Season Three
War erupts as the ancient Shadows return to test the galaxy's readiness for freedom.
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Season Three of Babylon 5, titled "Point of No Return" (1995–1996), marks the shift from political intrigue to open warfare as the Shadow conflict is fully ignited. Earth's government continues to become more xenophobic, while on Babylon 5, Sheridan and Delenn, who become romantically involved during the course of the season, create a "conspiracy of light" to try to reveal the truth behind the Shadows' influence. Historically tense relations between Earth and its Mars colony reach breaking point when Mars declares independence and Earth's government declares martial law and attacks. Sheridan, outraged, withdraws Babylon 5 from the Earth Alliance, supported by the Minbari.
Quick Facts
- Primary commander
- John Sheridan
- Key antagonists
- The Shadows, The Vorlons
Lore & Background
The fate of Babylon 4 is discovered when Sinclair returns to the station to request Sheridan's help: Sinclair had been destined to use time travel to take Babylon 4 back in time to the previous Shadow war, where he is transformed into the revered Minbari leader, Valen, using the same device Delenn used for her transformation. Ambassador Mollari realizes his deal with the Shadows has become dangerous and tries to sever ties with Mr. Morden, but fails.
Kosh informs Sheridan that the Shadows can be fought with telepaths. The Vorlons attack the Shadows at Sheridan's insistence, but the Shadows kill Kosh in retaliation. Sheridan's wife, presumed dead on an archaeological dig on the planet Z'ha'dum years earlier, arrives at the station and convinces Sheridan to accompany her to Z'ha'dum. The Shadows attempt to force Sheridan to join their cause, their ships threatening Babylon 5.
Sheridan, guided by Kosh's words, flies a vessel loaded with explosives into the planet while jumping into a large chasm. The Shadow ships withdraw, but Garibaldi, deployed to defend the station, does not return.
Reader's Guide
The central conflict of Season Three is the escalation of the Shadow War into an open, galaxy-wide battle. The Shadows return to force species into violent confrontation, while the Vorlons attempt to maintain control through manipulation and fear. The station is blockaded, forcing the leaders of Earth, Minbari, Narn, Centauri, and others to unite or perish.
More in Seasons & Major Arcs
Elsewhere in Babylon 5
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