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"By Any Means Necessary" is the twelfth episode of the first season of the science fiction television series, Babylon 5. It first aired on May 11, 1994.[1]
| "By Any Means Necessary" | |
|---|---|
| Babylon 5 episode | |
| Episode no. | Season 1 Episode 12 |
| Directed by | Jim Johnston |
| Written by | J. Michael Straczynski, Kathryn M. Drennan, and Larry DiTillio |
| Production code | 114 |
| Original air date | May 11, 1994 |
| Guest appearances | |
| |
Plot
editA Narn vessel docking to deliver cargo crashes into another ship mistakenly cleared to leave Babylon 5. The crash takes the life of Eduardo Delvientos's brother.The dockers union, led by Neeoma Connally, insists this is a result of equipment failure and overworked crews. The former is confirmed by security; substandard microchips from a subcontractor triggered the mistaken clearance of the departing vessel. Connally demands funding for new equipment and more staff. Commander Sinclair promises to request the funding.
Earth Central's budget for Babylon 5 provides neither funding for new equipment nor for additional staff. It does add funding for weaponry. In response, the dock workers engage in a version of the "blue flu" (a reference by Garibaldi to police union members pretending to be sick to get around anti-strike regulations). Earth Senator Hidoshi orders Sinclair to end the de facto strike. The attempt to end the strike backfires. Led by an angry Delvientos, the workers openly declare a strike.
The crash destroyed a G'Quan Eth ordered by G'Kar, who needs it to perform a religious ceremony. He discovers that there is a replacement available, but it is owned by his Centauri counterpart, Londo Mollari. Mollari agrees to sell the plant for 50,000 credits, considerably above market value. When G'Kar offers the funds, Mollari renegs and says he will never provide the plant in retribution for the Narn attack on Ragesh III (see Midnight on the Firing Line).
Earth Central sends Orin Zento to resolve the strike. He also is given authority to invoke the RUSH Act, which would give Commander Sinclair the power to end the strike by any means necessary. An attempt by security to force an end to strike fails, leading Zento to invoke the act.
Sinclair surprises Zento (and everyone else) by announcing he will use the power given him to redirect 1.2 million in credits from weaponry to docking equipment upgrades and additional staff. He also declares amnesty for all striking workers (if not charged with any other offenses), on the condition that the workers return to work. The dock workers agree. Earth Central, reacting to popular opinion, let's Sinclair's unusual action stand.
Meanwhile, G'Kar has his aide Na'Toth steal a major Centauri artifact. Mollari demands retribution. Sinclair changes the subject and informs Mollari that the G'Quan Eth is a controlled substance and must be impounded absent a religious use. Molari agrees to give up the plant. G'Kar notes that Mollari has only done so because it is too late to perform the religious ceremony for which the plant was required. Sinclair notes that the ceremony is timed to occur when Narn sunlight clears the G'Quan mountains on the planet - and that said light from 12 years ago is still traveling and will reach Babylon 5 shortly. A delighted G'Kar thanks Sinclair and assures him the Centauri artifact will be returned.
The episode ends with G'Kar performing the ceremony.
Storyline significance
editThis episode provides yet another example of the hostility between G'Kar and Mollari. It is also one of the few first season examples in which G'Kar is portrayed sympathetically. It also hints at the darkness within Mollari, which the next episode (Signs and Portents) begins to reveal.
References
edit- ^ Straczynski, J. Michael (1994). "By Any Means Necessary". Babylon 5. Season 1. Babylonian Productions. PTEN/Warner Brothers.
External links
edit- By Any Means Necessary at The Lurker's Guide to Babylon 5
- Steve Burg's concept art for the Starfury fighter, along with Burg's unused concept art of the walking machine designed for Terminator 2.
- Ron Thornton's original physical shuttle model, as seen in the BBC series Blake's 7, upon which the Babylon 5 shuttle was based.
