Understanding "BABYLON FIVE" (4.06) "Into the Fire"
UNDERSTANDING "BABYLON FIVE" (4.06) "INTO THE FIRE"
I have seen the Season Four episode, (4.06) "Into the Fire", on numerous occasions, since I first started watching the series, "BABYLON 5", over twenty years ago. But several years ago, I had experienced an epiphany about the episode that still makes me shake my head to this day.
My opinion of "Into the Fire" had always been somewhat lukewarm in the past. When I first saw it, I had assumed it would be another episode that featured a large-scale battle - similar to episodes like (1.13) "Signs and Portents", (3.10) "Severed Dreams" and (4.15) "No Surrender, No Retreat". There were battle sequences featured in "Into the Fire", but not to the extent that I would consider it as an action-heavy episode.
Sue me. I had been young and stupid in those days. I had believed a top-notch "BABYLON FIVE" episode should always consist of a large-scale battle. But I finally saw the light. I finally understood what "Into the Fire" was really about. Well, I take that back. I had always understood since I first viewed the episode. But I was so disappointed by the lack of a real battle that I had allowed the message to pass over my head.
But not during that viewing some ten to twelve years ago. Anticipating to be bored out of my mind, I had finally allowed J. Michael Straczynski's message to filter into my brain. I finally understood and accepted the messages about parental or colonial figures letting go and allowing the young - whether they were individuals or nations - to grow in their own ways. And in the end, it brought tears to my eyes. Much to my surprise. Thank you Mr. Straczynski for a first-rate television episode. And please accept my apologies for allowing so many years to pass before finally getting the message.
