B5 S1 Ep22: Chrysalis [Redux]

A couple of boneheads. I'm sorry I couldn't resist.

This is my final planned look back into Season 1. Just when you thought it was safe to go through a new jumpgate I find myself needing to revisit the past yet again. My third re-review of Season 1 comes in the form of season finale Chrysalis.

It's interesting to go back and see some of the subtext in the performances particularly between Kosh and Delenn. Straczynski weaves much of his story into the exchanges and some of those messages I breezed over the first time around. “Yes. Thank you. Now I will keep the promise. Goodbye. You will not see me again,” Delenn informs Kosh in her pre-cocoon, large-boneheaded state. It resonates with me more to see there is some sort of inextricable bond there between them, something shared and founded in their past. Before undertaking the transformation Delenn tells Sinclair to see her because “there are things you should know,” but that he does not have much time. Sinclair is jarred by visions of his torture by the Minbari.

Elsewhere we have the always amusing and creepy Morden visit the fragile psychological footing of Londo Mollari. Ed Wasser and Peter Jurasik are always a pleasure to watch.



All of the many fascinating setups in Straczynski’s amazing story come to a head here launching the story headlong into Season 2 for the next phase in his visual novel.

I think Sinclair captures precisely what Straczynski began unraveling here. With everyone at a crossroads, characters are given the free will to choose the right path, yet often it is the path to darkness revealed as the road chosen for many of these players and Straczynski unabashedly relishes it. This scene is one of those turning points and one that illustrates how these characters seem unable to avoid their respective destinies despite being given every opportunity to change their course. They are trapped by fate.

*

"Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes!"
Thinking about it, Chrysalis is a perfect title for this final installment of Season 1. Apart from the obvious physical change Delenn enters into setting up changes for the next season there is more here than meets the eye. Londo is also undergoing his own change and it is notable here. With the support of his newfound associates he is beginning to consider embracing the path to power here. Garibaldi is also in a chrysalis of his own [actually comatose but you get the idea]. His body is fighting and the question of survival is at stake for him and how that affects his decisions early in Season 2. G’Kar too has changed. No longer does he present the bellicose-laden rhetoric that informed his character earlier in the season, but rather replaced with a softening of the true G-Kar. There is unrest on Earth signaled with a change in presidential leadership. And in general, Chrysalis marks a significant departure of sorts for the show itself. Big changes were on the horizon. I don’t think I’m reading into this or overanalyzing Straczynski's intentions here too much either. This is surely by intention as I’m finding almost everything in his story is thoughtful by design.

Yes, we feel 'a darkness' in our bones indeed. So the militarized Narn outpost in Quadrant 37 is wiped out by the purple-pink firepower of the black-fingered hands of The Shadows. There are no survivors. “10,000 of our best warriors dead. It’s as if some great hand reached out of space and just erased them,” says a perplexed Na’Toth. It is here we see G’Kar first acknowledge signs of a return by an ancient evil far more powerful than any race.

One of the many well-designed spacecraft created for the Babylon 5 space opera.

The Earth President is assassinated with the explosion of Earth Force 1 and all witness it in horror from Command & Control. Evil forces are at work and it culminates in the swearing in of Morgan William Clark as the new Earth President aboard Earth Force 2.

Sinclair, looking worse for the wear, is visited by Kosh. “And so it begins. You have forgotten something.” The omniscient Kosh alerts Sinclair who runs to Delenn, but he is too late to speak with her. She is now changing and so too is this show.

G’Kar: “This has been a black day for both of us Lt. Commander Ivanova, a black and terrible day.”

G’Kar to Na’Toth: “Tell the commander he was right. We were at a crossroads and there is no going back.”

And again Sinclair’s final performance with the final words as the episode closes: “Nothing’s the same anymore.” A dark episode indeed.

Chrysalis: B

B5 S1 Ep20: Babylon Squared [Redux]

"Not The One" [for Straczynski either].

Friends. I cannot help myself. I keep pulling my Babylon 5 Season One box set out of the drawer and going backwards, which is not helping me in my mission to move forward. Damn! I keep wanting to revisit information and re-examine scenes I did not appreciate enough, or give the weight to, that I should have on the first go round. I will get this out of my system soon and move ahead. I think. Or could I be stuck some strange time anomaly? This is a truly fascinating series.

The level of strategy, planning and preparation that went into this series boggles the mind. Babylon Squared from Season One speaks volumes about what Straczynski was trying to achieve with the novelization of his series. There are hints of many delicious things to come. This is where you knew Straczynski was a genius. I look forward to reading about the making of his story and when he conceived the idea when I actually finish. Some day that will happen.

This scene with Garibaldi has a touch of James Cameron's Aliens. The future is unnervingly chaotic and exciting.
So Babylon Squared [redux]...

Yup, ya gotta love the old tachyon emissions in Sector 14 trick. Tachyon emissions are very high here and that nasty time anomaly has sent me back to take another look at Season 1.

This was the second episode, next to Signs And Portents, from Season 1 that really began to pull me in and get my blood going.

It was interesting to watch O’Hare again after a full season of Boxleitner. I definitely prefer the latter. I think it's pretty undeniable the replacement was a fine executive decision by the Straczynski-meister.

Babylon 4 vanished 24 hours after going operational four years earlier in Sector 14. By the way, I love the Babylon 4 design, and it definitely has its own distinct look separate and apart from B5. I was definitely hard on the B5 station design in the very early going perhaps due to a lack of patience. I admit it. Fortunately, thanks to a much-improved special effects/ CGI team, it really began to take form. Furthermore, a variety of angles/shots gave glimpse to more information on the intended vision. I will even confess that I have since purchased a pewter model verison of B5 so that I can gaze lovingly at it as I watch the program. It's the bigtime kid in me! So, I definitely rushed to judgment prematurely on that one. So, yes, I think both stations are really cool and I even wish they had Titanium Ultra versions of both hanging on store shelves next to Battlestar Galactica ships. I can dream. : )

One of the scenes I valued more given all of the events that have occurred since initially viewing this episode is the Sinclair flash forward. This is the sequence where Babylon 5 is being overrun by an invading force. I suspect it is The Shadows boarding the station though we never actually see them. If this is a snapshot of The Great War I am anxious for its arrival indeed. It is unnervingly chaotic and exciting. Further, as I mentioned earlier, Doyle has a kind of Bruce Willis vibe [it's not intentional- he looks like him and offers a similiar likeable affect] and he gives his best Die Hard performance here. I look forward to the possibility of this sequence being fleshed out and expanded upon in the future. I hope it comes to pass. It’s wild to re-wtiness elements of the series with new eyes. Scenes I gave little thought to appear much more profound now. I will definitely rewatch the entire series someday. You can't say that about many shows.

Kent Broadhurst plays Major Krantz [of Babylon 4] and quite frankly his performance is atrocious. Watching it again, it is absolutely cringeworthy. With Babylon 4 shaking apart at the seams thanks to the time anomaly he looks at Sinclair and Garibaldi with the crazed stair of a madman. He delivers quite possibly the worst performance of the series with this one frantic utterance, “We’ve become unstuck in time commander, that’s why we have to get out of here.” If you watch closely, Sinclair looks back at Garibaldi with what looks like a near roll of the eyes as if to say, “this guy is a nut.” The whole scene is funny because it's not executed well. Broadhurst offers a classic cult B5 moment just the same and aids in making O'Hare look like a great actor.

When I had initially reviewed this episode I had acknowledged Tim Choate’s performance as Zathras as a real highlight. This was one of the main reasons I came back to the episode and my opinion has not changed. I also found some of what he was saying to have more of an impact on me based upon the events of Season 2. It really is a special, meaty role. Seeing it again speaks volumes about The Shadows/ The Great War arc and where it’s headed. I did not fully understand the events of this episode the first time around.



So, The One helped reveal B4 in order that its crew could survive. We see The One appear, like a ghost, made unstable by the time anomaly. Zathras hands him a time stabilizer. [I could use one of those myself. I often feel like time is moving way too fast.] When Sinclair tries to touch The One he is blasted back clearly indicating the two cannot meet within the same time space. Let’s face it, if you’re reading this, you've watched the show, and you know The One is a future version of a battle-weary Sinclair. It’s an exciting revelation, but one I suspected prior to his removal of the spacesuit helmet.

This is the final segment featuring Choate as Zathras. It’s quite amusing. He sleighs me. His intentions are at once noble and self-serving as he wishes to pull B4 through the time anomaly to save the galaxy and perhaps be recognized in history as a hero.

"Zathras annoyed by frantic and yelling Kent Broadhurst."


In the final moments, Zathras is disabled by falling debris and utters these final fateful words to Sinclair just before departing the crumbling B4: “You have a destiny.” Moments later, The One appears before Zathras. He is there to rescue him. “Zathras trusts The One.” We are now aware of his survival and narrow escape with the mention of his character in Season 2's The Long, Twilight Struggle.

The second thread is happening simultaneously. During Season 2 we see Delenn literally rejected by the Grey Council and essentially banished as an outcast. Existing somewhere between the Minbari and the Earthers Delenn has come to feel very much alone. Of course she is blessed by the presence of her loyal attache and friend Lennier. Still, it is here in Babylon Squared where she first rejects the council’s ovations to make her one of The Nine. “We are grey. We stand between the darkness and the light,” declares Delenn. There is a feeling of neutrality about the council itself to be sure. Nevertheless, Delenn is hardly excited about the prospect of leaving her freedom on B5 behind for the confines of The Nine. She reflects upon the calling of her role in overseeing the prophecy. It is the calling of her heart to oversee the Earthers. Watching Mira Furlan’s performance is special. She nearly hints to a bit of Earther selfishness at the prospect of being couped up in the Great Hall. She knows she would never again leave there and she cannot allow that to happen. Delenn is the first to refuse her role within The Nine in 1,000 years. She has tasted the freedom of B5 and she is also aware of the change that is to come [see Chrysalis Season 1]. So it is interesting to see her rejection of the Grey Council and does lend some understanding of their rejection of her later in the series. Also, her role and the role of the Minbari concerning the future of the galaxy is indeed pivotal and curious.

It is a thread like this one that really permits the philosophical side of Straczynski's writing to shine. Take, for example, his optimism concerning humanity as expressed through Delenn. "They do not seek conformity. They do not surrender. Out of their differences comes symmetry. Their unique capacity to fight against impossible odds. Hurt them, they only come back stronger. The passions we deplore have taken them to their place in the stars, and will propel them to a great destiny. Their only weakness is that they do not recognize their own greatness. They forget they have come to this place through two million years of evolution, struggle, and blood. They are better than they think and nobler than they know. They carry within them the capacity to walk among the stars as giants. They are the future. We have much to learn from them."

The One. When precisely did Straczynski decide to relegate O'Hare to special guest I wonder?

As we know now, The Earth-Minbari War was halted by the Minbari, not because they lost, but because they saw prophecied an unfulfilled destiny by the humans. Delenn is the biggest advocate for the Earthers, which places her at odds with her own kind. They buck boneheads so to speak. Can you imagine Londo turning to Lennier and declaring, “you are such a bonehead.” Rather than take offense Lennier might reply, “why, thank you.” Better yet, “stop being a bonehead.” You see, that’s a tough one. "I'm afraid I cannot do that." How bout Lennier with "I've got a bone to pick with you!" followed by Londo's "You most certainly do." Or... I'm sorry, I got a little carried away there. Anyway, Delenn is forewarned that if she leaves the post offered her she may lose it. She knows consequences may be forthcoming. So, later in Season 2 when she is rejected by this body of nine it makes sense given her rejection of this prestigious, time-honored position here. Like Londo, she has chosen her path. Much of the story is weighted with self-determination, free will and the tenets of philosophy that fascinate Straczynski. Terrific stuff.

In the end, the council is split 4-4 on how to contend with Delenn’s use of free will. Her friend bestows upon her the gift of a triluminary. It is a special gesture and the instrument necessary for the cocooning. “These are curious times Delenn. I feel a great change in my bones. A new beginning, an end, I cannot say,” worries her friend. “We are surrounded by signs and portents and I feel a darkness pressing at our backs.”

The episode brilliantly pulls together Sinclair and [what we believe is] Delenn for the final scene. A scar-faced, grey haired Sinclair and the arm of Delenn appear on a deserted B4. The One tells her, “I tried, I tried to warn them, but it all happened just the way I remember it.” The question is whether that’s good or bad. Delenn tells him, “I know. It’s time. We have to go. They’re waiting for us.” Who is “they?” Could it be The Rangers? I am loving this show.

Babylon Squared: B+

B5 S1 Ep13: Signs And Portents [Redux]

I am in the enviable position, for those of you have already seen Babylon 5, of enjoying the Babylon 5 experience for the first time.

If you're like me, and you've seen a series, you're always envious when someone gets to see one of your favorites through fresh eyes as you recall how exciting it was watching it for the first time.

I always feel that way when I hear someone is checking out Stargate SG-1 for the first time. Anyway, I was revisiting Babylon 5 Signs And Portents: Season 1, Episode 13 again, Signs And Portents because, well, it was kinda 'portent for me to check it out again. So much happened in that entry that informs and reverberates throughout Season 2 and probably beyond that I felt it was worth reviewing it with the new information I have acquired from the show. It helped me with a few thoughts concerning some upcoming entries for Season 2. I'll get back to that momentarily.

In fact the more I immerse myself in Babylon 5 the more I seem to want to write about the details.

Here is a scene from Signs And Portents. It's one of the primary reasons I have been falling head over heels for this series. Andreas Katsulas and Peter Jurasik own the frame as G'Kar and Londo Mollari respectively, and anytime they share the spotlight it is a pleasure to watch them deliver the drama. I particularly love G'Kar's reluctance to join him at the elevator. Haven't we all been there?

Babylon 5 The Complete First Season: Signs And Portents

You have to laugh at marketing. I mean that's what capitalism is all about right? Selling.

It's a bit comical to read the back of Babylon 5: The Complete First Season: Signs And Portents Box Set. You are passing the DVD isle looking for your latest science fiction fix when someone, perhaps unwittingly, stumbles upon Babylon 5. The box reads: "Babylon 5, a flashpoint for conflict located between five competing races, home to diplomats, smugglers, terrorists and dreamers."

That's pretty well said right, now the technical specs: "On DVD for the first time in a 6-disc, 22 episode set, the Hugo-and Emmy-winning series has been digitally remastered for superior presentation and includes Exclusive Extras. Combining action, adventure, drama and state-of-the-art effects, Babylon 5 has become a modern-day science-fiction classic popular around the world."

Okay, let's be clear, this could be one of the worst remasters you'll ever see. It's dirty and looks even like the lens has a filter on it at times. It's hardly the superior presentation described. Oh and those state-of-the-art effects, brilliant maybe circa 1994, but that was then. Those CGI visual effects are hard to take at first, but they do get better. And it is true they were pushing the envelope of CGI upon the show's inception, which aided in selling this show and getting it produced on budget in 1994.

That aside it's easy to see why this series would be considered a classic. While the first season was clearly uneven in its attempt to achieve footing, the assembled cast is charming and gifted and elevates the material beyond the technical imperfections. Further, there is a dark current that runs through this show. It is edgy and gritty within its imperfect station life. There's alot going on in the flawed lives of this lot. Real problems permeate this place: alcoholism, rivalries, deception, politics, secret agendas, religious extremism, lost loves, hidden, shameful and prideful pasts intermingle while everyone seeks a purpose. Yup! Sounds alot like another place we know. However roughly executed, some of the science fiction is solid and the everyday lives of B5 bring this space opera crashing back down to Earth time and again.

*

There are some nice extras for those looking to revisit the series too. All in all, I liked parts of the first season of Babylon 5 despite reservations regarding Michael O'Hare as the series lead in the beginning.

Conclusion: As many have said to me, you need to give Babylon 5 a chance if you haven't already and you need to be patient as the cast and writers/ directors find their respective grooves through conductor J. Michael Straczynski. Undeniably, Season 1 is a bit like eating vegetables as a five year old. It doesn't taste great, but their necessary for you, so you plug your nose and eat. Same here, it's necessary in establishing the world, the characters and the setup for things to come. Season 2 up next!

B5 S1 Ep 22: Chrysalis

The worm turns for Delenn.

The final episode of Babylon 5, Season One, Episode 22, Chrysalis, plays out like the harbinger it is. There are changes to come symbolized by the chrysalis or cocoon Delenn is encased within. The mysterious figure that is the herald for this formative crisis reappears and creates havoc by meddling between the Narn and Centauri Prime. The entire episode is a jumping off point for Season 2.

Key plot points that set the wheels of change in motion for next season:

• Morden [agent of The Shadows] ensures the Narn outpost in Quadrant 37 is destroyed granting Londo's wish to 'handle the problem'. It isn't quite what Londo bargained for and he is visibly stunned and shaken by the exercise initially.


• Ambassador Kosh feeds Delenn information that accelerates her need to cocoon.


• The Earth President is assassinated.


• Garibaldi is shot and left for dead by the conspirators involved in the President's assassination.
  
• Upon learning of the attack on the Narn, Sinclair's fateful words, "nothing's the same anymore" reverberate into the next season. I wonder if he knew he was being replaced at this point. I suspect he did and it must have been difficult delivering those lines.

Au revoir for now Sinclair, we hardly knew ya.

Classic dialogue in the form of the ultimate man proposal from Sinclair to Catherine: "Look! Do ya wanna get married or don't you?" Romantic? Probably not, but it was completely in character.

Classic dialogue from Londo: "There comes a time when you look into the mirror and you realize that what you see is all that you will ever be. Then you accept it or you kill yourself... or you stop looking into mirrors." Straczynski's wisdom shines in the writing and the actors continue to have better material to immerse their talents.

*

Chrysalis: B

B5 S1 Ep 17-21: Legacies, A Voice In The Wilderness Part 1 & 2, Babylon Squared & The Quality Of Mercy

We're coming in for a landing. I have completed the next five episodes of Babylon 5 Season 1: Signs And Portents. Again, uneven overall, but moving in the right direction with one true standout entry.

Remembering it has been 10 years since the Earth-Minbari War, Legacies is an important installment. It continues to construct the B5 universe offering further insights into the races of the Minbari, Narn and Centauri. We specifically are enlightened to the two tier warrior versus religious caste systems of the Minbari. It is fascinating to see these races and their mostly mysterious histories inextricably woven together via the space station. Including the peoples of Earth, there are some complex and deep running rivalries at play here with each represented by their respective ambassador. This peace is a seemingly delicate and fragile one.

I reiterate from an earlier post that I continue to admire Sinclair's wisdom and patience. O'Hare, while imperfect as captain, is admirable indeed. Sinclair is also alerted to the mystery of the "chrysalis" for the first time here. The more information we receive regarding the cross-section of these races in question the more fascinating the world of B5 becomes.

A Voice In The Wilderness Part 1 & 2 exhibit some of the most impressive visuals to date, while still employing heavy doses of developing CGI. The art form is clearly a work in progress. Even more impressive is the set design and the lighting as Sinclair and Ivanova must rescue an alient sentient that is powering a planet [Epsilon 3, the planet in which Babylon 5 orbits]. One thing to be sure B5 has been carried by its strong supporting cast in Doyle, Jurasik, Furlan and Thompson to name a few. Funny thing is, ocassionally, a performer will arrive in a guest role for the show and serve up a laughable turkey of overacting. It's the most bizarre and uncomfortable thing to watch and it lands smack dab in the midst of the developing chemistry of the regulars.
*

Babylon Squared is impressive science fiction mixing ideas and action with character growth. This one was solid. There are a number of plot points at work. Delenn is asked to relieve herself as ambassador by her own Grey Council. She denies the request imploring that her mission to determine the course of human destiny is unfulfilled. It is this prophecy and mystery which led to the premature conclusion of the Earth-Minbari War. Delenn dubs it the calling of her heart. She is a puzzle. The Grey Council threatens exile for her from this council. Meanwhile Babylon 4, caught in some kind of strange time flux, has reappeared. Tim Choate delivers a terrific turn as Zathras warning the rescuing B5 of the stakes. He is an extreme ideologue devoted to 'The One'. The One turns out to be.... well, I won't give that away. You'll need to see it if you haven't watched it yet. Not unlike Delenn who alluded to Sinclair's purpose in A Voice In The Wilderness, Zathras informs him "you have a destiny."

The Quality Of Mercy was simply astounding for the mere fact we witness the normally reserved and seemingly dexter-like character of Lennier, played by Bill Mumy, go completely ballistic and all roadhouse smashing mouths at the casino in defense of Londo. Clearly, Lennier is the River Tam of the bunch. He would appear to be of the reglious caste of Minbar, but he clealry exhibits that of a genuine warrior. His past could be interesting. Some crazy physiological developments crop up via the always surprising Londo to boot. As I've learned, the Centauri has 6 sex organs. While gambling/ cheating a strange appendage was assisting Londo at the card table. Was that little package the Centauri equivalent of a penis? Nasty!

*

Legacies: C

A Voice In The Wilderness Part 1: C

A Voice In The Wilderness Part 2: C+

Babylon Squared: B

The Quality Of Mercy: C [June Lockhart of Lost In Space guests, but never actually shares screen time with her former son Will Robinson]

*

Tender Moments with Mike Garibaldi.

A foreshadowing from Babylon Squared. Minbari Grey Council member to Delenn: "These are curious times Delenn. I feel a great change in my bones. A new beginning- en end, I cannot say. We are surrounded by signs and portents and I feel a darkness pressing at our backs." Chilling stuff.

Classic dialogue from Garibaldi mumbled to himself after learning his former love is married to a man named Franz: "Franz, what the hell kind of a name is Franz?"

Deep Thoughts By Mike Garibaldi

I thought this sequence from Babylon 5 was downright hysterical. I mean, I think of things like this all the time, like when I get out of the shower. Pull the curtain but don't step out of the shower until I dry and pat down the same way everytime. It's damn near robotic. My routine is just second nature. Every now and again, due to some complete mind fart, I can't recall the order. I start to think, do I begin with my arm, my leg, the little guy? I'm all out of sorts. I wonder how other people dry off after a shower and if they have a completely different way of doing things. Now, I don't discuss this type of thing with most people.

So it's nice to see I'm not a lunatic. Okay, maybe I am, but at least I now know there are at least two of us. This is exactly the type of thing that works for me on Babylon 5. I completely get this guy!

B5 S1 Ep 13-16: Signs And Portents, TKO, Grail & Eyes

It's interesting to see a show that's aged. Babylon 5 is undeniably one of those shows. I guess the question is has it passed its sell-by-date or is this, as they say, like a fine wine?

I have now reached Disc 4, Episodes 13-16. Admittedly it was a bit bumpy getting to this point. I don't recall Stargate SG-1 being quite as awkward in its first handful of episodes, but that's debatable. I do clearly remember Stargate SG-1 Season 1 and it had its share of uneven moments. It too was clearly establishing its characters, its natural groove and how it wanted to navigate its mythology. Babylon 5 is no stranger to those growing pains. That being said, the cast's charms are winning me over very quickly.

Yet another brilliant performance by Jurasik set against a significant fore"shadow"ing of darker things to come.

*

Episode 13, Signs And Portents, receives my highest mark to date. The entry weaves into its fabric signs of the proberbial long-running story arc. With those ever cryptic words uttered by Delenn, "They're here," we are captivated. It is the first mention of The Shadows, and they are big, dark, powerful and nasty by all accounts from our first glimpse of them [see photo above]. They make bad guys looks silly. Further, Centauri prophetess Lady Ladira shares with Sinclair a vision of Babylon 5's fiery end. This is simply one possible end that may in fact be altered through ongoing events. She too is aware of The Shadows' arrival. Signs and portents of things to come indeed. A very solid entry for Season 1 and J. Michael Straczynski's best work to date.

The episode is heavy on CGI and either I'm becoming very forgiving or I'm actually starting to enjoy the effects. Is it because they look so different from today? Not sure, but either they are dismally bad and I'm accepting them or truth be told they are improving even if only slightly. My biggest bone of contention is how the exploding Starfury fighters or other ships break apart like legos. It's a minor gripe. The explosions [as noted by TFKOP], are simply caught up in the deadly silence of space. Joss Whedon employed many of the same quiet techniques for affect in Serenity. When the Reavers are attacking Mal and company in the firefly is a great example.

TKO, Grail and Eyes take us back to the stand alone storylines, which are clearly getting stronger. I found it refreshing to see religion portrayed so powerfully in TKO. It's so rare to see in today's politically correct climate. With Grail we learn peripherally of the curse of Babylon 5 and the fates of Babylon 1, 2, 3 & 4.

There was a funny retro moment for me with Grail that made me smile. As visitors arrive to Babylon 5 they are often greeted by one of the regular cast members in setting up the "guest" of the show. I was suddenly propelled back in time even further as visions of Love Boat in space came to mind. Not to worry though, no signs of Gopher or Julie to be found here.

Signs And Portents: B

TKO: C+

Grail: C+ [William Sanderson, of Bladerunner as well as "This is my brother Larry, this is my other brother Larry," Newhart acclaim, guests.]

Eyes: C+

*
I have to admit as much as I initially scoffed at the first four episodes of this series it's coming into its own. As I view each new episode I'm faced with new reactions and I'm enjoying the show's ability to meet my expectations. There are three points that keep changing for me. First, that blue rotating cylindrical station that is Babylon 5 is beginning to take shape for me. Actually, the shots of the station are becoming more varied and more detailed, which may be aiding in that view. Second, the quality of the special effects are improving with each episode. I also like the use of color. Finally, Sinclair, played by O'Hare, is a character I'm beginning to admire and dare I say even like. Each time I write this show has me eating my words. I feel I've not been too judgemental and I've kept an open mind. Babylon 5 continues to be, like a fine wine, getting better with age. Strange, this show.

B5 S1 Ep 9-12: Deathwalker, Believers, Survivors & By Any Means Necessary

Babylon 5: Signs And Portents Season 1 Episodes 9-12 have been moving the characterizations along nicely among other heavenly bodies. I thought I would make mention of a few notable observations as the series continues to establish itself and players.

First, can we say Andrea Thompson as telepath Talia Winters is about as smokin' hot as blondes get? I think I can. I mean that girl has curves in all the right places. She is workin' it! So there you have it. It's been said. She's absolutely dee...lightful. By the way, not to demean, a fine actress to boot!

Second, Richard Biggs has been turning in some fine recurring character performances as Dr. Stephen Franklin. Clearly a fine actor, I've been enjoying his work, besides no science fiction show is complete without a good doctor [is this a rule somewhere?]. My affection for this cast should come as no surprise. As I have said before the cast is outstanding as a whole and makes the B5 experience an engaging one.

Third, Jeffrey Doyle as Garibaldi, the epitome of hot headed cool, sometimes reminds me of Bruce Willis in his affect, expression and overall look, not often just at times. It's quite funny. Also, while not a huge fan of O'Hare, he does generate some sympathy from me as commander. He has a thankless job in his efforts to maintain relations aboard Babylon 5, navigate political and social conflict and placate ties with councils of the Earth Defense Force. I think I have that right. Not to mention he is a necessary man of wisdom from time to time.

Writer David Gerrold steps in to pen Believers. Gerrold is most notable to science fiction fans as the man behind Star Trek's The Trouble With Tribbles from 1967. The episode makes mention of a problematic creature within the Babylon verse that is dreadfully problematic and would be so if imported onto Babylon 5, a clear nod to the Tribbles. Overall it's a pensive episode concerning God and one's belief system amidst competing belief systems and alien cultures.

Despite the weak production values on CGI I do enjoy Babylon 5's fighters, dubbed Starfury, and the station design is beginning to grow on me. With a bit of a budget those Starfury fighters could really look like something special. As it stands here they look dangerously close to the kind of clips extracted from a video game like Star Wars Rogue Squadron. The ships that float around Babylon 5 between scenes just look so damn silly. I think back to the modeling work and the care that went into shows like the original Star Trek or Battlestar Galactica and the detail that went into those sequences still holds up well today. At least those ships were more convincing than the computer dreck found here. Underdeveloped CGI is really a turn off for me, but there are glimpses that give me pause for hope and I'm only clearing the midway point of Season 1 afterall.

Deathwalker: C [English actress Sarah Douglas guests. She played Ursa in Superman and Superman II. She also appeared on Stargate SG-1 as one of the Tok'ra.]

Believers: C+

Survivors: C+

By Any Means Necessary: C

Classic dialogue from Survivors:

Sinclair: "You're more trouble than a toilet full of snakes, but I couldn't run this station without you." Garibaldi: "Commander, I sense a huge payraise coming my way."

B5 S1 Ep 5-8: The Parliament Of Dreams, Mind War, The War Prayer & And The Sky Full Of Stars

As of this writing I'm happy to report Babylon 5 is beginning to win me over. I have cleared the first eight episodes of Season One: Signs & Portents. Episodes 5-8 have been most promising indeed.

I'm actually at a point where I'm looking forward to each new episode. Here is a great example why.

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Episode 5, The Parliament Of Dreams, really proved to me that maybe J. Michael Straczynski had something here. At first, I felt the writing was mostly serviceable with an ocassional glimpse of something special. Episode 5 proved to me things were really coming together. His dialogue seemed sharper and more real tot he ear. Further, the humor is beginning to shine via the likes of Security Chief Michael Garibaldi [Jeffrey Doyle], Ambassador G'Kar [Andreas Katsulas] and Ambassador Londo Mollari [Peter Jurasik] [this place is crawling with ambassadors not to mention space scum as well]. These actors are thoroughly engaging in their performances. The hysterical Londo, as I mentioned earlier, is proof in the pudding you can never judge a book by its cover. He is a dignitary and a dog. He is the ultimate ladies' man. How could you not have noticed that handsome devil and his alluring peacock head?

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Londo: Clearly, an alien's alien! What a guy!

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I am still having trouble with Michael O'Hare. He is too wooden, too stiff and it's too bad. Still, he does have his moments. So, the improved writing with stellar performances all around is making for an out of this world sci-fi experience. There is still room to grow. Finally, I am starting to get the races and characters down.

I must admit the computer animated design of the Babylon 5 Project or Space Station isn't all that impressive and even a bit dull. I might've sent the builders straight out the airlock.

I leave you with Episode 8, And The Sky Full Of Stars, probably the most ambitious Babylon 5 installment to this point. It is an O'Hare-centric episode and while I am getting accustomed to his style, I can't help but feel he was miscast for the show. I keep thinking actors like Nathan Fillion [Firefly] in the role and how much more I would have enjoyed the character. And man, how about them eyebrows? Them there are the biggest, bushiest eyebrows I've ever seen in need of a trim. Why, they're almost alien. I digress. The thematic material is heavy here and it is astounding how closely it mirrors today's political climate and the illegal immigrant conundrum. Without trying it really did foreshadow a great many socio-political challenges that certainly dog our planet. There are also some terrific character twists here concerning Delenn.

All in all major "signs" of hope.

The Parliament Of Dreams: B-

Mind War: C+ [Walter Koenig [Star Trek] guests as a telepathic agent of Psi-Corp.]

The War Prayer: C+ [Australia's Tristan Rogers [General Hospital 'Scorpio' fame- I'm sorry and ashamed I know that] guests. You'll also spot the actress who played 'Winnie' in The Wonder Years here, but bald. This one is also written by D.C Fontana of Star Trek acclaim.]

And The Sky Full Of Stars: B-

I have to admit I am a bit baffled as to how a show like this can struggle, survive, get the greenlight and go forward while the Fireflys of the world fade away. A strange business to be certain.

B5 S1 Ep 1-4: Midnight On The Firing Line, Soul Hunter, Born To The Purple & Infection

"That! That! Dude looks like a" peacock!

I know, it's hard to take this guy seriously, but never judge a book by its cover as they say.

Rule of thumb: Give anything at least 1 year. Certainly TV executives don't do it, but fortunately they did it for Babylon 5, which lasted 5 Seasons and 7 films [including the non-cannon film The Legend Of The Rangers and the 2007 release The Lost Tales] and by all accounts gets better and better aging like a fine wine or so I've been led to believe.

Folks. I'm checking out Babylon 5 Season 1: Signs & Portents for the first time. My initial reactions to episode 1 [Midnight On The Firing Line]; not necessarily good. Dodgy special effects and a so-so musical score [if you want to call it that] by Christopher Franke combined with crazee hairdoos have all been a bit of a turn off. Of course this was fairly ambitious in 1994 and like anything else, keep in mind, I have been evaluating the first show out of the gate for the series. I look forward to improvements with each passing episode. I do plan on staying with it. Still, that early computer animation closely resembles that of early Star Wars gaming a la Shadows Of The Empire or worse- rough to say the least. I will say that the dude with the black Japanese fan for hair started to grow on me by episode 3. I promise to do my best in learning the character names so that I may refrain from calling him the "dude with crazy hair."

The DVD transfer is a fairly dirty print, but the DVD gives the presentation its best shot sans any remastering. Looking past the technical imperfections and some minor complaints my own eyes are telling me there's potential in here.

The thing that struck me and most impressed me was the scope of its vision and the concept of a "port of call." "Two million Five hundred thousand tons of spinning metal." It's 2258 and the space station that is Babylon 5 is the last hope for peace.

The solid performances from the assembled cast have me paying attention. Getting to know the players and the races will take some getting used to, but then again hearing "Goa'uld" in Stargate was weird the first time and took some getting used to. Leader Michael O'Hare comes across the most wooden to me. It's plain to see why he would later be replaced for Season 2 by Bruce Boxleitner, a much more adept actor with much greater range. Security Chief Michael Garibaldi and Lt. Cmdr. Susan Ivanova were the most natural for me. I was drawn into the show through them as they attempt to maintain order on this galactic version of the United Nations [the politics on board Babylon 5 are almost as nasty with aliens of all kinds attempting to live in harmony - sounds familiar]. Finally, the costume design and make-up is really phenomenal. The special effects may be abysmal, but the prosthetics and costumes are truly striking.

The Season 1 cast includes:

• Michael O'Hare [Commander Jeffrey Sinclair]
• Claudia Christian [Lt Commander Susan Ivanova]
• Jeffrey Doyle [Security Chief Michael Garibaldi]
• Peter Jurasik [Londo Mollari]
• Mira Furlan [Delenn]
• Richard Biggs [Dr. Stephen Franklin]
• Andrea Thompson [Talia Winters]
• Stephen Furst [Vir]
• Bill Mumy [Lennier]
• Caitlin Brown [Na'Toth]
• Andreas Katsulas [G' Kar]

Despite my unenthusiastic introduction, because I wouldn't necessarily say I have reservations, I can easily see the promise of the show and I do realize this was a first go at something seemingly untested outside of Star Trek. Not to be too harsh as I suspect my perceptions may change as I move forward in the series.

Midnight On The Firing Line: C+

Soul Hunter: C

Born To The Purple: C+

Infection: C

Aliens may look funny but they can act!

Update: I have since watched the first four episodes and the production values are certainly not what I'm accustomed to, but the acting continues to drive my interest keeping me in the game despite comments over my shoulder from the peanut gallery to the cry of "those graphics are terrible!" or "sounds like science fiction porn." Nice, real nice. Okay so the music is a little retro in style perhaps, but that's severe. However, all in all, it has reinforced my love for Stargate that much more. But, with lines like "you moon-faced assassin of joy" I remain steadfast in giving it a chance.

It will get better right?