As they say... better an honest enemy than a fake friend

@FutureReverberations

3 жыл бұрын

Better still an honest friend! :)

@BrazenBard

3 жыл бұрын

@wowalinbie Londo's marital situation rather proves your statement to be a lie. ;)

@johnsmith9270

3 жыл бұрын

you must be one of them

@crypter27

3 жыл бұрын

So true, I respected the so-called counselor was an asshole than the one who pretended to be my friend.

@trence5

3 жыл бұрын

YES SIR!

I always figure if you gave all three of them a knife, all of them would use it on Londo but only one would stab him from the front.

@larrytipton2868

3 жыл бұрын

You get a gold star!

@karencarter18042

3 жыл бұрын

@@larrytipton2868 😍

@svyatoslavrurikovich8831

3 жыл бұрын

It's a missed opportunity how she never appeared after this, especially as Londo Mollari fell deeper and deeper into the abyss.

@steveaustin2686

3 жыл бұрын

@@svyatoslavrurikovich8831 They are in the Legions of Fire Centauri triology books written by Peter David who wrote this episode. jms considers these to be canon. The Long Night of Centauri Prime Armies of Light and Dark Out of the Darkness

@Azriel637

3 жыл бұрын

Is it weird that I find that sentiment oddly romantic?

In first season, Londo called his 3 wives Pestilence, Famine, and Death. That would make Londo the 4th horseman of the Apocalypse. War.

@joeleek9976

3 жыл бұрын

Which, given his character arc, is apropos.

@ryanarment5393

3 жыл бұрын

Exactly. I had always imagined the personification of war as not the one fighting it, but the one causing it, and manipulating events to prolong it. This personification fits since he helped engineer the war with narn, and the aggressive expansion of the centauri republic. He also prolonged the earth-mimbabari war.

@headjames

3 жыл бұрын

I thought he called them War, Pestilence and Famine with Death, sadly turning out to be the slave girl Lady Adira.

@robertnett9793

3 жыл бұрын

Maybe a coincidence. But man, this show had some impressive forshadowing and story arcs that came full circle.

@grayscribe1342

3 жыл бұрын

The wife he keeps is Timov, spell it backwards.

You gotta give it to Londo in this scene, he basically told her that he accepts her for who she is and her view of him and would never force her to change it. She too is accepting of him, she said at best she'd tolerate him and for Londo that would be enough, the two of them may never love one another, but that mutual respect is all they really need to make it work and I like to think they are both glad to have one another in their lives. This is character writing at its finest.

@RoonMian

3 жыл бұрын

Later in life he said that for each in their own way he cared for all of his wives. You can see the way he cherished Timov. :D

@TechnoMageB5

3 жыл бұрын

The Respect was key. See her smile at the end? That's her realizing she earned his respect, and honesty.

@Self-replicating_whatnot

3 жыл бұрын

Babylon 5 is full of great writing, i really should make time to watch the thing in it's entirety.

@SingerGuy59

3 жыл бұрын

@@Self-replicating_whatnot …more than once!

@hagamapama

3 жыл бұрын

Also -- Londo is very resourceful and I wouldn't put it past him to know who had his blood type and who MUST have come to his rescue when he was poisoned. He doesn't say it, because he doesn't want to embarrass her, but I think he knows.

"Because with you I will always know where I stand." I love the little smile she gives as she walks away. I wish she would have appeared in more shows.

@r.connor9280

Жыл бұрын

Always know where I stand On the other side of the room

@kikib48grid

Жыл бұрын

@@r.connor9280 and throwing glares at him like rocks! 😉

As a kid I remember asking my parents what that part about “With you I will always know where I stand” part meant. And my mom was the one who said “It means he trusts her.”

@r.c.auclair2042

Жыл бұрын

She didn't love him & never did. But she was the only one who was honest w/him. The man was surrounded by people who schemed behind his back & betrayed him whenever it suited their purposes. Londo decided he'd rather have a wife who was trustworthy and aloof than 2 who were friendly and treacherous.

@Crazael

6 ай бұрын

For a man in his position, that is a very rare thing indeed.

I think that charmed here a little. That smile on her face awwww.

@hagamapama

3 жыл бұрын

Yep. She doesn't like him, he knows it, but he also knows that she is honorable, and that counts for a lot.

@BogeyTheBear

3 жыл бұрын

That was an expression of "...well, at least I did not marry a _complete_ fool."

@robertnett9793

3 жыл бұрын

He says his line - and she goes 'Well... it IS a compelling argument...'

@clairestark9024

3 жыл бұрын

Life sometimes throws you a curve ball. I remember having a similar smile when my ex said I could keep the cat even though she bought it.

Londo is a Centauri, and damn well knows an honest enemy is much less dangerous than a deceitful friend.

@SulliMike23

3 жыл бұрын

Hence why he prefers G’Kar’s company over any Centauri besides Vir.

@hagamapama

3 жыл бұрын

@@SulliMike23 And he knows what a treasure he has in Vir. One honest friend. If only he'd listened to Vir he could have avoided a lot of trouble. Vir's political and social instincts were on point for the whole series.

@suchiuomizu

2 жыл бұрын

@@SulliMike23 There were at least a few other Centauri he liked, Urza Jaddo, he also mentioned in his holographic message to Refa that he had considered Prime Minister Malachi a friend, until he was assassinated.

@JnEricsonx

2 жыл бұрын

@@hagamapama Mainly because Vir just wanted to do the job, and not play the game.

@hariman7727

Жыл бұрын

Timov was never an enemy, but she was honest.

Molari would rather you hate him to his face rather than scheme behind his back.

@khatack

4 жыл бұрын

I agree with Molari.

@RogueShadows

3 жыл бұрын

Ironic, given his choice of associates.

@KaitouKenshiro

3 жыл бұрын

It is the safer way to live :)

@garereeve117

3 жыл бұрын

I believe that this is why Londo, with the exceptions of Adira and Vir, seemed to prefer the company of G’Kar to other Centauri, even before he convinced the Centauri to end their occupation of the Narn homeworld: He preferred G’Kar’s straightforward dislike of him to the false friendship of so many Centauri. He always knew where he stood in G’Kar’s eyes. This is why he was so desperate to engage G’Kar in conversation when they were trapped together in the elevator: He wanted a peer to talk to, but had alienated his friends on the station (such as Garibaldi) at that point. I think that, following the bombardment of the Narn homeworld, it genuinely bothered him to see G’Kar suffering.

@RogueShadows

3 жыл бұрын

@@garereeve117 I can definitely agree with this.

Earlier in that episode, the other two wives attempted to poison him with a booby-trapped gift. Timov went to Dr. Franklin and gave him the blood sample that saved Londo's life, on condition that Londo never find out it was she who saved him.

@TestHandlePleaseIgnore

3 жыл бұрын

Being a good person is a reward in itself.

@Alknix

3 жыл бұрын

*blood transfusion

@loka7783

3 жыл бұрын

Londo was smart enough he didn't need to be told. Dr. Franklin would have to tell him what procedure they used to save him. Even without being told who helped him out, I'm pretty sure Londo would be able to figure it out on his own from there. He'd also be wise enough never to let on that he knew.

@mikecimerian6913

3 жыл бұрын

@@loka7783 Palace intrigues or when using the wrong spoon can be a terminal error.

@WardNightstone

3 жыл бұрын

he did find out though but kept that secret for many years after

"You've not changed, Timov" "You have, you've DEVOLVED." Loved their interactions! Thank you for posting.

@101jir

3 жыл бұрын

I mean, it was an accurate assessment. Just a consistent thing across the series, with a pseudo-break where he kills Cartagia and kicks out the Shadows

@aliciaborth3016

3 жыл бұрын

She was the perfect wife to keep. Quite possibly the only person in his life that speaks honestly.

@hariman7727

Жыл бұрын

​@@aliciaborth3016 Vir is one of the few other people that Londo could rely on at that point. Choosing Timov is very sensible, because he knows he doesn't have to worry about a knife in his back from his wife with her at his side.

The irony is that little moment at the end when you can see on her face a grudging acknowledgement that Londo was perhaps a tad wiser than she gave him credit for. She was briefly bemused by that thought.

@FrankWolenczak

Жыл бұрын

Yeah, Timov never expected Londo to say that he trusts her, she was surprised by that

@BogeyTheBear

Жыл бұрын

I saw it as "Well, at least I didn't marry a _total_ fool..."

@r.c.auclair2042

Жыл бұрын

Is that what that was? I wondered.

@jamesmartin9401

Жыл бұрын

@@r.c.auclair2042 Well, that's what it seemed to me.

@joshuasitzema9920

Жыл бұрын

@@r.c.auclair2042 I mean.. he basically chose the one who didn't try to seduce her way into staying. With her he had someone who was honest and as a politician that's rare to have.

In a sea of liars honesty is like a beacon.

@shalomamigos

3 жыл бұрын

Just watch out for the anglerfish's beacon.

@101jir

3 жыл бұрын

At first I read "In a sea of liars honesty is like bacon." I suppose that works too, considering what sailors used to have to eat.

This is one of the undersung scenes in the series, as this shows how Londo is coming to value people he can trust in a sea of schemers and connivers that he has surrounded himself with. It also shows the rewards of virtue, considering that Timov is the one who saved his life via the blood donation. She could have guaranteed herself a one-third share of the inheritance, but chose to risk losing it because she did actually care about Londo.

Londo was the biggest contradiction in B5. Committing heinous acts in is quest for power, yet being capable of incredible insight and compassion.

@randysmith7189

2 жыл бұрын

I like to think of him as being the worse and the best of ALL OF US.

That little smile on her face at the end, nails that whole scene.

she was such a great character (and actress) i wish they had done more with her

@scasny

7 ай бұрын

and look good bald witch not everybody can pull off

Thing is. He is absolutely right - she is honest about herself and isn't starting the relationship by trying to con him. Also, I suspect, if the crap hits the fan you can rely on a woman like that 100% to be in your corner. Plus. Londo needs conflict and tension in his relationships - look at his closest friend (g'kar). That woman will give him this because she's strong, not because she's self-interested like the others. Plus I think he'll enjoy her forthright attitude in the world of games and deceit he usually lives in.

@Rapscallion2009

3 жыл бұрын

Further thought. I love the little head-nod at the end, as if to say "that's unexpectedly well considered. I can respect that and work with it!... Maybe there is more to him..."

@dantruong2582

3 жыл бұрын

Tell you that you are still wrong and tell it to your face.

@BladeOfLight16

3 жыл бұрын

"Also, I suspect, if the crap hits the fan you can rely on a woman like that 100% to be in your corner." It depends on what you mean by "in your corner." When you're right, they will fight tooth and nail to support you. A person like that will not stand with you when you are really wrong. They'll push you toward what's right. But in a way (a way that is more important and better than others ways, if you ask me), that's still being "in your corner."

@hagamapama

3 жыл бұрын

@@BladeOfLight16 Timov could be counted on for tough love, and tough love is only given by people who are in for the long haul.

@ryanaaron72

3 жыл бұрын

@@BladeOfLight16 they are in the corner of ‘the best you’

"You might hate me, but at least you hate me honestly"

I seem to remember that Londo had also said that even though she hated him, she was loyal to him and gave him good advice.

The four people who disliked are Daggair, Marielle, Refa, and Cartagia.

@RoTenken

3 жыл бұрын

You forgot Mr. Morden

@bardfinn

3 жыл бұрын

@@RoTenken Lovi went to the rock to hide his face, but the rock cried out "No Hiding Place".

Londo's story line made Babylon 5 excellent. I would have watched an entire show about the centari.

@skeletor4062

Жыл бұрын

The entire show was a Greek myth but the Centauri was like watching the twilight of the Roman Empire. The games, the betrayals, the deceit, the shameless plays for power.

I remember seing this scene as a kid. I used to binged this series with my father, and out of all the details and moments of this great series, the moment when Ambassador Mollari says "Because with you I will always know where I stand." has always stuck with me.

I actually found that scene sweet and romantic. Awwwwww.

@WardNightstone

3 жыл бұрын

by centauri nobel standards it kinda was

He valued her honesty.

This will forever be my favorite episode. I remember the whole series and but this episode spoke to me. Londo and Timov had something bigger than love: RESPECT

This is my favorite episode tbh. Timov's sharp zingers get me going every time. "Because I don't have a REAL sword handy", "State of inebriation I'd wager" and "A bitch like you would know about breeding" are the top tier ones. 😂

"Because, my dear, YOU did not just try to kill me."

@patricknakasone9376

2 жыл бұрын

He knows that if she wants to kill him she will have the decently to look him eyes when she shoves in the knife.

"I'll never love you!" Years forward, Legions of Fire... sniff.

god i love this show. Part of me wishes I could have selective amnesia so I could enjoy it over and over and over and over.

I always liked this about Londo. He has always been surrounded by duplicitous snakes who'd praise him to his face and stick a knife in his back at the first opportunity. As he grew in fame and power that only became worse. That's why he's drawn to people like Vir, Garibaldi and Timov. People who wear their hearts on their sleeve, won't manipulate him and refuse to tell him what he wants to hear, but rather what he needs to.

I always found him and G'kar fascinating characters. Especially the dynamic between the two of them.

@tomjustis7237

3 жыл бұрын

Exactly. The way they slowly transitioned from being mortal enemies to reluctant allies and finally to trusted friends was one of the best, if not THE best, story arcs in all sci-fi. Sadly, we no longer have either the writers or the actors capable of creating or presenting such wonderful performances.

@captin3149

3 жыл бұрын

@@tomjustis7237 There WILL be excellent actors and writers again.....it will be up to us to recognize them, rather than depend on either the critics OR popular opinion. While I loved this show when it first aired, I find that my appreciation for it only increases with time.

Timov: "I'll never love you" Lady, your face seconds later says otherwise.

I think this is still the BEST of SyFy show on tv even after all these years.

One of my favorites too! It is played subtly enough that Londo can either be something of a deep romantic or just wants someone in his life not afraid of being honest with him. I guess could also be both.

@s-094cam5

3 жыл бұрын

As he said once, "my shoes are too tight and I have forgotten how to dance". While with Timov he may not have done much "dancing", he certainly felt the music again with her.

@InfernosReaper

3 жыл бұрын

In a world where deception is the norm, finding someone who will be honest with you is like finding a flower in a barren wasteland. Only a fool would squander such a treasure

@ryanarment5393

3 жыл бұрын

Lando was a romantic at heart. Most people focus on how machiavellian he was as well as his ambition. His love affair with Adira Tyree was one facet, as well as his love of Timov. Another facet is his romantic view of what the centauri republic was, and what it could be.

@nelsonchereta816

3 жыл бұрын

Any man who loves his people and country as much as Londo did could never be anything but a romantic.

The cornerstone of true love is always always honesty

So does that mean Timov got to become Empress? She'd have made a pretty badass Empress. ;D Also those little expressions she made at the end are so cute. If Londo tried to be a good husband like that more often, she might have started to like him!

@Thatslifebro_

4 жыл бұрын

Yeah i guess. Though with the way Londo was at that time it would not surprise me if he divorced her just so she wont be caught up in the web of darkness around him. I mean she would notice he is differend and the Drakh would have killed her to keep the secret. I bet he would try to save her from that. He may not love her but he does know where she stands, and thats clearly worth something to him.

@reddir

4 жыл бұрын

In one of the books, they mention her at the time of Londo's death. It is a tiny scene but such a great follow-on from this one. (The famous series, about how Bester ended I think.) I think she was something like an "Empress in Seclusion" or similar - given all honor but zero actual power or involvement.

@snelson134

4 жыл бұрын

@@reddir I could see Emperor Vir doing something decent like that.

@reddir

4 жыл бұрын

@@snelson134 It was something Londo did. [spoiler ahead] She was kept away in some remote place with servents. At the moment of Londo's death it seems his spirit called upon her's and, somehow, she heard it and went to him - she must have truly loved him, she died a few moments after he did despite being in very good health.

@LordSerion

4 жыл бұрын

@@reddir She did. And so did he. He sent her away to save her from the destruction he knew that was coming - she hated him at the time, but after a while she understood it.

That little look that Timov gives at the to me says that she is thinking maybe he's not so bad

One of the best scenes in this whole series IMO . There is something to be said for "the devil you know instead of the devil you dont" . He made the correct choice .

Londo realizes after a life of, lies, manipulations, maneuvering and politicking, he picks her because he knows that while Timov may yell at him, insult him, she'll never lie to him.

and it was in that moment, she started to fall for him, at least a little.

When you can't have love, mild respect works wonders.

They should have had Timov on the show more often.

Mollari wanted honesty above all else.

Babylon 5 was and is one of the greatest tv shows ever made And bless Londo Molari tho he almost never deserves it

Timov has integrity and a sense of honor - qualities that Londo respects. Granted, he'd likely have divorced her too, given the chance, but it makes sense. During the moments of his death, Londo has a vision where he is struggling against the fires of damnation. His love Adira comes to him, trying to save him. It isn't enough, though, and he calls out for help from the other woman for whom he had the strongest feeling - Empress Timov. Exiled from his side years earlier (to protect her from the Drakh), and on her own deathbed, Timov hears him. She says something to the effect of "Oh, NOW he needs me." and dies. She joins Adira and together they are able to save Londo. He had previously said that he had four wives and "cared for them all deeply" but that he loved Centauri Prime. Anyway, Timov had become someone dear to him, as this scene foreshadowed.

@andrewnlarsen

3 жыл бұрын

That is pretty moving. Also at that stage...if I recall Londo finally sees what a Vorlon looks like and it takes the form of Adira to take him away to heaven.

She has and thoroughly deserves his respect. Londo is such a wonderfully complicated character.

She is the same actress who acted in the Judd Hirsh version of the British sitcom "Dear John". She was the one who always asked "Any Sexual Problem?"

After a long day of hard work telling lies, Londo just wants an honest conversation when he gets home to wifey.

@davidtucker9498

Жыл бұрын

No, he doesn't want that, but he's wise enough to know that he NEEDS that.

@jacevicki

Жыл бұрын

After a long day of hard work, Londo is content that his wife is 75 light years away.

@hariman7727

Жыл бұрын

​@@jacevicki because she's safe from his political enemies and other dangers there.

Ironically in the Peter David novels, she helps him endure some of the worst atrocities and moments in his life. Even in his death he thought about her. As she died, her thoughts about him. her last words was now he needs me.

Given courtley intreague and plots that are eight layers deep? Someone who is this forthright is... genuinely refreshing. Someone whom one can freely bicker with.

Londo Mollari is one of the best-written and best-acted characters in television history.

Funny thing is if you think about it, in a future Episode he Expresses Regret in Divorcing his first Wife (the Dancer), who was the only Wife he had Loved.... So if Her Divorce was his first Mistake, and making this Divorce as his Fourth, does the mean that he only sees 2 of these Marriages as a Mistake?

@karazor-el6085

3 жыл бұрын

Considering he dumped two of them, that tracks correctly.

@indigoziona

2 жыл бұрын

Ooh, I love that idea - I enjoy the notion that he doesn't regret marrying Timov as much as they dislike each other, and I like the fact that the other two would misunderstand him as simply saying he regrets marrying all three.

She didn't fall for him at that moment but from THAT day I believe she at least respected him.

i like that he kept the one woman who is always honest with him no acts of fake love or attempts at gifts etc just honesty and yet she still stays

Londo does the opposite to King Lear: keeps his Cordelia while sending his Regan and Goneril packing.

@indigoziona

2 жыл бұрын

He's so often a tragic figure that this moment of insight is a glorious one.

Londo has chosen...wisely.

Love the look and fidgets as he waits for her to finish....

I recommend anyone interested in the relationship of Londo and Timov read the B5 trilogy of books about the Centari. It's not a major element, but it does mention that there is a happy ending (of a sort) there.

It only took 20+ years, but it suddenly it occurred to me that Londo does NOT know where Timov stands. He think she hates him, but really she just saved his life. In the end, he didn't really know any of them.

And Timov eventually became Empress of Centauri. Presumably _without_ having to have a Drakh keeper placed on her. Even if Londo was (unwillingly) a terrible emperor, she did pretty well for herself.

@singletona082

2 жыл бұрын

considering he sent her away expressly to keep her from being chained down? Maybe there was no love there, but he cared about her welfare.

However much she despises him, she has to give him credit for choosing a good wife.

She gave him what no one else did, honesty

Better an honest enemy to your front than a questionable ally at your back

I think she just fell in love with him.

@hagamapama

3 жыл бұрын

She'd rather die than admit it.

@calmeilles

3 жыл бұрын

Not, I think, quite then. But if you were to read the _Legions of Fire_ trilogy by Peter David you'd find that you weren't far wrong.

@Chase0420

3 жыл бұрын

@@calmeilles Yes you do see their love in that book

@TechnoMageB5

2 жыл бұрын

Not right then - but before a woman can love a man, she needs to be able to respect him first. In this scene, he indicated he kept her for her honesty and forthrightness, thus revealing his own wisdom and discernment. Plus, his actions acknowledged and complimented her for her values. She not only learned to respect him that day, she found she admired those qualities in him. Thus the foundation was set for her loving him later.

Here’s to hoping the new Babylon 5 it’s just as good as the old one. How he’s gonna do perfection twice is beyond me but we’ll see

I'm an old school, s1 included fan, so I was thrilled when he ended up on a beach with Adira in the afterlife. But knowing Timov was there with him, too, was even better.

IIRC in one of the novelizations there was a scene after Londo became emperor - Timov walks in looks intently at him, laughs once and turns around and leaves without another word.

To papaphase a Firefly quote "Those two would stab me in the back in a heartbeat but you'd at least have the decency to look me in the eyes and stand me in the front."

Was she the dancer Londo told Garabaldi about? "LONDO!" "Yes dear!"

@hariman7727

Жыл бұрын

I do believe she was!

the look on her face was like....okay that makes sense and I think I respect my husband a little bit

When love eventually fade, mutual trust will keep you close.

i thought with her beautiful big eyes she was the prettier of the three

@MaximillianGreil

4 жыл бұрын

yeah.... but that voice though

@STNeish

3 жыл бұрын

I thought that too, actually. Jane Carr.

@Decrepit_biker

3 жыл бұрын

I thought she had a certain something too.

And in this moment, she began tolerating him.

The sad part is and I say it's a sad part is cuz most people will not get it. But in our own way she told him that she loved him. Because that's part of what true love is when you're married. It's knowing where you stand with the other person. And in his own way he told her that he loved her. Because he accepted her, and he appreciated the fact that with her he could count on honesty. And at the end if you notice, she gave him her hand as a sign of affection, and as she walked away she smiled. So the love was there. He just got rid of the riff Raff that was only using him and he chose to person who really wanted to be with him.

Timov was the Best and Trust wife of Londo,strong personality the one can talk the true to Londo

0:52 I recognize that cheeky smile, its when someone you dislike impresses you.

There can be no love without respect, and Londo respects Timov.

It was her Honesty.. that is all. An Honest person to a Centauri is a treasured thing. He could trust what she would say and do would be the truth.

I don't care how many times I see this. I just Timov's smile.

Somehow after years of watching sifi content I've been blessed by Babylon 5 recommendations.

Toward the end of his life, Londo divorced Timov not because of hate but because of respect. He did it to save her life as he was under the control of the "keeper" that the Drakh had put in him and he did not want to put her in any danger if that secret had gotten out.

This scene caught me a little off-guard when I first watched it. Shows Londo is in fact quite self-aware

londo knows how the game is played - my man!

Londos way of saying «love you too» back ro Timov

One thing Londo always wanted, someone to be honest to him.

Her hand to his heart.

That has got to be the most romantic thing I've ever heard come out of his mouth.

Dude's got Style!

It is sad that this was the best Molari could hope for in his marriage. Some good acting between the two in that scene, though

@hagamapama

3 жыл бұрын

And yet... that little smile at the end. The fact that she knows he finds her honesty refreshing, and is a little bit flattered. The fact that she was willing to step in and save him when he was dying too -- especially when she could have done nothing and probably inherited a decent fortune. There might be just a little more between them than either one would admit under torture.

If you cannot please them with pleasantries, baffle them with BS. That old saying is very apropos here...

Same reason he is friends with Geribadi; he knows where he stands with him.

I imagine that with all the political backstabbing and brown nosing going on in Londo's life, someone being totally honest with him is very refreshing.

Consistency is vital.

from Season 2 Episode 7 - Soul Mates

The clip description says it all.

Babylon 5 had some pretty clever moments, this is one of them.

The only one he could trust to be honest ... was the only one who lied to him for all the right reasons ...

Londo always had a thing for dancers. LOL

I always got the hint that in this moment she accepted that she had at least a tiny mote of affection for him because he genuinely valued her honesty. After all, she DID save his life, even if she couldn't tolerate the idea of him knowing it (for several reasons). I think his honesty with her, in return, earned him a sliver of respect. Better the devil you know (for both of them), as they say.