Babylon 5: The Lost Tales (Review)

One of the recurring tropes of Babylon 5 is faith, or lack of faith. Series creator J. Michael Straczynski (hereafter called "JMS" so I don't have to keep copying and pasting) is a self-professed atheist, yet he has an uncanny knack for exploring religion and faith with great insight and understanding, to the point that many fans refuse to believe he is an atheist.

This is another one of those stories, which in the hands of just about anyone else would have been godawful (think Star Trek V). Here, it works. A crewman is possessed by a demon... or is he? Almost convinced, Colonel Lochley gives in and calls a priest -- who, in private, is struggling with his own faith. Alan Scarfe is excellent as Father Cassidy (right).

All three actors pull off this horror/psychological drama very well, playing out one of JMS' favorite tropes: clashing worldviews between 2-3 people trapped in an elevator or jail cell. In fact, it's a pity Tracy Scoggins didn't often get scripts like this on the original show; she seemed quite convincing in this role.

While the production itself is shoestring, mostly taking place in a few small rooms, I think the story is right up there with "Gethsemene" and "Deathwalker."

Some fans weren't impressed, since a good chunk of this episode is Galen being ominous and mysterious to Sheridan on a completely black soundstage. (Minbari cruisers seem to cut costs when it comes to lighting and furniture... the Grey Council didn't even get to sit down.)

I loved this episode, for one simple reason: Keegan Macintosh, Prince Vintari of Centauri Prime (right), is terrifyingly convincing as the son of Emperor Cartagia. Yes, that's right, fruits-and-nuts megalomaniac Cartagia. Every now and then, Macintosh does or says something that triggers a heartfelt, "Eeee!" from any B5 fan.

Let's back up. The basic plot is simple: Londo has sent the prince as Centauri Prime's representative to Babylon 5's celebrations of the tenth anniversary of the Interstellar Alliance. Vintari is a young, handsome, slightly spoiled aristocrat, but with an endearing manner. Yet there is something a little off about him. Then Galen shows up to warn Sheridan that... oh, I'm not going to spoil the plot further, but it's one of those "damned if you do, damned if you don't" impossible choices that always seem to land on Sheridan's lap. As usual, he chafes against the black and white options he's given.

It's a tiny, short story that begs for a sequel. You question whether Sheridan made the right choice. You wonder if it worked or not. You wonder if this is the last straw which will cause Delenn to beat Sheridan with a pike. And that is right and proper Babylon 5.

The extras I liked most are the poignant tributes to Richard Biggs-Dawson (Dr. Franklin) and Andreas Katsulas (G'kar), including one last bit of eloquent G'kar wisdom that JMS quotes in regard to Katsulas. It's worth hearing.

There are also good interviews with J. Michael Straczynski, Bruce Boxleitner, Tracy Scoggins, and Peter Woodward, profiles of various Babylon 5 characters, and a behind-the-scenes diary with JMS which I confess I have not watched.

Each of these episodes is only 30 minutes long. They are snacks, not feasts, but as such, I found them tasty.

I think some fans of Babylon 5 may enjoy this DVD for what it is: a couple B5 short stories set in the authentic Babylon 5 style (as opposed to the disjointed style of Crusade). Other fans may not be satisfied, because they are not full episodes.

Personally, I enjoy them about as well as the above-average, but not the best episodes of Babylon 5. They are certainly better than most of fifth season, excluding Day of the Dead. I have watched them twice and will watch them again.

For the price, Babylon 5: Lost Tales is worth watching, or at least adding to your Netflix queue. Or pick up a used copy on eBay.