Babylon 5?
#1
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Babylon 5?
alright, some I'm pretty much just getting started with watching Buffy from the beginning, and see the occasional post on here about the merits of Babylon 5. It appears that SciFi channel is airing these in order, and are about half-way thru the run right now.
Is this a series that is typically run in order on SciFi, so that I'll be able to catch it from the beginning sometime pretty soon?
Is it (generally) a pre-requisite to enjoy SciFi/fantasy movies/shows to enjoy B5? I enjoy Star Wars, "V", LOTR, but have never gotten into Star Trek or any of the variations thereof.
It comes highly recommended from das, which is usually testament enough, but what's the general thought out there on this one?
Is this a series that is typically run in order on SciFi, so that I'll be able to catch it from the beginning sometime pretty soon?
Is it (generally) a pre-requisite to enjoy SciFi/fantasy movies/shows to enjoy B5? I enjoy Star Wars, "V", LOTR, but have never gotten into Star Trek or any of the variations thereof.
It comes highly recommended from das, which is usually testament enough, but what's the general thought out there on this one?
#2
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I'm a recent convert to B5, and my viewing is restricted to the release of the DVD box sets (I don't have cable - don't ask).
After watching the pilot and the first two seasons I'm completely hooked. This is storytelling at its best. I don't believe that any preexisting interest in sci-fi shows is necessary, but I've always been a Star Trek and sci-fi fan.
After watching the pilot and the first two seasons I'm completely hooked. This is storytelling at its best. I don't believe that any preexisting interest in sci-fi shows is necessary, but I've always been a Star Trek and sci-fi fan.
#3
DVD Talk Hero
It's the only show that I taped and archived when TNT ran the shows in order 4 years ago. I still have the tapes, even though I now own the first 2 seasons on DVD.
#4
DVD Talk Hero
My thoughts on this are known, so I won't dwell on them here; but I will note that I don't think it is a pre-requisite that you're overly familiar with SciFi/Fantasy type stuff. Of course, it is a pre-requisite that you're not predisposed to automatically dislike them. So, people who profess to "hate sci-fi" might find a way to dislike it; but if you just haven't really "gotten into" many science fiction shows, then you should be OK. My feeling on this is that good storytelling knows no genre, whether it's in a lawyer's office, a hospital, a police precinct, or on a space station with aliens. If you enjoy quality storytelling, you'll likely enjoy Babylon 5. Based on your list of things you enjoy, I will also mention that Babylon 5 finds a lot of inspiration in The Lord of the Rings, mainly in its epic style of storytelling. Fans of one will find common threads of quality in the other.
The Sci Fi (sic) Channel has aired the series in order many many times, so I'd be careful about expecting them to do it yet again. However, each time I think it's the last, they do it one more time, so you never know.
das
The Sci Fi (sic) Channel has aired the series in order many many times, so I'd be careful about expecting them to do it yet again. However, each time I think it's the last, they do it one more time, so you never know.
das
#5
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Originally posted by das Monkey
The Sci Fi (sic) Channel has aired the series in order many many times, so I'd be careful about expecting them to do it yet again. However, each time I think it's the last, they do it one more time, so you never know.
das
The Sci Fi (sic) Channel has aired the series in order many many times, so I'd be careful about expecting them to do it yet again. However, each time I think it's the last, they do it one more time, so you never know.
das
#6
DVD Talk Hero
• Quoth MEJHarrison •<HR SIZE=1>At the same time, it's almost worth the risk to wait. My wife tells me that they're just beginning season 4. While you would certainly enjoy the show at this point, it would certainly take away much of the joy of watching from the beginning of season 1. <HR SIZE=1>
Oh, God ... I'd never suggest starting in the middle. That's crazy talk!!! Just warning that depending on Sci-Fi to run them all again may not be the best idea if another option to acquire the episodes becomes available. With only 2 seasons on DVD so far, I guess there's not much choice, though.
das
#7
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Today was the third episode of Season 4 on Sci-Fi. According to their website schedule, you'll have to wait until early to mid September before it starts over (assuming it does start over again).
But, yes, it's highly recommended. Easily in my top three favorite shows of all time.
But, yes, it's highly recommended. Easily in my top three favorite shows of all time.
#8
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I've seen the pilot and first two seasons on DVD, and I'm loving it (one month until season three!).
I will say that getting through the first season was really, really hard for me. If it wasn't for the endless effusive praise this series gets everywhere, I probably would have quit midway through the season. While there's a lot of vital information given out there, most of the season just seemed really bland. It wasn't bad, just a lot of mediocre episodes that didn't seem to have much signifigance at the time. There are a couple of bright spots in the early part of the seasons and towards the end when the series' overall arc kicks in, and things get good. The season's final episode is excellent, and once season 2 rolled around I was hooked.
So, I'd say it's definitely well worth watching, but there're a slew of potentially discouraging episodes right up front. Get through those, and you're set.
I will say that getting through the first season was really, really hard for me. If it wasn't for the endless effusive praise this series gets everywhere, I probably would have quit midway through the season. While there's a lot of vital information given out there, most of the season just seemed really bland. It wasn't bad, just a lot of mediocre episodes that didn't seem to have much signifigance at the time. There are a couple of bright spots in the early part of the seasons and towards the end when the series' overall arc kicks in, and things get good. The season's final episode is excellent, and once season 2 rolled around I was hooked.
So, I'd say it's definitely well worth watching, but there're a slew of potentially discouraging episodes right up front. Get through those, and you're set.
#9
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Exactly, Jlbkwrm. All I can ever say with B5 is -- stick with it. That first season has quite a few awkward moments and quite a few points where you feel the show is going *nowhere*.
But stick with it.
Once you get into season 2, things really start rolling. By the end of the season, you're completely hooked. And after you finish season 5, you'll be tempted to start all over again from the beginning.
And then you'll find that season 1 was A LOT better than you remembered.
But stick with it.
Once you get into season 2, things really start rolling. By the end of the season, you're completely hooked. And after you finish season 5, you'll be tempted to start all over again from the beginning.
And then you'll find that season 1 was A LOT better than you remembered.
#10
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The reason season 1 is bland is that these aren't tv episodes in the traditional sense.
This is one 120 hour story. And the first 20 hours is buildup to the "good stuff" - sort of like the beginning of a book.
But we normally expect each tv episode to stand on its own.
This is one 120 hour story. And the first 20 hours is buildup to the "good stuff" - sort of like the beginning of a book.
But we normally expect each tv episode to stand on its own.
#13
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[Bando shakes fist at Wizdar and Chew]
I won't get to say "heh-heh-heh" for another year or so, when all of the seasons have been released.
Then I'll "heh-heh-heh" with the best of you!
I won't get to say "heh-heh-heh" for another year or so, when all of the seasons have been released.
Then I'll "heh-heh-heh" with the best of you!
#18
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Originally posted by Seeker
I pity Bandoman when he finishes year 3 sometime in august, and year 4 isn't available...
I pity Bandoman when he finishes year 3 sometime in august, and year 4 isn't available...
#19
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Originally posted by Josh-da-man
Yeah, that season three finale/cliffhanger is a real toad strangler, ain't it?
Yeah, that season three finale/cliffhanger is a real toad strangler, ain't it?
#20
DVD Talk Hero
And, because I'm a creep, presented are the closing lines to the third season of Babylon 5. It still gives me chills to this day.
(Nothing TOO specific in there. And it's fairly obvious who is speaking it.)
Spoiler:
(Nothing TOO specific in there. And it's fairly obvious who is speaking it.)
#23
DVD Talk Special Edition
Babylon Five kicks Star Trek's ass (all of them), and may have saved Star Trek: Deep Space Nine from going down the drain.
Here is some audio files to tease you:
* TNT Promo for the series (excellent)
* Season 5 Opening Theme - Contains audio clips from the first four series, and gives you a general idea of what to expect. Minor spoilers.
Here is some audio files to tease you:
* TNT Promo for the series (excellent)
* Season 5 Opening Theme - Contains audio clips from the first four series, and gives you a general idea of what to expect. Minor spoilers.
#24
DVD Talk Hero
I WOULD SUGGEST ANYONE WHO HAS NOT SEEN THROUGH SEASON FOUR NOT LISTEN TO THE SEASON FIVE OPENING THEME.
It does contain some spoilers -- it doesn't come right out and say everything, but it wouldn't be very difficult for someone to extrapolate the outcome of certain key plot points.
There are some bits of dialogue, while vague
that definitely could give the outcome of a major event.
Also, when you hear Sheridan say
it doesn't leave much room for interpretation.
It does contain some spoilers -- it doesn't come right out and say everything, but it wouldn't be very difficult for someone to extrapolate the outcome of certain key plot points.
There are some bits of dialogue, while vague
Spoiler:
Also, when you hear Sheridan say
Spoiler:
#25
DVD Talk Hero
Yeah, I don't know why people even suggest that. Just watch the DVDs, and don't listen to people who try to tell you how cool this scene is or check out this great whatever. Just watch. If you can't figure out how kickass it is on your own, you're beyond help anyway.
das
das