The Coming of Shadows

Season 2, Episode 9, Aired
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Episode Summary

The aging Centauri emperor travels to Babylon 5 despite his failing health. Lord Refa sees this as an opportunity to have Ambassador Londo publicly embarrass the emperor, while Ambassador G'Kar prepares to assassinate him.
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Fan Episode Reviews (7)

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  • The Coming of Shadows

    10
    "Perfect"
    By TrueTvWatcher, Jan 02, 2011 Report Abuse
    The Coming of Shadows was a perfect and classic episode of Babylon 5. I really enjoyed watching this episode because it had a lot of plot and character development. There was alos a lot of great space and ship scenes. I thought it was cool to see more of the Centauri and see more into their culture. Londo had some revealing visions of the future as his new allies begin an attack against the Narn. I thought the actors did a great job in their roles and connecting with viewers. There wers some familiar faces with cryptic warnings and mysterious information. I look forward to watching more of Babylon 5!!!!!!!moreless

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  • A superb episode... One of the best

    10
    "Perfect"
    By Parricida, Jun 16, 2008 Report Abuse
    This episode not only have huge impact, very moving and revealing storyline and superb acting, it all combined with magnificent effects, the irony of the actions some chars take, the point were their destiny has taken them. This is, if it can be said - when all brakes lose. And this has been waiting for some time. Lord Refa has been trying to make his steps for that point long time and now he gets what he wants. He and Londo are the ones who gain most of it. And I like the way they are showing it - he knows this is his rise for power and influence but even if he knows that, there is some still doubts and Vir - like the final voice of clear mind tries to warn him but when he has ever listened him. But he should have. That was maybe not the last point for Londo where he could have turned back, but one of the lasts definitely.

    But I think as much as it was about Centauris, this episode was also about Narns. G'Kar - the way he speaks - he says he knows now exactly what to do and then, when he is ready the emperor just decides to start dieing by himself. And when he hears the message the emperor has for him and what he realizes and that drink with Mollari.. many symbols, superb storyline development. Amazing episode.moreless

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  • This Episode is the Soul Of the Saga!!!

    10
    "Perfect"
    By MarkMc7, Jun 07, 2008 Report Abuse
    This is one of the BEST Written and Paced Episodes of ANY TV Show! There are are Four Major Plots Brilliantly intertwined! It is as though the Cosmos is at a Vortex at which the course of the Future will be decided!

    Londo makes a deal with the Forces of Darkness to settle an old score. Also, he hopes to gain Power with the same stroke! Londo's decesions at this point in time are critical to both the future course of the galaxy and his own personal future.

    This episode brilliantly explores the premise that the Future may be altered by choices individuals make.moreless

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  • Best Babylon Episode Ever

    10
    "Perfect"
    By firehouse731f, Dec 02, 2007 Report Abuse
    How more perfect can you make a episode like this.G'kar and Londo carries the emotion as always for the viewer. the story is amazing! and takes the narn/centauri conflict to new heights.its alot like deep space nine's cardassian/bajoran conflict.like deep space nine its that story element that makes babylon 5 so special.without it,babylon 5 would be just another show."coming of shadows" is one of the best pieces of science fiction written,directed to ever.now do yourself a favor and watch season two and three of babylon 5. but i must warn you four and five isnt that good. babylon 5 rocks! rock on.moreless

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  • the techno's getting even with londo

    10
    "Perfect"
    By seaqueastdsv, Aug 09, 2007 Report Abuse
    this is a great episode there are a few funny scenes in this one. when the techno's getting into londo personally files and wipeing them out and then plays narn opera. its very amusing. and at the end when the techno's are about to leave, he places a bat on the back on londo.meanwhile "i see billions calling out your name." "my followers?. "no your victims". techno mages are rarely seen and to see three together is a genuine rarity. why then have 100 of the legendary wizards, master in the black arts arrived on babylon 5.? meanwhile lieutenant commandar ivanova is promoted to commander and is assigned to a dangerous mission of finding a peaceful a peaceful resolution to warring factions of the drazi races.moreless

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Trivia, Notes, Quotes and Allusions

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  • Trivia

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  • Notes

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    • The charcters of Prime Minister Malachi and Emperor Turhan were named after the actors who portrayed them. Edit
    • The music during the end credits for this episode changes compared to the rest of the season. The title music is used instead. Edit
    • This episode won the 1996 Hugo award for "Best Dramatic Presentation". Edit

  • Quotes

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    • John Sheridan: (after learning about the attack on the Narn colony): You're gonna need all the help you can get. Set one foot in Ambassador Molari's quarters and you'll either be dead or gone. Either way, you won't help your people. G'Kar: They'll kill everyone, don't you understand? They've done it before, they'll kill everyone! John Sheridan: Then you're gonna have to decide what's more important to you, G'Kar! Revenge, or saving the lives of your people! Edit
    • Centauri Emperor: I was born into a role that had been prepared for me. I did everything I was asked to do, because it never occurred to me to choose otherwise. And now, at the end of my life, I wonder what might have been. John Sheridan: That's why my father taught me to live each second as though it were the last moment of my life. He said, if you love, love without reservation, if you fight, fight without fear. He called it the way of the warrior. Centauri Emperor: No regrets, then. John Sheridan: A few. But just a few. You? Centauri Emperor: Enough to fill a lifetime. So much has been lost. So much forgotten. So much pain, so much blood. And for what? I wonder... The past tempts us, the present confuses us, the future frightens us. And our lives slip away, moment by moment, lost in that vast, terrible inbetween. But there is still time to seize that one last, fragile moment. To choose something better. To make a difference, as you say. And I intend to do just that. Edit
    • Sheridan [to G'kar]: If this bothers you, I suggest you stay in your quarters, stick your fingers in your ears and hum real loud until it's over. Unless you'd like to try something as breathtakingly rational as trying to open up a dialogue. Edit

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