The Babylon Project Podcast: Recent Episodes
Raul Ybarra and Jim Arrowood
The Babylon Project podcast is an in-depth analysis of the world of Babylon 5. We tackle the episodes, TV movies, Crusade and even the novels. Each week we dive into the stories, characters and more in lively conversation with our hosts.
In this final episode of the Babylon Project Podcast, we discussed the second three of six short stories from the Babylon 5 universe: “Hidden Agendas”; “True Seeker”; and “The Nautilus Coil”. As with the previous episode, this one was particularly … Continue reading →
In this penultimate episode of the Babylon Project Podcast, we discussed three of six short stories from the Babylon 5 universe: “The Shadow of His Thoughts”; “Genius Loci”; and “Space, Time, and the Incurable Romantic.” All three were written by … Continue reading →
Invoking Darkness was written by Jeanne Cavelos. The story takes place starting in August 2260 through 2261, covering just five months. As we discuss the third and final novel in the trilogy, it’s worth noting that the overarching story is tragic, … Continue reading →
Picking up right where Casting Shadows left off, Summoning Light chronicles Galen’s assignment immediately after becoming a Technomage, focusing on the order’s assessments and preparations for the coming Shadow War. Driving the storyline here: the Technomages know their order is a risk … Continue reading →
With Casting Shadows, we see a solid start to the third and final trilogy of books written in the Babylon 5 universe. As with the other trilogies, this set of books is considered canon and was based on an outline provided … Continue reading →
The third book of the Legions of Fire trilogy was phenomenal. We don’t know how the conclusion of the story, written in Out of the Darkness, could have been any better. As with the second novel, this one carried the … Continue reading →
We rolled right into the second book of the Legions of Fire trilogy: Armies of Light and Dark, and we weren’t disappointed! This book flows seamlessly from the first, with the story shifting from focusing on Londo to putting Vir … Continue reading →
If you were with us when we reviewed the stand-alone novels, you’ll remember each novel seemed to be a roll of the dice. Would it be good, bad, a mixed bag? We never really knew until we dove in. Well, … Continue reading →
Here we are, ready to discuss the third novel in the Psi Corps trilogy. As with the other two, Final Reckoning: The Fate of Bester was based on a script written by JMS, and are considered canon, and written by … Continue reading →
With the second book in the “Psi Corps Trilogy” under our belts, we’re back to discuss the continuing story as captured in Deadly Relations: Bester Ascendant. As mentioned previously, this set of books was based on a script written by JMS, … Continue reading →
We’re back again, this time starting the first trilogy of novels, collectively called the “Psi Corps Trilogy.” This set of books were based on a script written by JMS, and are considered canon, and all three were written by J. … Continue reading →
This time we’re looking at the final novel in the set of nine (what people call) standalone novels: the much-anticipated To Dream in the City of Sorrows, by Kathryn M. Drennan. With what we already knew about this book, there … Continue reading →
Here we are, looking at the second to last standalone novel Personal Agendas, by Al Sarrantonio. We approached this one with cautious optimism, since it follows a very well written novel that brought us home to the Babylon 5 universe … Continue reading →
We’ve arrived at the seventh and much-anticipated standalone novel The Shadow Within, by Jeanne Cavelos. And it was worth the wait! The story takes place just before the Babylon 5 television series pilot episode “The Gathering” and was clearly well … Continue reading →
The sixth standalone novel we’re discussing is Betrayals, by S.M. Stirling. Raul offered a very useful way to view this book: as an anthology composed of two short stories and a novella. Taking this view helped frame or structure what … Continue reading →
Next up, we read The Touch of Your Shadow, the Whisper of Your Name, by Neil Barrett, Jr. This is the fifth of nine stand-alone novels. Given how the first four weren’t that great, we were hopeful this one might … Continue reading →
The next stand-alone novel we read and reviewed is Jim Mortimore’s Clark’s Law. This is the only novel he wrote within the B5 universe, although he has writing credits for novelizations within the Dr. Who universe. The print copy was … Continue reading →
The third stand-alone novel is Blood Oath, written by John Vornholt. This is his second and final B5 novel. The print copy was published by Dell in September 1995, and ran 256 pages. The story takes place in 2259, sometime … Continue reading →
The second novel we read in the “set” of stand-alone novels is Accusations, written by Lois Tilton. This is her only B5 novel. Accusations was 278 pages and published by Dell in April 1995. Like Voices, this story occurs in … Continue reading →
As we dive into the first of the novels associated with the Babylon 5 universe, we read and discussed Voices. Written by John Vornholt (his first of two B5 novels), published by Dell in 1995, this story takes place sometime … Continue reading →
NOTE: For this special 2-hour episode of the Babylon Project Podcast, we have a brand new intro using narration from the past 6 years of podcasts. It gives us chills so we hope you enjoy it and the rest of … Continue reading →
We’ve reached the end of Crusade. When we began the series, we felt even though this was JMS and a deliberate follow-up to Babylon 5, the writing seemed off and the characters seemed awkward. For our friends who listened along, … Continue reading →
This was a playful Crusade-based version of the popular show X-Files. A little campy (on purpose), it was a fun episode to watch, even though it wasn’t totally a filler or throw-away episode. There was perhaps, at least one very … Continue reading →
This would have been the third episode to air if JMS had his way., but we’re seeing it as the eleventh episode. Once again, we talk about things seem disconnected here (such as the relationship between Max and Dureena) based … Continue reading →
As mentioned previously, the previous episode was intended to be the premiere for the series, and this episode was intended to air third. This episode kicks off with Jane (our favorite actress Maggie Egan!) talking about how the Rangers are … Continue reading →
We liked this episode for a number of reasons. Understanding that JMS originally intended this episode to be the premiere helped. With that in mind, it becomes clear why we’re seeing an assortment of character introductions that don’t seem to … Continue reading →
The last episode of the series filmed finds its way at this point in the season, with a B plot of the crew being fitted with “new” uniforms, which were actually the “old” uniforms to match the first episodes filmed. … Continue reading →
The Excalibur is on a voyage that has a deliberate connection to finding a cure for the plague and our crew finds themselves on Babylon 5 to work gaining access to a planet called Lorka 7. Max quickly runs into … Continue reading →
The episode opens on Mars, where we find Captain Lochley and Gideon together in advance of a conference convened to discuss the Drakh plague. Gideon is there since he’s the captain of the Excalibur; Lochley has been called away from … Continue reading →
Once again the crew is taken off the path to find a cure for the Drakh plague. The Excalibur is sent to Theta 49 where there is concern a small group of colonists might be contaminated with the plague. Gideon … Continue reading →
In this episode, your hosts agree this felt like the usual B5 episode we’ve come to love. We also find the crew of the Excalibur on what appears to be a legitimate mission focused on finding a cure for the … Continue reading →
Welcome back! We’re three episodes into Crusade and as you’ll hear, still reminding each other that this is a new show, with new characters who need to develop—meaning the actors and writers haven’t quite found the familiarity with the characters … Continue reading →
Things kick off with a large, orange blob threatening some Earth Force folks and they’re calling for help. We quickly learn they’re crew from the Medusa, detailed to guard a planet-based mine on Regula 4. Meanwhile, the Excalibur is tasked … Continue reading →
Here we go! Having finished the original series and the movies, we’ve made our way to the spin-off series “Crusade”. For the fans of the B5 time line, the events in this series take place in 2267, just five years … Continue reading →
Welcome to our fifth and final review of the Babylon 5 movies. A Call to Arms originally aired on TNT on January 3rd, 1999. The movie depicts events that happened one year before the spin-off series “Crusade”, and one year … Continue reading →
This is our fourth movie review of five for your hosts. “Legend of the Rangers: To Live and Die in Starlight” takes place in 2265, between the end of Season 5 (2263) and A Call to Arms (2266). It originally … Continue reading →
This is the third movie of the Babylon 5 movies (not including The Gathering) and originally aired on November 8, 1998 on TNT. It takes place in the year 2263 between the 5th season of the series and the start … Continue reading →
Your faithful hosts may not have enjoyed Thirdspace very much, but we did enjoy In the Beginning. It felt like it belonged with the series. The end of the movie ties in with War Without End from Season 3, but … Continue reading →
The first of five Babylon 5 movies we’ll watch and discuss. If you have the same box set as some of us do, Thirdspace is the third movie, but the one we start with. In terms of the show’s chronology, … Continue reading →
With the last show leaving us satisfied with a very appropriate and emotional season ender, the SERIES concludes with this episode. If you thought the last one tugged on the heart strings, this one beats it, hands-down. Things begin with … Continue reading →
As this episode opens, your hosts discuss that this is the SEASON ender—and it sure feels that way. You’re correct in that there’s one more episode, but the agreement is that the next and last episode is the SERIES ender. … Continue reading →
This is the beginning of the end of the season in that this episode starts the real wrap up of where people are, and where they’re going. As the show opens we see Number 1 (we learn her name is … Continue reading →
There aren’t really any lighthearted episodes to look forward to at this point, but we do get a break from the heaviness of the last two episodes. Wheel of Fire begins with Lockley greeting G’Kar as he returns to the … Continue reading →
The last episode essentially resumes after a (rare) recap of events that brought us to this point—a recap with BOOM. If the last episode contained one of the saddest moments in the season/series; at least one of your hosts feels … Continue reading →
This episode further defines the divisions between the sides, and the issues that continue to surface and fester within the alliance. The war continues to be hot – as White Stars are authorized to attack Centauri. BOOM. Related to the … Continue reading →
The previous episode carries over as we see how the Alliance leadership manages bringing the evidence, and frankly charges, to Londo as the Centauri representative. In his absence, evidence is presented by Franklin, Garibaldi, and Lennier. After each round of … Continue reading →
Our hosts open the discussion commenting on what begins as a disorienting episode — something horrible has happened to the station. Seems there was quite a bit of boom, but we quickly learn it was Michael’s nightmare. Delenn receives information … Continue reading →
We all know Delenn is a strong and willful character, and in this episode we watch her take action to secretly gather necessary information (evidence) to implicate or exonerate the Centauri in the attacks on alliance shipping. She also does … Continue reading →
This is one of the most interesting episodes in the season, and perhaps the entire series. We get a chance to look in on what Bester’s life as a Psi Cop is like, as two interns are assigned to him … Continue reading →
We join Sheridan as he’s lamenting over the bureaucratic side of life as the President of the Alliance, and with the Council in turmoil over the ongoing attacks, pressure mounts for the Alliance to do something. Seems the way the … Continue reading →
Lots of things unfold and many separate threads of the story intertwine. Byron’s rebels are armed, Psi Corps arrives and Bester briefs his troops. While this is happening, Byron wants to talk to Sheridan. Michael is looking to find a … Continue reading →
Byron’s story continues as a group of his followers wall themselves into a section of the station, with intent to take actions to secure their future. No more pacifism for this group as they see Byron’s plan failing. Meanwhile, he … Continue reading →
Starting with this episode, we see three consecutive episodes about telepaths, then have a break from the telepath storyline, followed by a fourth episode that essentially culminates the main storyline of the human teeps. In this episode, we watch Byron … Continue reading →
An interesting and very strange episode. After some discussion and some hesitation, the decision is made to honor a request by the Brakiri to celebrate a very special and rare religious custom on B5. The ceremony requires them to conduct … Continue reading →
There’s no relief in sight for the building tension in this fifth and final season. As we watch a number of storylines unfold, our attention is held by Zack’s growing jealousy and frustration with Lyta’s clear fondness, emerging loyalty, and … Continue reading →
Have you been looking for some traditional boom? You’re certainly going to get some in this episode! An inbound vessel crashes into the docking bay when the captain disregards direction from C&C. Then, in an apparent assassination attempt, the ship … Continue reading →
Welcome to the episode that drew the most passion out of your hosts. This is a controversial episode in that it’s theme revolves around the Minbari’s traditional/historic doctrine of Mora’dum (or the application of terror) associated with the training of … Continue reading →
We’ve spent four seasons watching galactic events unfold from the points of view of our heroes. In this interesting episode, we get to see a special view from the perspective of “every man”, or perhaps from a few fellows who … Continue reading →
If you’re a fan of Shakespeare, you probably recognize the title of this episode from Hamlet, or perhaps as a reference to Psalm 8:5. The episode kicks off with us seeing the Council hasn’t changed much, debate is freely occurring, … Continue reading →
We learn Londo is now on a deliberate path and timeline to become emperor, followed shortly by an apparent poisoning. We quickly learn that he’s in medical distress due to a heart attack – not poison – and his long … Continue reading →
The fifth and final season begins with our introduction to Captain Elizabeth Lochley. In some ways she’s a lightning rod of a character with a strong personality, a strong military record, and a plan for fixing Babylon 5. Many view … Continue reading →
Join us for what Join us for what is perhaps the oddest episode of the entire series. In this set of vignettes, we’re prepared for Season 5 through several snapshots in time. Our journey begins with John and Delenn’s new … Continue reading →
After the intensity of the last episode, and the end of the war, we see things wrapping up. Marcus is dying and his final moments show some of Claudia Christian’s (Ivanova) best performances in the series. Sheridan is a full … Continue reading →
The season is coming to a head as things kick off with our heroes back on Babylon 5. In this heavily emotional episode, Susan appears to be mortally wounded, and Marcus is in worse shape than she is emotionally. Michael … Continue reading →
Should we worry about the number of Earth Force defectors, and how easy they’re coming over to support Sheridan and the Resistance? Is Clark simply so bad as to fuel so many to change sides and risk charges of treason? … Continue reading →
In this out of the ordinary episode, we discuss what’s happening now that Sheridan is imprisoned and Clark wants a confession. He’s interrogated and pressured to make a live public statement to confirm what we know as viewers is false. But in … Continue reading →
War gets closer to Earth and more former Earth Force ships are aligning themselves with sides. Sheridan’s dad is captured and being used as bait to lure Sheridan to Mars to be captured. Mike delivered the news to Sheridan that his dad … Continue reading →
William Edgars is quite powerful! Maybe more than we imagined. Garibaldi arrives on Mars and has a bunch of questions for Mr. Edgars, his new boss: first about his drug smuggling through B5; and also about receiving help from Edgars to stop Sheridan. What … Continue reading →
William Edgars is quite powerful! Maybe more than we imagined. Garibaldi arrives on Mars and has a bunch of questions for Mr. Edgars, his new boss: first about his drug smuggling through B5; and also about receiving help from Edgars to stop Sheridan. What … Continue reading →
Enough is enough, and we find ourselves in the War Room again. Sheridan is compelled to start taking action and holds a meeting with the ambassadors from the non-aligned worlds. He states the price for them to continue to continue their relationship … Continue reading →
This aptly named episode gives Raul, Jim and JP a lot to talk about. Lots of transition happens in various story arcs, and with individual characters. The conflict on Minbar between the Warrior and Religious castes comes back into focus … Continue reading →
In this episode, Sheridan continues bargaining to establish the necessary elements of, and allies for, his campaign against Clark by creating the perception certain things are happening that might cause real harm to the worlds who aren’t very supportive of … Continue reading →
So many interests are in play now, often in conflict. Here are a few of the big ones, and no doubt there are more woven through the storyline: Conflict 1: Garibaldi is working as a private Investigator and still using … Continue reading →
Things are starting to build toward open conflict between Clark’s government and Sheridan’s forces. With everything else going on though, things begin to interfere with the plans to counter Clark. On Mars, Number One is furious when when a bomb … Continue reading →
Oh, Steven! What can we say? We all love it when we have a Dr. Franklin/Marcus episode. There was just a really great chemistry between the two. They’re on Mars to get help from the Mars resistance as part of … Continue reading →
Poor John. Problems with the in-laws has gone to a whole new level here. Seriously, though, Delenn has been running a bit rogue the last several seasons and it’s time to pay the bill. One good thing for us, … Continue reading →
There’s an old joke. How do you know a reporter is lying? His lips are moving. Ok, I’ve heard it used for several other professions, as well, but oh man, does it apply to this episode! Seriously, though, an honest and … Continue reading →
Yeah, we certainly do have a few lightbulbs going on. Bester’s got a few ideas to help save his lover involving Z’ha’dum. Londo has the idea that it might not be quite safe for him on Centauri Prime. You know, … Continue reading →
That’s one happy Vir! Londo gave him what he wants. And episode 406 is giving fans what they want. What we have been building towards for over three years now comes to a head in this episode. The Vorlons and … Continue reading →
Last time, G’kar had the long night. This time, pretty much everyone else does. Sheridan has been building the largest fleet in known history to fight both the Vorlons and the Shadows. At the same time. That weight certainly ruins the … Continue reading →
Well, we’re four episodes in and now Sheridan’s back, Garibladi’s back, even Mr. Morden is back. In fact, everything is back to normal. Or at least Babylon 5’s version of “normal” which is anything but. You see, Sheridan is playing … Continue reading →
Interesting title: The Summoning. Cartagia summons Londo. (A couple of times, actually.) Lyta summons the Vorlon. (Yeah, that probably won’t work out well. Go figure.) Sheridan summons the League. (He’s better now.) The Vorlons summon their big guns. (And they’re not … Continue reading →
Good question. It’s been 9 days since both Sheridan and Garibaldi had disappeared. Inquiring Narn want to know. And inquiring Rangers want to help him know. Sadly for G’Kar, things don’t work out quite the way he expects. However, it does … Continue reading →
We left season 3 with Captain Sheridan presumed dead in destruction of the Shadow city. Mr. Garibaldi is missing. The Shadows have been dealt a massive blow. And, well… things are generally in a huge mess. Welcome to season 4. … Continue reading →
This is it! The episode we have all been waiting for. Sheridan took on and defeated the Shadows in a military confrontation last episode. Now he has to confront them and win on an individual level. We all knew that … Continue reading →
Z minus 7 days… Hmmm, think that “Z minus” thing might mean something? Last week it was 14. This week it’s 7. Oh, and did we mention that there’s only one episode after this one in season 3? The team … Continue reading →
Z minus 14 days… We had a short breather last episode, if you can call Neroon pounding Marcus to a bloody pulp either short or a breather. Last episode was setup. This episode is just as much setup, but also … Continue reading →
And as far as some of us are concerned, that is a good thing. This show is considered by many to be one of, if not the, weakest shows of the series. Now, as far as the “A” story goes, it’s … Continue reading →
Ok, so let’s get the title related part out of the way… Dr. Franklin. Pretty girl. Walkabout. Yeah. ‘Nuff said. If that curt summary makes you think there may be some salt involved, then you’d be right. Now on to … Continue reading →
(Had a small issue with the original file – reposting) — Today we talk about the second part of the War Without End saga. This episode, in particular, does a brilliant job of interleaving parts of the season 1 episode … Continue reading →
This is an episode that stands out most for returnings. We have everyone’s favorite fuzzy alien returning: Zathras. We have Commander Sinclair returning as the leader of the Rangers. We have the most mysterious location in the series returning: Babylon … Continue reading →
Alliances of mutual survival can be fickle things. Especially when they are being driven by politics rather than the military that are having to actually do the fighting. Sheridan is learning that lesson the hard way as he tries to … Continue reading →
Bester is back. It seems that he has some common ground with the Babylon 5 command staff where President Clark and the Shadows are concerned. Sort of an, “Enemy of my enemy is my friend,” type of relationship here. Make … Continue reading →
No shrubberies. No coconuts. And certainly, no watery tarts. But this is still one heck of a King Arthur story. And a satisfying thump they made! What do you expect, though, when you combine the talents of Mira Furlan, Andreas … Continue reading →
Hmm… Well, yes. Thus passes the man. Or the Centauri. How do I put it. Yeah. That’s it. Vir gets the girl. And what a girl she is. She does make bald look good. Raul can’t look at this episode … Continue reading →
You think after the last three episodes President Clark might be a bit honked off at Sheridan & Co.? Nightwatch can’t be all that happy, either. I guess some people have no sense of humor. Go figure. After all the … Continue reading →
Now I have a machine gun… Ho! Ho! Ho! You’ll shoot your eye out kid. Uh… no. We’re not the Classic Christmas Movie podcast. But we’re also not entirely the Babylon Project Podcast today, either. Well, yes we are, but … Continue reading →
[A special “Thank you,” to listener Big Brother (@back2babylon5 on Twitter) for letting me know the link wasn’t in the post. We should be fixed now.] “Be somewhere else.” Probably one of the strongest lines in science fiction television. Raw power … Continue reading →
Raul and Jim are quite wrong in this episode. JP Harvey is NOT a guest. As of this episode he joins the podcast are our third host of the show and we are all much better for it. Joining JP in … Continue reading →
President Clark is a creep. No doubt about it. We see it in a couple ways in this episode. First we have his nameless representative from Nightwatch nudging into station security and putting pressure on Zack. Bet that armband is … Continue reading →
Sorry to be a day late. I was in bed with a fever the last couple days. That is also as much boom as we get out of this episode. Just because there isn’t any boom doesn’t mean this isn’t … Continue reading →
The madness continues. Like Jim and Raul have said, Season 2 just never stops. This week, Vir makes a return from his new ambassadorial post on Minbar. He appears to be going native just a bit. Hardly a surprise, of … Continue reading →
If this episode gives you a feeling that things are starting to ramp up, you wouldn’t be wrong.
We get several bits from the past becoming important now. Remember Draal? Remember the trouble Katherine Sakai got into at Sigma 957? Remember this little problem with the Shadows in the midst of all this Earth Alliance intrigue? Actually, let’s include the Earth Alliance intrigue, too.
Did you know those were related?
The audience isn’t the only one to notice something is up. Zack is noticing. G’kar is noticing. It seems with the sending of a Political Officer, that President Clark is noticing. And they all seem to want some answers.
This is absolutely a “Wham!” episode. There’s a lot happening. The arc is advanced in a big way. Little threads from the past – some planted back in S1 – are pulled together into the main story.
You can find us at http://www.BabylonProjectPodcast.wordpress.com, on Facebook at The Babylon Project Podcast or on iTunes. You can email us at TheBabylonProjectPodcast@gmail.com. We look forward to hearing from you.
Just remember… No boom today. Boom tomorrow. There’s always a boom tomorrow!
https://babylonprojectpodcast.files.wordpress.com/2017/10/bpp305-voices-of-authority.mp3
Another one of JMS’ deeply philosophical episodes.
Directed by Adam Nimoy, a fan favorite, and guest starring both Louis Turenne (Brother Theo) and the absolutely brilliant Brad Dourif (Brother Edward) we have one of the most intense examinations of forgiveness, redemption, and consequences that you will ever see on television.
Aside from the obvious theological implications, which JMS handles with profound respect, these themes are going to play a crucial role throughout the remainder of the series for all of the key characters.
In keeping with the tone of the show, Jim and Raul have a spirited but always thoughtful discussion that does not shy away from the hard questions.
You can find us at http://www.BabylonProjectPodcast.wordpress.com, on Facebook at The Babylon Project Podcast or on iTunes. You can email us at TheBabylonProjectPodcast@gmail.com. We look forward to hearing from you.
Just remember… No boom today. Boom tomorrow. There’s always a boom tomorrow!
https://babylonprojectpodcast.files.wordpress.com/2017/09/bpp304-passing-through-gethsemane.mp3
JMS describes this episode as a day where everything that can go wrong does go wrong. That’s a pretty good description. Vir’s having a bad day; Londo gets him a promotion. G’Kar isn’t doing much better; his replacement has arrived. And Sheridan? His day is so bad dealing with the guilds that the station getting blown up seems to be an option for improvement. Delenn seems to be the only one where things are going good. She’s getting a new ambassador to Minbar from the Centauri. Yep, that actually is a good thing. At least for her.
I know what those days are like. Bet you do, too.
This episode is also Straczynski’s tribute to Fred Saberhagen’s Berserker series. Great classic SciFi I’d encourage everyone to read. At least give the original set of short stories a try.
You can find us at http://www.BabylonProjectPodcast.wordpress.com, on Facebook at The Babylon Project Podcast or on iTunes. You can email us at TheBabylonProjectPodcast@gmail.com. We look forward to hearing from you.
Just remember… No boom today. Boom tomorrow. There’s always a boom tomorrow!
https://babylonprojectpodcast.files.wordpress.com/2017/09/bpp303-a-day-in-the-strife.mp3