Understanding is a Three-Edge Sword: My edge on B5

No story is perfect and no form of storytelling is without its limitations. Both novels and television series are unique in that they can give the time, attention, and detail into long, sweeping plots with full bodied characterization.

Case in point: Babylon 5. Each of the five seasons are of novel-length proportions, and the series overall is a quintalogical epic. To be sure, it was not perfect, but overall I think it ranks high in the television pantheon, and was one of the best shows of the roaring 90's.

However, if anyone viewed Season 1, or parts thereof, and stopped there--I can completely understand. The series had the veneer of a Deep Space Nine reject. Like Star Trek, many of the episodes were insular, self-contained units. The pacing was poor. Most of the season could've been compressed down--by about three quarters. There was even some bad acting by one-off characters.

With the death of the EarthGov President at the end of Season 1--everything changed. From here on out the shows nature underwent a metamorphosis.

Season 2 saw the sudden reassignment of Captain Sinclair, replaced by one John Sheraton. In many other shows, this might not have worked. What if Jean Luc Picard hadn't been the captain of the Enterprise after Season 1? But Babylon 5 was able to roll with this change and become an even stronger show.

Tensions built during Season 2. Mr. Morden--and the sly maneuvering of the main antagonists, the Shadows. Nightwatch and the slow descent of EarthGov into dictatorship. The intrigues of Bester on his Corp.

Season 3 was definitely the strongest season and the most fully realized. The destiny of Sinclair, the slow, budding relationship between Sheraton and Delen, the growing menace of the Shadows, the breakaway from EarthGov--everything culminates into a twist that leads to a quite literal cliffhanger.

Season 4, however, did not live up to the same potential. The major plot arc was resolved much too soon, and by a deus ex machina at that. The galaxy is caught between two opposing superhuman forces who then limp away like insecure Kindergarteners. Of course, I believe the reason for this unnatural feel is external. Perhaps, the uncertainty of not knowing whether the show would continue another season bent the plot in unnatural directions.

Season 5 did not seem to have any overall goal, accept to tie up loose ends, and establish Sheraton and Delen's legacy. Yet, it was much an improvement over Season 4, and very much a pleasant way to make an final bow. Many mysteries were left, which is "how it should be." Season 5 saw the rise and fall several major characters. Garibaldi's relapse with alcoholism was especially well done.

At the core, however, it was the cast of unforgettable characters made the show. It is impossible to highlight them all, so I've settled on four:

Londo Mollari: Londa was very charismatic, and yet, at his best he was a rascal, and at the worst, his actions caused untold suffering and death. By no means was he "the good guy"--but he was likeable nonetheless. By Season 5, he is much chastened and repentant, but by then, it was too late. His actions came with inevitable consequences. The plot arc of Londa Mollari is one of tragedy.

Marcus Cole: Many times, Marcus is comic relief. And yet, the ending of his story is a sad one, but not truly tragic, since he upholds his ideals to the end.

Lennier: Unlike Londo, Lennier was the standard bearer of good through five seasons. His character idealizes the man of faith in all of its positive aspects. And yet, for those like him, the fall begins invisibly, long before the outward manifestation shows itself. And for those like him, one lapse is all it takes to destroy years of good works. The plot arc of Lennier is also one of tragedy.

G'Kar: The Narn are decidedly less human in appearance than the Centauri and the Minbari. G'Kar and his people seem frightening at first, perhaps more lizardlike. But as the story progresses, and more and more atrocities are committed against the Narn, the more sympathetic their plight becomes. But tragedy does not destory G'Kar, it transforms him into something better, just as the oyster takes the sand that irritates it, and produces pearls.