Babylon-5 Frequently Asked Questions
Troy A.. Rutter
Last-modified: 28 March 1994
Posting-Frequency: Bi-Monthly
NOTE: Another version of this FAQ will be appearing shortly.
-----
The BABYLON 5 Frequently Asked Questions List Compiled by Lee Whiteside
Copyright 1994 Lee Whiteside
The latest version of this file can be retrieved by anonymous ftp at
ftp.hyperion.com [192.65.216.1] as /pub/Babylon-5/babylon-5-faq.
IMPORTANT: If you are posting to Babylon 5 groups, DO NOT POST STORY IDEAS,
because the show's creator is online, =======================
and he would withdraw for legal reasons. We don't want that!
-------------------------
Contents of this FAQ List
-------------------------
1. What is Babylon 5?
2. Who is behind Babylon 5?
3. What makes JMS think he can do a good science fiction TV show?
4. How much of the series is planned out already?
5. Where can I see Babylon 5?
6. What is Babylon 5 About?
7. Who are the characters in the show?
a. The Main Cast for the Series
b. Supporting and Recurring Cast
8. What kind of Special Effects does Babylon 5 have?
9. Babylon 5 Episodes
10. How has Babylon 5's development progressed?
11. Who can you write to show support for Babylon 5?
12. Now that Babylon 5 is a series, can I submit a script?
13. Appearances
a. Science Fiction Conventions
b. Babylon 5 Newsletter
c. Publications
14. Nitpicks and Such
15. Miscellaneous Info
a. Merchandising
b. Fans' influence on the show
c. Awards
d. Babylon 5 References in other JMS works
e. Miscellaneous Production Info
f. Production Order vs. Airing Order
g. What happened to the "xxx" episode?
16. Where to find online information
a. Internet
b. GEnie
c. Other
This FAQL comes nowhere NEAR covering all the questions asked about Babylon
5. It will mainly focus on informational topics and some background on the
show. There are already several other comprehensive lists and files
available covering specific areas in depth. Info on where you can find them
is contained in topic 16.
-----------------------
~1. What is Babylon 5?
-----------------------
Babylon 5 is a new science fiction television series that is part of the
Warner Bros. Television Consortium, called the Prime Time Entertainment
Network (PTEN).
It is set on a Space Station in the mid 23rd Century. After the two hour
pilot movie, "The Gathering," in February, 1993, the series started the week
of January 24, 1994, with a season of 22 episodes. The series is planned for
a five year run.
-----------------------------
~2. Who is behind Babylon 5?
-----------------------------
The show was created by J. Michael Straczynski (JMS), who is co-executive
producer on the show along with Doug Netter. It has been in development
since 1987, the last few years with Warner Bros.
J. Michael Straczynski has been involved with genre television for many
years, as story editor and writer for the Twilight Zone TV series (syndicated
version), Captain Power, and the animated The Real Ghostbusters. He has also
written for Jake and the Fatman and Murder, She Wrote. JMS has also had
many published short stories, an anthology, and two fantasy/horror novels.
Until recently, he was co-host of Hour 25, a Los Angeles area science fiction
radio talk show.
Doug Netter is an equal partner in Babylon 5 and has been in the business for
a long time, at one time being the head of MGM where his nickname was
Rattlesnake, thus Rattlesnake Productions, his production company. Doug
mainly handles the business side and leaves the creative work to Straczynski,
which is how they first worked together on Captain Power.
Harlan Ellison is the Conceptual Consultant for the series. He has also
written a "Manifest" for the show that will explain to other writers how to
write science fiction for television and Babylon 5, in particular.
Well-known science fiction writers, including Ellison, David Gerrold, and
D.C. Fontana, are contributing scripts to the show.
Christopher Franke, formerly of Tangerine Dream, does the soundtrack.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
~3. What makes JMS think he can do a good science fiction TV show?
-------------------------------------------------------------------
JMS has been on many panels at science fiction conventions dealing with
what's wrong with science fiction on television. He has also been active on
various computer networks getting feedback from science fiction fans. His
main criteria for a good science fiction television series include that it
must be good science fiction AND good television (both are rarely combined
together in one show); it would be geared towards adults, not kids ("No Cute
Kids, No Cute Robots. Ever!"), doing for science fiction what "Hill Street
Blues" did for police shows. It would also have to be done on a reasonable
budget and it should look like nothing ever seen on TV. And to make it a
series, it would not be just individual stories (alien attack/ possession/
misunderstanding of the week), the stories would be part of an overall
larger story, but still watchable each week as a separate chapter. JMS is
also in tune with the viewing audiences of his show, still maintaining a
presence on several computer discussion boards on the topic of the Babylon 5.
---------------------------------------------------
~4. How much of the series is planned out already?
---------------------------------------------------
As part of the development of "Babylon 5", a five year arc has been planned
as if it were a five year miniseries. Events have been planned for each
season, which will tell a larger story over time. There is plenty of room for
individual stories within each season and each episode can stand alone.
There is also a writer's guide (in-house) as well as much backstory on the
Babylon 5 universe.
-------------------------------
~5. Where can I see Babylon 5?
-------------------------------
USA: In most areas, Babylon 5 airs WEDNESDAY NIGHTS AT 8 PM ET/PT
on stations that are part of the Warner Bros. Prime Time
Entertainment Network (PTEN) consortium, generally made up of
independent stations. (These stations also air _Time Trax_ and
_Kung Fu: The Legend Continues_.) Stations with other affiliations
may broadcast the show at other times. Check your local listings, get
the document referenced here, or call your local station.
## More info: Retrieve "b5tvlist.txt" (See section 16a)
SATELLITE: Babylon 5 is fed on satellite several days before airing
dates on Galaxy 4 Channel 21. Audio is 5.8 left, 6.2 right, 6.8 mono.
## More Info: See "SFTV" postings on rec.arts.sf.tv (See section 16a)
Fridays, 10-11 AM Eastern
Fridays, 2-3 PM Eastern
Saturdays, 5-6 AM Eastern (combo feed with Kung Fu following)
Sundays, 8-9 AM Eastern "
UK: Babylon 5 will air on Channel 4, possibly starting in March.
Video: In Europe, Australia, and Japan, the Babylon 5 pilot movie has been
released on home video (and on laserdisc in Japan). There are no
immediate plans for a U.S. home video release.
-----------------------------
~6. What is Babylon 5 About?
-----------------------------
## More info: Retrieve "b5log.txt" and "b5_jms_answers.txt" (See section 16a)
Babylon 5 is set in the year 2257 A.D. on a 5 mile long space station in
neutral space. It was constructed by the Earth Alliance to help keep the
peace between the EA and four other alien alliances of which Babylon 5 is
centrally located between. Each of the alliances has an official
representative on the station.
These include the Earth Alliance, represented by Commander Jeffrey Sinclair,
who is in charge of Babylon 5, whose rank doesn't seem high enough to warrant
such a lofty position.
The Minbari, represented by Ambassador Delenn. The Minbari waged a war with
the Earth Alliance 10 years earlier and mysteriously surrendered on the brink
of victory.
The Centauri Republic, represented by Londo Mollari. The Centauri Republic
was the first to make contact with Earth and helped advance their technology.
However, they are really on the decline, much like the decline of the British
Empire.
The Narn Regime, represented by Ambassador G'Kar. The Narn were previously
under the control of The Centauri Republic but rebelled and are now
independent and growing in influence.
The Vorlons, represented by Ambassador Kosh Naranek. The Vorlons have
avoided contact with the other alliances and are a mystery. They have agreed
to participate with Babylon 5. Vorlons breath a methane atmosphere and are
VERY alien aliens.
----------------------------------------
~7. Who are the characters in the show?
----------------------------------------
## More Info: Re: CAST, retrieve "b5actors.txt"
Re: CHARACTERS, retrieve "b5log.txt" or "b5_jms_answers.txt"
Re: GUEST STARS, appropriate episode guide from /Guide
(see section 16a)
======== a. Main Cast
COMMANDER JEFFREY SINCLAIR Michael O'Hare
The commander of Babylon 5 and representative of the Earth Alliance.
LT. COMMANDER SUSAN IVANOVA Claudia Christian
Of Russian descent, a commanding presence, and quirky at times, somewhat
pessimistic. Second in command and in charge of day-to-day operations on
Babylon 5.
TALIA WINTERS Andrea Thompson
New Babylon 5 telepath, level 5 PSI-corps.
SECURITY CHIEF MICHAEL GARIBALDI Jerry Doyle
In charge of security on Babylon 5. He has a troubled past but was picked by
Sinclair for the job.
AMBASSADOR LONDO MOLLARI Peter Jurasik
Represents the Centauri, a decadent and fading republic. Appearances aside,
Londo is a "romantic" character with disparate official and personal sides.
AMBASSADOR DELENN Mira Furlan
Represents the Minbari. Delenn is a member of the Minbari Grey Council and
why she is on Babylon 5 as an ambassador is one of the many mysteries on the
station.
AMBASSADOR G'KAR Andreas Katsulas
Represents the Narn Regime. G'Kar is a patriot, always looking for ways to
turn situations to the Narn's advantage.
DR. STEPHEN FRANKLIN Richard Biggs
Middle thirties, dedicated and self-assured. His background is mainly in
experimental medicine so does not have a good "bedside manner".
VORLON AMBASSADOR KOSH NARANEK animatronics
Native voice designed by Chris Franke
"There's simply nothing that English translation: Ardwight Chamberlain
I can say about Kosh just now."
-- J. Michael Straczynski
======== b. Supporting And Recurring Characters
*** Assistants to the Ambassadors:
VIR COTTO Stephen Furst
Centauri assistant to Londo. Timid and given no respect by Londo, so far.
NA'TOTH Caitlin Brown
A female Narn, assistant to G'Kar. She replaces Ko'Dath, who has an accident
with an airlock.
LENNIER Bill Mumy
A monk-like male aide for Delenn, having lived a monastic life, will be a
true innocent on B5.
*** Other Characters:
CATHERINE SAKAI Julia Nickson
She works for an Earth company that surveys asteroids and planets for mineral
exploitation. Runs the survey ship Skydancer. She is a former flame of
Sinclair's and first appears in "The Parliament of Dreams".
N'GRATH animatronics
An insect-like non-humanoid alien, who can arrange or fix things for a price.
DR. MAYA HERNANDEZ Silvana Gallardo
A Doctor under Dr. Franklin. First appears in "Believers."
------------------------------------------------------
~8. What kind of Special Effects does Babylon 5 have?
------------------------------------------------------
## More Info: Retrieve "b5_jms_answers.txt"
or read articles listed in "b5.media"
(see section 16a)
All space visual effects for Babylon 5 are computer generated. Ron Thornton
is utilizing specialized software in conjunction with NewTek's Video Toaster
to design and render the visual effects. The only models used on the show
will be computer models. Effects for the series are improved over the pilot
movie due to technological advances, and it seems to be getting better....
-----------------------
~9. Babylon 5 Episodes
-----------------------
## More Info: Re: UPCOMING eps, retrieve "b5episodes"
Re: PAST episodes, retrieve guides in /Guide directory
(see section 16a)
PILOT MOVIE
02/22/92 The Gathering (title not shown on-screen)
SEASON ONE Airing Order (JMS's blanket season title: "Signs and Portents")
Preferred
Air Date Air# Prod# Title Writer
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
01/26/93 1 103 Midnight on the Firing Line JMS
02/02/93 2 102 Soul Hunter JMS
02/09/93 3 104 Born to the Purple Larry DiTillio
02/16/93 4 101 Infection JMS
02/23/93 5 108 The Parliament of Dreams JMS
03/02/93 6 110 Mind War JMS
03/09/94 7 107 The War Prayer D.C. Fontana
03/16/94 8 106 And The Sky Full Of Stars JMS
03/23/94 103R Midnight on the Firing Line
03/30/94 102R Soul Hunter
04/06/94 104R Born to the Purple
04/13/94 101R Infection
04/20/94 9 113 Deathwalker Larry DiTillio
04/27/94 10 105 Believers David Gerrold
05/04/94 11 111 Survivors Mark Scott Zicree
Other First Season Episodes
109 Grail Christy Marx
114 By Any Means Necessary Kathryn Drennan
115 Legacies D.C. Fontana
116 Signs and Portents JMS
117 The Quality of Mercy JMS
118 Babylon Squared JMS
119 TKO Larry DiTillio
120 A Voice in the Wilderness Part 1 JMS
121 A Voice in the Wilderness Part 2 JMS
122 Eyes Larry DiTillio
22 112 Chrysalis (Season Finale) JMS
------------------------------------------------
~10. How has Babylon 5's development progressed?
------------------------------------------------
1987 Spring/Summer Babylon 5 treatment created by J. Michael Straczynski,
also writer's bible.
1998 May Artist Peter Ledger hired to design a Babylon 5 logo, and
to do a series of paintings based on the treatment and
bible, which were then used for various presentations.
1988 Summer/Fall Babylon 5 pitched to CBS, HBO, ABC, and others.
1989 March Babylon 5 pitched to Chris-Craft Television, a consortium
of stations. CCT pledges support of B5, and attempts are
made throughout 1988 and 1989 to create co-production
deals with foreign investors.
1989 June/July Babylon 5 submitted/pitched to Paramount.
1989 December Babylon 5 receives additional pledge of support from
Warner Bros., which begins working with CCT to form fifth
network at same time.
1991 November Babylon 5 announced as one of three flagship projects for
Warners' Prime Time Entertainment Network (PTEN). The
trades carry the story extensively.
1992 June/July Casting for the pilot movie.
1992 August 10 Filming on the pilot movie begins.
1992 Sept. 4 Filming ends on the pilot movie.
1992 Nov. 7 First showing of pilot movie to a convention audience
at Wishcon II in Springfield, Mass.
1992 Nov. 28 First announced showing of pilot movie to a convention
audience at Loscon 19 in Los Angeles, CA.
1993 Jan. 14 Final edit of pilot movie completed.
1993 Feb. 19/20 Satellite feed of pilot movie to local stations.
1992 Feb. 22 week TV debut of the pilot movie. It achieved a 10.3 GAA
national rating, which was better than the two hour\
premieres of "Kung Fu: The Legend Continues" (10.2),
"The Untouchables" (10.2) and "Time Trax" (8.3).
1993 April Series Pre-production starts.
1993 May 28 Formal announcement by Warner Bros. of a series order.
1993 Mid-July Filming starts on the series.
1993 Late Summer Parts of the first three episodes are previewed at San
Diego Comic Con, WorldCon and CopperCon 13.
1993 Mid-Sept. Foundation Imaging awarded Visual Effects Emmy for the
Babylon 5 pilot movie at the Creative Arts Emmy Awards.
1993 Mid-Oct. First fully completed episode delivered to Warner Bros.
1993 Oct./Nov. PTEN rebroadcast of Babylon 5 pilot movie.
1993 Nov. 26 "Midnight on the Firing Line" screened at LosCon 20.
1994 Mid-Jan. "Making of Babylon 5" airs (hosted by Walter Koenig).
1994 Jan. 20 Satellite feed of first episode.
1994 Jan. 26 Start of weekly series on PTEN.
1994 Mar. 23 Filming ends for first season
-----------------------------------------------------
~11. Who can you write to show support for Babylon 5?
-----------------------------------------------------
For Warner Bros. write to: For the show's creator,
as well as the cast and crew:
Dick Robertson
Vice President, J. Michael Straczynski
Domestic Television Distribution 14431 Ventura Blvd, Suite 260
Warner Bros. Television Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
4000 Warner Boulevard
Burbank, CA 91522.
-----------------------------------------------------------
~12. Now that Babylon 5 is a series, can I submit a script?
-----------------------------------------------------------
JMS has said that for the first season, all scripts will be done "in-house,"
utilizing writers that Joe has worked with before and that he can work
closely with in getting the series started. JMS plans to start accepting
scripts for the second season and will announce submittal specifics at that
time.
All free-lance scripts will have the original writer as the sole credit. Any
rewrites or additions (such as a "B" plot or additional scenes) by Babylon 5
staff will not add to the writing credit. This will allow the free-lancer to
get full royalties for the episode.
----------------
~13. Appearances
----------------
======== a. Science Fiction Conventions
## More Info: Con information is often posted on the USENET groups such as
alt.fandom.cons, rec.arts.sf.announce, rec.arts.sf.fandom.
J. Michael Straczynski has been attending science fiction conventions when
19, and 20; Gallifrey One in 3D and Gallifrey One Goes Forth; WesterColt
.45; the San Diego Comic Con; WishCon II; Con-Dor; and BayCon.
Upcoming con appearances planned by J. Michael Straczynski include:
I-CON 13 (April 15-17, 1994) on the campus of the State University of
New York at Stony Brook, 50 miles east of NYC on Long Island. Harlan
Ellison will be Guest of Honor. JMS and Michael O'Hare are scheduled.
For more info on I-Con call (516) 632-6045 or write to: I-Con, PO Box
550, Stony Brook, NY 11790-0550.
Also, Arne Starr, Artist on the DC Comics Star Trek series has been making
Babylon 5 presentations at cons he has appeared at.
======== b. The Official Babylon 5 Newsletter
A Babylon 5 newsletter is being produced with the cooperation of J. Michael
Straczynski by Christy Marx. The first issue was made available for free and
some copies may still be available. To receive the additional issues, send a
$5 check or money order to Christy Marx, Editor - BABYLON 5 NEWSLETTER, P.O.
Box 2325, Oakhurst, CA 93644. (In Canada $6 and $9 elsewhere).
New issues have been delayed due to Christy writing a script (or two) for the
series and JMS putting a higher priority on them. As of mid-March, the next
issue is forthcoming and will be a double issue.
======== c. Publications
## More Info: Information about B5 has been found in the press and other
media. Retrieve "b5.media" (see sect 16a) for more info.
The March 1994 issue of _CineFantastique_ has a major feature article on
Babylon 5.
Adam "Mojo" Lebowitz, who works with Ron Thornton on the visual effects,
will have an article in _Toaster User_ in the Spring of '94. Call AVID
publications at 800-322-2843 from the USA.
----------------------
~14. Nitpicks and Such
----------------------
## More Info: For episode-specific nitpicks, see the individual episode
guide entry by retrieving its guide in /Guide directory.
Many nitpicks have already been addressed by JMS; see the
JMS archives, or retrieve b5_jms_answers.txt
(See section 16a)
This section mentions some GENERAL nitpicks and questions brought up about
Babylon 5, and their explanations (or show changes).
%%% (None yet; send us your suggestions)
-----------------------
~15. Miscellaneous Info
-----------------------
======== a. Merchandising
## More Info: Retrieve "b5_jms_answers.txt" (see Section 16a)
Babylon 5 products will be arriving, but not for a while, to prevent the
problem of "the tail wagging the dog." Licensing Company of America, a
subsidiary of Warner Bros. is handling the licensing of Babylon 5 products.
Creation Conventions has licensed some products already, like T-shirts, hats,
etc. Electronic Arts has licensed the rights to a computer game based on
Babylon 5. A Comic adaptation should happen, most likely with DC comics.
Nothing has been announced yet, though. Novelization (perhaps one per season
tying together main story arc ideas), soundtracks, video releases (in
widescreen on LaserDisc), and technical manuals are all being explored or
developed although nothing has yet been announced.
Creation Entertainment has t-shirts and photos available (818) 409-0960
An interactive CD-ROM has been announced for release in third quarter, 1994.
Chris Franke is planning on a soundtrack CD for release later this year.
======== b. Fans' influence on the show
The location of Babylon 5 is at Grid Epsilon 470,18,22 which corresponds
to the original location of the Babylon 5 topic on GEnie (Page 470,
CAT 18, Topic 22). The first mention of a planet's coordinates in
"Mind War" were Grid Epsilon 471,18,25 which corresponds to a topic in
the Babylon 5 Category on GEnie.
Partially due to fan response from those who have saw the pilot movie or
clips, some things in the pilot movie were changed:
The voice of Delenn is Mira Furlan's voice without any processing and
Delenn is female to begin with. Original plans were to electronically
process her voice and have Delenn change sex during the series.
Some additional voice-over was done by Patricia Tallman to clarify one
scene in the show with Kosh in the Medlab.
The branding of a Minbari that had similarities to a DS9 episode was kept
after feedback from fans about it. It had been considered removing the
branding scene and electronically wiping the brand from the rest of the
episode. (This occurs in "The War Prayer").
When names submitted for a mega corporation and a mineral were rejected for
legal reasons, JMS went to the GEnie B5 Category and asked for suggestions.
The resulting names used are Quantium-40 for the mineral and Universal
Terraform for the company. Q-40 is mentioned in both "The Parliament of
Dreams" and "Mind War" and Universal Terraform in "Mind War". The waiter
mentioned in "Parliament" is named for David Strauss, who submitted Q-40.
The denizens of "Downbelow" are called "lurkers," a term for those on the
newsgroups who read messages but never post.
JMS is considering revamping or killing off n'grath based partly on the
reaction by viewers. Based on interest in the legal aspects of the Psi
Corps, he will indicate how some of this works in "The Quality of Mercy."
A ship in one episode will be named "Hyperion" in acknowledgment of the
Babylon 5 ftp site at ftp.hyperion.com.
======== c. Awards
Emmy Award in 1993 for Special Visual Effects for the Babylon 5 Pilot movie.
March, 1994 - Space Frontier Foundation award for "Best Vision of the Future"
======== d. Babylon 5 References in other JMS works
In the Captain Power episode "Final Stand," Tank mentions that he's from the
Babylon 5 Genetic Engineering Colony.
In the JMS Novel "Othersyde," Babylon 5 is mentioned as one of the characters
favorite TV series.
======== e. Miscellaneous Production Info
Babylon 5 is being filmed in the 16:9 aspect ratio, trimming it for
broadcast. Plans are for the episodes to later be available in widescreen on
laserdisc and when HDTV happens. The opening titles are in letterbox format.
Audio is being done in full Surround Sound. Larry DiTillio is writing
background dialogue (known as "walla").
======== f. Production Order vs. Airing Order
The production of episodes started far enough in advance that the airing
order of the episodes could be arranged as the producers and network decided,
allowing for additional post-production time and cost reduction. For
example, the season finale was filmed 12th but will air last.
======== g. What happened to the "xxx" episode?
With the amount of info from JMS on the show, some episodes have been
retitled or shelved/postponed. Following is a list of titles mentioned by
JMS and what happened to it:
Title Changes:
"Blood and Thunder" - Initial title for "Midnight on the Firing Line"
"A Knife in the Shadows" --> "Survivors"
"Amaranth" --> "Born to the Purple"
"Backlash" --> "By Any Means Necessary"
"Raiding Party" --> "Signs and Portents"
"The Ressurectionist" --> "The Quality of Mercy"
Scripts Not Produced or Postponed:
"Target Unknown" and "Metaphors and Body Counts" - David Gerrold scripts
not used in Season 1
"Midnight in the Sunken Cathedral" and "Demon on the Run" - Harlan Ellison
scripts not completed due to health problems and the L.A. Earthquake.
May be used in the second season.
-------------------------------------
~16. Where to find online information
-------------------------------------
======== a. INTERNET
USENET alt.tv.babylon-5 may soon be phased out.
This group was created the week of Feb. 15, 1993.
JMS frequents this topic via a mail feed to GEnie.
IMPORTANT: Do *NOT* post any story ideas (legal reasons)
You can post to the group, if you don't have access, by
emailing to alt-tv-b...@vtserf.cc.vt.edu.
rec.arts.sf.tv is also appropriate for those w/o alt access.
"SFTV: Upcoming Science Fiction TV Show Titles" is posted
periodically by Lee Whiteside on the above group,
featuring updated information on episodes, satellite
uplink information, etc.
rec.arts.sf.tv is the new main board for Babylon 5 discussion.
This group first appeared on March 28, 1994. JMS
currently does not have access to THIS group,but soon will.
But please, no story ideas.
rec.video.satellite may contain satellite feed discussion.
WORLD WIDE WEB go to URL: "http://www.hyperion.com/b5page.html"
NOTE: This page contains LOTS of images!
MAILING LIST The Babylon 5 Reviews Electronic Forum
An e-mail review forum, moderated by Michael S. Shappe.
To subscribe, send e-mail to the automated list server,
LIST...@cornell.edu.
Put a single line into the BODY of the message, reading:
SUBSCRIBE B5-REVIEW-L Firstname Lastname
This is processed by machine, so do not include a signature.
FTP SITE ftp.hyperion.com (192.65.216.1) is the official site from
which you can retrieve Babylon-5-related files via anonymous
FTP. For now, it is preferred to use its faster echo side,
ftp.uml.edu. (An upcoming episode will feature a spaceship
named the Hyperion in honor of this FTP site.)
HIGHLIGHTS OF FILES AVAILABLE AT FTP.HYPERION.COM
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
File Description Maint
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pictures (dir) GIF AND JPEG IMAGES (see "Index" file within)
Along with a number of TV image scans, this directory holds
a number of official high-quality GIF files (mainly of ships,
from the pilot and the first episodes). Commencing with the
start of the series, Babylon 5 Electronic Trading Cards GIF
files are being released, with close to 100 planned for the
first season.
Guide (dir) EPISODE GUIDES AT
Information about each episode
Synopses (dir) EPISODE SYNOPSES
Detailed synopses of each episode SB
Bibliographies REFERENCES
(dir) References to newspaper/magazine articles about cast/crew TR
GEnie (dir) GENIE POSTINGS OF JMS
Archive of JMS's postings on GEnie on the B5 topics
Usenet (dir) USENET POSTINGS OF JMS %%% FORTHCOMING %%%
Archive of JMS's postings in the alt.tv.babylon-5 group
ELECTRONIC PRESS KITS
Interactive "multimedia" presentations introducing the series
b5demo.zip for Windows 3.1 (PKZIP compressed; retrieve BINARY)
B5-Interactive.cpt.hqx for Macintosh (Binhexed and stuffed; retrieve ASCII)
babylon5faq FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ) LIST LW
Answers to frequently asked questions. VERY useful intro-
duction to Babylon 5, with pointers to additional info.
b5tvlist.txt BABYLON 5 / PTEN STATION LIST
A list of stations known to show Babylon 5, w/ schedules LW
b5actors.txt ACTORS' OTHER ROLES LIST
Listing of film, TV, stage roles of actors from Babylon 5 LW
b5.tech TECHNICAL FAQ LIST
Technical descriptions of various things in B5's universe. H
b5log.text BABYLON 5 GRID EPSILON LOG
Detailed information, backstory and character profiles PP
compiled from postings by JMS on GEnie before the pilot
aired. Not yet updated for the series; it contains a few
obsolete references (eg, replaced characters, a male Delenn).
Updated 12 Jan 1992.
b5episodes UPCOMING EPISODES
Contains spoilers: general descriptions of upcoming DS
episodes, as gleaned from JMS postings
J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI'S ANSWERS
b5_jms_answers.txt An indexed & sorted file (over 200K of text) of DW
comments by JMS on Babylon 5 & related topics -
VERY good collection of B5 info. Updated 26 Jan 1994.
HISTORY OF ANCIENT BABYLONIA SB
History.Babylonia A brief history of ancient Babylonia. Babylon 5's
Parallels.History broad storyline is based at least in part on real events
of ancient Earth history. Possible parallels between our
history and the upcoming story arc are explored.
MAINTAINERS/CONTRIBUTORS
------------------------
LW = Lee Whiteside, le...@indirect.com
PP = Phil Posner (B5REVISE.TXT on GEnie)
DS = David Strauss, ds...@virginia.edu, REPLAYER on GEnie
DW = Dan Wood, dan...@netcom.com
H = The Harlequin, mdig...@uriacc.uri.edu
SB = Shawn Bayern, bay...@cshl.org
AT = Anthony Taylor, FN...@elmer.alaska.edu
TR = Troy Rutter, te...@iastate.edu
======== b. GEnie
Because JMS has been on GEnie talking about Babylon 5 since late 1991, GEnie
is a choice place to be for a Babylon 5 fan. On the GEnie Science Fiction
RoundTable, there are two Babylon 5 categories where JMS talks with the fans
about the show, both production and story info. Most of the information in
this FAQ came from this category. They are located at Page 471, Category 18
and 19. Archives of past messages are available in the GEnie SFRT files
areas, along with graphics files and the interactive demos are also available
in the file area. In honor of the fans who are involved with this group, the
specific location of Babylon 5 corresponds to the original location of the
GEnie topic (Grid Epsilon 470,18,22). A split of the GEnie SFRT in November,
1992 created the Babylon 5 category, moving the original topic into the new
category.
======== c. Other
JMS also frequents Compuserve and BIX; there are Babylon 5 sections on
America Online and other networks; These and other networks and BBSs contain
Babylon graphic files, text files, and forwarded JMS postings.
*****************************************************************************
The Babylon 5 Frequently Asked Questions List
Some of the information contained in this FAQL is based on posts by J.
Michael Straczynski in the Babylon 5 category in the GEnie Science Fiction
Roundtable (Page 471; Cat 18) and the USENET group alt.tv.babylon-5.
Compiled by Lee Whiteside L.WHITESIDE (GEnie)
76044,502 (Compuserve)
le...@indirect.com (USENET)
P14...@email.mot.com (INTERNET for e-mail)
Sysop of the Magrathea BBS (602)833-9216
Humble assistance provided by Dan Wood (dan...@netcom.com)
HTML formatting by Steven Grimm (kor...@hyperion.com)
Auto-posting by Troy Rutter (te...@iastate.edu)
--
Lee Whiteside le...@indirect.com
P14...@email.mot.geg.com
SYSOP of the Magrathea BBS (602) 833-9216
--
-Troy Rutter, Project Vincent, Iowa State University
PSI-Corps Council of Elders
Babylon 5 Librarian