Darkness Ascending was the beginning of the end of Season 5. This episode saw the descent of several of the characters into darkness. Londo starts his rise to emperor of the Centauri Republic despite knowing the consequences to him if he becomes his people's leader, Garibaldi's alcoholism continues to cause him and Lise trouble, and news of a possible war with the Centauri has everyone worried.

This episode has a subtle, dark soundtrack foreshadowing the impending doom for some characters. Breaking up the dark tone of the score halfway through this track is a lovely harp interlude which played at the restaurant that Garibaldi and Lise dine at in the episode. It is very reminiscent of Chris Franke's solo work.