diff --git a/sc2/src/sc2code/comm.c b/sc2/src/sc2code/comm.c
index ad81425ea..e52961945 100644
--- a/sc2/src/sc2code/comm.c
+++ b/sc2/src/sc2code/comm.c
@@ -1381,7 +1381,9 @@ DoCommunication (INPUT_STATE InputState, PENCOUNTER_STATE pES)
 
 	if (pES->AnimTask)
 	{
-		Task_SetState (pES->AnimTask, TASK_EXIT);
+		ClearSemaphore (GraphicsSem);
+		ConcludeTask (pES->AnimTask);
+		SetSemaphore (GraphicsSem);
 		pES->AnimTask = 0;
 	}
 	CommData.AlienTransitionDesc.AnimFlags &= ~(TALK_INTRO | TALK_DONE);
diff --git a/sc2/src/sc2code/sis.c b/sc2/src/sc2code/sis.c
index 622e7b5ab..0e9eab165 100644
--- a/sc2/src/sc2code/sis.c
+++ b/sc2/src/sc2code/sis.c
@@ -1052,7 +1052,9 @@ SetFlashRect (PRECT pRect, FRAME f)
 		flash_rect.extent.width = 0;
 		if (flash_task)
 		{
+			ClearSemaphore (GraphicsSem);
 			ConcludeTask (flash_task);
+			SetSemaphore (GraphicsSem);
 		}
 	}
 	else