The Long Night

Airdate: January 27, 1997

Episode # : 71

Production # : 405

Guest stars: Wortham Krimmer as Emperor Cartagia and Bryan Cranston as Ranger Ericsson

Episode Plot

The episode opens with a beautiful view of the massive fleet and a personal log entry by Captain Sheridan. Ivanova enters C & C and informs Sheridan of a new Shadow "planet killer." Ivanova and Sheridan are both amazed and terrified, wondering how they can combat the new enemy.

On Narn, Londo meets with a few important members of the Republic and tells them of the need to rid Centauri Prime of the Shadows, and the only way to do that is to assassinate Emperor Cartagia. He makes a VERY good presentation.

Sheridan is sitting in his darkened office when Ivanova enters. She makes a remark that it is amazing how Sheridan was able to mass the entire fleet, especially since most of the ships were fighting each other only a few months before. Sheridan tells her that he doesn't want her with the fleet at first because he needs Lorien and Ivanova to search for more First Ones. Ivanova is extremely upset about the prospect and tells Sheridan the story about her mother's suicide, and how she never expects anyone to keep their promises. She wants desperately to be with the fleet at the end. Sheridan promises, soldier to soldier, that Ivanova will be with the fleet in the end. Ivanova says she has just enough trust in herself to believe Sheridan. John tells her how proud he is of her, and that she has been a very good friend. Ivanova thanks him and leaves.

In the throne room on Narn, Cartagia is enjoying himself with his court jesters and tells Londo that he wants Londo to be his High Priest when Cartagia becomes a god. Londo is not exactly happy about the idea, and excuses himself.

Londo leaves the throne room and makes his way to G'kar's cell, and sees G'kar's eye wound. G'kar says that his eye offended Cartagia. Londo informs G'kar that the execution is set for later in the day. He says G'kar's chains are weakened, and G'kar must only create a diversion while Londo leads Cartagia away from the throne room to kill him. Londo reminds G'kar that if he touches the Emperor, Narn will never be set free.

On Narn, Vir enters Londo's room with a weapon. The weapon appears to be a small rod with jewels on it, but conceals a poison tip that contains a neuro toxin. Vir explains that the toxin must be injected in between Cartagia's two hearts. The toxin will stop his nervous system and hearts, and then it will release an organic sealant to cover up the wound. Vir and Londo share a brief, humorous conversation about how long it will take Cartagia to die, and whether or not he will be able to tell his guards that Londo killed him.

G'kar, weak and shackled, is paraded around with a group of Centauri soldiers. Cartagia explains that G'kar's exectution (vivisection ---- removal of internal organs) will be swift and merciful. He then charges G'kar with murder, sedition, acts of violence, etc., and asks G'kar to plead. G'kar says nothing, but grabs onto his chains and breaks free. A fight ensues and G'kar injures several Centauri soldiers.

Londo tells Cartagia to follow him for his own safety. Cartagia becomes angry and attacks Londo. Londo drops the weapon and cannot find it. Cartagia then puts a strangle hold on Londo and tells him that he can burn with the rest of Centauri Prime. As Cartagia turns to leave, Vir picks up the dagger and stabs Cartagia with it. The Emperor collapses into Londo's arms, while two guards approach.

Londo, slick as ever, tells the guards that "The Emperor has collapsed. We think it is his hearts. Quick we need a doctor."

On Narn, Londo informs members of the Court that Emperor Cartagia has died.

Londo says that "The Emperor believed in heeding the wisdom of the gods. Well, twice the Emperor of the Centauri Republic has died while acting in relation to Narn. Emperor Turhan while trying to make peace, and now Cartagia. I believe that Cartagia would say that this is a sign from the gods. A sign to leave this place forever."

The others in the court agree with Londo. Since Cartagia has no heirs, Londo is nominated to the position of Prime Minister. The others in the court readily agree and bow down to Londo.

In the B5 War Room, Lennier reports that the Shadows have been executing hit and run attacks against Vorlon allied outposts and colonies. During the meeting, Ranger Ericsson, commanding a White Star class ship contacts the War Council and shows them footage of the Shadows planet killer. The weapon drops thousands of thermonuclear missiles onto the planet, which burrow straight down to the planet's core before exploding, breaking up the planet's core.

Garibaldi states that there is no way to compete with the planet killer. Lennier says that the Vorlons plan to attack the planet Coriana 6, and planet inhabited by over 6 billion people. Sheridan orders Ericsson to keep in touch. Sheridan also asks Delenn to convene the league worlds in an hour.

Back on Narn, Londo enters Vir's quarters. Vir has been drinking a lot, and says he wants to drink until he can't see his face in the mirror. Londo tells Vir that he did what was necessary and saved the lives of everyone on Centauri Prime. Vir cannot accept that.

Vir asks Londo "Don't you understand?! I've never done anything like this before! I close my eyes and I always see his face. All I ever wanted was a good job. . . small title, nothing fancy." Londo tells Vir that when he first came to B5, he envied Vir for his innocence. Londo also says that Vir's heart is still a good one because it hurts so much. Vir seems to get a little better.

Outside, the Narn population shoot off fireworks to celebrate their independence.

In the B5 War Room, Garibaldi, Lennier and members of the League watch footage of the Shadow planet killer. Sheridan and Delenn enter. Sheridan explains that the counteroffensive must be launched now in order to protect Coriana 6. He says there are two phases. Phase 1 is to send 1/3 of the fleet to slow down the Vorlon advance and buy a little time. The second phase is to have the Shadows there too. The entire fleet will rendezvous at Coriana 6 and draw the line against the Shadows and the Vorlons. Also, some of the First Ones will be on hand to help the Army of Light. The only problem is that in order to have the Shadows come, a sacrifice must be made. . .

Sheridan, in front of the War Council and the League, contacts Ericsson's White Star. He tells Ericsson that 4 additional White Star's have been sent to join him. Their orders are to enter Shadow space and attack a small outpost, hoping for a counterattack.

Sheridan uplinks a file to Ericsson on a subchannel. The file contains information on a base that has been established on Coriana 6. But, if the Shadows get the file, they will attack the base before it goes operational. Ericsson promises not to let the file fall into enemy hands.

Sheridan says "You misunderstand me. We want it to fall into the wrong hands. We want them [Shadows] at Coriana 6 in three days. We're planning a little party for them. But Ericsson, if this information comes too easily, they won't believe it. We need them to believe it's real enough to fight for, real enough to. . . "

In the throne room on Narn, the former Narn POW's are destroying the remains of the Centauri occupation. The Narns are jubilant, believing they drove the Centauri away. They are all ready for revenge, and ask G'kar, who is still weak, and lead them. G'kar says he will not be another dictator, but will only take his place among the Kha'ri if they are restored to power. G'kar is accused of cowardice and asked "What have YOU endured??" G'kar leaves, laughing out loud at the irony of that statement.

Back on B5, Sheridan listens to the battle between Ericsson and the Shadows. He also listens to the final transmission from Ericsson's ship before it is destroyed. Delenn, who has been standing at the door, asks if it is over. Sheridan confirms, and says that it's time to go join the fleet. They leave, and Sheridan enters a :::final::: personal log entry.

Sheridan says "We're going into the heart of the fire. On one side the Vorlons, the other side the Shadows, and us in the middle. Whether any of us will ever come back, I don't know. When I took command of Babylon 5 I found a note on my desk. It was a poem by Tennyson. I still remember the last part of it. -------- 'Though we are not now that strenght which in old days moved Earth and Heaven, that which we are, we are. One equal temper of heroic hearts, made weak by time and fate, but strong in will; to strive, to seek, to find. And not to yield.' "

Sheridan and Delenn enter the bridge on one of the White Star vessels, and the entire fleet, the largest in history, jumps into hyperspace.

Questions

• Why did Sheridan order Ericsson to death in front of the entire War Council?
• How exactly did the Narns get fireworks?? Isn't it reasonable to assume that anything of that nature would have been confiscated??
• Will the Narn attack the Centauri. . . AGAIN??? They will certainly try, since they have never heeded G'kar's advice, but will they ever learn?
• Why did Cartagia say that G'kar's execution [vivisection] would be merciful?? Vivisection boiling in oil, they're both merciful. . . sure.
• Where did Vir get the poison dagger?
• How did Cartagia notice that G'kar's chains were weak??
• Is G'kar's eye wound a lost opportunity for Londo's salvation? Remember, Londo was told that one of his chances for redemption was to "Save the eye that does not see."
• This may be silly, but, since Londo is now Prime Minister, why didn't he send a :::servant::: to fetch Vir??
• During G'kar's procession, why was a Centauri guard beating a drum???
• Where was Marcus this episode? Certainly one would think that this would be an episode he'd be in!
• Why did the Shadows wait so long to relase their planet killer??
• Londo wants to get the Shadows off of Centauri Prime, but HOW???
• G'kar's comment that he "sees better now" certainly doesn't refer to actual vision. So, it does refer to a symbolic vision, but what is that??

Interesting Facts

• Delenn wears her engagement ring AND a new dress during this episode.
• Apparently, the crew on B5 for whatever reason are a little more optimistic. Or maybe it's just me?
• Narn appears to be more devastated than it has in previous episodes.
• This is the first time (and last time) we have seen Cartagia drunk. He's even more dangerous then than he is when he's sober!! --- After all, he executed one of his own servants.
• It's also the first time we've seen Vir drunk. He did a good job acting intoxicated.
• Londo is VERY smooth in the way he handled the guards, and then the Royal Court.
• Garibaldi seemed to be a ::::::little:::::: bit more normal.
• It's possible that Ericsson felt that Sheridan's order was valid, since Sheridan himself "died" at Z'ha'dum, and since Sheridan has "been there and done that," he has the right to order someone to death.
• Not only that, but Ericsson takes it like a man.
• Delenn, although she doesn't mention anything, seems to have accepted John's shortened lifespan of 20 years.
• Londo and Vir weren't being very quiet when they were plotting Cartagia's assassination. It's possible no one would be around to hear them, but they should have been a little more quiet.
• Centauri guards are VERY gullible. Maybe they are hired for their stupidity
• Never mind that, the Army of LIght's fleet is HUGE, but who knows if it is big enough to hold off the Shadows AND the Vorlons. . .

Predictions

• Now that Londo is Prime Minister, he will find a way to rid himself of Mr. Morden.
• The Shadow War is going to end. . . either 1) the fleet will destroy both the Shadows and Vorlons, or 2) the Shadows and Vorlons will kill each other, or 3) the Shadows and the Vorlons will finally pass beyond the Galactic Rim as did the rest of the First Ones.
• It's been hinted at, but something is going to happen to Mr. Garibaldi. Whatever it is, it won't be very good.
• The next few episodes may mark Sheridan's ascension to being "The One" and replacing Delenn.