Babylon 5 was an awesome series. My kids and I watch an episode once a week. The problem with Babylon 5 is that you have to watch about 20 episodes to start getting an understanding of the larger plot arc.
Yes, the special effects are cheesy, but that was a consequence of the technology available at the time. Babylon 5 was really a brilliant piece of work.
B5 was appointment viewing.
I regret Crusade which could have done well on it’s own was screwed up by the suits.
I'd agree. It was one of the first series where the aliens actually looked alien. Plus, the show may have been one of the first sci-fi shows designed from the start with a story-arc for the whole series.
Having the larger plot arc actually improves Babylon 5 because they have the long term character development built in - the alien ambassador who caused a war now healing the divide between species, Londo starting off as a nostalgic and ignored official to emperor (losing his freedom and nearly all he loves as he gains power), the telepath who starts as a loyal member of the corrupt Psi Corps to become the instrument of its destruction and liberation of the telepaths. Dr. Franklin who wants to build relationships with other species becomes the head of the medical division of Sheridan’s “Federation”.
Some of the minor character arcs are just as amazingly developed. The man who had his mind wiped as a punishment for murder and lives as a monk, wonders if he’d be as strong as Jesus at Gethsemene, gets murdered in retribution, and his murderer is sentenced to the same fate he had.