TKO (''Babylon 5'')

"TKO" is an episode from the first season of the science fiction television series Babylon 5.

Synopsis

Garibaldi's old friend, Walker Smith, arrives on the station. As the two reunite, Garibaldi learns Smith had been effectively barred from boxing commercially on Earth, and wants to compete in the mutai, a savage alien fighting arena, hoping that by showing his skill there, he can get back into boxing there. Garibaldi cautions how many aliens suffer severe injuries from combat, but Smith intends to fight. Smith attempts to convince the muta-do, the master of the mutai on the station, but muta-do refuses to allow the human to fight. Smith is approached by another alien, Caliban, who gives him advice, as to challenge the current mutai master Gyor at the next bout, a challenge that cannot be refused. Garibaldi is shocked when Smith does so, and several of the aliens contest the challenge, speaking to humanity's tainting their worlds, but muta-do asserts the match will happen. Garibaldi and Caliban help Smith train. At the fight, Smith is initially overpowered by Gyor, but with Garibaldi's encouragement, turns the match around. An alien that had formerly complained about Smith's presence attempts to shoot Smith with a weapon, but Garibaldi knocks him out in time. Eventually Smith and Gyor have been equally weakened, both struggling to land punches, and the muta-do announces the match over and a draw. As Gyor prepares to leave the ring, with the crowd shouting his name, he convinces the crowd to instead cheer for Smith. Later, Smith prepares to leave back to Earth to recover from the fight. The muta-do and Gyor, along with other mutai warriors, see Smith off, stating that he is always welcome back to the mutai ring and treating him as an equal.

Separately, Rabbi Koslov, a friend to Ivanova's family, arrives at Babylon 5 to see Ivanova. He knows she was not present for her father's shiva, which she claims was due to work responsibilities, and he would like to offer her the shiva here on the station to come to terms. Ivanova flatly refuses the offer, not having much respect for her father, leading Koslov to speak to Sinclair to explain the situation. Sinclair tries to order Ivanova to take the time off for the shiva but she again refuses. After several more attempts, trying to convince Ivanova it is not good to keep her emotions bottled up, Koslov gives up, and leaves one of the family's artifacts for Ivanova, knowing her father would want her to have it, before he takes off for the next transport to Earth. As she looks over the artifact, she remembers her father's last words, and in tears races to stop Koslov from leaving, asking him to perform the shiva. Koslov is only happy to do so, and with Ivanova's friends and Sinclair in attendance, they perform the ceremony. Ivanova breaks down into tears as she reads the final prayer, and is comforted by Sinclair and Koslov. Ivanova sees Koslov off on his transport to Earth, promising to keep in touch, and thanks Sinclair for his support.

Arc significance

• Walker Smith is surprised to see Garibaldi drinking water, being aware of his drinking problem from their earlier encounters. Garibaldi's drinking would resurface at several points during the character arc.
• Sitting shiva for her father rekindles Ivanova's connection with her Jewish heritage as well as her connection with the memory of her father, for whom being a Russian Jew was central to his character.

References

External links

• TKO at The Lurker's Guide to Babylon 5