tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13727952.post3537076373794386274..comments2024-03-29T06:56:12.797-04:00Comments on Doux Reviews: Babylon 5: Series ReviewBillie Douxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17141769005175631213noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13727952.post-13042765807821530632023-06-09T08:45:00.414-04:002023-06-09T08:45:00.414-04:00I hoped this series would be covered here, as I sc...I hoped this series would be covered here, as I scour the site for stuff to discuss to help with engagement! <br /><br />I loved this show, and was annoyed we got such a truncated ending. I loved how certain characters went from hated to loved and vice-versa, the interplay of personal relationships and galactic politics, and to be honest, the great performances of the cast and the way the show was written. It was so good and while I did also enjoy DS9, and especially Avery Brooks as captain Sisko, I preferred Bablyon 5.<br /><br />I used to have the war game; Babylon 5 Wars too, although most of it was lost in an emergency move. Not as complex as Star Fleet Battles, but still had enough rules to turn folks off, but it was a good game.<br /><br />The reboot hasn't happened yet as far as I can tell? I only learned a couple years ago that they redid Battlestar Galactica, a show from my childhood (along with Buck Rogers), so wouldn't be surprised if I missed this too, but looking it up, it hasn't actually been broadcast yet. May have to check it out when it does.Morellahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08852528242739450099noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13727952.post-33962548948426009812021-10-01T11:58:18.323-04:002021-10-01T11:58:18.323-04:00I'm definitely curious to see what JMS can do ...I'm definitely curious to see what JMS can do with a B5 reboot. The original certainly had its flaws, but it also had some impressive storytelling. If I recall correctly, CW has a pretty good rep for not cancelling shows too quickly so it might suit his penchant for long-form storytelling. <br /><br />What I'm most looking forward to is seeing a version of B5 with better production values. It wasn't just the CGI, but even the sets felt cheap. I know it's not fair as the two shows probably had very different budgets, but when B5 and DS9 were airing against each other, the difference in production quality was striking. If I imagine what the storytelling of Babylon 5 could look like with the production quality of something closer to The Expanse than what we originally got, yeah that's something I could get excited about.Patrickhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03943327351499919454noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13727952.post-11680818106812585182021-10-01T09:42:59.439-04:002021-10-01T09:42:59.439-04:00Mark, I'm thrilled that JMS has another shot a...Mark, I'm thrilled that JMS has another shot at making the show he wanted to make. I'm absolutely on board, and we absolutely have to cover it here.<br /><br />And I'm also sad that so many of the original cast members have passed away. I did a rewatch recently and couldn't stop thinking about it. Billie Douxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17141769005175631213noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13727952.post-49694736426371612122021-10-01T06:29:53.449-04:002021-10-01T06:29:53.449-04:00Babylon 5, more than most other TV shows, has a lo...Babylon 5, more than most other TV shows, has a lot of potential for a reboot since a lot of its biggest issues weren't quite the show's fault. Between the actor departures, the near cancelation of Season 4, and the CGI that looked good at the time but aged horribly, it definitely didn't have the easiest production.<br /><br />While I trust JMS, the reboot could go either way in terms of quality, but I'd really like to see a Babylon 5 without all the production issues the original had, so we could see the whole series as JMS initially intended.CelStudioshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13789188290026471568noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13727952.post-85745092793896169202021-10-01T04:47:48.979-04:002021-10-01T04:47:48.979-04:00As I'm sure everyone has heard by now, B5 is g...As I'm sure everyone has heard by now, B5 is getting a reboot, with JMS returning to write and oversee the show, but on the CW, which in roundabout way is where is started since the CW is made up of the two networks (WB and UPN) that were born out of the demise of PTEN, B5's original home. <br /><br />JMS talked about this in detail on his twitter and remain cautiously optimistic. B5 was going to get a reboot eventually, because now is rebooted, but at least this one will be in the hands of someone who we know will take special care of it. <br /><br />I am curious to see how different the new B5 will be from the old one. I expect it have much shorter seasons so hopefully there'll be fewer filler eps. JMS described this as a reboot from the ground up, so we might just get the same basic concept, but with whole new characters and story arcs. I think that would be best rather than trying to find new actors to take on such iconic roles as Londo and G'Kar. <br /><br />Of course, it is possibly that JMS could just go back to a lot of the ideas that had to change for various reasons. Will this be a B5 where Sinclair doesn't leave after the first season? Will Susan and Talia get to be an actual on screen couple? Will we get to see the original traitor plot line play out? And will the CW's inability to cancel anything no matter how dire the ratings (Dynasty) mean we won't see parts of the five year play wrapped up too early?<br /><br />We will just have to wait and see. It is just such a shame that so many of the original cast are no longer around for cameos. Mark Greighttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12984193299389764649noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13727952.post-33357743848851840612020-04-11T11:34:02.806-04:002020-04-11T11:34:02.806-04:00So many fond memories of B5 - yes, there were some...So many fond memories of B5 - yes, there were some groan worthy episodes, but it was an incredibly ambitious show overall, well before its time really.<br /><br />When B5 was good, it was very very good, and for the most part it was.<br /><br />I loved ST:TNG but B5 could put it in the shade a lot of the time (and ST:TNG and the other spin-offs have their fair share of bad episodes too, just look at Disco lol).<br /><br />JMS was quite good at cycle arcs - the juxtaposition of G’Kar and Londo for example, as one rose, the other fell and vice versa. It gave the show a epic feel.<br /><br />I quite liked Day of the Dead though, for the return of Mr Morden and his reckoning with Vir Cotto (another fabulous character, who evolved from more than just the comic relief role he began with). It was something more than just filler.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13727952.post-81290826312441023712016-10-16T07:27:36.262-04:002016-10-16T07:27:36.262-04:00Just finished rewatching from start to finish... d...Just finished rewatching from start to finish... definitely plenty of cheese but the high points more than make up for that. At times it wss deeply thought-provoking and moving tv.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13727952.post-84777819075316245662015-08-18T13:46:15.269-04:002015-08-18T13:46:15.269-04:00What a great read, Mark. Such a nice stroll down m...What a great read, Mark. Such a nice stroll down memory lane. Not just the reminder of what happened in the series, but the reminder of how I reacted to it. This show was one of my earliest hardcore obsessions (along with <i>The X-Files</i>). I <i>loved</i> reading the message boards and the Lurker's Guide to B5! So much depth and detail to ponder. Such incredible payoff for the unanswered questions and long-simmering plot threads. And, as others have noted, so many great characters and pairings, particularly Sheridan and Delenn, Londo and G'Kar, and the glorious Susan Ivanova. <br /><br />The middle was definitely the best part. I watched the show as it aired back in the day, but then later watched it on DVD with my husband for his first viewing. Once we got into Seasons 2, 3, and 4, we would end up glued to the couch for hours, binging through 3-4 episodes at a time in the evenings (probably the only time he has ever binged a show that way). We just couldn't stop watching some nights! I was intensely jealous when we got to that killer S3 finale, and the husband just got to immediately pop in S4, Disc 1 for resolution. (I had to wait at least a whole summer to find out what came next!) S5 was rather a letdown after the intense ride of S3 and S4, both from a plotting and character aspect, but I did love that series finale. So many tears, as Arie says.<br /><br />Thanks for highlighting this wonderful, ground-breaking series, Mark. It was and remains one of our favorites around here, and I encourage everyone to give it a try, even if some aspects seem dated and clunky now. As Mark and others note, the first season can be very tough to push through --- I had to repeatedly tell my husband during his first viewing "I swear it gets better! I swear! Just trust me!" --- but it is ultimately worth it.Jess Lyndehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14165015932507376656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13727952.post-11968440535504063992015-08-05T11:17:18.574-04:002015-08-05T11:17:18.574-04:00Hi, one of your German readers here. Back then I w...Hi, one of your German readers here. Back then I was actually a big fan of DS9 and totally ignored B5. I watched it for the first time last year and loved it so much that I purchased the complete box and watch it again at the moment. As a writer myself I'm sometimes just plain jealous of the complex arcs and the wonderful storytelling. :)Jeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06277216312902153863noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13727952.post-61215226587647260092015-08-04T08:27:09.068-04:002015-08-04T08:27:09.068-04:00I watched this show a couple of years ago, and I w...I watched this show a couple of years ago, and I was simply stunned at the 3-4 years story arcs, politics, etc. Amazing show! I don't really remember that the last season was that bad, but I remember you have to struggle through the first season to get to the awesome. Kind of like Farscape, where the first season (and a half) are really boring before kicking in.<br /><br />How do DS9 and Voyager compare with it? I never dared starting those because of how many seasons they are...Kaynenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13727952.post-69053513653966585752015-08-04T06:57:55.276-04:002015-08-04T06:57:55.276-04:00TJ, when B5 started airing, I thought it was awful...TJ, when B5 started airing, I thought it was awful and I gave up on it early. And then I was at a con where a guy from the crew was telling everyone to hang in until 'Chrysalis', because 'Chrysalis' was awesome. He was right, and it was.Billie Douxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17141769005175631213noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13727952.post-25552704606265901532015-08-03T23:48:47.303-04:002015-08-03T23:48:47.303-04:00This is it. My big project. The project I've s...This is it. My big project. The project I've started before but failed. It's Babylon 5.<br /><br />I know I must see this show...I just know it. But the last time I tried I think I kinda lost interest by the 5th-6th ep or something...<br /><br />So, the first season is weak at the beginning? When does it kick in? I think I need a map here...<br /><br />(I haven't read the above review, the answer might be there, but I don't want any spoilers). I just want to know what the struggle-rate is for this show. Is it 10 eps? 20? 30?<br /><br />TJnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13727952.post-62751366516949179472015-08-03T09:26:20.936-04:002015-08-03T09:26:20.936-04:00And the writing. When the show was great, the writ...And the writing. When the show was great, the writing was beyond excellence, something you'd quote somewhere. Remember G'Kar's light on the wall speech?JRShttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02485752215710916988noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13727952.post-61087208881242144092015-08-02T08:18:34.019-04:002015-08-02T08:18:34.019-04:00I'm a big B5 fan, and I think JMS was one of t...I'm a big B5 fan, and I think JMS was one of the first show creators to be responsive to the internet and to share details and information about the creating process with fans. Bruce Boxleitner was an excellent actor, and it is worth mentioning Mira Furlan was one of the finest actors in her native Croatia before immigrating to the US. Sheridan and Delenn were my favourite couple. :) Londo and G'Kar were awesome as well, and I was sad to hear of Andreas Katsulas' passing in 2006. Both actors brought an incredible depth to what were originally quite silly characters. Londo's journey quickly becomes sinister, and there's a terrible inevitableness to watching him move past the point of no return. G'Kar's journey to spiritual leader was well done, and very believeable. <br /><br />While I liked Michael O'Hare in Season 1, Seasons 2, 3, and 4 were easily the best of the series and are still very watchable today. As noted, Season 5 is not great, although the finale is not to be missed. I cry and cry every time. :( Arienoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13727952.post-64756207539155467232015-08-02T05:54:32.093-04:002015-08-02T05:54:32.093-04:00I never got into Babylon 5 very much when it aired...I never got into Babylon 5 very much when it aired, I was definitely more of a Deep Space Nine guy(still am, honestly). Yes, I've heard all the conspiracy theories about DS9 ripping off JMS. All I can say to that is besides the fact that both feature space stations, they're VERY different shows. Later on after B5 was out on DVD, I had a chance to start watching the whole thing, and I found much of it to be enjoyable. Mark, I would definitely agree with your assessment that Seasons 1 and 5 were pretty weak, while 2-4 were what makes the show so beloved. Whenever I go back and re-watch any of the show, I skim through Season 1, and I barely touch Season 5. <br /><br />I think overall, JMS deserves a lot of credit for what he was able to accomplish under difficult circumstances. It would have been interesting to see how the original story played out over 5 years without the rushed climax and mostly filler 5th season. Then again, it sounds like the original plan also called for Sinclair to be around a long longer than he was. When you look at the arc Sheridan goes through, not to mention the brief coda for Sinclair in Season 3, you really have to wonder what JMS' original story arcs actually looked like. I'd love to find out someday what Sinclair's role in the overall story was originally supposed to be.<br /><br />In the end, Babylon 5 did some things very well, had its share of flaws & crappy episodes, and deserves to be remembered at least for its ambition if not always for its execution.Patrickhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03943327351499919454noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13727952.post-32588376282825133212015-08-02T04:25:36.909-04:002015-08-02T04:25:36.909-04:00Wow great overview. I loved Londo and G'Kar...Wow great overview. I loved Londo and G'Kar's double act and Ivanova and all the others. LOL at "gap model telepaths"-yeah nobody liked Byron.<br />I liked Lyta's arc in that season-that was mostly well-done. Ah-Bester-such a great villain. This show was amazing-but not flawless. The Talia-Ivanova stuff broke my heart. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13727952.post-36715142931133255112015-08-01T22:46:35.440-04:002015-08-01T22:46:35.440-04:00As I've told probably everyone who reads revie...As I've told probably everyone who reads reviews here, I was deeply obsessed with <i>Babylon 5</i>, especially during its second and third seasons. JMS did stuff no one had ever done before, or had never done as well before. Like, doing a show on the cheap by using CGI instead of models. (Although that made the show age poorly.) The mature and emotionally satisfying love affair between Sheridan and Delenn. The incredibly intertwined and changing story of Londo and G'Kar, which I still can't think about without getting teary. One of the best heroines on TV (Ivanova). The sheer size of the story arc. It's such a shame that JMS wasn't given a guaranteed fifth season so that he could have ended it the way he had planned. <br /><br />This is a terrific series review, Mark.Billie Douxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17141769005175631213noreply@blogger.com