In the year 2258, it is ten years after the Earth-Minbari War. Commander Sinclair takes command of a giant five-mile-long cylindrical space station, orbiting a planet in neutral space. At a crossroads of interstellar commerce and diplomacy, Cmdr Sinclair (2d season Captain Sheridan) must try to establish peace and prosperity between various interstellar empires, all the while fighting forces from within the Earth Alliance. It is a precarious command, particularly given that sabotage led to the destruction of Babylon stations 1, 2, and 3 and 4 vanished without trace. In the mid 23rd Century, the Earth Alliance space station Babylon 5, located in neutral territory, is a major focal point for political intrigue, racial tensions and various wars over the course of five years. Babylon 5 proved to be the greatest sci-fi saga ever on television. Unlike the episodic nature of Star Trek, this is a complete saga, with a beginning, middle and end. It was such a treat to watch the series unfold, and see how even the smallest event could have repercussions down the road. It followed in the tradition of great science fiction sagas; like the Foundation series, the Lensmen saga, and the Lord of the Rings. But, it was not about special effects and strange aliens; it was about the characters, their relationships, and their growth through the events of the story. Characters came and went, but they were rarely throw-aways.<br/><br/>The writing was first rate, most of it coming from series creator Joe Straczynski. He wrote most of the episodes for the first two seasons, and all but one episode for the final three seasons. His dialogue is superb, even if he was forced to use "hell" far too much. Network restrictions forced some taming of language, but it was a minor distraction.<br/><br/>The alien races were all distinct. On Star Trek, you had a tendency to make the aliens, and their ships, look pretty much the same. On B5, each race had a distinct look, mode of dress, and design aesthetic. Mimbari ships did not look like Centauri or Narn ships; and nothing looked like the Vorlon or Shadow vessels. There were degrees of technology, with some races more advanced than others. There were cultural and religious differences, as well as political clashes.<br/><br/>The series bore a closer resemblance to reality. Star Trek is a more utopian view of the future, which is fine, and reflects a certain viewpoint. B5 takes the view that mankind will grow in the future, but never fully escapes his prejudices and fears. Earth may achieve racial unity, but when outsiders appear, fear brings up man's worst traits. But, there are those who rise above and try to bring a better universe. B5 is about dealing with our fears and weaknesses and striving to move beyond them. Star Trek presented an idea of infinite diversity in infinite combinations, and B5 presents a similar message; but in a different fashion.<br/><br/>Despite it's much smaller budget, B5 was able to present a fully realized universe. Through ingenuous use of virtual sets, to CGI space scenes, they were able to present a complete world. The CGI is rarely distracting and always in service of the story.<br/><br/>The cast was outstanding, with Mira Furlan, Andreas Katsulas, and Peter Jurasik as special standouts. These actors bring tremendous gifts to their characters, and their work is stunning. Katsulas brings tremendous power to the speaches of G'Kar, and deep thought to the complex character. Furlan evokes wisdom and compassion, as well as a fiery passion when pushed too far. Jurasik fills Londo with humor and pathos, strength and weakness, light and darkness. Londo is the tragic figure of the show.<br/><br/>The other actors more than hold their own with these powerhouses, with Bill Mumy and Stephen Furst given a chance to move beyond their cult status (Lost in Space and Animal House, respectively). Mumy's Lenier is a thoughtful and inquisitive figure, who is torn between duty and love. Furst's Vir begins as a scared, bumbling figure, who grows into a tower of strength by the end of the saga. It's these secondary characters who set Babylon 5 apart from other sci-fi shows.<br/><br/>Mild Spoilers- The show is filled with memorable moments; in visuals, dialogue, performance, comedy, drama, and romance. My personal favorites are the first appearance of the Shadows, any scene with Bester, the techno-mages, the arrival of Delenn's fleet, when the station is attacked by Earth; the battle with Shadow forces, Sheridan's interrogation and torture, the final battle to free Earth, the goodbyes, and the warmth of the final episode. I was especially moved in "Objects at Rest", when Sheridan salutes the station, while Capt. Lockley salutes his ship. The music and the performances evoke great emotion. "Sleeping in Light" is the perfect bitter-sweet finale. It brings a smile, and reduces you to tears at the same time. It is a fitting farewell to all involved. Babylon 5 was that special series that grew beyond its humble beginnings. It was dismissed as a Star Trek rip-off by some, ignored by many. No one believed that you could tell a five year story on television. In the words of Joe Straczynski, "Faith manages." When Babylon 5 started in Germany, all I knew was Star Trek. Especially Deep Space Nine what was really big. But I was fed up with the semi-continuously plot. Dominian fights, great, but then two episodes about Sissy Sisko and Quark and whoever. In Babylon 5, they had a story line. They developed a story that caught me from the first minute. Every episode I was unable to see went on tape. As a real fan, you understand why the characters act that way. You get an ultimate picture of what it is all about, a lot of rumers, hints that are explained later in the series.<br/><br/>The Series arouses questions about the meaning of life, the question why we are here, about the universe etc.<br/><br/>My Sci-Fi life nearly ended with the end of Babylon 5.<br/><br/> ***** out of *****
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295 weeks ago