Morden (fictional character)

Morden is a fictional character on the television science fiction drama Babylon 5. He is played by Ed Wasser.

Morden is a man of ambiguous morality, with a disturbing manner. He is outwardly cheerful and friendly, but darkness and purpose lurk not far beneath the surface.

In his first appearance, during the episode Signs and Portents, he goes to several of the major characters and asks his signature question:

"What do you want?"

Once he receives an answer he likes (from Centauri ambassador Londo Mollari), he proceeds to do Londo a series of unasked-for and seemingly impossible favors.

Eventually, Morden is revealed as an agent of the mysterious Shadows. With each encounter, Morden becomes less friendly to Londo and more manipulative. The tension between the two characters, and its ultimate resolution, form one of the compelling plotlines of the saga.

Quote

• "I'd like to live just long enough to be there when they cut off your head and stick it on a pike as a warning to the next ten generations that some favors come with too high a price. I'd look up at your lifeless eyes and wave like this. Can you and your associates arrange it for me, Mr. Morden?"
  — Vir Cotto, Londo Mollari's aide, offering his own answer to Morden's favourite question.

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Note: Morden is also a tube station on the London Underground.