Patricia Tallman Movies
Nora Ephron directed and co-wrote this updated adaptation of a classic situation comedy that also casts a satirical eye on the entertainment industry. Jack Wyatt (Will Ferrell) is a movie star whose career has been going into a slow and steady decline. Desperate for a project that will give his reputation a jump start, Jack agrees to star in a film version of the once-popular television series Bewitched as hapless hubby Darrin Stephens, under the condition that an unknown actress be cast as the female lead so he won't be upstaged. After auditioning dozens of women who fail to make the grade, Jack meets lovely and charming Isabel Bigelow (Nicole Kidman), and is immediately certain she's the perfect choice to play witch-turned-housewife Samantha. However, there's one thing neither Jack nor the producers of the film know -- Isabel really is a witch, and while she's been trying to get along without her powers to better fit in among mortals, she will use her special talents when need be. The film also stars Michael Caine as Isabel's father, Nigel, Shirley MacLaine as Iris Smythson (the actress hired to play Endora), and Jason Schwartzman as Jack's agent. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Nicole Kidman, Will Ferrell, (more)
- 1998
Perhaps as a byproduct of all his scheming and conniving on earlier episodes, Londo Mollari collapses from a heart attack. As he lies unconscious, his guilt feelings run amok in a surrealistic dream world. Meanwhile, Lennier begins his training as a Ranger, partly out of a sense of obligation, and partly to assuage his dismay over the marriage of Delenn and President Sheridan. Written by J. Michael Straczynski, "The Very Long Night of Londo Mollari" first aired on January 28, 1998. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bruce Boxleitner, Tracy Scoggins, (more)
- 1998
B5 once more plays reluctant host to mercurial Psi Cop Bester (Walter Koenig. This time, Bester is determined to arrest the Downbelow refugee Telepaths. Elsewhere, Garibaldi has a falling out with Captain Lochley, and Delenn arranges for Londo, who has just barely survived assassination, to be given a bodyguard. As the episode draws to a close, an important revelation is made vis-a-vis the relationship between Sheridan and Lochley. Written by J. Michael Straczynski, "Strange Relations" made its American broadcast premiere on February 25, 1998. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bruce Boxleitner, Tracy Scoggins, (more)
- 1998
Babylon 5 braces for an enemy attack from a band of savage aliens. In the absence of officers, the station is left in the hands of two lowly crewmen, Mac (Raymond O'Connor) and Bo (Lawrence LeJohn). In keeping with the episode's title, the subsequent events are seen from the viewpoint of these two "emergency" staffers. J. Michael Straczynski collaborated on the storyline with Harlan Ellison, which may be why the character of Mac and Bo sound and act so much like the two writers! "A View From the Gallery" first aired on February 11, 1998. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bruce Boxleitner, Tracy Scoggins, (more)
- 1998
Byron's refugee Telepaths issue an ultimatum to the Interstellar Alliance: Either give them a homeworld, or suffer the consequences. Meanwhile, Londo and his bodyguard visit Centauri Prime, where they are immediately swept up in intrigue and murder. The title of this episode was drawn from a quote which ends ". . .the one-eyed man is king" -- and as it turns out, the quote is more than just a proverb. Originally seen on March 18, 1998, "In the Kingdom of the Blind" was written by J. Michael Straczynski. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bruce Boxleitner, Tracy Scoggins, (more)
- 1998
Unexpected trouble develops during the Brakiris' traditional Day of the Dead ceremony. Elsewhere, a pair of intergalactic comedians named Rebo and Zooty arrive to give a show for the B5 crew. The two funsters are portrayed by "guerilla magicians" Penn and Teller, with author Harlan Ellison provided the voice of the professionally mute Teller. For the first time since Season Three, someone other than J. Michael Straczynski was responsible for the script; in this instance, the author was Neil Gaiman. A calculatedly "escapist" episode, "Day of the Dead" originally aired on March 11, 1998. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bruce Boxleitner, Tracy Scoggins, (more)
- 1998
Garibaldi is dispatched to the Drazi homeworld in hopes of solving the mystery behind the violent attacks on the Alliance cargo ships. Alas, Garibaldi nearly scuttles the mission when he "falls off the wagon" once again. And a confused G'Kar finds himself the object of unsolicited scrutiny by a religious sect. A mixture of the heavy and humorous, "The Ragged Edge" was written by J. Michael Straczynski; the episode made its first American TV appearance on April 8, 1998. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bruce Boxleitner, Tracy Scoggins, (more)
- 1998
Dr. Franklyn tries to find out the secret behind the medical history of the Hyach. Telepaths Byron and Lyta reach a tentative understanding. And tensions mount between Downbelow and the rest of Babylon 5. In addition to the usual plot complications, this episode also includes subtle echoes of several previous adventures (imperceptible to the casual viewer, but eminently appetizing to the Babylon 5 aficionado). First telecast on March 4, 1998, "Secrets of the Soul" was written by J. Michael Straczynski. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bruce Boxleitner, Tracy Scoggins, (more)
- 1998
Unbeknownst to President Sheridan, Delenn sends Lennier on mission to the Centauri border. The purpose: to determine where the cargo-vessel attacks are coming from. And Vir reacts strangely upon receiving a political promotion. Keep an eye out for a brief spoof of the McDonald's restaurant chain (Hint: look for the Golden Headbones). Written by J. Michael Straczynski, "Meditations on the Abyss" first aired on May 27, 1998. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bruce Boxleitner, Tracy Scoggins, (more)
- 1998
Four Rangers arrive on Babylon 5, preparing to begin their training. At least two of those Rangers are in for a valuable lesson before the episode is over. Meanwhile, Zack is targetted for extinction during a Downbelow power struggle. The venerable Turhan Bey makes his second Babylon 5 appearance, this time in the role of Turval. First telecast on February 18, 1998, "Learning Curve" was written by J. Michael Straczynski. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bruce Boxleitner, Tracy Scoggins, (more)
- 1998
Having arrived at the Centauri border, Lennier locates the possible source of the recurring cargo-ship attacks. Lise's reunion with Garibaldi is blighted by his return to the Bottle. And Lyta, still promoting Byron's desire for a telepath homeworld, again acts as a mediator between the rogues and the Alliance. First broadcast in the United States on June 3, 1998, "Darkness Ascending" was written by J. Michael Straczynski. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bruce Boxleitner, Tracy Scoggins, (more)
- 1998
Summoned by Captain Lochley, Psi Cop Bester (Walter Koenig) attempts to bring the telepath crisis under control. Garibaldi's unexpected response to Bester's presence becomes a moot issue when he and Franklin are trapped by Byron's more violent disciples. This is one of those Babylon 5 episodes which asks far more questions than it answers. Written by J. Michael Straczynski, "Phoenix Rising" was originally telecast on April 1, 1998. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bruce Boxleitner, Tracy Scoggins, (more)
- 1998
Lennier uncovers irrefutable evidence of a Centauri connection with the mysterious attacks on the Alliance cargo ships. A boycott is levied against the Centauri, resulting in a disastrous reprisal. Originally telecast on June 10, 1998. "And All My Dreams Torn Asunder" was written by series producer J. Michael Straczynski, who regarded it as one of the best Babylon 5 episodes of all. By any standards, it is certainly among the most portentious of the series' fifth-season installments. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bruce Boxleitner, Tracy Scoggins, (more)
- 1998
The already strained relationship between the Alliance and Byron's telepaths break down completely, forcing Lochley to seek the aid of Psi Cop Bester. The mysterious attacks on the Alliance ships intensify. And deep within the bowels of the Centauri palace, Londo and G'Kar stumble upon an old friend. The return appearance of first-season regular Julie Caitlin Brown was supposed to be a surprise, but was tipped off by an obscure Screen Actors Guild ruling. Originally titled "Cat and Mouse", "A Tragedy of Telepaths" was written by J. Michael Straczynksi; the episode first aired on March 25, 1998. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bruce Boxleitner, Tracy Scoggins, (more)
- 1998
As the hostilities between Centauri and the Alliance intensifies, President Sheridan authorizes the deployment of the White Star Fleet. At request of Vir, Lyta and Franklin go on an errand of mercy to Drazi homeworld. And Delenn returns to Minbar to launch a vital Minbari-Earth construction project. Written by J. Michael Straczynski, "Movements of Fire and Shadow" first aired on June 17, 1998; the episode's cliffhanger ending would not be resolved until "The Fall of Centauri Prime" was telecast on October 28 of that same year. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bruce Boxleitner, Tracy Scoggins, (more)
- 1998
First telecast October 28, 1998, "The Fall of Centauri Prime" was the payoff for the earlier Babylon 5 cliffhanger "Movements of Fire and Shadow" --- and also the opening volley in the series' final four-episode story arc. As the Alliance and Centauri Prime wage war upon one another, Londo discovers that the hostilities were instigated by the Drakh, who have killed the Centauri regent and taken control of his homeworld. Forcing Londo to go along with their plans, the Drakh effectively seal the fate of the Centauri populace. Wayne Alexander appears as the Drakh leader. "The Fall of Centauri Prime" was written by J. Michael Straczynski. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bruce Boxleitner, Tracy Scoggins, (more)
- 1998
Earlier in Babylon 5's fifth season, the relationship between former B5 captain Sheridan and his successor Lockley was revealed. In "The Wheel of Fire," Lochley discovers a hitherto unsuspected link between herself and Garibaldi. Meanwhile, another revelation, this one concerning Lyta, comes to surface when she is arrested; and G'Kar contends with his new flock of worshippers. First broadcast on November 4, 1998, "The Wheel of Fire" was written by November 4, 1998. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bruce Boxleitner, Tracy Scoggins, (more)
- 1998
Sheridan finds himself at odds with the League ambassadors over G'Kan's proposed Interstellar Alliance Declaration of Principles. A small planet solicits the help of the Alliance in fending off raiders. And Garibaldi tries to align with refugee Telepaths by forming a new intelligence unit. The title of this episode is lifted from the "What a piece of work is a man" speech from Shakespeare's amlet. First telecast on February 4, 1998, "The Paragon of Animals" was written by J. Michael Straczynski. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bruce Boxleitner, Tracy Scoggins, (more)
- 1998
On January 21, 1998, Babylon 5 joined the weekly lineup of the TNT cable network. Subtitled "Wheel of Fire," the series' fifth season got under way with the episode titled "No Compromises." While preparing for the inauguration of the former skipper Sheridan as first president of the New Interstellar Alliance, the crew of Babylon 5 welcomes their new commanding officer, Captain Elizabeth Lochley (Tracy Scoggins). Amidst all the hustle and bustle, a group of Telepaths, headed by Byron (Robin Atkin Downes), arrives at the station seeking sanctuary. And unbeknownst to all but one person on board B5, there's a plan afoot to murder Sheridan before he can take the oath of office. "No Compromises" was written by series producer J. Michael Straczynski). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bruce Boxleitner, Tracy Scoggins, (more)
- 1998
In a followup to the November 4, 1998 episode "The Wheel of Fire", several residents of Babylon 5, including G'Kar, prepare to bid their final farewells to the space station. But crew members Lise and Michael have neither the time nor the inclination for goodbyes: They have just been informed of a plot to assassinate them both. Marjorie Monaghan appears as Number One, aka Tessa Holloron, Garibaldi's successor as head of security for the Alliance. Scripted by J. Michael Straczynski from a story by Straczynski and Harlan Ellison, "Objects in Motion" first aired on November 11, 1998. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bruce Boxleitner, Tracy Scoggins, (more)
- 1998
As the year 2262 draws to a close, so does the saga of Babylon 5. The Alliance relocates to Minbar, requiring Sheridan and Delenn to go along for the ride. G'Kar and Garibaldi have already said their farewells to their fellow crew members and gone their separate ways. And Dr. Franklyn launches a second career on Earth. So does everyone live happily ever after? Not so far as Lennier is concerned; a past mistake will cost him dearly before episode's end. Written by J. Michael Straczynski and first telecast November 18, 1998, "Objects at Rest" was, technically, the last episode of Babylon 5, though the series' "official" finale, "Sleeping in Light" (actually filmed in 1997) would not air until the following week. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bruce Boxleitner, Tracy Scoggins, (more)
- 1998
When it seemed certain that Babylon 5 would be cancelled at the end of the fourth season, a "finale" was filmed in May 1997. That episode, "Sleeping in Light" (aka "Farewell"), was withdrawn from the series' manifest when Babylon 5 was picked up for a fifth season by TNT. As it turned out, "Sleeping in Light" would not air until November 25, 1998, when the series finally ended its five-year run. Written by producer J. Michael Straczynski), this valedictory episode was set in 2281 AD, 20 years after the series' time-frame. As he prepares to shuffle off his mortal coil, John J. Sheridan, the former commander of Babylon 5, is visited by his old friends and colleagues. Among those gathering around Sheridan's bedside are his son David, his former fellow officer Susan Ivanova (now a General), ex-security chief Garibaldi, the recently retired Zack, and newly-installed Centauri emperor Vir. Several past Babylon 5 regulars make cameo appearances, as do series producers John Copeland and George Johnsen. "Sleeeping in Light" earned a 1999 Hugo Award nomination for Best Dramatic Presentation. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bruce Boxleitner, Tracy Scoggins, (more)
- 1998
During the three-month interim between the Babylon 5 cliffhanger "Movements of Fire and Shadow" and its payoff episode "The Fall of Centauri Prime," the popular TNTnetwork science-fiction series was represented by a two-hour TV "movie", Babylon 5: Thirdspace. Set during the final months of the Shadow war, the film gets under way as B5 officer Ivanova (Claudia Christian discovers a huge artifact in hyperspace. In order to bring the object back to the station for analysis, the B5 crew must accept the assistance of IPX, a corporation specializing in often dangerously experimental technology. The plot thickens when the artifact begins profoundly affecting the subconscious thoughts of the combined crews, producing dreams that threaten to become deadly at any moment. Though Babylon 5 purists complained that this film was more appropriate to the series' fourth season than the continuity of Season 5, the ratings were quite good, especially for a basic-cable telecast. Written by . Michael Straczynski, and later novelized by Peter David, Babylon 5: Thirdspace premiered on July 19, 1998. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bruce Boxleitner, Claudia Christian, (more)
- 1997
Warrior leader Shakiri (Bart McCarthy) intensifies his aggression in the Minbari civil war. Hoping to resolve the crisis, Delenn prepares to make the ultimate sacrifice. And Psi Cop Bester (Walter Koening) tries to strike up an unusual bargain with telepath Lyta. Scott Adams, creator of the comic strip "Dilbert," makes a cameo appearance. Originally telecast during the week of May 19, 1997, "Moments of Transition" was written by J. Michael Straczynski. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bruce Boxleitner, Claudia Christian, (more)
- 1997
Using methods that could be described as unethical, Captain Sheridan manipultes the League to accept the presence of White Star patrols. Delenn again heads for Minbar, hoping to civil strife on her homeworld with with the aid of Neroon (John Vickery). But the plans of both Sheridan and Delenn may be foredoomed if the behavior of those involved does not proceed according to plan. Written by J. Michael Straczynski, "Rumors, Bargains and Lies" first aired during the week of May 12, 1997. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bruce Boxleitner, Claudia Christian, (more)
