Babylon 5 (TV Series) Acts of Sacrifice (1995) User Reviews

Wonderful character development

[commctrl · 9/10 · 24 July 2006]

I think this episode in particular is the greatest episode for both G'Kar and Londo's characters with some stunning performances by Peter Jurasik and Andreas Katsulas.

We begin to see Londo's regret for what his choices have brought him, a galaxy where he is respected and feared. With some brilliant acting by Peter Jurasik, we see Londo rethinking his "all glory to the Republic" mindset when he finds out what he might lose.

G'Kar starts to realize how much his own personal hatred will cost his people, indeed how hatred costs everyone who hates. We also see G'Kar start to lead his people away from their blind rage, at the request of Captain Sheridan.

The subplot of Ivanova's interaction with the new alien race, while entertaining, could've done without the sex scene awkwardness. I wonder how many takes it took before nobody laughed.

Critical Character Development

[Eradan · 9/10 · 20 February 2022]

"Acts of Sacrifice" is the episode in which both Londo and G'Kar really begin to emerge as great, tragic figures. This one is also deeply tied into the larger plot arc of the Shadow War.

I would rate this ep a '10' if it wasn't marred by a vulgar sub-plot involving Susan Ivanova and a horny alien ambassador. Granted, it was an amusing piece of low comedy but far below the level of the rest of the episode. This material would have been far better included in one of the throwaway, filler eps. As it is, I still rate "Acts of Sacrifice" a nine on the IMDb scale.

More series filler

[planktonrules · 7/10 · 8 January 2007]

Once again, much of the episode concerns the struggle between the Narn and Centauri. In this case, not a whole lot is actually accomplished, as the episode really was written to set the stage for future conflicts between them. It helps the plot along, but no particular resolution is seen in this episode.

In addition, as a comedic break, there is another plot involving Ivanova being given the task of welcoming and discussing possible relations with an incredibly arrogant race. These arrogant beings are SO full of themselves that they refuse to even talk to any other species without an intermediary because the aliens are, in their estimation, probably inferior! Their smugness is appalling and throughout the episode I kept wondering if all the trouble Ivanova went through was worth it considering what jerks these aliens were!! However, oddly things do work themselves out in a VERY peculiar and unexpected fashion (to say the least).

While not a great episode, it's good for a laugh or two and is worth seeing.

Great

[VenVes · 25 July 2018]

More screen time for both Londo and G'Kar, but with an interesting turn for both characters. We see some welcome development here, making sense within the context of the narrative. Some surprising and funny moments to be found, especially concerning another character.

Couldn't stand it

[Mischief810 · 3/10 · 10 September 2014]

I rarely write scathingly negative reviews. But this episode can be skipped without remorse. It is awful.

Frankly, I find Londo to be the most irritating character in this entire series, followed closely by G'Kar. To have an entire episode again focus on the relationship between these too buffoons is just. too. much.

One of the reasons why this "franchise" only lasted five seasons and never resulted in spin-offs is because of episodes like this.

The comedy of the love scene featuring the lovely Ivanova was the only redeeming feature of the entire episode, and I have to wonder if it wasn't written in post-production to save this dismal exploration of Londo and G'Kar.