BPP 518 – The Fall of Centauri Prime

The Babylon Project Podcast

The last episode essentially resumes after a (rare) recap of events that brought us to this point—a recap with BOOM. If the last episode contained one of the saddest moments in the season/series; at least one of your hosts feels this is perhaps the saddest episodes in the series. Events continue to unfold and play along a central theme to the series: there are consequences that result from actions.

As the bombs fall, one bright moment is when we get to see Londo race to G’Kar’s aid. Whatever their relationship was, we definitely see what it has grown into. Londo also learns from the Regent who “they” are: the “they” he keeps referring to in the context of someone the Regent seems to be responsible to: current and frankly terrifying consequences for past actions that directly involved Londo.

Sheridan learns the Drazi and Narn military leaders explicitly disobeyed his direction by attacking Centauri Prime. We learn that the manipulation behind all this through the Centauri will result in Drahk gaining a slave race (the Centauri), and a new home world (Centauri Prime) in order to continue the Shadow’s work now that the Shadows are gone. From their perspective, this is the consequence of Sheridan’s destroying their old home world (Z’ha’dum).

We catch up on the status of Delenn and Lennier as they continue to drift in the damaged White Star and have hit a point where they’re almost out of fuel and options. Lennier comes up with a final action that might save them, but when it appears hopeless, he makes a humble and blunt confession to Delenn about his feelings for her. In a twist, they are rescued and his spoken words hang there awkwardly. In an act of grace (or denial), Delenn spins what he said in a way to allow him to save face. Even so, it wounds Lennier deeply.

As things begin to end for the Regent, and a new chapter in Londo’s life is about to begin, Londo is fully aware of what’s about to happen to him. In some his final free moments, he says goodbye to G’Kar. The words shared by these two, and the meaning behind these words, are heartbreaking. Shortly after, we lose Londo as he takes a Keeper and arguably surrenders to his greatest fear, fulfilling the final requirement to satisfy Lady Morella’s prophecy from back in Season 3, Episode 9.

Vir is present, and Londo’s not happy about it. Londo’s angry with him, but it’s clear to the viewer he’s being the way he is to protect Vir and allow him to get to safety.

The episode begins to draw to a close with a very heavy montage of Londo’s life: past, present and future, and we’re left with him walking to take the throne. Totally alone. When the episode ends, we’re left seeing Londo sitting in darkness on the throne—an image that has haunted us since early in the series has now become reality. As Raul states, this episode could have been called “The Fall of Londo Mollari.”

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Just remember… No boom today. Boom tomorrow. There’s always a boom tomorrow!

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