Babylon 5

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Other (ended 1999)
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Show Summary

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The Emmy-winning Babylon 5 brought many exciting innovations to science fiction television. Computer-generated effects, five-year story arcs, and elaborate mythology made this series stand apart from what came before and point the next generation of sci-fi/fantasy series in bold new directions. This show realized creator J. Michael Straczynski's vision of creating a five-season novel for television. Its stories proved that one person can make a difference, that the choices we make (right or wrong, good or bad) have far-reaching consequences, and that humanity is far greater and nobler than given credit for being.

Babylon 5 is a five-mile long space station located in neutral space. Built by the Earth Alliance in the 2250s, it's goal is to maintain peace among the various alien races by providing a sanctuary where grievances and negotiations can be worked out among duly appointed ambassadors. A council made up of representatives from the five major space-faring civilizations - the Earth Alliance, Mimbari Federation, Centarui Republic, Narn Regime, and Vorlon Empire - work with the League of Non-Aligned Worlds to keep interstellar relations under control. Aside from its diplomatic function, Babylon 5 also serves as a military post for Earth and a port of call for travellers, traders, businessmen, criminals, and Rangers.

A floating city home to a quarter of a million humans and aliens is bound to experience problems; Babylon 5 has problems in abundance. Its senior staff of Earth Alliance officers - along with the most prominent members of the diplomatic community - deal with personal problems, cultural differences, threats to station security, and interstellar crises on a regular basis. Old prejudices and unresolved issues leftover from the Earth-Mimbari War and the Centauri occupation of Narn lead to unexpected developments. Pro-Human groups and a corrupt government make the Earth of the future far from paradise. Telepaths seek refuge from the militant Psi Corps while the Mars colony desires support in its bid for independence. And then there is the growing presence of Shadows in regions close by and on the Outer Rim of known space. Fate has decreed that Babylon 5 be crucial to deciding the outcome of all of these conflicts.moreless
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Episode Guide

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S 6 :  Ep 1 Aired 7/31/07
S 5 :  Ep 22 Aired 11/25/98
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S 5 :  Ep 21 Aired 11/18/98
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S 5 :  Ep 20 Aired 11/11/98
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S 5 :  Ep 19 Aired 11/4/98
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Fan Reviews (122)

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  • B5 ended after 3.5 seasons then limped to a second ending after another 1.5 seasons!

    5.0
    "Mediocre"
    By fivish, May 05, 2012
    B5 took a whole season to get to the point of the show. Then after another season and a half it ended. Well it should have. But for some reason it started up again and pointlessly limped along for another one and a half seasons to a pathetic conclusion. B5 had too many filler episodes and not enough meat on the arc episodes. It had poor scripts and wooden acting. I dont know why I bothered to watch every episode as it was very tedious. Star Trek was so much better.moreless

  • Definetly a masterpiece of grace and simplicity. A true classic. Babylon 5 is simply one of the Greater displays of film making.

    9.5
    "Superb"
    By sk_razor, Jan 06, 2012
    Incredible writing. You know those television moments that seem fake, artificial and constructed without much coherence? Fear not - you will get almost none of those with B5.

    If you like something of substance that honestly tries explore what the near future could look like for humans - this is it. You get to watch it start and you get to watch it end.

    The story is so well crafted that the writers have accounted for almost any kind of event to be accommodated by the main plot. You can not understand that when watching the show as everything is running smoothly. The script was so well written that they could have and on occasion they did write off characters and actors out of the film with practically no damage to the series.

    Acting is not the one crafted to artificially impress the audience - but the kind where things go naturally.

    The series is more about social development than sci-fi. So if you need the constant flashy cgi bits and ludicrous stunts. Its not for you.

    It is the finest show I've ever seen in my life. Even people who dislike the substance compliment it on a job well done.moreless

  • Not like anything you've seen before.. or since for that matter.

    9.0
    "Superb"
    By hallrobk, Nov 08, 2011
    This series was unique.. and still is. The ONLY television series written like a novel with a beginning a middle and an END. Planned with a 5 year story arc right from the beginning. I watched every episode live when it came out and haven't watched it for almost 15 years now, but I STILL remember it. You won't be disappointed. It is NOT one of those series that ropes you in.. and never ends..like they seem to like doing these days...leaving story lines unresolved.. until the show gets canceled. If you watch Babylon 5, when you're done you will have that same feeling you get when you turn the last page of the last chapter of a fantastically written novel.. that feeling you get when you close the book and think.. aahh.. now THAT's how things should be done! That's B5.moreless

  • I love this show & never missed one program of this show bcz its my favorite movie of all time. I wish that it came back on television that I can watch it again please bcz I would love to see it again on tv.moreless

    10
    "Perfect"
    By HeatherDWeber, Nov 08, 2011
    I love babylon 5 bcz its my number 1 favorite movie & television program in the whole wide world & never missed an tv program of this show & wish that it came back on television that I can watch it again please bcz I would love to see it again on tv. I don't think my sister Tiffany Weber has ever seen this program before but I wish that it was back on tv so my sister Tiffany Weber could have the chance to see this program please can u guys put it back on tv please for me & the rest of the fans that love Babylon 5 too please.moreless

  • Don't watch this, it's absolute *crap*

    1.0
    "Abysmal"
    By sexymichelle, Nov 08, 2011
    I love sci-fi, so I bought the entire DVD box set unseen. What a mistake that was! Everyone raves about this show, but I can't see why. Juvenile plots, asinine dialog, terrible special effects (in fact the worst I've seen in modern science fiction, bad acting, and this big so-called story arc shot full of holes. There are SO many things left unanswered and the 5 movie set that does absolutely nothing to further the story or answer any of the several questions that are brought up and left to die during the regular season. I'll certainly be on the lookout for anything with J. Michael Straczynski's name attached... I'll avoid it like the plague :(

    My DVDs now for sale... anyone?moreless
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Drama, Science Fiction, Suspense

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90s, Classics, Aliens, Futuristic

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