A New Beginning on Minbar: Sheridan and Delenn’s Farewell
The episode opens with Commander Jeffrey Sinclair experiencing a restless night as he prepares for his imminent departure from Babylon 5 with Delenn. Their destination: Tuzenor, the newly established Interstellar Alliance (IA) capital on Minbar. In the Command and Control (CnC) center, Sinclair finds Captain Elizabeth Lochley also unable to sleep, a testament to the station’s growing significance. Their shared moment of quiet reflection highlights Lochley’s acceptance of her role and the station’s place in her life, as well as Sinclair’s gratitude for her stewardship. He requests a discreet departure, devoid of fanfare, emphasizing their desire for a quiet transition. This understated exit reflects the characters’ evolution from the tumultuous early days of Babylon 5 to a more settled, albeit temporary, phase.
Succession and New Roles
The episode meticulously details the passing of the torch to new individuals and the establishment of new leadership. On the Narn homeworld, Vir Cotto witnesses Ta’Lon attempting to contact G’Kar, only to discover that the Narn ambassador has departed without plans for return. G’Kar, it is revealed, has summoned Ta’Lon to his now-empty cabin, where a prerecorded message awaits. In this message, G’Kar designates Ta’Lon as his successor, appointing him as the Narn ambassador to Babylon 5. G’Kar expresses his belief that the Narn require a leader with a balanced blend of strength and spirit, acknowledging that his own reputation has led him to possess an excess of spirit at the expense of strength. Despite Ta’Lon’s initial reservations about his readiness, G’Kar draws a parallel to his own appointment, expressing confidence that Ta’Lon will grow into the role, much as he did. This transition underscores the enduring legacy of G’Kar and the responsibility placed upon a new generation of Narn leadership.
Concurrently, on Mars, Captain John Sheridan meets with Dr. Stephen Franklin in the Zocalo. Franklin offers Dr. Hobbs the position of Chief Medical Officer, her replacement as he prepares to depart for Earth. Hobbs, initially questioning the selection of a generalist over more specialized, albeit less visible, medical personnel, is reassured by Franklin’s rationale: his need for a generalist capable of handling a broad spectrum of medical issues. The episode subtly alludes to Hobbs’ prior experience in this role during Franklin’s absence in Season 3, leaving the full context for viewer interpretation. Hobbs accepts the position, solidifying a crucial leadership role within the station’s medical infrastructure.
Personal Departures and Lingering Tensions
As Delenn finalizes her preparations for the move to Minbar, Lennier arrives. He explains that he has taken a working vacation from his Ranger training to assist Ranger One with the relocation. During this interaction, Lennier’s gaze lingers with a mixture of longing and disapproval upon a photograph of Sheridan and Delenn together, hinting at unresolved romantic tensions and his personal struggle with their union.
Meanwhile, Commander Halloran reports a period of relative calm, noting only a minor disagreement between the Drazi and Brakiri, suggesting that Sinclair and Delenn’s transition to Minbar should be uneventful. Sinclair then clarifies Halloran’s future role, explaining that she will remain stationed on Babylon 5, leveraging its strategic location for her duties as head of covert intelligence. This decision reinforces the station’s continued importance in intergalactic security operations, even as its primary leadership departs.
On Mars, Sheridan orchestrates a unique leadership transition for Edgars Industries. He convenes a meeting with a group of employees described as "troublemakers and malcontents and firebrands." Expecting dismissal, they are surprised when Sheridan informs them that they constitute the new board of directors. He explicitly demands their brutal honesty, signaling a departure from traditional corporate governance and an embrace of radical transparency in his new role.
The Grand Farewell and a Moment of Crisis
Franklin boards his shuttle for Earth, unaware that the interstellar news network ISN has reported the approach of a White Star, fueling speculation about Sinclair and Delenn’s relocation to Minbar. Lennier informs Sinclair and Delenn that their belongings are aboard the White Star and they can depart at their convenience. As Delenn conducts a final inspection of their quarters, Sinclair expresses his gratitude to Lennier for his assistance, offering an open invitation for future visits. Lennier’s acceptance, however, carries a subtle implication that such an invitation will likely never be accepted, underscoring his emotional distance.
Their departure for the docking bay is met with a surprisingly large crowd. The ISN report has reached many, and they have gathered to bid farewell. Delenn delivers a poignant speech, explaining that the Minbari language lacks a word for "goodbye," as their cultural philosophy embraces the possibility of future encounters. She eschews a conventional farewell, opting instead for "Until we meet again." Allan offers his support at the docking bay, expressing his gratitude that not all of the station’s veteran staff are leaving, a sentiment that highlights the deep bonds formed during their years of service.
On the White Star, the bridge is notably absent of a captain, as Lennier reveals that the original captain remained on Babylon 5 to allow Sinclair and Delenn to command the flight. Sinclair directs the ship to match rotation with the station, positioning their nose towards the CnC window. They observe Lochley, Halloran, Vir, Allan, Ta’Lon, Hobbs, and Corwin in CnC. Lochley salutes Sinclair, a gesture he reciprocates, marking a final acknowledgment of their shared command and the new era dawning. Their journey then proceeds towards Minbar.
En route, Sinclair’s restlessness prompts Delenn to suggest a walk. During his stroll, a commotion erupts: a coolant leak. A Ranger attempts to contain it, and Sinclair rushes to assist. However, the area is immediately sealed to prevent further contamination, trapping Sinclair and the Ranger. Lennier appears, and Sinclair urges him to override the lockdown protocols. In a shocking turn of events, Lennier instead turns and departs, leaving them to their fate.
Lennier’s Betrayal and its Aftermath
Consumed by remorse, Lennier returns, only to find that Sinclair has used the Ranger’s pike to force open the door. While Sinclair and the Ranger receive medical attention, Lennier flees in a fighter, vanishing into hyperspace. He leaves Delenn with a promise that he will one day earn back her respect. Sinclair is incensed, a sentiment amplified by the subsequent report from Minbar. Authorities there have discovered Lennier’s diary during a criminal investigation into his actions. The diary reveals a profound and unrequited love for Delenn, coupled with deep disapproval of her marriage to Sinclair. Sinclair agrees to keep Lennier’s actions and the coolant leak a secret, opting for a simple explanation of a "cough" if anyone inquires about Lennier’s absence.
Diplomatic Maneuvers and a Sinister Gift
Upon their arrival on Minbar, Sheridan and Delenn are greeted by Ambassador Londo Mollari, who is on an official state visit. During dinner, Mollari explains his public condemnation of the Interstellar Alliance on Centauri Prime was a strategic move to galvanize his people for the arduous rebuilding process, asserting that their private friendship remains intact. He presents a gift for their unborn child: an ornate urn, traditionally given to the heir to the throne upon reaching maturity. Mollari notes that he has no children and anticipates the abolition of his office, thus bestowing it upon their child to be presented at age sixteen.
Following Mollari’s departure, his Keeper communicates with the Drakh. They commend Mollari for his success, rewarding him with a brief respite from their influence. The urn, it is revealed, contains another Keeper, clearly intended for Sheridan and Delenn’s child, hinting at a continuation of the Drakh’s insidious influence.
That night, Sheridan records a personal message for his future child, acknowledging his limited remaining lifespan of two decades. Delenn joins him, providing the final, poignant quote from his father: "Never start a fight, but always finish it." They then retire for the night.
Epilogue and Character Legacies
The episode effectively serves as an extensive epilogue for many of the series’ central characters, reflecting on their journeys and setting the stage for future developments.
The Household God of Frustration: Garibaldi’s unconventional selection of a board of directors for Edgars Industries, comprised of employees known for their confrontational natures, suggests a desire for unfiltered feedback and a challenging of conventional business practices. This approach, while unorthodox, aims to foster innovation through honest critique.
If You Value Your Lives, Be Somewhere Else: Delenn’s permanent relocation to Minbar signifies a profound shift in her role and her connection to Babylon 5. Her parting speech to the crew encapsulates her enduring wisdom and the cultural nuances of her people. Lennier’s actions, however, cast a shadow over this transition, revealing a darker, more obsessive side to his devotion. Mollari’s visit, while appearing friendly, carries an undercurrent of unease, foreshadowing the sinister machinations orchestrated by the Drakh.
In the Glorious Days of the Centauri Republic…: Mollari’s subservience to the Drakh is a critical revelation. His trip to Minbar is not merely a diplomatic gesture but a crucial step in the Drakh’s plan to ensnare Sheridan and Delenn’s child, ensuring their continued control through the sinister gift of the Keeper. This underscores the far-reaching and insidious nature of the Drakh’s agenda, extending beyond immediate galactic conflicts.
Though It Take a Thousand Years, We Will Be Free: Ta’Lon’s appointment as Narn ambassador marks a significant moment for the Narn people. G’Kar’s trust in Ta’Lon, a character previously shown to possess immense respect and a deep understanding of Narn culture, signals a hopeful future for the Narn’s diplomatic standing.
We Live for the One, We Die for the One: The episode’s narrative focus on Sheridan’s near-death experience in the coolant leak inadvertently sidelines the Ranger who discovered the leak and almost perished. This oversight highlights a common trope in ensemble dramas where primary protagonists’ crises often overshadow the equally critical contributions and sacrifices of supporting characters.
No Sex, Please, We’re EarthForce: Lennier’s dramatic descent into attempted murder, driven by his unrequited love for Delenn, represents a significant character assassination. His transformation from a character defined by quiet dignity to a figure consumed by toxic obsession and jealousy is a controversial narrative choice that detracts from the episode’s otherwise reflective tone.
Looking Ahead: Allan’s musings about remaining on Babylon 5 until its eventual decommissioning foreshadow his continued presence, a detail later confirmed in the series finale, "Sleeping in Light." This continuity adds a layer of depth to his character and his enduring connection to the station.
Welcome Aboard: The episode features a notable reunion of recurring characters, including Marshall Teague as Ta’Lon, Jennifer Balgobin as Hobbs, Simon Billig as an unnamed Ranger, Joshua Cox as Corwin, Marjorie Monaghan as Halloran, and Maggie Egan as Jane the ISN anchor. Their appearances underscore the interconnectedness of the Babylon 5 universe and hint at their continued presence in future spin-offs and films. The crowd scene at Sheridan and Delenn’s send-off further reinforces this sense of community, featuring various crew members and actors, including Peter Jurasik, who reprised his role as Londo Mollari.
Trivial Matters: "Objects at Rest" holds the distinction of being the final episode of the Babylon 5 television series to be filmed. The intended finale, "Sleeping in Light," was initially produced to conclude the fourth season, with its eventual placement in the fifth season reflecting the show’s complex production history and network changes. This episode marks the final appearances of several key characters, including Mollari, G’Kar, Lennier, Lochley, Corwin, Ta’Lon, Halloran, and Hobbs, setting the stage for their continued narratives in future installments such as River of Souls and The Road Home.
The episode also references past plot points, including G’Kar’s recording for Ta’Lon in "Objects in Motion," Morden’s prophecy of Lennier’s betrayal in "Day of the Dead," and Mollari’s fiery speech in "The Fall of Centauri Prime." Furthermore, it acknowledges the existence of short stories published in the years following the series’ conclusion, many of which explore the two-decade gap between "Objects at Rest" and "Sleeping in Light," delving into the lives of various characters and expanding the universe’s lore.
The Echoes of All of Our Conversations:
"There are moments when we all become someone else, something other than what we are. It only takes a moment, but we spend the rest of our lives looking back at that moment in shame." – Delenn, discussing Lennier.
The Name of the Place is Babylon 5:
"Home is not a place, it’s wherever your passion takes you." This episode, much like the preceding ones, continues to function as an extended epilogue, a deliberate choice that, while offering closure for many arcs, can become emotionally taxing for the viewer. Despite the inclusion of the coolant leak incident, which injects a degree of suspense, the narrative impact is diminished by the perceived character assassination of Lennier. His transformation into a petulant and vengeful figure feels unearned and undermines his previously established character.
The return of Marshall Teague as Ta’Lon and Jennifer Balgobin as Hobbs is a welcome addition, providing continuity and strengthening the ensemble. Ta’Lon’s elevation to ambassador signifies a new chapter for the Narn, while Hobbs’ competent return as Chief Medical Officer offers a reassuring presence. The episode’s portrayal of Sheridan and Delenn’s departure is handled with sensitivity, from the grand farewell to Delenn’s final address and the symbolic salute to the new guard in CnC. The visual contrast between the initial crew seen in "The Gathering" and the new personnel in CnC underscores the show’s thematic emphasis on change and the transient nature of even the most stable environments.
However, certain narrative inconsistencies arise. Halloran’s report of widespread peace immediately following a major war strains credulity, as does the absence of discussion regarding reparations from the Centauri during Mollari’s visit. Lochley’s statement about Delenn’s return the previous night also seems to contradict the timeline established in the previous episode. Ultimately, "Objects at Rest" serves as another chapter in the series’ lengthy denouement, a necessary but perhaps overextended conclusion that prioritizes tying up loose ends over propelling new narrative momentum.
Next Week: "Sleeping in Light."
