Ep 8. A Race Through Dark Places

A Race Through Dark Places is the eighth episode of the second season of Babylon 5, an American science fiction television series. The episode was first aired on February 22, 1995.

In this episode, the story follows two separate plots that reveal different secrets and hidden threats lurking within the universe of the series. The first plot revolves around Sheridan and Garibaldi's mission to rescue an old friend of Garibaldi's who has been captured by Earthforce intelligence. Meanwhile, the second plot finds Ivanova investigating the disappearance of a group of rogue telepaths who have gone underground to avoid being captured and imprisoned by the Psi Corps.

The episode opens with Sheridan and Garibaldi on a mission to rescue Garibaldi's old friend, Lou Welch, who has been captured by Earthforce intelligence. Lou used to work with Garibaldi back when they both were in the military, and Garibaldi is determined to get him out of the hands of Earthforce before they have a chance to interrogate him. Despite Garibaldi's initial skepticism, Sheridan is able to come up with a plan that allows them to infiltrate the Earthforce base and rescue Lou.

Meanwhile, Ivanova is tasked with tracking down a group of rogue telepaths who have gone underground to avoid being captured by the Psi Corps. These telepaths are dangerous because they have the ability to read minds and manipulate people's thoughts, which makes them a threat to those in power. Ivanova's investigation leads her to a group of telepaths who are hiding out in the sewers beneath the station. She approaches their leader, Byron, with an offer to help them find a safe haven where they can live without fear of being hunted. However, Byron is wary of Ivanova's motives and asks her to prove that she can be trusted.

As the episode progresses, both plots become more complicated and dangerous. Sheridan and Garibaldi's mission becomes more difficult when they realize that Earthforce has been tipped off about their arrival. They are forced to fight their way out of the base, and in the ensuing chaos, Lou is killed. Back on the station, Ivanova's investigation leads her to uncover a sinister plot involving a secret telepath resistance movement. She realizes that the group of telepaths she has been working with is just the tip of the iceberg, and that there are far more telepaths on the station than she ever suspected.

Overall, A Race Through Dark Places is a tense and action-packed episode that highlights some of the core themes of the series, including the struggle for freedom and individuality in a universe that is controlled by powerful institutions. The episode raises important questions about the nature of power and control, and explores the ways in which society can be both oppressive and liberating for those who live within it. The episode also features some excellent performances from the cast, particularly from Claudia Christian as Ivanova and Jerry Doyle as Garibaldi.