Brent and Jeff Watch Sleeping in Light - Babylon 5 For the First Time | 05x22 | Reaction

Join Brent and Jeff as they team up to do their first watch of the Babylon 5 series finale, "Sleeping in Light." In this one, Delenn throws a dinner party, Vir tells a Londo story, Ivanova gets a new job, and Sheridan stops...by B5. So join Brent as he dives into his first watch of this episode.
And be sure to catch our main show, Babylon 5: For the First Time, when Brent is joined by Jeff to take a deep dive into the episode, searching for those Star Trek-like messages, and seeing if they should have watched it sooner. New Episodes drop on Mondays.
This show is produced in association with the Akin Collective, Mulberry Entertainment, and Framed Games. Find out how you can support the show and get great bonus content like access to notes, a Discord server, unedited reaction videos, and more: / babylon5first
Executive Producers:
Todd K, Terrafan, Kat, Todd J., Colin B, Jeffrey H., jal'Zha, Andrew, The Space Pope, Trekkie Trey the Trekker, Andrew B, Fabio K, Matt Ion, Snatcher42, DAG, Mr. Krosis, Rob B, ClupPro70, Commodore Trev, Peter S, Ron H, Mattie G, Stuart H, Martin S., Becky S, Timo H, Acesoldia, Starfury 5470, James H, Chris L, Ian M, NJRetiredLEO, Paul H, Suzanne E, Demi-DW, FellKnight, Calinicus, Neil M., Gregory C, Anthony P., Thomas M, James O, Frankie, Linnaeus, Kenny K, Max H, Joel T, Jack Kitchen, fcast17, Katerina K, Joey P, Duane B.
Producers:
John K, Guy K, David B.
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Website: www.babylon5fi...
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Copyright Disclaimer, Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for 'fair use' for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.

[@CaptFalcone]

I love how they talked about the missed opportunity during the shutting off the lights scene before knowing how perfect the scene actually is.

[@charlesmaurer6214]

Yep Totally missed the Cameo. Still brought a few tears.

[@Skippy2k81]

Yep was about to say the same! Lol

[@thebkg]

When this first aired I was all but crying. And I said then this was the greatest Series Finale ever. And nearly 30 yrs later nothing has ever dethroned it. Jeff, Brent.. Club 65 says Welcome to Club B5.

[@busdriverbuddha]

Not only did JMS save his cameo for this episode, he also saved his directorial debut in the show for this episode. :) It was written and directed by JMS.

[@jimcook1161]

This episode has another great Ivanova line '...there can always be new beginnings... even for people like us.' As for the unresolved threads... Sheridan: There's still so much I don't understand. Lorien: As it should be.

[@andrewproctor3922]

“because what is built endures, and what is loved endures. And Babylon 5.... Babylon 5 endures."

[@davidschmitz3952]

Christopher Franke's music just... HITS. All these years later, no matter how many times I watch this episode, I cannot help but shed tears. The other sad thing is that of all the actors in the elevator at the end... only Claudia remains alive.

[@alextaylor1705]

Interestingly, the music that plays while the station is exploding has the same chord structure and key as Nimrod, from the Enigma Variations by Elgar. It's almost a counter-melody to it. Beautiful.

[@drob281159]

@@alextaylor1705 As a musician, I'll check this out. Thx.

[@exile220ify]

Near the end of the episode when ISN cuts in and announces "the people responsible", the following few seconds include the names and photos of *EVERYONE* who participated in the production of Babylon 5. You have to watch it frame-by-frame to see it.

[@exile220ify]

When Christopher Franke asked JMS what he wanted for the score during the destruction of B5, he answered with three words: "Break my heart". Franke did just that.

Christopher Franke certainly went above and beyond.

[@DJDoena]

At 19:14 that's JMS himself turning off the lights.

[@Belbecat]

Their reactions to that info is at the end of the video!

[@DJDoena]

@@Belbecat yeah I saw it. I was live-commenting at the time

[@RicardoGonzalez-m4o]

This is the SEVENTH time I’ve watched Babylon 5. Every single time I’ve cried multiple times on the final episode. My father passed away sometime between the first and seventh time. When he passed away my mom knew it was coming. She had about 2 months to prepare for it. It wasn’t enough, obviously. Just like 20 years wasn’t enough time to prepare for Delenn. So, every time I watch the scene where John and Delenn say goodbye to each other I lose my shit. All I can see is John as my dad and Delenn as my mom and they’re saying the good bye my parents didn’t get to say to each other. Just now, watching Brent and Jeff’s reactions made me cry yet again. I’m so happy that they liked this finale so much. I’ve been with them for their entire journey and wasn’t sure how they would react. I can’t wait for their full KZbin/Podcast review.

[@darrenbabidge4694]

Perfect indeed. I also hold it up as 'the best finale ever'. Thank you for your insights into what remains my favourite TV show of all time. Sure it's (B5. Not you two 😂) hit and miss sometimes but the great far outweighs the bad. ❤

[@reelgquan]

Now that you have completed all 5 seasons, welcome to the club!

[@gbreadstudios]

When Sheridan walks away you want him to look back, but I feel like if he looks back at that moment he wouldn't be able to walk away.

[@Babylon5FortheFirstTime]

I think that's why Jeff was saying to turn around but Brent was saying no, to keep going. Its a conflicted feeling

[@themisspultone]

Dito. He dare not, he can not. Not and make it to Corianas 6 in time.

[@DerekFister-yl3xo]

Hey I know it wasn't shown in the video..but I love the fact that at the end Zach was Vir's advisor

[@lisandro73]

The elevator scene is so sad, every person is now dead, except Claudia Cristhian 😢. They said the little cup that Garibaldi took is the same Londo and G’Kar made the toast before their war in season 2. Great journey with you guys!

[@Asehpe]

I'm sure many people have already told you guys that the maintenance guy who turned off the lights on Babylon 5 near the end of the episode was actually J. Michael Straczynski, the Great Maker himself, playing a final symbolic role in his creation.

[@Framed-Naraht]

I mentioned it to them, it's in this video, just keep watching till the end.

[@lennyvalentin6485]

@@Framed-Naraht Although shot together with the season 4 episodes, JMS himself throwing the switch in the last episode perfectly signifies the struggle keeping the show going over the years, with the constant threats of not getting renewed for another season despite its widely recognized high quality. For one brief, brilliant moment, JMS has perfect control over the future of Babylon 5, and he gets to end it. Perfect symmetry. :)

[@alextaylor1705]

Absolutely. The show is about the station, and the characters. A perfect ending. As for the loose ends, if it's telepaths you're interested in, and Bester vs Garibaldi, there's a trilogy of novels you'll love. If you want more about Londo, Vir, David Sheridan, the keeper in the jar etc, then there's a trilogy of novels for you. There's even a trilogy of novels if you want to hear more about technomages, and what they did during the Shadow War. There's also a novel if you want to know more about Sinclair on Minbar setting up the Rangers. And one if you want the full story of the Icarus, Anna Sheridan and Morden on Z'Ha'Dum. All of the above novels are based on outlines by JMS. All of which are not about the Babylon 5 station, and so weren't made part of the show itself. I love the fact that season 5 spends it's last 4 episodes doing nothing but wind down, closes off character arcs, and shows that the story never ends, it just continues in different places. It reminds me of the journey home in Lord of the Rings.

[@meropetied]

This is the comment they need to see.

[@gerstelb]

You’re right about the ending being so satisfying, and that’s one reason the fan base is still so passionate about this series. So many series drag on, and eventually when they end, it’s a sputter and pop instead of a real firework. This was a full-on chrysanthemum with a salute at the end. The only nitpick that I’ve ever had with this episode is that they took the theme used in the destruction of the station and used it in the previous episode, in the scene when Sheridan and Delenn leave the station. That music should have been saved solely for this episode; hearing it twice lessened the impact a little bit. JMS wanted to make a statement about what was possible with TV series, and with storytelling in general, and he did. And that, in a way, is why the ending is so satisfying - because this is how the story has to end, with Sheridan dying and the station being destroyed. The story was *always* going to end with the destruction of Babylon 5; in fact, the actual scene here has a great deal of resemblance to the vision Sinclair gets from Lady Ladira in “Signs and Portents” way back in Season 1. The question isn’t whether the station would be destroyed; all things end, so it always has to be destroyed. The question is how and why, and that’s where the storytelling comes in.

[@kevinmorbidthelostcronin1984]

I have always been critical about rebooting or changing anything about B5. The combination of performances and writing and music might have been happenstance, but the resulting miracle should be left alone. With that said, if I did have money to change one scene from the Masters, I would change Lady Ladira's vision. The result would be a Mandela Effect for most long-term fans, and unnoticeable by newbies. I would reverse the direction of the station blowing up. I would keep it zoomed in and angled so that the audience would not "see" the Honor Guard. As such, Lady Ladira's vision came true. It did end in fire, just not how the audience thought. By doing this, there is symmetry between her vision and the end AND there is symmetry that her visions are 100% accurate but never in the way people think.

As the future human said it himself "This is how the World ends, swallowed in flames, but not in darkness" Foreshadowing.

[@algernopkrieger138]

I cried when it first aired, I cried harder now after the loss of so many of them over the years. Rest in peace, legends!

[@lorraineackroyd9140]

Absolutely the perfect serious finale, and your reactions reminded me so much of my first time watching. The recognition that it will be about Sheridan's last few days and how he dies and that all of the dangling storylines don't matter anymore. Such a brilliant ending to an amazing show. I still cry whenever I watch it. Jeff thank you for talking aboutt saying goodbye to your beloved dog. Unfortunately I've been in that position too many times so my heart broke for you. Thank you for that perspective on Delenn, I had never made that connection before.

[@davel67]

Brent and Jeff, thank you for making this show. I'm a trucker and an ex felon, made a mistake that my family and friends, well don't need them now let's just say. You're show brought a smile to my face through some very dark times. Thank you . 🖖 May the force be with you

[@dll_Rhemuth948]

Z’Ha’Dum blowed up when Lyra triggered the warning systems to stop Bester from getting his hands on Shadow tech.

[@sharkdentures3247]

I have said MANY times before on different reactions that my ONLY complaint/ criticism/ nit-pick/ personal preference/ missed opportunity was, that during the Toast, Garabaldi didn't say "Sinclair"! (Which would have tied Season 1 in also.) Otherwise? Spectacular ending. Also, my interpretation of what happened to Sheridan wasn't that he "ascended" or anything (like in Stargate), but that Lorien basically "absorbed" him (body, mind . . & spirit?) when he "re-absorbed" his bio-energy cells, that he lent to Sheridan to keep him alive. So, he is "sleeping" in Lorien's "Light".

[@Nikioko]

Well, Sinclair travelled to the past, did a lot of things and died of old age. By that logic, he has always been dead. I know where you are getting at, but Sinclair is different than Londo, G'Kar and Marcus. And I wonder what happened to Lennier.

[@this.is.a.username]

No matter how many times I watch it, no matter how many reactions I watch, this episode still hits me so damn hard. RIP Mira, Andreas, Stephen, Richard, Zack, Tim, and the others... we will see you in a little while, in a place where no shadows fall.

[@exile220ify]

In the opening portion of the scene with Ivanova in her office, the camera pans across her desk. There is a small statue that looks like a rocket ship. This prop is, in fact, the Hugo Award Trophy they won for "The Coming Of Shadows" (the one where the Centauri emperor dies on the B5 station) They would, of course, win one more Hugo, for the next season's pivotal episode "Severed Dreams". Overall, they won two and were nominated for two others, including "Sleeping In Light"

[@this.is.a.username]

not only did they win the Hugo for The Coming of Shadows, they beat out some very heavy hitting contenders for that award.

[@exile220ify]

@@this.is.a.username Yep. The same was true the following year as well.

[@chriscoombes6751]

Have to admit - JMS turning out the lights passed me by when watching it on TV (didn't help that British tv had relegated B5 to a late night slot by this series!, my reaction when discovering this fact some years later watching the DVD release was pretty much the same as yours was! Knowing this episode was not just the final B5 episode I'd ever see, but that it deals with the end of Sheridans story with his passing you know it'll tug on the heart strings, but I don't think anyone was ready for how truly emotional it was - this was THE perfect ending to the series - in my humble opinion, better than pretty much any tv series: Sci-fi or otherwise! Shout out to Christopher Franke: the music for B5 has always been really good, but the music for the closing episodes was nothing short of emotional perfection!

[@kevinmorbidthelostcronin1984]

JMS's direction to Franke was: "Chris ... Break my heart."

[@madyak6669]

In the dvd commentary,jms' says that Mira holding Jeff's pillow was her improv and it killed him while filming.

[@dewaynejelks9088]

Movie "Call to Arms" should be considered episode 1 of "CRUSADE"

[@Asehpe]

You guys got Brivari, but nobody thought of sending you a can of spoo? How sad. 🙂

Canned Spoo? Are you mad?! Only the freshest of spoo is good enough for these guys here..... canned spoo, well I never!

[@neilbiggs1353]

There isn't twenty years of episode about the events on Centauri Prime, but there is a trilogy of novels. There is also a trilogy about Telepaths, but I'm lead to believe that the actual war wasn't part of that because they planned on doing a movie to tell that story

[@Allhailthegreatcatperses]

And the trilogy of techno mages fills in a fair bit too

[@wanderingthedesert5599]

@@Allhailthegreatcatperses while the Passing of the Technomages does have considerable overlap with Babylon 5, I'd say that it's best to put that one off until after Crusade has been seen. Come to think of it, it's probably best to put off all of the trilogies until Crusade has been seen.

[@eukalyptus8974]

Best finale of any show to date. NOTHING comes close. I cry everytime John and Delenn say their goodbyes. You guys need to watch this with commentary!

[@sststr]

Apparently JMS said at one point that it wasn't really about the station being a navigational hazard, which is obviously absurd, but rather there are a lot of weapons and computer systems and other advanced technologies on the station that they don't want random scavengers and assorted unknown parties to get ahold of. Which makes a lot more sense.

Also pirates and such could use it as a base.

[@alangarde2928]

Babylon 5 has always been about the people and what it meant to them, how it changed them. It's journey since the end of the show has always been about the people who made it, who have loved it and kept it's meaning alive. I am glad you are now part of it.

[@mudfarmer366]

OMG what a great idea for how to do this one! Enjoy your time together, for the moments are fleeting.

[@starwolf99]

Fact: JMS hosted a similar farewell dinner for Andreas Katsulas when the actor was succumbing to cancer.

[@chrisfraser5088]

I remember watching this live in high school with a bunch of my friends. My mom happened to walk into the room just as B5 was being decommissioned and Susan was delivering that great speech at the end. We were all crying like babies. My mom genuinely had no idea what was going on 😂

[@joeychicago6436]

What a long journey, it was a wild ride! It started with Morden asking "What do you want?" Londo is shocked in 'Chrysalis' , and says "You killed 10,000 People!" "In cold blood" The Techno-mage try's to warn him of his path. The Centauri emperor trys to end the growing conflict G'Kar's humiliation in "the long twilight struggle" stunned us all, and we saw Londo was uncomfortable too. Awe weren't even half way through!

[@lionofhighpark]

Thank you, Brent and Jeff. This reaction was perfection. Thank you for sharing this journey with us, it has been an absolute pleasure to revisit this incredible show again through your eyes.

[@timbmusician]

The final minutes of this episode will never.....let me repeat, NEVER....not absolutely wreck me.

[@derekramsaroup3883]

The "Absent Friends";toast always gets to me ...

[@hornorsilk2901]

For the books, the Psi-Corp trilogy takes place before B5 started, and ends after this episode. The Centauri Trilogy takes place after the penultimate episode and this one. The Technomage Trilogy takes place before and during the early seasons of B5.

[@back2babylon513]

Centauri Prime trilogy takes place between "Objects at Rest" and "Sleeping in Light". As do Crusade, Legend of the Rangers, The Lost Tales, and the movies "River of Souls", "A Call to Arms", and "The Long Road". Only thing that takes place after this, is some of the flash-forward future scenes in "Deconstruction of Falling Stars". Oh, and that one short story alluded to with the screen graphic of Marcus' cryo-pod, the one half the fandom absolutely hates.

[@hornorsilk2901]

@@back2babylon513 the end of the Psi Corp trilogy takes place after Sleeping in Light.

[@GuardianOwl]

The last of the Psi-Corp books can't be read until after Crusade though. Then the other 2 canon books are "To Dream in the City of Sorrows" which is more Sinclair content during the gap when he was absent from the show and "Shadows Within" which is more Sheridan content, pre-his Babylon 5 Appearance, it's also something of a retroactive prequel to the Techno-mage trilogy.

[@freakygoblin3068]

You didn't recognise the "janitor" closing down B5.. That was J. Michael Straczynski closing down the series himself. I wouldn't call it a missed opportunity. Okay, you were informed later at the end of this video. Really sorry to hear about your dog. We've been through that twice and it will never get easier. Although it hurts, I am grateful that it doesn't.

[@rustygunner8282]

The moment in this episode that hits me hardest is Delenn meeting Sheridan in the hallway. The tension she is under trying to play the role John wants from her is so palpable that at the end she’s almost vibrating with it, and she succeeds in holding it until he touches her shoulder. Then it collapses.

[@cb361]

This is how it ends. In fire. But not in darkness.

[@Sulli228]

It's still to this day one of the best science fiction series ever written for television

[@IvarChoiEspedalen]

I am so glad you did this together . And what a cool way to end B5 for the first time reactions with a glass of "Brivari". And a whole month to keep this episode a secret? Wow! In my opinion, as an old B5 fan which has watched this series 7+ times, it is probably one of the best final episodes of a tv series for sure, and a worthy ending of Babylon 5. I am glad to hear you thought so as well. I hope you take a closer look at how they ended the station again and the details..... And I am looking forward to B5 for the second time. 🤩 I have wrote so many times that after all those years, Babylon 5 is still my favourite TV-series. The Babylon5 universe is the only tv series which is exhibited in my bookshelf in my living room. The reason for this is the story for sure, but also how moving this final episode was , and still is to me.

[@fatalynn7]

Just to clarify - they didn’t keep the episode a secret. They watched last Wednesday. What Brent meant was they had watched objects at rest a month ago and had to wait a month before they could watch this one.

[@IvarChoiEspedalen]

@@fatalynn7 ok i see . Thanks . 😇

[@Thraxis]

now you understand

[@fellknight]

You do not understand... but you will.

[@Asehpe]

That the finale is satisfying is almost... too little to say. It was wonderfully planned and masterfully executed. I'll go as far as saying that this finale is one of the reasons why I like this entire show so much. As Jeff says, all that stuff (the 'loose ends') is out there somewhere, in the books, the movies, Crusade... The finale was what it had to be. Of course, there are unfinished stories, but isn't it always like that in life? When does a story ever really end? (Samuel Delany once wrote a whole story mentioning how occurrences become stories, how we think of giving them a 'plot', an 'end', 'characters'...) Stories never end. Even if they had showed you the entire Telepath War, from Lyta's and Lennier's perspective, and everything that would still happen to Londo, and how Vir's reign would go, and... so what? There would be little new stories beginning here and there, as there always are in real life; and new loose ends would be introduced that would leave us salivating for more. In the end, we all simply loved the world in which B5 happened. There is nothing that would entirely satisfy us, because we would just love to continue living in it. So now there's Crusade with Captain Michael Gideon of the space ship Excalibur? Please! Even if none of the characters are the original ones, it's still the same universe, and it's such a damn interesting universe!... To say nothing of prequels. Who wouldn't love to see a narrative of the Dilgar war, for instance?... We all love the B5 universe. We'd all love to get more from it. Alas, all good things, like all good bottles of Brivari, must come to an end. 🙂 And thank you two so much, both of you, for having allowed me to relive vicariously all the emotions I had when I first encountered this series. You guys are great at what you do, and I feel like I became a little better as a person just from watching you watch and talk about B5, even when you said things I disgree with. Thank you!

[@Scimarad]

That reaction to finding out it was JMS turning out the lights was the best:)

[@hedinsee6830]

26 years later. I still cannot watch this without tears.

[@NeilBlumengarten]

Apologies if this was commented, but since it was filmed in advance, JMS said little about it, but he did say there was a moment that was filmed and included something in a mirror that wasn't intended, but perfect. When Sheridan looks at himself in the mirror you can see a reflection of a cross. It was not intended, but after the cinematographer, John Flinn, pointed it out to JMS, Flinn yelled to the cast and crew, "NOBODY TOUCHES THAT MIRROR! YOU HEAR ME!? NOBODY!"

[@jokerz7936]

Hands down my favorite series finale.

[@Eric-cp2kt]

This episode breaks me... every time (every time!), especially that CGI station blowing up, the show's namesake. More than any other show ending. Thanks for the journey, guys, and thank you, JMS.

[@MattLathrum]

The ripping away of the station in the explosion is what does it to me.

[@sststr]

The blowing up of the station also fulfills the prophecy that it would end in fire! Also , way, way back when Ivanova said "No boom today. Boom tomorrow." Sooner or later: BOOM!

[@hornorsilk2901]

And yes, Brent, this is the perfect finale....

[@hornorsilk2901]

Finally, I will buzz myself... Sisko left behind his family to go to the prophets... Sheridan left behind his family to go beyond the rim.... similar?

[@busdriverbuddha]

@@hornorsilk2901 Good old DS9, ripping off B5 to the very end.

[@damianmactavish6717]

Thank you for allowing us to come along on your journey. I've really enjoyed it. Please continue the B5 journey with the movies and crusade. btw - i'm 51 & seen the series quite a few times now.. and yeah i'm balling my eyes out. 5 boxes not enough. again thank you.,

[@kardy12]

Did you miss that it was JMS himself pulling the switch on B5 at the end?

[@GeneralDingo]

I imagine many fans of the show don't actually know what he looks like. I certainly didn't catch it on my first watch.

[@Nikioko]

@@GeneralDingo Yes.

[@zarabada6125]

Watch till the end of the video.

[@fatalynn7]

I learned about it when Mia told them when the full reaction was posted. A lot of people miss that

[@kingtutthefirst]

Awesome finale - I cry every time! Regarding hazard to navigation - its not that someone could fly into it - but imagine if it became a base for a large group of raiders...

[@Nikioko]

It was actively held into its position. Without any control, it would eventually go astray.

[@dcsignal5241]

Hey Jeff, someone here gets exactly what you were saying about your Dog. I had 4 Cats that were with me during the best days of my life that I grew to love dearly. Unfortunately, all 4 of them needed help to find peace at the end. I had to be Strong too during those years, hardest thing I ever had to endure. Make not allowances to naysayers, Love isn't limited to what we feel for other People, there's more to it than that. We are lucky to have been open to that. RIP Ivanova, Lennier, G'kar and Ta'lon. (Yeah, there's a reason why Babylon 5 will always be a special show for me.)

[@chadcurtis7967]

JMS had a vision of a lived world, a world where stuff happened before the beginning and where things go on, it really made sense that not all threads were closed because there is always something more in a real world.

[@Kruhn]

I always remembered at The Lurker's Guide to Babylon 5 the caption to this episode was for many years a rubber ducky floating over Epsilon V. Those were the days!

[@ohauss]

And incredibly, The Lurker's Guide is still around in that ephemeral world of the WWW... and it still gets updated when there's something new, such as when The Road Home was released.

[@shingodzilla7855]

Hi! Vir does NOT have a Keeper. This is why I recommended checking out the Legions of Fire books before watching this - the Drakh were driven from Centauri Prime by the Interstellar Alliance working with a Vir led resistance and the Techno Mages. He then became Emperor - the greatest of the Centauri Emperors.

[@Nikioko]

Vir becoming Emperor is very much like Rom becoming Grand Nagus. Under normal circumstances, much too altruistic for this position.

[@crazynorse4036]

When JMS was asked what music he wanted for the decommissioning of B5, he said "Just break my heart". Mission completed Id say.

[@lollol35]

With respect to the loose ends of some characters.. well. JMS stated that you don't always get to see what happens. Life simply moves on. Still perfect.

[@Baulderstone1]

Leaving loose ends gives the setting scale. This episode is the end of the story of Babylon 5, but the galaxy it was in keeps going. For contrast, look at Star Wars, and how much smaller the setting felt after the prequels began tightly tying things together. JMS left a lot of things unresolved, and it left fertile ground, for future projects (most which sadly never came to pass), but it also left for fans like us to dream and speculate about.

[@MrTickleTrunk]

i LOVE that while they said it shoudl have been someone else turning off the lights on the station that it was JMS himself flicking that prop switch 🤣 I laughed out loud.

[@TerryRed]

For those of us who have the original DVD collection, you can watch Sleeping in Light with JMS commentary. He said that doing that commentary was only the 2nd time he had watched that episode since it was completed / aired, as it was too hard for him to watch. During the final scene of Babylon 5 exploding, you can hear JMS breaking down crying trying to hold it together. He told the guys recording that they should do it again, as he worried it wouldn't be professional, but they urged him to keep it in. Good on them for doing so, as we all had a similar reaction... including those seen this wonderful reaction video. No matter how many times I see this episode, I'm a blubbering mess, 25+ years later after watching it when it first aired. Yes, I was a super fan (who was in his early 20's back in the 90s) and I recorded EVERY episode on VHS tape when it first aired, perfectly timing it so there were no commercials and in order. I did this for 5 years (and it was a lot of VHS tapes), and there were times where I had to stay up until 3 am on changing nights to record episodes as syndication was a mess back then (I'm Canadian, but watched it on Detroit WXON 20, as I lived across the river on the border). I'm amazed I pulled that off for all 5 seasons! This show changed my life. When it first started, I loved Star Trek, but longed for the action and spectacle of Star Wars. With B5 we got both and WAY more! We had no idea what we were in for, as TV had not done a 5 year story arc like this before. It really showed me so much that my young adult self didn't fully appreciate at the time, but I knew it was something special. The show was way ahead of its time, and the "human" element to the story (and how it mirrored our own history at times) ended up being my favorite episodes... even though I watched the space battles scenes WAY too many times. So happy to see this show being seen by so many new people all these years later. It really is timeless and special.

[@iandtolentino]

I’m not sure if this was mentioned already, but at JMS’s spotlight panel at San Diego Comic-Con 2024, someone mentioned you two and your reaction to SIL. He was aware of what you do and he thanked you.

[@stuartwald2395]

The circumstance of Sheridan's death (that his body was never found) was one of the things mocked by the 100-year panel in "Deconstruction of Falling Stars" as a deliberate political myth, and that is the counterpoint to the inspiration for the story (Deuteronomy 34:6), that in both cases we get to know the truth.

[@CurtisAST]

I just relived my entire Babylon 5 experience in this half hour video. I went through so much in my life during the first run in the 90's, that B5 is burned into my memory. What a special time.

[@jasondiend4248]

I came into Babylon 5 in season 2 when it was airing. Been a fan since. Sleeping in Light is on of my favorite stories. It isn't about wrapping up plots. It isn't about pay offs. It's about saying goodbye and thank you to the fans. I cried when it aired. I cry every time I watch it. I cried watching the clips from it here. That is why this show is special. Not because of wars. Not because of conflict. It's because of the characters. The actors who brought this to life. JMS's writing. He hooked you. He built characters you love. He built characters you love to hate. They all 3 dimensional characters that have their own arcs and he gives you a great arc. When it comes time to bow out you say goodbye not to the plots but to the characters and this episode does that in spades.

[@neilbiggs1353]

There is something subtly horrific about that elevator scene when you watch it now - of the regular cast in that scene, only Claudia is still with us. JMS is there too in a cameo, but so many people having gone beyond the rim, in a scene in an episode about saying goodbye...

[@wanderingthedesert5599]

I've got to say that in terms of satisfying television finales, the only other show that really gets up there is Breaking Bad. JMS is a Master wordsmith and virtually everything is addressed either in a major or minor way so there are no unresolved threads. Maybe not the particulars, such as what happens with the Keeper in the urn, the saga that unfolds on Centauri Prime, what happened to Lyta, etc., but it's all kind of implied subtly if not in this episode, than in the last three. I won't go into anything specific because of B5FT2T other than to say that there's a blink and you'll miss it detail that sheds some light on a particular.....thing. I'll just say, rewatch the episode carefully (see I'm not even telling you where to focus, so no spoilers!).

[@AlexanderLyta]

Now we need a reaction to this reaction.

[@SKIP-yj3xp]

I remember this was originally meant to be the season four series finale, but then they got the green light for a fifth season. That's why Invanova is in it instead of Captain Lochley. I still feel this is the best serialized sci-fi show in history. The talk of a reboot is blasphemy.

[@Andy7447m]

I know season 5 was a bit hit or miss. I think a cause of that was wrapping up stories in season 4 because they were not getting a fifth. I think the interrogation episode in 4 was the originally planned finale of episode 4 which would have been cool. However this was a perfect finale which probably would not have happened in this way (eg no Susan) had it not been filmed at ened of season 4. Would love for brent and jeff to listen to the commentaries and also research the different plans for the show to give their take on that.

[@nbartlett6538]

Yes this is the perfect finale, it gets me every time. There is ONE other show that also manages to pull off a flawless finale, and that was The Good Place.

[@babakganoosh]

I watched this episode when it first aired and many times since (including reactions). It still gets me every time.

[@lizstratton9689]

The music score should also get 5 stars ..... brilliant

[@MarvinNoFun]

I bet all these space debris will be a much greater navigational hazard than the station itself.

[@_volder]

That line "Time to rest now" reminds me of what Pepper Potts said to Tony Stark.

[@nuanil]

I can't even think about this episode without tearing up

[@johnpaulporrelli6208]

Just think this aired at the end of season 4 before there was a 5 so we got all the heartbreak before a final season

[@busdriverbuddha]

Keffer doesn't appear in the credits because this episode was filmed in season 4 and it follows the season 4 credits order. It's a contract thing, they can't change it.

[@Nikioko]

Yes, and for this obvious reason, Lochley doesn't show up either.

[@busdriverbuddha]

@@Nikioko it may not be that obvious for people who don't know how TV credits work. This episode is actually the reason why I know this. I learned after reading JMS's reply in the Lurker's Guide.

[@Nikioko]

@@busdriverbuddha Well, it is obvious when you know that Tracey Scoggins wasn't even cast yet, when this episode was shot.

[@AdamCollings]

I'm so glad you were not spoiled for Ivanova's appearance. Your reaction when she showed up was priceless.

[@txheadshots]

You don't know what happened to Londo and G'Kar because you skipped "In The Beginning" at the end of Season 4

[@jamesbell7696]

Thanks so much, Jeff, Brent, and everyone associated with B5First. This was a great journey to accompany you on and I'm glad you enjoyed and appreciated the show that we B5 fans have loved for decades (wow, that makes me feel old 😊 ).

[@dustinowens9552]

The end credits where we see the cast as we first see them to the last time we see them was set before hand. Since the episode was filmed at the end of season 4, the guilds required the cast of season 4 to be on the credits. JMS said so a long time ago.

[@Nikioko]

OK, next step should be In the Beginning.

[@Dreamfox-df6bg]

There were 3 times the destruction or near destruction of a fictional object hurt. The Enterprise NCC1071 in Star Trek III: The Search for Spock (1984) Babylon 5 in Babylon 5: Sleeping in Light (1998)

[@davidembrey4248]

The Legions of Fire trilogy plotted by JMS and written by Peter David is worth the read. It finished the story of G'Kar Londo & that Moon Faced Assassin of Joy: Vir.

[@greygander]

Goosebumps and tears, every time.

[@lunnunis]

Did you notice Marcus' plaque?

[@michaelarreola4201]

😲

[@Nikioko]

Yes. And that is more than guilt or gratitude. It is what broke Ivanova's heart another time. This time, because she didn't want to let that happen again.

[@SamuelGrahamDoesTCGs]

Such a great finale ... in tears every time. Love it, fellas!

[@djankowski]

"How will this end?" "In fire."

[@derekramsaroup3883]

..And Now for the movies...

[@tysondempsey1121]

The greatest series finale ever!!!

[@YezaOutcast]

my wife didnt dare to watch the last episode until now. she roughly knows what happens, but until she didnt see it for real, it never happened. at least for her.

[@keeperofnecronomicon]

So I think it so important to watch The B5 movie “In the beginning”

[@Nikioko]

Did anyone already mentioned that JMS's storytelling was inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien? 😉 And now watch the ending of Return of the King again. Peter Jackson's execution was heavily inspired by this one. And then compare this epilogue to, let's say, the last 5 minutes of Voyager. 🤣

[@simongiles9749]

"I will not say do not weep, for not all tears are evil".

[@inhumanmusic1411]

Watching Jeff break up talking about his sheep dog really hit hard. This past December, I had to put my cat Misty to sleep and I still suffer moments of grieving over it.

[@Raivo_K]

It's tough for sure. My cat died in 2019 after 13 years. At that point she had been with as for nearly 1/3 rd of my life. It took several years for me to accept it and move on. Only now, five years later im thinking about getting another act.

[@inhumanmusic1411]

@@Raivo_K My cat was 16 when she died.

[@sststr]

I've had betta fish that were clearly dying and I just couldn't euthanize them, I had to let them linger on as best they could until they died from whatever was afflicting them. Which is also really tough to watch, but I just could not bring myself to intentionally kill them with my own two hands. There's just no good answers when it comes to that scenario :(