Derided by some reviewers as a "filler" that does nothing to advance the story arc, this episode nonetheless provides an engaging exploration of the topics of faith and justice.
While most viewers will figure out by the end of Act 2 that Brother Edward was serial killer Charles Dexter before being sentenced to "death of personality" and being mind-wiped, that secret was not intended to be hidden from the viewer. We know the truth before everyone (except Brother Theo) so that we can share in his confusion and ultimate anguish when he discovers the truth.
Brad Dourif is memorable in this role for the measured, nuanced portrayal of a man with a terrible past who cannot reconcile that past with his newfound moral conscience. The script wisely avoids tropes like Edward talking to his evil former self in a mirror, or wild histrionics as he loses his grip on reality. Edward remains Edward, calmly using the skills he was taught by the Order to discover the hidden truth and then, repentant for his crimes and unable to forgive himself, submits himself for judgement to those who seek his death.
The "death of personality" sentence was mentioned in previous episodes and the mechanics and aftermath of that obvious alternative to capital punishment gets good exposition here. Edwards killer confesses and apparently is judged, mind-wiped, and accepted into the Order (as Brother Malcolm) by the final act which is a bit jarring and an unrealistically speedy course of events. There was an opportunity missed here to delay that shock by introducing Malcolm a few episodes later and working him into a plot twist somewhere but JMS was writing EVERY episode by this time so you can't fault him for wanting to tie up loose ends that weren't part of "The Arc."
This episode was also noteworthy for the respectful inclusion of faith as a major focus of the plot. You will not see this anywhere on television these days. It is possible the mere mention of religion was enough to raise the hackles of some reviewers. I think the idea that the future should be devoid of faith or spirituality is a bit silly. This is J Michael Straczynski's universe after all. Viewers who don't like it should go and try to create their own.
While most viewers will figure out by the end of Act 2 that Brother Edward was serial killer Charles Dexter before being sentenced to "death of personality" and being mind-wiped, that secret was not intended to be hidden from the viewer. We know the truth before everyone (except Brother Theo) so that we can share in his confusion and ultimate anguish when he discovers the truth.
Brad Dourif is memorable in this role for the measured, nuanced portrayal of a man with a terrible past who cannot reconcile that past with his newfound moral conscience. The script wisely avoids tropes like Edward talking to his evil former self in a mirror, or wild histrionics as he loses his grip on reality. Edward remains Edward, calmly using the skills he was taught by the Order to discover the hidden truth and then, repentant for his crimes and unable to forgive himself, submits himself for judgement to those who seek his death.
The "death of personality" sentence was mentioned in previous episodes and the mechanics and aftermath of that obvious alternative to capital punishment gets good exposition here. Edwards killer confesses and apparently is judged, mind-wiped, and accepted into the Order (as Brother Malcolm) by the final act which is a bit jarring and an unrealistically speedy course of events. There was an opportunity missed here to delay that shock by introducing Malcolm a few episodes later and working him into a plot twist somewhere but JMS was writing EVERY episode by this time so you can't fault him for wanting to tie up loose ends that weren't part of "The Arc."
This episode was also noteworthy for the respectful inclusion of faith as a major focus of the plot. You will not see this anywhere on television these days. It is possible the mere mention of religion was enough to raise the hackles of some reviewers. I think the idea that the future should be devoid of faith or spirituality is a bit silly. This is J Michael Straczynski's universe after all. Viewers who don't like it should go and try to create their own.