Ep 2. Soul Hunter

In the second episode of Babylon 5's first season, titled Soul Hunter, a mysterious ship arrives at the station with a sole passenger - a Soul Hunter named Aldous Gajic. Soul Hunters are a rare species that have the ability to capture the essence of a dying race, preserving it for eternity. While many believe that the Soul Hunters are fulfilling a noble duty, others see their actions as a form of theft, interfering with the natural course of life and death.

As Commander Jeffrey Sinclair and Security Chief Garibaldi investigate Gajic's arrival, they discover that he is searching for a specific soul - one that he believes is vital to the future of the universe. Gajic's target is a recently deceased Minbari named Coplann, but the Minbari ambassador, Delenn, warns Sinclair that Gajic's motives may be less noble than he claims.

The tension between Gajic and the station's crew grows as he becomes more forceful in his quest for Coplann's soul. Gajic's methods are controversial, as he uses a device that allows him to see into the memories of those who knew Coplann in order to track down the elusive soul. As he delves deeper into the memories of those on the station, Gajic's true motivations are called into question.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Commander Susan Ivanova grapples with her own past, as she is haunted by the memories of her dead father. When Gajic approaches her about Coplann's soul, Ivanova is forced to confront her own beliefs about life and death.

As tensions escalate, Sinclair must find a way to prevent Gajic from taking Coplann's soul without violating Babylon 5's neutrality as a diplomatic station. With the help of Delenn and the other ambassadors, Sinclair attempts to negotiate a peaceful resolution that will satisfy both Gajic's need for a soul and the station's desire to maintain its independence.

What follows is a tense and thought-provoking exploration of the nature of life, death, and the afterlife - a theme that will recur throughout Babylon 5's five-season run. With its fascinating characters, intriguing world-building, and complex themes, Soul Hunter is a standout episode that sets the stage for the show's ambitious narrative.