Posted 4th August 2010 by SadGeezer

Crusade: Episode & Film Reviews

Crusade could have been a classic series. In spite of TNT’s interference, there were still flashes of brilliance in the few episodes that were produced. Instead, it seems that Crusade is doomed to occupy a place in sci-fi history as a memorial to what might have been.

Episode & Film Reviews

“Who are you?”
“Mathew Gideon, Captian, Earth Force”
“What do you want?”
“To find a cure for the Drakh plague, before it wipes out all life on Earth.”
“Where are you going?”
“Anywhere I have to.”
“Who do you serve, and who do you trust?”

Background Information

The Plot

The Drakh have attacked Earth in the hopes of nuking it to destruction. But when that failed, they went to plan B.

They unleashed a biological plague against the planet. There is no cure for the disease, and if they don’t find one in five years, all life on Earth will be destroyed. It’s up to the Excalibur led by Captain Gideon to find one in time.

The Ship

The Excalibur is the most advanced ship in the human fleet. A combination of Human and Vorlon technology, this ship was made to kick ass! It’s got the fire power of a few white stars, and a weapon so powerful it’ll destroy anything with a single blow.

So powerful in fact that it takes a minute to recharge the ships batteries afterward. only gravity and life support still function during that time (how convenient). Its the only ship of its kind since the Drakh destroyed the shipyards on their way back from attacking earth.

This sexy ship is 1.25 miles long and half a mile tall, and sports three sharp rear fins.

Racing the Night

Written by J. Michael Straczynski
Directed by Mike Vejar

The Excalibur goes to a dead world that may have once been the home to a race that suffered the same plague as Earth.

The Needs of Earth

Written by J. Michael Straczynski
Directed by Mike Vegar

Gideon violates interstellar law to aid a wanted criminal who has vital information about his race.

The Well of Forever

Written by Fiona Avery
Directed by Janet Greek

Galen goes in search of the mysterious ‘Well of Forever’, a place where there is a lot of mysterious energy that may help with this and another more personal quest.

Each Night I Dream of Home

Written by J. Michael Straczynski
Directed by Stephen Furst

A miss-matched, disjointed and awesome story of the Excalibur having to travel back to Earth to drop off two unusual passengers. We also catch up with Dr. Franklin and Lizzy Lockley too.

Patterns of the Soul

Written by Fiona Avery
Directed by Tony Dow

Excalibur goes to Theta 49 where a small colony of human refugees may have spread the Drakh plague beyond Earth

The Path of Sorrows

Written by J. Michael Straczynski
Directed by Mike Vegar

On a deserted world, the crew of Excalibur find a strange alien who offers forgiveness to those who ask. Could he help with healing a world though?

The Rules of the Game

Written by J. Michael Straczynski
Directed by Jesus Terino

Gideon and Lochley try to do a deal with the inhabitants of Lorka VII in the hope that they can utilise some of their ancient technology to develop a cure to the plague.

Appearances and Other Deceits

Written by J. Michael Straczynski
Directed by Stephen Furst

A team from Earthdome attempt to improve the ships image abroad – unfortunately an alien visitor has other designs on the crew.

War Zone

Written by J. Michael Straczynski
Directed by Janet Greek

The Drakh have infected Earth with a plague and Captain Gideon is recalled and given a new mission bto search for a cure using his new awesome ship, the Excalibur. (This was the first episode shown on TV)

Shows that aren’t reviewed in this guide are:

“The Long Road” J. Michael Straczynski Michael Vejar aired on 16 June 1999

“Ruling from the Tomb” Peter David John Copeland aired on 14 July 1999

“The Memory of War” J. Michael Straczynski Tony Dow aired on 11 August 1999

“Visitors from Down the Street” J. Michael Straczynski Jerry Apoian aired on 25 August 1999

Discuss this saga in the Babylon 5 & Crusade Forum

The BABYLON 5/CRUSADE names, characters and everything else associated with the series are the property of J. Michael Straczynski, TNT and Warner Brothers, a division of Time Warner Entertainment Company. All rights reserved.