It's enjoyable, and I get a kick out of JMS taking the opportunity to fanboy Michael Ansara ("that voice", rave Alwyn and Galen about Elric). Also about "nobody does dragons anymore" which is clearly the author complaining about that. (And it was true at the time.) Not one of my favourite Crusade episodes (Galen in a central role, no Max or Dureena), but a good one to relax with.

I don't think we were meant to be taken in by Alwyn's fake death - otherwise the script would have had Gideon protest somewhat at shooting him so we'd believe he actually does it. Basically, the audience was meant to be in on the con just like Gideon and Galen were.