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Babylon 5: Vote for Keffer in "most pointless main character" category...
Idoliside
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Registered User regular
A brilliant science fiction show with long arcs and big storyline's. The lack of standalone episodes make this a very unique show.
Viewing GuideTheFish wrote:Dear God DO NOT watch "In the Beginning" first! It may be the earliest in the timeline, but to appreciate it properly you need to understand the events surrounding it. It has major spoilers for season 1, and gives away a lot of stuff later on as well. Watch it after S4.
Rough Viewing Guide
- The Gathering (pilot movie)
- Seasons 1-3
- Season 4 ep1-8
- Thirdspace - takes place just after the first scene in 4x09, but it's mostly a standalone story, so you can watch it later if you wantStop watching after the new chief gets his uniform- Rest of S4
- In The Beginning
- Season 5
- River of Souls is set about halfway through S5 I think, but I forget exactly when, and I don't think it matters exactly.
That's the end of the main B5 arc. After that you can watch the Crusade spin-off if you want. Start with the movie "A Call To Arms", then the episodes. Because of meddling by TNT they were originally broadcast out of order, and a few scenes were moved from one episode to another which sort of screws a few little thing up. The original intended order is:
#9 - Racing the Night
#11 - The Needs of Earth
#10 - The Memory of War
#2 - The Long Road
#12 - Visitors from Down the Street
#3 - The Well of Forever
#13 - Each Night I Dream of Home
#5 - Patterns of the Soul
#4 - The Path of Sorrows
#6 - Ruling from the Tomb
#7 - The Rules of the Game
#1 - War Zone
#8 - Appearances and Other Deceits
More Complex Viewing Guide (includes episode re-arrangements)
Season 1
* 1x00: The Gathering
* 1x01: Midnight on the Firing Line
* 1x02: Soul Hunter
* 1x03: Born to the Purple
* 1x04: Infection
* 1x05: The Parliament of Dreams
* 1x06: Mind War
* 1x07: The War Prayer
* 1x08: And the Sky Full of Stars
* 1x09: Deathwalker
* 1x10: Believers
* 1x11: Survivors
* 1x12: By Any Means Necessary
* 1x13: Signs and Portents
* 1x15: Grail
* 1x16: Eyes
* 1x18: A Voice in the Wilderness (1)
* 1x19: A Voice in the Wilderness (2)
* 1x20: Babylon Squared
* 1x21: The Quality of Mercy
* 1x14: TKO
* 1x17: Legacies
* 1x22: Chrysalis
Season 2
* 2x01: Points of Departure
* 2x02: Revelations
* 2x03: The Geometry of Shadows
* 2x04: A Distant Star
* 2x05: The Long Dark
* 2x06: Spider in the Web
* 2x08: A Race Through Dark Places
* 2x07: Soul Mates
* 2x09: The Coming of Shadows
* 2x10: GROPOS
* 2x11: All Alone in the Night
* 2x12: Acts of Sacrifice
* 2x13: Hunter, Prey
* 2x14: There All the Honor Lies
* 2x15: And Now for a Word
* 2x17: Knives
* 2x16: In the Shadow of Z’ha’dum
* 2x18: Confessions and Lamentations
* 2x19: Divided Loyalties
* 2x20: The Long Twilight Struggle
* 2x21: Comes the Inquisitor
* 2x22: The Fall of Night
Season 3
* 3x01: Matters of Honor
* 3x02: Convictions
* 3x03: A Day in the Strife
* 3x04: Passing Through Gethsemane
* 3x05: Voices of Authority
* 3x06: Dust to Dust
* 3x07: Exogenesis
* 3x08: Messages from Earth (1)
* 3x09: Point of No Return (2)
* 3x10: Severed Dreams (3)
* 3x11: Ceremonies of Light and Dark
* 3x13: A Late Delivery from Avalon
* 3x12: Sic Transit Vir
* 3x14: Ship of Tears
* 3x15: Interludes and Examinations
* 3x18: Walkabout
* 3x16: War Without End (1)
* 3x17: War Without End (2)
* 3x19: Grey 17 Is Missing
* 3x20: And the Rock Cried Out, No Hiding Place
* 3x21: Shadow Dancing
* 3x22: Z’ha’dum
Season 4
* 4x01: The Hour of the Wolf
* 4x02: What Ever Happened to Mr. Garibaldi?
* 4x03: The Summoning
* 4x04: Falling Towards Apotheosis
* 4x05: The Long Night
* 4x06: Into the Fire
* 4x07: Epiphanies
* 4x08: The Illusion of Truth
* Movie: Thirdspace
* 4x09: Atonement
* 4x10: Racing Mars
* 4x11: Lines of Communication
* 4x12: Conflicts of Interest
* 4x13: Rumors, Bargains and Lies
* 4x14: Moments of Transition
* 4x15: No Surrender, No Retreat
* 4x16: Exercise of Vital Powers
* 4x17: The Face of the Enemy
* 4x18: Intersections in Real Time
* 4x19: Between the Darkness and the Light
* 4x20: Endgame
* 4x21: Rising Star
* 4x22: The Deconstruction of Falling Stars
* Movie: In the Beginning
Season 5
* 5x01: No Compromises
* 5x02: The Very Long Night of Londo Mollari
* 5x03: The Paragon of Animals
* 5x04: A View from the Gallery
* 5x05: Learning Curve
* 5x06: Strange Relations
* 5x07: Secrets of the Soul
* 5x09: In the Kingdom of the Blind
* 5x10: A Tragedy of Telepaths
* 5x11: Phoenix Rising
* 5x12: The Ragged Edge
* 5x08: Day of the Dead
* 5x13: The Corps Is Mother, the Corps Is Father
* 5x14: Meditations on the Abyss
* 5x15: Darkness Ascending
* 5x16: And All My Dreams Torn Asunder
* 5x17: Movements of Fire and Shadow (1)
* 5x18: The Fall of Centauri Prime (2)
* 5x19: The Wheel of Fire
* 5x20: Objects in Motion
* 5x21: Objects at Rest
* Movie: River of Souls
* Movie: The Legend of the Rangers
* Movie: A Call to Arms
The rest
* 5x22: Sleeping in Light
* 6x01: The Lost Tales; Voices in the Dark
Characters (from the Lurkers Guide To Babylon 5)
Commander Jeffrey Sinclair - Michael O'Hare (Season 1, Guest in Seasons 2-3)
The commander of Babylon 5 and representative of the Earth Alliance. A survivor of the climactic Battle of the Line at the end of the Earth-Minbari War, Sinclair sometimes yearns for his days as a hotshot fighter pilot, and partially for that reason, he's given to taking unnecessary personal risks. He's uncomfortable in his position and in fact isn't entirely sure why he was given command of such a major post and made a high-level diplomat; his stiff demeanor is perhaps due to a fear that he isn't up to the job he's been given. Sinclair was born on Mars Colony and is 39 years old.
Captain John Sheridan - Bruce Boxleitner (Season 2-5)
The commander of Babylon 5 and representative of the Earth Alliance. One of Earth's few war heros, Sheridan scored the only major victory against the Minbari during the war, something which has earned him the hatred of the Minbari warrior caste. Generally jovial, occasionally serious, Sheridan was hand-picked by the President to replace Sinclair. Sheridan is still recovering from the loss of his wife Anna, who died on an alien archaeological dig. Most of his career has been spent aboard starships; he's still in the process of getting used to being the head of what is essentially a small city in space. Sheridan and Ivanova have served together in the past.
Lt. Commander Susan Ivanova - Claudia Christian (Season 1-4)
Second in command and in charge of the day-to-day operations of Babylon 5, Ivanova is an ambitious career officer. She can be quirky or pessimistic at times, but she has a dry sense of humor that shows itself in the rare moments she is able to relax among others. Born in St. Petersburg, Russia, and raised abroad on Earth, she has a strong dislike for the Psi-Corps, whose legally-mandated drug treatments drove her mother to suicide after it was discovered her mother was a latent telepath. She is new on the station and often buries herself in her work; her friends are few and her family is all but gone.
Security Chief Michael Garibaldi - Jerry Doyle (Season 1-5)
In charge of security on Babylon 5. He has a troubled past, bouncing from position to position and trying to overcome alcoholism. He was picked by Sinclair for the job; the two worked together in the past. Sinclair knew that Garibaldi would be persistent, not willing to give in to political pressures -- in Sinclair's words, "a pain in the ass." Garibaldi is something of a smart-aleck, always ready to crack a joke, but given to bouts of self-doubt and introspection when nobody's looking.
Talia Winters - Andrea Thompson (Season 1-2)
Babylon 5's resident telepath, on her first solo assignment, with level 5 psi rating, bound by the rules and regulations of the Psi Corps. She sells her telepathic services to businessmen, and occasionally assists Sinclair in negotiations. Talia was raised and trained by the Psi Corps, meaning that that organization is her family.
Dr. Stephen Franklin - Richard Biggs (Season 1-5)
Dedicated and assured, a specialist in xenobiology (alien biology,) and in charge of Medlab on Babylon 5. His background is mainly in experimental medicine, so his bedside manner is occasionally not what it should be. His strong sense of personal morality is at times in conflict with his duties as the chief medical provider for aliens from hundreds of worlds and cultures, some of whom view his obligations rather differently. In his middle thirties now, he spent years hitchhiking through space, offering his doctoral services in exchange for the opportunity to examine new life forms.
Ambassador Londo Mollari - Peter Jurasik (Season 1-5)
The representative of the Centauri Republic. Londo views Babylon 5's mission as something of a sham, with limited chance of helping his people regain their lost glory and sense of purpose. His assignment on Babylon 5 is not considered an important position, in spite of the high status that his regalia and high-standing hair would indicate. A war hero in his younger days, he has since grown decadent and indulgent. Londo can often be found in one of the station's bars or casinos, drinking himself to oblivion. He has a biting, cynical sense of humor. Perhaps his only real friend is Garibaldi, who understands something of what Londo has been through.
Ambassador Delenn - Mira Furlan (Season 1-5)
Represents the Minbari Federation. Delenn is a member of the highest Minbari governmental body, the Grey Council, and why she's masquerading as a lowly ambassador is one of the ongoing mysteries of Babylon 5. A member of the religious caste, Delenn's belief in fate and destiny is often evident. She is fascinated by humans and tries to learn all about them; some say she is suspiciously watchful of Commander Sinclair.
Ambassador G'Kar - Andreas Katsulas (Season 1-5)
The representative of the Narn Regime rose to his position in part thanks to his wife's renown as a hero of the revolutionary war against the Centauri, but his own ambition and ability are more than equal to the job. G'Kar will waste no opportunity to turn a situation to the Narns' advantage, even if it means antagonizing everyone else on the station. He takes pride in his position and himself, a pride perhaps bordering on arrogance at times. G'Kar would like nothing better than to see the Centauri, and Londo in particular, pay dearly for their brutal occupation of Narn.
Ambassador Kosh Naranek (Season 1-4)
Even less is known about Ambassador Kosh than about his race. He arrived on the station in 2257 and was promptly the victim of a complex assassination plot involving the Minbari and others. He is rarely seen in council meetings, claiming that "we take no interest in the affairs of others," and Vorlons' reasons for coming to Babylon 5 at all are unknown. Kosh communicates through a complex sequence of musical tones, translated into English by a device on his encounter suit. When he speaks, his words are few and sound cryptic, but often have a strange truth to them. Kosh's quarters are filled with a dense atmosphere of methane and other gases; whether he needs it or is using it to make himself less accessible is an open question. Even when he's receiving visitors there, Kosh wears his suit.
Vir Cotto - Stephen Furst (Season 1-5)
Centauri assistant to Londo. Generally timid and unsure of himself, Vir occasionally works up the nerve to confront Londo about the dangerous path he's following by dealing with Morden.
Lennier - Bill Mumy (Season 1-5)
Delenn's aide, fresh out of a monastery on the Minbari homeworld. He reveres Delenn as an almost holy figure and accepts her transformation without question. Still something of an innocent thanks to his isolated upbringing, Lennier is slowly learning the ways of diplomacy.
Lyta Alexander - Patricia Tallman (Season 3-5)
A former Psi Corps telepath -- the first one assigned to the station, in fact. Three years ago she scanned the Vorlon ambassador, an experience that left her forever altered, and eventually led to her role as Ambassador Kosh's aide. Since the death of the original ambassador, Lyta has been less than pleased with her job; his successor is clearly less concerned with her well-being. But she believes in the rightness of the Vorlon cause, so she continues to serve.
Zack Allen - Jeff Conaway (Season 2-5)
One of Garibaldi's lieutenants, Zack is earnest and trustworthy, if not necessarily the brightest person on the station. During Garibaldi's absence, the job of security chief fell to Zack; the authority seemed to give him self-confidence, making him more willing to speak his mind.
Elizabeth Lochley - Tracy Scoggins (Season 5)
Takes over as commander from Susan Ivonova after she leaves.
and a special mention
Bester - Walter Koenig
A Psi-Cop, one of an elite unit of the Psi Corps whose function is to track down rogue telepaths, among other things. Perhaps in part because of his P12 psi rating -- more than twice as high as Lyta's -- he seems to have risen to a position of some importance in the Corps. Bester opposes the Shadow influence on the Corps, and is working behind the scenes to help the Army of Light.
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Bunting, Owls and Cushions! Feecloud DesignsIdoliside on
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[5e] Dural Melairkyn - AC 18 | HP 40 | Melee +5/1d8+3 | Spell +4/DC 12
Yeah, but it doesn't really impact the storyline too much. Just kind of messes with the whole super psychic thing but they fixed it later anyway. Hulu has the first 2 seasons and netflix has the rest, but not for streaming.
Sadly UK, so no streamy streamy.
Unless i play around with an IP diverter or something like that, which i really dont want to tbh
http://video.aol.com/show/babylon-5
Zeeny is right in that it hasn't aged well but that is mostly from what I call "old school" TV directing (TV directing / camerawork has definitely changed in the last 10-15 years, for the better).
I guess it worth a try for $50 British, though IMO if you're going to tune in the pilot and the first season aren't worth watching...you could easily start at season 2 and not miss hardly anything.
Everything else - the acting, the special effects, the costume design - is atrocious.
the "no true scotch man" fallacy.
Well it was an early 90s show. Though Lando is
Currently DMing: None
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[5e] Dural Melairkyn - AC 18 | HP 40 | Melee +5/1d8+3 | Spell +4/DC 12
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCgx-QpkLpE
I watched B5 up to the end of season 4, and stopped. The finale for season 4 just wraps everything up so well, I saw no need to watch season 5.
Please tell me you at least watched the final episode (which was filmed at the end of Season 4).
Brad Dourif for the win
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It was one of the first shows to have over-arching plot. Things that happen in the first season play into the things that happen in the 4th.
Seasons 2, 3 and 4 were some of the best TV I ever saw at the time. Don't know how they hold up now, but they were ace.
The 5th season was commisioned after they finished the story they had to tell. So didn't work very well at all.
2009 is a year of Updates - one every Monday. Hopefully. xx
The only B5 I've seen was the most recent, knights of whatever with the technomage or whatever.
It doesn't seem like there's much story or anything, but I really want to like it though.
Listen not to this man. S5, especially the back half of it, contains some of the series best parts.
This is also wrong on both counts. S5 was planned from the start. S4 was compressed and S5 lengthened because of the threat of cancellation, but that's it.
I've also seen some of the later episodes here and there, though, and I fully believe that it gets better. I still need to watch through one of these days.
Enlist in Star Citizen! Citizenship must be earned!
Yeah. I think the main strength of B5 is the story arc, but almost all of season one is "this week on Babylon 5" random adventure-type stuff.
What.
There are some actors who are pretty bad. But there are also some actors who are really, really good. Especially later on once they settle into their characters.
Londo, Ivanova, G'Kar, and Garibaldi are probably the best.
The special effects are dated but they were pretty revolutionary and awesome at the time.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZ66wHRhe2U
Judging from the list in the OP, Babylon 5 would fit in just fine. As mentioned above Season 1 is kind of rough, but 2, 3 and 4 are outstanding fun. I'm sure most anyone could find a character or two to carry them through the set.
There is the arc of exploring Sinclair's backstory and the Earth-Minbari war.
Also, Straczynski had detailed history for 100 years on either side of the series before he even started and the broad strokes for a several thousand years on either side. It shows what can happen when you plan ahead of time
If you want a comparison... Star Trek, especially Next Generation (which I love), is more single episode based with only a few story threads winding through the whole show. The B-5 story line is so intertwined and wound together it's almost impossible to start watching anywhere but the first season. So much that happens is referenced or important later in the show. It's important to know what came before to fully understand what happens later.
I love that about B-5. It adds immense depth to the stories and characters. You watch some characters grow and some go from light hearted to tragic figures over the course of the seasons. You don’t get that with every sci-fi show.
Some of the movies based on the show are good, and some are flat out terrible.
Overall, I'm a huge B-5 believer.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-Yvk2xfPbU&NR=1
See how many books I've read so far in 2010
Hated Zack, he just never clicked for me.
pleasepaypreacher.net
*Waves his fingers*
pleasepaypreacher.net
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0n2vurSBIQ
"My feet hurt, but I no longer know how to dance." Or something similar. I've even used that in conversation before that wasn't geeky.
pleasepaypreacher.net
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYKloZRwLu4&
Ain't No Hiding Place Down Here
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXmShl05Dlk
Garibaldi has also got to be the most screwed over character of all time. Everyone has at one point or another betrayed him, sent him to die or messed with his brain in one way or another. The guy just can't catch a break.
"Because I have asked you to, and because your loyalty to our people should be greater than your ambition, and because I have poisoned your drink."