Babylon 5 first time watching - specific viewing order?

[JirinPanthosa]

Babylon 5 is on Amazon Prime but it's not free with Prime so at the prices I might as well buy a permanent copy. Waiting for a free streaming service or finding some really cheap used full series set.

Yeah, just watch in the order it originally aired, as intended. Watching chronological order is like watching Fire Walk With Me before Twin Peaks.

 

[DigificWriter]

Babylon 5 is on Amazon Prime but it's not free with Prime

Yes, it is.

 

[JirinPanthosa]

Yes, it is.

Last I checked it wasn't, is this new change in last couple days? I will check again.

Edit: You're right. Did this happen in the last week?

 

[bigdaddy]

Last I checked it wasn't, is this new change in last couple days? I will check again.

Edit: You're right. Did this happen in the last week?

Babylon 5 was added to Amazon Prime today. New month, new stuff. Rescue Me and The Waltons were also added.

 

[JirinPanthosa]

Watching The Gathering now. This is my first time watching it since it left Netflix, I think that was like ten years ago.

"He was the last commander" hmm...

I'm noticing the datedness of the effects more than I did before, but ultimately the writing and acting are much more important than tech level of the visuals. Actors in the pilot aren't super-great either, so good thing writing carries it until the better actors show up and figure out their characters more.

 

[Asbo Zaprudder]

Not added to Prime Video in the UK - you still have to pay if you want to watch it.

 

[David cgc]

Watching The Gathering now. This is my first time watching it since it left Netflix, I think that was like ten years ago.

"He was the last commander" hmm...

I'm noticing the datedness of the effects more than I did before, but ultimately the writing and acting are much more important than tech level of the visuals. Actors in the pilot aren't super-great either, so good thing writing carries it until the better actors show up and figure out their characters more.

Yeah, unfortunately, Amazon has the original version of "The Gathering" and not the good version (okay, the better version) that was reedited between season 4 and 5. Dig those awesome guitar riffs and the way it really emphasizes that the bartender in the Zocalo is a space-gorilla.

 

[CorporalClegg]

I actually prefer the original cut. Because it's such an, um, unique experience.

 

[Butters]

Me too. Love the alien zoo, and the Fanfare for a discrete conversation.

Awesome soundtrack.

 

[USS Firefly]

I just noticed Babylon 5 is streaming on Amazon Prime. I've never watched it - not one episode. As per usual with all things science fiction and space opera I am LATE to the party, but I'm embracing it all now.

Two big questions moving forward:
1. Should I watch the TV pilot movie "The Gathering" first? I've read that characters change going into S1, and I can't find it streaming anywhere. Unless I buy the used DVD it seems tough to track down.

2. Other than production order, does anyone have specific viewing orders that blend the shows and movies?

Watching B5 for the first time, I'm jealous.

 

[JirinPanthosa]

Me too. Love the alien zoo, and the Fanfare for a discrete conversation.

Awesome soundtrack.

Was that a zoo or was it meant to be exotic intelligent alien species in their quarters?

There's a bunch of stuff in this episode that is never referenced later.

 

[Riverside2233]

Not added to Prime Video in the UK - you still have to pay if you want to watch it.

That sucks. I've had it on my list here in the US and yesterday I noticed the PRIME banner so I'm ready to jump on it.

Watching The Gathering now. This is my first time watching it since it left Netflix, I think that was like ten years ago.

Are you watching The Gathering on a streaming service somewhere or do you own a copy? I can't find it online anywhere that looks reliable.

 

[Riverside2233]

Watching B5 for the first time, I'm jealous.

I grew up hearing about all of these shows and loved different sci-fi movies, but only about 3 years ago did I really get into all of the TV stuff. I've binged Stargate, Star Trek (all of them), BSG, X-Files, and a handful of others. I figured it was about time to give B5 a watch.

 

[JirinPanthosa]

Are you watching The Gathering on a streaming service somewhere or do you own a copy? I can't find it online anywhere that looks reliable.

Amazon Prime, it's on the season 1 set, just it's not first in the order because it's listed as bonus materials.

Also weird how little I previously noticed how significant the makeup changes were for G'Kar and Delenn between Gathering and the first episode.

 

[Riverside2233]

Amazon Prime, it's on the season 1 set, just it's not first in the order because it's listed as bonus materials.

Touche. Lol. Right in front of my face i just didn't scroll down to check. Thanks.

 

[Starbreaker]

I would watch in production order. The Beginning is pretty spoilery.

 

[bigdaddy]

Yeah I missed The Gathering too at first. It's the only movie in any of the seasons.

I watched The Gathering and the first episode. I actually think the effects aren't as bad as I thought they would be, they get the job done.

 

[DigificWriter]

I could very well be in the minority of B5 fans, but I've never really seen the narrative for The Gathering

I would watch in production order. The Beginning is pretty spoilery.

Even if you save In the Beginning for later on, the Lurker's Guide Masterlist really is by and large the optimal viewing order for the series.

 

[Riverside2233]

I could very well be in the minority of B5 fans, but I've never really seen the narrative for The Gathering


Even if you save In the Beginning for later on, the Lurker's Guide Masterlist really is by and large the optimal viewing order for the series.

Yeah I've been comparing that with the B5TV JMS link that was sent. They both look fairly similar.

I will probably save In the Beginning for after, since that seems to be the consensus.

The journey will begin this weekend at some point.

 

[Marc]

I could very well be in the minority of B5 fans, but I've never really seen the narrative for The Gathering

In what way?

It serves the role as most pilots - introduce the characters and setup the backstory and plot and then they explained the disappearance of 3 characters between The Gathering and midnight Midnight on the Firing Line.

The actor playig the doctor developed health issues and wasn't able to continue in the role not sure on the other two.

As the series progressed had Lt. Cdr. Takashima stayed she could have probably followed the path taken by Ivanova but have an older doctor would probably have seen a different story arc.