Confessions and Lamentations

"Confessions and Lamentations" is an episode from the second season of the science fiction television series Babylon 5.

Synopsis

A deadly plague strikes the Markab species. Dr. Franklin tries to understand and curtail the spread of the disease before it crosses species, which he succeeds in doing, but not before the Markab become extinct.

Babylon 5 is under quarantine throughout the episode, with the Markabs enacting a self quarantine. Delenn and Lennier decide to offer comfort to the quarantined Markab, without knowing if they will fall ill as well. Captain Sheridan tries to convince Delenn not to shut herself in with the Markab as he will not be able to let her out again.

Arc significance

• Dr. Lazarenn notes Dr. Franklin's unhealthy "stims" intake.
• Delenn and Lennier invite Sheridan to dinner in return for the human-style dinner Sheridan shared with Delenn earlier in the season.
• Sheridan tells Delenn to call him "John" in a scene that shows the beginning of romantic feelings in their relationship. Later Delenn cries on John's shoulder, grieving for the dead Markab.
• Lt. Keffer's "expeditions into hyperspace" are mentioned and ended.
• An entire alien species in the Babylon 5 universe becomes extinct. Later in the series, Sheridan destroys their jumpgate in order to escape a Shadow vessel and to prevent grave robbers from pillaging the dead planet.

Production details

• A rare departure from "no kids or cute robots", the episode features a character named in the end credits as "Markab Girl" portrayed by Bluejean Ashley Secrist.
• Season two episode numbers and production numbers are back in sync.

Cultural references

• The Drafa plague, with its attached religious taboos, is seen by many as an allegory for the AIDS epidemic. Straczynski has repeatedly denied this was the intention, pointing instead to the stated parallels with the Black Death.

External links

• Confessions and Lamentations at The Lurker's Guide to Babylon 5