Last week's topic:
There have been a number of TV doctors - Stephen Franklin, Sarah Chambers, Leonard McCoy, Marcus Welby,
Dr. Kildare, etc. What do you think is the main purpose of having a doctor on the ship? Are they there
solely to treat the wounded and care for the sick?
While doctors in TV-SF would most certainly center around supporting the
health of the ship/station's crew, there is ample evidence that they fill a
good many other roles as well.
Dr. Leonard "Bones" McCoy does not simply minister to the crew of TOS
Enterprise: he is the Captain's confidante and friend, as well as being a
clinical psychiatrist and counselor; he is also the Enterprise's chief
xenobiologist - responsible for learning about every new alien race/species
the crew meets (and not just biologically - he also has to pick up on alien
psychology and relate it to human experience - not an easy task). As a
psychiatrist, in conjunction with his natural charm and gift as a raconteur,
he is one of the major contributors to the morale of the Enterprise crew.
Although we rarely see evidence of it, McCoy also has administrative
responsibilities as the Enterprise's Chief Medical Officer. Scheduling,
co-ordinating both his staff and any regular crew who might have to help in
a crisis; judging fitness to command; and the Federation equivalent of
paperwork all fall under his purview as well.
Dr. Stephen Franklin, the CMO of Babylon 5, has all the responsibilities
that fall on McCoy's shoulders, plus he has the responsibilitiy for both
military and civilian health in numbers that make the TOS Enterprise look
like a canoe. He is directly responsible for the health of many more alien
life-forms than McCoy, on a daily basis.
While he also fills the role of counselor/shrink/friend on B5, his training
and excellence are used in ways that might not apply to McCoy and other
TV-SF docs, but make complete sense. His work in both espionage and
diplomacy seem to spring, logically from the rest of his life.
Between Franklin and McCoy, I think that we've seen that the scope of the
TV-SF doctor is wider and more far-ranging than one might think. I'm sure
that others will think of facets of the best TV-SF docs that I've overlooked
and I'll be interested to read their comments.
I believe that the role of the doctor goes beyond treating wounded
and sick. Many moral issues about sentient life and life
seem to arise in any show that depicts exploration of uncharted
territory especially if a misunderstaning ensues in the process.
The doctors in these shows value life above all else no matter
which side of a dispute the patient is on, no matter what they
look like or how they act or what their religious beliefs.
This element forces us to deal with individuals as people and
invokes our compassionate and understanding natures no matter
how awful we think the other person/people/things may be.
Many episodes of MASH delt with this theme, and a recent
episode of ER.
At times, the doctor must stand alone in their commitment
to save lives (Franklin's refusal to share alien biology in
"In The Beginning"). McCoy helps the Horta in Star Trek.
I'm sure we can find others. They walk a fine line though
when cultural differences arise that cannot be easily
dismissed in favor of their commitment to life at any cost.
Franklin with the parents of the child that refused surgery
because of their beliefs.
They must wrestle with an individuals rights and freedom to
choose.
Basically, I believe that the doctor's role is to make sure
people remember to have compassion for one another and that
all life is precious.
As Ivanova says at the end of "Sleeping in Light":
"It showed us that we have to care for each other, because if we don't, who
will?"
-Donna Gates
Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2000 12:06:42 PM EDT
From: "John W. Kennedy"
The most obvious function of doctors in SF TV would appear to be one that derives from a French theatrical
tradition, according to which most plays (and nearly all comedies) must have one sensible character who
gives good advice to the other characters, and often points out morals. This character, no matter what his
profession in the story, is usually referred to in theatrical slang as "le docteur".
JMS is to be congratulated for allowing Dr. Franklin to break out of this mold. No doubt Dr. Chambers
would have, too (although the "Crusade" donnée mandated a doctor character anyway).
I think that most of the Dr.'s on TV have been for the
Soul. I think my Favorite Dr. might have been McCoy,
I'm sure he was a bit much for some people (with his
good ol' boy style, some times a good deal of the
comic relieve). But I grew up watching him and now
that he's gone it has left a little empty spot in my
heart. But, My answer to the question would have to be
that the majority of TV Dr.'s to for our soul morally.
Presumably the reason for placing medical personell on a ship or space
station is indeed to care for the sick and wounded, along with helping to
insure the general health of the crew (witness the episode in which Ivanova,
Garibaldi and Sheridan were all placed on special diets). But for purposes
of plot, the doctor provides a very useful point of view from outside of the
chain of command. He or she can be a source of sage advice which the
character is not necessarily bound to follow, someone another character can
discuss the action with so the audience can follow it, a figure outside the
chain of command who can comment ON the chain of command or ask questions
that other characters wouldn't, but which open up the story.
Date: 6/10/2000 10:39:59 AM EDT
From: BATLRUVIN@aol.com
TV doctors usually add:
1.Pathos-for the suffering of others
2.Art of decision making about life and death from a caregivers point of view
vs. a military point of view.
3.an eye into up and coming treatments for patients
4.expalination of controversial treatments or euthanasia
5.dreams vocalized about a better world.
Sometimes though, as in the case of B5, I only wish the medical consultants
would have been more knowlegeable about the "art" of Medical Technology and
its daily application instead of portraying us as "Mad
Scientists".......X-files did a better job about Pathology but still got the
slide of the fungi wrong in an episode by showing Scully looking at red cells.
I know many in my field who would work as an walk-on on in a series in
payment for their consultation on things Medical...............bar
Last week's topic:
If you were describing Babylon 5 to a friend who had never seen the show before, what would be the one thing
that makes it stand out over other science fiction (or other TV programs in general)?
B5 was a shining beacon of light, often broadcast in the dead of night.
B5 led from the shadows.
B5 showed us characters that genuinely developed over time.
B5 made us think. It could not just be watched.
B5 showed how a story could develop.
B5 showed us how a series could be brought to one final conclusion, and how that would it could
leave no doubt that it had ended.
We saw beauty, we saw pain, we saw hope, and we saw achievement.
B5 made the hairs on the back of your neck stand up.
B5 will not be surpassed for a long time.
'Sleeping in light' was the ultimate showstopper.
If you have any doubt about how good B5 truely is, look at the responses on this page.
Date: 6/6/2000 8:57:47 AM EDT
From: gkarfan@webtv.net (Tammy Smith)
What would I say to someone who had never seen B5? That B5 is a series
with excellent writing, a great cast, characters who are believable &
change throughout the course of the series, & that B5 is a huge story
that keeps you interested through the 110 episodes.
Tammy
Date: 6/6/2000 1:28:26 AM EDT
From: glowindark@adelphia.net (Mike Luoma)
You know how all the best science fiction books build a deep
and consistent universe that helps you, as Samuel Taylor
Coleridge so aptly put it, suspend your disbelief? This is
what B5 attains, the first TV show or Movie in SF to ever
accomplish this on the Screen. Many have tried, but B5 makes
their attempts look halfhearted at best.
As I watched B5 unfold, it gave me chills, even just on
the general level. This was compelling storytelling that
needed this background to make this story work. The future,
the science fiction reality, is necessary and integral to
the story being told. So many times I've enjoyed SF on TV or
in the movies but had to allow that the background was
sketchier than what I'd tolerate in written science fiction.
This is not the case with B5. In short, it bears up under
scrutiny. B5 is internally consistent, but more than that,
it survives analysis, and its setting, its universe, peels
layers away naturally as an onion, revealing an interior
logic also consistent, but even moreso, compelling .
Babylon 5 creates a reality so tangible, you feel you
are watching videotapes from the future, or at worst, that
this is what historical future fiction would look like, if
you follow me...
Mike Luoma
Date: 6/4/2000 3:15:22 PM EDT
From: SoylentTom
There were too many things, so I asked my girlfriend and she gave me the best example: That at the end of
each episode, your assumptions about the characters and the direction of the story that you had at the
beginning would be completely turned around by the end of the episode.
"No one here is exactly what they seem."
Date: Sun, 4 Jun 2000 8:29:34 AM EDT
From: TAPESTRY6@aol.com
Babylon5 is a complete science fiction series it has a real ending which
not many tv shows have ever done. There is more than one unique quality for
watching.
The characters have strong personalities and they change over the 5 years of
the series, in attitude and looks. Also, the music is first quality and
definitely contributes to the action and suspense that built up in the show
over the years.
All in all its just one of those unique high quality shows that lasted for 5
years.
Date: 6/3/2000 2:25:21 PM EDT
From: BATLRUVIN
THE WRITING STYLE.........building stories from know archs keeps the listener interested and the closing
consistant with the facts.....classic Greek story telling techniques......also interaction of the characters
is consistant and mysterious as an introduction, but fullfilling at the end and in hind sight.......
especially when protagonistic and antagonistic positions between characters changed and exchanged......
my favorite character interactions were:
Sheridan vs (Jerry Doyle)
Sheridan vs Ivanova
Mira vs Linear
Mira vs Londo
The Sheridan / Mira thread began with interesting sexual tension but the marriage was too climatic and the
last season showed uninteresting partnership until the last episode.........bar
Date: 6/4/2000 2:30:39 AM EDT
From: vbartmes@delphicorp.com (Vicki Bartmess)
Babylon 5 is an epic, of depth and complexity, of both story and
character development. You get to be involved with the characters,
and see the changes they go through, the things they learn, or don't,
as events unfold. It has something to say. It's about the meaning
in our lives, the purposes of everyone, why we all wander around
on this planet for a few years -- and about not giving up on creating
our lives, making them better. It's about finding ways to work out
our differences, even when that's hard to do, even "impossible". It's
about realizing you have a choice, making a stand for what you believe
in, and really working for it. Life is not all hopeless, and futile.
It's about making mistakes, and recovering from them.
Babylon 5 follows a tradition that was previously (I think) only fully
realized in great epic novels, like Tolkien's Hobbit/Lord of the Rings,
E.E.Doc Smith's The Lensman series, and Frank Herbert's Dune series.
Babylon 5, like them, is wonderful. And you get to see it on tv, not
just read about it. It's fully developed, from start to finish, and
the writing and acting are excellent. It's dramatic, exciting, funny,
moving, thrilling, and satisfying. And you learn things.
I would say (and have): B5 is a novel that was played out over 5 years. It
has a beginning, middle, and end. (though it was such a good ride, noone
wanted to see the actually happen) The story was multi layered and complex.
The acting was amazing and the characters were real. I hated to see it end.
It is, by far, the best TV I have ever had the privilege to watch.
Thanks.
Barbara :-)
Date: 6/3/2000 4:07:43 PM EDT
From: sff@world.std.com (Dr. Charles Lurio)
The standout: It was the first media-based sf that leaped forward in
sophistication, respect for the viewer's intelligence and the importance
of non-stereotypical characters that had already occurred in written
science fiction from the 1930's to the '60's,'70's, and '80's.
Date: 6/3/2000 11:19:20 AM EDT
From: xranger1@hotmail.com (Dan Johnson)
This is a good question. It is also one that I had to answer many times when
Babylon 5 first came on the air and I worked to convert many of my friends
who weren't watching the series since it was on at such a weird time slot in
our area(Sunday mornings at 2:30 am. And that was after the encore broadcast
of Deep Space Nine (later Voyager) and a repeat of Next Generation!).
I described Babylon 5 then as the best science fiction show I had ever seen,
bar none. Sure Babylon 5 had great, cutting edge CGI special effects. There
were plenty of fight scenes between stuntmen and women inside the station
and a lot of things going boom on the outside of it. But the same can be
said for a lot of other tv series and movies these days. What set Babylon 5
apart was that it required the viewer to think and use their brains a little
between the action.
The series was created by a science fiction fan for science fiction fans. It
was created by a fan who was just as ticked off as most of us were that for
too long tv producers would pitch sf shows to the networks with robots and
ray guns and expected that to be enough to keep the "sci-fi nuts" happy.
Babylon 5 is a complex, five year story with real, believable characters
engaged in real, believable situations and events. None of the characters
are perfect. In the Babylon 5 universe, no one always does the right thing.
Some of these characters make terribly tragic decisions and these decisions
have consequences. Some are to that individual alone, but others affect
entire worlds. On the other hand, some characters make decisions that save
entire worlds, nay a galaxy. Others make decisions that simply save their
own souls. Babylon 5 is a flight of fancy that never loses its roots in the
real world. Just like real life, the characters have to face questions of
morality. How these characters face those questions determines their
decisions and what group they will fall into above.
Babylon 5 also deals with issues of religion, politics and social issues,
but it never dictates what is wrong and what is right in regards to dealing
with these matters. Rather, it lets the viewer ponder these issues for
themselves. It presents the points of view of many diverse individuals and
asks the viewer to see the universe as they see it. Once all the views are
presented, Babylon 5 leaves it up to the viewer to determine their own
opinion. Religion, politics and social issues are never good or evil in the
Babylon 5 universe. They simply are.
Even after you weigh in the great special effects and action and balance
them with the need to use your head to follow a brilliantly written story,
the thing that I like best about Babylon 5 now and the thing I would use to
describe it to a new viewer is that it has a message of hope. Man will make
it into space. We will do it without having to become the automatons
presented in the Star Trek universe. Man will still not be perfect. He'll
still screw up sometimes. But man will take some comfort in the fact that
he isn't alone in the universe, that it is filled with other beings who
also screw up sometimes. Man won't find any easy answers in space to the
questions that he has pondered for centuries. Rather, he'll find just more
questions. That's okay though. As Ivanova said it best, "Never fear the
answers, only fear running out of questions." Through it all, the beautiful
part of the great story is that some men and women, despite their problems
and their flaws will still be able to find the courage to do the right
thing, for the right reasons. That's why Babylon 5 is still my favorite show
of all time.
Definitely the book format of the ongoing saga with each episode
contributing to the whole. It was, on average, more dramatic than the
stand-alone episode type format. It really hooked a person.
I've actually had this discussion before. Friends have
said, "Oh, you're into Babylon 5. What's that about?
Is it any good?" My answer has always been: "It was
the finest written show on TV of any kind, not just
Sci-Fi, and it is without question the best Sci-Fi
show ever!" I've always been a Trek fan, but Trek
doesn't even come close!
Last week's topic:
What is your favorite Crusade episode -- and why?
Date: Mon, 29 May 2000 1:29:05 AM EDT
From: RobWired
Right off the top of my head, I'd have to say the episode where Lochley and Gideon meet. They're
sitting down to dinner, and Gideon asks, ''So how long were you under Sheridan?''
That was funny!
Robert Folsom
Date: Mon, 29 May 2000 1:19:13 AM EDT
From: Bill Curtis
Hi Sandy,
First I have to admit to casting Crusade in B5's shadow. When it first aired on TNT, I wrongly held
it up to B5 for comparison. It's really not until you watch these 13 episodes 2-3 times, that you
start to realize just how complex the stories are, and how good the writing really was. That said,
my favorite would have to be "The Path of Sorrows". Great revelations about key cast members, strong
performances, and we finally learn why Gideon won't leave anyone behind, ever. All this, and the
mysterious Apocalypse Box, too! My stongest wish is that after picking up B5, the Sci-Fi Channel
will pick up these 13 episodes. And they'll be so successful, the Sci-Fi Channel will give the green
light to finish the series, the way it was meant to be. Long live Crusade!
Bill Curtis
Date: 5/27/2000 1:01:14 PM EDT
From: CripeHL@itrcorporation.com (Cripe, Helen L.)
My favorite Crusade episode was "The Long Road". It was a good, powerful
story and the wonderful interplay and cross-talk between Peter and Edward
Woodward gave it a character that none of the other Crusade episodes had.
Several came close, giving us little glimpses of character development which
tantalized us into wanting more.
Last week's topic:
What have you seen/heard lately that has reminded you of Babylon 5 or
Crusade? Is it your boss with their Kosh-like answers? Yes, no,
perhaps?
Date: Sun, 28 May 2000 11:02:52 PM EDT
From: Alpe97
What has recently reminded me of B5?
The CONVERSATIONS WITH GOD trilogy by Walsh. There were so many reminders, I checked the @ date
against B5 origins. Many unusual Godly ideas are in the books and in B5. In the third book, the
subjects of ETs and HEBs (Higher Evolved Beings) are discussed. Many of the traits GOD ascribes
to HEBs match with the Minbari and all the First Ones. But even the First Ones are not up to the
ideals in the book. God also says we Earthers must recognise and implement the concept of ONEness
if we are to survive. In B5, Earth Gov and EA are major steps leading to ONEness. Of course the
Rangers Live and die for The One. Other religious points map to Narn, Minbari, Vorlon and even
Centauri beliefs. Some even match with Lorien.
I have been waiting for a friend to make time so I could watch B5 for my 7th time, but reading the
CWG books made me too anxious to wait any longer.
I was on vacation for the past week, and so I got to see Daniel Dae Kim
and Gary Cole on their guest stars roles... But the REALLY big crusade
reminders I saw.
[I hope I remember the names of the place's right.]
Oquinquit, Maine - there is a Maximilian's Pub
Bar Harbor, Maine - Galyn's Place
Bath, Maine - Sarah's Cafe.
Date: 5/26/2000 12:10:12 PM EDT
From: CripeHL@itrcorporation.com (Cripe, Helen L.)
We had this question before, and it always gets neat answers! Mine hasn't
changed, however. My most obvious reminder of Babylon 5 is my little black
boy cat, whom I named Neroon. No way is he a warrior, however. He's
definitely a lover - attaches himself to me like velcro whenever I'm home.
You can see him on the Star Riders pet page.
Date: 5/25/2000 10:00:00 AM EDT
From: Franziskia
Hi, I´m a fan from Berlin, Germany. Recently, I´ve found a....let´s say funny connection: Near the
centre where the NEXUS CON 2000 (with Mira Furlan, Walter Koenig, Robert-Wortham Crimmer, Jeff Combs
and Julie Caitlin Brown) will take place here in Berlin there is the GARIBALDIlake!!!!!!!- right
behind the GARIBALDI STREET.....
Would be interresting to live there, wouldn´t it???!!!!
Date: 5/24/2000 10:57:16 AM EDT
From: gkarfan@webtv.net (Tammy Smith)
Sometimes, when I go to the trolley (commuter-train) station, I see a
cab that says Babylon Cab on it. Also, I work at a casino, & they have
MegaBingo machines. For some reason, the machine seems to call out
"B-5" an awful lot when I walk by!
Tammy
Date: 5/21/2000 11:45:47 AM EDT
From: MarkDuell
What have you seen/heard lately that has reminded you of Babylon 5 or
Crusade? Is it your boss with their Kosh-like answers? Yes, no,
perhaps?
1. Murder, She Wrote - Recent movie written and produced by JMS, co-starring Daniel Day Kim, and with
a speech by Jessica Fletcher mentioning "The Hour of the Wolf."
2. "Come Sail Away" by Styx, or as I like to think of it as, "The Vorlon Song." Think about it-a group
of angels that are actually aliens that board their spaceship!
Mark Duell
markduell@aol.com
Date: 5/22/2000 12:31:28 AM EDT
From: snc@penera.com (Steve Crawford)
This is a great one (it's also my first email here). But I can't pass this
up:
I worked with a lot of people from India, and one of them was a guy named
Prakash, but everyone just called him "Kash" (pronounced just like you'd
guess!). I remember when he first started - it was the monday after The
Fall of Night had aired. Hell, I could never get my mind on work on monday
mornings anyway... you can imagine how hard it was the monday after Kosh died.
So there I am, Monday morning, walking around in a haze trying to look busy
but thinking about the Shadows, and what Kosh really was, and how they'd
killed him, and what was going to happen..... and I walk around a corner
and there's my boss with this little Indian guy. My boss smiles and says
"Steve, meet Kosh." I jumped. Neither of them had seen B5, so they
thought I was nuts. That night I told my son (he was 6 at the time) that I
was working with a guy named Kosh, he said "Does he have that big thing on
his head?"
Bottom line is that I had a *daily* reminder of B5!
From: "Fogarty, Bill"
Sent: Saturday, May 20, 2000 9:36 PM
There is a Mexican restaurant in Orlando, FL that is called Garibaldi's.
It is a family owned/operated place and the food is much more ethnic
than Rio Bravo.
Date: 5/20/2000 8:57:14 PM EDT
From: Clan222
I was driving in Anaheim, Ca and passed VALEN universal Travel....right across the street from
PLAZA GARIBALDI, a Mexican dance club......Go figure
C A Palmer
Clan222@aol.com
Last week's topic:
Here's a hypothetical question for you this week. If you had your choice of ANY prop
used on Babylon 5 or Crusade for your very own, what would you choose - and why? Is your choice because
of craftsmanship? Is it the part this prop played in a particular episode? Why would you like this piece
to adorn your humble abode?
A triluminary, because it is beautiful and it symbolizes the connection
(yes, I know it's fictional) between humans and Minbari.
From: Lynn A. Ryan
Sent: Friday, April 14, 2000 10:31 PM
Hi Sandra -
Well, I think that I'd have to vote for the JS (John Sheridan/Joe Straczynski) bear
from "There All The Honor Lies". Probably because 1) it's a very "un-scifi" item,
2) really made me smile, 3) the fun JMS/Peter David story behind it, and 4) it wouldn't
look too out-of-place on the bed next to the stuffed Pikachu and Tigger! :-)
Take care,
Lynn
From: "Valentina"
Sent: Wednesday, April 12, 2000 11:36 AM
Hello Sandy:
Boy that's a tough one, let me start my list:
I would love the model of B5 that Sheridan has in his office.
The glasses or cups that Delenn and Londo are drinking from in A day in
the Strife.
The cups that Ivanova and Sheridan are drinking the green stuff in Sic
Transit Vir.
The glass work that adorns the counter in Delenn's quarters.
The candle holders Sheridan and Delenn receive as a wedding gift in season 5.
The big round plate in Sheridan's quarters.
All the pyramids.
I'd better stop, beginning to sound like a kid with a Xmas list.
Take care
Tina
From: John Freeman [mailto:jfree@dircon.co.uk]
Sent: Tuesday, April 11, 2000 12:28 PM
It would have to be the model B5 on Sheridan's desk. I believe Joe has the original.
Titan have some pics of it for reference.
From:
Sent: Monday, April 10, 2000 9:52 AM
Sandy,
Good question. My first initial thought was of course a Minbari fighting pike. But then I
would love to have the Captain's desk. To sit and work at John Sheridan's desk would be very
powerful.
Wendy
Date: 4/11/00 2:05:12 AM EDT
From: Jhawks2
I'd either like one of the following in order:
1. A fully fitted Earth Alliance Uniform with Lieutenant insignia
2. Mr. Garibaldi's Fedora
3. CDR Ivanova. Oh, she doesn't count as a prop? Nuts. I'll take Mr. Garibaldi's Daffy Duck picture.
--Armen
Date: 4/11/00 4:34:42 AM EDT
From: chdeless@caramail.com (Chantal Delessert)
Hi !
I would choose the Book of G'Quan. As a librarian and avid
reader. And it seems to have given quite an insight and
inspiration do G'Kar.
I would love to have a triluminary where the center piece would
glow as a human heat source came near it. I think this would be
really cool. A must for all children of Valen.
-Donna
Date: 4/10/00 10:30:33 AM EDT
From: CripeHL@itrcorporation.com (Cripe, Helen L.)
Gosh, what a hard one to pin down. Actually, just make my office look like
the bridge of a White Star and I'll be happy. Other than that, I'd like:
The bedspread in Talia Winters' quarters.
The teddy bear.
The model of the station, to sit on my desk with my Enterprise and Klingon
Bird of Prey.
A Ranger badge.
The articles of clothing I'd like are G'Kar's patchwork cloak, Londo's boots
and jewelry, the brown Ranger #1 robe, green and purple Drazi scarves, and a
Minbari warrior's outfit, complete with spiky headbone and fighting pike (I
can think of several people I'd like to use the pike on).
Date: 4/10/00 3:01:00 AM EDT
From: mockinbird_21@yahoo.com (Melody Pritchard)
Sandy,
What an excellent question, and a very hard choice!
I think my number one pick would be Lennier's Minbari
fighting pike, those things were way cool!
My number two choice would probably have to be the
vial that Lise brings to B5 that contains the stuff to
kill telepaths....I'm more than sure that I have left
out lots of props that I thought were really neat, but
those are the first two that came to mind!
um....gee, that's a tough one....so many cool choices....
1) the triluminary that is used on Delenn (and Sinclair, I assume)
2) Lennier's Bonehead piece (that would've been my No. 1 choice, but you said "prop", not "costume
or prosthetic makeup piece"....*grin*)
3) the urn that Londo gives to the Sheridans (for David) with the Keeper in it
4) the syringe-thing that Vir murders Emperor Cartagia with....
5) G'Kar's eyepatch
6) Garibaldi's PPG (but that's probably cliche)
I'm sure there's tons more that I can't remember at the moment....
Excellent question, by the way....
Date: 4/8/00 11:39:44 AM EDT
From: debrarobbins@mailcity.com (Debra A Robbins)
Sandra,
The prop I would most like to have is the glass wind chimes that were in Delenn's quarters. I believe
there were actually two of them. I think they were the most beautiful I have ever seen and have been
looking everywhere to find my own personal set for constant viewing enjoyment. They were just so elegant
and simple. I have visited every site on wind chimes and been to numerous stores where people look at me
like I'm nuts.
Thanks for bringing the Zocalo back again, I always appreciate every issue.
There are so many I'd like to have, but my first choice would be the glass Garibaldi took with him when
he left the station for the last time. The glass symbolized how far the character had grown, while tying
him to the specific events over several of the most tumultuous years of his life.
My second choice would be Garibaldi's Daffy poster.
My third choice would be the John Sheridan bear. (As a buddy of mine put it, "I can't believe they'd
space the teddy bear!")
I wouldn't mind having an "Independent B5" command uniform (wouldn't mind... oh, yeah!) or a Narn
headpiece. Or a copy of The Universe Today in hard copy.
Captain Average, Superhero Packrat
Date: 4/8/00 1:42:06 PM EDT
From: DelennToo
I would *LOVE* to get the illuminated calligraphy manuscript pages from the Book of Sheridan from
"Deconstruction of Falling Stars." Calligraphy is a hobby of mine (although I've been too busy lately),
and I was impressed with the detail and skill expended on those props that wouldn't really be on camera
that long. Any chance I could get hold of them?
Penny
Date: 4/8/00 1:05:40 PM EDT
From: RobWired
Having just watched ''There All the Honor Lies'' this morning, I'd have to say the stuffed ''J.S. Bear''
that Sheridan takes from Ivanova at the end of the show and that hits Warren's fighter windshield when
he's sent out to look for an unidentified object. When asked if he can identify it, he says, ''Not on a
bet.'' Imagine, spacing a poor stuffed bear!
The initials can also stand for Jeffery Sinclair.
So, does this mean I get it? Huh? Huh? Huh? *LOL*
Robert Folsom
Last week's topic:
Who was your least favorite character and why?
From: "Valentina"
Sent: Thursday, April 06, 2000 5:52 PM
Hi Sandy:
Without any doubt BESTER. Walter Koenig did such a good job with the part one cannot
help but really hate the guy. My kids refer to him as the #1 psychopath
Tina
Date: 4/4/00 9:37:47 AM EST
From: CripeHL@itrcorporation.com (Cripe, Helen L.)
Talia Winters was my least favorite character. I didn't think the character
was very interesting to start with, and as the series went on, she never
developed beyond reacting to what other characters were doing. I also
thought her voice was whiney and raspy, and irritating to listen to.
From: Captain Average
Sent: Monday, April 03, 2000 1:19 PM
The B5 character who impressed me the least was Sinclair's second-in-command (Tamlyn Tomita the pilot,
"The Gathering".
I don't know if it was the director or Ms. Tomita, but the character didn't seem to have any life in
her - the performance was so wooden that, when I saw she'd been replaced in the series, I actually
cheered.
The sad thing is that Ms. Tomita is a very good actor - I've seen her do some wonderful stuff in other
projects. (Which is why I tend to think she was under-directed.)
Captain Average, Superhero Sans Star Fury
From: Larry [mailto:larryr@batnet.com]
Sent: Tuesday, April 04, 2000 1:14 AM
Talia Winters. There was something about the way she was played by Andrea
Thompson played the character that turned me off. Perhaps that would have
changed if the character had continued, since all the characters evolved
over time, but during the time Talia was featured, she turned me off.
Larry Rosenblum
Last Week's Topic: What was have you thought about the Babylon 5 novels? Have they been good? Do you want to see them
continue? Do you have a favorite? Why?
Date: 3/30/00 3:54:44 PM EST
From: tuckbros@crunet.com (Gary Tuck and Mike Tuck)
I have enjoyed the Babylon 5 paperback novels and definitely think they
should continue. It's the only way we can get any new B5 stories now. Not
all of the novels have been good, but most have. This e-mail will double as
my novel reviews. I thought the first nine novels from Dell were the best,
so far. They mainly dealt with the entire cast (with a few exceptions)
during the 5-year arc. I'll grade them with a 4-star system: * (one star)
being very bad, **** (4 stars being excellent). Keep in mind, I have never
given any novel I've read 4 stars, I'm hard to please when it comes to
novels. Here they are one by one:
#1 - "Voices": ** (fair) The first novel was pleasing enough, I just gave
it 2 stars because it concentrated on Talia Winters whom I didn't like as a
character. It did have Garibaldi in it, however, who was one of my favorites.
The main action took place mainly off-station, but that was okay as it was a breath
of fresh air to "see" some other planet (I think it was Mars, but I'm not sure, it's
been awhile since I read it.)
#2 - "Accusations": **1/2 (pretty good) This one involved Ivanova (one of
my favorites) and Garibaldi, so I liked it a little better. It mainly
focused on Ivanova being framed and was a simple crime story set on the
station, but it was entertaining. (Funny, the first two novels involved a
female character being framed.)
#3 - "Blood Oath": *** (Good) This one focused on G'Kar (fave) and was
mainly centered on Narn. I like visualizing Narn and its architecture,
especially since it was rarely featured on the show itself. Although, this
one makes G'Kar look less than heroic, it was still a very good read.
(Probably my second favorite book of the series).
#4 - "Clark's Law": *1/2 (bad) I can't say that I enjoyed this one. I
have very conservative beliefs and so this one offended me on several
levels. It seemed like everyone in the cast was all of a sudden turning
into liberals who opposed the death penalty. This seemed especially wrong
in Ivanova's case, I always saw her as someone who would be for the death
penalty. She certainly threatened to kill people on a regular basis on the
show when she was angry. The whole story seemed wrong to me and for the
most part, unimportant enough to not rate a novel.
#5 - "The Touch of Your Shadow, the Whisper of Your Name": *** (Good) This
is more like it! Even though the plot seemed like it was borrowed from Star
Trek, it was a good science-fiction story. The characters being manipulated
by the mysterious force in space made for good drama. My only problem is
the title could have been better (it sounds like either a romance novel or
something to do with The Shadows, neither of which is correct. But this is
a small quibble. (Probably my favorite book of the series, it was a toss up
between this one and Blood Oath.)
#6 - "Betrayals": ** (Fair) The plot was mundane: twins plotting
rebellion. Didn't impress me.
#7 - "The Shadow Within": **1/2 (Pretty Good) This was the first one to
delve into the show's past before the 5-year arc. While I missed the rest
of the cast and the B5 station itself, this was still interesting. We got
to see Capt. Sheridan in charge of the Agamemnon and how Anna and Morden
became taken over by the Shadows. My minor complaint was that we already
knew how this story would turn out (with Anna and Morden taken over by the
Shadows), but it was still entertaining. Also, the only novel in the series
to focus on Sheridan. (It seemed that he and Anna had far more chemistry
together than he and Delenn!)
#8 - "Personal Agendas": **1/2 (pretty good) While this one seemed
unnecessary (it stated that a rescue attempt of G'Kar and Londo, that was
not shown on the series, was undertaken during a story arc from the series),
it was entertaining and took us to Centauri Prime.
#9 - "To Dream In The City of Sorrows": *** (Good) Another one to delve
into the past, it revealed how Sinclair became leader of the Rangers on
Minbar (and eventually, Valen), what happened to his fiancee, Catherine
Sakai, and how Marcus Cole became a ranger. These were all very important
parts to the B5 story and should have been shown on the series, but were
only hinted at. It took us to Minbar and filled in the overall story very
nicely. Probably the most important book of the series and the only one to
feature Commander Sinclair/Valen.
After this, Del Rey took over the series and stopped numbering the titles.
They also started the trilogy series. So far, this has been less than
successful, in my opinion. I would much rather read the entire story in one
book than stretch it out over 3 books.
"Dark Genesis-The Birth of the Psi Corps": *1/2 (Bad) While some might
argue that it was interesting to see the birth of the Psi Corps, I found it
extemely boring. The Psi Corps has never been one of my favorite elements
from B5 believe it or not. And in this novel, there are no familiar
characters (not even Bester, until the end) only ancestors of characters we
know. Also the story skipped around from year to year, often without giving
you warning that it was doing so, which was very confusing for me.
Definitely the worst book in the series so far.
"Deadly Relations-Bester Ascendant": ** (fair) This one is a little better
for having at least one familiar character in it, but not much better. I
like to think of Bester as an evil character. I like to hate him. This
made me feel sorry for him in parts of the story. It seemed like they were
trying to excuse Bester for all of the bad things he did as an adult by
showing us his troubled childhood. This is no excuse.
"Final Reckoning-The Fate of Bester": ** (fair) From the title, I thought
this would be a satisfying end to Bester's evil life. (I was hoping that
Garibaldi would be forced to kill him in self-defense or something.)
Unfortunately, it once again showed Bester to be a decent guy (??) while
wrongly portraying Garibaldi as the bad one! Man, this writer must have
REALLY liked Bester!! I'm really surprised that Straszinsky okayed these
books since they seem to go against the way Bester was portrayed on the
show! Still, Garibaldi's pursuit of Bester was fairly entertaining, if
anti-climactic.
"Legions of Fire, Book 1-The Long Night of Centauri Prime": ** (fair)
While this one features one of my favorite characters, Londo, and tells of
an important time in his life as emperor (after the 5-year arc), it is very
depressing. Londo is a very interesting character, but here he has been
beaten by life and often thinks of committing suicide. He is forced to do
more terrible things by the Drakh and their Keeper pets (betray Sheridan and
his family). After more or less atoning for his sins at the end of B5's
last season, it is hard to "see" him falling down again. Vir being betrayed
by Londo's ex-wife is humiliatingly hard to read. After all this poor guy's
been through, he is still treated like dirt! It will be interesting to read
the rest of this trilogy just to see what happens next, but hopefully, it
won't be as depressing as this.
Sorry, this was so long, but to give even a small review of all the novels,
it had to be. If you have to edit this to fit it on the page, I understand.
I would really like to see some more novels set back during the 5-year arc.
I know it's over, but that is one way it could live on. There are always
Star Trek books of the original crew set back during it's 5-year mission,
and they always sell very well. So, B5 could do it, too! I would also be
interested in reading some Crusade novels!
-Mike
From: Greg Joynson
Sent: Monday, March 27, 2000 3:57 PM
So far I've only read Dark Genesis (Book 1 of the Psi Corps trilogy), but I thought it did a
brilliant job of giving us those oh-so rare glimpses of Psi corps. The Kevin Vacit character
was excellent. Lookin' good for the future. -Greg.
Date: Mon, 27 Mar 2000 7:28:50 AM EST
From: cnaccarato@dehavilland.ca
Hi Sandy,
I have read the first trilogy by G Keyes, and the first part of the second
trilogy by P David. I have also read Bruce Boxleitner's "Frontier Earth".
The Psi Corp books gave a good background into the making of the Corps and
through to its growth. The Bester story shed new light on the character
whichalmost wanted to make you believe that the character had some inkling of
a soul.
As I was reading the story, I had hoped that Bester would somehow embrace the
fact that his parents were rogues. Maybe that is too much; at least he could
of acknowledged the truth to his lineage. Also, I think how it ended with Mr
Garibaldi could have been different. Correct me if I am wrong, but if I
remember correctly, Bester wasn't killed by Garibaldi. I will have to reread
the books. But as I remember, I felt something was not right about the
ending.
All in all, after completing the novels, I found I wanted to know more: i.e.
the telepath war, how did Lyta die? How did her arrangement with Garibaldi work
out? I think that there are some wonderful stories to be told here. Maybe I
could write one? Ha. Ha.
I am going to reserve judgement on Peter David's book until the series is
done. But so far what I have read, I liked. I liked how he brought Timov back. I
liked how Londo was able to have some control over his keeper; a little
rebellion is good for the soul. I am looking forward to his next
installment.
Bruce's book was also quite good. A little gory at points but a good read.
I must admit, while reading the book I could not stop thinking of the original
Star Trek episode "Specter of the Gun" (I think it was called) where Kirk and
Spock were at the OK Coral. At one point I was wondering if Macklin and "his
sister" were ever going to meet. You could tell that a lot of research was
put into the novel. The gunfight at the OK Coral is a story that has been around
a long time and Bruce put a nice twist to it. I didn't feel that I was reading
a SF story. It was more like a western with SF overtones. The ending definitely
left the door open for a sequel. When that happens, I'll be there to read
it.
Anyway, take care Sandy, Hope to talk to you soon.
Carmine Naccarato
From: "Cripe, Helen L."
Sent: Sunday, March 26, 2000 9:33 PM
The latest group of B5 novels have got off to a great start and the Bester Trilogy was
excellent. The first book in the Centauri series was also a winner and left me wanting more.
Forget about the very first B5 novels - most of them were pretty bad and read as if the authors
knew nothing at all about the show. The only two in that group worth reading were the one about
Anna Sheridan's fate and To Dream in the City of Sorrows. So far the novelized versions of the
2-hour movies have been good. Of all the B5 novels out so far, the ones I've read more than once,
will read again, and think are the very best are To Dream in the City of Sorrows and In the Beginning.
I said it before and I'll say it again - I would love to see a couple of follow-up books to To Dream
in the City of Sorrows. By the same author, of course!
Another thought: what about the possibility of novelizing the story lines contained in multiple
episodes? The ones that come to mind are:
* War Without End
* A Voice in the Wilderness
* Messages From Earth-Point of No Return-Severed Dreams-Ceremonies of Light and Dark
* Shadow Dancing-Z'ha'dum
* Rumors, Bargains & Lies-Moments of Transition
* Sleeping in Light
* Any of Season 5 starting with Meditations on the Abyss
From: Jhawks2@aol.com [mailto:Jhawks2@aol.com]
Sent: Saturday, March 25, 2000 2:23 PM
There is no question that I really want to see the novels continue. But I
don't care to see any more of those first sets of stand-alone books. I've
read "Voices" and "Clarke's Law." "Voices" was ok, but I did not like
"Clarke's Law." Seems like these books simply have every character appearing
just for the sake of them appearing, and that the story doesn't flow.
Furthermore, the first part of "Clarke's Law" talks about the first encounter
with the Minbari, and totally gets it wrong.
I did finish the Psi Corps trilogy which I devoured. The story flowed much
better, and it's very apparent that Keyes did his research into the B5
storyline when writing it. I will be picking up the Centauri Prime trilogy
when all three books are out, so I can read them consecutively, and the same
goes for the Technomage trilogy when it's done. I'd very much recommend
these series for the true B5 fan. --Armen
From: "Tammy Smith"
Sent: Saturday, March 25, 2000 10:59 AM
I like the Del Rey books better than the earlier ones--they seem to have
better writers, & the characters seem more like themselves. Yes, I want
more books. My favorite is In the Beginning, by Peter David. ItB is my
favorite B5 movie, & the book goes more in-depth than the movie does (I
like how the book is told from Londo's point-of-view). I also liked the
first Centauri Trilogy book & can't wait for the second one. G'Kar is
my favorite B5 character, but Londo is a close second, so I like books
focusing on those characters.
Tammy
Last week's topic:
Which character had the MOST influence on the story of Babylon 5? Why?
Date: 3/1/00 9:59:56 AM EST
From: gkarfan@webtv.net (Tammy Smith)
Londo defintely had the most influence over the B5 story. Everyone was
affected by his decision to side with the Shadows. Like Eric, whose
earlier post was excellent, I feel that B5 is really Londo's story.
Date: 2/27/2000 12:08:22 PM EST
From: e_reinholt@prodigy.net (Eric Reinholt)
Great question! I have a short list of four: Sinclair (surprised?), Sheridan and G'Kar but the
character who exerted the MOST influence over the story of Babylon 5 has got to be (for my money):
Londo Mollari
I remember around the time of the original pilot (The Gathering) JMS put out on the Internet a "Things
to Come" sheet that described the series in a grandiose sweep that included a paragraph about "Empires
will rise and fall" or something to that effect. Londo was our touchstone for the Centauri Empire.
Along with his growth as a character (I do not say change because JMS played fair and all of Londo's
tendencies were there RIGHT FROM THE BEGINNING but only had time and opportunity to play out before us)
paralleled the growth of importance the Centauri played through the first three seasons.
As a matter of fact, I think the series could almost be renamed "The Rise and Fall of Londo Mollari" or
better yet "The Rise and Fall of the Centauri Empire."
Londo was there to instigate change, breed fear or contempt right from the beginning. His changes and
his fears propelled the series. Londo cast his vote to send Sinclair to the Vorlon Homeworld for trial.
By Londo's own admission, the Earth-Centauri war was prolonged by Londo (In the Beginning). Londo's
craving for revenge against G'Kar for the imperilment of his nephew Carn Mollari drove Londo to avail
himself of any opportunity to further his agenda against the Narn under the guise of Centauri
patriotism. Londo's need for personal glory and his patriotism were essential for the Shadows to
launch their influence through Londo (starting when they returned The Eye). The Shadows made the
Centauri attack on the Narn Homeworld possible which changed how G'Kar viewed the universe and the
Narn place within it, again at the behest of Londo. ("Why don't you simply destroy the Narn Homeworld
while you're at it?" "One thing at a time, Ambassador. One thing at a time.") The Shadows eventually
used Londo and his Centauri associates and rivals to play to the Centauri Emperor's fears/dreams and
in exchange for a promise of god-hood actually settled a part of their fleet on the Centauri Homeworld!
Londo's dream of death at the hands of G'Kar after having attained the position of Emperor drove his
major decisions and he used his position and eventual power to drive his own destiny and the destiny
of his entire race which influenced both directly and indirectly almost every other race and individual
throughout the series run.
Even when his direct influence grew less due to his rise in the Centauri hierarchy, he and his race
were still being manipulated by the Drakh, the Shadow's inheritors. Sheridan's son will even be
influenced by Londo's final "gift" (Sleeping in Light).
For good or bad, Londo Mollari gets my vote for the one character with the greatest influence over the
entire series of Babylon 5.
Eric
Next Topic:
Every character on Babylon 5 changed over the course of the series. Which character do you feel changed the most --
and what changes were the most significant?
Date: Tue, 22 Feb 2000 3:18:55 PM EST
From: Peter Vachon
Hi Sandy,
I have two fave. characters from B5. They are Londo and G'kar.
Londo's changes were:
- Londo being manipulated by Morden and the Shadows
- Londo's attitude towards the Narn during the Narn/Centauri war
- Londo's reaction to the way he was used by Morden
- Londo's attempts to forge peace with G'kar during Sheridan's fight against Clark
- Londo's dramatic "heart attack" in which he must face his concience and eventually apologizing to G'kar
- Londo's separation from the Interstellar Alliance when his government is attacking allied ships
- Londo being manipulated by the Drahk with his ascention to Emporor
G'kar's changes were mainly from his hatred of the Centauri, his attack on his planet, his loyalty to Sheridan, him
realizing what the future holds, his trust with Londo for sparing his people and his life, his iconization from his
book.
There's more, but I don't have enough room to mention them. These were the most that stood out in my mind.
Take care and bye for now,
Peter "Alyt_Duke6" Vachon
Date: 2/21/00 1:05:55 AM EST
From: JPSau
The character who changed the most during the show was G'Kar. At the outset he was unscrupulous, narrowed-minded and
conniving. By the of the series, however, he had evolved into a devout, spiritual leader who not only guided and inspired
his people but he also influenced people of other races. One such person was Mr. Girabaldi who read the Narn holy book
and also sought G'Kar advice. The most significant changed in G'Kar is his overwhelming faith that transcends all of his
actions.
Date: 2/17/00 8:12:34 PM EST
From: cable1959@yahoo.com (Bill Curtis)
Sandy,
Easy answer. G'Kar. He went from being the reptilian
personification of evil first exposed to us in the
pilot "The Gathering", to prophet, of Ghandi-like
proportions by series end. I think he and Londo were
the 2 most unforgettable characters from the whole
show. Think of it: Londo went from being a drunken
buffoon, cursing his lot in life, to following the
dark spiral downwards after embracing Morden and the
Shadows. By series end, he had not recovered, and was
now in the grasp of the Drakh, via the keeper on his
shoulder. His flashes of warmth, nobility, and
friendship to others, especially Vir, only served to
deepen the loss. G'Kar, on the other hand, started as
the ultimate villain and schemer, even trying to kill
Sinclair; to total redemption. Think of the losses he
endured: his homeworld all but destroyed and once
again under the heel of oppression of the hated
Centauri, the Centauri regime demanding he be sent to
Narn to stand trial. Refusal meant all Narn would be
punished. Feeling a bond of loyalty to Garibaldi, he
sets out to search for a missing Garibaldi, only to be
captured by the Centauri. He is then publicly
humiliated, tortured, even has an eye removed!
Throughout all of this and more, he manages not only
to persevere, but to triumph. He rises above all of
this to preach forgiveness, understanding, and
tolerance. In fact, he is now so revered, that
now-president John Sheridan asks him to draw up the
inaugural charter for the now-alligned worlds. By
series end, G'kar is what we all wish to be: beloved,
reknown, and finally at peace with himself.
Bill Curtis
Date: 2/17/00 3:57:11 PM EST
From: tuckbros@crunet.com (Gary Tuck and Mike Tuck)
I feel that Londo changed the most over the course of the series. He
started out as a boozing, womanizing gambler who seemed to be happy when
doing those things. He was a clown. Then when Morden came into the picture
and made his deal, he turned into a villain. Someone you could hate. Then,
when his conscious got the better of him, he became sad and remorseful. You
felt sorry for him. Finally, he was forgiven by G'Kar and seemed to be more
relaxed, although not happy. He turned into a more decent person/alien with
morals, no less! Toward the end, he started to go back to his old ways when
faced with opposition from Sheridan, but in the end, decided to not go down
that path again. It ended with him being beaten by the world, sad, lonely,
and regretful about his mistakes and failures. He was the most interesting
character in the series and was masterfully written by Strazinsky. The fact
that you could still care about his character after all the terrible things
he did shows a lot of thought and care went into building the character.
Garibaldi would have been my other choice as he turned from a
happy-go-lucky, flip comedian (who could kick @$$ when he wanted to) to a
bitter, hateful, depressed character by the end of the series. I really
enjoyed the way he was in the first season the best: a slightly rebellious,
funny guy.
Mike Tuck
Date: 2/16/00 2:32:37 PM EST
From: sunfire@eohio.net (Patty Martin)
In my opinion, G'Kar changed the most, with the most significant changes. He began as an angry, egocentric,
out-for-revenge character and grew to an peaceful, introspective, forward-looking and thought-provoking character.
He never lost the warrior in him--he just became a warrior who thought through his actions rather than being motivated
by emotions alone.
Date: 2/16/00 12:54:05 AM EST
From: RobWired
G'Kar. Hands down, he is the character who changed the most, an about-face. At one time Londo's enemy, through a series
of experiences, he came to have an alliance with the Centauri.
His spiritual beliefs helped bring him around also.
I am now in the process of watching B5 from the beginning for the second time, every episode, in order. When I see G'Kar,
I find it hard to believe the man he will change into. But he does.
And never mind knowing what's going to happen; that doesn't ruin anything for me. Good storytelling is like a good
symphony: I am not anticipating the finale, I only hear the note that is being played at the moment.
Robert Folsom
Date: 2/15/00 7:53:16 PM EST
From: Glorypplus
It has to be Gkar. We start out with a bitter, vindictive, underhanded and to some degree (What is the equivalent of
raciest? Speciesist?) character who develops over time, through conflict and hardship to become a centered,
compassionate, idealistic, unity focused and matured being.
As he is humbled in adversity, he gains a perspective of understanding that is unparalleled in any other character,
perhaps with the exception of Vir.
Well, that's my take for what it's worth
Date: 2/15/00 4:17:27 PM EST
From: JM-Rex@webtv.net
I think G'Kar Changed the most throughout the series. He became a far
more spiritual.
Date: 2/15/00 10:13:17 PM EST
From: obley@sunline.net (Pat and Steph Obley)
Definitely Londo. When the show started, he was the guy always out for a good
time, without a lot of power, but with a few friends. By the end of the show, he
had all the power in the world, could never have a good time again and had no
friends. The most significant changes were the level of power he had from the
beginning to the end, and his overall personality, as well as his friendship with
G'kar. What never changed was his honest desire to do the right thing for
Centauri Prime. He is probably the most tragic character on the show.
Stephanie
Date: 2/15/00 11:25:02 AM EST
From: gkarfan@webtv.net (Tammy Smith)
My vote would have to be G'Kar. At first, I couldn't stand him--he
seemed like such a jerk! But he was a good character by series' end.
What I liked about B5 was the fact that the characters always surprised
you. They never stayed the same.
In response to an earlier post on this topic, yes, G'Kar is sexy! :)
Date: 2/15/00 8:41:22 AM EST
From: MRodman@fssa.state.in.us (Rodman, Michael C)
The two obvious choices are G'kar and Londo. But I think G'kar beats
Londo out slightly. G'kar started off as a kniving, angry and vengeful
character. He took no end of pleasure of making life miserable for
Londo and anyone else that got in his way. He offered large amount of
money to Talia in exchange to get her genetic matierial (via
crossbreeding between herself and a Narn - either through artifical
insemination or "the old fashioned way"), never truly caring much about
her beyond the genes and the sex. Quite frankly, he was a slimeball.
By the end of the series, he had given up everything. His thoughts were
profound, his actions were selfless acts of kindness. He gave up power
and glory that his own people wished to bestow on him. He was nearly
considered a living diety to his people. He accepted torture and
humiliation for helping the Centarui get rid of Cartagia (but this did
help free his own people, but he never really had any gaurantee). He
escaped the worship of his people by giving himself to Lyta who was
outcast by all. And finally, he gave his life to help Londo and the
Centauri. His lifelong enemy/friend. I don't think any character came
aound to go down such a totally differnt path from what they started.
Date: 2/15/00 7:18:55 AM EST
From: macskiver@hotmail.com (david maciver)
The character with the most extreme change would have to be Lyta. She went
from nice friendly Lyta to being scary Lyta after her encounter with Byron
and also due to her increased telepathic powers.
Garabaldi's change was quite large as well. In the first season he was
looking for a good reason to die, ie. defending the station in Babylon
Squared (I think). By season five he is looking for a reason to live, ie.
Lyse (sp). He is also no longer worried about keeping up his role in the
station and is finally doing something to help himself.
G'Kar goes from being a bad, shallow character out for revenge against the
Centauri to feeling pity for them. He probably learnt the most out of
anyone in the series. I am not saying he was dumb at the start but he is
extremely wise by the time it comes to a close. This is especially shown by
the fact that he kills Lando to help the alliance and at his request, not in
spite of an old enemy as was first thought.
Of course everyone changes but these were the biggest. You could also note
Franklin's new found direction in life, ie. do good work and lay of the
stims aposed to do ALL the work. Lando went from being Tyranical to
friendly then back to his old self again, almost. Delenn grew up. Kosh
died. Sheridan became more of a politician than a soldier etc. etc. etc.
Ranger Dave
From: "From A Friend"
To:
The character that changed the most in the series was G'kar from a bitter, revengeful, spiteful, cold creature of
series one, to the insightful, warm, spiritual Narn of series 5.
The biggest changes in the series was the Joining of Sheridan, the Narn homeworld invasion, the truth about the
Vorlons and Shadows and the introduction of the ISA.
Date: 2/14/00 8:50:18 PM EST
From: Jhawks2
Londo, w/o question. The tragic hero went through more twists than a bag of pretzels.
Every character on Babylon 5 changed over the course of the series. Which character do you feel changed the most --
and what changes were the most significant?
Date: 2/14/00 7:16:25 PM EST
From: deb@therave.org (Deb)
Hi Sandy,
I think that G'Kar changed the most. In "The Gathering" he was like this
imature child. He was whiny and indecisive (although still very sexy!!!).
He was shallow as well and very self centered. He went from this to being a
very good, true friend, a religous icon, a decisive being, and, in my
opinion, the most sexy male around!!! Oh and he became a very strong
leader, he was considered a leader before, but I don't know why. One thing
that never changed was the sexual aura of him!!!
Date: 2/14/00 7:16:25 PM EST
From: MSilva6260
Hi Sandy,
To me, all the characters went through their changes throughout the five year saga.
Two people stand out in my mind.
One was Sinclair. In the beginning, he was this tortured soul and he had so much responsibility on him. I often wondered
how he would have developed if he stayed on B5. But anyway, when he came back, he was a completely different person. More
at ease with the world around him and his eyes were more open to his fate. Which was to become a God of course.
Two was, of course, Londo. He was at first, someone that many felt that he wasn't a real threat. But when Morden came
into the picture and began to play him in their complex chess game for the galaxy. You see the changes coming and his
fate coming into play. Because he knows that he will suffer a dark and terrible fate.
Just wanted to get my little piece said.
M. C. Silva
Date: 2/14/00 7:10:51 PM EST
From: EsperFF3
This was quite easy, the character the changed the most was G'kar. He hated all centuri. Hate is not even a strong
enough word. At first he seemed like the likely villian of B5(HOW WRONG THAT IS!!) In the end the greatest relationship
was Londo and his. It showed the real growth of the characters on the show.
Date: 2/14/00 5:16:30 PM EST
From: sandraw@solace.com.au (Sandra Warmbier)
I think that Gkar changed the most over the course of the series. He
changed from being an angry and vengeful person to someone that is
the complete opposite... kind, forgiving and helpful to everyone
including his enemies.
Date: 2/14/00 1:49:21 PM EST
From: Andro22
I'd have to say G'Kar, of course :-) I'm sure everyone else probably would say the same. The first episode of the series
he was trying to make wars, illegally adapt dna from lyta to help make narn teeps, and an assortment of other bad deeds.
But by Objects at Rest we see a huge dichotomy between the man then and the man now. A long and difficult road for G'Kar
has helped to give him better perspective and made him a better person in general. He was proud, but not so proud that he
wouldn't accept being humbled by the events around him. While most other Narns were still blood thirsty for revenge after
the freedom of Narn, G'Kar understand the importance of peace and that war nearly destroyed his entire people. He wasn't
going to let that happen again. Overall I believe G'Kar was affected the most to change by Garibaldi, Londo, and Sheridan
and Delenn. They all contributed greatly to his change.
Andro22 (Humongous Babylon 5 Fan!)
Date: 2/15/00 2:34:33 AM EST
From: chinook64@yahoo.com (chinook)
Hi Sandy,
Regarding the characters that changed the most, and the most
significantly, here are my votes:
Main - G'Kar, who went from a rather self-serving lout to a hero and
kingly figure.
Guest - Neroon, who changed from a hot-headed bully to the saviour of
the Minbari people.
Biggest surprise change - Lennier, who went totally out of character in
by not helping Sheridan when his life was endangered. That was bizarre
and absolutely unexpected.
From: "Jaimie Thomas"
Sent: Monday, February 14, 2000 12:14 PM
I vote for Londo as the character who changed the most.
Most significant change: Londo's repentence in "The Long Night of Londo Mollari".
Date: 2/14/00 9:18:49 AM EST
From: JamiLeeD@email.dom.edu (Lee Jamilkowski)
I feel that Jeff Sinclair was one of the characters to change the
most. From the beginning, he was insecure. He reluctantly took the
position commanding Babylon 5. His past was fragmented and mysterious.
Yet, by the time of "War Without End" Part Two, he knew what his job and
place in the universe was supposed to be. He was brave, almost a different
person in that respect, having changed with the knowledge of the Battle of
the Line. And he went boldly to face his future, er past. And though his
relationships did not change, he spiritually, mentally, and physically
became a new person.
Date: 2/14/00 7:42:46 AM EST
From: SCIFIREAD
I think that the most changed character was G'Kar. And to almost the same extent, Londo. If you look at both of them
in the beginning of the show and then at the end of the series, they have to an kind of switched places. At the beginning
of the series Londo was a laughable character and G'kar was not a very likeable guy. as the series progressed they made
a switch. Londo ended up being a very nasty sort and sometimes you felt sorry for. But G'Kar turned into a very likeable
person who you sided with and pulled for. The change in both of them was precipitated by each other. They will always
be linked in many ways. (As we surmise from the scenes of their respective deaths.)
Date: 2/14/00 6:55:44 AM EST
From: awilkins@nsw.bigpond.net.au (Andrew Wilkinson)
Talia Winters - Psi Corps -> secret lover ->"Sleeper" -> dissection victim of the Corps.
That's pretty comprehensive!
Regards,
Andrew Wilkinson,
Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Date: 2/14/00 9:55:36 AM EST
From: betti@erols.com (Michael & Katy Betti)
Gee Sandra,
I'd have to say that Sinclair changed the most -- from fully human to
what looked like fully Minbari :) OK, he always did act like a
Minbari, but still.....
As far a just character change (non-physical), I'd have to say Lyta changed
the most, though Londo is a close second. Not only did she go from an
unsure, mostly meek follower to a crazy, power crazed revolutionary type of
crusader. She became the same as Bester on the other side of the
Psi Corp/non-Psi Corp argument. That's a big change from the
"I can't scan without his permission" Lyta of the pilot episode.
Last week's topic:
What have you seen lately that has reminded you of Babylon 5 or Crusade?
Date: 2/11/00 2:25PM EST
From: sgbruckner@aol.com
While sending a cute little card to my niece at www.disney.go.com, I was struck by this banner!
Remind you of anything B5?
Date: 2/8/00 12:01:46 PM EST
From: gkarfan@webtv.net (Tammy Smith)
What have I seen lately that reminds me of B5? Actually, mine has been
going on for awhile. I work at a casino, & we have Mega Mania Bingo
machines. A voice on the machine calls out the numbers, & for some
reason "B5" comes up a lot whenever I walk by the machines! It's the
strangest thing!
Date: 2/7/00 2:08:09 PM EST
From: CripeHL@itrcorporation.com (Cripe, Helen L.)
I see something every day that reminds me of Babylon 5 - my little black
cat, whom I named "Neroon". He is not, however, much of a warrior. His
favorite thing is eating and his favorite sleeping place is next to the food
dish. He's also a little slow to figure things out. His sister Alice bosses
him unmercifully. Nevertheless, he is beautiful and affectionate and
lovable, and having him around ensures that I'll think of Babylon 5 every
day for many years.
Date: 2/7/00 3:52:33 PM EST
From: nickhindle@cwcom.net (Nick Hindle)
Hi Sandy,
My contribution for this weeks discussion "What has reminded you of Babylon
5 / Crusade recently" is...
Whilst searching for interesting objects to observe through my telescope, I
came across an interesting double star system called Epsilon, which contains
Epsilon 2 and Epsilon 3. I'll do my best to discover a nearby planet so it
can be called Epsilon 3!
All the best,
Nick
Date: Sun, 6 Feb 2000 4:51:53 PM EST
From: "David E. Williams"
Sandy -
You asked: What have you seen lately that has reminded you of Babylon 5 or Crusade?
Starship Troopers - the animated series!!!!!
This is really well done. I did a thorough web search, and was able to
find almost nothing on the production. Worse, in a month of taping, some
of the episodes were broadcast at least three (!) times (talk about
repeats!) But I did find out that some of the creative folks behind SST
were also involved with B5 - and it shows!
I would love to find out more - such as how many eps there really are, how
the eps were created, and when will they be broadcast.
David E. Williams
Yorkville, NY
dwilliams@dreamscape.com
Date: Sun, 6 Feb 2000 9:50:39 AM EST
From: BATLRUVIN
The phase "last best hope" came up again in an advertisement both on Sci-Fi
Channel for one of their shows and on FX channel.......I think the best use
of the phase was by President Clinton when he was talking about the
Conference held in Dayton, Ohio about the Bosnia conflict.....He said the
conference was the "last best hope for the region for peace"......His
interest in B5 was showing????.....our group of fans found this phraseology
interesting.......I think a piece of literature had become part of the
history of a culture when a catch phrase used in it becomes part of the
common daily vernacular.......bar
Last Week's Topic was:
What First Attracted You to Babylon 5?
Date: 2/5/00 4:30:34 PM EST
From: Miyria Kat
Hi Sandy! I don't know if you're still taking notes on the topic of what attracted me to B5, but I thought I'd give it a
shot anyway.
My good friend had been trying to get me into B5 since it first aired ( I was a sr, in high school at that time).
But for one reason of another I never saw. Then a few years ago, when the show switched to TNT I had to tape the
marathon for another friend, I watched some of the movies, and the making of, but still never got into it. Then
last year I started catching the repeats on TNT during the day after classes. My friend who had tried to get me
into the show back in 95 was in college with me, so she sat me down and basically made me watch it. :-) After
only seeing about 3 episodes of season 3, I watched "Sleeping in Light." I bawled!! I knew then if a show I knew
so little about could make me cry, I was hooked. The music was fantastic, and being a musician that's what I look
for. I also look for a good story, and B5 had/has it all!
-christie
Date: 2/5/00 3:42:03 PM EST
From: hooloovoo73@hotmail.com (Bill Goodchild)
Sandy,
I saw the pilot for Babylon 5 and I thought it was decent so I kept
watching, I became more and more impressed with the show as time went by.
The depth of the story and the outstanding performances by all the actors
really hooked me. The character that impressed me the most was G'kar, G'kar
went from being a man obsessed with vengence to a man of peace and
tolerance. I could go on and on all the live long day but I think I'll stop
while I'm ahead.
Thanks,
Bill
Date: 02/05/00 12:00AM
Hi, Sandy,
What first drew my attention to Babylon 5 was the simple fact that
there was a sci-fi program on TV that was unrelated to any of the Star
Trek universes and Paramount. This piqued my curiosity, and after
seeing the first couple of episodes, I became completely captivated by
the special effects. I am a great fan of special effects wizardry, and
B5 had that in spades!!
About half-way through the first season, however, the story-line and
cast of characters became more and more fascinating; and, when I had to
move from Florida to Indiana for a summer, I was completely distraught
when I found that none of the local stations carried PTEN programming!!
I lobbied long and hard, but to no avail. I was extremely anxious to
return to Florida so I could once again find B5 on a local station.
Once I got back to Florida, I had trouble finding the time-slot that
the local network (it was the UPN affiliate at that time) had assigned
the show; and, the network kept moving B5 around to different days and
times with little or no prior notice. Even though this had a very
negative impact on the story-line continuity (plus I had to catch almost
an entire season's episodes during re-runs), the special effects just
kept getting better and better and kept my attention focused long enough
to permit me to catch-up on the story-line.
I still feel to this day the B5 had some of the best special effects
ever presented on a screen...big screen or little screen!! I only wish
that the special effects team could be permitted to go forward with the
effects developed for Crusade. I haven't given up hope in that regard
yet, either; but, it looks less and less promising as time passes with
no one picking the show up.
Forgive me if I've strayed somewhat from the original topic. Special
effects were the jump-gate that propelled me directly into the B5
universe; and, a very pleasant journey it was, too!!!!
Chuck Henderson
abogado@strato.net
Date: Friday, February 04, 2000 9:26 PM
From: Captain Average
Well before the pilot was aired, a number of slick SF-Entertainment mags (think Starlog)featured some small pieces on this
hair-brained scheme that some nutball named J. Michael Straczynski had for a TV series that would kick Star Trek's butt.
It would be a five-year epic tale that would tell a single, complex story - with a definite beginning, middle and end.
JMS talked about having ideas for characters that would be changed from their experiences and would actually grow. He
mentioned the way the show's effects would be mostly CGI. He even provided some photos of the station and conceptual
artwork.
Like a lot of people, I was intrigued.
So I watched the pilot when it aired (a year before the series finally appeared) and was impressed and depressed in equal
measure. There was a lot going on, but only Londo, G'Kar and Garibaldi seemed to work as characters. Michael O'Hare,
Tamlyn Tomita and most of the rest of the cast seemed wooden and the direction seemed oddly lethargic for a show where
there was so much going on. But it was enough to pique my renewed interest (which almost died before the first series
ep aired).
Like most shows, I gave it three eps to "hook" me.
"Midnight on the Firing Line", though sluggish, was a marginal improvement over "The Gathering". "Deathwalker" was only
another marginal improvement until the Vorlon ship blasted her - that made me sit up and take notice but, in and of itself,
wouldn't have been enough to keep me watching.
Then came "Born to the Purple". Where I had pretty much figured out every important detail of MOTFL and Deathwalker by
the first commercial break (and the "next week" trailer for BttP had looked very much to be another predictable ep), I
found the actual ep moved drastically away from the cliched stuff I was half-expecting.
Not only that, but scripter Lawrence G. Datillio set up five different (but related) conflicts and actually got them to
pay off. Not only that, but Michael O'Hare seemed to have settled into the role of Sinclair and Claudia Christian added
some great punctuation as Ivanova.
And I was hooked.
Captain Average
Date: 2/3/00 9:29:26 PM EST
From: SteelerAFC
I have a very odd story of how i came to watch Babylon 5
It was 2 years ago, and I went to call my at-the-time boyfriend, and he told me that he couldn't talk right then because
Babylon 5 was on. So, I hung up the phone and got jealous (yes, of a tv show) I turned on TNT to "investigate my
competition" :). Turns out that the night I caught it was the first episode of season 5. That night, they showed
"The Gathering", "The Making of B5", and the first ep of season 5. Needless to say, I was very confused. Each show
had different people. Gathering - Sinclair, Kyle, and the rest. Making - lead by Ivanova. Season 5 - Lochley. But,
never the less, I had to admit that it looked like a good show.
Then, my boyfriend made me watch Sleeping in Light. Even though I hadn't seen most of the episodes of season 5 and none
of the ones before, I cried my eyes out through the entire thing. I figured that a show that I had never seen made me
cry when the main character died, I had to watch.
From then on, I was hooked.
Val
Date: 2/4/00 1:02:47 AM EST
From: Delenn498
What first attracted you to Babylon 5?
I thought Babylon 5 was silly, so I never watched it (I also didn't get the channel that it was broadcast on until TNT
took over). However, the repeats on TNT came on just after Lois and Clark and I started watching the first 5 minutes just
to see if it was silly. I was first attracted when I saw Sheridan looking intently at Kosh's ship for the first time. I
thought the ship was so cool, I was hooked imediately. I began watching the show and was impressed by every aspect of the
show, but especially fell in love with John and Delenn.
Jeannine
Date: Thu, 3 Feb 2000 7:00:27 AM EST>br?
From: "Philip & Catherine Frick"
I've read science fiction since I was a child; I was twelve when I first
saw the original Star Trek and was hooked immediately. I didn't really
watch Babylon 5 until TNT started to rerun the series and I stuck with it
from the beginning. While I like science fiction, the thing I love about
Babylon 5 is the development of the characters. I majored in English and I
love to see television that makes you care about the characters the way you
do with a favorite book.
Catherine Frick
Date: 2/2/00 9:39:19 PM EST
From: blgorsic@yahoo.com (Bonnie Gorsic)
What attracted me to B5: I like Sci Fi so I try to
watch all the new shows. I really liked the first B5
movie. The story was interesting, some of the
characters moved you to find out more about them, and
the aliens were cool. It seemed a sophisticated Sci-Fi
show.
Date: 2/2/00 9:12:01 PM EST
From: Azonum
Hi whats up? Well to begin I got into B5 with the episode in which Sinclair becomes Valen. I saw only the last fifteen
minutes and I was instantly hooked, but that was the end of the season and I had to wait for the next to begin. I can't
tell you how fanitical I was about the show. Around that time I was working in NYC and the following season was at 8pm
so I got my Mom to record it for me. I was so thankfull for the reruns I got to see the first two seasons, in full (thank
God). I t was one of the best si-fi series ever but also the most underrated if you ask me.
If you have any news on Crusade let me know.
Thanks
Andres
Date: 2/2/00 06:52am EST
From: "jamie lawrence"
hi
I would say the idea of an evolving arc, But, if i had to be honest, it would have to be Claudia Christian
J. P. Lawrence
Date: 2/2/00 11:38:36 AM EST
From: DPBarker
Sandy,
In response to your question, what attracted me to B5...
B5 began about the same time as DS9, which was another show that took place on a Space Station. After watching the pilot,
it was clear that B5 was not the same old, same old. Here we had an intelligent script with an interesting story line with
memorable characters. Of course, there was a gap between the pilot movie and the first episode, but it was the characters
(and the actors who portrayed them) and the evolving story arc that kept me coming back week-after-week. Each week being
like a chapter in a long book with each season representing a major part of the story. I was somewhat surprised that
Sinclair left and was replaced by Sheridan, but it worked. I don't know why the actor didn't continue, but I ended up
enjoying Bruce's portrayal. Over time, I especially enjoyed how the characters of G'Kar and Londo developed from mortal
enemies to close friends.
Keep up the good work.
Dennis P. Barker
Date: 2/2/00 4:06:21 AM EST
From: chdeless@caramail.com (Chantal Delessert)
Hi !
I'm always looking out for new SF series or movies - a lot
of them don't come over the Atlantic on french and swiss TV!
I rented the pilot video and got hooked by the whole look -
the ships, the aliens…
I continued watching the series by buying the VHS (it's
only aired on a coded channel. I marvel at the depths of
the characters, the unfolding of events, and enjoy the fact
that there is a real story going on.
And I LOVE G'Kar !
Thank you for your work, all the best
Chantal
Date: 2/2/00 2:59:25 AM EST
From: gavacho@gateway.net (gavacho)
What first attracted you to Babylon 5?
At first, I watched because it was Science Fiction; I've been reading
speculative fiction since I first read Starship Troopers in the '50s.
Then I saw the promos for it and the effects were so superior to all that
had come before that I HAD to see at least one episode! I read later that
the effects were created with daisychained Amigas (good technology)!
After the first episode, I made room in my schedule for sure. The story,
the characters, the characterizations and the story arc kept me watching
(and taping) for the whole 5yrs.
Date: 2/1/00 11:47:38 PM EST
From: vbartmes@delphicorp.com (Vicki Bartmess)
I'm always looking for good Sci-Fi. I saw the original pilot, then kept
wondering why the series didn't appear. I was in love with it from the start.
I was so surprised it took so long to come. I loved the characters, the way
they developed, interacted, got crazy, worked through their craziness, solved
their problems (sometimes only after falling below rock-bottom). I loved them
all.
The writing was incredible, it was wonderful having a grand story that just goes
on and on, continuing every week for 5 years! I like epics, I'm a Lord of the
Rings and Dune series fan. They're glorious & brilliant. B5 does that for me
too. I love Star Trek, but B5 has more punch or intensity, and more continuous
complex development.
The Shadows scare me. Morden was such a slime-bucket, and Cartagia, such scum!
The Vorlons are so mysterious. Every time I see Neroon sacrifice himself for
Delenn in the fire-circle, I cry. When Londo trashes his room, after learning
that it was Morden who killed Adira - I'm riveted, his emotion is real. The way
that Vir finally gets mad, doesn't show it overtly, but borrows Londo's sword to
go back & attack the Zocalo vendor - it's great. G'Kar & Londo stuck in the
elevator is so funny. G'Kar facing his anger & want for revenge. The looks on
Delenn's & Sheridan's faces, as they part for the last time. Delenn's handling
of Lennier, in the midst of his pain over her. Marcus fighting Neroon, and
teaching him about humans. Marcus with Ivanova, gently trying to reach her
heart. Ivanova mad in battle, telling them she is "the last thing they will
ever see!" Lyta pushing Bester around some, after having to put up with his
crap for so long. Lockley getting through to Garibaldi about alcolholism.
Sheridan telling Bester, "And I could nail your head to this table, set fire to
it, and feed your remains to the Pak'm'ra, but we don't always get everything we
want now, do we Mr.Bester?" as the others smile. Zathras saying "Not the One."
I missed Sinclair, but came to enjoy his & Sheridan's differences. Franklin
dealing with his father. The way the doctor (June Lockhart "...you'll never
threaten anyone again") used the killing/healing device on the smooth
psychopath. How two Minbari teachers helped two young Minbari heal, one by
facing the bully who nearly had him killed. The million-year-evolved-man
leaving Earth for the last time. All my memories. What more could you ask for?
And it's "just a tv show"?
Hopefully, more of Crusade awaits us. I mean, will Dureena & Galen's
relationship develop...? Will Max get more heart? How will the Drakh get their
butts kicked?
Date: Tue, 1 Feb 2000 4:34:12 PM EST
From: "Nick Hindle"
Hi Sandy,
My response to this weeks topic is:
It seems such a long time ago that I first saw Babylon 5. Maybe thats
because it was such a long time ago!
I knew it was going to be good just after one or two episodes, I guess
because there was an in depth story-line which seemed almost believable, and
promised continuity between the episodes. The CGI effects were great too,
certainly the best I had seen. This was supported by some really
interesting characters played by actors with great acting skills, and last
but not least, brilliant music by a composer who I had seen perform in the
dim and distant past (the 70's!).
Here I am 7 years on, nearly at the end of season 3 in the 4th showing of
the whole of B5. I've just met Bruce Boxleitner for the first time, and I'm
wishing they would bring out a feature film.
Keep up the good work,
Nick.
Date: Tue, 1 Feb 2000 3:39:01 PM EST
From: "Cush"
What drew me to B5? Well, I was a late-blooming watcher. I went to a B5
panel at ComicCon in San Diego one summer, and the show looked intriguing.
The clips looked really good, and as a writer I'm always a sucker for a good
story. Plot is my weakest point, and I wanted to see what JMS did with B5.
My kids had watched the series the first two years, and then had trouble
finding it and eventually lost interest. So I started asking them what had
gone on before. Then I watched the show that summer, catching repeats of
the 3rd season, then caught the rest on reruns while the 4th season started.
So it was like a puzzle to me--I hit the Lurker's site, which was an
excellent resource, and started catching up. And that was another part of
B5's appeal--it was like a puzzle, with plot seeds planted in the first
years bearing fruit in the years to come. I really enjoyed it.
But the great writing and acting and production values are what kept me
there; they drew me back week after week. I cared about the characters and
their fate. So I too became a big fan, and have all the episodes on tape.
Another appeal was seeing the creative process, as it flows through JMS, and
his stubbornness in adhering to his vision of the show. (I like
stubbornness in a person--it's vastly underrated as a character trait,
especially when applied to the right situation!) We don't see many birthing
& rearing processes as painful and convoluted as B5's has been. I'm sure
there are some that are, but not many writer/producers let us see the
process.
Have I mentioned how much I like the show?
Date: Tue, 1 Feb 2000 1:06:36 PM EST
From: "Gary Tuck and Mike Tuck"
What first attracted me to Babylon 5? The fact that it was science fiction
was why I watched the pilot episode and gave the series a try. Being a sci
fi fan, I almost always watch at least the first episode of any new sci fi
series. Then I decide if I liked it enough to continue watching it each
week. The first thing I liked about the show was the special effects. I
noticed that the space scenes were all CGI which was unique at the time.
The effects were colorful and fairly realistic looking (better than most
other TV sci fi shows at the time). It wasn't until later in the series'
first season that the characters and plots really started to stand out for
me. It took awhile for the writers and creative people to find their niche.
I'm glad that I stuck with the show because it paid off as the series kept
getting better and better and is now my favorite all-time sci fi TV show. I
will always remember it fondly.
Date: 2/1/00 10:20:32 AM EST
From: Ocean2862
I first began watching B5 when I heard Bruce Boxlietner was going to be joining the cast.
Sheri / Ocean in Atlanta
Date: 2/1/00 6:28:31 AM EST(br>
From: jfreeman@avaterra.com (John Freeman)
I was first attracted to B5 after seeing "And the Sky Full of Stars",
although I'd dipped into the show earlier. This was the clincher when it
came to feeling that here was a SF show that reflected my preferences:
strong characters and an intriguing backstory in the wind, with more than a
touch of welcome edginess and inspired writing. I guess my fondness for
Doctor Who, The Twilight Zone, The Outer Limits and the original Star Trek
series is showing here. In fact, looking at most current SFTV, only Farscape
comes close to the appeal those first B5 epsiodes had for me.
** And are we ALL happy John did fall for B5! He was the first editor
of the Official Babylon 5 Magazine.
Date: 1/31/00 6:29:10 PM EST
From: benso043@tc.umn.edu (Jeff Benson)
What first attracted you to Babylon 5?
I happened to tune in for Sheridan's speech at the end of The Summoning.
I was drawn in from the power of his speech and the complexities of the
story. I have been watching it ever since...
Date: 1/31/00 5:52:54 PM EST
From: falco@eskimo.com (Frederic L. Riebs)
I recall an article in Starlog magazine about a year or so before "The
Gathering" premiered that discussed the initial concept of B5. Naturally,
it didn't even hint about the grandeur that was to come, but it sure
sounded interesting, and given that I was in the midst of that televised
science-fiction doldrum known as "Star Trek: The Next Generation," I was
more than eager to see something new and different.
I also recall that there was a good long time between that article and the
first word of the pilot, for on occasion I wondered, "What the hell ever
happened to that 'Babylon 5' thing?" Thus when the pilot finally DID come
around, I was hotly anticipating it. I remember being impressed with it,
but not exactly blown over (this was the inferior Richard Compton cut, not
JMS' infinitely better "Special Edition"). It lodged about midway between
the other SF pilots of that time (January 1992), ahead of the interminable
and heavily boring DS9 pilot, but below the high-adrenaline hit that was
the first episode of "Space Rangers".
Still, there was something that was very catchy about B5 even then. I was
most impressed with Michael O'Hare's portrayal of Jeffery Sinclair (which
is why it took me three seasons to fully accept Bruce Boxleitner and the
John Sheridan character!), and the intersection of the five major races,
each at different levels of progress or regress, was quite intriguing. So
I was pleased, if not outrageously jazzed, when I heard the series had
been picked up. "Midnight on the Firing Line" DID get me very jazzed with
just the Starfuries (and their distinctive launching) alone! Yeah, there
were some stumbles thereafter as things got going, but by "Signs and
Portends," I was irretrievably hooked.
As an aside, I've noticed about the same progression with the Sci-Fi Channel's
"Farscape" series, though in this case, I cannot as yet point to the
episode which entirely won me over to this already-great show. I will
note that they've taken a bit out of the B5 book and knocked over just
about all of their metaphorical tables with last Friday's first season
finale/cliffhanger. Except that theirs is already as big as B5's season 4
finale. Yes, it was THAT emotional and intense!
Date: 1/31/00 4:31:09 PM EST
From: EsperFF3
I hated babylon 5 the first time i watched it. I felt it was utter crap. But i watched it again and again. Each time
getting it more and more, till the day i got it fully and fell in love with it.
Date: 1/31/00 4:19:37 PM EST
From: lisa@harrigan.org (Lisa Deutsch Harrigan)
Hi Sandy -
It's all Harlan's Fault! No, Really. Harlan Ellison came up to BayCon, a San Jose SF Con and he brought JMS with him.
Harlan convinced the committee to give him a long time in the biggest room with projectors and everything. When Harlan
gets excited about something, he can be a bull dog.
And they sat there and talked about Joe's new show, with slides (mostly those production drawings in the original treatment)
and I seem to remember some of the Pilot was shown. Any ways, it sounded good and looked good. It wasn't Star Trek but it
was Real Science Fiction, too, and that was acceptable to me. I was never a Star Trek is the only SFTV type person. A Good
Story is a Good Story.
So I saw the pilot and boy was it a Good Story! Harlan was really right about this one.
And needless to say, I told all my friends and tried to convince them to see this new show. I have never called it Better than
Star Trek, just Different from Star Trek. There is always room for more SF on TV!
Since then I've learned more about JMS' past history and found that I tend to like Stories he's involved in, whether they are
cartoons, mysteries (yes, I was a Murder, She Wrote fan in the early years when they were Mysteries), SF, comics, and so
I'm once again eagerly awaiting his next project. May he have better luck than he had with Crusade.
Date: Mon, 31 Jan 2000 2:25:11 PM EST
From: "Clark, Adam"
I believe for me it was the thought of a sci-fi series with a
continuing story line.
Date: Mon, 31 Jan 2000 12:52:49 PM EST
From: mollorra@webtv.net (Lorra)
Hi Sandy!!
What got me interested in Babylon 5? That's an easy one---Bruce Boxleitner. I remember first seeing him in a
movie called "The Last Convertible" years ago and have followed his career since then. Really liked that guy.
Was delighted when he came on B-5 the second year of its airing.
I'm ashamed to admit B5 looked very bizarre to me when Cmdr. Sinclair was in charge the first year. However, I
easily ignored the bizarre characters when B. B. took over as Captain.
I came to love everyone of the "weird" characters who no longer looked strange to me. They were G'kar, Londo, and
all the rest, and they looked as they should.
When they showed re-runs of the first year, I found Cmdr. Sinclair to be very strong, quite physical and attractive
and was sorry to see him leave, especially since he was about to be married to the love of his life.
Sorry. It's dangerous to get me started on B5.
So, once again, to answer your question, Bruce Boxleitner drew me into Babylon 5. Always a Star Trek fan from TOS to
Voyager, Babylon 5 became my favorite SF show.
Thank you, Bruce.
Faith manages
Lorra
Date: 1/31/00 10:45:01 AM EST
From: hisand51@telcel.net.ve
Do you to know my sincere opinion?
In this order, the story and some member of the crew: C. Christian, (sniff,
why no more Ivanova?, and later T. Scoggins, and well, all environment of the
same story. And now, you and the Fan Club. Very nice.
Bye.
Date: 1/31/00 10:25:38 AM EST
From: ivanova@home.com (Ivanova)
It's hard to believe now, but I actually tried to stay *away* from
Babylon 5. I have no idea why. A group of my husband and my friends
were very into Babylon 5 and tried to get us into it too. We watched a
couple episodes of season three, and I just wasn't interested. There
was too much going on that made no sense to me, but it made perfect
sense to our friends. So, we didn't watch anymore. Then, when B5 was
picked up by TNT, I grudgingly complied with my husband's pleas to watch
the show from the beginning. As I did, the dust cleared from my eyes
and I got hooked, *big time*. I started checking out the information on
the internet and was amazed at the large B5 community. I bought and
read (and continue to) everything B5 I could get my hands on. I really
believe that watching from the beginning is the key to fully
appreciating the series. I am now the biggest fan of all of our
friends. They stare in amazement at the collection of B5 merchandise
that fills our game room and smile when I make plans for all of us to go
to conventions. I send them email with the latest news and have had B5
dinner parties. I will happily say I am obsessed with Babylon 5 to
anyone who wants to hear it. I know my friends are still scratching
their heads. :-)
Gail (aka Ivanova)
Date: 1/31/00 8:41:08 AM EST
From: SCIFIREAD
What first attracted me was the potential reality of the technology (as opposed to the Star Trek universe, of which I
am also a fan) and the characters involved. The story arc and the action was also tops on my list.
Date: Mon, 31 Jan 2000 6:58:44 AM EST
From: cnaccarato@dehavilland.ca
Hi Sandy,
So you want to know what attracted me to Babylon 5? You will probably get
thisalot, but like many others I was a Star Trek / Science Fiction fan. So
while watching TV, I saw a promo for B5 and thought that it would be a good show to
watch. Once the series started, I just continued to watch it. Thinking back,I
found it a little hard to follow. JMS's plot line (arc) was not clear. I also
remember having a hard time finding it on the TV. The networks kept moving
itaround so you never knew when to watch. So when the second season started
and Bruce Boxlietner was on, I said to myself, "What happen to the Commander?
What happened to his girlfriend/fiance?" It was very confusing. But I am
extremely glad I stuck with the show. The stories were fantastic, with a few minor
exceptions, the acting was first rate. There has never been a show that has
made me feel so paranoid about missing an episode. It is hard to explain,
but I just had to watch! I needed to know what was going to happen to these
wonderful characters that I saw each week. Trying to explain this to someone who
hasn'tseen the show, they would think you were nuts. You just have to have a
little faith, sit back and enjoy the ride. One particular idea that comes to mind
ishow the Narn's appeared to be the bad guys in Season One with the Centauri
as the victims. In Season Two, things reversed.
I don't think I could say enough good things about the show. I was sorry it
ended, but, I understand why. Hopefully, a major motion picture will come
soon. With Titan's B5 Magazine and the hard work of people like you Sandy, I don't
think Babylon 5 will ever leave us. Thank you. I also enjoy the Trilogies
that have been published so far. Anyway, I seem to be blabbering. So to answer
your question, I would have to say that curiosity got me started with B5, but it
was the writing and the acting and everything else that keeps me watching.
Take care, and I hope to talk to you soon.
Carmine Naccarato
Date: 1/30/00 7:58:00 AM
From: "Neil Plucknett"
Hi Sandy,
You asked what first attracted people to Babylon 5 as a discussion topic.
Well, for me it was simply the fact it was a new Sci-Fi series!!
I'd been watching the latest offerings (at the time) from Star Trek - DS9
and Voyager and was not overly happy with them. I caught a trailer mid
week for the new Babylon 5 series being shown on Channel 4 over here so sat
down on the Sunday night to watch. We never got the pilot movie first,
they just launched straight into the series 1 shows; this might have been a
good thing as, at the end of the first show I was left with a lot of
unanswered questions off-setting the fact I found the acting a bit "wooden"
In order to get the answers to the questions I watched the following few
weeks shows and found instead more questions raised but the acting improved
dramatically as the characters developed. Ever since then I've been
hooked!! I don't even bother with the Trek shows any more (apart from the
Kirk/Spock reruns) but the video is always set to record what ever episodes
the European Sci-Fi channel is showing. In fact I'm over the moon right
now a they are starting series 1 again next week this time starting with the
pilot movie on Thursday nights between 20:00 and 22:00.
Regards,
Neil
Date: 1/30/00 7:25:18 PM EST
From: frankem@erols.com (Zaephod Beeblebrox)
Sandra,
I edit a newsletter of 40 or so wine makers who refer to ourselves as
the Special Winemakers Interest Group (SWIG). The group started 25 years
ago and I was drafted as national co-ordinator a few years ago. My
editorial in our June 1988 issue sums up my addiction as I try to
explain it to a group of wine makers:
SWIG Newsletter May/June 1988
BLAME IT ON STRACZYNSKI
Well, it has been a quite busy two months for me, and summer isn’t even
here yet! Thanx to the people for sending in articles we have enough to
do a rather good issue. I was going to try to add the recipe and article
indices into this issue as well. However, time being in limited supply
(at least for a 24 hour period) it didn’t get done. But, I’m getting
ahead of myself.
For articles, we have Mac’s latest installment which is turning out to
be quite an interesting reference article on filtering. We also have
Don Anderson’s submission on wine storage. And wonder of wonders, our
first book report!
Now flushed with success we shouldn’t let this momentary abundance of
material go to our heads. Because after I get this issue out, the hopper
only contains Mac’s next installment, and the article indices. And we
know how boring article indices are, even after you’ve been deprived of
them for four years.
So if you’d like to help out, and you DO want to help out. Don’t you?
Start with something simple. The book report is a great idea for a
submission. If you have a wine or beer related book, and you have an
opinion on it, please let us know it. Simple, huh? OK, I have to get
off my soapbox now, seems it’s starting to crack under my weight. I
wonder if all that fine brew I’ve been drinking might be the cause?
Nawwwww!
Speaking of beer, indulgence verging on excess, and being in denial; I
just finished the AG brew which will be one of several homebrews
available in hospitality this year. The recipe is in this issue. How
does it taste you ask? Well, I won’t know until the AG. If I’m lucky
I’ll get a chance to try mine. So remember this AG, above all others, is
the homebrew AG. So come, try my beer, and lots of others. The AG wine
tasting looks like it’s going to be a pretty good one also. The
important days/events for the fermentally oriented are:
Thursday, 2 July - Beer tasting
Friday, 3 July - Wine set-up at 1:30 PM (helpers wanted)
Friday, 3 July - Wine tasting at 3:00 PM
Saturday, 4 July - Homebrew 101 @ 3:00PM
Well, now on to why I’m having a few problems. Seems that a year or two
ago I became hooked on a particular TV program, Babylon 5. Now the
producer of this epic is J. Michael Straczynski, (JMS to his subjects).
Now, I was a fan of the original "Star Trek" when it aired. I was also
snagged by "The Man from U.N.C.L.E." having to watch each episode. With
both of these shows I knew immediately that I liked it. Not so with
Babylon 5, or B5 as it is known to its fans. I saw the first episode and
blew it off as a Deep Space Nine want-to-be. And I didn’t like DS9!
Turns out that now working in engineering between two companies both my
bosses were fans, and they couldn’t understand why I wasn’t.
Finally after three years of rejecting the show, I gave it a go. The
first encounter was favorable. The second and third even more so. Then I
realized that all three shows related to each other and that this was a
saga with a definite predetermined story line. JMS refers to it as the
arc. I presume he means similar to a parabolic trajectory. It starts at
a known position, has a final fixed destination, and passes thru
specific points in between. In this case a true five year mission, with
no chance of continuance. At least so JMS claims.
I was most assuredly hooked. I think the part that appeals to me most is
the excellent continuity. Shows were having scenes re-shot because they
do not pass the muster of JMS and do "not conform to the arc." I eagerly
watched the shows and in the true sense of a fan: Referred the evening
it aired as B5 night, planning my life schedule around it. Then after
one wonderful season UPN stopped airing it.
Good news: TNT picked up season 5. Bad news: I don’t have cable. But the
Lord provides friends with VCRs. Even better news: TNT is
re-broadcasting the old episodes first! So the "Care Packages" started
arriving this May. I’m looking at three years of episodes of my favorite
show of all time. Episodes that provide the framework and foundation for
the current shows I’ve seen. Now my reaction has been similar to taking
a drug addict and giving him a present of five pounds of his favorite
poison. TOTAL OVER DOSE!!!!
It’s ridiculous: Mail isn’t getting read, the newsletter is not getting
written, bills aren’t being paid, I’m late on my mortgage and so on.
Well I started to catch up: paid the mortgage, started the newsletter,
and even went thru some of that pile of mail. Now if you’ll excuse me
there is a noise out front. I’ll just save this to disk and pop over to
the window for a peek at all the ruckus. It’s nothing, just a BGE
(Baltimore Gas and Electric) truck. Hey wait a minute I don’t seem to
remember paying the electric bill lately. I wonder if they might be here
to shut off the pow.
That's probably more about me than you wanted to know to answer your
discussion for Zocalo but ....
Frank M.
What first attracted me to Babylon 5 ? It was science fiction. What kept me watching was the quality.
Date: 1/31/00 1:37:19 AM EST
From: Jhawks2
Usually, I give most sci-fi series a chance. More often than not I'll watch it, exceptions being Xena, First Wave, Seven
Days, and a few others.
Babylon 5 got me much more interested in its story, character interaction, and overall thread. DS9 turned into DS90210,
and there was too much technobabble. Too much reliance on technology for the 'deus ex machina' to save the day.
Babylon 5 is my all-time favorite show, and had Crusade stuck around, it may have dethroned it. Still, Whenever B5 was
on, the whole world consisted of me, my TV, and a DiGiorno's frozen pizza. --Armen
Date: 1/30/00 11:23:15 PM EST
From: Glorypplus
OK, so what brought me to B5? At the time that the B5 pilot ran, there wasn't much in the way of SCI FI on the tube
with the exception of ST, and STNG.... nothing remotely new anyway.
It seems like that year and the next couple of years there was a lot of activity in networks bringing SCIFI to the tube.
Yep, there was Space Above and Beyond, Space Rangers, etc. B5 was head and shoulders above the crowd.
It took me well into the first season to understand the difference...that this was a well written story... I kept trying
to get involved in the show in an episodic perspective, like Star Trek, until it dawned, this is an epic story.
The rest as they say, is history. I was hooked and hooked hard.
And there you have it.
Date: 1/30/00 10:52:12 PM EST
From: imaeri@hotmail.com (Jared Loveless)
When I first heard about the B5 Movie PTEN was showing... it sounded
interesting, and back then there wasn't a whole lot of Sci-fi other than
Star Trek and X-files. I never have seen the Pilot... but I watched the
first episode and I gasped at the realism and detail in the scene where the
Starfuries first launched out of the docking bay. Turn-and drop... like a
gun being cocked and fired.
By the third episode where Londo meantions an event that happened in an
earlier episode, I could tell that this wasn't going to be an ordinary
series. No more "Everything can go to hell, but it'll be back to the status
quo by the end of the episode" sci-fi. Babylon 5 re-opened the door to
great story-telling in television.
Date: 1/30/00 9:49:18 PM EST
From: Roach53301
Well honestly the first time i watched B5 was only cause Walter Koenig (Chekov) was on it. I was and still am a huge
star trek fan. So i was eager to see what he was doing. But then i was like..whoa..this is an intresting story line
(turns out to be the best one ever)..and the effects are pretty awesome too. So I watched a few more episodes..and
got hooked and i was like..oh oh i gotta see what happens next time..and it grew on me..and turned out to be the best,
most satisfying, moving, intriguing series i ever watched. Now i'm waiting for that game to be developed..lol
-Dan
Date: Sun, 30 Jan 2000 6:05:57 PM EST
From: "Barbara Smith"
An old boyfriend, now a good friend, whose advice on literature, etc. has
always been good (even when I didn't always listen right away), told me, if
you watch nothing else, you need to watch this show. (I started at
Interludes and Examinations) I did and was promptly hooked. I have never
watched a more engrosing and well fleshed out story, and MISS it still.
Barbara :-)
Date: Sun, 30 Jan 2000 5:15:57 PM EST
From: Gean waltz
I was flipping through the channels late at night and there it was...A new
sci-fi series. The first thought that crossed my mind "Great...another Space
Precinct" and I almost kept going up the dial. But I didn't..thankfully so.
I settled down to watch a gravelly voiced commander board his peculiar
looking space ship and speed out into the void to intercept a damaged alien
craft that was on a collision course with his station. The special effects
blew me away but what really impressed me was that this one man spaceship was
moving according to the laws of physics. In the back of mind a glimmer of
hope was forming--Could this be an intelligent sci-fi show? As the story
unfolded, I was drawn into the drama...differing belief systems, action,
diplomacy (with an edge) and the episode resolution did not answer all the
questions posed but instead posed new ones. It left me wanting more but
cynically thinking...This was just a fluke. Get ready for the next
installment to be more in line with Star Trek...predictable to the 5th
decimal place. Boy, was I mistaken. A great saga blossomed in front of me.
Cosmic war. Love. Betrayal. Sacrifice. Addiction. Real people in larger
than life situations.
I watched from that point on and was very seldom disappointed (until season
5 but that is a different story altogether).
Having said all this, I do not think that there will be another saga series
such as B5. Networks, demographics and "writing by committee" will insure
this likelihood. Lightning very seldom strikes twice in the same spot
especially the kind that produces cryptic balls of lightning in containment
suits.
I hope my cynicism will be disproven. Again.
lloyd fulcher
Date: Sun, 30 Jan 2000 5:03:36 PM EST
From: One2bmup
What first attracted you to Babylon 5?
It was Science Fiction. Not of the Horror variety. The 2 hour pilot movie
was well done, smart and thought provoking. As much as I love Star Trek, I
wanted to see other varieties of Science Fiction and Babylon 5 fit the need
and went beyond expectations. The ensemble cast was terrific and looked
comfortable with each other which makes the interactions between them all the
more believable. I was looking forward to the same treat in Crusade and was
very disappointed that nobody picked it up. I now have an empty spot that I
will have to wait to have filled.
Date: Sun, 30 Jan 2000 4:40:03 PM EST
From: FRANKGEO
Dear Sandy,
I'm a hard core science fiction fan, especially the "hard" variety. Unlike
some or most Star Trek fans, of which I am one, I try and support most sci-fi
shows on TV. When I first saw the pilot, I thought it was OK, and when the
first season started I gave it a try. After four shows I was hooked and I
started to tape all of the shows, and yes I do have a complete set, including
the prerecorded ones. B5 was something different, the characters were real
and they weren't in an antiseptic world either. To the answer to your
question, it was different and more real then most sci-fi (sorry Harlan)
shows.
Frank
PS-Thank you for keeping the Zocolo going, I still need a B5 hit every now
and then.
Date: Sun, 30 Jan 2000 4:38:34 PM EST
From: EmKayCats
One day while channel surfing I came across a show I came to know as Babylon
5 and I saw something I had never seen the likes of before. That "something"
was Londo Mollari. I was intrigued, so I kept the show on to find out who he
was. Once I started listening to the dialogue --- especially when Ivanova
and Sinclair had just discovered the underground mind machine eventually run
by Draal and she said she had to go to the bathroom --- well, I was hooked.
And, once I began watching B5 on a regular basis, I appreciated the fact that
the principal female characters were written as strong, intelligent women.
Thanks!
MK Dombrowski
Date: Sun, 30 Jan 2000 3:15:09 PM EST
From: SACKSBF
When Babylon 5 first came out I tried to watch it but because my schedule was
so erratic I got lost and I did not enjoy it because I was unable to keep up.
While I was stationed back East while I was in the Marine Corps I saw a TNT
special on Babylon 5 explaining how it was designed to be a 5 year mini
series and I became fascinated. I started watching it every day and became
hooked. So much so that I scheduled all of my free time around the show.
Sufficed to say I am a huge fan now.
Benjamin Sacks
Los Angeles, CA
Date: Sun, 30 Jan 2000 2:49:04 PM EST
From: "D. Williams"
I would say that one has to be impressed with the
great storylines and story arcs that Babylon 5
presented over the years. You can watch older
episodes and see references to events that would not
happen for a couple of years, showing a well developed
and thought out plan for her creator. Not to mention
that the stories were often commentaries on current
social issue, or historical events. For instance look
at Brother Edward in one of the first episodes of
Season 3. In this episode the questions that arise
are should we have a death penalty, and can there ever
be forgiveness for the sins of our past? There are
numerous other examples, but another very clear
example of B5 paralleling our society is the situation
with the Ministry of Peace. This group shows us the
type of propaganda and what not that were greatly
apparent in WWII in places like Nazi Germany.
Overall, B5 shows us not only fantasy and science
fiction, but parallels that we can relate to in
everyday life. I cannot speak for everyone, but that
is one of the many reasons that I became a fan of B5,
and continue to be one.
Date: Sun, 30 Jan 2000 2:41:46 PM EST
From: Neil Ottenstein
I first heard about it at either Shore Leave or Farpoint and then read
about it on usenet. The teasing information about the story sounded very
interesting and seeing it I was pulled right in, immediately liking it,
but as the stories in the first season interwove more it soon became my
favorite program and still is. The story is prime attraction.
Date: Sun, 30 Jan 2000 2:35:07 PM EST
From: LAZY JP
What first attracted you to Babylon 5?
Michael O'Hare!!!
A friend who knew I was a big fan of MO on stage, saw a preview of "The
Gathering" and mentioned the time and date of the first airing. I like
science fiction, so it was a foregone conclusion that I WOULD be watching.
Once I got past Londo's hairdo...I was captivated by Sinclair, Ivanova,
Garibaldi and the exceptional writing. When the series started I was there,
and even when I lost Michael, I was so captivated by the B5 Universe...the
diversity and depth of the characters...everything set to some really
fantastic music...I hung around to weep with everyone else, through "Sleeping
in the Light". Michael O'Hare brought me to Babylon 5, but the best written
and produced Sci/Fi I've ever seen, keep me there.
Judith
Date: Sun, 30 Jan 2000 1:30:11 PM EST
From: "Captain Riker"
In answer to your poll this week, what attracted me to Babylon 5 was the
firstpublic showing of a rough cut. I was in attendance at the Wishcon in
Springfield MA where JMS gave the very first public screening of Babylon 5. It was in
very rough form, no music or sound effects and minimal CGI, but it still was able
to generate enough interest in this long-time sci-fi and at the time die-hard
Star Trek fan to tune in for the pilot when it finally came to television.
I was on the fence for a large part of season 1, but I continued to watch it,
and soon became hopelessly addicted to it. I watched it everafter, never
missing an episode, collecting enough junk to fill a room, and keeping up to date via
all the online resources available, and reading every word JMS typed. It's
been a long, great trip and I await the next chapter with gleeful
anticipation.
-=- Glenn -=-
Date: Sun, 30 Jan 2000 1:00:26 PM EST
From: "Larva Mustapha Zhadum (AKA mdr)"
Hi Sandy.
What first attracted me to B5?
I used to listen to JMS on the local radio show Hour 25 before B5 aired.
His ideas about scifi and literature were both intriguing and appealing.
Also, I've appreciated scifi and sometimes loved certain scifi television
shows and feature films.
Finally, when I saw the advertisements for "The Gathering" I knew I had
to watch B5 to judge for myself the merits of the concept. Consequently,
I've found myself in the B5 Universe since the onset of the first season.
Some of the reasons I initially enjoyed B5 are as follows: good story,
the idea of the story arc, fine acting, graphics and special effects,
the use of both western and eastern philosophies/religions & new B5
philosophies, the use of literature/poetry within the context of technological
science, and conceptual anthropology/biology.
Faith Manages,
Mustapha
Date: Sun, 30 Jan 2000 12:47:08 PM EST
From: Pat and Steph Obley
I was one of those people who didn't get into Babylon 5 until the 3rd
season (sadly). My husband had been watching it and told me, "You have
to see this show." So, I watched "Walkabout" and "Grey 17 is Missing." I
hadn't really formed any thoughts yet. But then I saw "Za ha dum." It
was so dramatic and intense, I was just hooked. I never missed another
episode afterward. There was just something really indepth and dramatic
about the characters and the creativity of the show. And, I loved the
format of a novel. It was very unique. I wish I had started watching it
earlier, and I wish it wasn't gone now. I really do feel the void of
such a good story.
Stephanie
Date: Sun, 30 Jan 2000 12:17:27 PM EST
From: Joanne Watson
Curiosity. Wondered what the new television show
would be like and not liking it at first. I thought
Babylon 5 was swish-washy macho drivel with much
heroic truth seeking moralistic overtones aimed at the
late male teens scope. Shoot them up, kill millions
to save one sort of stuff but I glimpsed fractions of
hope with Kosh's strange answers, aspects of real
situations, intrigue, politics, the humour, poke fun
at one's self, rapport among the actors, special
effects, music, costumes, new concepts to me (Kosh's
ship being a living entity) and it was at Signs and
Portents that I saw potential of having some sort of
intellectual sense and meaning. This was when my first
interest in the show occurred. Falling hook, line and
sinker in love with Babylon 5. Second viewing of the
earlier episodes and things fell into place and now I
like the whole show.
Date: Sun, 30 Jan 2000 12:12:43 PM EST
From: Margaret Bell
Hi Sandy,
As a long-time scifi fan, I check out every new scifi show on tv in the
hope of finding one I can watch. I started in on Babylon 5 with great
hopes because of articles I had read and because the name of Harlan
Ellison was associated with it. I must admit it was hard slogging that
first year and it was only Harlan's name that kept me watching. I knew
he would cut and run if the series didn't meet his standards which made
me think I must be missing something. About midway through year one I
began to see a pattern and by the end I was hooked for good. I wasn't
crazy about any of the characters--it was the potential story that
intrigued me and kept me watching.
Margaret
Date: Sun, 30 Jan 2000 10:48:23 AM EST
From: "Mac Breck"
Probably a sense of urgency, impending danger, and the unknown. Christopher
Franke's music really conveyed this well. Visually, I love Babylon 5 's use
of 3D modeling CGI, color, and the spacescapes. Then there were the
multifaceted characters, and the sometimes comic interactions between them.
I could go on and on.....
I think G'Kar said it best:
"There are things in the universe billions of years older than either of our
races. They are vast, timeless ... They are a mystery, and I am both
terrified and reassured to know that there are still wonders in the
universe-- that we have not yet explained everything. Whatever they are, Ms.
Sakai, they walk near Sigma-957. They must walk there alone." - Mind War
In contrast to this, DS9 was and Voyager is almost always boring and/or
annoying. Until we get a Babylon 5 movie or Crusade, I'll be watching
Farscape.
Mac
Date: Sun, 30 Jan 2000 10:42:36 AM EST
From: BATLRUVIN
What first attracted me to B5 was the enthusiasm of a devoted fan of
B5.....it was confusing at first because I missed the entire first year and
was lost since no re-runs of that year were shown until TNT started it
over.........After watching the entire show from start to finish I AM
HOOKED......notice I don't say WAS HOOKED......its an on going thing......I
read everything I can get my hands on about plot lines and possible story
line summations.......I am truly sorry to see how B5's promotion was
handled....I feel it is one of the GREAT series of the television era if not
a great saga that with time will become literary history (Move over
Shakespeare ..... remember he was a writer for and of the people and died
mostly unknown outside London)........
Thanks.....bar
Date: Sun, 30 Jan 2000 10:22:30 AM EST
From: "John Horner"
I've been a science fiction fan ever since I was a kid and read the sf
juveniles by Robert Heinlein and Andre Norton. So I tend to give just
about every new sf series a chance.
I watched The Gathering when it was first broadcast, just stumbled on
it when I was flipping channels, and got intrigued. I was somewhat
turned off by Londo's hair at first--it had the look of something that
was imposed just to make him look more alien--but when the series
started [in the interim I had gotten married, and I pulled my wife
into watching the series], I came to see that things like Londo's hair
were grounded in character and culture that were well thought out.
Having had some little success as a writer myself, I was immediately
impressed with the quality of the scripts, how literate they were, and
how jms so cared for his characters, and how this transferred to the
other writers that first season.
As the series went on, of course, I was amazed how intricate the plot
was, especially when TNT started running the first season reruns, and
I could see how things in the very first episode, and the pilot, set
up events that wouldn't be realized until years down the line.
Date: Sun, 30 Jan 2000 9:53:06 AM EST
From: Rodimus001
It was the sciene fiction angle with alot, and i mean alot of action
sequences in space
Date: Sun, 30 Jan 2000 7:46:18 AM EST
From: Jobsie@webtv.net (Misty Ralston)
Hi Sandy!! Ok here goes. I was working w/my church youth group and one
of the kids was a B5 fan. He kept coming in telling me I had to watch
the show. When the second season began he thought he had me because I
am a huge Bruce fan. The only problem was if I did remember that it was
on, I couldn't find it.
So a few years pass and Eric goes off to college and I am flipping thru
the stations and saw TNT was picking it up and would show it 7pm everday
and 10pm Wed. So I would catch bits and pieces but never really watched
it. Then one day, I am channel surfing and I saw this show (at the
moment I didn't know what it was) and this poor woman was hysterically
crying over the death of some guy. Although I had no idea what was
going on I was crying right along with her. I didn't even know how
Marcus had died..or anything but knew this was a great show. They then
started the first season at 7pm and the final season at 10pm and I am
now a B5 addict. I love that B5 makes me laugh but at the same time is
soo suspenseful. The funniest thing though is that w/Eric in college
and not able to watch(no cable) I am driving him nuts. When he saw my
B5 collection(especially my lightswitch cover) he proclaimed me
obsessed!! If only he knew!
Hey Sandy..also I saw Jerry Doyle on Beverly Hills 90210 this week! and
he had hair!!
Shine Bright!!! Jobsie
Date: Sat, 29 Jan 2000
From: gkarfan@webtv.net (Tammy Smith)
Babylon 5 came along during a time that I wasn't happy about the failure
of my campaign to bring back the 1987 ABC series Max Headroom. Because
I hadn't succeeded, my attitude towards TV was very negative, & I wasn't
watching much of it. I ended up missing B5 during the syndication days,
but I kept hearing good things about it. I also heard about the
story-arc, so I figured I'd never understand what was going on since I
hadn't watched from the first episode, anyway. Then one day, I read
that TNT had picked it up. Seeing this as an opportunity to finally
catch up, I began to watch B5. I was hooked immediately, and as time
went on, G'Kar emerged as my favorite character. I just love Andreas'
voice!
Now, Crusade is cancelled, and I feel negative towards TV again. It
seems like good programs are so few and far between! But at least B5
has a real following--I'm not alone in liking it as I was with Max
Headroom (well, I wasn't completely alone, but it felt like it). B5
fans are a great group of fans--I'm glad I'm one of them!
Date: Sat, 29 Jan 2000
From: LonnieWinters@webtv.net (Lonnie Winters)
I was first drawn to B5, when I moved and had to switch cable companies
(which didn't carry any Star Trek programming). I had put off watching
B5 for almost the entire series. Depressed over not being able to watch
Trek regularly, I decided to rent "In the Beginning" and was completely
blown away. The story was so deep and mature, and so much "better" than
Trek, I decided to start watching the series. It had just started running
in syndication on TNT and luckily it was only in the second half of
season 1, so I didn't miss too much. I haven't seen or read any story
better since. To me this series is a sci fi bible.
Lonnie Winters
ValensChild@webtv.net
Date: Sat, 29 Jan 2000
From: MSilva6260
I remember seeing the very first episode when it aired in syndication long
ago. I was impressed by its story and its special effects. It was something
different. I was a fan of "Star Trek" and it was nice to see something
different for a change.
When the big casting change occurred for the lead male character. I'm sorry
to say it, but I lost interest. I caught it off and on over next couple of
years. And rediscovered it when it aired on TNT. And now I have most of the
1st season on tape and watch them and the repeats whenever I can.
Basically, its the characters like Sinclair and Londo along with the story
and the cool special effects that attracted me to Babylon 5 over and over
again.
M.C. Silva
Each week, we'll have a discussion topic that everyone can contribute to. Here are
topics discussed in previous weeks.
There is no single book that can be considered the best, but there are
several that fit the bill... To Dream in the City of Sorrows, The Shadow
Within, and the Psi-Corps trilogy all jump to mind, mainly for the
amazing continuity between the series and them. Also The Price of Peace
(graphic novel) and the two stories from Amazing Stories. All of these
show an utmost necessity to read them, because if you don't, your
understanding and appreciation of the series is not as great as if you
do.
Date: 12/12/99 11:09:55 AM
From: gkarfan@webtv.net (Tammy Smith)
My question for everyone is: What is your favorite B5 book? I just
finished the first Centauri Trilogy book, which was very good, so I
thought that we could discuss the books.
Date: 12/13/99 2:57:26 PM
From: CripeHL@itrcorporation.com (Cripe, Helen L.)
My favorite B5 novel is To Dream in the City of Sorrows. It's a standout
among the first group of novels, many of which unfortunately read as if the
authors have never seen B5 and don't know anything about it. This novel did
a great job of constructing Sinclair's life after he left B5 and telling us
how Marcus became a Ranger. All the characters were true to the way we saw
them in the series. You know what I wish? I wish the author would really let
her imagination soar and create for us Sinclair's life as Valen, including
whether and how he and Catherine got back together. I smell a wonderful
trilogy here!
What is your favorite Season Three Episode -- and why?
Date: 12/14/99 12:59:25 AM
From: Jhawks2
"Severed Dreams." One reason why.
"Why not? The only human captain to survive combat with the Minbari is behind me. You are in front of me.
If you value your lives, be somewhere else."
Date: 12/13/99 7:59:50 PM
From: LurkerAtB5
While I sure most would say The Coming of Shadows is their favorite for various reasons, I pick In the Shadow
of Zhadum. Make no mistake, The Coming of Shadows was excellent and, in my opinion, second only to ItSoZ.
JMS lulled me into a false sense of security with the first forty minutes of the show. Up to this point, I
thought it was a very boring ep and couldn't decide where it was going. Then the hammer fell.
In the last twenty minutes, the ep set up a background that was much larger than just races seen so far. It
put some pieces of the Vorlons and Shadows in place while asking more questions.
In short it brought (to me, at least) a sense of awe back to televised science fiction.
Date: 12/13/99 8:25:47 AM
From: kenny@stsci.edu (Debbie Kenny)
Severed Dreams. Because it still keeps me on the edge of my seat, even
after a hundred viewings! I never get tired of watching this episode.
Debbie
Date: 12/11/99 9:22:59 AM
From: sharr@nettally.com (Harrell, Suzanne)
Messages from Earth -- Thought the episode was well written and flowed well. Loved the scene with Delenn and
Sheridan on the Minibari beds -- revealed her tenderness, his vunerability, his relationship with his father.
Sometimes deep relationships between people grow out of proportion to simple acts of trust and care shown to
one another. It is this memory John turns to in Z'Ha'Dum.
Last week's discussion topic: What is your favorite season two episode -- and why?
Date: 12/10/99 12:11:03 AM
From: wgrace@home.com (Bill Grace)
With no slight to The Coming of Shadows, which I certainly think is
tremendous in its own right, I think "The Long Twilight Struggle" is my
favorite second season episode. I didn't really catch onto Babylon 5
right away, working very long hours with a florist at that time. Prior
to the final four episodes of season two, I felt the show had excellent
individual moments (Sky Full of Stars, Chrysalis, Coming of Shadows)
interspersed with other moments of mediocre quality (the Mutai ep, the
Na'Ka'Leen feeder ep, etc). This episode sold me on the idea that the
show was something greater. It takes the desperation of G'Sten and the
Narns, the frustration of Londo over the turn of events with the
Shadows, the impending tragic end of free Narn we see coming, probably
the most superb space battle sequence on TV at that point, and the
wonderful speech by G'Kar regarding freedom, and blends it into a very
powerful dramatic package. We also see that as shown by Chrysalis and
Coming of Shadows, this show did not shy away from change. After this
episode, Babylon 5 and I became inseperable.
---Bill
Date: 12/8/99 4:51:31 PM
From: CripeHL@itrcorporation.com (Cripe, Helen L.)
Again, it's hard to pick one but I'll settle on "The Coming of Shadows".
It's one of the most powerful stories of the season, with the juxtaposition
of the Centauri Emperor's peace overtures and Londo's scheming which
precipitated the Narn-Centauri war, and Kosh's statement that it will all
end "in fire".
An additional pleasure for me personally was the appearance of Turhan Bey.
Most of you are not old enough to remember him as I do - a romantic lead
back in the 1940s in a lot of early technicolor swashbucklers. He was a real
hunk, with thick black hair, and he looked gorgeous in all those exotic
Arabian Nights-type costumes. Lots of us drooled every time he came on
screen. Unlike many of his co-stars, he could also act!
Date: 12/8/99 11:07:42 AM
From: gkarfan@webtv.net (Tammy Smith)
I like The Coming of Shadows--it is so tragic when G'Kar does that
toast, thinking that there will finally be peace, since Londo's allies
are attacking the Narns at that point. I also like The Long Twilight
Struggle--G'Kar's speech gives me chills every time! I always enjoy
good G'Kar & Londo episodes, in any season. Andreas & Peter J. are
amazing!
TCoS -- The Coming of the Shadows (and a very close second - CtI)
(looking back - S2 had so many good eps...)
--
Take care; faith manages!
Wes Struebing
Last week's topic was: What is your favorite season one episode -- and why?
Date: 12/1/99 4:38:30 PM
From: CripeHL@itrcorporation.com (Cripe, Helen L.)
It's hard to pick one because there are so many I like. My final choice is
"Legacies", for several reasons.
I liked the way the 14-year old girl, Alisa, was written and portrayed. She
wasn't a kid stereotype or a teenybopper, she was a spunky and intelligent
young person who had had a difficult life, had some tough decisions to make
about her life and did so, with the help of several adults. Which brings up
another point - altho there was friction between Talia and Ivanova about
Alisa's future, they let her make her own decision and supported her choice.
All of the adults Alisa interacted with treated her like a person, not like
someone to be lectured to and told what to do. I sort of hoped we'd at least
hear her mentioned in some other episode if we didn't get to see her again.
In my imagination I see her eventually joining the Anla'Shok - in that venue
she could use her well-honed survival talents as well as her telepathy.
I thought Na'Toth had some of the best one-liners in the episode. I liked
the character as played by Julie Caitlin Brown, and altho I understand her
reasons for not continuing in the part, it definitely lost a lot when she
left.
This episode marked an important step in the relationship between Talia and
Ivanova, but still left us wondering which way the relationship would go.
I liked the "edge" to the Season 1 Delenn. She was very much a leader and
not about to back down on anything, to anybody. She did a masterful job of
verbally wiping up the floor with the pride of the Warrior Caste, making him
accept her explanation of Branmer's disappearance and even apologize to
Sinclair.
Which brings me to my final reason - I'm an avowed Neroon nut (named my
black cat after him!) and this was his first appearance.
Date: 11/29/99
From: captain.average@home.com
"Born to the Purple" is my favorite first-season Babylon 5 episode. After an intriguing, but wooden pilot and two
fairly predictable episodes, "Born to the Purple" was a revelation. From the "next week teaser", BTTP looked to be
another predictable ep, but when it aired, I was blown away by all the stuff that was going on. Lawrence Datillio's
script packed several different conflicts, some great lines, humor, pathos and more into about forty-two minutes of
screen time. There were conflicts between: Adira and her owner; between Adira's owner and Londo; between Londo
and G'Kar; between Adira and herself (struggling with the desire to not hurt Londo, but having to obey her owner);
and between Adira and Londo (never actually articulated on screen, but shown in Londo's willingness to help her
even when his civilization was in dire peril because of her actions).
We had a look at the decadent Molari, and a glimpse at the ferocity that once made his people great. We had the irony
of G'Kar's inadvertent aid to Londo's cause. There were some juicy moments for both Sinclair and Garibaldi and a
bang-up conclusion.
Other first-season eps might have been better, but none of them had the impact of this, the series' first really
terrific ep.
I had given B5 three eps to impress me enough to keep watching. After the first two regular eps, I was beginning
to think it was just another ho-hum SF series. Had "Born to the Purple" been as mundane and predictable as "Mignight
on the Firing Line" and "Soul Hunter", I would never have kept watching. Fortunately, it was one of the best eps from
any SF series I have ever seen - and I was hooked.
Captain Average, The Seriously Science-Fictional Superhero
Date: 11/28/99 10:21:02 AM
From: SNBennet@cs.com
My favorite first season episode is probably "Believers." It provokes a good question: should a child's life be
saved or should his religious beliefs be honored? It's a good question to ponder the answer to, but one that doesn't
really have a right answer, at least not an apparent one. The episode made me *think*--and how many shows on
television today can you say do that? Around the time I first watched this episode, there were articles in the
newspapers about a similiar case, where the same question was being asked. That made the episode much more real
to me. The only bad thing I have to say about the episode is it's B-plot. The whole bit about the Starfuries
escorting the ship was unteresting and seemed out of place and insignificant compared to the main plot of the
episode.
Well, that's my two-cents worth on the topic.
Stephanie
From: larryr@batnet.com (Larry)
That's easy. Signs and Portents. It was the first "wham" episode, the
first glimpse of what JMS really had in store for us. Even after all the
superb episodes that followed during the remainder of the series, I still
rank Signs and Portents among my top few episodes.
Regards,
Larry Rosenblum
Last week's discussion topic is: Since Babylon 5 has ended, what are you watching?
Date: 11/27/99 5:14:10 AM
From: dodunn7@juno.com (David O. Dunn)
Dear Ms. Bruckner:
As one of the oldest 74 Babylon Fans, I now watch my complete
collection of Babylon 5 Videos. Sent to England for seasons 2,3,&4.
Then had them converted from UK-VHS to US-VHS.
On Satelitte and t.v. I watch Star Trek Voyager, Farscape, SG-1,todal
recall 2070, The X-files. Earth 2 & Space Above and Beyond now and then.
Keep up the good work,
Thankfully & most Sincerely,
D.O.Dunn dodunn7@juno.com
Well, since Babylon 5 finished, I have been watching Stargate SG1 a lot. Crusade is still on here in Australia, so
I have been watching that too. It has five more episodes to go, and I'm not sure what I will do then. I have also
been watching Buffy and Lexx.
>
Date: 11/23/99 12:58:13 PM
From: CripeHL@itrcorporation.com (Cripe, Helen L.)
Since B5, Crusade, and DS9 have all ended, I'm not watching much of anything
except my tapes of all three. For plain old mindless entertainment I watch
the jewelry and cooking shows on QVC. I'm constantly looking for old Tyrone
Power and Errol Flynn movies on the movie channels and tape them whenever I
find them. Otherwise, besides working full time I read a lot, play my
harpsichord and my piano, and play with my four cats.
Date: 11/22/99 8:16:15 AM
From: kenny@stsci.edu (Debbie Kenny)
FARSCAPE! That's it!!
Date: 11/21/99 3:14:38 PM
From: craig.palme@juno.com (Craig A Palme)
I've been watching voyager and farscape.
Date: 11/21/99 11:04:50 AM
From: richard@marinehotel.co.uk (Richard Owen)
Hi,
Since B5 finished I have been watching Crusade (obviously), Stargate SG1
(just because it's fun) and Earth: Final Conflict (manly because I think the
premise of it is very interesting, as are the story lines, and the scripts
are great. I also like it because it has an overall arc (which I suppose B5
started!)
Keep up the great work!
Richard
Date: Sun, 21 Nov 1999
From: Sandy
Seems there's not a lot of time to watch TV these days, but one program I seem to "want" to watch is Stargate SG-1.
I don't know why it's taken me three years to find the series! Perhaps it's similar to the problem faced by Babylon 5.
It was on a cable channel, but now it's in synidication and getting broader distribution. I am watching both the
current episodes and the old ones, so there are periods when I'm not sure exactly what's going on -- the timeline is
a bit confusing, but I do know I like the characters involved. That's what got me started on Babylon 5 -- and that's what
brings me back to watch Stargate SG-1.
Take care.
Sandy
Date: Sat, 20 Nov 1999
From: Larry
Earth: Final Conflict, which has an arc that twists and turns, though
not as much as B5.
To: sgbruckner@aol.com
Absolutely nothing! My B5 videos I suppose.....:-)
I've just started watching Ally McBeal and I'm really enjoying it. There's nothing much good on British telly
these days...
Alaka a.k.a the B5maniac>
>
Date: 11/18/99 10:29:11 PM
From: jweaver@az.com (Pam P. & James W.)
Hi Sandy,
I have been watching a couple of new shows: "Roswell" which has had some
good episodes, and "Now and Again." There are the old stand-bys:
Voyager, Earth Final Conflict. Unfortunately the Sci-Fi chanel is not
available on regular cable here which limits my sci-fi viewing.
I sure do miss B5 and Crusade. They left a big gap in the sci-fi
offerings when they ended.
Since B5 ended, I'm not watching much. The same thing happened when Max
Headroom ended in the late '80's--I was bored with all the other series.
Some series are just so good that everything else pales by comparison.
I do hope that Crusade returns--I want more stories in the B5 Universe!
Tammy Smith
"gkarfan"
PS--I recently heard that MTV is bringing back Sifl & Olly, so I will be
watching that once it returns!
Since B5/Crusade has ended, I haven't been watching any TV.
Some Saturdays I get up at 5am to watch B5 re-runs in the TV Lounge im my dorm (I don't have my own TV), and every
once in a very great while I catch an episode of the X-Files. But nothing really compares to B5, so I just decided
to stop being dissapointed.
Have a great day!
I love the Zocalo--wonderful job!
Corry
Date: 11/18/99 3:21:03 PM
From: tuckbros@crunet.com (Gary Tuck and Mike Tuck)
Since Babylon 5 ended, I have been watching other science fiction/fantasy
shows, but none quite as good as B5 was. Of course, I watched Crusade,
which I enjoyed. I watch Seven Days, Buffy, The Lost World, Charmed (all
pretty good shows), Psi-Factor, The X-Files, Hercules, Stargate SG-1,
Beastmaster, Roswell, & The Outer Limits (that's only the genre shows that I
listed; I know, I watch WAY too much TV). But the only one that I watch
that is set in space (on a regular basis) is Farscape. Unfortunately, most
of these shows are only fair. I really miss watching a good space show. (I
tried watching Voyager last year for awhile, but it just didn't hold my
interest.) Anyway, I miss Babylon 5! I really hope that they have a big
budget feature film(s) in the future. That would be great to see all of our
favorite characters/actors on the big screen. Here's hoping.
Mike
Date: 11/18/99 6:20:12 AM
From: mgmwv@webtv.net (marilyn meade)
I watch some of Farscape but couldn't get into the characters. Some old
movies (if Bruce B is in an extra ) Only one new season show I've
watched more than once Now And Again (With Sela WArd .....not sure if
that is the show's name). And reruns on TNT of B5 when possible.
1. Farscape - At first I thought this was going to be comically cheesy but
it did a lot of things right even if I didn't want to admit it. It got me
involved with the characters and it has the one great thing that all drama
of any kind needs - conflict, and lots of it at a lot of levels. I think
the most surprisingly good thing about this series is how real the
characters feel - there is depth to them.
2. The Outer Limits - This anthology series really plays with a lot of
human issues and there have been some spectacular episodes. It uses very
imaginative ways to peer into ourselves and although it can get dark and it
sometimes feels like a club instead of a scalpel, it's still a very nice
collection of stories.
3. StarGate - SG1 - Yeah, the premise is a little weak and the characters
have pretty much stayed the same but the story does have its moments.
I am watching b5 reruns on Saturday morning and Deep Space 9 at 11 am
mon-fri.
pathfinder1
Date: 11/18/99 12:12:24 AM
From: RobWired
Since B5 ended, I'm watching ... B5. The stories are so well-written that they bear repeated viewings. My girlfriend
and I have started over watching all of them in order.
Which brings me to an interesting phenomenon: Having seen the episodes before, I anticipate emotional responses,
especially dramatic ones. Of course every episode always has some humor in it, too.
But with the fall shows, I've stuck to old favorites: Buffy the Vampire Slayer, JAG, Charmed, The Pretender, Early
Edition, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Xena: Warrior Princess ...
There's some new ones I've added: Angel, natch. Profiler since my favorite, Jamie Luner, joined the show, though
I never watched anything with her in it since Savannah. Oh, and The Amanda Show is very funny and clever, sort of
The Carol Burnett Show for the Nickelodeon audience. Very recommended.
And there is one show I've dropped: Martial Law. CBS really messed with that one. Not trusting Sammo Hung to be
his own draw, it decimated the cast and gave Arsenio Hall equal billing. CBS even changed the opening theme song,
which was a cross between rock and Ranma 1/2. Like, now the whole show is dullsville, man, even stealing plot
lines from movies.
Oh, and when we're through with this viewing of all five seasons of B5?
We'll start all over again.
Robert Folsom
Date: 11/17/99 11:13:20 PM
From: JSaintG7
Since B5 has ended I have been watching X-Files, Angel, Buffy the Vampier Slayer, and 7 Days. I have bascically stuck
to sci-fi shows, B5 got me hooked on sci-fi tv.
OK, I'll weigh in with my 2 cents. I have been reading a bit more than
watching -- not only has B5/Crusade ended, but Highlander went off too. I didn't
follow Highlander (and Highlander:Raven) as religiously as B5, but I
did try to catch it when I could find it.
So, I'm about to start "The Name of the Rose" by Umberto Eco. I read
Focault's Pendulum years ago and wanted to read this one too, so I
am. I'm also reading several comic books monthly. I got into reading
them again when I chased down the first 11 B5 comic books and discovered
some others that were well written with interesting storylines (including
Rising Stars now :) They include: Quantum & Woody, Black Panther,
Sam & Twitch, The Authority, Planetary, Top 10, and The Tic & Arthur. Peter
David has a noew comic book out called "Spy Boy". I'm giving it a
try too, but I'm not too sure about it yet.
The few TV shows I watch are:
Earth: Final Conflict -- the 2nd half of the first season was great, the
2nd season was mostly weak, dumb stories. The 3rd
season has been quite good so far.
Hercules -- it's the last 8 episodes so I'm kind-of making an effort to
watch them.
Red Dwarf -- it's still running here so some Saturday nights I stay up
for it -- and sometimes even late enough for an episode of Dr. Who :)
Occasional sitcoms -- if I happen to turn on the TV, I see about every 3rd
episode of: Drew Carry, Oh Grow Up! (I don't know why, it's dumb, but I like
it), and whatever that new one with the horror writer & the nerd is called, I saw
2 episodes and liked it and I'll watch it again if I remember to turn on TV on
Thursdays.
Anyway, I hope the info is useful or at least amusing for you :)
Since B5 and Crusade are history I am watching Farscape and Star Trek Voyager. I like Farscape best of all. I sure
do hope there is a chance for Crusade to return.
Jim Newins
Last week's discussion topic is: Since Babylon 5 has ended, have you found yourself reading more?
If so, what are you reading?
From: Perry.RichardM@BAPCO.bls.com (Perry, Richard M)
Since B5 has ended do I find myself reading more, if so what?
Actually, I'd have to say that since the start of B5 I have been
reading (and writing) more than I ever have before. B5 reminded me of
how good stories can be and as a result, I started frequenting the comic
shop and book stores more often. But I can't give B5 all of the credit
in that because what really started me down that rod again was Timothy
Zahn's Star Wars novels. All of the magic that I believed in when I was
a kid was suddenly believable again.
It was now possible that a caped man could fly, another man could
stick walls, and a farmboy could change the face of the galaxy; these
two things brought it all back to me. I remembered how I thought that
when I grew up I could do no worse than they did; and that somehow the
world didn't want me to know that again, as it had tried to beat it out
of me for the five years after graduating high school. (the pilot aired
six years after I graduated and the last of Zahn's books was out at that
time, I think)
I actually missed the pilot both times it aired in my area, due to
my forgetting to program the vcr to record it while I was at work. In
fact I caught it just as the credits rolled and they segued into the
promotional stuff for the series. Needless, I programmed the vcr right
then and there because I knew that Thursday at 8, I was always elswhere.
By the time "Parliment of Dreams" aired, I was completely hooked.
By the middle of the second season (the end Jan 95) I found myself
online in fora and BB's discussing the events in the show. The computer
I bought to play games with, was now a different venue for reading. On
average, I was reading 5-10 comics a week and spending an hour a day
reading and responding to posts. I had gone from watchin 15-25hrs of TV
a week to about 5 a week plus the odd movie or two. I was also
discovering that my list of things to read was building far faster than
the already read stack was. (I don't think I'll ever catch up)
With my renewed faith as it were, for the next two years I began
to take steps to go back to school; for what exactly I did not know. In
that time I had gone to a couple of cons, met Joe in person, got a few
autographs (one with "under duress" written on it, but that is a
different topic) and kept right on reading. If you haven't seen Joe in
person, he is every bit the same as he is on the nets and I highly
recommend seeing him, it's just fun.
In fall 98, I started school and the amount of reading I had to do
increased while at the same time my sleep time decreased. Due to the
fact that I was doing so much reading leading up to school, hitting the
books was much easier for me to do and that reflected in my GPA. I
realized at that point that B5 and all things related had become an
inspiration of sorts to get things done. I took everything that life
threw at me and made it work for me rather than against me because my
dreams lived and I had the courage to fight for them again.
In school I found myself reading anything and everything I could
get my hands on to help with the subject at hand. At home I was reading
anything that struck my fancy: magazines, comics, newspapers, etc. And
now that I am out of school, (top of my class) I find myself returning
to the nets (reading more than posting) to keep things up to that level.
I am reading far more than I used to and on a much wider scope of
materials because these two things re-energized that thirst within me to
be "greater than I am and more noble than I know."
I seem to have answered a few more questions than the one at hand,
but I did that to give some perspective to the answer. The nutshell
version would be; yes, I'm reading more now and that list is too long to
go into any real detail. The significance of a single nail in the grand
scheme of things is clear to me once again and for that I am eternally
grateful.
Date: 11/12/99 3:10:53 PM Eastern Standard Time
From: norville@sirius.com
I've been a compulsive reader for some time, since before B5 (though,
admittedly, B5 has made me look for good SF set on space stations!). I
worked in libraries, currently work in a bookstore.
C.J. Cherryh's a favorite writer. She's good at showing what life would be
like for spacers, good at political intrigue (a bit of similarity to B5
there). Her writing is very dense, so she can take a while to read, but
she's usually worth it. I fell in love with her series about a space-going
lionlike race called the Hani; Pyanfar Chanur, captain of _Pride of
Chanur_, is one of the best SF characters around, IMHO, a strong alien
female with feline attitude and guts. (JMS doesn't know her work, I hear,
but it's interesting that she wrote _Downbelow Station_ and B5 had
"Downbelow" -- just one of those coincidences...)
Lois McMaster Bujold is entertaining, with her series involving Miles
Vorkosigan, who overcame physical disabilities with sheer force of
personality and became a spacer admiral. (His parents were attacked by
would-be assassins; they survived, but inhaled gas, and it affected Miles
in-utero, so he had brittle bones, short stature, and was somewhat
hunchbacked.) More political intrigue here.
Vernor Vinge's _A Fire Upon the Deep_ and _A Deepness in the Sky_ gave me a
feeling of B5, in the sense that he created a huge universe to work with.
Reading him gave me the sort of satisfaction that the best B5 did. Oddly,
though, the first time I tried to read AFUtD, I fell asleep after about
10-15 pages and gave up, but am very pleased I took the time to go back to
it later.
Recently, I read _Bios_ by Robert Charles Wilson and was impressed. In it,
humans have found a beautiful planet called Isis, which is a deadly Hot
Zone to them. They want to learn to survive it, even genetically engineer
someone who can survive the toxins. They also have stations (on-planet and
a space station to oversee) which they think can protect them and contain
any infection, but...
Right now, I'm reading _The Color of Distance_ by Amy Thomson, about first
contact, discovery, and a stranded spacer woman having to survive in an
alien culture (and becoming alien to herself, because for her to survive on
the planet, her rescuers had to transform her into something closer to
themselves).
Date: 11/10/99 11:24:26 PM Eastern Standard Time
From: donnacadh@cpis.net (Shelley A. Duncan)
I've been reading quite a bit lately. Still love any Harlan Ellison that I can get my hands on, but lately,
I've discovered the works of Harry Turtledove. He writes alternate history. Read Guns of the South a couple
of weeks ago, in which the South wins the Civil War (with some outside intervention). I'm currently reading
How Few Remain, which deals with a war over the South's purchase of the Mexican territories of Sonora and
Chihuahua. I won't bore you with historical facts, but these books are wonderful. He also has a series of
books dealing with the major powers during World War II coming together to fight a common (and otherworldly)
foe. Great reading!
Date: 11/11/99 11:26:39 AM
From: gkarfan@webtv.net (Tammy Smith)
I've been reading the Psi-Corps. trilogy, & I am waiting for the
Centauri one to start. Every time I go to the SF section of the
bookstore to find a non-B5 book, I get overwhelmed, since I'm not really
familiar with a lot of the authors yet (when it comes to literary SF,
I'm a newbie).
Oh, I also read the two B5 stories by jms that appeared in Amazing
Stories. I want more!
Last week's topic is: What made Babylon 5 different for you as a TV series?
Date: 11/12/99 3:10:01 PM Eastern Standard Time
From: norville@sirius.com
Embarrassingly, I ignored B5 during Season 1. The closest I got to watching
a 1st season ep was when I had the TV on with the sound down while I was
talking to a friend on the phone, and B5 just happened to be on. However, I
kept hearing things from some fannish friends that made me think "I really
should try to watch this sometime." Then, during Season 2, I heard that I
*must* watch "The Coming of Shadows". So I did, and was addicted. I didn't
immediately start taping it, but soon learned that I had to, to keep up and
catch details, and was able to get 1st season (and what I'd missed of 2nd)
from a friend who became my B5 pusher.
It was the continuing story, the inevitability of the storyline building up
suspense and going somewhere, not just having "one-off" episodes. (One
thing that infuriated me with the Trek franchise was the TNG ep in which
Geordi was tortured and brainwashed by Romulans, told it would take a long
time for him to recover, but by the next ep, he was just fine, no
problems.) Characters developed, changed, suffered. G'Kar went through a
great journey, seemingly a simple baddie, but much deeper; the pressure he
lived under put him on a path to a breakdown, but he came out of it wiser
and more at peace, then had to use his strength to survive capture and
torture. Londo was someone who could alternately make me fall down laughing
with his manic humor, cause me to hate him for his actions, then feel very
sorry for him as he headed down the road that his precognitive dreams
showed him was his future. Delenn changed species. So, ultimately, did
Sinclair.
The sense of political intrigue, of sneakiness and lies and maneuvering,
and the efforts of others to keep this chaos in check. I laughed when I
found a B5 website appropriately named "5 Miles of Intrigue." B5 played on
my paranoia, wondering what was going to "go to hell" next.
The writing was fascinating. JMS does tend to overwrite, but there's a
powerful poetry to B5 that drew me to it, despite the fact that poetry is
something I can't relate to for the most part (because it's too personal to
the writer). I had never known a TV series to quote Tennyson's "To strive,
to seek, to find, and not to yield," either. That is, in fact, part of B5's
message.
Also, for a while, B5 honestly seemed to live its own potential, which TV
series so rarely do. I was underwhelmed by much of 5th season, but still
couldn't stop watching. "Sleeping in Light" had me in tears by the end;
seeing that my usual emotional reaction to TV is disgust, B5 was special.
As a space program advocate, it pleased me to see humanity as a space-going
race, but not made perfect by the experience (hardly the Trekkian utopia).
They showed more heart than NASA often does -- they lost 4 space stations,
and still built a 5th. Then, of course, politics mandated that they destroy
it themselves in the end, which seems to be the same sort of bizarre
shortsightedness we suffer from! (Though they used the excuse that B5's
purpose was fulfilled by the Alliance.) Interestingly, this was a
space-going society that wasn't certain it should be out where it was,
supporting B5, which gave rise to Sinclair's speech ending with "All of
this was for nothing, unless we go to the stars."
There seemed to be a good sense of what it would be like to live and work
in space. With "By Any Means Necessary", we got to see that B5 was reliant
on the workers who'd built it and were maintaining it; it was a great piece
of space hardware, but had human support, and the humans felt they were
underappreciated and working with dangerous material "built by the lowest
bidder" (a situation that apparently continued from NASA days!).
I agree with Richard Lande's explanation of this series as having been a
religious experience. There's no better way to explain why I'm still
addicted to B5 a year after it ended, still missing it and going through
withdrawal.
Date: 11/2/99
From: NATEBOLAN
Babylon 5 was a show that started small and kept growing. It was a show that inspired and influenced peoples
lives. The shows also left a person wanting more for the characters and the plots. It was almost addictive.
The cast and crew must have put their hearts in it too other wise it would have been just another series. This
is why Babylon 5 is above the normal show.
What made B5 different from other TV science fiction series,
IMHO, was the use of story arc concepts, and that JMS had
plotted in advance where he intended to take not merely the
overall history of the world, but the stories of the
different main characters.
It reminds me of some classical novelists, like Dickens, in
that one can pick a character to follow, and watch as they
develop and change based on what happens around them, and
how their story interlocks with the stories of others that
they affect and are affected by.
I can (and have) told Londo fans who had missed large
numbers of episodes the story as seen thru Londo and G'Kar,
Sheridan fans the story from his view, and so on, and all of
them are IMHO as valid as another, and done in as much
detail.
It was that attention to secondary characters and their
stories that first caught my attention, and it remains the
reason why I still think that B5 is the best TV science
fiction ever done.
Love,
Glo. Phillips
Date: 11/2/99
From: bkbusch@tir.com (Brian Busch)
as a whole it was a feeling that everything you know, is wrong...
no one is who they appear to be...
everything grew together in ways that didn't seem possible,
and that home is not always a just and right place.
it grew into a community that sacrificed on the judgement of a whim and
suffered with what they had both done and become.
to sum it all up
the truism fit the entire series into a few terse statements
who are you...
what do you want...
why are you here...
truth is a definite 3 edged sword
who can say what is right beyond finding out what is out there
what is out there...
thank you for the fine site and the offer to bring it to us out of the joy
of community
thank you for the wecome home...
brian
perhaps someday we can say the line
WE HAVE ALWAYS BEEN HERE...
and mean it
Date: 11/2/99
From: EmKayCats
What attracted me to B5 was the dialogue. I stumbled upon it while channel surfing and happened upon a witty
exchange between Ivanova and Sinclair that totally cracked me up. I've been hooked ever since. I also liked
the fact that there was room for character development and that TPTB did not try to rewrite character history
just to advance plotlines. The story unfolded like a novel that one could not put down. And, most importantly
for me, the women characters were not wimpy or brainless.
It was an intertwingling of the story arc approach,
the gradual and profound character development, and
the unparalleled acting, directing and editing. As
an addendum - I felt like I was watching live theatre.
One doesn't watch the show as a TV series for long
before s/he finds it to be an experience not unlike
a professional live theatrical performance.
As a summary of what, for me made B5 different, these are the main points:
* The way the main story line developed continuously over the 5 series
without becoming too predictable. Whilst each episode was - with the odd
exception - a complete story it formed a part of the continuous whole.
Also the way the sub-plots around the characters interwove with the main
plot to enhance the story line.
* The fact that, unlike series such as Star Trek, the appearance of new
character did not necessarily mean they were killed off in that episode.
Star trek 1 was famed for "the guys in the Red Shirts who never lasted past
the first 20 minutes"
* The way issues were raised in the future that exist today - the universe
was not presented as a faultless place but one as flawed as the one we live
in today - I found that to be kind of reassuring!!
* Characters developed both good and bad traits, neither of which were
ascendant - in other words they were ordinary "people" doing an
extra-ordinary job. Also the interplay of personalities between characters
- human and non-human For example Londo, the Centuari ambassador, as
representative of a once-great race would be expected to be the most
educated and loquacious but the Narn Ambassador G'Kar outshone him in this
field as evidenced by his speech to the council after the fall of Narn.
These are the main points for me :-)
Regards,
Neil Plucknett
Date: 11/4/99
From: sherryt@UDel.Edu (Cheryl Lee Thompson)
The following may or may not qualify as an answer to your discussion topic
question. I wrote it several years ago, and it still stands as read
(actually, becoming even more accurate over time.)
Date: Monday, 25 November 1996 9:19pm ET
From: Cheryl.Thompson@MVS.UDEL.EDU
Actually, I haven't thought recently about how I became interested in
B5, maybe because the story's a little embarrassing.
To begin with, I'm a compulsive video-taper (sp?), particularly where
sf and movies are concerned. I can remember seeing some kind of quickie
review in the paper about a two hour movie (didn't realize it was a pilot),
written by someone who used to write for Murder She Wrote. It was SF. It
sounded like the author had good credentials. That was good enough for me.
So I marked it in the TV guide as something I needed to tape (like twenty
plus other hours' worth of movies for the week). I also noticed that an
hour into the show, something else was coming up on another station that I
REALLY wanted to see. I have no idea what that was anymore.
Anyway, Babylon 5 starts and I'm watching and the whole thing's
really very good. Hmm. Glad I'm taping. May want to watch this again
sometime... Glance to the clock. Time's approaching for 'the big
attraction of the evening'. This Vorlon ambassador person is arriving. I
set up the other TV in the house to watch my 'big attraction'. I'm
jumping back and forth between the two tv's. At some point I start to
lose track of the B5 plotline, but I think I've got it figured out. This
JMS person writes for Murder She Wrote. So now he's doing MSW is space.
Ok, the captain or whoever will figure out who the murderer is, but I
don't want to lose my own chance to work it out for myself, by giving
myself too many spoilers for the second half of the movie.
I turn off the sound of B5 and concentrate on the other show. I'll
get back to it. 'Course I'll have to rewind and watch the whole movie over
again, or I'll never figure out the murderer....
Cut to a year later. There's two new SF series coming on the air
within a week of each other. Both sound pretty good, and fortunately I
can tape them both because they're on successive nights. The premises of
the two are completely blurred in my mind. The existence of a two-hour
pilot of ANYTHING has long since sunk into oblivion.
Babylon 5 starts. I have this niggling feeling that something
looks familiar but I'm not sure why. One raised eyebrow. Hey, this space
station looks like a real, live working space station, not some kind of
carpetted conference room. (I love Trek and liked TNG a lot, but I'd
recently gotten tired of all the TNG board meetings, so anything else
seemed impressive at the time). A few more minutes pass and the second
eyebrow goes up. Wow, intrigue. Real, live political intrigue. I could
learn to like this show. Hm... And this G'Kar fellow. So Machiavellian...
Gotta watch him. He's going to eat the funny guy with the hair alive,
pretending like he knows nothing about the attack and then calmly saying
he just found out from his government...
Sinclair goes to speak to Ambassador Kosh. A weird light behind a
screen, a strangely familiar suit, some completely bizarro dialogue. Who
IS this guy? Yikes! I've seen him before. I've seen him!
I can still remember jumping up out of the chair and almost racing
into the next room to look for the tape. But the story was too good.
Plunk, back down in the chair. I wait for the story to get TNG simple at
some point, so I can go looking for the tape. The story stubbornly
refuses to cooperate. In fact, it perversely proceeds to get even more
complex. A commercial comes. I'm sitting in the chair, staring blankly at
the TV, wondering how they're going to resolve all this in the last few
minutes. And of course, half the complications that have arisen politely
refuse to be smoothed over in the last few minutes. I continue to sit in
the chair, gaping at the TV as the ending credits go up. The Prisoner,
Mark Two has landed. (At some point, I finally DID race into the other
room and frantically began looking for the tape of the pilot, muttering to
myself and scaring the wits out of my cat. But that's another story.)
--------------------------------------
As I learned over the course of time, Joe can do far more than write
an excellent hour script. He knows how to develop characters over years,
adding layers of depth and complexity which can only be matched in the
best novels. And, while he's doing that, he's also sending a continuing
plot in directions the viewers never would have guessed, resulting in a
world and world events which are as palpable as the characters within it.
Like many readers of the Zocalo, I eagerly await Joe's next project,
knowing that whatever it is it will be quality work.
I like the fact that the characters go through some bad times, but there
is still a sense of hope. Also, the characters are very
three-dimensional--they are people you can care about. I feel that the
actors are a great group of people--I went to Agamemcon this year, and
you could tell that the actors really like the fans. I'm very happy to
have found B5.
Date: 11/4/99
From: hisand51@telcel.net.ve
Hi Sandy:
My response about discussion topic is: the story and the cast, simply. The story:
absolutely original and the cast: was the correct.
Hey, it's been a while. I havn't written because, I don't own a
computer. Anyway, your Zocolo message from 11/2 asked the question about why
we liked B5 so much. So here's my 1.5 cents worth.
I'm probably one of the few people who watched B5 on tv without obtaining any other story lines or
information anywhere else (aka the internet). So for me, B5 started out slowly. The Gathering was ok
but I was left saying, "yea, so, what's the point". Well, the point was finally driven home during
the last 4 or 5 episodes of season 2. It was at that point that I became a die hard B5 fan.
I would have to say that ultimately the cause of my love for B5 is based on the foundation called
The Shadows. From there, B5 got better and better (for me). Unfortunately now for me when I think of
B5, I think of that universe as if I lost a dear friend. No, the feeling goes even deeper than that.
I'm 37 years old and for me, Babylon 5 was the single greatest form of escape from reality I have had
in my entire life. Something that significant can only be explained as a religious experience. I suppose
that sounds rather crazy huh? Of the 10 to 15 million fans of B5, no one single person (other than JMS)
had a greater love for Babylon 5 than I did. Lets all hope we see more Babylon 5 on the big screen one
day (SOON). -------EOL - - - - rich
Previous week's topic was: Why do I like science fiction?
Date: 10/29/99
From: DelennToo
Why I like science fiction is actually a subject I have had to discuss with friends who do *not* have an interest
in science fiction and cannot fathom why I would like such a strange thing . To them, and to you, I offer the
following:
Science fiction explores humankind as we are now but focuses on the potential for future achievements. It brings a
sense of wonder and hope, new horizons to aim for, new discoveries to be made about the unknown universe as well as
ourselves. Through the dreams of science fiction came many of the realities of science that we take for granted
today, and I'm sure that as science fiction inspires those gifted as scientists to press forward in their experiments,
humankind as a whole will benefit from those dreams. When you let your imagination carry you forward without being
limited by the "real world", unique and innovative products are conceived.
I also like science fiction as character-driven stories, where ordinary people face new and extraordinary
circumstances, and see how they face these challenges and how it changes their lives. I don't really care for
the doom-and-gloom post-apocalyptic projections that science fiction movies seem to portray of late, but prefer
shows like Star Trek and Babylon 5, which offer hope for humankind as a whole, that people *can* make a difference
in their world by standing up for what they think is right and doing the best they can.
I think science fiction lifts the reader/watcher above the every day circumstances of life and lets us dream
of better times, new adventures, and great achievements.
Penny R.
DelennToo@aol.com
From: tuckbros@crunet.com (Gary Tuck and Mike Tuck)
Why do I like science fiction? I like it because of the "science" part. I like all of the high-tech gadgets and
aliens and planets. Yes, it needs to have a well-written story, good acting, and good plot. But the special effects
and props and costumes all appeal to the kid in me. That's why I became interested in science fiction when I was a
kid (although, now, the acting and story does play a more important role with me than it did then). You could have
a well-written drama set in the present about normal people and I wouldn't watch it. But if you take the same people
and put them in a science fiction setting, it suddenly becomes interesting to me. (I do watch some shows that are
not science fiction, but not many). Also, the plot doesn't have to have a moral to it like some people like. In
fact, I would rather it didn't. There's nothing entertaining about a show or movie or book that is too "preachy".
So, it's the imaginative, fun part that makes me like it.
Mike
From: bukwheet90@hotmail.com (bruce xxx)
because basically I think that mankind is as hearty as the cockroach and I
want too see how some think we're gonna make it.
That is the easiest question I have ever had to answer. Ever since I was a child I've loved
science-fiction. I even remember watching Star Trek: TOS in Beirut. I was very young, but I still remember
it.
For me science-fiction was, and still is, a means of escape. Escape from my personal problems, from this
world that can be treacherous and cruel. As a child I yearned to "leave this place", and so, I started
reading a great deal about visitors from other planets, alien abductions, Reincarnation... anything
that was out of the ordinary. My mind hungered for the unusual.
Like a moth to a flame, I am attracted to the abundant imagination that sci-fi writers publish for the fans.
And since I hold an interest in science in general, I enjoy reading novels that incorporate it into their
stories, as Arthur C. Clarke and others do. Although Mr. Clarke uses a lot of hard science, I loved his
Rama series the most. Asimov is another author I enjoy reading. I haven't read much yet, but what I have,
intrigues me.
Television has been a science-fiction thirst quencher in recent years. I loved getting my fix when I needed
it. The shows I watched when they were available - and whenever I ccould - are Star Trek: TNG and DS9, Space:
Above and Beyond, Babylon 5, Crusade, Quantum Leap, The Outer Limits, and The X-Files. Oh! And does anyone
remember Captain Scarlet, the science-fiction puppet show?? I used to LOVE it when I was a kid *LOL*.
Well,I think I've done enough ranting. Now everyone knows a little bit more about me :)
I guess I like SF because it stimulates the imagination. I can remember looking at astronomy books as a child &
wondering what it would be like to visit other planets & galaxies. Also, I wasn't popular with the other kids at
school & had family problems. SF was a way to get away from the negative stuff in my life.
Date: 10/16/99
From: JPSau
I like science fiction because of its complexities. It not only takes a vivid imagination but also solid foundation
in scientific principals. Unlike fantasy, science-fiction requires some basic facts in order to be believable. That
brings me to another reason why I like science fiction because of its infinite possibilities. The best sceince fiction
writers also pay attention to details because glaring omissions can destroy the entire story line. Nevertheless,
without a good plot and character development, science fiction can be flat and uninteresting. I also like for it
to convey a deeper meaning beyond technical gadgets.
Janice
Prevous week's topic: What is your favorite "Crusade" episode and why?
Date: 10/4/99
From: tuckbros@crunet.com (Gary Tuck and Mike Tuck)
My favorite episode of Crusade was "Racing the Night". (If I'm remembering right) it had a very cool CGI action
sequence with Captain Gideon on a hover-bike being chased by some alien spaceships. It was very impressive effects
for TV. The exploration of the planet was fun. Good story and acting. I think this one was supposed to have been
the first episode before TNT changed things around. It would have been a great lead-in to the series (it was better
than "War Zone", the first episode shown). This episode showed what Crusade could have been on a regular basis if
TNT had given it a chance.
Mike Tuck
From: Ogygiajw
The last four episodes were up to B5 standards, but, just to get more rotten spoo thrown in my direction, I liked
the Crusade episode (name escapes, sorry) with the alien who had all the knowledge of his race on the crystal. I
thought the characterization of captain was excellent--his initial hard-nosed military man's disappointment at
"only" finding art, and then, at last, the way he allowed what the Doctor said about hope to penetrate. I loved
the grunge world where slavery was legal. I loved pulling Max's pants down and that whole send up of the sci fi
porn bit ("you know what they say about green girls...") Of course, Dureena's revelation was a huge deepening
there as well. She dealt with what her family did to her just as young women in our own eras of human slavery
often had to--attempting to rationalize and tough her way out of an impossible, unforgivable betrayal.
That's the kind of look forward to look back to look at now which makes sci fi so fascinating.
Hey, and I'm a dues paid lifetime member of the Mozart Cult, too. So, this episode was my favorite.
Bows politely--Juliet
Previous Topic:
During the movie "In the Beginning", Dr. Franklin refuses to divulge any medical information he has on the
Minbari that could be used by Earth Force as a military advantage. Given that earth and humanity was on the
verge of complete annihilation, was his stance justified? Discussions on this might include morality,
practicality, etc.
Date: 10/4/99
From: Marauder@sprint.ca (Darin Des Roches)
HI, It's Darin Des Roches aka. Marauder here, I Think It's a question of medical ethics that Dr. Stephen Franklin
had to think about. Was he going to violate his medical oath and personal beliefs of was he going to help the Earth
Force Bio Weapons Division to make one more superweapon that would be later turned against any of earth's enemies
just because it was available. The knowledge that Dr. Franklin held back could have had disastrous repercussions for
the Interstellar Alliance and For Babylon5 because both groups receive quite a bit of financial and military support
from the Minbari Govt.
I am not convinced that the darker elements of the EarthGov would not have used Dr. Franklin's knowledge for evil
intentions, so I think the best course of action for Stephen to take was to keep the information secret to himself,
regardless of what EarthForce does to him.
Well I've talked your ears off enough so I'll end this message but I feel strongly that Stephen made the best possible
choice he could have under the circumstances.
Bye.
Marauder
From: Neil Plucknett [neil.plucknett@saabs.co.uk]
On the moral level I would have to say Dr Franklin's decision was 100% correct. The oath of confidentiality
and the Hippocratic oath taken by doctors would both be conspiring to put him in this position. If he had
agreed to the demand I believe it would have invalidated these oaths and, if by some miracle Earth had managed
to beat the Minbari because of this, it would have eventually destroyed all confidence patients would have had
in their doctors On the practical level then, with an entire race facing extinction, the decision is hard to
back-up. A "moral" I was taught during my service with the UK's armed forces is that there is a scaleability
to all decisions such as this. Breaking an oath when the survival risk applies to a small group is a no-no;
the same issue when applied to an entire race becomes a totally different issue. Genocide is an abhorrent
concept, even more so after the events in Europe during WW2, and virtually no effort should be spared to
prevent it. I guess to sum it up there is no correct answer to the scenario posed in the question as you
are talking about two 100% diametrically opposed viewpoints. All I can say is I would not like to have
been in Dr Franklin's position for anything although I would have to respect and honour his decision, after
all - its his conscience.
Regards,
Neil Plucknett
Last Week's Topic:
Date: 28 Sep 1999
From: Ogygiajw
Don't throw rotten spoo, anyone, but my favorite is Soul Hunter. The dark side of immortality, trapped in a leetle
soap bubble sphere with only a creepy Soul Hunter to talk to. "To sleep, perchance to dream," in the worst possible
scenario. I loved the foreshadowing when Sinclair rescues Delenn from the Hunter's soul draining machine. Suddenly,
we know that the military work horse, Sinclair, is a man of destiny. And I completely collapse with awe before the
last scene, as Delenn weeps with joy as she meets each great and beautiful soul and releases those prisoners to the
universe. Oh, by the Great Unknowable, that was some episode!
Juliet >>
Date: 25 Sep 1999
What is your favorite B5 First Season Episode?
From: hisand51@telcel.net.ve
Hi Sandy:
Excuse me the delay in response . Very much work this week. About the subject. Really are two:
"Signs and Portents". The beginning of the story of the shadows and the beginning of the end
of the character of Sinclair. Unfortunately, for me.
"Survivors". An episode very emotive. The presentation of human problems was
very real. The Garibaldi "niece" was not used in later episodes. A mistake, for me.
From: Frieda W. Landau [flandau@gte.net]
Actually, there are three first season episodes I think are
equally the best: Soul Hunter, Parliament of Dreams, and A Sky Full of Stars.
Since I have to choose one, I'll go with And a Sky Full of Stars. Not only does
this episode fill in part of the 'hole' in Sinclair's mind, it shows how far he
and Delenn have come in their friendship. When Sinclair escapes the net, but
thinks he's still entrapped, Delenn is the only one who can reach him. She is
not sure that he won't want to kill her, but she has to try. Sinclair responds
to her, even though he now remembers that she was the one who had him tortured.
We also see more of why Sinclair is regarded with distrust within EarthForce and
why making him the commander of B5 made his own people more suspicious.
Everything that happens from this point on in B5 comes out of the initial
encounter between Sinclair and Delenn. The acting by both Michael O'Hare and
Mira Furlan is superb.
From: RobWired@aol.com
This is a very tough question. I have recently started
watching all of the B5 episodes all over again, after the end of Crusade, so I'm
watching Season 1 now, and it's still a tough one!
Just watched ''By Any Means ...'' Oh! I know! How about ''Born to the
Purple''? Why? Garibaldi looking the other way when he catches Ivanova using the
Gold Channel to talk to her dying and estranged father. This plays into
Ivanova's character development. (But what incident doesn't lead to all of the
cast's development?)
But ask me tomorrow; my answer will be different. Robert Folsom
From: Delenn498@aol.com
I'd have to say Chrysalis is probably my favorite
First Season Episode for many reasons. First, the scene where Delenn sees Kosh
outside his encounter suit is great. Also, the scene where the president is
assassinated is amazing. Very emotional how it is played out by everyone in
C&C and on ISN. This episode really gives the feeling that things have
changed drastically to every person on the station. Londo is heavily involved
with Morden and the Shadows and doesn't know what he has gotten into. The Narn
have to deal with the tragic loss of their Military Base. Delenn is in the
process of changing. Sinclair is engaged and then reassigned. Garibaldi is shot.
Ivanova's life is thrown into turmoil by all the changes. This episode really
makes you sit up and take notice. When I first saw it, I was amazed!
Thanks for the great Zocalo!
Jeannine
From: Pogomil@aol.com
My favorite 1st season episode? Hands down, it's
"Babylon Squared." In this episode, we were treated to things that might be,
could be, and would be. And looking at it from a distance, we can only ache for
what might have been. btw, in regards to the new address, will we have to
subscribe to that to continue to receive The Zocalo? btw2- "It's *great* to see
this back in print!!!" btw3- Yes, here's one vote to continue the tradition of
"Convention Attenders." Here's hoping that B5 c.c.g. players will be able to
meet at upcomming cons for tournaments/friendly games.
Charles Ward
From: norville@sirius.com
It's difficult to decide on just one. I enjoyed
the religious sharing in "The Parliament of Dreams", especially the Centauri
festival with Londo's passing out on the table (and the lines "He has become one
with his inner self!" "He's passed out." "That, too.") and the mile-long line of
Earth's religious representatives. The first time I saw that final scene, I was
moved to tears, and it still gives me a chill. What a planet...
"And the Sky Full of Stars" -- Good psychological game going on here, delving
into the mysterious "hole" in Sinclair's mind.
"By Any Means Necessary" -- I respect the idea of showing the workers who
helped build and run B5, and how they got ripped off as the workers usually do;
we don't usually get the gritty operational stuff shown in SF, so it was good to
see that, strike included. I've always liked the character Eduardo Delvientos,
the docking foreman, and wished he'd been in more eps than this and an
appearance in "And Now for a Word".
"Signs and Portents" -- For the mystery and foreboding that this set up, that
B5 was doomed in some way (as seen in the Centauri woman's "boom!" vision), and
Morden's debut...
"Babylon Squared" -- For being a mind-twisting vision of the mysterious
fate/destiny of B4.
"Chrysalis" -- For more setting up of the arc, and an event that entirely
changed the future of the B5 universe (the assassination, a scene which can
*still* give me chills, because it's devastating but quietly underplayed).
"Nothing's the same anymore..."
From: Andro22@aol.com
"Chrysalis"
That might be a generic answer, because
it was so action packed. I thought it was very well written and well done. It
had a lot more of the Shadows in it, which is where the Series gravitated to and
it just had so much intriguing Signs and Portents, as the season title implies.
It showed the consequences of Ambassador G'Kar's campaign against the Centauri
and what happens if you don't try to have peace. It was just an all around great
episode and a major plot point of the series.
Michael
From: Jhawks2@aol.com
My favorite first season ep w/o question is "Babylon
Squared." Here, a whole myriad of questions are posed, and the feeling that
there is something absolutely massive in the future is first felt. The climax of
seeing Sinclair 20 years aged made my jaw drop. It is here that I first knew
that B5 was going to be my favorite show of all time.
From: Captain Average [captain.average@home.com]
Although there were better
episodes, I'd have to go with "Born to the Purple". After an intriguing, but
wooden, pilot and two so-so, (but filled with potential) episodes, BTTP really
veered into new territory. The preview trailer, from the week before, made it
look like BTTP would just be another woman-manipulates-main-character story and,
to my delight, it was nothing of the sort. The writer (DeTillio?) set up several
separate but overlapping conflicts; added some smart dialogue; gave us a solid
look at the decadence of the current Centauri Republic; (in Londo's attack on
the villain) gave us a glimpse of why the Centauri had once been feared
throughout the galaxy; threw in a genuinely sweet love story (sweet, but not
cloying) and generally raised the show's level by a logarithmic factor. There
were better episodes later, but BTTP was the first to really resonate with me
and, for that reason it remains one of my all-time favorite B5 eps.
From: Glo. Phillips [cpl_glo@earthlink.net]
I'd have to say that my favorite Season 1 episode was "Signs and Portents".
My reason? Well, the way it introduced Morden, and the first of the Questions
(What do you want?).
The contrast between the blandly nice Shadow representative and the
frustrating and oft-times scary Vorlons cemented my trust in Kosh (who was
always willing to aggravate us if he thought it was for our own good). OTOH,
Morden was just *so* willing to give us what we desired, but neglected to
disclose the attached strings....
--
Love,
Glo.
From: P12Saunter@aol.com
My favorite season I ep is Mind War, because it sets
up Talia's hidden powers, and ties her to the Underground Teeps for the rest of
their appearances.
I think it's probably Chrysalis. You have the plot to assassinate Santiago, and
the characters looking on as Earth Force One is destroyed. Then there's the Shadow
attack on Quadrant 37 and G'Kar's realisation that "There's someone else out there,
Na'Toth."
Ask me next week and I may say Signs and Portents or And the Sky Full of Stars.
From: Sean Declet [fairaget@juno.com]
Also may favorite first season episode would have to be a toss up between the one
where they interduce the Great Machine of Epsilon 3, and Babylon squared.
From: markamaher [markamaher@worldnet.att.net]
Hi!
My favorite first
season episode was "And the Sky Full of Stars." The visual presentation of this
episode was very nicely done. A very different look from what we had been shown
in earlier episodes. The surreal effect of shooting a lot of the scenes in the
darkness of the cyberweb lends it the air and intimacy of watching a stage play
form the front row. The shifting between the real-life scenes and the dark
landscape of the cyberweb are handled deftly, keeping us off-balance enough so
that we are forced to focus on every moment.
It provides a plethora of information and answers to many questions. It was
the first episode that gave some real details about the conclusion of the
Earth-Minbari War, which was the reason for the station's existence. It does
much to explain at least some of the reasons for why Delenn is on Babylon 5,
although it doesn't actually come out and say it. We had been told twice before
that she was actually a part of the Grey Council, but nothing as to why she was
there "playing ambassador" as the Soul Hunter had asked. It shows us first hand
the desperate plight of Earth in the final day of the Earth-Minbari War. There
are elements on Earth that don't accept the public version of the end of the war
and they have very powerful backing. It shows bits and pieces of what really
happened to Sinclair at the Battle of the Line. It does give us a sense that
this was a pivotal event in the Minbari's decision to surrender but it leaves us
without revealing its true significance. It also shows us that Delenn is
actually protecting Sinclair. First, she places herself in the line of fire to
bring him back to reality. Then she purposely does not tell her fellow Satai
what she suspects. She is clearly told in what the rest of the Council has
decided should Sinclair remember.
But it also asks a lot of nagging questions that were there all along but
never spoken. Questions like what did Delenn do during the Earth-Minbari War.
Why was Sinclair still a mere Commander ten years after surviving the Battle of
the Line. Which begs the question of why is Sinclair in charge of this very
important post if there are elements in the government that don't trust him. Who
is behind these two agents who were sent to interrogate Sinclair. What special
power does Delenn exert over Sinclair that permitted her to bring him back from
his delusional state? Why is Sinclair important enough for Delenn to protect,
even from her own people who want him killed if he remembers?
Sinclair has worked out the sequence of events that occurred on that fateful
day but he still doesn't know why Delenn was there even though he's been told
point-blank that she's Satai. But the final question, the one that haunts
Sinclair most now that he knows some of the truth is "What is it they don't want
me to remember? I have to find out. I have to." His question hangs in the
darkness as the episode fades to black.
__!_!__
Gizmo
From: RingSongs4@aol.com
Babylon Squared, and its always been my favorite I don't know why....
From: LFMOA@aol.com
Hi there,
Long time reader, first time writer. Well,
this time around, I'll kick in my two cents if you don't mind.....I'm delighted
the Z is back. Between you and the superb B5 Monthly, we "Babblers" are covered.
(is there a group name yet? I wonder). Now, to business:
What is your favorite B5 First Season Episode??
That's a tough one. I love different eps for different reasons. I'll have to
do the top 7 in ascending order. Sorry!
# 7 DEATHWALKER: I loved the sheer toughness of this one. A villain beyond
understanding or redemption. Sinclair and Garibaldi willing to buck the system
to do what was right. Sarah Douglas' electrifying portrayal of a character that
even death was too good for. N'Toth at her wrench-swingin' best. Cool FX. The
great twist and turns throughout leading up to Kosh trumping them all. I was
riveted throughout.
# 6 MIND WAR: This was the first episode that I saw the series for what it
was rather than "Well, it is doing right for what Newtrek is doing wrong." It
was with this story that I began to love B5 for ITSELF, rather than as a
watchable alternative to a show that cheesed me off nearly every week for years.
Huge threat, huge stakes. A dynamite intro to the Psi Corps and Bester. (giving
us a new appreciation for Walter Koenig) A story that was awe-inspiring,
imaginative, and intense. And, oh yeah...the sub plot about Katherine and Sigma
957 with G'Kar's speech capping the whole thing. This was the first time we
began to see another side to the militant Narn. "No one is what they appear to
be" indeed. (And that Kelsey was pretty darn cute too)
# 5 A VOICE IN THE WILDERNESS: Though I wish the whole Great Machine thing
paid off better down the road (in Thirdspace perhaps), it's two-part intro was
pretty darn epic. All those factions dealing with the awesome discovery below,
the ticking clock aspect of the show, Sinclair perfectly willing to open fire on
the Hyperion, the incredible FX, Londo and Delenn working together, just
delightful.
# 4 AND THE SKY FULL OF STARS: I'm a sucker for War Stories and this was all
that and more. A great, intriguing payoff that raised as many questions as it
answered (a jms hallmark). Christopher Neame was delightfully over-the-top, the
stylized FX had emotional impact as well as the cool factor, Chris Franke's
score gave me the chills, and of course there's the teeniest chance that the
series from this point on is all played out within Sinclair's mind. Heh heh.
# 3 BABYLON SQUARED: Even separated from the other 2/3rds of this story (War
Without End) this one's a full out rocket ride. Though incomplete as it is, B2
was so well written that you didn't miss the rest of the story at all. Fully
satisfying on it's own. This one has it all, delivering what B5 does best,
action, intrigue, laughs (in the form of the could-have-been-annoying-but-was-great
Zathras), high stakes, ect. (For the record, the third Season Valen payoff
that was set up here was my biggest jaw-dropping moment in the entire series).
# 2 CHRYSALIS: Wow! Nothing was the same after this one. The best
Season-ender I had ever seen (until Joe topped it in both Second and then Third
years!). While watching this, I could feel the rug being pulled out from
everyone's feet and the show take a decidedly dark and epic turn. The surprises
and emotions kept hitting me one after another until the end credits.
And my favorite Season One episode...
# 1 SIGNS AND PORTENTS: This was a hard one to decide, but I guess S&P
wins because HERE was the episode that brought home the idea that a true epic
tale was being told. Not merely a series with strong threads of continuity, but
clearly, Babylon 5 was a capitol "S" Story. Of course, stunning FX, music, and
performances by regulars and guests alike, Morden's incredibly cool, creepy
introduction, the Raider battle supreme, and Ladira's chilling vision of B5's
demise. On a personal note, this was the episode that cured me of a compulsion
to watch another series that just made me mad all the time. B5 became the
methadone that got me off the heroin of Newtrek which provided me with almost
all bad trips. For that alone, Joe can never be thanked enough. (Sorry if this
ticks anyone, off but it's heartfelt)
Welcome back Z !
Lance Falk, Northridge California
From: Eric P. Dawson [ericdawson@wireweb.net]
"Believers"
Okay, so it's not an arc story. But it did much to reveal the relationships
between the major powers through the parents' interviews with the main ambassadors.
Most importantly, though, it was a heart wrenching storyline that not only
established much of who Stephen Franklin and Jeffrey Sinclair were, their
beliefs and priorities, but also told the audience that there would be no easy
answers in Galaxy JMS1.
From: W Andrew York [wandrew@compuserve.com]
Parliament of Dreams - it was the episode that really set the concept, scope and
future of the B5 series to me. It took the series from a collection of individual
episodes (ie a short story collection) and brought the arc (book/novel) aspect
of it to me.
From: mtomcho@fcg.com (Tomcho, Mike)
It has to be the episode about Babylon 4 (episode name escapes me). It opens the door
for so much that happens in season 3, and provides a great vehicle for the "tie"
between the seasons.
From: tim_niven@juno.com (Timothy Niven)
By any Means Necessary. The episode shows CMDR Sinclair as a very competent commander.
Not unlike the best that I have had the privileged to have served under. Although,
every soldier/sailor has a moral obligation to obey every legal command, many times
he/she finds themselves in a situation where the command is in his/her opinion immoral.
Some will still follow the order (as evidenced in Nazi Germany, Vietnam, etc.), the
Best will find a moral way to obey even the most immoral command. In this, I
believe, CMDR Sinclair showed the ability that is found in every great commander
that the world has seen. The ability to follow an immoral order morally. Other
aspects of the episode I enjoyed were the fight between Garibaldi, his men, and
the dock workers. The B5 security team lost in round one. This was a great
reflection of what has happened historically when the government has tried to
deal with a labor union forcibly. The government usually loses round one. So,
for this my hat goes off to J. Michael Straczynski, wonderful insight! The
character development between the command staff was good but unassuming, it
showed that everyone of them was military first, not somebody pretending to be
military (like when some of us were children, playing soldier instead of being a
soldier). The crew were soldiers, they did what they were ordered to do. I am
reminded of what General MacArthur said, "No one prays for peace more than the
soldier." I could go on, about why I liked this episode. "By Any Means
Necessary" is my favorite episode from Season One.
From: DelennToo
It's really hard for me to pin down my favorite Season 1
episode, as there are quite a few that I liked *a lot.* However, I'd have to say
"Babylon Squared" won the battle for my vote, with "Parliament of Dreams" coming
up a closed second. With 22 episodes to choose from, sure is difficult to pick
only 1.
Penny R.
From: rt53@erols.com (Arthur E. Layne, Jr.)
"By Any Means Necessary" is my favorite first season episode. There are many answers
to "Why". One is that it is a strong Sinclair story and he is one of my favorite
characters. Another is the b-plot with G'Kar and Londo over the G'Quan Eth plant.
Any plot that allows those two to play off each other is always a joy to me. But the
main reason would have to be the set up in the main plot line that pits the dock
workers against the government who is "Big Brother". Kathryn Drennan spun a tale that
has all the earmarks of the contemporary world with events just getting worse
'til you expect the inevitable disaster to open up. Then Sinclair manages to
take the govt's own directive and turn it on its ear to give the workers what
they want, need and deserve! Then after all that he finagles a resolution to
G'Kar's plight. What a man.
gayle
From: gkarfan@webtv.net (Tammy Smith)
I liked Believers because it doesn't have any easy answers. If Franklin saves Shon,
he goes against the parents' religious beliefs. If he doesn't, the child will die.
The fact that the parents kill Shon after Franklin saves him is a shocker. At that
point, I knew B5 wouldn't be like other series.
From: tuckbros@crunet.com (Gary Tuck and Mike Tuck)
In answer to your
question, my favorite B5 first season episode is "A VOICE IN THE WILDERNESS"
Part 1 & 2. (I chose both parts because I can't really remember which part
was better, I think both were equally good.) When B5 first started, in my
opinion, it was only fair. I liked it enough to watch it every week but it
usually only had so-so episodes (with a few that were pretty good) up until "A
Voice...". This was the first really good episode of many to follow for the
series (I think it's best seasons were the 3rd and the 4th). This episode did
something that I had wanted to see on the series: go to an alien planet (with
good CGI effects) and explore it. (If I remember right, up until this episode,
they were focused only on the station and didn't show any other planets (they
just talked about them)). This episode brought about a sense of wonder and fun
that had been missing from most science fiction for a long time (the things that
seem to be missing from all of the current Star Trek series). Plus, in the first
part it posed a mystery (the vanishing hologram of the alien) which is always
welcome in any type of show and introduced an element of the show (The Great
Machine and Draal) that would recur later in the series. Also, it was the first
two-parter of the series (a cliffhanger almost always makes a show more
interesting). A good, fun episode with colorful CGI effects; what more could you
ask for?
From: Jobsie@webtv.net (Misty Ralston)
My favorite 1st season episode is....Eyes. I love the scenes w/Michael
and Lennier(especially when Gar says "if I kill him it'll start a war)
and the whole motorcycle thing. I found it so hysterical when Lennier
finished it. It was also great to see Sinclair stick up for his
staff(Ivanova) and poor Gray follow Ivanova everywhere to get her to
notice him. All in all a great episode!
Shine Bright!!! Jobsie
Last week's topic:
What in everyday life has reminded you of Babylon 5?
Date: Sept. 8, 1999 From: jsempier@home.com
To my surprise, in the last episode of Crusade, seeing Richard Biggs brought
a flood of memories, all good I might add, back to me! In a flash, as I watched
him reprising his role of Dr. Stephen Franklin, I just begain reminiscing about
how it all began. Though it seems so long ago now, I remembered so many things
like they had just happened yesterday. It really put a smile on my face, though
there was some sadness because it also reminded me of how much I miss Babylon 5,
and how fast those 5 years seemed to go by. Sometimes, you want it back. You
want it to go on, bringing more value to your life in the many lessons that were
there for us to see, and learn from. All the feelings Babylon 5 brought to us
were genuine and real. It was comfortable there for us, on that station and it's
absence has left a void like saying good-bye to an old friend would. I am very
grateful for those things that bring all those memories back, and am always
looking for the smallest opportunity to be reminded!
From: Kmcmann@marzetti.com
A picture is worth a thousand words!
From: gkarfan@webtv.net
Where I work reminds me of B5. It's a casino (Londo hung out in a casino),
many different races are there, and people even get into fights!
September 10, 1999
From: Stswfan
What have I seen recently that reminded me of Babylon 5?
Okay, this is going to sound weird, but I was watching a report on Larry
Ellison, CEO of Oracle, on CNNFortune the other night. The more I looked at him,
the more I felt there was something strange about him. Finally, it hit me--the
man has no eyebrows! I immediately thought, "Hmmm, wonder if he's a Minbari in
disguise!" :)
RangerLyn
From: koshka@jps.net
Hi Sandy!
Here's a picture of our Wedding Cake, which says a lot about the discussion
topic! (Thanks Lazer for the photo.)
Our entire wedding reminded us of Babylon 5! My husband, G'Quan, and I
actually met and became friends at thestation.com. We first met at a Babylon 5
convention. So we blame Joe and Babylon 5 for the whole thing!!
For our wedding, we wanted to include as many Babylon 5 references as we
could while still staying within the "traditional" model. My attendants, Raven
and Aurora, were friends we'd also made in the Chat Room. We used the
Declaration of Principles as one of our readings and the Egyptian Blessing as a
prayer. References to God were made instead to the Great Maker. We even included
the Minbari ceremony from "Parliament of Dreams." When it came time for vows, we
were traditional, except we promised to "Obey, after a fashion."
If you can't read the cake in the picture, it says, "G'Quan & Koshka;
David & Barbara; Faith Manages."
And it's true! We had a great time with our wedding; it was very much our own!
All the best,
Koshka
To get your comments listed on the page, drop a note to TheZocalo@aol.com
A picture is worth a thousand words! 
Hi Sandy!