Endgame (Babylon 5)
| "Endgame" | |
|---|---|
| Babylon 5 episode | |
 | |
| Episode no. |
Season 4 Episode 20 |
| Directed by | John Copeland |
| Written by | J. Michael Straczynski |
| Production code | 420 |
| Original air date | 12 October 1997 |
| Guest appearance(s) | |
|
Ungela Brockman (Earthforce NCO) | |
"Endgame" is an episode from the fourth season of the science fiction television series Babylon 5.
Synopsis
Marcus is watching over the terminally injured Ivanova who is about to be transferred back to Babylon 5 before the final battle against Earth. Though Marcus protests, arguing that Ivanova would want to be present for the final battle, Delenn tells him that she will be more comfortable and safer on the station.
Sheridan's fleet has two main targets: the 30 ships President Clark assembled at Mars, and the automated defense platforms in orbit around Earth. Sheridan knows he has to deal with the ships at Mars first, otherwise his fleet will probably be trapped between the loyalist ships and the defense platforms. So he decides to use 30 telepaths modified by the Shadows. He knows that the telepaths will merge with the computers of these ships, disabling the ships in the process. These telepaths are smuggled onboard Clark's ships by the Mars resistance.
General Robert Lefcourt is Clark's mission commander, commanding the EAS Apollo. Lefcourt fights on the principle of the matter, rather than any personal loyalty to Clark, believing that soldiers are not to take arms against their own government, and therefore Sheridan's forces have to be stopped.
The attack at Mars begins when Garibaldi provides exact jump coordinates to a White Star commanded by Marcus. Sheridan's fleet jumps into Mars-space with instructions for only the Earth ships and White Stars to engage the loyalist fleet, while ships from the League of Non-Aligned Worlds, Minbari, Centauri, and Narn fleets provide tactical support without taking the offensive. When some of the loyalist ships start turning around to respond, Lefcourt orders them to maintain position. He knows the ground attack is a diversion, and that Sheridan would want his forces backed up against the planet.
Sheridan's fleet jumps into the space above Mars, just as Lefcourt has predicted. Lefcourt is about to order his ships to attack when the Apollo and most of the other loyalist ships are disabled, since the telepaths have managed to merge with the computer systems of these ships. Having disabled the Mars fleet, Sheridan orders some ships to remain behind and keep an eye on the destroyers. The remaining vessels leave for Earth.
On the Apollo, the crew soon finds and kills the telepath who has merged with the computer. However, it takes some time to get the ship up and running again. Eventually the crew regains control of their ship and departs for Earth. Lefcourt soon learns that Clark has committed suicide before he could be arrested, and that Clark has turned the defense platforms towards Earth, which could destroy most of the planet's surface.
Ships of every race engage the defense platforms, destroying many but taking significant casualties. When the Apollo arrives at Earth, one platform still remains active and is preparing to fire on Earth. The damaged Agamemnon prepares to ram the platform, but Lefcourt has the Apollo fire upon and destroy the platform, saving the Agamemnon. With the danger over, he welcomes Sheridan home.
While Sheridan prepares to meet with members of the restored Earth Alliance government, Franklin commands a White Star returning to Babylon 5. He has learned that Marcus discovered the alien healing device, and is attempting to stop him. But he is too late. Marcus uses the machine to transfer his life energy to Ivanova. Close to death, he tells an unconscious Ivanova that he loves her.
Arc significance
- Sheridan's forces attack Mars and Earth, disabling the fleet and preventing Clark from destroying Earth.
- The Earth Civil War has ended with President Clark committing suicide before he can be arrested, and turning Earth's defense satellites against it.
- Marcus has returned to Babylon 5 after learning of the Alien Healing Device.
- Ivanova's life is saved as a result of Marcus' sacrifice.