[Episode Written By: Fiona Avery]
(6/24/99)
[Episode Written By: Fiona Avery]
(6/24/99)
Galen takes the crew for a ride deep into unknown
jump-space where the crew encounters an ancient burial monument, and loses
Gideon's trust in the process. Matheson confronts a telepath with
the knack for scanning thoughts he shouldn't.
This type of episode has been done countless times in science fiction: a ship goes into unknown territory in search of a mystical place. Although its been seen before, the spin put on this version was interesting. There was some nicely written dialogue and this episode marks the second straight "talkie," but the B5 universe never bores when the writing is this good. Look for an odd alien mating ritual that made me think immediately of the TNT rumors of "sex" being introduced into the series. I know its a stretch, but I couldn't help thinking it.
We are still waiting for the ENTIRE main cast to be used together in one episode. And I'm still not sure why Lockley is even in the opening.
The Excalibur is getting cooler by the second. It seems to be
larger and larger each episode. In the pilot and first ep's we saw
very little of the craft and it frankly seemed cramped. Gave you
the impression that the bridge took up 25% of the ship (just from visual
perspective). But here we are introduced to horizontal elevators,
as well as a number of other facilities (including a training room and
a dining area). Now the question is: what's not on the ship.
MUSIC: (2 STARS)
One word: better. Although softer, haunted tones are still needed. A lack of diversity is apparent.
ACTING / CHARACTERS: (4 STARS)
Nicely done all around. Can't recall one moment where an actor flubbed a line. Galen (Peter Woodward) has to be the king of pronouncing words fully. Ain't it great. Gideon (Gary Cole) is growing on me real quick. Not sure specifically who he reminds me of. Could there be a perfect mix between Sheriden and Sinclair there? Could be! Max (Brooks) seems like he could be a good villain eventually, but has yet to get an episode to demonstrate his acting range. Sort of reminds you of the Dr. from Lost in Space. Something tells me he is going to cause a lot of trouble.
Gideon seems to be a avid poker player.
Nothing original plot wise here. One man's search for the equivalent of perfection, hidden deep in the cosmos. Seen it done in movie form in Star Trek V. Didn't like it then, but did like it here for some reason. However, we did get a lot of info on what makes the main characters tick and what their weaknesses may be. B5 dialogue at its best. Is was a little scetchy what the rock Galen used to find the well was for. Was it part of the well that acted as a beacon or something entirely different.
Not much CGI to show for in this episode. The jellyfish-like hyperspace aliens were cool and original. But I was very disappointed in the background around Galen when he was in the sanctuary. It yelled "BLUE SCREEN." But the Excalibur hanging in the background made the scene for some reason. Perhaps because its the first time we've seen it from that perspective.
