User Reviews

This episode was written by the legendary Neil Gaiman, writer of my favorite comic book series The Sandman, and, when I first heard he wrote an episode, I eagerly anticipated it. It didn't quite live up to my expectations, but it was a good episode as a whole, considering Gaiman wasn't particularly versed in Sci Fi writing at the time (he went on to write for Doctor Who in the Moffat era.)

The plot is solid, the concept of the dead returning pretty cool. We get to see some backstory unfold, too, as each character has a person from their memory return from beyond the veil (at least to them.)

I enjoyed the premise, and it was a nice self-contained exploration of the Brakiri culture and of the backstories of the main characters.

Season five for Babylon 5 was, generally speaking, a disappointment. As the Shadows AND the Earth had been defeated, there were no enemies when the season began and the episodes just seemed to be in limbo--probably because originally there wasn't even supposed to be a fifth season.

This episode had nothing to do with the future direction of the show AND it featured a very annoying and unfunny role for the comedy team of Penn & Teller. I am really surprised, as they usually are a rather edgy team. Here, they just seem....stupid. Despite all this, it was still a major improvement in the show over the last couple episodes.

The main focus of the show is an alien form of Day of the Dead, but instead of it being like the Mexican version (which is a day of remembrance), something WEIRD happens on the ship and magical apparitions occur involving the departed. Pretty odd but also interesting and at least it doesn't involve the dull and hippie-like telepaths from episodes 6 and 7!

The Brakari "rent" a section of Babylon 5 - Which "becomes" part of the Brakari Homeworld for all intents and purposes. Literally AND Figuratively - Much to the chagrin of Garibaldi and Lockley, who just could NOT kick back and enjoy it! All I know, is if I were there, I'd be happy to talk to whoever is brought back - And I would not waste as much time as Garibaldi wasted - Especially with that woman, who he did not get to Boff before she was killed in action.

Even Poor Lennier, had an opportunity to pick the mind of Mr. Morden - But in some ways, Lennier was a SNOB, and was a victim of his own Minbari Religion. Kind of like, a bunch of my Friends who are the same way - Too religious to really take advantage of anything.

I like the premise, and the way the ep unfolds. Very good writing, very JMS - Even though it was written by Comic Book veteran Neil Gaiman. One of the best Season 5 B5 Eps.