Ep 17. War Without End (2)
- TV-NR
- May 23, 1996
- 43 min
-
9.4 (909)
War Without End (2) is the 17th episode of the third season of the science fiction television show Babylon 5. In this episode, the character Sinclair returns to the station, having disappeared ten years previously. As Commander Sinclair discovers that he holds the key to a time travel mission that could save Earth, the Babylon 5 crew travel back 1000 years to discover the real truth about the Shadow War and the origins of their enemy. The stakes could not be higher; failure would mean complete and utter destruction of all that they know.
The episode picks up right where the previous one left off. Captain Sheridan and his team have traveled back in time to try to change the course of history. They find themselves in the midst of a major battle that took place a thousand years ago between the Minbari and the Shadows. The battle itself is intense, and the CGI effects are truly impressive even by today's standards. The characters have to rely on all their skills to avoid getting killed and to achieve their objective.
As they make their way through the battlefield, Captain Sheridan and his team realize that they are not the only time travelers there. They encounter Sinclair, who disappeared ten years earlier, and discover that he holds the key to their success. Sinclair is not the same man he was when he left. He has been changed by the experience of traveling back in time and living with the Minbari. The character of Sinclair is fascinating, and throughout the episode, we see him confront the changes he has gone through.
The stakes are high in this episode, and tension builds throughout. The scenes of Minbari and Shadows fighting are epic. They're made even better by the story's depth, which questions the values of war, sacrifice, and honor. The show's use of color is also striking, with purple and red being used to good effect. The time loop story is engaging, and the action deftly handled. As with most of Babylon 5 episodes, this one touches on political intrigues, philosophical and moral issues, religion, and the deeper connotations of power.
The characters in this show are its strength, and in War Without End (2), we see them at their best. We see Sheridan being his typical self, brash and bold, but also compassionate and ready to take risks. Delenn is at her most mystical, and throughout the episode, we see her deepen her relationship with Sheridan. G'Kar is still struggling with his inner demons, and he delivers one of his best lines in the series. Londo is on the sidelines in this episode, but his presence is felt in the larger story.
The episode has several surprises and twists, including a fantastic cliffhanger ending. It leaves fans thinking about what happened afterward, what changes were made and whether they were for the better or for the worse. But even on its own, War Without End (2) is a standout episode, with its thrilling plot, great acting, and excellent visuals.
In conclusion, Babylon 5's War Without End (2) is a standout episode that epitomizes the show's strengths. It has a thrilling plot with epic action scenes, great acting, superb visuals, and an intriguing time travel storyline. The characters we know and love are at the height of their powers, making decisions that will forever change the course of history and their relationships with each other. The episode combines sci-fi, politics, theology, and art to create a powerful and emotionally satisfying viewing experience. Fans of the show will not be disappointed, and even newcomers can jump in and be swept away by the drama.