Susan Ivanova

Susan Ivanova, played by Claudia Christian, is a fictional character in the universe of the science-fiction television series Babylon 5.

Warning: Plot details follow.

"Who am I? I am Susan Ivanova, Commander, daughter of Andrei and Sophie Ivanov. I am the right hand of vengeance, and the boot that is going to kick your sorry ass all the way back to Earth. I am death incarnate, and the last living thing that you are ever going to see. God sent me."

For many, Babylon 5 was exemplified by the character of Commander Susan Ivanova, second in command of the Babylon 5 station. Ivanova, portrayed by Claudia Christian, avoided many of the cliches endemic to modern sci-fi television. She was tough, assertive and self-confident, while being cynical and playfully witty. Her character was complex and evolving, never taking the easy path of stereotype.

Much of her appeal came from her quick-witted dialogue, which often lightened tensions in the serious, dramatic scenes that were the hallmark of the series. Another character who filled this role was Marcus Cole.

A Russian Jew, Susan Ivanova (with accent on the "va" syllable) was brave and intense, often quoting her Russian customs and traditions. As the series progressed, Claudia Christian's increasing confidence in this role allowed her to bring a large chunk of sarcastic humour to the series, while her characteristic anger evolved until the very last episode. The commander's personality did soften as time went on, which made her bitter outbursts all the more poignant.

Like many of the characters, Susan Ivanova seemed locked in a tragic cycle. The particular millstone around Susan's neck was love. In the episode "Divided Loyalties", she and the resident telepath, Talia Winters, became romantically involved. However, Talia's personality was destroyed by an implanted hypnotic trigger, and she rejected Ivanova's love for her as foolish and weak. Ivanova was left weeping and vulnerable when Talia returned to Earth.

(This incident is notable in that it illustrates the B5 approach to same-sex relationships; they are simply a normal part of life, and people in the B5 universe are not automatically considered to be heterosexual. Many have pointed out the contrast between this approach and that of Star Trek, a series that was criticised for keeping homosexuality at arm's length. Indeed, most TV programs of the 1990s had this attitude towards non-heterosexual relationships.)

Ivanova's most painful loss came when Marcus Cole, who had slowly fallen in love with her over 44 episodes, sacrificed his own life to save her from a mortal wound she received in the episode "Endgame". The scene where Marcus lay slumped beside an unconscious Ivanova, transferring his life-force to her via an alien execution device, was a high point of dramatic pathos.

Her character was absent for the final season, but returned for the last episode as a dignified, grey-streaked Admiral Ivanova. Wearing authority like a uniform, she was much more at peace with herself but still retained the wry humour that drew so many fans. This episode was notable for the way in which Ivanova was the thread that tied the plot together, bringing together many of the old characters for one last reunion.

Arguably, this was the role Susan Ivanova played on Babylon 5; a guiding influence that, with her constant devotion to duty, gave the other characters something to be measured against.