As a science fiction fan, I've watched many a show, from "The Night Gallery" series through "Land of the Giants", "The Night Stalker", "Star Trek", "Battlestar Galactica", to the present-day "X-Files", "Space: Above & Beyond" and of course "Babylon 5". Of all these shows and the countless others, I have never had a real clear-cut favorite. I seem to appreciate science fiction as a whole...... Until now.

With the birth of Crusade, I must now admit I am being swayed in the direction of having a clear favorite when it comes to science fiction shows. Never before have I seen such finely tuned sci-fi scripts or the acting quality of a 3rd or 4th season show in just its first season. The actors seem to already have a grip on their characters at such an early point in their development. A lot of this I credit to creator J. Michael Straczynski for his ability to create situations in a science fiction environment so believable and reminiscent to our world and lives. To the cast & crew of Crusade I say, "Cheers, mates!" You've all earned your wings, regardless of the show's future.

The following is a review of the first 4 episodes. I hope you will all enjoy. (Rating scale used is 1-5, 5 being the best)

It's bang, and we're off to a flying start with fists a-flying, and blood pressure a-boiling, as the panic and fighting begin. Gideon's quelling of the riots is a fitting introduction for the Babylon universe's newest and most intriguing captain. I was also impressed with the footage of the archaeological dig site on Ceti 4. It really adds a new flavor to the mix, one that, thanks to a rich filled performance by David Allen Brooks, will make for some interesting storylines.

Then there is the lovely Marjean Holden who plays Dr. Sarah Chambers. Her strong performance opposite Gary Cole in this episode really helped to build some strong ties very early on for a new show. This, coupled with the fact that Daniel Dae Kim and Gary already seem like they have been working together for eons. This just shows how well Mr. Cole fits into the great ensemble cast. Just amazing for a first year show, not to mention its premiere episode.

Other very notable performances were turned in by Carrie Dobro and Peter Woodward, as both the characters they play were woven into the Crusade tapestry that is its storyline. Carrie, who plays the slinky thief Dureena Nafeel shows her moxie from the start by showing us how to deal with unwanted guards, and I just love her unimpressed reaction to the sight of the Excalibur. "It'll do.", she says, like she's seen better. (Who knows?) This, and the haunting line delivered by Galen "Expect me when you see me.", seem to already be shaping the direction that this show's storyline will take.

Also worth mentioning is the impressive guest performance by science fiction's equivalent of "Dirty Harry", Tim Thomerson, as Senator McQuate. A great choice to add to the atmosphere. I was also nice to see Maggie Egan still hard at work on the ISN Network. Another pleasant surprise was the re-designing of the Drakh make-up. Now that we can see them clearly, they look pretty menacing, don't they? Especially their leader, he really creeps me out. Great performance under all that make-up by Mark Hendrickson.

Overall I would call the first episode of Crusade a big success, worthy of continuing the Babylon saga. The scene between Galen and Gideon is really setting the stage for the next episode, which we will get to in a minute. Great episode to start off the new series with. Thumbs up!

Quote of the episode:
"I'm not subtle, I'm not pretty, and I will piss off a lot of people along the way." -- Captain Matthew Gideon.

It's nice to know that I'm not the only person who can't hit a jumpshot. Not the best thing to have in common with our new captain, but hey, it's something. Great gym sequence to open this little mystical story spun by his majesty J. Michael Straczynski. Who else would not forget to include a dragon in his fairy-tale, and what a beautiful beast it is. Great use of color.

Again we begin this episode with another strong scene involving Gary Cole. This time he's teamed with Peter Woodward and that wonderful accent of his. The dialogue between Mr. Cole and his fellow castmembers again seems like we have been watching this show for way longer than just two episodes.

The dialogue of these two gentlemen is the driving force behind this story. Each and every trade-off is another classic line. In a sense, like Londo and G'Kar, but yet completely different at the same time. Add in the marvelous acting talents of Edward Woodward as the fellow techno-mage Alwyn, and you have a most charming and wonderful combination. They all play off of each other so very well, you just don't want it to end. It's also great to finally get to know a little more about the techno-mages. (One of the most interesting creations next to the Vorlons.)

It was also nice to see a script that was concerned with the ecological question of strip mining, and it works so well in this science fiction setting. I also love the little Western town feel this episode gives to you. It's kinda like watching a John Wayne Western, or the movie "Pale Rider" with Clint Eastwood. It was very nice to see that the settlers took the miners prisoner without killing any of them.

Isn't it nice to see that the military is willing to wipe out a bunch of poorly armed settlers without even a second thought. (Heavy sarcasm.) Sometimes I wonder what they use for their thinking process, because it surely isn't their brains. So what do you use on the soldiers to rescue the settlers? Well, it's Alwyn's handy-dandy spell HoloDemons (slightly modified, of course). "The teeth are a very nice touch", notes Galen.

In the episode's strongest scene, Alwyn confronts the people that he has been protecting, with the weakness of their actions concerning the taking of hostages. Mr. Woodward shines brightly in his monologue. A very wonderful scene and performance. This episode wraps up with a special-effects bonanza of magical spells and the gun of the Excalibur. An explosive combination it I do say so myself, and I do. "Well, the long road beckons, it's time I got back on it. See where it leads me this time." -- Alywn. A fitting ending to a great episode.

Quote of the episode:
"Well this is an inn, we are new in town, I suggest you buy us a drink." -- Galen to Gideon.

"Mr. Jones", from the Bureau of Telepathic Integration is a wonderful invention by the Psi-Corps. "They're all called Mr. Jones," says Lt. John Matheson, "It's their way of making the examination less personal." They sound like such nice fellows, don't they?

Enter Galen, once again spouting some mystical mumbo-jumbo and again suddenly we are whisked away into another magical adventure through the stars. In some ways Galen reminds me a lot of Merlin. This time we are off to a hidden area in hyperspace in search of the Well of Forever. The scene in which Galen convinces the others to go with him in search of this mysterious place is well written and acted all the way around. With some great dialogue from Maximillian Eilerson and Dureena Nafeel. (A very strong group performance, Bravo!)

Galen's little magical floating light sphere is quite a neat little gadget, I hope to see more of that in future episodes. I also like the fact that Gideon really wants to know more about Galen's ship. It gives the techno-mage more of an air of mystery about him. Matthew Gideon stars again, this time in a most wonderful little scene involving a card game with thief Dureena Nafeel. It looked and felt so natural, but remember... Never gamble with a thief.

Definitely worth noting is the cold and careless performance of Michael Beck as Mr. Jones, a great Psi-Corps character that ranks right up there with Mr. Bester. His treatment of Lt. Matheson during a deep scan was just plain uncalled for. (Where's Lyta when you need her?) And if that's not enough, you have an overly sexually active fen mating with your ship. What a trip this turned out to be! Galen did note that, "The fen are drifters attracted to bright shiny objects." He wasn't kidding. I shudder at the thought.

Interesting note that Gideon plays chess. Yet another famous captain to add to the list of Nemo, Kirk & Spock. The sudden hostilities between Gideon and Galen make for some great and tense moments. Words like mutiny and betrayal always make a story so much more fun. Mix in the fact that Mr. Jones wants to take Lt. Matheson away from the Excalibur, and you've got one of those days that you wished you'd stayed in bed. Poor Gideon.

"We are there," utters Galen, and finally the Excalibur breaks through into the hidden part of hyperspace known as the Well of Forever. A very magical moment indeed. Great special effects, especially the landing of the two small ships. In the end it's kind of funny, but love always seems to be the reason for rash decisions. It's nice to know that a techno-mage like Galen can be subject to normal human flaws like you and me. It makes him a little more mortal. The incantation and the sprinkling of his lover's essence on the grounds of the Well of Forever was a very kind and noble act -- A great scene in an already full Babylon library. "Max, just shut up, all right," says Gideon to Maximillian Eilerson, and I agree. All that Max thinks about is money. Give it up, Max, please!

In the end this episode more than delivers, it gives us one of the most wonderful moments in Babylon history. Lt. Matheson's gift to float in hyperspace without worry of telepathic interference was a priceless gem. Thank you so much. One wonders what answers lie in the Well of Forever, and who they wait for. Ponder that if you can.

Quote of the episode:
"My people are taught to avoid crossroads, also beaches, cliffs, pits, caverns and wells." -- Thief Dureena Nafeel.

It's nice to begin an episode with Dureena showing off her expert climbing skills, and anytime Max and Galen get into an argument, you know you're in for an interesting time. That glowing fire-sphere of Galen's is great little attention-getter,. (He is quite a card, isn't he?) Maximillian gets my vote for the "Rain on My Parade Award". Someone just please shut him up. Galen's harshness with Dureena was the key to their entry, with a tear. (Galen is definitely a piece of work.) What lies beyond the door is a large crystal orb filled with a grayish-white fog, and possibly something more.

This top notch, first rate episode is driven by an incredible music score by Eva H. Chen, whose music throughout the whole Crusade series has more than just complemented the visuals. First up to peer into the orb is of course our valiant Captain Gideon. As he does so... He suddenly finds himself floating in space inside a pressure suit as his ship tries to enter the Jumpgate to escape the surprise attack of a Shadow vessel. But alas it is too late and is bursts into a bright explosion... He is back standing in front of the orb. After a short discussion between our crew, they agree to bring it back on board, although Max isn't so sure about this idea.

Again great interaction between all of the actors helps make this scene work so well. It was also really nice to see my two favorite characters finally get to have a lengthy scene together on the inner-ship transport system. The dialogue between Galen and Lt. Matheson was very well written. As these two men so far seem to spend more time with Gideon than anybody else, it was interesting to hear them talk about the Captain while he was not around, no matter how brief the conversation was.

(Flash) Again the creature in the orb takes Gideon back to the same timeframe as before, but a little earlier, so we get to see how he came to be in this position. Great outside shots of the Cereberus, and the attacking Shadow vessel. Interesting little bit of information on where and how Gideon first met Galen. As the flashback continues, we find Gideon playing cards and winning, maybe something more than he really wants, but then Matthew Gideon is a very curious person. The Captain in back.

Next up to visit the orb is Lt. Matheson. His visitation brought the following to this episode: A very fine performance by veteran sci-fi actor Gary Graham, a beautiful rogue P-12 resistance leader, a gross way of smuggling in a homing device and an incredibly well-acted sequence of scenes that leads to an act of betrayal against the Corps. All of the memory flashbacks in this episode give you goosebumps and some can even bring you to tears. A very emotion-filled episode.

"I know you," says Galen to the orb, as he approaches it completely unafraid, but soon we find out that Galen is afraid of something. Forgiveness. He argues and denies this vehemently, but has trouble convincing the orb (or me) of that. Once again love strips this man of his mystical barriers, revealing a sad and lonely soul who misses what he had in the past. The scene in which he loses his truest love Isabel (played by the very beautiful Sophie Ward) is so tenderly felt, and makes me cry every time. It is also my favorite scene in this episode, and of the show Crusade as a whole. That was some really brilliant acting by both performers. When Galen leaves this room, he is nearly shattered. What a difference from the way he entered.

Overall this episode speaks to me on so many levels, and is the finest piece of work turned in so far by J. Michael Straczynski and company. I put it up there with "Day of the Dead", which is still my favorite episode of Babylon 5 to date. I also love how after putting the orb back where they found it, that some other curious alien race shows up to investigate it. ("And so it begins, again.")

The ending? Well, if you haven't already cried, then the dams are about to break as somehow and some way Isabel sends Galen the message she had promised him. Love is a very strong power, and can work miracles sometimes if you believe hard enough. Great ending, and even greater episode, and last but not least, the greatest Babylon universe quote ever. Amazing piece of work, boys and girls, my hat is off to all of you. Cheers!

Quote of the episode:
"If there is a purpose, if there is a design, if there is a way, after I am gone I will call to you, say your name, send you a message. And you will know I was right........ As usual." -- Isabel to Galen.

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Last update: Saturday, September 30, 2000