Ep 8. Day of the Dead

In Babylon 5 season 5 episode 8 titled "Day of the Dead," the station is celebrating a holiday where the dead are said to return and visit the living. An alien race known as the Brakiri allow the station to use one of their ships as a portal to the afterlife for the day. During this time, many of the characters encounter loved ones who have passed away.

The episode begins with Lennier attempting to complete a ritual that he believes will contact his late mentor. Meanwhile, Ivanova is busy preparing for the arrival of her father, who is said to be visiting the station. However, she soon learns that her father cannot come as he died a week earlier. G'Kar also sees the return of his father, who was killed in the Narn-Centauri war.

As the day goes on, more and more characters encounter their dead loved ones. Garibaldi's ex-wife, who was killed in a terrorist attack, returns to talk to him. Franklin's father, who died of a drug overdose, also appears.

However, not all encounters are pleasant. Sheridan sees the return of his wife, who he previously believed was dead but was actually being held captive by the Shadows. Their reunion is not what he expected, and he begins to question if she is really who she appears to be.

As the day progresses, the characters learn that the Brakiri portal has been tampered with, and the dead are not returning but rather a group of aliens pretending to be the deceased. The aliens' motives are not entirely clear, and it is up to the crew to stop them before they cause harm.

Throughout the episode, the concept of death and loss is explored. The characters grapple with the idea of seeing their loved ones again and what it means for their grief and closure. Some characters find comfort in their encounters, while others are forced to face tough truths.

Overall, "Day of the Dead" is an emotionally charged episode that deals with the impact of death on the living and the lengths some will go to cope with loss. It offers a unique perspective on the afterlife and explores the complexity of grief and healing.