Babylon 5 vs Star Trek

[Lith]

I've heard that before too. And I agree that DS9 was a cut above the other ST's.

The issues brought up in the original ST are a little more nuanced than in the later series, but overall Star Trek works with a cast of characters that tries so hard to be an improved humanity that it rings a little hollow, rather less human than more. Too many characters are too often reasonable, and it's the aliens that need help, but there's a lack of idealistic difference between them, or even ongoing arguments from differing temperaments among the crewmembers, that wouldn't be affected by its episodic nature.

Star Trek gives us a crew that plays flute and listens to opera in its spare time; Babylon 5 gives us a crew that idolizes Daffy Duck and argues about the proper nature of Spoo in its spare time.

I also love the respect with which JMS handled a multitude of issues, especially regarding religion- he never sinks into letting any of his characters be mere caricactures.

[Rodders]

I love B5. My missus preferred DS9.

It's a good job we weren't seeing each other at the time as she'd have got a punch in the face.

[Parson]

I regarded both shows highly, B5 was extremely well written but sets and special effects were 3rd rate at best. While DS 9 often thrilled me with their scenes in space and space craft, as the show went on these actually got worse. A good example of that would be that imbecilic episode which tried to tie to Rosewell. UGLY!!!

[Rodders]

I preferred Babylon 5 TV series, just as i prefer Star Wars films, but i still really enjoyed all of the Star Treks and regard them quite highly (well, up to DS9 anyway).

I've never understood the whole appeal of the This is better than that argument. Surely two things can be great. (I just prefer one over the other.)

[The_African]

I don't think I can get through the first episode. Does it get better?

[Parson]

If the above comment is about Babylon 5, the answer is an unequivocal yes.

[Rodders]

Does it get better? Absolutely. You won't have to wait too long either as there are some cracking episodes in an always difficult first series. ("Babylon Squared" and "Signs and Portents" come to mind.)

I still think that this is one of the best things ever to be on TV and doesn't get enough credit for setting the standard for the way for many of our TV series are written today.

I need to watch this series again.

[DMZ]

Originally Posted by Paradox 99

Characterisation was a real strong point for this show.
The gradual transformation of G'Kar and Londo was fantastic to watch.

Ya that is so true

[I, Brian]

Babylon 5 can look a little cheesy re-watching it now, but the story and characters have always been big strengths.

[Rodders]

You say that, but once you get back into it you barely notice it.

I've recently lent the entire series to someone who has been laid up after an operation. I hope he likes it.

[Parson]

Originally Posted by Rodders

You say that, but once you get back into it you barely notice it.

I can't agree. The sets and the special effects were off putting to me from the very first time I saw them, and they always lent a "this is pure hokum from a sound stage atmosphere." If the writing hadn't been so good I'm not sure I could have watched it. I kept thinking "What could Spielberg do with a story this good?"

[TacticalLoco]

Very enjoyably thread. I have not seen B5 before and am now in the season 3.
I love it. As for Trek, liked some more than others.

Rude question alert!!!
Who is the worse actor? Nana Vistor or Bruce Boxleitner???? <evil grin>

[I, Brian]

Bruce rocks.

[Interference]

Originally Posted by TacticalLoco

Very enjoyably thread. I have not seen B5 before and am now in the season 3.

Do yourself a favour, please DON'T watch season 5 - it'll leave a baaaaad taste.

[Foxbat]

I've always loved Star Trek but, because of my work patterns when B5 was first aired, I never got around to watching it all on DVD until last year........

The verdict: I am a committed Babylonophile(???). The sweep of the story arc is just truly epic and the quality of the writing and characterisation is just superb (well...except for that episode about the missing level). Season 5 did feel like a rushed afterthought but the rest of it just blew me away.

Now....the crux of the matter....just because I like Babylon 5 doesn't mean that Star Trek is bad (on the contrary) it just means my preferences lean towards the writing of JMS. We are lucky to have both