Babylon 5 - Seasons One through Five

For the last couple of months, I've been watching my dad's collection of Babylon 5 DVDs. He's got all of the complete seasons, but does not have the movie collections, the spin off series Crusade, or The Lost Tales direct-to-DVD movie. Today, I finally finished the last episode of the series.

So, what did I think of Babylon 5? I remember watching it when it originally aired in syndication. At that time, I came in during the middle of Season Two and stayed with it until Fox 18 quit airing it sometime halfway through Season Four. Season Five aired on TNT and I never had been able to finish seeing how things were resolved. My memories of Babylon 5 were that it was revolutionary and groundbreaking. Keeping in mind the other popular sci-fi series of the time, namely Star Trek: The Next Generation and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, it definitely was. There were recurring themes and continuing plot lines on it, which weren't found in its contemporaries in those days. It had multi-episode and multi-season story arcs and painted a much broader, galaxy-wide story than its predecessors had. Plus, it was using CGI while the Treks were still using models. So, in terms of story, character development, and special effects, it truly was revolutionary.

Looking back, I'd say that future science fiction series (*cough*Battlestar Galactica*cough) owe a lot to Babylon 5, even if in terms of storytelling and effects they've been able to surpass it. But had it not been for the vision prevalent in that earlier work, I fear the Star Trek formula may still be the standard for sci-fi series.

But how does Babylon 5 look now? If back in the day it was extremely revolutionary, by today's standards it's a bit flawed. That's not to say it's without merit and not worth watching. I definitely think there's enough to offer within the series to warrant a viewing for those who have not seen it. Upon doing so, the uninitiated should know that it's far from perfect. The sets and effects are definitely constrained by budget and look kind of cheap at times. Some of the acting is on the same level as your typical, every day soap opera. While many episodes are well written, some of them just fall flat and feel forced. At times when you'd think the characters would be a little bit more somber about the scenarios they find themselves in, it's almost as if the actors don't believe in what they're doing and as such there's a bit of a wink in their eye as they deliver their dialogue. Some of these complaints are more apparent in the first and fifth seasons than others.

That's what I didn't like about the series. What did I like, though? Quite a bit, actually. Mainly, Seasons Two, Three, and Four. You see, the first season felt like it was trying to find it's footing. And while there is some ground work laid within, overall, it can almost be skipped without consequence. Season Two starts the main story arc of The Shadow War, which really comes into its own in Season Three before finally being resolved in the fourth season. Also within these seasons, the subplot of the Earth Civil War is started and ended. In fact, the middle three seasons pretty much form their own story. This could be because while series' creator J. Michael Straczynski had planned on the series lasting five years, while the fourth season was in production they weren't sure if there would be a fifth and so they wrapped up the stories in that season. That's definitely what it feels like and as such, the fifth season feels like it meanders for awhile before finding its own voice in its telepath arc and Centauri war arc. However, by the time it ends, it definitely comes full circle and delivers an emotional finale that is only possible with the weight of nearly 80 hours worth of stories behind it.

Other highlights of the series for me were the characters of G'Kar and Michael Garibaldi. G'Kar, as portrayed by the late Andreas Katsulas, is very entertaining to watch. It's interesting to watch him progress from hot-tempered ambassador to politic prisoner to spiritual leader and most things involving his character are great. Which is the same with Michael Garibaldi, as played by Jerry Doyle. Garibaldi is not particularly interesting in Seasons One or Two, but sometime in Season Three and continuing right on through the end of the series, he becomes fun to watch as well. Perhaps it's because while the situations around him grow, causing some of the other characters to step up into icons as opposed to mere soldiers, Garibaldi retains his charm as Joe Schmoe. He's the "every man" and as such, is very easy to relate to, even when he's being used as a pawn by forces larger than his understanding.

But the number one thing that I like about this series is undeniably the story of Londo Mollari. Peter Jurasik plays the character with such style and finesse that you at once hate him for the actions he takes and sympathize with him because you know he has no other choice. It is a story arc that is most definitely Shakespearian in scale and nature. Here you have a low level diplomat who ascends to the throne of Emperor of the Centauri Republic but it is not a joyous path at all, and instead proves to be one lined with blood and sorrow. By the time he does indeed become Emperor you are not happy for him but instead pity him, as truly Londo becomes trapped by his own machinations. Yet, it is pity and not a sense of righteousness that accompanies his fate, as you know that Londo truly isn't a bad guy, no matter what it was he did. He made poor choices for the galaxy because of his love for his Republic and wanting to restore its former glory. Londo is a truly fascinating character and Mr. Jurasik should have won an Emmy award for his portrayal.

Other things of note in the series: The Shadow War. Bruce Boxleitner. The Vorlons. Some fantastic ship design. An interesting mythology.

Overall, I think age definitely has shown light on some of the series' shortcomings, but it still has enough to offer to make it worth the watch. I don't know that I'd call it a classic along the likes of the original Star Trek or the old episodes of Doctor Who quite yet, but I think it's heading that way. My hope is that some day and some way, Straczynski will find a way to expand upon the mythology he created and present it in the manner in which it deserves to be seen.