Babylon 5 Lore : Centauri Republic - Malevolent Beginnings

[@krisvires]

"How many Centauri does it take to screw in a light bulb? Only one, but in the Great Old days of the Republic- thousands of servants would change thousands of light bulbs at our slightest whim!"

[@philvanderlaan5942]

Why did the chicken cross the road? Why would a creature that swims in the sea want to cross a road? Bah! Earth humor eludes me! It’s like being nibbled to death , by , what are those creatures? Feathers, long bill, webbed feet go quack ? Cats It’s like being nibbled to death by cats !

[@jchea1764]

@@philvanderlaan5942 Great Maker , this is hilarious xD

[@HappyCatholicDane]

Read that in Londos voice 😄

[@haakonstenseth]

Londo said that to Lennier when he visit Lennier in the Infirmary ☺

[@joelker41]

Londo is still the best written, acted, and relatable/tragic character I've seen in Sci Fi. Peter Jurasik is a legend.

[@Jack_Stafford]

HEAR, HEAR! *love* Londo and the posh, rich, lush Centauri culture. Jurasik was a driving force behind fine-tuning what the Centauri would be, much like Leonard Nimoy was to the Vulcans. It could have very easily been cartoonishly foolish, but he still maintained a pompous dignity and clear deep respect for the Centauri Republic's past, and what its future could be. Lesser actors would have been turned into a caricature like the Ferengi who never took off in any real way as far as adversaries with gravitas as intended. Peter Jurasik just oozes Old World style charm and wit with ulterior motives always being played. Brilliant!

[@alanparsonsfan]

Completely agree. Have always thought B5 was a Greek Tragedy, with Londo losing everything that ever meant anything to him, due to his choosing the easy way to his goals.

[@donaldpaluga]

@@alanparsonsfan G'Kar got what he wanted, but at the cost of his eye and his life. Londo got what he wanted, but at the cost of his soul and eventually the Republic. Vir got what he wanted....AT THE COST OF MORDEN'S HEAD! AND HE WAS THE ONLY ONE HAPPY WITH WHAT HE GOT!

[@CS-zn6pp]

Considering most of the acting in B5 was at the daytime TV soap opera level it was painfully obvious who the stand out actors were. Sadly he was a diamond in a bag of coal. I enjoyed B5, but it always a little disappointed when the emersion was broken by bad acting....

[@craigs71]

In many ways the story of Londo Mollari IS the story of Babylon 5.

[@gayron32]

In the Gathering: Londo Mollari: "We were pretty good sharks ourselves once... ...but somehow... ...along the way... ...we forgot how to bite. There was a time... ...when this whole quadrant belonged to us. What are we now? Twelve worlds and a thousand monuments to past glories... ...living off memories and stories... ...selling trinkets. My God, man... ...we've become a tourist attraction. See the great Centauri Republic... ...open 9:00 to 5:00... ...Earth time."

[@dragdragon23]

Or better yet study the history of every great nation and Empire on earth. The rise of a untied people harden to be great and achieving it. Later as the pampered decendants weaken by the rich's earned by their ancestors, ruin their world to past history of another's histories book.

[@colinmoore7460]

No! All roads lead AWAY from Rome, but sometimes people walk in the wrong direction.

[@ahtaimo]

Could be an analogy for the present day United Kingdom... merrie old England sort of thing... with a capital designed for a world empire.

[@dureteheiral1793]

@@ahtaimo with the members of the UK commonwealth as the representations of Centauri 12 worlds.. and never ending stories of past of glorius achievements.. you're spot on..

[@spiffcats]

Reminds you a bit of the british, doesnt it?

[@MLCrisis1790]

Londo is probably the best tragic figure I've seen in sci fi. His empathy and compassion are there but he ultimately sabotages himself because of his flaws and fears. He truly loved his people and non-Centauri friends but consistently chose power and influence over them. He doomed himself and was responsible for uncounted deaths but was still able to redeem himself (a bit, depending on point of view). Plus...he was just such a likable bastard, wasn't he?

[@Revkor]

As he said he was a patriot. yes he loved power but not just for himself but for the good of the Republic above all. He was a good man that made mistakes and did his best to correct them.

[@g.waldmeister1851]

He's a Faustian character in the end. His ambition was his undoing.

[@slewone4905]

He dances on the line,which makes him the most human figure, despite that he's not one. YOu see it that way, but I see his heart kept his most based character from going to far. Plus he got his wish when he died.

[@nathanielhellerstein5871]

Garibaldi: "Sure, he was a pain in the neck, but he was our pain in the neck,"

[@sststr]

The way Londo used Vir in "And the Rock Cried Out" was actually probably one of his most evil acts (in the "one death is a tragedy, a million deaths is a statistic" kind of way). I always felt like the consequences of that betrayal should have had long lasting consequences for their relationship, but Vir seems to be over it right away. I get that Vir is used to being treated poorly by Londo, but even Vir recognized Londo crossed a line with that. At least for a few minutes, then back to being like nothing happened! What a waste of a possible plot point.

[@DropBearAntix]

the thing about B5 (and one of the MAJOR reasons why i loved that show) is that the "bad guys" weren't always bad, and the "good guys" weren't always good.

[@rechnin]

Babylon 5 was one of the first series I saw that was so grey, not good or bad, people on all sides had their own agenda and needs and sometime this made them do things that were both good and bad.

[@MrStephen182]

In Star Trek things are always seen as black and white but in real life that is just so not true. Babylon 5 does not look at things in black and white so stays true to real life.

[@DropBearAntix]

@@MrStephen182 DS9 came the closest to showing how different sides in star trek could be "greyish". but then, DS9 was a semi-rip-off of B5 after all (albeit a darned good one!).

[@Fenris77]

Indeed.

[@cthulhluftagn3812]

It's was all about how different cultures can work together, but doing so takes effort and sacrifice.

[@AlexSDU]

My favourite dialogs between Londo and Vir. Londo Mollari: "But this…this, this, this is like… being nibbled to death by, uh…Pah! What are those Earth creatures called? Feathers, long bill, webbed feet…go "quack"." Vir Cotto: "Cats." Londo: "Cats! I'm being nibbled to death by cats."

[@therenegade79]

Don't give away the Homeworld

[@alanmike6883]

Londo was a lovable tragic character who redeemed himself in the end. Vir was the most pure hearted. Really wanted the best for everyone. 😀

[@craigs71]

therenegade79 that sentiment was also by G’kar to his aide.

[@rickcoona]

@@alanmike6883 yes Vir Cotto, also known as "Abrahamo Lincolni" the Centauri who smuggled out the Narn slaves Via the underground rail road. after Vir's promotion and assignment to the diplomatic mission on Minbar, he began receiving sensitive government information in line with his position. He discovered the horrible conditions on the Narn Homeworld that the Narn lived under after their war with the Centauri. He concocted an elaborate ruse to get as many of them out of the prison camps as he could. As he personally did not have the authority to transfer prisoners, he invented someone who did. The resulting identity - "Abrahamo Lincolni" - was created as a Centauri in his office with the authority to transfer Narns by issuing travel documentation under existing work programs for factories to work, both on- and off-world. At least 2,000 Narns were transferred off-world on his authority. Then, to make sure they would no longer be harassed or come under risk of being enslaved once more, he forged death certificates for each. The now-"dead" Narns would be free to escape Centauri-controlled space. Vir then used Babylon 5 as a transfer point for the "dead" Narns. Zack Allan became aware of these activities and the obvious use of an Earth name on the papers. He informed Susan Ivanova, and she and John Sheridan confronted Vir with what they knew. They were livid after discovering the death certificates for thousands of Narn, signed by this "Lincolni", whom they knew to be Vir. Londo Mollari was quite proud of his young attache, but Vir ruined the moment by confessing that the Narns were not dead. He only faked their deaths to get them out of the prison camps. Ivanova and Sheridan were relieved that Vir was not a killer, but Londo was outraged, and soon Vir was removed from his position on Minbar and ordered never to speak of this. Once the dust settled, Ivanova stepped in and continued to use the name, even using an image of Sheridan - altered to look like a Centauri - as an official picture of "Lincolni." The identity had 12 years of service and was assigned to the Centauri Relocation Bureau. With the false identity, she continued to use Vir's work to free more Narn as long as the ruse would hold out.[ loved his interaction with "Mr. Mordin" the shadow agent when he was asked what HE Wanted, *"I'd like to live just long enough to be there when they cut off your head and stick it on a pike, as a warning to the next ten generations that some favors come with too high a price. I want to look up into your lifeless eyes and wave like this."* --Rick much love to the Babylon Project babylon5.fandom.com/wiki/Main_Page

[@mahatmarandy5977]

My opinion - since you asked :) - is that the Centauri Republic was doing good and was the dominant power in space (Excepting the Minbari, with whom they seemed to have little-to-no contact), and probably held that position for a long time. Things seem to have started going wrong when they took over the Narn. That resulted pretty obviously in a century-long Vietnam, which ate up resources and probably all-but-bankrupted them. Speculation on my part: I wouldn't be surprised if they were selling off worlds to pay for it. Here endeth speculation. When they discovered earth a century prior to the show, that war was still going on, and they seem to me to have already become very cautious. First they said we were long lost brothers. Then they said whoopsie, our mistake. Then they sold Jumpgate access/technology. They seem (To me) to have been conscientiously trying to avoid making more enemies, and seem very interested in trade, since their economy was probably in the crapper. Since we're told Emperor Turhan's father committed atrocities against the Narn, and Turhan himself is pretty innocent, it seems to me that it must have been Emperor Turhan who finally admitted defeat and ended the occupation of Narn 40 or 50 years before the start of the show. This might explain why nobody seems terribly broken up about his death: He cost them the war. In "The Gathering," Londo says "Come see the mighty Centauri Republic, a dozen worlds and a million monuments to past glories. Open nine-to-five, earth time." By the time the show ends, the Republic is actually *smaller* than the Earth Alliance!

[@wayfaringman8418]

Personally, I love the Centauri. Their arrogance and penchant for intrigue make them one of the best things about Babylon 5. Without this stellar nation, the series would have been less remarkable than it is. I love this newfound channel. The perfect mix of wisdom and wit and sci-fi. Carry on!

[@alanmike6883]

They are great and aesthetically great. I mean the primus

[@slewone4905]

There is no good or evil or all beings are both. I think the narrator of this video didn't get that point. Narn Was both cause and victim of atrocities. This series sort of did the same as star wars and take taoist belief, but screwed it up. In the end I think they showed that both the dark was not evil either. That the younger races was victem of their older brothers fighting. Even the Mimbari had it's evil times.

[@alanmike6883]

Indeed with the worker caste caught in between the others though the religious caste the wiser than the warrior caste

[@55Quirll]

Sounds like the Aristocracy of old in Europe. Intrigue, assassinations - usually using poison - and arranged marriages

[@mattwho81]

The Centauri represent the old European powers, diminished but proud, shadows of their former glory but stronger than than they knew, sidelined but determined to rebuild their influence.

[@cthulhluftagn3812]

I like to believe that Vir pulled the centari back from the brink of utter ruin, abandoning expansionism and focusing more on internal growth and cultural development. The innocent streak he managed to protect his whole life would be well suited to healing his people.

[@Track_Tension]

"Do you know why I am here? I'm here to grovel before your wonderful Earth Alliance, in hopes of attaching ourselves to your destiny, like... what are those fish called on your planet that attach themselves to sharks?" "Ramoras." "Yes. You make very good sharks Mr. Garibaldi. We were pretty good sharks ourselves, once - but somehow, along the way, we forgot how to bite. There was a time, when this whole quadrant belonged to us! What are we now? Twelve worlds and a thousand monuments to past glories, living off memories, stories, selling trinkets. My god man, we've become a tourist attraction! "See the great Centauri Republic, open 9 to 5, Earth time." - Londo and Garibaldi The Gathering

[@conroypaw]

"See the great Centauri Republic, open 9:00 to 5:00 . . . Earth time." - Londo Mollari.

[@LoreReloaded]

Good hours

[@grayscribe1342]

It really hit home how deep they had fallen.

[@The_Frozen_1]

"My god man! We've become a tourist attraction!" - Londo Mollari

[@liljenborg2517]

It's no wonder the race would be a bit macabre given that one of their unique racial traits (besides having six sex organs) is that they seem to have some sort of vision or dream of their deaths their whole lives. When you're that fatalistically and overwhelmingly aware of your own mortality, you have two choices: live it up while you can, or be a blessing to others and try to leave the universe a better place. The Centauri as a race seem to have chosen the former.

[@TentaclePentacle]

You are wrong about the relationship between centauri and the humans. When the humans meet the centauri, their republic was already in decline. The centauri only had a handful of systems and they weren't planning to have the humans destroy themselves. They were only looking toward commerce. Londo warned the humans not to go into minbari space, not to bother them, the humans didn't listen.

[@LoreReloaded]

If you got that impression then I need to work on my video structure as that wasnt my intent.

[@TentaclePentacle]

I got the impression that you think the centauri were still warlike or into conquering when they meet the humans. The centuari weren't interested in conquest anymore at that point, mainly because of their old emperor who felt sorry for all the war his empire caused. He is an old softy at heart and I think that's one of the reasons why the empire had declined during his reign.

[@Epics00]

@ Lore Reloaded I thought you was saying the same thing about the Centauri.

[@conroypaw]

Arrogance "travels between stars, like solar winds," according to Londo Mollari.

[@samuelvine]

Lore Reloaded, Yeah it definitely did sound like you were putting Human contact in the Golden Age period. Glad you recognize that truth is a three edged sword. :P

[@JeanLucCaptain]

the emperor has dissolved the Senate permanently, the last pretensions of the centeuri "republic" have been swept away.

[@barrybend7189]

Vir saved the centaury as no one hates vir.

[@slewone4905]

Londo saved Centauri. He guided Vir. Londo was trapped, but left instructions to ensure the future of Centauri. He had to take the mind control parasite, but he put in place a way to counter it.

[@nicoj84]

Londo, Vir and G'Kar saved Centauri Prime. I love them three characters so much.

[@artembentsionov]

If not for Sheridan and Galen, who knows what would have happened after Vir. Cartagia’s son Dius Vintari could have led an attack on Earth. Presumably, Sheridan taught him to be a better man.

[@jamesburke3413]

Great video. Thanks for getting into Babylon 5.

[@bradwolf07]

The Centari became powerful and then rested on their laurels. By the time of Babylon 5, the Emperor was holding the Centari back from their worst instincts as a way of penace. He tried to help the Barn. But the Narn didn't realize that and started poking the bear. With the declining health of the Emperor, The Centari would get the chance to go back to their old ways and the Narn would suffer for their own decisions (poking the bear)

[@alanmike6883]

The narn were top arrogant. They didn't realize that the centauri would fight back eventually.

[@Scooby-Doo_Villain]

*laurels

[@bradwolf07]

freaking autocorrect. Thank you

[@odysseusrex5908]

OK, liked and subscribed. That was excellent. I do have some comments I want to make, unfortunately I don't have the time right now, but I will come back to you in a day or two. I'll just say, in conclusion, that B5 was the best science fiction TV series ever done, even surpassing Star Trek, and it is very unfortunate that the suits, in not allowing it to be syndicated, and greatly delaying and minimizing its video release, prevented it from becoming as big a cultural phenomenon as Star Trek is. It could have been.

[@RapidCityJM]

I always looked at the different governments as JMS trying to say 'this is what's wrong with this situation.' With the Centauri, like you said, they always appear to be bad even when helping the 'good guys,' because of what the Centauri represent: a culture that looks backwards not forward, a culture that sees societies and nations as sophisticated or primitive depending on how like them (Centauri) others are, a lack of empathy or understanding simply based on wants/needs of the culture. The Centauri go on and on about the glory days of the past, they look down on Narns or others and barely tolerate humans because they are more like the Centauri, and they don't care what their actions cause or who is harmed by them so long as they get what the Republic needs. The imperialist attitude means that even when the Centauri help, they're still getting more out of the deal then they're putting in.

[@MrBensella]

Dude! it's awesome that after so many ears people still invest in babylon 5! awesome and keep it up! hope to see more videos on babylon!!

[@ZephWraen]

A lot of the issue with the Centauri being the baddies is by the end of the series they were supposed to be redeemed (And in the Series Finale that takes place like 20 years later it's kinda implied with Vir that they are). When rumors that the show was going to be cancelled early hit, JMS rushed many story elements (the Shadow War was supposed to last through all of S4, and not just the first few episodes; the Earth Civil War was supposed to be the entirety of S5, etc). One of these story elements that got rushed was the redeeming of Londo. That's why he goes so quickly from being a dick to best buds with G'Kar in S4. Then when the show got a surprise renewal and was granted a S5 that JMS didn't think it was getting, he and the writers had to rush to patch stuff together. And suddenly Londo and the Centauri are back to being the bad guys again. (Season 5 as a whole is a mixed bag, you can tell it's sort of an epilogue, but plot threads brought up or brought back in S5 are never really given their full justice, looking at you Telepath War).

[@alanmike6883]

Exactly what happened

[@cabal_2]

It's a shame because I love just about every episode up until the end of the Shadow War, then it becomes a mix of ok and good

[@jdlech]

We know the Drakh was not kicked off Centauri Prime until after Londo's death. And I'm not certain Vir was able to kick them off Centauri Prime either. What we do know is that Emperor Vir guided the Republic into a period of reconstruction - restoring the bureaucracy, manufacturing, distribution and infrastructure. But Vir was also hated by the Centaurum and the people for having a moral code peculiar to most Centauri. The story arc of the Centauri Republic could have remained interesting for generations.

[@alanmike6883]

You gotta admit lore everyone loves vir

[@nathanielhellerstein5871]

He's the one guy who was satisfied with the wish he got from Morden.

[@alanmike6883]

I know right. And that smile he does. Just like he promised. Vir showed wisdom that alas Londo lacked till the end but londo was still a compelling character though vir was the one the centauri needed to lead them 😀

[@The_Frozen_1]

Agreed. Vir was the one guy trying to warn Londo to avoid working with Morden. He also set up the Narn underground railroad with the alias of "Abrahamo Lincolni". He apologized to G'Kar before he became more enlightened. Vir was the innocent heart of the show, and maybe outside of DeLenn and Dr. Franklin, could be the kindest member of the entire cast, IMO.

[@alanmike6883]

Agreed. That tripartate. Though delenn only learned after the mistake of the war. Not saying that she was bad beforehand but she learned the lesson of making a decision in the heat of the moment. Vir was the closest thing to the purest soul on the show

[@alanmike6883]

To be fair londo didn't know the primus battlecruisers were fitted with mass drivers and when he saw the bombardment even he was disgusted

[@kenjett2434]

That was a very good outline of Centari and its set up to B5. Well done and your right as you get more into the series alot more of the nuances will flush out. 8 alway thought of the Centari as the instigators backroom dealing. Causing and letting others fight things out while setting back trying to portray innocent.

[@ravenknight4876]

Quick note: Centauri Prime is not in the Alpha Centauri system.

[@DavidMacDowellBlue]

01:57 No, the "Republic" was only founded after long genocidal war with the Xon (not the Xonos). 04:20 Where is your source for this? I've seen every episode and read all the novels and haven't seen anything about such a plan. 05:14 Where did you get the idea the Centauri helped out the Dilgar????

[@LoreReloaded]

01:57... did I day centauri republic or did I say centauri empire? Bonus question... did I state the republic was formed after the war later in the episode?

[@LoreReloaded]

05:15 - season 1.. when they talk about the dilgar at a narn planet.

[@TentaclePentacle]

well the centauri were selling weapons to the dilgar, so were the narns.

[@nicoj84]

David, I'm a massive B5 fan. Not read all the novels but I have read the Centauri trilogy and it's 100% mentioned in one of them. The plan to allow humanity to destroy itself. I was a bit shocked to read that as It doesn't tie in with Emperor Turhan's style. Probably a Lord Rifa idea floated into the Centarum lol

[@RevantheBlack]

nicoj84 this makes Refa’s death all the more hilarious if true

[@BrightOranje]

Peter Jurasik did an absolutely fabulous job. Transition over the course of the show from being comical to ruthless to helpless was brilliantly executed.

[@tcironbear21]

I surprised you did not get through the series without some appreciation for the Centauri. I have to say the redeeming things about the Centauri are: 1) Charisma and fun loving. They seem to be a people who can enjoy themselves. 2) The Centauri are often tricky but rarely malevolent. Centauri have no qualms about using low cost manipulations and schemes on everyone. But when it comes to the high cost ones that denote a dedicated anger or hatred of another, they shy away from them. 3) The Centuari are willing to sacrifice much for the sake of their people. There are a strong sense of patriotism in all of them.

[@MrStephen182]

There is nothing, and I mean nothing to appreciate about the Centauri. Like all who in slave others, I hate them.

[@stonem0013]

@@MrStephen182 but many cultures are based on being slavers. The American South still has a sense of deep pride and identity on starting a horrifically destructive war to protect their right to be slavers. Many Southerners still identify strongly with this cause and see the destruction of a statue of a historical slaver as one of the worst crimes possible (unlike slavery, which they see as wonderful)

[@ernestovalladares1784]

los centauri son tan humanos

[@sciguyjeff]

I am SO glad you do Babylon 5 commentary. Trek comments can be found everywhere, yours is up on top though, but Bab 5 commentary is so rare, surprisingly since it was so well liked.

[@therealshadow99]

The Centauri rose to power in the time after the last great war. Which saw the older races licking their wounds as it had been a costly victory for the Vorlons and their allies, which gave the Centauri the perfect chance to spread outward. A few hundred years earlier and they would have needed to take sides as possibly the least powerful spacefaring race. If that had happened things would have probably gone much differently for the Centauri. Instead we get Centauri that have stagnated into a position of comfortable power that feel like a cross between Caesars' Roman Empire and the Napoleonic French Republic... With a concept of face that would rival Japan or China (as the appearance is often equal to the action for them).

[@jhathaway8026]

Spot on. The Centauri were in the right place at the right time to expand and grow their fledgling Empire. Time, apathy and decadence took their toll until the Empire was a shadow of its former self. By the time they encountered humanity, all they really had for leverage was their knowledge of jump gates and trade networks. A lie about earth being a lost colony was a ruse that ultimately didn't work in the long run. Personally, I forsee the Centauri ultimately withering away to a third rate power until they're forced to join another Empire / Alliance to maintain their standard of living.

[@Rhron]

This is not important info but just some minor bits of info. The centauri over the course of many years sent many expeditions to Vorlon space and none of them returned. The Earth Alliance sent three expeditions over the years and the Vorlons said they had met with "accidents" and suggested no further expditions. - Ep And Now For A Word. The Centauri obviousy respects the Minbari and Londo said when the Centauri Republic were expanding in all directions they never opposed the Minbari. And given how the Earth-Minbari War went you can understand why the Centauri does not want to be on the Minbari's bad side.

[@Rhron]

And also there are canon RPG books I think that may add some more tidbits to the Centauri Republic. Can't remember what the books were called. But they have been mentioned a lot in the VS debattes on Spacebattles.com forums.

[@nathanielhellerstein5871]

Nobody wants to be on the Minbari's bad side. That side is in front of them. If you value your life, be somewhere else.

[@djolds1]

The Centauri Republic is modeled on the Republic of Venice - which had a quasi-monarch (the Doge) elected from the city's nobility by the ruling council (the Great Council). The entire aesthetic for the Centauri is very much Renaissance Italian - Venice's golden age.

[@dataportdoll7918]

Just adding the detail, as I don't see it anywhere in the comments either; One feature of the Centauri is that they are natural telepaths, which is a rarity in the B5 universe. All Centauri have very limited, but very real psychic powers. Londo, our main viewpoint Centauri, has what most of his race has: premonitions of his death. Centauri are attuned to the end of their timestream...or something. There are also seers, who can tell the future, we meet two in the series. And the Emperor of the Centauri has pairs of twin telepaths, who are so linked that he can leave one sister behind, and bring one sister with him while traveling, to make sure he can't be betrayed at court, another...cynical detail of Centauri culture. All in all, that also means the Centauri really operated on this whole independent sphere of galactic politics, the "secular" level, if you will, beyond the notice of the Vorlons (who seed most of the telepaths in the universe). The timelines also suggest (though to my knowledge none of the material directly implies this) that the war the Centauri fought in the distant past might have been races seeded by the Shadows in one of the previous wars, to further their Darwinian view of evolution. And as is seen in the Narn example, the Shadows hate telepathic races, but as the Centauri were never taken into the Vorlons confidence, it is speculated their entire existence as this militaristic empire is purely a forgotten byproduct of a former Shadow War that the Shadows forgot to check up on.

[@reddyredwolf3931]

On the Centauri collaborating with the Dilgar that was a Narn allegation. Even after the Dilgar War the EA had cordial relations with the Centauri Republic. The Centauri only claimed Earth was a lost colony. Earth didn't bite on that due to genetic comparison and peleontological evidence.

[@nathanielhellerstein5871]

How did EA get that genetic information? My theory: they got one of the Centauri drunk and hired a hooker. The moment he undid his vest, she knew that they weren't even remotely human. But being resolute and patriotic and under contract, she collect that sperm sample anyhow.

[@toomanyaccounts]

@@nathanielhellerstein5871 blood or skin. either would be easier

[@toomanyaccounts]

The centauri did back the Dilgar. Its why Londo voted no on the Deathwalker tribunal. The Centuari handed over a Narn colony world that was under Centauri control. This world was then used as a staging ground to attack the races that would later make the league of non aligned worlds.

[@SantomPh]

it was a clerical error. a sign of Imperial decline

[@RoyCyberPunk]

​@toomanyaccounts Yeah you don't need to risk personnel like that.

[@haakonstenseth]

I have on original DVD disc all 5 seasons of Babylon 5 and some movies from the series here in my apartmen ☺ The actor who played Sebastian in one of the episodes of Babylon 5 played various characters in B5 too ☺ Yes, I mean the actor Wayne Alexander He played these in the B5 series : Babylon 5 Guest Starring, "Comes the Inquisitor," (8 August 1995) - Sebastian Featuring, "And the Rock Cried Out, No Hiding Place," (8 September 1996) - G'Dan Guest Starring, "The Hour of the Wolf," (4 November 1996) - Lorien Guest Starring, "Whatever Happened to Mr. Garibaldi?," (11 November 1996) - Lorien Guest Starring, "The Summoning," (18 November 1996) - Lorien Guest Starring, "Falling Toward Apotheosis," (25 November 1996) - Lorien Guest Starring, "The Long Night," (27 January 1997) - Lorien Guest Starring, "Into the Fire," (3 February 1997) - Lorien Guest Starring, "Intersections in Real Time," (16 June 1997) - Drazi Prisoner Guest Starring, "Movements of Fire and Shadow," (17 June 1998) - Drakh Guest Starring, "The Fall of Centauri Prime," (28 October 1998) - Drakh Guest Starring, "Sleeping in Light," (25 November 1998) - Lorien TV Movies Guest Starring, "River of Souls," Soul One Guest Starring, "A Call to Arms," Drakh

[@bask7580]

Love that you’re driving into Bab5 lore, keep it coming!

[@theautisticveteran2466]

Landon was so much fun... I think the individual Centauri characters were my favorite. Much like Quark was in DS9... Of course for different reasons.

[@eastsd333]

Hey Lore, when you get a chance, can you do a breakdown of the ships/technology the Centauri used to produce the mass drivers that evil Emperor used to re-subjugate the Narn before the Shadow War? It's always been fascinating that they were portrayed like space nukes, but were also charged asteroids. Thanks in advance and keep up the great work

[@digitalis2977]

I can save him some effort. A Mass Driver is a simple kinetic strike weapon. It has no explosives...just "mass" as the name implies. Since the mass of a kinetic kill weapon is a constant, the only variable is acceleration, so force yield on impact is directly related to how fast the Centauri could get the projectile moving. Narn was bombarded with two types of mass drivers, the first being good ole fashioned asteroids that we're likely towed in from somewhere in the system and set on a collision course with the planet to cause widespread damage; these would be the ones to cause the most ecoligical damage, and could easily approach extinction-level events (depending on size and speed.) The second type were the ones seen being fired from the Centauri warships. Given the size of Centauri Battlecruisers, these would be relatively small (probably no bigger than twice the size of your car) dense spheres. These would be the "tactical" weapons with damage equivalency of nuclear weapons due to their smaller size and MUCH slower velocity at impact. The "charging up" you see serves three purposes: 1. Launch - If a sphere is set to rotating (even in a vacuum) then any forward momentum applied (such as a magnetic rail system) will more easily translate into forward velocity due to centrifugal force helping to counteract inertia. 2. Travel - A rotating object would more easily traverse an atmosphere on its way down, again because the centrifugal force would help counteract the air resistance and help to keep the projectile on target. 3. Destructive Power - The rotation of the projectile is technically Kinetic Energy (because it is in motion) but in the (loosely) closed system of the projectile in flight into a gravity well, it also counts as Potential Energy; that is, any rotation not lost to air resistance MUST be dispersed by the ground on impact...thus causing more damage than a non-rotating projectile and adding to the destruction on impact. So, your description of "charging them up" isn't really wrong.

[@eastsd333]

Hi Andrew, thank you so much for that thorough reply. That was better explained than I even hoped for by Lore lol. While the tactical weapons make sense, I do find it interesting that the Centauri would use asteroids that could cause extinction-level damage. Its been awhile since I saw the episode, but I remember that the Emperor always intended for the Narn to be resubjugated, not exterminated. While eliminating a species' homeworld isn't necessarily completely genocidal if they are a space-faring society, it still runs the risk of destroying that species natural location for healing should a mass epidemic occur. I just find it interesting that he would run this risk, despite how completely insane he was, considering how much he wanted to reconquer the Narn. Just a random musing. Thank you again for taking the time to give such a well-thought out and in-depth reply.

[@digitalis2977]

Since Cartagia was a Nero-analog, he was patently insane; as such, he would very often say one thing and do another. In Cartagia speak, "subjugating" the Narn just happened to mean "subjugating whatever happened to be left over." He intended to push the Narn to the brink of extinction since a tiny population is easier to control than a massive one. Given the Narn history of rebellion and guerilla warfare, another insurrection was a foregone conclusion, so a population of a couple hundred thousand is far less likely to successfully rebel than a population of several billion. The Emperor even hinted at wiping the Narn out completely in time...he just wanted to enjoy himself first. So, to Cartagia, mass drivers made perfect sense since Narn had already been plundered of its natural resources during the previous occupation; the Centauri weren't there for slaves or resources because you don't use mass drivers on real estate you want to occupy. The Centauri reoccupied Narn for pride, vengance, dominance, and extermination.

[@alanmike6883]

And the look on Londos face when he realized what he had done was heart breaking

[@alanmike6883]

There was the time the centauri got tired of war for a while plus the emperor wanted more peaceful measures. But when the centauri met humanity they definitely weren't like they used to be. I say they could still fight but lacked the will. Like they are compare to the British Empire in decline but the Roman Empire when it expanded and the bit about fighting you could use the final years of the Vietnam War about losing the will.

[@badgersgetabadname]

Peter Jurasik was one of the best actors in the whole series. Londo changed through the series and his decent into loyalty versus insanity was for me one of the best sub plots. Vir played an excellent accomplice giving a softening to Londo`s fire. I like that the Centauri are a mix of British and Russian empires and the arrogance that goes with it. I only recently found your channel and really enjoy your work. Thank you

[@CdnFN1]

Well done Lore! Nice video the hard work paid off!

[@charlesmunn4844]

The Centauri. Best hair in science fiction.

[@orutakawatenga8820]

To me the Centauri paralleled the Roman Empire but with a far happier potential outcome.

[@Fenris77]

Also the Dilgar bears a somewhat likeness with the Kilrathi from Wingcommander.

[@LoreReloaded]

I noticed that to..

[@alanmike6883]

Oh yeah. But not the film version. We do not speak it's name 😉

[@Fenris77]

Agreed the games only.

[@alanmike6883]

One thing I liked about the games were that it had a good story and good characters and considering the technology of the time was like a mini movies especially three and four

[@dragonson72]

I always thought odd at first but later on, I pieced it together how the Vorlons had visited every race and left a genetic fingerprint so every race would remember them, all but the Centauri, every race saw Sheridan saved by Kosh, but from Londo's point of view as he said he saw nothing, for dozens of different races with very little in common could find joy in sharing this one small thing and share in each other happiness if only for a few minutes is an amazing thing and how sad it must have felt to be Londo or any Centauri for not being able to share in one of life's to brief moments of joy with others

[@RandyPass]

Should really do more of these. Huge B5 fan and find there is a lack of B5 lore on KZbin. Thanks!

[@thegeneral123]

The Centauri were clearly a reference to the British Empire. As well as having a good nod to the Roman Empire.

[@alanmike6883]

Yes either pre ww2 or post depending on you point of view

[@thegeneral123]

Both really imho. At the end, just like the British Empire, in decline. I say that as a Brit.

[@alanmike6883]

Indeed. Speaking as a brit too. It was very reminiscent to the fall. Like the withdrawal of narn could be seen as India or the last effort for a independent policy during the suez crises. After which after the USA forced a back down, everything became downsized like the fleet which would close stations east of East, and eventually led to present day. I say in a way the centauri under vir would be like the uk today In a way

[@alanmike6883]

Do you remember that famous markab episode. That was sad

[@rifleman2c997]

Good pic of vir you used. Of vir waving to Mr Mordin, having his wants fulfilled. "As a warning for the next ten generations that some favors come with too high of a price. "

[@therenegade79]

I think it was on the DVD interviews, its been awhile since I watched them, but Word of god as the Centauri expanded too aggressively and enthusiastically so they had huge swathes of territories but a low population. For example, there were only hundred of millions on Centauri prime compared to the 6 billion on Corriana VI which the Army of Light chooses to defend in the final battle between the Vorlons and the Shadows

[@alanmike6883]

I remember someone about that. That of all the major powers the centauri had fewer people on their homeworld then others

[@ganados0]

There was three billion on Centauri Prime.

[@jenniferzoch3309]

I am really enjoying this series, please keep it up!

[@mosser-wm3dx]

Luv it lore, u actually reminded me of a lot of lore facts i conpletely forgot about. Looking forward to more, god knows b5 lore is rich.

[@90lancaster]

I expect the Centauri had a hell of a lot more than 4 colonies.

[@LoreReloaded]

That's why I said 'atleast' ...couldn't confirm more than 4

[@90lancaster]

I realise that - I'm not intending to attack you by saying this - You do have me wondering though if Londo did ever mention anything more specific about the "Great Days of the Republic" that would give us a better idea. By the time of B5 I don't think anyone has triple digit numbers of colonies - not even the Vorlon or Shadows. Perhaps there simply isn't that many habitable worlds or the ones there are are to remote to be easily defended. Not much use having a colony that takes many months to get to in Hyperspace really. Though the Universe seems a bit bigger an more populated in Crusade to me.

[@alanmike6883]

The centauri had the firepower and manpower and resources but not the Will

[@LoreReloaded]

I didnt taken it negative..sorry if I seemed defensive

[@mosser-wm3dx]

@@90lancaster crusade was a disaster lol

[@philiptite6254]

Nicely done. On the political arrangement of the Centauri Republic, as well as much of the internal political conflict, I think this fictional empire was based on the Roman Empire, notably the Julio-Claudian dynasty. Yes, there was an emperor, Octavian now Augustus, who wielded absolute power, but technically he was just "first citizen" within the restored "republic" - albeit a first citizen with legions behind him, popular support, and a weakened Senate. This parallel works better than the more modern constitutional monarchies we've seen, such as in the UK/British Empire. And the ancient Romans continued to see themselves as a republic, even though most of the elite knew that they no longer lived in an oligarchy but a autocracy that gave a nod to the great houses of Rome (and that kind of fits the Centauri). The ancient Roman parallel also fits the "mad emperor" motif (Cartagia is a wonderfully acted articulation of Caligula; even the names are similar to the ear). The use of poison, assassination, and military expansion to create glory and unity at home all fit the ancient Romans. Even the "Great Houses" nicely parallels the elite ruling class of the patricians ("fathers" of the republic) (more than the political house system of the Klingons in TNG Star Trek). Watching the Centauri Republic in B5 almost feels like a science fiction walk though Suetonius. :)

[@diver-wi9th]

Dude I love these lore video's keep up the awesome work

[@barrybend7189]

Space Napoleon era France.

[@anaiglesias9972]

Basically true

[@AlexSDU]

I kept saying that but people kept disagreeing that they're not Space French. Some say they more like the Italian or Prussian.

[@weldonwin]

I think they are supposed to be a mashup of several different Imperialist nations from around the same time, but their goverment and social structure is more like that of classical period Rome with an Emperor and a senate composed of hereditary nobility and only the barest fig-leaf of republicanism

[@barrybend7189]

@@AlexSDU well Napoleon was technically not French but was actually Italian. Wierd fact but good to know.

[@lynchet4532]

Corsican to be precise but ...

[@samuelvine]

Quick note on the Centauri government - it's highly modeled after the Holy Roman Empire which was a fundamental inspiration to the French and American fledgling democracies because it incorporated an authoritarian head of state and a council of electors that could check the Emperor's authority on some issues and had the power to choose the next Emperor from a select list of appropriately related individuals. It's also related to the arrangement of the Roman Republic where there was a Senate but one that was only populated by their version of the nobility. It's not that complicated once you study history ;)

[@mosser-wm3dx]

I disagree on the complication. Roman bureaucracy was extremely complicated. The senate was just the top, u had all kinds of committees and councils. Even the plebs had a place near the top of this all.

[@AlexSDU]

The only connection I saw between Centauri Republic and the Holy Roman Empire are the power struggle between the Houses, and various assassinations.

[@samuelvine]

AlexSDU, it isn't a perfect match with the HRE since the Centauri Emperor had more authority in general but the set up is very similar. In the Centauri Republic the various noble houses operated their own military forces, the Centaurum had the authority to select a new Emperor, Ministers held considerable power in policy decision making despite being ultimately subservient to the Emperor, the Centaurum is selected from the Nobility...etc. - all these structures are shared with the HRE. As I said, it isn't a 100% match but there is a long list of similarities between the two governments.

[@AlexSDU]

Thank you for the explanation.

[@samuelvine]

:) no prob - HRE has always been one of my favorite civs lol

[@Nicolas-wd5ec]

The Centauri encapsulate both the best and worst extremes of humanity.

[@raw6668]

I find it interesting that of all the species the Vorlons interfered, the Centauri were the few species to not seem them angelic. Maybe the Vorlons realizing they are such a chaotic species they decide to leave them to the Shadows.

[@CdnFN1]

raw666 I always thought that event spoke more to Londo being touched by darkness than his people not seeing vorlans back in the day. Curious if any other maker religions were there that day and what they saw

[@raw6668]

I always thought it was more due to a telepathic marker since all the species describe seeing the Vorlons as an angelic form that resembled their species, but Londo said when asked what he saw, he said nothing. I think he meant that while the other species had a telepathic link to see the Vorlons as benevolent, he saw them as nothing but shadows that one cannot see. So the Vorlans either did not bother to put a telepathic link the Centauri to see them as benevolent, or Londo saw them for what they are really are, smoke and mirrors to deceive the other species into being benevolent.

[@therenegade79]

Londo was influenced by the Shadows.It was this that started Londo to question his choices so maybe Kosh intentionally didn't appear to Londo to nudge him in the right direction

[@slewone4905]

I think Centauris lack telepaths. After Narn bombed Centauri Prime, all the powers found out that the Centauri was being controlled, they cent Telepaths to help them.

[@therenegade79]

Sorry but the Centauri has telepaths - they accompany the Emperor when he visits B5 just before the Shadows aide the Centauri. Its the Narn who lack telepaths, they were all killed in the previous Shadow war

[@andrewgilbertson5672]

@0:36 - And I'm already cracking up. :-) I'm going to enjoy this one immensely, I think...

[@artembentsionov]

Centauri had some impressive tech. They had artificial gravity, but they didn’t use it to its fullest, merely lowering the ship’s effective mass and then pushing with conventional engines. They had sophisticated computers and highly maneuverable fighters. If a pilot blacked out during a maneuver, the computer would take over and finish the maneuver seamlessly. The Vorchan design is also clearly superior to the aging Primus. Smaller but meant to operate in packs. And later possibly scaled up into larger warships to match human Warlocks.

[@void2258]

The Centauri were very stagnant. At the time of the series, Centauri ship designs had been unchanged for hundreds of years.

[@alanmike6883]

The vorchan was new and reasonable design in packs but yes I agree with you. Despite being old the primus battlecruiser was still one of the most powerful ships of the young races

[@iainhowe4561]

@@alanmike6883 - Amongst the younger races only they and the Minbari had gravity drives.

[@alanmike6883]

@Aung Un'Rama Kinda like a Japanese zero. Built for offense and not defence

[@alanmike6883]

@@iainhowe4561 Indeed another advantage

[@jamesburke3413]

I got the impression from the series that Straczynski (sorry about the spelling) based the Centauri on the Roman Empire. You can see shreds of the good elements in their culture in characters like Emperor Turhan, Urza Jaddo, and Vir Cotto, but ultimately the worst elements of their nature wins out, exemplified by Londo Molari, Lord Refa, and Emperor Cartagia. At the end of season five I pretty much assumed that the Centauri were doomed (especially considering that their Regent and Emperor Molari became puppets of the Drakh) . Anything good resulting from Vir Coto's rule as Emperor will probably be short-lived. Like the Romans the Centauri aren't perfect, but their greed and short-sightedness will be the destruction of their race in the long run. Great video though. B5's a great addition to Lored Reloaded.

[@barrybend7189]

Actually its said in official side cannon that Vir actually saved the empire and in his rule remodeled the empire off of Earth's old British parliament.

[@jamesburke3413]

@@barrybend7189 thanks for the update. In spite of their behavior in the series I actually like the Centauri. It's great if they can pull out of the nosedive, especially after the Drakh infiltrated Centauri Prime after the destruction of Z'hadum.

[@barrybend7189]

@@jamesburke3413 yeah an somehow Vir or flounder because the actor who played as him in animal house is actually the most liked character in B5 (gerabaldy is close second).

[@dereseemdereseem]

I dont view the shadows as being TOTALLY wrong, so the drahk may end up being important. Wish they would have made more.

[@conroypaw]

"Who decides that the work day is from 9 to 5 instead of 11 to 4? Who decides that the hemlines will be below the knee this year, and short again next year? Who draws up the borders, controls the currency, handles all the decisions that happen transparently around us? I'm with them. Same group, different department." - Justin

[@jdlech]

The thing I liked most about the Centauri Republic was their largely automated bureaucracy. The Centauri Republic had a lot in common with a technocracy. Their bureaucracy largely ran itself without anyone actually having to make the day to day decisions. There seemed to be almost no middle management. Their economy, factory production, and distribution was largely autonomous. It required orders from the royal palace or Centaurum to alter priorities. Even their wars were very formulaic in execution. It's like their bureaucracy had done it so long that they had a pat answer to everything and know what every situation needs - so they just automated it all and moved on to more rewarding challenges. This, however, also made it far more vulnerable to the Drakh and their allies to hijack and use for their own purposes without anybody knowing. This is why they were able to build an entire fleet using Centauri resources without anybody knowing. Their entire bureaucracy was "asleep at the switch". Only a few at the top who actually read the reports they received suspected anything. I imagine there were far more who never bothered to read any of the reports they got. Most of those reports were probably automatically generated, and would report the same things for years at a time. So only the most unusually attentive would notice any changes.

[@samueldeyiii4901]

Didn't first contact with the Centauri begin with a lie? They told the humans that they invented jump gates.

[@LoreReloaded]

I know they claimed the humans were a lost colony.. creating jumpgates? Maybe.. I don't remember that

[@SantomPh]

@@LoreReloaded they claimed common genetic ancestry which Londo explains as a "clerical error".

[@Nighthawke70]

JMS built one hell of a universe with Babylon 5. You might consider this to be an overview of the Centauri. I'm intrigued about the Vir regime. I know he brought in human advisors and possibly the Rangers to work on rebuilding the Centauri into a new dynamic that rivals Earth in cultural and technological advancement.

[@troyskeete8372]

Sadly in the end, neither the Centauri or Narn ascended. As Kosh said sorrowfully and I paraphrase, "They are lost. You should let them die" This downfall was evident from the beginning.....

[@foca2002]

They are not extinct the technology of both races are in the same level of Earth and Minbar. But they never ascend to energy being levels.

[@troyskeete8372]

I'm sorry I wasn't clear, That's what I meant BUT I swear I read that they do both go extinct but I'm probably wrong on that part. :)

[@alanmike6883]

Eventually yes. Nothing can live forever except a evolved energy being. 😀

[@brianburke4756]

Kosh said to Sheridan, "Theirs is a dying race. It is likely we will let them pass." Sheridan responded by asking, "You mean the Centari or the Narn?" Kosh only said, "Yes."

[@aragmarverilian8238]

Love the Cenrauri! How did I miss your video even with notifications on? Btw my second book is finally out.

[@LoreReloaded]

HERESY OF KZbin!

[@dawall3732]

One of the things I think is hilarious about the Centauri is that they are anime h***** tentacle monsters. From space! It was revealed in Babylon 5 and no one noticed.

[@jefft5152]

Great video and I hope to see more. I really saw them as shelled after the British Empire. Pushing out with the strongest Navy to the farthest reaches and establishing "colonies". (Would that make the Narn America!?) You are right though it's also a mix of the Roman Empire with their celebrations.

[@LoreReloaded]

This is apart of a completed series

[@rome021]

the centauri republic/empire is in model after the roman empire. where the senate is the centarum and the emperor is well the emperor. it is like the modern united kingdom but with the emperor in charge still but allow the centarum to run the little things and maintain the republic.

[@Vaultboy-ke2jj]

A good few mistakes in this. The republic at the time of 2257 has 12 worlds. The early enemy were the Xon, not Xonos. The Centauri didn’t aid the Dilgar, they said the Narn did and the Narn likewise blamed the Centauri. Also the Centauri weren’t trying to conquer earth or eliminate a rival, they were desperate for trade partners and allies

[@shaggycan]

The balance of power changed radically during the time frame of the series. At the beginning, emperor Turhan did very little day to day governing and was ruled very similar to Queen Victoria. By the end of the series ambitious factions (Lord Reva) put a puppet emperor in charge and moved the power away from the centarum and back to the throne. Then Molari had Reva killed and Cartagia went sideways on them. So basically a complete unwind of a slow moving stable (stagnant) Republic.

[@VOYAGERNCC]

Love the character Vir Coto especially in the episoed "SIK TRANSIT VIR" great times

[@squirepraggerstope3591]

One must like the Centauri and Londo in particular is admirable. The nearest the B5 universe gets to a combo of the Roman Republic and post-Victorian British Empire

[@yanickmonet5200]

Back in the day, a Babylon 5 Roleplaying game was made with the d&d 3.5 rules edition... They had their complete historical background established and as far as I could see, was recognized by Strazynski himself (hope I wrote his name right)

[@theodorehawkwood6594]

Londo has become a more nuanced character that I see a lot to study and understand as I get older.

[@unarealtaragionevole]

The Centauri were my favorite race on B5. I used to go back and fourth who they mirrored more, the French of the 17th-18th century specifically...or just a commentary on Late Middle Age European aristocracy in general. The Vorchan class was my favorite ship design but I always felt they used it wrong. The Vorchan was treated like a capital ship when it was built to be a a fast and maneuverable stand alone....we never really see that. Instead they're always surrounded by escorts and shoot from a distance.

[@unacceptableviews1505]

Dam,I remember watching B5 on t.v. and I loved it.Rewatched it recently and I still liked it.I am very sad to see how many of the actors have died irl.Whats funny is that my 2 favorite shows back then were B5 and Star Trek Deep Space Nine.Both were extremely well acted and had some of the best stories on t.v.Whenever I see any of the actors doing new shows,I smile and remember what was.

[@horatio8213]

Centauri Republic is like early Roman Empire, offically is a republic but they have Emperor/First Citizen as a ruler. In Centauri Republic Senate vote for new Emperor, exacly like in Roman Empire.

[@emknight84]

The Centauri down to even their style in modeled around the Early Republic in France under Napoleon and just as unstable.

[@michaelclark737]

I've not read any of the novels, so it would be difficult for me to say much beyond that which was televised across the five seasons of Babylon 5. That said, however, B5 is one of my all-time favorite TV shows, and completely changed my religion on how science fiction should be done, and honestly how much of storytelling and TV should be done. Clearly, I'm not the only one because actual professionals in industry have clearly been impacted by this show, in many cases even admitting as much.

[@Zoloft77]

I think that the early Centauri's encounters with the Xon had a bigger impact on their culture and claims for the stars. It's akin to "Get Them Before They Get You".

[@mattwho81]

The timing of the Centauri's rise is very telling. 13th Century (Earth date) would place it right at the trailing end of the last Great Shadow War. The established powers of that age had been decimated, the First Ones had retreated and the galaxy was wide open for exploitation. The Centauri's brief but brutal war with the Shoggoth saw them left with a vast technologically advanced fleet, and no real rivals. Much like the British Empire after Napoleonic wars they went on a vast land-grab, seizing everything they could get their hands on. Though it must be noted the only two races left from the Shadow war (Mimbari and Vree) were scrupulously left alone. This suggest Centauri were very, very good at picking fights only with people they were sure they could beat. The Empire's vast size and technological prowess made them appear invincible, but their success was hollow. They had stopped innovating and never built the infrastructure to sustain their galactic dominance. Like all systems built upon infinite expansion, their culture and economy collapsed under its own weight.

[@UncleMikeDrop]

The post Alliance aggression was largely due to manipulation and large scale extortion by the Drach so they can't be held completely at fault. I agree that Vir (THE GOD EMPEROR) could and likely did usher in a NE golden age for the Centaur Republic. He also most likely introduced reforms that allowed them to be a Republic in far more than name.

[@alanmike6883]

The keepers

[@UncleMikeDrop]

Alan Jolly the they were symbiotically connected, but for all intents and purposes it was the Drach.

[@alanmike6883]

True. And they kept their host inline and the drahk did threaten to use fusion bombs to force Londos hand if he refused.

[@UncleMikeDrop]

Alan Jolly yeah, but all Londo has to do is drink heavily to make the keeper fall asleep for a while. It makes sense because the Drahk likely don't think, but I had trouble not laughing about the fact that Londos greatest defense was also his greatest vice.

[@alanmike6883]

Very ironic. However if you remember he did tell Sheridan that it was very hard. That the keeper was adapting so he had to drink even larger quantities.

[@tcostisi]

Great vid! Thanks :)

[@CharlesUrban]

You can always count on the Centauri for the latest innovations in hair gel.

[@time391]

@Lore, to be honest, I always loved the Centauri when I was younger. They were a species of dramatic extremes, ancient values, and even a chivalrous ideal. To me, they're more than just evil aliens, they're a reflection of romantic idealism, traditionalism, and ego. While I agree with you, what they did was wrong to the Narns, both before and after Babylon 5 was built. Still, there's more to them than just evil ass holes; they were simply selfish and prideful, characteristics all great nations have had from Alexander's Macedonian Empire to the United States today. Now, I can't wait for you to explore the Narns, Babylon 5's equivalent to a certain semitic nation (Let's be honest, all the holocaust references were more than road signs)

[@slewone4905]

All the other races was boring. Centauri actually can enjoy life. Binge drinking, strippers and gambling. Would you want to party with a Narn.

[@alanmike6883]

Well maybe if it was gkar 😀 If things didn't go bad, if londo didn't make bad decisions, I could imagine londo and gkar eventually being party buddies.

[@time391]

Seriously G'Kar was a sexy beast, he was sleeping with 2 or 3 women at a time in bed, plus slept with one of Londo's wives. Sort of makes you think about that old Biblical line to "Be fruitful" The centauri were frat boys with binge drinking, fights, and big egos, but even when they had 3 wives each, they rarely ever enjoyed it. The Narn might have been aggressive, but they were active with their aggression

[@slewone4905]

Wen l: which one? War, Pestilence, or Famine?

[@time391]

Mariel, aka Death, was sleeping with G'Kar. It's kind of a foreshadowing too, G'Kar's aggression mirrored that of his own people and Mariel according to Londo burns powerful men out, so in a way you canb say G'Kar doomed Narn by sleeping with Londo's wife.

[@ProperLogicalDebate]

A lot can be summed up when Lando in the garden saw nothing when Sheridan(?) was falling.

[@joemilton3273]

As Londo himself epitomized, there was still the concepts of honor, duty, and sacrifice within the Empire. Rot can also provide new growth, and I think the Centauri had much more to contribute beyond what the series encompassed.

[@illuminat4838]

Awesome vid man and I am agreeing with Red Duke Arminius The Centauri fell because of their hair.

[@Centurian128]

For information on the Government of the Centari Republic see Pre-Revolutionary France and post-Augustus Rome.

[@Excalibur01]

Do you know what the last Xon said just before he died?

[@jamesfry8983]

Ah the great Centauri Republic the lion of the galaxy all done with the aide of wine, women and song now thats how to live

[@michaelkantner6420]

What and where have you read anything about Babylon 5, were their books about the series, if so, where can I find them, if you know?

[@ShionWinkler]

The Centauri were bad guys, that's the main reason the Shadow approach them, and when Kosh revealed himself Londo didn't see anything, because the Vorlons never went to Centauri Prime; perhaps because it was already being influenced by the Shadows.

[@anaiglesias9972]

The Centauri makes reminder of XVIII or XIX Century Europe.

[@Thehuntsman741]

I think you should do a video on if mankind would have intervened in the centory narn war sorry if i butchered the spelling.

[@2Granule]

Dang! now I want to know everything about the Xonos!

[@kuribayashi84]

Something I'm really wondering about is how exactly First Contact between the Centauri and the Humans went and why the former didn't try to conquer the latter, considering what happened with the Narn. Was it because Earth was just too far away from Centauri Space, or maybe only because Humans just look so similar? Anyway, it would be interesting, as it was Humanities first contact with Alien Life in this universe.

[@bobitussinX]

Best TV show ever.....

[@joeljohnson3515]

For anyone who is interested... B5 is now available on Amazon Prime Videos