Babylon 5 viewing order

[Distorted Humor]

Mind War already? That's fast work. I hope you enjoyed seeing Mr. Bester 'coz he'll indeed be back.
Do keep us up to date on your impressions, it's often a lot of fun to watch someone's reactions the first time round!

Well Right now I just finished "Deathwalker" which I enjoyed greatly. (Yes, I spent most of yesterday afternoon watching B5)

The Gathering - Was ok, not a bad Pilot, I have seen a lot more painful to watch Pilots.

Midnight at the firing line - turns out I had seen it, as somewhere in my head I knew the plot, but I just grinned when you had silent space and one of the fighters just flipped around and while still maintaining it inertia fired away.

Soul Hunter - I though this was a odd story, but the key bit is Delenna<sp> is not who she appears to be. That and the last bit where she cracking open the "soul spheres" is memorable. I also spent a hour trying to figure out who was the actress who was playing her, then i figured it out, she played in lost.

Born in the Purple - good exposition bit, lets you learn the characters more, so far the series is "good" and noteworthy as most SF shows are dire and become good.

Infection - as soon as I saw the armor of the bad guy, I remembered the whole plot line, guess I saw this as a kid when it was first run.

Parliament of dreams - I thought this episode was "Cute", and I get the sense of what I heard before, that this is a "novel on TV" and each of these episodes are chapters that are showing main characters for who they are. I guess the lightbulb in the head went off here. The ending was a nice honest look at the Multiculturalism, and how aliens are written as mono-cultures.

Mind War - Surprised to see Singularity concept in a SF show as I mentioned. It was also fun to see Walter Koenig who really is a solid actor as Bester, glad to hear that he returns. His aide was cute too.

The war Prayer - not a bad episode, and and important to show that racism (or is this specisism?) is alive and well. I saw the "twist" of Susan I. man squeeze as a bad guy a mile away, which did suck out some of the fun of the episode.

"And the sky is full of stars" - Umm, brilliant. Now I really want to know what happened at the line. I know at the time that this episode was out of this world, and even today it is a impressive episode. (And for the record, I kinda enjoy the old fashioned CGI, then it amazing, now it is charming)

"Deathwalker - I enjoyed this episode. The series is feeling like it finding its feet and producing strong episodes. I forgot that Andrea Thompson back in the day was a "Blond Bombshell". Also as soon as you see all the folks in the observational lounge I thought "Vorlons will take care of this" which they did.

Overall notes, I really like it so far, very well written series and you can tell they had a limited budget, but you can tell they are doing the best they can with that budget. Also I don't groan when a character shows up on screen, which its almost a first on a first season of a SF show.

I have lodge tonight, so I most likely won't get a episode in tonight.

 

[Snatcher42]

Just curious Distorted, what are some of your favorite sci-fi shows? Because you're being very generous to these early episodes. B5 is my favorite program ever by far, but even I admit it takes time to really hit it's stride in seasons 3 and 4 (though 2 has some stunning moments as well). Then again, I always enjoy re-watching season 1 as I know where it's all heading. And almost every episode does set something up, even if in small subtle ways.

 

[Sindatur]

My only real gripes on the first run through Babylon 5 S1 were Infection and TKO (Though TKO has that great Ivanova B-Story). And even Infection is better than some of the dreck Star Trek has put out on it's bad days.

"Midnight on the Firing Line", "Mind War" and "And the Sky Full of Stars" were all awesome, IMHO.

 

[Distorted Humor]

Just curious Distorted, what are some of your favorite sci-fi shows? Because you're being very generous to these early episodes. B5 is my favorite program ever by far, but even I admit it takes time to really hit it's stride in seasons 3 and 4 (though 2 has some stunning moments as well). Then again, I always enjoy re-watching season 1 as I know where it's all heading. And almost every episode does set something up, even if in small subtle ways.

Well, one thing to remember, if I was giving 1-10 ratings, most of these would be getting 5's (Good) Though Soul Hunter was "Blah" and "infection" was bad, while "Sky full of stars" would get a 7-8 and Deathwalker a 6 or so, would also give Midnight on the Firing Line a good rating.

I guess I am enjoying it as I see that some very good bricks are being laid, even if some of the episodes are just ok.

For example, if I was comparing it to star trek(s), I have seen the entire first season of both TNG and DS9, and I would put what I have seen so far as

TNG 3.5 out of 10
B5 5 out of 10
DS9 6 out of 10

I guess why I like it so much is that the characters are not bland and likable for the most part, even if Claudia Christian is at times as wooden as oak tree. And I don't plan on rewatching "Born to the Purple/Infection/Parliament of dreams" anytime soon.

DH first rule of SF watching, barring lost (which I question if it was SF), the first season of a SF show will range from ok to dire, but the key things is how is it building its themes and world.
DH second rule of SF watching is - If the first season is worse then TNG S1, stop watching, as that is the lowest level one can go and still recover to be a good show.

 

[Triple-F]

Not expecting it to hit it’s stride straight out the gate is a good way to approach a show (especially when you know it’s going to run for a few seasons).

I think (though could be wrong) that a lot of us who know the show tend to view the first season as being on the poor side (and sometimes expect new viewers to do the same) simply because we know the entire show – and have something B5 related to compare it with. There's some pretty good episodes in the first year, especially the second half.

 

[Snatcher42]

DH first rule of SF watching, barring lost (which I question if it was SF), the first season of a SF show will range from ok to dire, but the key things is how is it building its themes and world.

Maybe add BSG (my second favorite SF) to the exceptions. Its first two seasons were arguably best. The back half started to really feel like they were making stuff up as they went along (kind of like Lost I guess). Even when B5 falters (i.e. the first half of Season 5), it still feels like it has purpose and direction. It's not a perfect program (no show is), but I've yet to see a series arc done better, especially in terms of character development. Hope you enjoy the ride!

 

[DigificWriter]

I personally think Believers is the weakest episode of Season 1; while the concept behind the episode is interesting and engaging, the execution - especially the ending - is somewhat flawed, resulting in an episode that, IMO, feels rather anticlimactic.

BTW, I'm really torn on whether or not to include The Gathering as part of my rewatch of Season 1 and as a follow-up to In the Beginning. Anybody have any thoughts/opinion in that regard as to what I should do one way or the other?

 

[Snatcher42]

BTW, I'm really torn on whether or not to include The Gathering as part of my rewatch of Season 1 and as a follow-up to In the Beginning. Anybody have any thoughts/opinion in that regard as to what I should do one way or the other?

Is there any harm in it? Then again I tend to watch shows more in a historical behind the scenes way, as opposed to an in-universe continuity way. For example, I would never start with "In the Beginning" simply because it wasn't made first. And actually in many ways I prefer the original non-JMS re-edited special edition of The Gathering, even though it's more inconsistent with the rest of the series, because it better represents the state of B5 at the time it was made.

But that's just me. Still, I don't see any reason to skip it. It's an enjoyable little film, and actually sets a surprising number of things in motion for the series.

 

[Sindatur]

I personally think Believers is the weakest episode of Season 1; while the concept behind the episode is interesting and engaging, the execution - especially the ending - is somewhat flawed, resulting in an episode that, IMO, feels rather anticlimactic.

BTW, I'm really torn on whether or not to include The Gathering as part of my rewatch of Season 1 and as a follow-up to In the Beginning. Anybody have any thoughts/opinion in that regard as to what I should do one way or the other?

I think the Gathering is much easier to appreciate after you ahve seen the series, and can see all the set up. Admittedly, as an introduction to the series, it's not the best Pilot ever made, but, upon Series Rewatch, I think you can enjoy it much more

 

[DigificWriter]

BTW, I'm really torn on whether or not to include The Gathering as part of my rewatch of Season 1 and as a follow-up to In the Beginning. Anybody have any thoughts/opinion in that regard as to what I should do one way or the other?

Is there any harm in it? Then again I tend to watch shows more in a historical behind the scenes way, as opposed to an in-universe continuity way. For example, I would never start with "In the Beginning" simply because it wasn't made first. And actually in many ways I prefer the original non-JMS re-edited special edition of The Gathering, even though it's more inconsistent with the rest of the series, because it better represents the state of B5 at the time it was made.

But that's just me. Still, I don't see any reason to skip it. It's an enjoyable little film, and actually sets a surprising number of things in motion for the series.

The main reason I'm struggling with whether or not to include The Gathering is that, based on my recollections of it, I'm not entirely sure it flows organically enough as a 'bridge' between In the Beginning and Midnight on the Firing Line, due primarily to the following things:
1) The presence of Takashima and Dr. Kyle in TG as opposed to their absence in both ItB and the series itself

2) Differences between Delenn's characterization and portrayal in ItB, TG, and the series proper (especially S1)

3) Differences in the makeup prosthetics used for Delenn's character between ItB, TG, and the first season

 

[Sindatur]

Eh, I never start with In the Beginning, personally

 

[Snatcher42]

1) The presence of Takashima and Dr. Kyle in TG as opposed to their absence in both ItB and the series itself

This is given a pretty good in-universe explanation: those involved with the Kosh incident were recalled to Earth. Dr. Kyle especially is name-checked a few times over the course of the show.

2) Differences between Delenn's characterization and portrayal in ItB, TG, and the series proper (especially S1)

3) Differences in the makeup prosthetics used for Delenn's character between ItB, TG, and the first season

Yeah, that you just have to go with as part of the evolution of the series, the makeup especially. I don't think her characterization flat-out contradicts anything, though.

 

[Distorted Humor]

Just curious on why they did not go with Takashima and Dr. Kyle, as was it the actors didn't want to do the series, disappointment in their abilities, or they decided to go another direction. If it becomes clear later in the series, just say "Watch the show" and don't spoil

Edit: Aha - messing with Kosh = Sent home

 

[Snatcher42]

Edit: Aha - messing with Kosh = Sent home

Yeah, that's the "in-universe" explanation, though of course I think the reality was casting issues (I don't remember exactly). JMS has said he planned "trap-door" exits for all the characters: ways for them to be written-out if necessary, and new characters brought in, without totally breaking the arc. Kyle, Takashima, and Lyta are three examples.

 

[DigificWriter]

1) The presence of Takashima and Dr. Kyle in TG as opposed to their absence in both ItB and the series itself

This is given a pretty good in-universe explanation: those involved with the Kosh incident were recalled to Earth. Dr. Kyle especially is named-checked a few times over the course of the show.

2) Differences between Delenn's characterization and portrayal in ItB, TG, and the series proper (especially S1)

3) Differences in the makeup prosthetics used for Delenn's character between ItB, TG, and the first season

Yeah, that you just have to go with as part of the evolution of the series, the makeup especially. I don't think her characterization flat-out contradicts anything, though.

You're kind of missing the point here; if you're viewing both In the Beginning and The Gathering as part of Season 1 - as I am - there needs to be as organic a flow as possible between each episode/story, andan as noted, I have my doubts as to how well ItB, TG, and MotFL flow/blend into/with each other (even if you cast aside Takashima and Kyle's presence as being a significant issue).

 

[Snatcher42]

Ah, no way around that then I guess. Another reason not to watch ItB first! :P Heh but seriously, will it really flow that much better if you skip The Gathering? ItB still feels like a 4th season episode, I think...

 

[DigificWriter]

^ ItB doesn't flow entirely organically into MotFLN, but there's enough 'bleed-over' between the two stories to balance things out, so I guess it would be more accurate to say that I'm unsure as to how well ItB and TG flow into one another.

 

[Snatcher42]

Aye, there's no right or wrong as long as you enjoy it. My first episode was Za'ha'dum at the end of Season 3 - talk about spoiling things right off the bat! But I still had a great time playing catch-up.

 

[DigificWriter]

I've come to the conclusion that all I can really do is just operate on blind faith that ItB, TG, and MotFL will mesh together satisfactorily and try to ignore or otherwise deal with any irregularities that crop up.

 

[Reverend]

Edit: Aha - messing with Kosh = Sent home

Yeah, that's the "in-universe" explanation, though of course I think the reality was casting issues (I don't remember exactly). JMS has said he planned "trap-door" exits for all the characters: ways for them to be written-out if necessary, and new characters brought in, without totally breaking the arc. Kyle, Takashima, and Lyta are three examples.

I think Tamlyn Tomita (Takashima) had some other job offers between doing the pilot and the series going into production (it was a gap of over a year IIRC) and made a career decision to not tie herself down to B5. As for Johnny Sekka (Kyle), I think he had some health issues and simply couldn't work. I'm honestly not sure why Pat Tallman (Lyta) didn't come back for season one, though I'm sure others can answer that. *lights the Jan signal*

And yes, JMS was careful to allow for real life circumstances and made "the plan" flexible enough to facilitate characters (even major ones) leaving. That included "trap door" clauses that allowed for the explanation of a character's sudden departure and a way to transfer or reroute any vital ongoing character arcs and plots to other characters. Indeed, as you might imagine with the three major departures from the pilot that has already happened and will happen again a few times later on down the road. Getting into what those threads are, who they're for and who they're shifted to is needless to say, very much spoiler country. I will say though, it's not always as straight forward as one might think. In several cases a single "thread" and been split and shared between more than one character, neither of which were the "replacement" for the character that left. So don't think you can second guess it.