"Sleeping in Light" discussion

[ruuger]

This is the discussion post for the episode 5x22, "Sleeping in Light". Spoilers for the whole of the series, including the spin-offs and tie-ins, are allowed here so newbies beware.

And so it ends. Did you cry?

(PS. so I completely forgot to post that poll about what we should watch next. Will do it ASAP.)

Summary:
When Sheridan's twenty years come to end, the old gang gathers on Minbar for the last time.

Extra reading:
The article for "Sleeping in Light" at The Lurker's Guide.

Comments

[selenak.livejournal.com]

Sorry for not having been able to participate in the last two weeks!

This was, and upon rewatching still is, one of my favourite series finales, from the gorgeous soundtrack where Christopher Franke outdoes himself to JMS' cameo, switching of the lights. And yes, I cry each time.

I remember: the first time I watched, I thought Sheridan's goodbye from Delenn went on too long. Not anymore, not least because I am more invested in Delenn now than I was back in the day. And the sunset scene in the montage is superb.

The whole concept of Sheridan having this last day without any dramatic events (i.e. no last minute attack by supervillain X whom only he can defy at the sacrifice of his life) was a really good choice, making this a quiet character episode for everyone involved.

My favourite trivial detail: just as the first regular we saw getting laid on this show was not one of the Earth staff but a middle-aged Centauri (Londo), the last person we see getting laid on this show is a middle-aged Centauri (Vir). And let me say, while of course the fact Centauri Prime seems to be doing well again is far more important, I'm still happy about Vir & his two wives as well.:) On a more serious note, Vir's story about Londo's reaction to hearing the Pak'mara sing kills me each time. Sums up Londo in a sentence. The toast scene is very poignant in general, of course.

Garibaldi nicking the glass as a memorabilia is such a Garibaldi thing to do, don't ask me why. On the audio commentary JMS says Jerry Doyle improvised that, in which case, well done, Jerry.

"The last of the Babylon stations": I must admit I cry more about the station than about Sheridan. Back in the day there were complaints that it doesn't end up in a battle explosion as was hinted back in s1, but I must say, I like this choice better. (See above re: last fight scenarios) There is just an elegic feeling of grace about it.

A wonderful finale to a great show. Can't say anything more useful.

[crossoverman.livejournal.com]

It is the destruction of the station that gets me every time, not least for Franke's perfect score there. Heck, listen to the audio commentary when JMS' voice breaks during that scene. I mean, I'm blubbering all the way through the end but the destruction of Babylon 5 - foreshadowed since the beginning - is heartbreaking. There will never be another...

[athena799.livejournal.com]

THIS.

I have to say the biggest brightIn all seriousness, it looks like he has a really loving (heh) relationship with the two of them, in a way it was a wrap up to the question of Centauri love and marriage that has been a theme the entire show. I think Londo would be proud, maybe a bit jealous, but I wish he could have seen it because I think in the end when Vir was what he wanted to save of the Centauri. I like to think Londo got something of a happy ending vicariously through Vir's happiness.

Honestly, after the river of tears that was "The Fall of Centauri Prime" my sadness for this episode was much more quiet. That being said, the moment where Delenn and Sheriden broke down and hugged each other is when I broke down too. Though they weren't the most important part of the show for me their love was still beautiful. A secret part of me wants to think that Lennier isn't dead, just waiting to come back when Delenn needs him most, after Sheriden has died and all the old wounds healed. But maybe that's just wishful thinking.

[athena799.livejournal.com]

Ok, that first sentence got strangely f-ed up. I meant the "I have to say the biggest bright spot was seeing Vir with his two wives."

[swashbuckler332.livejournal.com]

I believe that this is one of the best series finales I have ever seen. And I don't mind admitting that I spend most of it with tears in my eyes. This show parts with such symmetry and dignity.

[mangosorbet007.livejournal.com]

I cried like a baby, for Sheridan and the station. When I first got the tapes (because a kind person in California taped all of S5 for me and mailed to me) I think I re-watched it right away, and then slowed down the credits.

Very few shows have had as much emotional impact on me - it really set a standard.

[alexcat.livejournal.com]

I didn't cry as much this time through as I have in the past but I always lose it when Sheriodan tells Delenn about the Sunday drive. A very important person in my life went on a Sunday drive and never returned which makes it doubly sad for me.

I had comppletely forgotten vir's story about Londo and the singing of the Pak'mara. It made me cry for Londo, and for Vir who knew him better than anyone and loved him probably more than anyone too.

As finales go, it was my favorite. It left room for more but tied up all the loose ends at the same time.

I particularly enjoyed how Sheridan moved... like a creaky old man.

[nhpw.livejournal.com]

I always lose it when Sheriodan tells Delenn about the Sunday drive.

Ditto this. I'm pretty good at holding it together until that scene, and then the rest is just a sobfest.

[nic]

I cried so much.

The bit that got to me the most, however, were the end credits. That's when it really hit me. These people that I loved and lived with for 5 years...seeing them change, grow, die...it was suddenly over.

Any time I hear that music I tear up.

It was such a perfect, heartbreaking series final.

[tea-drinker77.livejournal.com]

I'll never forget the first time I watched this episode. I cried so much. In fact I kept bursting into tears for the rest of the day. Then it was the destruction of the station that really got to me, but now it's the scene with Delenn sitting on her own watching the sunrise that kills me.

[dragonladyk.livejournal.com]

If this show doesn't make you cry, you either

A) saw it first before seeing the rest of the show and thus have no idea what's going on

or

B) have no soul.

DragonLady

[newgrange.livejournal.com]

Sorry, I haven't posted to the discussion before. This is the series that compare all the other to...and when I saw this I wept too. But was also just stunned that he'd really done it--told the story from beginning to end just about perfectly.