Wait. I think B5 and DS9 both stole ideas from Space: 1999. All 3 took place on space stations, all 3 had commanders in charge, and they all had a shape-shifter character. It's a conspiracy I tell you. 
The old "DS9 stole from B5" thing
- Thread starter Forbin
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Wait. I think B5 and DS9 both stole ideas from Space: 1999. All 3 took place on space stations, all 3 had commanders in charge, and they all had a shape-shifter character. It's a conspiracy I tell you.
Because the internet demands it, I'm going to be pedantic. Space: 1999 took place on a MOON base, not a space station.
I still think it qualifies. It's just sitting on a big rock.
Uh, thanks Mr. Wizard.
Everyone's argument is invalid.
Thunderbird 3 was a spaceship and Thunderbird 5 was a space station. Everything is copying off of Thunderbirds.
Also, true story: Thunderbirds literally had 'droids, too.
Thunderbird 3 was a spaceship and Thunderbird 5 was a space station. Everything is copying off of Thunderbirds.
Also, true story: Thunderbirds literally had 'droids, too.
Whereas DS9 and B5 float in SPACE...
No. It's the rock that's doing all of the moving. The moon base literally is just sitting there. On the moon. Not moving.
He's definitely *not* mentioned in either the "JMS's notes when he came out of the shower", when he first thought of the idea for B5, nor is he mentioned in the 7 page outline of the arc that JMS wrote for WB early on in production. Of course, JMS had a lot of other material from the early days that he's never released, but we don't know exactly what details are included in that extra material.
Is there really any way to guess at whether Dukhat was referred to in any of JMS's notes before either B5 or DS9 went into production?
I started a DS9 rewatch a month or two ago (and should really get back to it), and came to the realization/conclusion that this whole perceived 'rivalry' between the two series - insofar as one being a rip-off of the other is concerned -is incredibly overblown. I am saying this as someone who loves both series. Here's why this whole rivalry is overblown:
The entire basic premise of the two series are completely different.
Babylon 5 is, at its core, about the Shadow War, with the developments involving Sinclair and later Sheridan being portrayed as quasi-spiritual figures are elements of that premise.
Conversely, Sisko's status as the Emissary IS DS9's premise; everything that happens in the series - including the Dominion War - flows on from and pivots off of that from the get-go.
Yes, both series have similarities when it comes to their settings, certain character names, and certain thematic plot elements, but, at their core, are entirely different series despite what some - including JMS himself - might believe and/or claim.
The entire basic premise of the two series are completely different.
Babylon 5 is, at its core, about the Shadow War, with the developments involving Sinclair and later Sheridan being portrayed as quasi-spiritual figures are elements of that premise.
Conversely, Sisko's status as the Emissary IS DS9's premise; everything that happens in the series - including the Dominion War - flows on from and pivots off of that from the get-go.
Yes, both series have similarities when it comes to their settings, certain character names, and certain thematic plot elements, but, at their core, are entirely different series despite what some - including JMS himself - might believe and/or claim.
Unwilling religious figure.
I'm nearly through Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (after having seen B5 in its entirety) and I've noticed a lot of similarities/parallels between the two series. I don't recall that there were any flagrant copies/rip-offs between the two series other than they are both set on a space station but then again why should only one show get to have a space station being a central focus for a series? I personally have enjoyed both series pretty much equally. Of the two series, I have always felt that B5 was kind of more "realistic" in terms of what the future would look like and more character-driven. It's continuity was a bit tighter than DS9 but then again DS9 didn't have the whole storyline planned out in advance. I still feel like DS9 choked a bit at the end with the final showdown between Dukat/Sisko/Winn, which seemed a bit "hammy", as well making the incomprehensible mistake of failing to resolve Bajor's status within the Federation, which underpinned the entire series. By contrast, I felt that B5 almost had no filler and wrapped up everything quite nicely by the end of S4 but still provided a nice little "coda" with S5. I'm planning to (someday) write up a blog post with all of the parallels/differences I've found between the two series.
See? Fun discussion with humor, friendliness and no yelling. I knew we could do it.
And hey, Space Angel predated all of the above, with its cool space station and cool space ship, and really freaky human mouths on cartoon people.
Brings a tear to me eye.
More Babylonian mythology.
The Arthurian legend is very apparent even without Late Delivery From Avalon.
What?
Forbidden Planet The Series stole from Lord Of The Rings In Space?
That's terrible.
Forbidden Planet The Series stole from Lord Of The Rings In Space?
That's terrible.
Um...OK?
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The LotR influence is fairly minimal. Indeed, most of it is just shout-outs by way of a few character/place names (some of which were unintentional) and I think one direct quote. Nothing of any real substance or depth.
Plus I'm pretty sure JMS has said that the likes of 'Lensman' & 'Foundation' had a much bigger impact than anything else. Add to that some Rod Sterling, H.P. Lovecraft, Harlan Ellison and, oh yeah, J. Michael Straczynski.
