B5 Rewatch: 2×12 "Acts of Sacrifice"

Another strong episode with a great mix of drama and humor, AoS carries the Narn/Centauri conflict further along both on the galactic stage, on B5, and with their respective ambassadors.

The A-Plot focuses on just that. The Centauri are cleaning the Narn's clocks in the war (http://youtu.be/qexwPP7bl7M), including pursuing (so we're told) war crimes like striking at civilian populations. (The Centauri claim the Narn are placing military installations amidst such populations as human shields. And so it goes.)  

Both Sheridan and Delenn are sympathetic to the Narn plight, but the Earth Alliance is really not interested in getting into a full-blown war. And not only can Delenn no longer order around the Minbari the way she used to, but she's frankly unsure if helping the Narn — who, as G'kar has repeatly shouted in the series to date, won't rest until every Centauri is dead — in such a conflict (http://goo.gl/jRzNyr). G'kar's job is made further difficult by hot-headed Narn going toe to toe with taunting Centauri, and rejecting G'kar's call for political calm (http://goo.gl/OsNWzc).

It's a beautiful microcosm of the politics on B5 now that the war has started, and it gives everyone a chance to come off badly. G'kar manhandles his people into quiescence (http://goo.gl/643YYC), but only to gain a political advantage in seeking help from the Earthers; his desire to kill the Centauri is almost as strong as his desire to save his own people, and he still doesn't see any way that those two aren't inextricably entwined. Delenn is still seeking wisdom and moral compass after being dumped from the Gray Council; she has no desire to see Minbar involved in another war, especially one with such murky motivations. Sheridan the Boy Scout feels for G'kar and thinks the situation sucks, but he's bound by orders (http://goo.gl/v9tEYb), resents G'kar's ingratitude (http://goo.gl/N87q1t) and pressure tactics, and for the moment can only scheme for small-scale support in the face of great tragedy. 

The B-Plot is a side note to the A-Plot. While G'kar is struggling to maintain control of his people and his temper, Londo (sporting a more formal, more dark-hued outfit) is faced with the danger of anyone whose star is on the rise: sycophants and people wanting favors from him (http://goo.gl/GgT2YC).  He finally reaches out to Garibaldi, his "old, dear friend," and the one guy he can expect to be honest with him (http://goo.gl/12ruo1). Garibaldi's a bit leery of Londo, and of the Centauri, these days, but Londo gives some very pathetic speechfying (http://goo.gl/DrX8MA) and Garibaldi is convinced that maybe an act of personal friendship is a higher moral good.

Londo's sob story is actually quite a strong one (http://goo.gl/dTrNEu), though it's easy to note he's made his own bed and is suffering the consequences of getting everything he ever wanted. But he is genuinely hurt, and unhappy, and in the end, it is the pursuit of happiness (and making others happy) that will vie against power and honor as Londo's core values.

The C-Plot is a one-off bit of comedy, but epic nonetheless. With all the Narn/Centauri conflict going on, Sheridan doesn't have time to deal with a new race that's come to visit (http://goo.gl/8QuFj5) to evaluate allying with Earth. Ivanova gets that job, and after putting up with a litany of Randian superiority complexes from the lead rep of the Lumati, learns that their race always seals the deal with sex between the negotiators. The result is sketchy if examined too carefully, but still awesomely hilarious, surely one of the high points of Ivanova's humorous arc (http://goo.gl/yUHj2I http://goo.gl/Yl6FwP http://goo.gl/ZQm6pz – video linked at the end of the review).  That's my opinion at least — a lot of folks think it's embarassing at best, highly objectionable for various reasons at worst. (Regardless, Franklin's joviality at the conundrum is to my mind, a lot more problematic http://youtu.be/SCoMrsG381Y)

Overall, a good ep. The acting is strong, the writing taut, the music supportive. Heck, even Na'toth comes across as, if not enjoyable, at least somewhat important. It's also the last ep she appears in.

Most Dramatic Moment: G'kar clearly forces a thank-you to Delenn and Sheridan's meager assistance efforts (http://goo.gl/3xM2j5), leaving them alone and feeling really inadequate in the face of the tragedy (http://goo.gl/KZLrZc).
Most Amusing Moment: Possibly the most amusing moment in the series, of course: Ivanova's "human sex" moment with the Lumati representative. (http://youtu.be/22vHFmMJKTA)
Most Arc-ish Moment: Londo's line that it's "good to have friends — if only for a little while." (http://goo.gl/ur6JCs) It's the end of the old Londo from the beginning of the show, and the start of the new one for the rest of the series, and he's already regretting it.

Overall Rating:  4.3 / 5 

– Lurker’s Guide: http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/us/guide/034.html
– Babylon Project: http://babylon5.wikia.com/wiki/Acts_of_Sacrifice
– IMDb: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517624/
– AV Club: http://www.avclub.com/tvclub/babylon-5-acts-of-sacrificehunter-prey-96547 [includes next episode]
– Kay Shapero: http://www.kayshapero.net/b5review/ActsOfSacrifice.htm

Next ep is "Hunter, Prey" one that I remember almost nothing about. Hmmm.

#babylon5 #b5