Rules Of The Game

While visiting Babylon 5, Gideon tries to secure permission for the Excalibur to investigate a long-dead civilization from the Lorkans, the planet’s current inhabitants. He and Lochley share some quiet time alone – and the Drazi equivalent of a barbecued beef sandwich – on a tour of Down Below, where they become the targets of two Lorkans who wish to put a permanent end to Gideon’s inquiries. Max’s ex-wife asks for his help in settling a debt with a loan shark, but his stubbornness may only make things worse, not only for them, but for their cat.

written by J. Michael Straczynski
directed by Jesus Trevino
music by Evan H. Chen

Cast: Gary Cole (Captain Matthew Gideon), Tracy Scoggins (Captain Elizabeth Lochley), Daniel Dae Kim (Lt. Matheson), Carrie Dobro (Dureena Nafeel), David Allen Brooks (Max Eilerson), Marjean Holden (Dr. Sarah Chambers), Peter Woodward (Galen), Tim Choate (Polix), Timothy Landfield (Lorkan #3), Sal Landi (Rolf Mueller), Jamie Rose (Cynthia Allen), Joel Swetow (Ris), Jonathan Chapman (Brakiri Ambassador), Carl Reggiardo (Drazi vendor), Kathe Weeks (Diane), and Mr. Kitty (himself)

Notes: This episode carries a dedication to Mr. Kitty, pictured in Eilerson’s photograph, who apparently died prior to the airing of the episode. Mr. Kitty was in real life J. Michael Straczynski’s cat. Guest star Tim Choate is better known to Babylon 5 fans as Zathras.