BABYLON 5 REMASTERED: A Retrospective and Rewatch Thread!

[OutOfBoose]

Spoiler

Random thought on Centauri emperors - I forgot to mention it back then, but the first emperor we met had, like, normal hair. The only Centauri I've seen with that. And then the new one has his cut short and Londo claims its unusual for someone of his standing. Did I miss something there? Also, this new one feels a bit to OTT evil for this show so far, imo.

Spoiler

Long absurd hairdos is a status thing. The old emperor had a wig (because he's naturally bald), which he discarded when he decided to go to B5. He said all these customs and status lose their significance when you're older. The new emperor is a madman and decided to introduce a new rule - shorter version of hair for high-ranking people of Centauri Prime. Thus Londo, who's all about old-fasioned customs and the old empire, comments on that. Cartagia even mentions that short hairdo allowed him to visit places not suitable for someone of high rank.

 

[flickchick85]

Spoiler

Long absurd hairdos is a status thing. The old emperor had a wig (because he's naturally bald), which he discarded when he decided to go to B5. He said all these customs and status lose their significance when you're older. The new emperor is a madman and decided to introduce a new rule - shorter version of hair for high-ranking people of Centauri Prime. Thus Londo, who's all about old-fasioned customs and the old empire, comments on that. Cartagia even mentions that short hairdo allowed him to visit places not suitable for someone of high rank.

Thank you! I must have missed that bit of dialogue with the old guy, which was the cause of my confusion. Probably got up to fix some food or something, lol.

 

[DKDetective]

Spoiler

Ok yeah, I can see what you're saying about Earth. Still...wouldn't wanna live there, lol.

Lyta hasn't made much of an impression on me either way thus far, but I at least like that she and Talia are very different characters.

Not American, but Michael York was another pleasant surprise since I made that post.

Kosh. Too soon. New Kosh isn't nearly as lovable so far, lol.

PROTECT VIR AT ALL COSTS. Londo can still rot.

Garibaldi really does give off those late '80s/early 90's Bruce Willis vibes, and it ain't just the hair.

Am now on Season 4, Episode 3.

Spoiler

The new uniforms are a huge improvement.

I figured the way they kept talking about Valen, that we'd somehow end up meeting him through time travel or something, but I did not call someone we already know becoming him. That was some great payoff to Babylon Squared and Sinclair's whole arc.

The Shadows' motivations, if they were serious about them (and not just saying what they thought would manipulate Sheridan), sorta remind me of an intergalactic version of the League of...well, Shadows. Interesting way of viewing what the Vorlons are doing, though. And perhaps not entirely inaccurate.

Random thought on Centauri emperors - I forgot to mention it back then, but the first emperor we met had, like, normal hair. The only Centauri I've seen with that. And then the new one has his cut short and Londo claims its unusual for someone of his standing. Did I miss something there? Also, this new one feels a bit to OTT evil for this show so far, imo.

With respect to Jerry Doyle giving off Bruce Willis vibes, his first role in Hollywood was on the show Moonlighting as a within-story potential Bruce Willis. There is a scene were the network is looking to recast Willis' role, since he has gone missing, and the studio lobby is filled with a bunch of Bruce Willis lookalikes... Guess who is in the front of the line:



There is also a hilarious story from Boxleitner on one of DVD episode commentaries where he tells how his neighbours were all wondering why Bruce Willis was coming over every week to play tennis and wondering how the two Bruces became such good friends... Obviously it was actually Jerry Doyle.

Spoiler

Totally get you on Earth. Just like how I wouldn't want to live in the US unless I was super rich.

Ah yes, Michael York. Good times.

Yeah, I love the independent B5 uniforms. However, I still love the original EarthForce ones with all of their retro-futuristic 1940s fighter pilot elements.

I know it breaks the rule of showing, not telling, but I do so love the montage of moments from Sinclair's life leading to him becoming Valen right before he goes in the Chrysalis. Just seeing all of these hints and moments going back to season 1 and the pilot line up perfectly with the WTF twist that JMS pulls as the show reaches its climax... it's just

JJ, Lindelof, and even Ron Moore, could learn a lot from JMS about how to do the mystery box properly and actually pay it off with satisfying reveals.

You can in-store for some wonderful Vir excellence in the coming episodes. God, I love Vir.

What did you think of the season 3 finale, Z'Ha'Dum? I really love that episode and Sheridan's pure badassery at the end. Have you finished s4ep3 or just starting? Cuz the end of that episode is possibly my favourite B5 moment of all time.

Yeah, new Kosh not same as the old Kosh. (sorry, couldn't resist The Who pun. @InCali seems to be rubbing off on me.)

@OutOfBoose aptly summarized the Centauri hair thing. The bigger and more well kept the crest of hair, the higher the Centauri's rank and status traditionally. Which is why Londo's hair becomes better kept as he gains power and descends into darkness. Emperor Turhan had gone bald with old age and in accordance with his humility decided to forego a wig. In contrast, Emperor Cartagia cuts his hair short like a commoner in defiance of tradition and the whole Royal Court follows him being sycophants.

I think Cartagia's sadism and "evilness" is quite fitting. B5 has always been a very historical show, drawing heavily from historical people, events, and cultures for inspiration. In accordance with the Centauri's Roman influences, Cartagia is B5's version of a mad Roman emperor like Caligula or Nero, who were brutally sadistic and evil. (Nero allegedly started a fire that burnt much of Rome to the ground and killed thousands, just so that he could clear space for a new palace.) One of them also was supposed to be a puppet for the Praetorian Guard to gain power from the shadows, the Guard arrogantly thinking they could control the emperor. I guess it can be a bit of a stranger than fiction situation.

 

[Snow Queen]

@flickchick85 and @InCali, heads-up, the missing scenes from the end of Babylon Squared and the start of The Hour of the Wolf have been restored on HBO Max! Just have to wait for it to filter down to the rest of us on iTunes, YouTube, and Microsoft!

Maybe there is some wisdom in @DarthSkywalker and @Snow Queen more leisurely pace, they get to watch the full, corrected episodes!

 

[DKDetective]

Well, whatever they did, they screwed it up. At least on my end. The audio is wildly out of sync (like, the video starts with the "previouslies," but the audio starts with intro narrations), making it unwatchable. I've restarted the app 3 times and same thing. It's just that episode, though, I've checked. Thank goodness for my Vudu copy!

EDIT: So it ain't just me...

Darn, that sucks. I read something about that, but when first reported, the fans experiencing it thought it was because they were watching the episode when the update was occurring because it was fixed later for them. Yeah, it seems to be an issue with some of the HBO Max playback options.

On a positive note, the fact that they fixed the issue so quickly is a real positive. My understanding was the remaster was done by Warner Archives and it was a labour of love for those involved (ie. they did it on a shoestring budget and for minimal pay). In light of that, the minor QC issues aren't too bad considering this is a rather niche, low budget sci-fi series with the remastering not promising much in terms of revenue. They had to regenerate all of the episode title cards, hence the typo "The Long, Twlight Struggle" (sic).

S4 E13.

Uh. Things are getting weird. If I didn’t like this show a lot, I’d say things could be going off the rails.

Oh, how so? You are actually entering into my absolute favourite B5 story arc... Also, you just watched JMS get away with the most pro-same sex marriage depiction on TV at the time...

Spoiler

Notice how in "Racing Mars" Franklin and Marcus get fake IDs as a married couple? Also notice how everyone treat two dudes being married as a non-issue that does not even need to be commented on? Pretty damn progressive for American TV in 1997. Also, if you check any of the restaurant or casino scenes, 10% of the background extras are depicted as same sex couples. JMS couldn't get away with expressly making any of the main cast LGBT+, but he peppered in what he could when he could. Eg. he couldn't outright state that Talia and Susan were romantically together in season 2, but it is pretty clear to anyone paying attention at all to Divided Loyalties.

 

[InCali]

GD it @flickchick85 !!! What episode are you on?

 

[InCali]

Darn, that sucks. I read something about that, but when first reported, the fans experiencing it thought it was because they were watching the episode when the update was occurring because it was fixed later for them. Yeah, it seems to be an issue with some of the HBO Max playback options.

On a positive note, the fact that they fixed the issue so quickly is a real positive. My understanding was the remaster was done by Warner Archives and it was a labour of love for those involved (ie. they did it on a shoestring budget and for minimal pay). In light of that, the minor QC issues aren't too bad considering this is a rather niche, low budget sci-fi series with the remastering not promising much in terms of revenue. They had to regenerate all of the episode title cards, hence the typo "The Long, Twlight Struggle" (sic).

Oh, how so? You are actually entering into my absolute favourite B5 story arc...

It's staying interesting for sure, but I miss

Spoiler

The Shadows. I foresee a twist with Garabaldi.

 

[DKDetective]

It's staying interesting for sure, but I miss

Spoiler

The Shadows. I foresee a twist with Garabaldi.

You replied before I finished editing my post about a really cool part about where you are at...

Also...

Spoiler

What's wrong with the Mars Resistance, the Minbari Civil War, the Earth Civil War, and the rise of the Drakh?

Super quality material. You are sounding like one of those lame people who were happy they cut the Scouring of the Shire from Return of the King.

 

[InCali]

You replied before I finished editing my post about a really cool part about where you are at...

Also...

Spoiler

What's wrong with the Mars Resistance, the Minbari Civil War, the Earth Civil War, and the rise of the Drakh?

Super quality material. You are sounding like one of those lame people who were happy they cut the Scouring of the Shire from Return of the King.

If it were up to me, the Lord of the rings movies would’ve been a faithful recounting of what really happened.

 

[InCali]

@flickchick85 is cruel. She likes my post but won’t answer my question and leaves me hanging. lol

 

[flickchick85]

@flickchick85 is cruel. She likes my post but won’t answer my question and leaves me hanging. lol

I went to sleep and and just started watching again, so I'm only on episode 5.

 

[OutOfBoose]

You are actually entering into my absolute favourite B5 story arc...

Right? Second half of season 4 is probably my most favorite part in the entire series.

 

[flickchick85]

It's staying interesting for sure, but I miss

Spoiler

The Shadows. I foresee a twist with Garabaldi.

There had better be a

Spoiler

Goddamn Garibaldi twist.

 

[InCali]

There had better be a

Spoiler

Goddamn Garibaldi twist.

Spoiler

I predicted one earlier but you shall see

Finished S4. Could have ended better with E 21 than 22, but I see what they were trying to do.

 

[DKDetective]

Spoiler

I predicted one earlier but you shall see

Finished S4. Could have ended better with E 21 than 22, but I see what they were trying to do.

E 22 was a last minute addition. As mentioned, they thought they were cancelled at the end of season 4 so what was shot as the original s4e22 is the series finale, which aired as s5e22. They got picked up at the last minute for season 5 so JMS had to write something to fill the final episode slot and they actually shot it during season 5 production. I really enjoy Deconstruction of Falling Stars, but yeah it is a weirder episode and not what you expect as a B5 season finale after such big plot moments/cliffhangers the previous seasons.

S4E20 is probably my favourite B5 episode.

 

[DKDetective]

Right? Second half of season 4 is probably my most favorite part in the entire series.

Yep, No Surrender, No Retreat, The Face of the Enemy, Intersections in Real Time, Endgame, and Rising Star are all so freaking awesome.

 

[flickchick85]

With respect to Jerry Doyle giving off Bruce Willis vibes, his first role in Hollywood was on the show Moonlighting as a within-story potential Bruce Willis. There is a scene were the network is looking to recast Willis' role, since he has gone missing, and the studio lobby is filled with a bunch of Bruce Willis lookalikes... Guess who is in the front of the line:



There is also a hilarious story from Boxleitner on one of DVD episode commentaries where he tells how his neighbours were all wondering why Bruce Willis was coming over every week to play tennis and wondering how the two Bruces became such good friends... Obviously it was actually Jerry Doyle.

That's great. And the resemblance is not just in the way he looks, either - it's even in the way he talks.

Spoiler

Totally get you on Earth. Just like how I wouldn't want to live in the US unless I was super rich.

Ah yes, Michael York. Good times.

Yeah, I love the independent B5 uniforms. However, I still love the original EarthForce ones with all of their retro-futuristic 1940s fighter pilot elements.

I know it breaks the rule of showing, not telling, but I do so love the montage of moments from Sinclair's life leading to him becoming Valen right before he goes in the Chrysalis. Just seeing all of these hints and moments going back to season 1 and the pilot line up perfectly with the WTF twist that JMS pulls as the show reaches its climax... it's just

JJ, Lindelof, and even Ron Moore, could learn a lot from JMS about how to do the mystery box properly and actually pay it off with satisfying reveals.

You can in-store for some wonderful Vir excellence in the coming episodes. God, I love Vir.

What did you think of the season 3 finale, Z'Ha'Dum? I really love that episode and Sheridan's pure badassery at the end. Have you finished s4ep3 or just starting? Cuz the end of that episode is possibly my favourite B5 moment of all time.

Yeah, new Kosh not same as the old Kosh. (sorry, couldn't resist The Who pun. @InCali seems to be rubbing off on me.)

@OutOfBoose aptly summarized the Centauri hair thing. The bigger and more well kept the crest of hair, the higher the Centauri's rank and status traditionally. Which is why Londo's hair becomes better kept as he gains power and descends into darkness. Emperor Turhan had gone bald with old age and in accordance with his humility decided to forego a wig. In contrast, Emperor Cartagia cuts his hair short like a commoner in defiance of tradition and the whole Royal Court follows him being sycophants.

I think Cartagia's sadism and "evilness" is quite fitting. B5 has always been a very historical show, drawing heavily from historical people, events, and cultures for inspiration. In accordance with the Centauri's Roman influences, Cartagia is B5's version of a mad Roman emperor like Caligula or Nero, who were brutally sadistic and evil. (Nero allegedly started a fire that burnt much of Rome to the ground and killed thousands, just so that he could clear space for a new palace.) One of them also was supposed to be a puppet for the Praetorian Guard to gain power from the shadows, the Guard arrogantly thinking they could control the emperor. I guess it can be a bit of a stranger than fiction situation.

Spoiler

The S3 finale was great but the middle of the season felt more epic and finale-like to me.

I'll just say I'm glad Cartagia didn't last long, as he was too cartoonish for my tastes, and felt like he belonged in a different show. Not his actions so much as the performance.

The end of episode 3 was where they learned the Vorlons destroyed a planet right? If so that was indeed a chilling moment.

I'm on S4 episode 18 now.

Spoiler

I have mixed feelings on the wrap-up of the Shadow War. They and the Vorlons seemed like proper endgame threats. I knew we'd come back to the Earth threat eventually, but I thought Earth would come in to complicate matters at the worst possible time in the Shadow War or something. The "defeat" of the Shadows and the Vorlons felt a bit rushed and...almost easy to me compared to what I was expecting. And after ancient beings with vast armies and powers/tech we barely understand to the point of us viewing them as gods, Earth/humans as a main threat feels like...a bit of a downgrade, tbh. But it's still compelling, of course.

Which brings me to Garibaldi. I figured there was a twist coming, but I thought it would turn out to be latent programming from the Shadows, not the Psi-Corps. That was a cool reveal, though.

The last few eps have been really good.

 

[DKDetective]

That's great. And the resemblance is not just in the way he looks, either - it's even in the way he talks.

Spoiler

The S3 finale was great but the middle of the season felt more epic and finale-like to me.

I'll just say I'm glad Cartagia didn't last long, as he was too cartoonish for my tastes, and felt like he belonged in a different show. Not his actions so much as the performance.

The end of episode 3 was where they learned the Vorlons destroyed a planet right? If so that was indeed a chilling moment.

I'm on S4 episode 18 now.

Spoiler

I have mixed feelings on the wrap-up of the Shadow War. They and the Vorlons seemed like proper endgame threats. I knew we'd come back to the Earth threat eventually, but I thought Earth would come in to complicate matters at the worst possible time in the Shadow War or something. The "defeat" of the Shadows and the Vorlons felt a bit rushed and...almost easy to me compared to what I was expecting. And after ancient beings with vast armies and powers/tech we barely understand to the point of us viewing them as gods, Earth/humans as a main threat feels like...a bit of a downgrade, tbh. But it's still compelling, of course.

Which brings me to Garibaldi. I figured there was a twist coming, but I thought it would turn out to be latent programming from the Shadows, not the Psi-Corps. That was a cool reveal, though.

The last few eps have been really good.

Yeah...

Spoiler

Yeah, I can totally get why one would prefer the middle of season 3. It is a wonderful arc and JMS totally deserved his Hugo for Severed Dream.

Okay, I can understand that about Cartagia. However, he did give Vir a wonderful hero moment.

WIth respect to the end of episode 3, yeah, that is the moment when they learn that the Vorlons destroyed a planet, but I moreso meant Sheridan's return. I just love that scene and his epic speech soo sooo soooo much.
"Captain, we thought you were dead." "I was. I'm better now."

Which is why I loved when the great Babylon 5 simulator/Captain Sheridan RPG, Mass Effect, copied that dialogue exchange verbatim, along with a lot of other B5 moments.

Yeah, I can totally understand the criticism that the Shadow War wrapped up too quickly. It was supposed to go to the middle of season 4 if not for the fear of cancellation due to the network going under. Nevertheless, I still find the ultimate resolution satisfying. I don't think they should have had success by force of arms. That would not have been consistent with the powers of the Vorlons and Shadows. I enjoy that it was an ideological conflict with a philosophical resolution, but it could have benefitted from a bit more flushing out.

With respect to Garibaldi, I really love that episode and the whole twist. Just to clarify, well, it was Shadow conditioning, just the Psi-Corps was able to twist it to their own ends. I'm not sure if you recognized the Psi-Cop who was overseeing Garibaldi's programming, it was Harlan Ellison himself. Also, the scene with Garibaldi and Bester in the monorail car is just chilling.

Yeah, I can totally get why the Earth War might feel like a downgrade after the Vorlons and the Shadows. However, I feel like it is more satisfying for me. It's a very personal conflict. Brother against brother filled with intrigues and betrayals. While it is not for everyone, I really enjoy how the main characters have to spend the final season and a half dealing with the mess left behind by the Shadows and Vorlons.

 

[InCali]

That's great. And the resemblance is not just in the way he looks, either - it's even in the way he talks.

Spoiler

The S3 finale was great but the middle of the season felt more epic and finale-like to me.

I'll just say I'm glad Cartagia didn't last long, as he was too cartoonish for my tastes, and felt like he belonged in a different show. Not his actions so much as the performance.

The end of episode 3 was where they learned the Vorlons destroyed a planet right? If so that was indeed a chilling moment.

I'm on S4 episode 18 now.

Spoiler

I have mixed feelings on the wrap-up of the Shadow War. They and the Vorlons seemed like proper endgame threats. I knew we'd come back to the Earth threat eventually, but I thought Earth would come in to complicate matters at the worst possible time in the Shadow War or something. The "defeat" of the Shadows and the Vorlons felt a bit rushed and...almost easy to me compared to what I was expecting. And after ancient beings with vast armies and powers/tech we barely understand to the point of us viewing them as gods, Earth/humans as a main threat feels like...a bit of a downgrade, tbh. But it's still compelling, of course.

Which brings me to Garibaldi. I figured there was a twist coming, but I thought it would turn out to be latent programming from the Shadows, not the Psi-Corps. That was a cool reveal, though.

The last few eps have been really good.

I thought 19-21 were really outstanding.

 

[InCali]

Yeah...

Spoiler

Yeah, I can totally get why one would prefer the middle of season 3. It is a wonderful arc and JMS totally deserved his Hugo for Severed Dream.

Okay, I can understand that about Cartagia. However, he did give Vir a wonderful hero moment.

WIth respect to the end of episode 3, yeah, that is the moment when they learn that the Vorlons destroyed a planet, but I moreso meant Sheridan's return. I just love that scene and his epic speech soo sooo soooo much.
"Captain, we thought you were dead." "I was. I'm better now."

Which is why I loved when the great Babylon 5 simulator/Captain Sheridan RPG, Mass Effect, copied that dialogue exchange verbatim, along with a lot of other B5 moments.

Yeah, I can totally understand the criticism that the Shadow War wrapped up too quickly. It was supposed to go to the middle of season 4 if not for the fear of cancellation due to the network going under. Nevertheless, I still find the ultimate resolution satisfying. I don't think they should have had success by force of arms. That would not have been consistent with the powers of the Vorlons and Shadows. I enjoy that it was an ideological conflict with a philosophical resolution, but it could have benefitted from a bit more flushing out.

With respect to Garibaldi, I really love that episode and the whole twist. Just to clarify, well, it was Shadow conditioning, just the Psi-Corps was able to twist it to their own ends. I'm not sure if you recognized the Psi-Cop who was overseeing Garibaldi's programming, it was Harlan Ellison himself. Also, the scene with Garibaldi and Bester in the monorail car is just chilling.

Yeah, I can totally get why the Earth War might feel like a downgrade after the Vorlons and the Shadows. However, I feel like it is more satisfying for me. It's a very personal conflict. Brother against brother filled with intrigues and betrayals. While it is not for everyone, I really enjoy how the main characters have to spend the final season and a half dealing with the mess left behind by the Shadows and Vorlons.

Pretty much agree with you on everything. Didn't especially like S4 E22 (as you know), but can understand it. I'm really not feeling it for S5 and may back off the gas pedal......plus it gives me an excuse for @flickchick85 blowing by me like a hurricane over Miami.

 

[DKDetective]

Pretty much agree with you on everything. Didn't especially like S4 E22 (as you know), but can understand it. I'm really not feeling it for S5 and may back off the gas pedal......plus it gives me an excuse for @flickchick85 blowing by me like a hurricane over Miami.

The first half of season 5 is weaker and more standalone, but there is still some really solid episodes like The Very Long Night of Londo Mollari and especially Day of the Dead (written by Neil Gaiman).

But the B5 you know and love is back by episode 13.

Episodes 16-19 are especially good. Then there is the series finale, which is just so very special. Just a wonderful epilogue and character piece.

It takes place 20 years after the end of season 3.

 

[InCali]

The first half of season 5 is weaker and more standalone, but there is still some really solid episodes like The Very Long Night of Londo Mollari and especially Day of the Dead (written by Neil Gaiman).

But the B5 you know and love is back by episode 13.

Episodes 16-19 are especially good. Then there is the series finale, which is just so very special. Just a wonderful epilogue and character piece.

It takes place 20 years after the end of season 3.

Hrmmmppphhhh.

I’m feeling threatened.
@flickchick85 is responsible for this

InCali: Are you on E6 or only 5?

Flick: Well, to tell you the truth, in all this excitement, I’ve kinda lost track myself. But being this is a 65 inch screen, the most high resolution screen in the world, and would blow your eyeballs right out of the back of your head, you've got to ask yourself one question: Do I feel lucky?

InCali: (Drops question and surrenders) I gots to know.

Flick: E11

InCali: ARRRGGGHHH.......(Sent to everlasting hell)


TheEnd

 

[InCali]

The first half of season 5 is weaker and more standalone, but there is still some really solid episodes like The Very Long Night of Londo Mollari and especially Day of the Dead (written by Neil Gaiman).

But the B5 you know and love is back by episode 13.

Episodes 16-19 are especially good. Then there is the series finale, which is just so very special. Just a wonderful epilogue and character piece.

It takes place 20 years after the end of season 3.

Spoiler

The eye thingys on the neck I bet

 

[flickchick85]

Yeah I'd say episodes 17-21 of S4 were probably the best run of eps I've seen of the show thus far.

On episode 8 of S5, where I will probably stop for the evening.

Spoiler

S4 was so clearly meant to be The End. S5 totally has that "yeah we didn't expect this season to exist" feeling, BUT that's not necessarily a bad thing. Their approach to this season so far reminds me of Angel S5, which just happens to my favorite season of that show, so I can dig it. That extra episode at the end of S4 was just weird, though.

And the Random Actors from Lois & Clark continue! VERY good to see Tracy Scoggins, as I always felt her Cat Grant was the biggest loss in the changes that show made from S1 to S2. Penn & Teller are a less welcome sight from the L&C guest-star bin. I did predict since they made a kinda big deal about "Rebo & Zooty" in a previous episode that we might see them (or their show) at some point.

My joy in seeing Scoggins was immediately dampened by the realization that she's meant to be Ivanova's replacement. No bueno! Why bring her back from the brink of death only to send her away?!?!

Byron and his telepath cult and his romance with Lyta are boooooooring. But at least it seems like it might be setting up something more interesting.

I liked that "View from the Gallery" episode. Reminded me of Buffy's "The Zeppo," albeit less comedic.

"Day of the Dead" is a nice change of pace, too.

 

[InCali]

Yeah I'd say episodes 17-21 of S4 were probably the best run of eps I've seen of the show thus far.

On episode 8 of S5, where I will probably stop for the evening.

Spoiler

S4 was so clearly meant to be The End. S5 totally has that "yeah we didn't expect this season to exist" feeling, BUT that's not necessarily a bad thing. Their approach to this season so far reminds me of Angel S5, which just happens to my favorite season of that show, so I can dig it. That extra episode at the end of S4 was just weird, though.

And the Random Actors from Lois & Clark continue! VERY good to see Tracy Scoggins, as I always felt her Cat Grant was the biggest loss in the changes that show made from S1 to S2. Penn & Teller are a less welcome sight from the L&C guest-star bin. I did predict since they made a kinda big deal about "Rebo & Zooty" in a previous episode that we might see them (or their show) at some point.

My joy in seeing Scoggins was immediately dampened by the realization that she's meant to be Ivanova's replacement. No bueno! Why bring her back from the brink of death only to send her away?!?!

Byron and his telepath cult and his romance with Lyta are boooooooring. But at least it seems like it might be setting up something more interesting.

I liked that "View from the Gallery" episode. Reminded me of Buffy's "The Zeppo," albeit less comedic.

"Day of the Dead" is a nice change of pace, too.

We are seeing this with about the same set of eyes. I’m a few episodes ahead, but will have to take a couple of days off as I’m heading home.