Alien wormy things are taking over Lurkers, much to Marcus’ chagrin. Ivanova invites Corwin up for coffee, but it’s not what he was expecting.
(Originally Aired on February 12, 1996)
Written by J. Michael Straczynski
Directed by Kevin G. Cremin
| B5's Little Instruction Book |
| SHOPKEEPER: Thinking flowers is good. Giving flowers is better. |
MARCUS: For the record, if they kill me, this was not a good idea. |
SAMUEL: Maybe we all need to wake up, become special, before it's too late. |
GUEST STARS
James Warwick -- Matthew Duffin
Aubrey Morris -- Duncan
Joshua Cox -- David Corwin
WATCH OUT FOR
* What is real. This episode refers to three common substances which are either real or synthetic. Franklin wishes for more actual Markab blood, instead of the synthetic substitute they must otherwise use. Corwin buys synthetic roses for Ivanova, despite the high cost. Ivanova offers Corwin real coffee, as opposed to the imitations served elsewhere.
* An orange glimpsed. Garibaldi tosses an orange into the air as he speaks with Marcus, but we never see him return the fruit. Did the station’s Chief of Security just swipe a piece of fruit?
ANALYSIS
Whom can we trust? As momentum builds in Babylon 5‘s third season, issues of trust assume center stage. The promotion of David Corwin to full lieutenant gives us a chance to see a test of loyalty played out before things get especially crazy.
Sheridan must know if Corwin can be trusted, and so he sends Ivanova to investigate. It’s clear, though, that Ivanova has no desire to being doing so. This kind of sneaking is not her strength.
This part of the story plays comically, though. Corwin, a background figure who remained nameless until "
", steps into the spotlight, and he thinks that his invitation to Ivanova’s quarters is to be something much more personal. A date.
Corwin’s wrong about Ivanova, though, and he knows it immediately. It seems that she really did invite him up for coffee -- real coffee from the hydroponic garden -- but love has nothing to do with it.
His discomfort at the mistake comically balances Ivanova’s concern when she realizes that Corwin is loyal to Earth, no matter what the brass back home may order him to do.
He's not a suitable candidate for being brought into the conspiracy of light. Later, as Sheridan eyes the lieutenant, Ivanova shakes her head "no."
[uplink]
With a wordless moment of tension, this gesture prepares us for the three-episode sweep in which Babylon 5 goes into open revolt.
COMING UP NEXT
"Messages from Earth"
Martial law declared.
Shadow ship on Ganymede
In jail, G’Kar sings.
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