Niners Unite...around Babylon 5! - The Lost Threads

The circumstances that combined to allow B5 to be so much of JMS's own vision were something that's not likely to happen again. And business execs aren't going to change and the trend will unfortunately they'll always be catering to the lowest common denominator.

That said, creative folks are still working to get quality out there. Late last year JMS wrote about a proposed TV show that he and some others had put out for auction:

Jan

 

^^
So, Jan, has anything come of this idea since the strike is now over?

 

He didn't mention anything about it at the San Francisco convention a couple of weeks ago, Hirogen Alpha. Well, possibly connected is that he is forming his own production company but I don't know for sure. If we don't hear anything before, I'll try to remember to ask him at the Seattle con in May.

For those interested in the projects JMS did talk about, my convention report is here. Apologies in advance if it's bad form to link to other forums.

Jan

 

^^
Thanks for the report, Jan. I'm excited about World War Z (though I couldn't care less about Silver Surfer). And the lack of movement on further Lost Tales is a little annoying, but I assume we'll get some sort of word sometime soon...

 

It was quiet...too quiet... Isn't anybody watching any B5 at the moment? Word should be coming out shortly about ordering the final, 14th volume of the B5 script books.

Jan

 

I would like to join the discussion, and introduce myself by way of one of my favorite quotes (please to forgiving the foggy memory of aging the brain):

"Repeat after me the Babylon 5 Mantra !! 'Ivanova is God. i will listen to Commander Ivanova. I will follow Ivanova's orders!' And if you ever try anything like that again, I will personally rip your lungs out ! Ivanova out."

 

My watch-through with my roommate (1 episode per night, most nights) just passed No Compromises.

 

Any reactions from your roommate to pass along about anything s/he's seen so far, Lindley?

Hi, S'kai. That's a favorite quote of mine, too.

Jan

 

I left my DVDs at home, and have been pretty much without any free time besides a few minutes here or there on these boards the past month or so.

I hope that script book gets delayed, myself. I have volumes, 1, 10, 12, and 13, but certainly won't be able to afford 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, and 14 in order to get volume 15 if it hits the proverbial shelves in May.

 

Neroon's a little excited so here's the link to order your volume 15.

Read the whole page for information about filling out your Proof of Purchase form...when the books will ship...why it won't be right away...and (IMO) some very cool extras that have been added.

Jan

 

Well, he's enjoyed the whole thing pretty much so far. I haven't warned him about Byron; his initial reaction to his appearance in No Compromises was noncommittal, but he recognized that the telepath colony was a bad idea due to Deconstruction.

Given his positive reaction even to some of the weaker episodes of Stargate SG-1, I doubt he'll find Byron quite as distasteful as some others do.

 

Sounds like fun. Elements such as 'the power of one mind to change the universe' or story elements like the wars and alliances?

Jan

 

Most critical element for me: Action scenes in which random thugs use martial arts. Didn't one of the guys chasing Marcus in the teaser for "Messages from Earth" actually pull out nunchucks or something? Lol.

No seriously, I'd offer suggestions, but I'd like to hear (er, read) the answer to Jan's question: Can you be more specific about what you mean by "the essential elements"?

 

I just completed my first viewing of the five seasons of B5 on Monday. It was quite a ride, to say the least. Here are some of my random thoughts about the show:

The characters are the best thing about the show. My favorites are G'Kar, Londo, Vir, Ivanova, Marcus, and Garibaldi, although I like almost everyone.

I love the first season, and I would rather watch Sinclair than Sheridan.

The fifth season is a mixed bag, although I understand the reasons now after listening to the commentaries. The Byron plot is not bad, but it needed some refining. What brings it down is that we lose Ivanova and Marcus and get Lochley in return.

I didn't cry during "Sleeping in Light," but I came close during the montage of the cast with their beginning and ending photos.

I don't feel I'm missing much by skipping the B5 telefilms boxed set, The Lost Tales, Crusade, or The Legend of the Rangers. All of the essentials are in the show. That said, I am very interested in the novels, and I plan to read all of them, unless any are hated to the level of Planet of Twilight or The Crystal Star from the Star Wars novels.

I don't have a favorite episode, but a few that I really enjoyed are "Signs and Portents," "The Geometry of Shadows," "Into the Fire," and "Endgame."

I look forward to further discussions in this forum and GSF&F.