The fourth season of Babylon 5 , titled is widely considered the show's narrative climax. Spanning the year 2261, it resolves the two massive conflicts that had been building since the series began: the war with the Shadows and the liberation of Earth. Narrative Highlights

: The original series finale, "Sleeping in Light," was filmed as the last episode of Season 4. When the show was unexpectedly renewed for Season 5 by TNT, this finale was moved to the end of the next year, and a new Season 4 finale, " The Deconstruction of Falling Stars ," was quickly produced.

The breakneck pace of Season 4 was primarily driven by real-world uncertainty.

: Season 4 ends with the departure of Susan Ivanova (Claudia Christian) and the death of Marcus Cole , who sacrifices his life to save hers using an alien healing device.

: Early in the season (Episode 6, "Into the Fire"), John Sheridan brings the Vorlons and the Shadows into a final confrontation at Coriana VI. He forces them to realize that the "younger races" are done with their proxy war, prompting the ancient races to leave the galaxy forever.