Babylon 5

[Prince Lucianus]

I've been wondering if I should watch this series or not.

Deep space 9 was my favorite Star Trek series and I thought Babylon 5 was somehow similar. Now several people argued against watching it and several in favour.

Anybody have any arguments why I should/shouldn't watch this...

To make my position a bit more logical.... to watch it, I'd have to buy it.

Lucy

 

[Solomon Kane]

Having bought the series myself, I know just how expensive it can be. Having said that, WATCH IT.

Babylon 5 is, imho, one of the greatest sci-fi series ever put on television. While not perfect, but then what is. It was the closest thing you will ever find to a well written novel brought to the screen.

Over the course of the series various characters will overcome their own personal flaws, others will develop their own failings, one character will get everything that he ever wanted and discover just how that can destroy the joy of living. Another character discovers that hate and anger must be set aside if any type of inner peace is to found and finds it more rewarding, though harder, then insulting and scaring those around him.

Concepts of liberty, freedom, and, independence are explored, destroyed, and put back together again.
Sometimes the messages are delivered a bit heavy handed, and the sfx for the first season are a bit sub par. Yet all of it is worth sticking with when the galaxy itself becomes the battleground for a war that has been going on for over millions of years.

What did I like most about the series? Simple, as I stated above, the characters grow and change. In the ST series most of the characters were still the same at the end of their run as they were at the start. In B5 you will see real change.

I don't know if this helped sell you on the series or not. if there is anything specific aboutthe show that you want to know, just ask.

 

[Prince Lucianus]

Okay, Nice piece of work.

I personally enjoyed the inner conflict and problems which became apparent in the DS9 series. The first series were kinda tame, but later humanity shows it can be just as evil as the other races.
It's also the only series with some personal development.

Could you give me a small description of your fav. episode and why it is your favorite.
Would be much obliged.

Lucy

 

[Solomon Kane]

My favorite episode?
That is a much harder question to answer then I first thought.
Off the top of my head I was able to think of about 15 episodes. Each having either scenes or concepts that that resonate throughout the series or concide with my own opinion.

Still, when all is said and done My favorite episode is the final episode of the series. Not because it is the final but, because it recaps all the concepts, feelings, and nobility of the characters. It does not gloss over the trials that they went through. Instead it shows how the actions of yesterday will impact the choices of tomorrow. It shows that any good thing which lasts has to come from struggle and despair. In short, it captures all that is best and worst in humanity.

Here's a little something for you. These are a few quotes from the first two years of the series. They won't make much sense out of context, yet they have meaning to the greater whole of the series. Decide for yourself if these come from a series you would want to watch.

And these .. these phrases you keep speaking in. They don't make any sense."
"Ah, you seek meaning?"
"Yes."
"Then listen to the music, not the song."
-- Kosh and Talia Winters

"What you are asking could be considered treason."
"Or the first step in restoring our people to their rightful place in the galaxy. Depending on who writes the history books. I think it will be us." -- Londo and Lord Refa

"Twenty cycles I stood beside you as one of the Nine. I called many of you friends. And now you call me outcast. You know me. You know I believe in the task that is before us, the Great War that is coming. I have not turned my back on you. In trying to help I have sacrificed all that I was, and all that I am. We can no longer allow ourselves to be separated by names and borders. Our two sides must unite .. or be destroyed. Do not make my sacrifice a vain one. Allow me to finish what I started. In the name of our friendship, for the future of our people, let me remain in Babylon 5." -- Delenn to the Grey Council

"Unacceptable! What a sad thing you are. Unable to answer even such a simple question without falling back on references, and genealogies and what other people call you. Have you nothing of your own? Nothing to stand on that is not provided, defined, delineated, stamped, sanctioned, numbered, and approved by others? How can you expected to fight for someone else when you haven't the fairest idea who you are?" -- Sebastian to Delenn

 

[Prince Lucianus]

Thanks Solomon.

You convinced me and I'll buy the first series in the near future.
I'll hold you personaly responsible for any boring minutes when I'm watching it

Lucy

 

[Solomon Kane]

I will accept all the blame if you do not find the material presented in the 1st season a worthy foundation for buying the 2nd season.

 

[Prince Lucianus]

I'm gonna buy series 1 on tuesday.

So, your scale will be in the balance for the next two weeks..........I gather.

Lucy

 

[slamminsam]

This is a good thread, guys!
I loved this show! I even cried watching the final episode. To me, this was the best Sci-Fi show of the 90's; better than the new Star Treks even. (WAY better than DS9). The writing is so far above any other series I've seen.
Religion-wise, it has some points about it that are New Agey and some that are Secular Humanist. It also puts Judaism and esp. Christianity in a very good light.
I wish it was being aired now, but get the DVDs if you can afford them!
I'm too broke-I have only Season 1 right now.
BTW, I hear they're releasing a new direct-to-video follow up movie soon.