies it all came to a dramatic head.

Well written, exciting and fast-paced--this is a very good episode indeed.