Ep 21. Comes the Inquisitor
- TV-NR
- October 26, 1995
- 43 min
-
8.0 (880)
In Babylon 5 season 2 episode 21, titled "Comes the Inquisitor," the station welcomes an enigmatic Inquisitor from the Vorlon Empire who arrives to put two of the characters through a test of character. The Inquisitor is known for his ability to strip a person's psyche bare and see everything about them, and he is there to confirm whether or not the two individuals are worthy of fighting the Shadows in the coming war.
As the episode begins, a Vorlon transport arrives dockside with a single passenger, the Inquisitor. He is met by Ambassador Delenn, who tries to gain insight into his mission by asking him questions. The Inquisitor, however, remains reticent and mysterious, speaking in cryptic riddles rather than giving her any straight answers.
Meanwhile, Captain Sheridan is wrestling with the guilt of having failed to stop the Shadows' attack on Z'Ha'Dum, and is being tormented by nightmares as a result. His mood is not helped when he learns that the Inquisitor has arrived on the station, and he is summoned to meet with him.
The Inquisitor explains that he has been sent to test Sheridan's and Delenn's worthiness in facing the Shadows. He tortures both of them, mentally and physically, to test their moral fiber and strength of will. In the process, he draws out dark secrets from their pasts and forces them to confront their deepest fears and doubts.
The climax of the episode is a gripping battle between the Inquisitor and Sheridan, in which the two engage in a mental and physical struggle that tests the limits of their resolve. The Inquisitor's true identity is revealed, and the reason behind his testing is made clear. The outcome of the battle will have far-reaching consequences for the future of the series and the entire Babylon 5 universe.
Overall, "Comes the Inquisitor" is a gripping and thought-provoking episode that explores questions of morality, sacrifice, and what it means to be a hero. The acting is superb, particularly from the actor playing the Inquisitor, who exudes an air of sinister menace and embodies the role perfectly. The episode's themes of inner strength, self-knowledge, and the power of the mind are woven throughout, making for an emotionally resonant and intellectually stimulating viewing experience.