Babylon 5 Londo comforts Vir.

Season 4 Ep 05 "The Long Night"

[@gravesclayton3604]

Vir saved the Centauri, the Narn, got his wish to wave to Morden's head on a pike, and became Centauri Emperor w/out being enslaved by the Drak. He did this mostly by just trying to be a decent person, without any ambition. Possibly the most heroic character of the whole series. Still reminds me of his character "Flounder" who just wanted to fit in without making waves. Steven Furst's personality always shines through!

[@ciaranirvine]

Something I've always wondered about - the Vorlons were of the opinion that both the Centauri and the Narn were dying failed races. Kosh : They are alone. They are a dying people; we should let them pass Sinclair : Who, the Narn or the Centauri? Kosh : Yes. But did the events of the series change that? Did either of those races survive long-term?

[@Drebin2293]

@@ciaranirvine Kosh was wrong. Both races survived.

[@jimmyPx9]

Remember too that Kosh didn't want races to just survive but rather evolve to the point of ascension into energy beings/First Ones. Per JMS and later episodes, the humans and Minbari ascended but the Narns and Centauri did not although they survived.

[@mnomadvfx]

Vir was an ambassadors attache - such a position is hardly of the 'just fit in' variety, regardless of how or why he ascended to it.

[@gravesclayton3604]

​@@mnomadvfx If you read my comment, the "just trying to fit in" is how I describe Steven's character "Flounder" in Animal House, not his character "Vir". No need for indignation over a fictional character in a TV series.

[@justanotherlikeyou]

Rest in peace Stephen Furst, you portrayed one of the most endearing and genuine characters to ever grace any TV show or movie.

[@MarsJenkar]

When he first was on the show, people derided him as "Flounder In Space". But then he got some heavy character development, and people began to appreciate him more. This was just one more step in the process.

[@kimba381]

@@MarsJenkar Amen

[@kellypaws]

63? What a f----g tragedy! He was fantastic. God bless him.

[@justanotherlikeyou]

@Malik Reinwald I just downloaded it, and now I'm making over $9000/month!!!!🤑🤑🤑 You can too!!!!!🤩🤩🤩

[@shadizersilverhand2113]

I was fortunate he came to my college for an event featuring him, great guy.

[@andrewpestotnik5495]

"How much more before I can look in the mirror and not see myself?" That's some deep shit right there

[@LuxiChara]

Ikr, so sad. I really feel for his character, he's such a nice guy and he never planned to kill anyone, just help someone who did. But it was all for the right reasons, and imagine if he hadn't done it. Londo was right, he saved millions of their people, but yet it still hurt him even to kill someone as crazy as the emperor

[@jefftappan3091]

I'm still working on that, myself " . And this is mindless escapism?

[@matthewcaughey8898]

I asked myself that same question a while back. Half a case of beer and half a bottle of Johnny Walker and I could still see myself. I could still see myself just before I passed out blind drunk. Not sure how much time had passed but when I woke up the next day my friend had come over to help me out. He had cooked a whole pot of Mac n cheese while I nursed a 3 alarm hangover ( good booze really beats rotgut in that sense). We had a wonderful conversation very similar to this. Everything did work out in the end. But I still can’t answer that question

[@FinalFirebrand]

Oh...my poor, sweet Vir... "My shoes are too tight...and I have forgotten how to dance."

[@singletona082]

'My shoes are too tight, but that nolonger matters. For i have forgotten how to dance.'

[@mattbartley2843]

@@singletona082 "I don't understand?!" "Nor should you."

[@rotherbirdo]

Ah man, that line kills me every time and I was thinking it too, watching this.

[@thomasb1889]

"I cannot tell you that your pain will ever go away"..."I can only tell you that it was necessary" A great line by Londo.

[@Hiraghm]

How much of what Londo did was done "because it was necessary"?

[@mikeneuberg1491]

@@Hiraghmfair point, given all the horrible choices Londo main…but in this case, it was the only way.

[@codybailey855]

A lot of guys try to take comfort in words like these.

[@tatianalyulkin410]

My brothers. On both sides.

[@glowing571]

"You still have your heart and your heart is a good one. You would not be in such great pain otherwise". - Londo was always a good guy, buried amongst all the shit.

[@Matej_Sojka]

I loved the episode where he has heart attacks and when he and Vir talk about Centauri legends about it Vir said that a spirit rebelling against corrupted body and mind would only happen if it was a complete monster of a person with major angelic soul. If that does not describe Londo at his worst, I do not know what does.

[@glowing571]

@@Matej_Sojka Yeah, the very long night of London Mollari. Absolute classic. I think Londo is one of the most underrated characters in all of TV history and Peter Jurasik's performances are exceptional. The charatcer development is quite extraordinary and P.J's portrayal is intense, comedic, disturbing and moving at different times. He should have won acting Emmys 5 years in a row IMO. This scene is a great example, not just for the brilliant dialogue he delivers but also when he is just sitting there silently, with a pain stricken expression on his face as Vir pours his heart out. He truly looks invested in the character and it helped raise this show into one of the all time greats.

[@Matej_Sojka]

@@glowing571 Agreed. Especially with the awards, they snubbed B5. Got three for technicals and nominated over and over for make up, but they ignored the actors because it was not "serious" TV.

[@glowing571]

@@Matej_Sojka Damn right. It was like they barely existed according to the mainstream while consistently throwing up the best perfroances on TV, especially Peter and Andreas but also MIra and others. We could all argue over the reasons but who can really dispute that when you look back there is no such equivalent in any other sci-fi franchise, in fact any other TV franchise at the time? I almost wish there was a 25 year retrospective award, when people can truly go back, unbound by the politics of the day and simply judge the acting. I swear an independent panel who had seen none of the shows would pile it on B5.

[@Karajorma]

@@glowing571 While I agree that in a fair universe Jurasik deserved an Emmy he'd have had a hard time winning even there it given that Katsulas was on the same show.

[@robertbusek30]

I love how Londo starts with his usual approach to Vir and then changes tone because he realizes that Vir is truly in pain…

[@GrantWaller.-hf6jn]

And fought his envy to open up to him. As Lando said he needs his help and much work to do to save thier people.

[@richardmattocks]

This THE scene that elevated Vir to the top ranks of characters. He finally learned what it was like to be Londo, G’Kar, Sheridan, Delenn and the rest, where the only choices for decisions are bad ones but still have to be made, even knowing the result will hurt.

[@crazylarryjr]

To me it elevated Londo as well, we see he still has enough good to make a difference in his friends life. He was also the only one who could have has this conversation, He was the end of the path Vir had trod upon, and he was the only one that could talk him back to the better path

[@richardmattocks]

@@crazylarryjr agreed. 👍. It showed that for all his faults, Londo still had a heart (in his way) and knew what Vir was going through and wanted to give him genuine comfort / advice.

[@GrantWaller.-hf6jn]

Thats how you become a hero. Do what must be done a cost to you that might never go away. VIR weclome to the main character in the universe.

[@herrzimm]

When you reach this point in the series, you realize just how much both characters have evolved beyond belief. And yet both the characters AND actors pulled it off so subtely over the years that seeing Vir in this state is heartbreaking and Londo trying to console him is heartwarming.

[@drogoreuak1347]

the final scene where these characters are finally facing their deal with the devil and what it cost them. Underrated acting by such a great cast and yet this series still doesn't get the credit it deserves.

[@theonlykinkyjesus]

"Oh... You betcha. I figured it always worked for you, Londo. Let me ask you something. How much more before I can look in the mirror and not see myself?" damn

[@robertbusek30]

And notice that Londo doesn’t contradict Vir. He knows Vir is speaking the truth.

[@StevenJQuinlan]

I love that 'oh crap' moment Londo has when he realised Vir actually needs helpful advice and he's so very much not the right person to give it. He does okay though

[@PackerBronco]

But he was the right person to give it, because in all the universe, Londo is the only person that respects Vir. Others may like Vir, but Londo admires him.

[@1337penguinman]

No one starts out as jaded as Londo. Even he was innocent, once. I think he was the perfect person to give advice, in a "don't do what I did" sort of way.

[@crazylarryjr]

I disagree, he was the end of the path, Vir was going down. He was the only one that could save him, from himself

[@MartinMazur]

In some ways, you can say Londo was a father figure to Vir.

[@themandownthehall]

Jesus the acting in this series was so good. This show had great writing, acting and directing. Incredible

[@LeoLeo-tx4uy]

oui i really like star trek traveler, deep space nine and new generation but this show its sooo much better and better acting, i sometime forget i am looking t a tv show, iwhs they made a folow up cause it had sooo much more storie to show.

[@mho...]

one of the best , ever!

[@johnprieto435]

The only weakness was effects really, not enough budget for Farscape Puppets. But blazed a trail in CGI, especially considering what broadcast media was at the time

[@arakuss1]

I keep reading and hearing how people want a reboot of B5 but this scene is a great example of why not to. Nothing can recapture moments like this scene. Perfect actors, perfect performances, perfect writing and directing for a scene that captures the arcs of these characters and B5. You can't reboot and remake these moments.

[@rizon72]

No reboot, but they could redo the CGI.

[@MarsJenkar]

@@rizon72 Not a reboot then, so much as a remastering? I can get behind that.

[@robertbusek30]

I’m one of those guys who wants a reboot (anything other than another retread of Star Trek), but I have to say that you make a very, very good point here...

[@arakuss1]

@@MarsJenkar They just did from what I heard a remastering on HBO Max not sure how much of a remastering.

[@AgentExeider]

No not a reboot, but a reMASTER, redoing the cgi and composite cgi/liveaction scenes

[@JAMESLEVEE]

The moment Vir became the most qualified Emperor the Centauri would ever have.

[@mnomadvfx]

Unfortunately before he ever came within sight of the throne it was already a poisoned chalice due to the keepers hold on him.

[@curtisnewton2437]

True, but I think that Lando paved the way and took the burden on himself so that Vir could endure

[@donaldstinnett5630]

@@mnomadvfx Vir did not have a Keeper.

[@dmaxcustom]

B5. Only scifi show i remember that spent character time dealing with the consequences of horror and secrets that drain the life out of you.

[@dmaxcustom]

@ajs1031 No. DS9 passed me by back then and when I learned that it was actually awesome, it had too many seasons for me to watch it. I dont have the time or the will to go through that now.

[@talltroll7092]

Person of Interest does to some extent. Harold is constantly struggling with the consequences of his decisions, literally in the case of his limp

[@drewstar412]

DS9 didn't nearly do this as much as B5 did.

[@TheDeadnaughty]

@ajs1031 Into the Pale Moonlight is a great episode that touches on this same subject but instead of giving it emotional weight it ends with a shrug "I'm ok with this" and that is that.

[@sparrowlt]

@@drewstar412 "It fails as drama, science fiction and is hopelessly derivative": Sheldon Cooper / The Big Bang theory writers would later admit they wrote all the B5 bashing because they didnt liked B5 "none of us really understood it"... no wonder TBBT was so utterly badly writen

[@clairestark9024]

Veer is one of the most dangerous pieces on the board, a good man who will do what is right. Never mistake his guilt for weakness, it is the deepest strength

[@lucielm]

Vir is a pawn among knights, rooks and bishops. Yet, he was the one to bear the crown in the end.

[@Raider0075]

@@lucielm He made the journey across the board. Made it to the other side. Got a crown for his troubles.

[@singletona082]

@@Raider0075 And by accounts, wore it well.

[@quitequiet5281]

Very True. Rarely are truer words spoken wether it’s a fictional character or historical entity or the person up the street. Edit; unfortunately the modern world is being ran by narcissistic sociopathic social engineering networks that sometimes twist and project such imagery but the misrepresentation just adds to the corruption culture and misery.

[@mho...]

Vir Cotto: Salyer of the Emperor, destroyer of Shadow Bases, Friend of Technomages, Leader of the Drak-Resistence, Liberator of the Centauri ppl & Souls and Emperor of Centauri Prime, what a great character & awesome show/Books/Story !

[@hagamapama]

And all because he knew that someone had to do the right thing. I think the thing that put Vir on the path to becoming Emperor, was when he stepped up and apologized to G'Kar. Someone had to step up and say that not all Centuari supported the actions of the government, and Vir decided it might as well be him.

[@curtisnewton2437]

A title well put!

[@SantomPh]

Pretty sure the technomages hate his guts

[@TheRealKoltoroc]

@@SantomPh have to read the books for that to make sense

[@TheOneWhoMightBe]

@@hagamapama That scene in the elevator, and G'Kars response... *that* was definately what put Vir on the path. It led to him starting the underground railroad, to killing Cartagia, to running the anti-Drakh Resistance, and finally to becoming Emperor. All from having the guts to say the hardest word: 'sorry'.

[@TaliaIGhul]

Vir proved he was still a good man. He felt bad for murdering someone, even a disgusting power mad and selfish tyrant like the Emperor he killed. No matter how necessary it was, he sit did not want to do it. It's also why he was disgusted by Morden. Because Morden would not blink to do what Vir did.

[@edwardaugustus9680]

'All I ever wanted was a good job' me too buddy, me too.

[@terranman4702]

This is what killing does to normal People. Not to glorified psychopaths.

[@KristerAndersson-nc8zo]

That is why the show is so good.

[@majorhavik395]

Well put. Completely agree.

[@SantomPh]

When I see l glorified militia walking the streets, I wonder if they ever consider what their guns will do to them.

[@nickmalachai2227]

@@SantomPh seems not to bother the pigs any.

[@nickmalachai2227]

@Professeur Râleur funny how they repeatedly mistake unarmed minorities for threats on their lives, but not fully armed white people fresh off a murder spree. Maybe, if they're so scared for their lives, they shouldn't be pigs. They can resign at any time and use their assuredly varied skills for work that doesn't threaten their lives, and police department methodology could change to better protect all involved, but they don't, and it doesn't, because they're not actually under threat (police are not in the top 10 most dangerous careers, placing under garbage disposal workers, landscapers, construction workers, and farm workers), they just don't want to face responsibility for their actions.

[@crazylarryjr]

One of my favorite scenes, we get to see there is still good left in Molari. Vir was headed down the same path, that Londo went down. Londo recognized Vir as himself when he started his journey, and didn't want that for him. Talking Vir down probably saved his life and possibly the Centauri as a whole, so there was a future left eventually

[@alanparsonsfan]

I think you're right. Londo did save Vir's life at this moment.

[@dhunter1133]

I don't think that Londo was a bad person; rather, I think he was an extremely principled person who tried more often than not to do what he thought was right. His tragedy is that his view of what is right was shaped by a romanticized ideal of what his people had been in the height of their greatness and his desire to restore that greatness to his people. By looking backwards instead of forward, by ignoring the lessons of the past, Londo's decisions led to immeasurable suffering.

[@slewone4905]

This is the problem of these days. WE expect people to be some version of "perfection" no one is perfect. Molari is bias and ignorant. When he face the consequences of things that he favored , but is wrong, he realize it. Molari is a flawed man, but everyone is flawed. But when he sees something that is wrong, he tries to correct it. I think the other part, is he is a practical man. He may be flippant about it, but he doesn't waste time on stuff that won't get anywhere.

[@banananotebook3331]

I love how dark the room is, so much so that the characters seem to be talking in the abyss. And of course, it is the Narn who occasionally illuminate the entire room. This was a dark time for the Centauri, a dark deed has been done and indeed even that wasn't enough to purge the shadows from the light. Underappreciated set design done well.

[@bb22602]

I remember reading about how JMS chose who would kill Cartagia. He said he was writing the scene and got stuck. Then one character spoke to him and said, "Let me do it." That was Vir. I think it says much about Vir that he knew it had to be done and he would volunteer to save someone he loved (Londo).

[@hagamapama]

It had to be Vir. The one incorruptible Centauri had to be the one to strike the hardest blow to free his people.

[@SantomPh]

Londo nearly did it, Cartagia walked into Vir holding the syringe. That was what was horrible, Vir wasn't even trying to kill Cartagia ,but ended up doing it.

[@mikegrossberg8624]

If you watch the scene, it WASN'T exactly "voluntery"

[@bb22602]

@@mikegrossberg8624 He could have dropped the needle, he could have stepped back. He was basically timid, but at his core, he had the heart of a lion.

[@robertbusek30]

In the end, he was the best man to do it because no one expected him to have the guts to do it, not even Vir himself...

[@AndrewJamesWilliams]

This scene showed really how much Londo actually cared about Vir and how he came to see him almost as the son he never had.

[@starwolf99]

As a romantic, I'm hit hard with Vir's comment about wanting a wife he could love, maybe a wife who could love him back. He's reminded through Londo and "Sic Transit Vir" about how much marriages are political for the Centauri.

[@slewone4905]

The odd thing is who he married , eventually.

[@robertbusek30]

@@slewone4905 I’m not up on the lore. Who did Vir marry? Was it before he was crowned emperor or after?

[@HikaruXavier]

And in the end, only Vir got what he wanted.

[@_Muzolf]

Pretty sure he did not want to become Emperor, and yet he did.

[@slewone4905]

No Lando got what he wanted. He put the right man into the emperor's chair, and finally fixed Centauri.

[@mish375]

@@_Muzolf "Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon 'em. Thy Fates open their hands. Let thy blood and spirit embrace them." - Twelfth Night Vir Cotto was in the last category. Not someone who began as influential like Londo Mollari, but ended up having greatness thrust upon him as he becomes Emperor. I honestly believe that Londo knew that Vir was one of those: he saw that Vir had the potential to be greater than any of the Centauri. Despite Londo appearing to hate that fact, he secretly admired Vir's purity of heart. Vir had the potential - and would become the man that Londo could only aspire to be.

[@_Muzolf]

@@mish375 Oh i agree, well except one minor detail. Londo did not really start out as all that Influential. Sure he was of the nobility, and above Vir in status, but remember that he got the position of ambassador to Babylon 5, because everyone else considered it a joke after what happened to the first 4 stations. He got really influential thanks to mr Morden.

[@mish375]

@@_Muzolf I was always of the mindset that Londo had some sphere of influence, which is why the Centauri hierarchy shipped him off to Babylon 5 to get rid of him. Then again it's been 20 years since I've seen the show so I've forgotten a lot. I found out a friend is also a fan so I've been re-watching clips. It really makes me realize that we were spoiled with great writing and reminds me of how much I loved Vir as a character. I also like that the showrunners took a character who seemed minor at first, then developed him into someone who was the central figure for his people in a good way.

[@RaymondBCrisp]

The acting in B-5 is among the best in Sci-Fi at times like this.

[@mnomadvfx]

Acting on a rock solid foundation of great writing. Sadly a lot of Star Trek was just so much schmaltz and people staring off into the distance wistfully/dramatically rather the true character development.

[@jsgold2000]

Fact

[@ReaverLordTonus]

Vir: "In my youth, a wise man once told me, 'my advice to you, is to start drinking heavily' he was pre-med so he knew what he was talking about."

[@robertbusek30]

I understood that reference!

[@danawhite8695]

One of Stephen Furst's best acting moments.

[@elennapointer701]

Best example of foreshadowing I ever saw in TV - right back at the start of season one of B5 when Vir interrupts Londo and Londo responds with "What do you want, you moon-faced assassin of joy?" - that's the Shadow Question and Vir's subsequent role in the killing of Cartagia all in one tiny, comedic line. Brilliant writing.

[@RInvincible]

Vir: A boy who saw behind the curtain of how the universe of politics works.... And his innocence destroyed because of it.

[@mish375]

The thing that's great though is that Vir remains loyal to his principles despite all the horror and amoral decisions he's forced to do. Londo and the corrupt Centauri politics couldn't destroy him.

[@mikegrossberg8624]

@@mish375 :It is a sad truth that, as one gains in power, one loses friends, until all that is left are those who wish to use you, and those that YOU wish to use. Through it all, YOU have walked through the corridors of power WITHOUT being touched. I can only assume you have not been PAYING ATTENTION! Still, YOU are the closest thing I have to a "friend". I am as shocked and dismayed by this as you are, but there it is!" Apologies for any misquoting

[@mish375]

@@mikegrossberg8624 While this is true and a great quote, I think it doesn't even need to be power. There will always be people that try to use you regardless. And it's up to us to decide whether want to fall prey to that behaviour or take the hard road and rise above it.

[@mnomadvfx]

No, he already knew very well how it worked having seen what befell the Narn, and everything else besides that prior to Londo and Vir having to leave B5 for Centauri Prime. He had simply yet to pay the true price of admission to the political strata Londo operates within until killing Cartagia.

[@SantomPh]

Vir, unlike every other Centauri does not change over all 5 seasons. He develops an inner strength that culminates in doing an Oskar Schindler and saving 2000 Narns the moment he is assigned to Minbar. Honestly he is probably the only Centauri the Minbari can tolerate

[@sinkingdragon]

I will keep my promises; my honor is all i have left...

[@MarsJenkar]

Earlier in the episode, G'Kar had accused Londo of having an empty heart, a charge that Londo didn't directly respond to. Given what he's said to Vir here, maybe he thinks that G'Kar was right.

[@americanmade6996]

Vir reminds Ambassador Molari of a time when Londo also believed that diplomacy was a scrupulous, noble mission. Londo is teaching Vir that diplomacy is war by other means.

[@brentalanadamlandgrave7635]

My God...talk about a master class in acting.

[@decam5329]

People criticized it because of some shaky special effects, the sets where small - it was filmed in an old jacuzzi factory, but the acting, the writing, they where almost Shakespearian in scope.

[@user-gf6xm9hy2s]

Breaks my heart every single time

[@KristerAndersson-nc8zo]

Indeed this is wonderful acting.

[@JeanDumas24601]

@@KristerAndersson-nc8zo Indeed this is wonderful writing

[@hagamapama]

@@JeanDumas24601 Both

[@jsgold2000]

Londo and Vir. One headed for greatness he did not want, and one headed for a horrible fate he did not want.

[@chrisdufresne9359]

Watching how Vir grew and changed throughout the show was a perfect example of character growth. You feel bad for him after he got rid of Cartagia and you actually saw the spiral he was taking due to it.

[@noahbawdy3395]

What a great scene. I really miss this show.

[@Intrafacial86]

*Vir:* “I’ve never done anything like this before!” *Londo:* “Furst time?”

[@r.c.auclair2042]

Lol. Good one.

[@SirCraigius]

That's one hell of a way to pop your cherry.

[@annoyed707]

If only you had posted sooner, you might have been first on Furst.

[@Ann_Dromeda]

I'll gladly admit that I had a crush on Vir, in my younger days. He was a sweetie, and not to be underestimated.

[@SerenaBlackCat]

He looks like a cuddly space goth, I love him

[@Ann_Dromeda]

@@SerenaBlackCat Yeah

[@TedStryker71]

Such a show with good writing and great actors. Wow.

[@dswynne]

I think the competition between B5 and DS9 helped both shows bring their "A" game, in terms of more serious and interesting subject matter. I actually watched both shows for that...

[@majorhavik395]

DSWynne That’s why you saw so many guest stars show up in both series. The sound stages were close to each other at Paramount.

[@scottamann2445]

I completely agree. This is why I count these two shoes as being my top two favorite sci-fi shows of all time.

[@InsaneProf]

@@majorhavik395 Babylon 5 wasn't filmed on the sound stages at Paramount.

[@majorhavik395]

@@InsaneProf Yup, my bad. It was a sound stage in the San Fernando Valley. With all the bit characters on both DS9 and Babylon 5 on each other’s show, I thought I read somewhere that they just walked across the hall onto each set.

[@Slopmaster]

@@InsaneProf an abandoned hot tub factory I believe.

[@Wraith35]

An amazing scene! Top notch acting!

[@norrinzelkarr8572]

This is such a sweet, lovely scene. Londo shows he isn't as cynical as he thinks he is, and Vir's character is so genuinely good.

[@RS250Squid]

I think this is an awesome moment for Londo, as he comes to recognise those little things, the innocence, the naivete, those things that he has lost over the years.

[@mikevignola4213]

He's very conscious of it throughout the series, he's just not a character that is outward with his emotions. The biggest hint about that is when they start bombing Narn with mass drivers. You can see it in Londo's face, he's appalled by the actions of his government, but powerless to stop them. Londo is a truly tragic character, is ambition is his greatest flaw. He's drawn to power, but he's never in control of his fate. When he's laying out the terms of the Narn surrender you can see it in his pauses and overall hesitation that he doesn't want to do this, but his role as his government's liason demands it so he puts on a show. Londo views invading Narn as a waste, he opposes the attack and the occupation, but his station keeps him from doing or saying anything publicly. The bitter irony of Londo is that he's the cause of everything. The moment he told Mordin what he wanted, he doomed the Centauri. His abition caused the current Emperor to be assassinated, a man who was trying to make peace with the Narns and other races discretely, without hurting his position within the Centurm. Without the shadows involvement on Londo's behalf the Centauri wouldn't have served as camouflage for the Shadows actions.

[@JamaicanCastle]

@@mikevignola4213 I'm not sure I agree that Londo doomed the Centauri, because there are no shortage of ambitious Centauri, like Refa and Cartagia. He was a particularly talented and useful person for the Shadows to approach, but if not him, it would've been someone else - someone who might not have been wise enough to turn away from the Shadows before it was too late.

[@mikevignola4213]

@JamaicanCastle Londo is in a unique position in regards to information that another Centauri wouldn't have. For example the Narn expedition to Z'hahdum wouldn't have been wiped out, without his information, especially since the expedition wasn't known outside of the B5 security council.

[@kevq761]

So very sad so many actors from Babylon 5 have passed over the rim. Great actors . May they be sleeping in light

[@SeizureGman]

Vir was prob one of the few if any characters who was close to pure good he was an outlier of his people where he cared more about saving the Narn than enslaving them. Had no ambition or greed he just wanted to have a good job and finally he had no ambition to run an empire but became a good leader. This is prob why Londo wanted to protect him he saw he was pure and wasn't made for the rough backstabbing of the centauri republic

[@terrancemoore8756]

Such talent. Londo must have drawn on something from his past because the look on his face when he tells Vir he never wanted him to have to experience what he had as a Centauri. These are the scenes that made Babylon Five the epic series that it was. Great actors making the most of their parts when brought together become something legendary. To the cast, we miss you in our lives.

[@stevenmorton2059]

"In all those years working cow towns, I was only mixed up in one shooting, just one, but a man lost his life and I took it. You don't know how that feels, Morg. Believe me, boy, you don't ever wanna know... not EVER!" - Wyatt Earp, "Tombstone"

[@SantomPh]

"You have the same smell, of blood. I recognize it."-The Warrior's Way

[@robertbusek30]

About an hour later: “Run you Cur! RUN! And tell all the other curs the law is coming!”

[@SerenaBlackCat]

Such a dramatic scene. Their closest moment. Vir is my favorite!

[@xhagast]

In Star Trek there was always a good side. High in morals, law, rights, dignity, honor, courage. Babylon5 was realistic.

[@crazylarryjr]

I agree, Star Trek was the IDEAL (Black/white, good/bad), Babylon 5 was the REALITY (50+ shades of gray)

[@Shadowkey392]

And now Star Trek is realistic, and the Trekkies don’t like it.

[@xhagast]

@@crazylarryjr To me the only thing UNrealistic about Babylon 5 was the timeline. Every 1000 years a Shadow War? Too little. People would have learned long ago. At least not to trust the Shadows.

[@clairestark9024]

@@Shadowkey392 it isnt realistic its unpleasant edge lord shit. This is realistic.

[@SantomPh]

@@clairestark9024 DS9 was pretty realistic. The main character wipes out a whole planet , helps Cardassians over humans at times, meddles in Bajoran politics, kills a Romulan Senator to save the Alpha Quadrant, colludes with a dangerous Cardaasian ex-spy to do so. B5'a characters largely did not swear a Starfleet-like oath so they operate to their own morals and rules. ST generally operates within those rules.

[@Tempestan]

Great actors + great writing = Masterpeice. Something modern entertainment seem to have forgotten.

[@pwnmeisterage]

There are still some worthy gems. Shows like The Expanse. But yes, most of "modern entertainment" is shit. All about Money and Ego, just not in that order.

[@Ama-hi5kn]

Poor Vir. Even if Cartagia was an evil ruler... Killing someone, even out of accident can't be easy. An inconspicuous person such as him.

[@fernandogarajalde4066]

I never murdered anyone but I had a close friend who was always haunted by the first person he ever killed. There is so much pain Vir is emoting and his drunken confession (as well as Londo’s counsel) has the weight of truth. So much truth to discover in this series and in the screenplays that JMS wrote and produced.

[@alanparsonsfan]

What a gripping, heartbreaking scene! Superbly acted and perfectly written. The tragic, dark heart of Babylon 5 at its finest. I couldn't care less how good or bad the CGI was. This is writing worth of the classics of literature. I really wonder, did Peter Jurasik have any idea how powerful and compelling his scenes were? Some B5 fans have explained it to friends as "Game of Thrones" in space. I think it is the Centauri Republic as a whole that is Game of Thrones.

[@NickSheridanVids]

I always felt like Vir, but as I get older I feel more like Londo. I guess our shoes get too tight and we forget how to dance

[@tomjustis7237]

I wish someone would post a clip dealing with the time Londo was talking with Vir regarding Vir having been given the responsibility of arranging the deaths of thousands of Narns and Londo telling Vir how well he had performed his duty. Vir breaks and admits to Londo that not only did he NOT have the Narns killed, but he actually arranged to have them smuggled to safety and then falsified the records to make it appear the Narns had been killed. Another powerful episode I would like to see once more.

[@darrengorham667]

It is on here, a classic scene

[@tomjustis7237]

@@darrengorham667 Thank you! I did a search for "Londo and Vir" and found the scene. One of Vir's greatest moments

[@darrengorham667]

Tom Justis, I love how Vir, under the alias 'Abraham Lincolni', manages to build the escape route for the Narns to Babylon 5, and how G'Kar reacts to what is happening, not realising that it was his grief when confronting an already shocked and saddened Vir in the lift that set it all in motion

[@eledhwenmare2403]

An extraordinary scene.

[@karagothshlomidabush3727]

emporer vir of the house kotto

[@actionsub]

The main thing that makes this scene so outstanding, in the midst of many such moments over the five year span of the show, is very subtle. Look at the lighting, and how Stephen's jawline is very pronounced. There's an angry squareness in his face, when contrasted with Londo's initial description of him as a "moon faced assassin of joy". Now there's a part of Vir's soul and spirit that can not be replaced; he's seen too much that he can't unsee. Stephen Furst's acting here, as well as Londo's reactions, are peerless.

[@groumeliotis1]

Wonderful writing and acting. Everyone on this show really gave a shit about quality. This scene, and many others, has this Shakespearian feel to it. Makes you ask yourself what you are capable of, and where you would draw the line, if anywhere.

[@ericthom726]

This show was so underrated but scenes like this show how this was and is a quality show

[@claytonpascoe480]

Stephen Furst, one of the best actors in the B5 series. A character that was forgotten about. Vir. An actor that made B5 such a success.

[@nickokona6849]

These two characters really made the show in a lot of ways.

[@Iggy473]

This scene has the feel of Shakespeare about it.

[@exposingproxystalkingorgan4164]

Vir Cotto eventually becomes Centauri Emperor after the reign of Londo Mollari. That is not too bad for some humble guy who only wanted to be useful.

[@Arthezius]

Say what you want about Londo, but he truly cared about Vir. Almost like a father. B5 was criminally underrated and deserves the same fame, if not more, than Star Trek. This, from a lifelong Trekker.

[@redemption2]

I once wrote a story that had a character who was remorseful about killing for the sake of others. This scene was my basis for that interaction. Even today, it still holds up.

[@magicstix0r]

"You still have your heart, and your heart is a good one..." Uhm, Centauri have two hearts...

[@josefinbjork1086]

Centari has too hearts but if i dont remember wrong the left one is more like our kidneys/liver and the right one is the same as our hearts .

[@magicstix0r]

@@josefinbjork1086 doesn't matter. They have two hearts, so saying you have a good heart is a plot hole.

[@nickmalachai2227]

He's only got the one. The other is morally neutral.

[@DadJokeSamurai]

The stutter on "still envy you". Powerful acting.

[@budmoore7971]

The best acting I have ever witnessed. Thank you gentlemen, wherever you may be, rest in peace.

[@F40PH-2CAT]

Welcome to being an adult Vir.

[@ayomaakaa6978]

Watching this again years later.....it has such resonance........

[@mattshuey1]

When I close my eyes I see Vir waving.

[@thebluestig2654]

No matter how many years pass after the end of this show, the acting of so many people still stands as some of the best in TV history regardless of genre.

[@roiblack8587]

I still love that show. So much. Yes, the CGI looks aweful but the characters, the story... unmatched.

[@mountainstartemple6041]

This series had so many awesome scenes between characters!

[@mwhyte1979]

My two favorite characters is Vir and G'Kar. The actors and the writers took what in the beginning was in G'Kar's case a one dimensional villian and in Vir's case a comedic sidekick and thru the the passage of time made them so much more.

[@beckoning-chasm]

Brilliant show. This series is much missed.

[@tatianalyulkin410]

Vir, my dearest, welcome to the club. But we are survivors- we will survive!

[@centrist1008]

One of the greatest scenes in B5 history.

[@cgavin1]

Great, great, great acting! Wow.

[@orelanic4178]

Such a fantastic show, nothing has been better, even star trek is secondary to this

[@rizon72]

I love Vir's answer to Londo's question of if he is drunk.

[@GrantWaller.-hf6jn]

That was soo beautiful.

[@singletona082]

Rest in peace Steven Furst. May we one day join you... whenever you are beyond the rim.

[@Shogun459]

One of the Greatest stories with actors who far surpass the CGI. To the extent it was one of the great 5 year story arcs.

[@brentbarr498]

This scene resonates today more than ever... overthrowing a tyrant..saving a people..doing the right thing..feeling like a traitor after.. Vir Cotto is not alone in this.. he did what had to be done... as we ALL must do... move on and try to not let our demons rule us!

[@virginiamandias1009]

"lemme ask you something, how much more before i can look in a mirror and not see myself, because i keep looking, and im always there, and right now i dont want to see me." This shows relationship with substance abuse is sublime. I say as someone whose off the wagon six drinks in and very sick of seeing myself.

[@paulmichaelfreedman8334]

Vir and Londo were, added together, human. The visualisation of the inner struggle between good and evil.

[@Desmaad]

All the actors on B5 respected Furst because he usually managed to steal a scene. He was considered the one to beat.

[@bryancreech1236]

Walk in the light!! Or there is nothing put darkness that you will never escape!!!! So says the good Lord!! Amen!!!!

[@Bojack727]

It's moving, how Londo honestly tried to keep Vir shielded from the political intrigue and cloak and dagger politics machinations of the Centauri inner-court, only for our poor sweet sweet boy to wind up in the heart of it all, as his one true ally.

[@aidangamalieltayao3297]

tnx and kudos to peter jurasik, stephen furst and andreas katsulas. bravo gents.

[@darrellwiley4288]

What a good clip

[@trajan74]

2:00 I feel all that.

[@tatianalyulkin410]

Totally- a father talking to his son.

[@louiseturner9811]

I want to give Vir a hug

[@rconway1357]

Powerful ❤️

[@colinrobert-kv2up]

Too high a price, deals. Of hands. John.