Ep 1. In The Begining

Babylon 5: The Movies season 1 episode 1, titled "In the Beginning," takes viewers back in time to the events that led up to the construction of the titular space station. The story is told through the eyes of Londo Mollari, a Centauri ambassador who witnesses the rise of the evil Shadow race and their eventual defeat at the hands of the Alliance.

The episode starts with a prologue that sets the stage for the story to come. We learn that the year is 2278, and the station is celebrating its 10th anniversary. But before we can get into the festivities, Londo has a story to tell. He sits down with a young Captain Sheridan and begins to recount the events that led to the war with the Shadows.

The first flashback takes us back 1,000 years to when the Centauri first encountered the Shadows. Londo tells us that the Centauri were a proud and powerful race, but they were no match for the Shadow's advanced technology and military might. The Centauri were forced to make a deal with the Shadows, trading their souls for power.

The next flashback takes us to the dawn of the third age, when the great Vorlon and Shadow wars began. Londo tells us that the Vorlons were the most powerful race in the galaxy, but they were also the most mysterious. The Shadows, on the other hand, were openly hostile and began to manipulate the younger races into doing their bidding. The Centauri found themselves caught in the middle of the conflict, and Londo's account of the atrocities committed by both sides is disturbing.

As the war rages on, the younger races begin to band together to fight back against the Shadows and their allies. We see the first inklings of what will eventually become the Alliance, with Captain Sheridan's ancestor playing a key role in the coalition's formation.

Finally, we come to the climactic battle between the Alliance and the Shadows. The fight is epic, with massive fleets battling it out in space and ground troops engaging in intense combat on the planet below. Londo's descriptions of the battle are vivid and visceral, bringing the conflict to life for the viewer.

With the war over, Londo is left to reckon with the choices he made. He reflects on the cost of his deal with the Shadows, and wonders if there might have been another way. It's a poignant moment, and one that sets the stage for the events to come in the main Babylon 5 series.

Overall, "In the Beginning" is a compelling and action-packed episode that provides valuable context for the Babylon 5 universe. The storytelling is top-notch, with excellent performances from the cast and stunning visual effects. Whether you're a longtime fan of the series or a newcomer looking to dive in, this is a must-watch episode.