Midnight on the Firing Line

Babylon 5 episode
“Midnight on the Firing Line”
Episode no.	Season 1 Episode 1
Guest star(s)	Paul Hampton (the Senator)
Writer(s)	J. Michael Straczynski
Director	Richard compton
Production no.	#103
Original airdate	1994 Jan. 26
Episode chronology
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"Pilot ("The Gathering")"	"Soul Hunter"
List of Babylon 5 episodes

Ragesh 3, a Centauri agricultural colony, is attacked, apparently by the Narns. Back on Babylon 5, we are introduced to new and old crew. Ambassador Mollari and Garibaldi joke about Earth's history with the Centauri: the Centauri pretended to be Earth's long-lost cousins when Earth first started entering space. Commercial telepath introduces herself to Susan Ivanova, according to Psi Corps regulations; Ivanova is curt and brushes her off, as she has apparently been doing for three weeks.

Centauri Ambassador Londo Mollari discovers that apparently the Narn are behind the attack. Londo and Ambassador G'Kar have angry words. Londo tells Commander Sinclair of his prophetic dream that some day, he and G'Kar will strangle each other to death. Londo tells Sinclair of his nephew, who may have been killed in the attack. Talia & Ivanova bump into each other again, but Ivanova again quickly leaves. While the Centauri elect not to fight back, Mollari tries to keep this secret so he may encourage other worlds to intervene and shame the Centauri government into acting. The emergency council meeting goes nowhere. Londo tries to assassinate G'Kar himself, but is prevented by Talia who, sensing his intentions, gets Garibaldi to intervene.

Talia and Ivanova have a conversation in which Ivanova explains that she is hostile to Psi Corps because her mother was forced by Psi Corps to take drugs to suppress her telepathic abilities, ultimately leading to her suicide.

Notes

First real view of Susan Ivanova in action, speaking to Talia Winters:

T: Lt. Commander Ivanova.

I: Yes?

T: Talia Winters, licensed commercial telepath, PsI Corps rating P5. I was assigned to Babylon 5 a few weeks ago.

I to other staff: Tell Fighter Jax to stand by for launch. I want those ships prepped & ready to go.

T: PsiCorps regulations require me to log in with the second-in-command. I've tried to reach you three times, but I guess you've been busy. I figured I'd try the direct approach.

I: Your diligence is commendable. Anything else?

T: No, I just --

I: Then you'll excuse me, I'm in the middle of fifteen things, all of them annoying. Thank you for coming by.

On the news we see signs of an earth with less racism and sexism: the news reporter is discussing the presidential race between "incumbent Earth Alliance President Luis Santiago and challenger Marie Crane".

Ivanova says she'll vote for Marie Crane. "I think I'll vote for Marie Crane. I do not like Santiago. I've always thought that a leader should have a strong chin. He has no chin. And his vice president has several. This to me is not a good combination."

... Later, Ivanova in action again: She enters the bridge, and sees Garibaldi in her seat.

I: "Mr. Garibaldi. You're sitting at my station using my equipment. Is there a reason for this, or to save time should I just go ahead and snap your hands off at the wrists?"