Watching Babylon 5 for the first time... *Spoilers, duh*

[Quinton O'Connor]

I know I say this every time we talk about Severed Dreams, but Jeff's a new audience. -
When Capt Hiroshi kamikazied the Roanoke, it's the only moment on TV that has ever made me sit up suddenly from my comfy recliner and yell "RAM IT DOWN THEIR THROATS, BABY!!" out load. My wife gave me an odd look, but I couldn't help it.

That's totally worth repeating every time the episode comes up!

 

[Reverend]

Also Corwin's moment of decision was well played. I can imagine him finally putting together the questions Sheridan and Ivanova were asking and sticking with his unit. He starts to develop into a fun part of the crew through very small scenes. It goes to show what a decent actor can do with a small part. He is one of my favorite background characters.

There are a surprising number of little beats in that scene but what actually impressed me most is when Sheridan gave the old "if anyone wants to leave now" speech and one of the dome techs actually downed tools and buggered off (getting the back of their head singed by a glare from Ivanova on their way out the door.)

On any other show the crew would all stay loyal and risk death and disgrace. Not on B5. I love that one of these nameless extras was actually given a personality that looked at the situation and thought to themselves "bugger this for a game of soldiers!" Which of course in real life is exactly what'd happen.

 

[Seven of Five]

You're making swift progress! The last time I read the thread you'd only just finished the first season.

You're definately at the good meaty part of the third season anyway. That little three episode run is probably my favourite of the show's run, and yet there is still a lot of amazing stuff yet to come.

 

[Quinton O'Connor]

So I'm about to hit the sack but I need to ask a question of the utmost importance before I forget again.

When exactly would be the best point to stop and watch "Babylon 5: In the Beginning"? I hear it's really good and I don't want to skip the most appropriate time to watch. End of year three End of year four? End of year five? End of... line? When?

 

[Jan]

I think you're okay to watch "In the Beginning" any time after 409-"Atonement" but lots of folks wait until after the entire season 4.

Jan

 

[Kai "the spy"]

Actually, I would place it between seasons 3 and 4, as that is a good point for a break and it's not like there are any spoilers to season 4 in the film.

 

[Harvey]

I prefer to hold "In The Beginning" off until right before the series finale, "Sleeping in Light." Paired together, they make a nice coda for the series, both looking back to the past and forward to the future. Together, they also give just about everyone a final appearance.

Others will disagree.

 

[Hyperspace05]

Opinions vary regarding Season 5. I guess I would put it this way:
[snip]

Why are you even discussion season 5 when the OP is only half-way through season 3? C'mon, show some common courtesy.

 

[Harvey]

I think his post was suitably vague enough as to avoid even approaching spoiler territory. It was also a response to the OP. No need to get in a fuss over it.

 

[Angel4576]

Actually, I would place it between seasons 3 and 4, as that is a good point for a break and it's not like there are any spoilers to season 4 in the film.

Pretty sure that there's at least one spoiler that's best avoided until after season 4's Atonement.

Opinions vary regarding Season 5. I guess I would put it this way:
[snip]

Why are you even discussion season 5 when the OP is only half-way through season 3? C'mon, show some common courtesy.

Because the OP was seeking reassurance that the series doesn't let up. Perhaps you could do us the common courtesy of at least tracking the flow of conversation back to the salient points?

And seriously, if you think anything discussed around season 5 constitutes spoilers then I don't really think you understand what spoilers are.

 

[Harvey]

"In the Beginning" also has a line that spoils a small part of the resolution of "Rising Star."

 

[RoJoHen]

The first time I watched B5, I saved all the movies until the end, and it was fine.

 

[Neroon]

I think that jms himself has said that it's fine to watch "In the Beginning" first, before any episodes at all, including "The Gathering". Me? I personally like seeing it after S4 is completed, simply because I like the going back and filling in the blanks approach once in awhile. And that's the way I saw it the first.

The Lurker's Guide does have this order of episodes, reconciling the storyline order of viewing: Master List

 

[Mr Light]

Yeah I don't get that. "In the Beginning" would spoil so many revelations from the entire four years.

 

[theblitz]

I have just started watching it.
Is it just me or is the acting a bit tacky?
Reminds me of some of those old 50s and 60s sci-fi's.

 

[RoJoHen]

I have just started watching it.
Is it just me or is the acting a bit tacky?
Reminds me of some of those old 50s and 60s sci-fi's.

The acting is really pretty crappy, especially in the beginning.

 

[Neroon]

It's stiff, much like TNG was in its first season. Pretty much any sff series, but it gets better fairly quickly.

 

[The Evil Dead]

I'm so jealous of anybody who gets to watch Babylon 5 for the first time.

Although, watching it for the 7th or 8th time isn't so bad either.

 

[Neroon]

I'm so jealous of anybody who gets to watch Babylon 5 for the first time.

Although, watching it for the 7th or 8th time isn't so bad either.

QFT**2

I hosted a mini-marathon this weekend, centered around a specific theme. Now I'm going through the whole series again. Oh woe is me.

 

[RoJoHen]

Ugh...well, I just popped in "The Gathering." Looks like I'm rewatching the show.