Cable channel TNT premieres the 96th episode of J. Michael Straczynski’s science fiction series Babylon 5. Guest starring magicians Penn & Teller, this episode is written by Neil Gaiman, and is the first episode of Babylon 5 since the second season to be wholly written by someone other than series creator J. Michael Straczynski (and it’s also the last such episode as well, as Straczynski is either sole writer or co-writer of all of the series’ remaining episodes).
As famous comedians Rebo and Zooty bring their unique brand of humor to Babylon 5, Captain Lochley negotiates a deal with the Brakiri ambassador to sell part of the station to them for one night as part of the Brakiri Day of the Dead celebration. Under the agreement, part of Babylon 5 will officially become part of the Brakiri homeworld for the duration of their holiday, and Lochley assumes that this is a ceremonial relocation that will take place only on paper. This assumption turns out to be wrong in every important respect when anyone remaining inside the new Brakiri borders on the station finds that they are suddenly light years away from the rest of Babylon 5.
written by Neil Gaiman
directed by Doug Lefler
music by Christopher FrankeCast: Bruce Boxleitner (President John Sheridan), Jerry Doyle (Garibaldi), Mira Furlan (Delenn), Richard Biggs (Dr. Franklin), Bill Mumy (Lennier), Tracy Scoggins (Captain Elizabeth Lochley), Stephen Furst (Vir), Jeff Conaway (Zack Allan), Patricia Tallman (Lyta Alexander), Peter Jurasik (Londo), Andreas Katsulas (G’Kar), Penn & Teller (Rebo & Zooty), Joshua Cox (Lt. Corwin), Bridget Flanery (Zoe), Marie Marshall (Dodger), Fabiana Udenio (Adira Tyree), Ed Wasser (Morden), Jonathan Chapman (Brakiri Ambassador), Mary Major (ISN Reporter), Skip Stellrecht (Customs Officer), Ismael Kanater (Brakiri Salesman), Harlan Ellison (voice of Zooty)
Notes: This was the first episode of Babylon 5 since late in the second season (1995) to be written by anyone other than series creator J. Michael Straczynski. It was also the last. Blake’s 7 star Gareth Thomas was being considered for one of the guest roles.
LogBook entry by Earl Green

