S5: Fall of Centauri Prime
"Fall" is basically "The Show Where Londo's Arc is Pretty Much Wrapped Up." The "conflict," which in this case was the mystery of why the Centauri were attacking, was solved in the previous episode. This is the falling action and resolution part of the plot pyramid. So it's really short on action, excitement, and drama. But I like the final conversation between Londo and G'kar. I think both actors do really well with the material. And I might be in the minority, but I liked the bit with the bells and the quick-cut flashback.
Question from the Lurker's Guide, up for discussion: "As a student of Earth history, and given his familiarity with World War II in particular, Sheridan must have recognized that crushing war reparations can have unintended consequences, e.g. the rise of the Nazi party in a Germany crippled by humiliating sanctions after World War I. Why would he risk something similar happening on Centauri Prime?"
Well, Sheridan was the one that said there would be reparations in the first place. I don’t think he'd named any kind of amount. Besides which, wouldn't the whole Alliance have to vote on the measure? I think the description of the reparations as astronomical (not the exact term) was Londo preparing his people for the worst-but also supporting his theme of "We may be alone, but we are still Centauri."
JMS says that of the final 5, this is one of his favorites. I wonder why. I think it's not bad, and it's better than a lot of season 5. Perhaps as the writer/creator, seeing how Londo's evolution has played out on the screen is what he finds rewarding about it. Looking at those bits in the flashback, we're reminded that he's journeyed from "joke" to Emperor, and that it wasn't just a change in his social status. He underwent a real transformation. Hm, that's a good answer. I think I'll stick with it. :)