The Name of the Pod - A Babylon 5 Podcast: Recent Episodes
Jon Cassie and Chris Tatro
Babylon 5 is one of the most important science fiction television programs in history. Why? In this podcast, we will explore this claim and discuss Babylon 5's enduring influence.
We noted with great sadness the passing of Mira Furlan on January 20, 2021. She brightened so many lives with her extraordinary work.
Obituary from BBC.
Obituary from The A.V. Club.
Obituary from USA Today.
Obituary from CinemaBlend.
Remarks from Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cruse, from Lost.
Episode 114 - Series Finale
Chris’s Bottom 3
3) By Any Means Necessary
2) Voices of Authority
1) Phoenix Rising
Jon’s Bottom 3
3) Eyes
2) Soul Hunter
1) Grail
Chris’s Top 5
5) Passing Through Gethsemane
4) Severed Dreams
3) In the Shadow of Z’ha’Dum
2) The Long Night
1) The Coming of Shadows
Jon’s Top 5
5) Chrysalis
4) In the Shadow of Z’ha’Dum
3) War Without End
2) Z’ha’Dum
1) The Coming of Shadows
Episode 113 - The Lost Tales
Synopsis: In which Colonel Lochley encounters an ancient evil, and President Sheridan meets one from the future.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0871427/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/us/guide/118.html
“When the quacking has begun it is too late for the ducks to swim” is the new “I shall go into the West and remain Garibaldi.”
The Wandering Earth: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lsOwtKNsAA&vl=en-US
Episode 112 - The River of Souls
Synopsis: In which the sins and arrogance of the Soul Hunters catch up to them
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0146247/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/master/guide/114.html
Martin Sheen: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000640/?ref_=tt_cl_t6
His 90s oeuvre was fairly dire. Including a role in Jon’s least favorite comic book related movie of all time, 1997’s Spawn.
Ian McShane: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0574534/?ref_=tt_cl_t5
In Space: 1999
Episode 111 - Thirdspace
Synopsis: in which an ancient Vorlon artifact nearly unleashes terrors from beyond space
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0121804/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/us/guide/112.html
Jon is correct on the pronunciation of “squamous.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7b-tLBZJKCw
We spend a lot of time dithering about when this film takes place, sounding like complete idiots. The Lurker’s Guide says it pretty puch has to take place during Atonement due to who was on the station at the time and Zack’s new uniform.
David Sedaris “Barrel Fever” https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0026IUOHI/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
The Babylon 5 Wiki has some really nice screenshots of the Artifact https://babylon5.fandom.com/wiki/Thirdspace_artifact
An “Old One” from the 3rd edition Call of Cthulhu rulebook. Something about this drawing gave Chris nightmares for years.
“It’s so beautiful!”
Iain Banks’ Excession https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Excession
Event Horizon: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Event_Horizon_(film) Rotten Tomatoes: 27%, Metacritic: 35, CinemaScore: D+
The Wild World of Batwoman: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Wild_World_of_Batwoman
Wrestling Women vs the Aztec Mummy: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0058304/
Episode 110 - In the Beginning
Synopsis: In which we learn the history of the Earth-Minabari War.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120711/?ref_=ttfc_fc_tt
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/master/guide/111.html
Blood Meridian or The Evening Redness in the West: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blood_Meridian
Station Eleven: https://ew.com/books/quarantine-book-club-station-eleven-helped-my-reading-slump/
T H E L A M P ! ! ! !
Ahsokan Farewell: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZmxZThb084
“Divorced, Beheaded, Died. Divorced, Beheaded, Survived” - https://www.britain-magazine.com/features/history/tudors/divorced-beheaded-survived-the-wives-of-henry-viii/
The film “Pufnstuf” (1970): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pufnstuf_(film)
Octavia Butler’s “Parable of the Sower” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parable_of_the_Sower_(novel)
Katherine Kurtz’ Camber trilogy (Jon was right, this came out in 1976): https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/537107.Camber_of_Culdi
The Once-ler:
Episode 109: Sleeping in Light (Season 5, Episode 22)
Synopsis: In which old friends reunite to say farewell to John Sheridan and Babylon 5.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517691/?ref_=ttep_ep22
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/master/guide/110.html
“Arthur Treacher’s Fish and Chips” was, of course, founded in Columbus Ohio. The titular Treacher was an actor who was known for playing Jeeves against David Niven’s Wooster. Facebook page has not been updated since February 2017.
https://youtu.be/J45NQOrDq58
Chris is remembering the last episode of Justice League Unlimited “Destroyer.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qGbUb-ttL9g
The ending scene of the Mary Tyler Moore show: https://youtu.be/ttC_J66WF5A?t=1028
The ending of the Newhart: https://youtu.be/McVWkGWMHKI?t=419
The others we mention are a little too spoilery to link here, but you can find them easily.
Chris’s Bottom Three/Top Five
3) Learning Curve
2) Phoenix Rising
1) Secrets of the Soul
5) The Corps is Mother, The Corps is Father
4) Objects in Motions/Objects at Rest
3) The Very Long Night of Londo Molari
2) Movements of Fire and Shadow
1) Sleeping in Light
Jon’s Bottom Three/Top Five
3) Learning Curve
2) Objects at Rest
1) Strange Relations
5) A Tragedy of Telepaths
4) The Ragged Edge
3) Sleeping in Light
2) The Fall of Centauri Prime
1) The Very Long Night of Londo Molari
Episode 108: Objects in Motion/Objects at Rest (Season 5, Episodes 20 & 21)
Synopsis: In which we say goodbye.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517676/?ref_=ttep_ep20
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517675/?ref_=ttep_ep21
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/master/guide/108.html
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/master/guide/109.html
Half this campus wasn’t even there when Jon did his farewell exploration, back in the Pleistocene https://www.umass.edu/visitorsctr/sites/default/files/maps/campusmap.pdf
Episode 107: The Wheel of Fire (Season 5, Episode 19)
Synopsis: In which Garibaldi and Lyta find themselves in hot water, and G’Kar ponders his untenable situation.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517717/?ref_=ttep_ep19
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/master/guide/107.html
I think I (Chris) went a little too deep on how strange it was to me that Lise had taken over as owner of Edgars Industries. She was acting as a corporate representative when she came to the station to get some telepath research data.
Liquorice Allsorts: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liquorice_allsorts Now that I see them I’m fairly certain my grandmother had a bowl of these on her buffet for 30-40 years.
David Dickinson: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Dickinson
Episode 106: Movements of Light and Shadow/The Fall of Centauri Prime (Season 5, Episodes 17 and 18)
Summary: In which war comes to Centauri Prime, and Londo ascends the throne.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517672/?ref_=ttep_ep17
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517702/?ref_=ttep_ep18
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/master/guide/105.html
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/master/guide/106.html
Apparently there’s a very happening bar scene in ruined pre-war buildings in Budapest. Who knew? https://www.offbeatbudapest.com/top10/best-ruin-bars-budapest/
Bart McCarthy: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0565062/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0
Yeah, he’s got a lot of credits, but a pirate captain singing the SpongeBob SquarePants theme is really the pinnacle of a career, isn’t it?
“Star Trek: Picard borrows one incredible concept from The Lord of the Rings.” https://www.inverse.com/entertainment/star-trek-picard-seven-of-nine-lord-of-the-rings-rangers
This is me looking skeptically at you over the top of my glasses, Inverse dot com.
Episode 105: Darkness Ascending/And All My Dreams Torn Asunder (Season 5, Episodes 14 and 15)
Summary: In which the Centauri involvement in the attacks on Alliance ships comes to light, and the consequences of Garibaldi’s addiction build.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517642/?ref_=ttep_ep15
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517626/?ref_=ttep_ep16
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/master/guide/103.html
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/master/guide/104.html
Edmund L. Shaff https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0787283/?ref_=tt_cl_t15
As the Chaplain on Space: Above and Beyond https://youtu.be/FOb6V9gzrKM?t=493
Tamlyn Tomita as Commodore Oh in Star Trek: Picard
October Faction: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RexcOKt3k9k
A familiar, although much younger, face winning fame and fortune on a tv game show.
https://youtu.be/-rpnabM26MM
The people that were wiped out by a death plague were of course the Markab.
Episode 104: Meditations on the Abyss (Season 5, Episode 14)
Summary: In which Lennier undertakes a training mission with the Rangers, and Vir is presented with a new opportunity.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517667/?ref_=ttep_ep14
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/master/guide/102.html
Shonda Rhimes: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shonda_Rhimes
Richard Yniguezhttps://www.imdb.com/name/nm0948253/?ref_=tt_cl_t14
Today’s imdb corner - Carl Ciarfalio! https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0161893/?ref_=tt_cl_t15
Roger Corman’s Fantastic Four: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28EyQ4a3OEA
I watched about 10 minutes of this film, and I’m not sure if I could do any more.
And what is the deal with Garibaldi’s carpet?
Episode 103: The Corps is Mother, The Corps is Father (Season 5, Episode 13)
Summary: In which Bester mentors some young telepaths and introduces them to all his friends on the station.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517698/?ref_=ttep_ep13
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/master/guide/101.html
The Doom Patrol’s Crazy Jane: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crazy_Jane
Clearly we were thinking of a mashup between Queensryche’s “Operation: Mindcrime” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAI2QOBMlTA and the Eurythmics’ “Sex Crime” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GeqbxjebGck
Space: Above and Beyond’s episode “Who Monitors the Birds?” https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x636jwu
The Prisoner Typeface is “Albertus,” or at least a slightly modified version thereof. https://www.wemadethis.co.uk/blog/2015/02/albertus-and-the-prisoner/
Episode 102: The Ragged Edge (Season 5, Episode 12)
Summary: In which Garibaldi goes on a secret mission which, predictably, goes south, and G’Kar finds himself in an uncomfortable position.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517713/?ref_=ttep_ep12
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/master/guide/100.html
Tom Hanks’ character in Dragnet was Pep Streebek, which sounds like a Star Wars name to me.
This song is a hate crime, and the video is worse https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pT_QRKfv8H4
The Gospel of Thomas https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gospel_of_Thomas
Episode 101: Phoenix Rising (Season 5, Episode 11)
Synopsis: In which Garibaldi confronts Bester, and Byron’s telepath uprising comes to its inevitable end.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517678/?ref_=ttep_ep11
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/master/guide/099.html
Twin Peaks: The Return episode 8 https://www.vox.com/culture/2017/6/26/15872236/twin-peaks-episode-8-recap-bob-the-return
Videodrome https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6S1FXXp_Uo
Although Jon may have meant Scanners: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FoIy7Y7H72Q
So much Cronenbergy goodness!
Michael Dante DiMartino: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Dante_DiMartino
Bryan Konietzko: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bryan_Konietzko
Shonda Rhimes: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0722274/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0
Sam Esmail, creator/showrunner of Mr Robot, Homecoming, etc. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1322753/?ref_=tt_ov_wr
David Fincher: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1322753/?ref_=tt_ov_wr
Episode 100: A Tragedy of Telepaths (Season 5, Episode 10)
Synopsis: In which Byron’s telepaths take a desperate stand, and G’Kar finds an old friend on the Centauri homeworld.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517620/?ref_=ttep_ep10
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/master/guide/098.html
Sleep well, Max. We love you.
Wow, I talk fast when I’m feeling emotional.
Vampire the Masquerade character sheet with the three attribute columns
Antigone https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antigone_(Sophocles_play)
Edith Bolling Galt https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edith_Wilson
Clara Bow https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clara_Bow
The Annales School of historical thought https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annales_school
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galactica_1980
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sliders
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TekWar_(TV_series)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M.A.N.T.I.S.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VR.5
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SeaQuest_DSV
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Trek:_Voyager
Episode 99: In the Kingdom of the Blind (Season 5, Episode 9)
Synopsis: In which Londo returns to the Centauri homeworkd, and Byron makes his play for a telepath homeworld.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517656/?ref_=ttep_ep9
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/master/guide/097.html
Hello, good evening, and welcome to Blackmail! https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2n8q35
Never get involved in a land war in Asia: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7LUUk6wVNrY
David Ben-Gurion: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Ben-Gurion
Fabio! https://youtu.be/matItkfzqAA
Episode 98: Day of the Dead (Season 5, Episode 8)
Synopsis: In which the dead come back to visit the living, and Zooty Zoot Zoot!
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/master/guide/096.html
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517643/?ref_=ttep_ep8
The Lurker’s Guide Master Episode list puts Day of the Dead later in the season but this was the broadcast order. And frankly if we complain about this being too late to get insights into Lockley’s character episode 13 would have been waaay too late, in our humble opinion.
REM actually only had 2 good albums: Murmur and Reckoning.
Lenny Henry’s Chef! Go watch it now!! Well, the first 2 seasons anyway. Steer clear of season 3.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0bMzi41-0M
James Orin Incandenza, father of the “protagonist” of David Foster Wallace’s novel “Infinite Jest” https://infinitejest.wallacewiki.com/david-foster-wallace/index.php?title=I#joi
Episode director Doug Lefler: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0498991/?ref_=tt_ov_dr Ooh, he directed two episodes of American Gothic, another of our favorite 1990s tv shows.
It Takes Two: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phOW-CZJWT0
Barenaked Ladies, working “It Takes Two” into a medley including their own song “Crazy,” Sweet’s “Fox on the Run,” Leonard Cohen’s “Bird on a Wire” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CCKTQSUNAM
And a seasonally appropriate BNL rap medley, because this is our show so why not indulge ourselves (as if the entire 98 episode run hasn’t been shameless self-indulgence enough!) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8L5XskTJtlI
Episode 97: Secrets of the Soul (Season 5, Episode 7)
Synopsis: In which Byron and Lyta uncover the truth about the relationship between the Vorlons and the telepaths.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517685/?ref_=ttep_ep7
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/master/guide/095.html
In 1692, Massachusetts Governor William Phips issued a ban on any books or publications about the Salem Witch Trials. https://historyofmassachusetts.org/salem-witch-trials-primary-sources/
Sarah Douglas: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0235243/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0
Phyllida Law: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0492373/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1
People’s Temple: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peoples_Temple
Branch Davidians: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Branch_Davidians
Heaven’s Gate:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heaven%27s_Gate_(religious_group)
Aum Shinrikio: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aum_Shinrikyo
Characteristics of dangerous cult leaders: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/spycatcher/201208/dangerous-cult-leaders
Wild Wild Country: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBLS_OM6Puk
Escaping NXIVM: https://newsinteractives.cbc.ca/longform/escaping-nxivm
Episode 96: Strange Relations (Season 5, Episode 6)
Synopsis: In which Bester comes looking for Byron’s telepaths, and Garibaldi learns Captain Lockley’s dark secret.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517694/?ref_=ttep_ep6
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/master/guide/094.html
I absolutely love this image that the Lurker’s Guide used for this episode:
Same, Byron. Same.
Gwendoline Christie: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3729225/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0
Mads Mikkelsen: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0586568/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0
Alan Cumming: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001086/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1
Titus: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120866/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_85
The Minnie Driver/Alan Cumming film was 1995’s Circle of Friends: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112679/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_66
Dean Stockwell: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001777/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0
“Babylon 5 is the Greatest, Most Terrible SF Series” (2019) https://www.tor.com/2019/06/13/babylon-5-is-the-greatest-most-terrible-sf-series/
“Why Babylon 5 is the Best - and Worst - Television Science Fiction Shows Ever Made” (2014) https://ordinary-times.com/2014/05/15/why-babylon-5-is-the-best-and-worst-television-science-fiction-show-ever-made/
“Why Babylon 5 is the Worst Best Thing in Televised Science Fiction - Ever” (2012) https://mattllavin.wordpress.com/2012/09/01/b5/
Episode 95: Learning Curve (Season 5, Episode 5)
Synopsis: In which two Minbari Rangers come to the station, and Garibaldi locks horns with Captain Lockley.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517663/?ref_=ttep_ep5
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/master/guide/093.html
I haven’t found anything that confirms my suspicion that this was a backdoor pilot for a Ranger spinoff (several years too early) but Delenn’s line about “familiarize yourself with the station because you will be spending a great deal of time here in the future” can’t possibly mean anything else, can it?
Episode 94: A View from the Gallery (Season 5, Episode 4)
Synopsis: In which we see a day in the life of two average joes onboard the station.
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/master/guide/092.html
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517621/?ref_=ttep_ep4
To my dying day I will regret not opening this episode with “Coming to you live as I tumble out of bed and down to the kitchen, pour myself a cup of ambition…”
Kyle Rayner, the greatest Green Lantern evar: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kyle_Rayner
Dippity-Do. Not sure where Jon pulled this one from, but he is old as dirt. Chris would totally wear her outfit though (speaking of Prince…)
https://youtu.be/B1yqBrLhEgQ?t=30
Knights of Prosperity https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0494287/?ref_=nv_sr_1?ref_=nv_sr_1
Hey, the pilot is on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgPqGxi6L8Q&list=PLd9CN2a3uYqOL3eysEZRPGzuuCLqA8zx6
Robin Atkin Downes: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0235960/?ref_=tt_cl_t12
Marilyn Manson’s “Dope Hat” - maybe one of the greatest music videos ever. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mq1sHDwpgqo
Episode 93: The Paragon of Animals (Season 5, Episode 3)
Synopsis: In which Garibaldi asks Byron for assistance and Sheridan struggles to bring the Alliance together.
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/master/guide/091.html
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517710/?ref_=ttep_ep3
Prince as Byron:
The Markab were of course the race wiped out by the Drafa Plague.
Laurence Luckinbill: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0524743/?ref_=nv_sr_2?ref_=nv_sr_2
Albion’s Seed: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32081.Albion_s_Seed
Episode 92: The Very Long Night of Londo Molari (Season 5, Episode 2)
Synopsis: In which Londo is confronted with his sins.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517715/?ref_=ttep_ep2
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/master/guide/090.html
DS9’s “Siege of AR-558” https://memory-alpha.fandom.com/wiki/The_Siege_of_AR-558_(episode)
“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.” https://quoteinvestigator.com/2010/12/04/good-men-do/
The Third Wave: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Third_Wave_(experiment)
DON’T YOU DIE ON ME! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_kBdnziEFA
The Claims Conference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Claims_Conference
Episode 91: No Compromises (Season 5, Episode 1)
Synopsis: In which we meet the new station commander Captain Lockley as well as some telepaths seeking sanctuary.
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/master/guide/089.html
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517673/?ref_=ttep_ep1
Tracy Skoggins: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001712/?ref_=tt_cl_t6
Commander Shelby: https://memory-alpha.fandom.com/wiki/Shelby
Alternate Captain Lockley Casting
Geena Davis: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000133/?ref_=nv_sr_1?ref_=nv_sr_1
Dana Delaney: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001127/?ref_=nv_sr_1?ref_=nv_sr_1
Blair Brown: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001974/?ref_=nv_sr_1?ref_=nv_sr_1
Suzie Plakson: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0686442/?ref_=nv_sr_1?ref_=nv_sr_1
Geneviève Bujold as Captain Nicole Janeway https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SIZcDWKyw0
Go well, Captain Ivanova!
Episode 89: Season 4 Wrap Up
Mitt Romney - he has binders full of timelines
Chris’s Top 5:
5) No Retreat, No Surrender
4) Rising Star
3) The Long Night
2) Into the Fire
1) Intersections in Real Time
Jon’s Top 5:
5) The Long Night
4) Falling Toward Apotheosis
3) Hour of the Wolf
2) Moments of Transition
1) The Summoning
The Long Now podcast interview with Ian McEwen: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ian-mcewan-machines-like-me/id186908455?i=1000438679937
Chris’s Bottom 3:
3) Rumors, Bargains, and Lies
2) The Illusion of Truth
1) Atonement
Jon’s Bottom 3:
3) Between the Darkness and the Light
2) Racing Mars
1) The Illusion of Truth
Episode 88: The Deconstruction of Falling Stars (Season 4, Episode 22)
Synopsis: In which the enduring cultural legacy of Babylon 5 is explored.
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/master/guide/088.html
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517699/?ref_=ttep_ep22
If I need to explain Vogons and Hyperspace Bypasses, what are you doing even reading this?
Jack Vance’s Dying Earth: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dying_Earth
And the “Dying Earth subgenre (which is COMPLETELY my jam!): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dying_Earth_genre
The Athropocene Reviewed podcast: https://www.wnycstudios.org/podcasts/anthropocene-reviewed
Tariq Aziz: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tariq_Aziz
The distant future’s Human Encounter Suit:
Star Trek TNG episode “Peak Performance” - https://memory-alpha.fandom.com/wiki/Peak_Performance_(episode)
Episode 87: Rising Star (Season 4, Episode 21)
Synopsis: In which Sheridan learns his fate and a new galactic order is established.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517683/?ref_=ttep_ep21
Chernobyl - come for the radiation, stay for the dank memes.
One Tree Hill’s timejump: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/One_Tree_Hill_(TV_series)#Series_timeline
Episode 86: Endgame (Season 4, Episode 20)
Synopsis: In which Sheridan brings the fight to Earth and Marcus does the most Marcus thing ever.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517647/?ref_=ttep_ep20
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/master/guide/086.html
Where’s the kaboom? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9wmWZbr_wQ
The telepaths were not killed by Sheridan’s usage of them. It’s not clear how many may have died because their ships were destroyed.
“Feel It” by The Tamperer ft Maya: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tkisiwa-97c
Star Trek Voyager’s “Engdame” https://memory-alpha.fandom.com/wiki/Endgame_(episode)
The X-Files’ “Endgame” https://x-files.fandom.com/wiki/End_Game
Please enjoy a lengthy segment where two middle aged men try to remember the Oceanic Air flight number from Lost, something that was only a major part of the mythology of the series.
Megadeth’s Endgame https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endgame_(Megadeth_album)
Featuring the Aragorn-inspired track “This Day We Fight” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acsc6ZVd3cM
Episode 85: Intersections in Real Time/Between the Darkness and the Light (Season 4, Episodes 18 & 19)
Synopsis: In which Sheridan is in the hands of Earthdome interrogators, a rescue is effected, and Ivanova takes command of the White Star fleet.
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/master/guide/084.html
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/master/guide/085.html
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517660/?ref_=ttep_ep18
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517633/?ref_=ttep_ep19
Ray Birk: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0083541/?ref_=tt_cl_t13
The interrogation of Evey Hammond from V for Vendetta https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlhSU4l5ClM
Oleana: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0110722/?ref_=fn_al_tt_2
Here’s the only place I could find to stream it digitally: https://www.vudu.com/content/movies/details/Oleanna/888942
Closetland: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0101597/?ref_=nv_sr_1?ref_=nv_sr_1
1984 - Room 101: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M3U83QLoATU
Episode 84: The Face of the Enemy (Season 4, Episode 17)
Synopsis: In which Garibaldi hands Sheridan over to Earthgov and Bester’s long game is revealed.
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/master/guide/083.html
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517701/?ref_=ttep_ep17
Not sure if the concept of “senioritis” translates to our friends outside the US - it’s the concept that in the final semester of secondary school students aren’t putting in their best effort because their plans for college or whatnot are already in place.
Shameless plug for Jon’s book: https://www.amazon.com/Level-Up-Your-Classroom-Students/dp/1416622055/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2191BPRE6U643
I should have known someone would have already done the meme I was referencing:
w/r/t: Twin Peaks: The Return, episode 8 https://www.vox.com/culture/2017/6/26/15872236/twin-peaks-episode-8-recap-bob-the-return
Becoming Superman: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07F13YLYH/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
Episode 83: The Exercise of Vital Powers (Season 4, Episode 16)
Synopsis: In which Garibaldi returns to Mars and we learn more about Edgars’ plans.
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/master/guide/082.html
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517700/?ref_=ttep_ep16
The true mastermind behind Garibaldi’s mind control:
The fifth roommate in The Young Ones: https://dangerousminds.net/comments/wait_what_there_was_a_secret_fifth_roommate_on_the_young_ones_the_whole_tim
Ephrem ZImbalist Jr: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0956544/?ref_=tt_cl_t15
Come in with the milk, come in with the milk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uus--6heuw8
Most commercial telepaths (P5 level) do need line of sight for telepathy to work, which explains why Edgars wanted to be in another room unseen during Garibaldi’s testing. https://babylon5.fandom.com/wiki/Telepath
Lise met and married William Edgars in 2260, so it’s not clear if that was before or after the secession (not that my grand complicated conspiracy theory panned out anyway).
Episode 82: No Surrender, No Retreat (Season 4, Episode 15)
Synopsis: In which Sheridan brings the fight to Clark’s forces, and Londo asks G’kar for help.
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/master/guide/081.html
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517674/?ref_=ttep_ep15
If you haven’t seen The Lion in Winter, unquestionably the best Christmas movie of all time, the I just don’t know what to tell you: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cVwBjwRGgg
Chris would absolutely watch a show where Boston City Hall was used as a starship model.
Marcia Mitzman Gavin: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0594217/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t13
Episode 81: Rumors, Bargains & Lies/Moments of Transition (Season 4, Episodes 13 and 14)
Synopsis: In which the Minbari Civil War comes to a head and the new Grey Council is revealed.
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/master/guide/079.html
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/master/guide/080.html
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517684/?ref_=ttep_ep13
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517671/?ref_=ttep_ep14
Bill Mumy: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0612621/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1
Space Command Redemption: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/58936338/space-command-redemption
Shattrath City:
The Minbari capital city is named Yedor. I’m not sure if it was named on screen at any point.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saga_(comics)
Operation Downfall was the proposed land invasion of Japan: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Downfall
Jon was close though - Olympic was part of Downfall, the invasion of southern Japan.
Episode 80: Conflicts of Interest (Season 4, Episode 12)
Synopsis: In which a dame from Garibaldi’s past shows up with a suitcase full of trouble.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517640/?ref_=ttep_ep12
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/master/guide/078.html
Annie Potts: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001633/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1
Parker Posey: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000205/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1
“Jacque de Molay, thou art avenged!” - Robert Anton Wilson’s Illuminatus! Trilogy someone yells that line at the execution of King Louis XVI of France. If you need me to explain who Jacques de Molay was and why he needed avenging, well pull up a chair, it’s going to be a long night.
The Natural Law Party: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_Law_Party_(United_States)
John Hagelin:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Hagelin
Duck Amuck: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2ofats
Marvel Comics #1000 - featuring a page by JMS: https://www.marvel.com/articles/comics/marvel-comics-1000-celebrates-marvel-s-80-year-legacy
Episode 79: Lines of Communication (Season 4, Episode 11)
Synopsis: In which Marcus and Stephen attempt to bring the Martian resistance onto their side, and Delenn encounters the heirs of the Shadows.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517665/?ref_=ttep_ep11
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/master/guide/077.html
Are you getting enough oxygen? https://getyarn.io/yarn-clip/9d93c1d3-6ad5-4720-976e-325d65d660e7
https://thewellpod.com/
The story of the “Mac Tonight” commercial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ClksIvHsYcc
Robin Curtis as Ambassador Kalika Qwal’Mizra: https://babylon5.fandom.com/wiki/Kalika_Qwal%27Mizra
Episode 78: Racing Mars
Synopsis: In which Marcus and Stephen travel to Mars to meet with the Resistance, and find the enemy one step ahead of them.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517681/?ref_=ttep_ep10
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/master/guide/076.html
The immortal Kajagoogoo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CfV2iVMeKA
DS9 episode “Rejoined” https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0708588/?ref_=ttep_ep5
On Martian-Texan accents in The Expanse:
Episode 77: Atonement (Season 4, Episode 9)
Synopsis: In which Delenn learns a shocking fact about herself thanks to our new sponsor 23 and me!*
*does not imply actual sponsorship or association
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517630/?ref_=ttep_ep9
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/master/guide/075.html
Philip Bailey and Phil Collins - “Easy Lover” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JkRKT6T0QLg
Tony Freaking Dow! https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0235638/?ref_=tt_ov_dr
He played Wally Cleaver on the final episode of The Love Boat???????? Along with half the cast of Leave It to Beaver AND the Brady Bunch reprising their characters as well. And Milton Berle, Steve Allen, Don Knotts and Ruth Buzzi as themselves? And also featuring Gordon “Arthur “Big Guy” Calson from WKRP in Cincinnati AND Jane “Amanda “mother of Spock” Grayson” Wyatt??? Oh that’s this evening sorted! https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0636818/fullcredits?ref_=tt_cl_sm#cast
Episode 76: The Illusion of Truth (Season 4, Episode 8)
Synopsis: In which an ISN reporter comes to the station to film what he totally pinkie swears will not be an anti-Babylon 5 propaganda hit piece, and Sheridan falls for it again.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517706/?ref_=ttep_ep8
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/master/guide/074.html
Elia Kazan and the Oscars: https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-mar-22-mn-19738-story.html
Magic Kid I: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magic_Kid
Magic Kid II: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magic_Kid_2
The “Equality vs Equity” image.
Henry Darrow: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0201688/?ref_=tt_cl_t14
“Helsinki Syndrome” was (accidentally?) referenced in the film “Die Hard” so this is either continuing the tradition of misnaming Stockholm Syndrome or a nod to that occurrence. Given that it was a vapid news anchor who said it in “Die Hard” I suspect it was intentional there, and intentional here as well. https://bshistorian.wordpress.com/2017/12/25/helsinki-syndrome/
Episode 75: Epiphanies (Season 4, Episode 7)
Synopsis: In which Bester reveals President Clark’s renewed interest in shutting down Babylon 5, and Mr Garibaldi calls it quits.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517648/?ref_=ttep_ep7
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/master/guide/073.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmcA9LIIXWw
The IKEA “Frakta” bag: https://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/17228340/
Episode 74: Into the Fire (Season 4, Episode 6)
Synopsis: In which Londo makes the right decision for once, and exeunt the First Ones, stage left.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517661/?ref_=ttep_ep6
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/master/guide/072.html
Do I really need to link to any of the Marvel movies here, people? I didn’t think so.
Shadipur? What the hell was I thinking. The final Padishah Emperor was Shaddam Corrino IV. Take away my nerd card! Time to re-read the series (six books ONLY). Regardless, the Empire of the Known Universe appears to only occupy a small part of the Milky Way galaxy. https://dune.fandom.com/wiki/Known_Universe
Zeta 2 Reticuli was, of course, identified by Betty Hill as the home star system of the classic grey aliens that abducted her and her husband in 1961.
“Tekeli-li! Tekeli-li!” was a strange cry uttered by shuggoths in HP Lovecraft’s At the Mountains of Madness https://kinginyellow.fandom.com/wiki/Tekeli-li
HOT PIE!
Episode 73: The Long Night (Season 4, Episode 5)
Synopsis: In which Sheridan lays a trap and the reign of Emperor Cartagia comes to an abrupt end.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517708/?ref_=ttep_ep5
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/master/guide/071.html
Dương Văn Minh, the final President of the Republic of Vietnam. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D%C6%B0%C6%A1ng_V%C4%83n_Minh
A fellow named Vittorio Emanuele would be the King of Italy today had the monarchy not been abolished in 1946 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vittorio_Emanuele,_Prince_of_Naples
Here was the full title of his father, Umberto II the last king (and suck it, Joffrey):
[Name], by the Grace of God and the will of the Nation, King of Italy, King of Sardinia, Cyprus, Jerusalem, Armenia, Duke of Savoy, count of Maurienne, Marquis (of the Holy Roman Empire) in Italy; Prince of Piedmont, Carignano, Oneglia, Poirino, Trino; Prince and Perpetual Vicar of the Holy Roman Empire; Prince of Carmagnola, Montmellian with Arbin and Francin, Prince bailiff of the Duchy of Aosta, Prince of Chieri, Dronero, Crescentino, Riva di Chieri and Banna, Busca, Bene, Bra, Duke of Genoa, Monferrat, Aosta, Duke of Chablais, Genevois, Duke of Piacenza, Marquis of Saluzzo (Saluces), Ivrea, Susa, of Maro, Oristano, Cesana, Savona, Tarantasia, Borgomanero and Cureggio, Caselle, Rivoli, Pianezza, Govone, Salussola, Racconigi over Tegerone, Migliabruna and Motturone, Cavallermaggiore, Marene, Modane and Lanslebourg, Livorno Ferraris, Santhià, Agliè, Centallo and Demonte, Desana, Ghemme, Vigone, Count of Barge, Villafranca, Ginevra, Nizza, Tenda, Romont, Asti, Alessandria, of Goceano, Novara, Tortona, Bobbio, Soissons, Sant'Antioco, Pollenzo, Roccabruna, Tricerro, Bairo, Ozegna, delle Apertole, Baron of Vaud and of Faucigni, Lord of Vercelli, Pinerolo, of Lomellina, of Valle Sesia, of the Marquisate of Ceva, Overlord of Monaco, Roccabruna and eleven-twelfths of Menton, Noble Patrician of Venice, Patrician of Ferrara.
Romania is a little trickier since King Michael I only had daughters and the royal constitution did not recognize women in the line of succession, even though Michael named his eldest daughter Margareta as his heir. Margareta today claims the title “Custodian of the Crown” although her cousin via her father’s illegitimate half brother lays claim to the title as well. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Margareta_of_Romania#Custodian_of_the_Crown_of_Romania
The end of British rule in Palestine: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/End_of_the_British_Mandate_for_Palestine
The end of British rule of India: http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/modern/independence1947_01.shtml
The US occupation of Haiti: https://www.newyorker.com/news/news-desk/haiti-us-occupation-hundred-year-anniversary
Bryan Cranston: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0186505/?ref_=tt_cl_t13
Episode 72: Falling Toward Apotheosis (Season 4, Episode 4)
Synopsis: In which Londo begins to enact his desperate plan, and the time has come to say farewell to the new Kosh.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517651/?ref_=ttep_ep4
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/master/guide/070.html
Warning: eye-related body horror right up top. Of course, nobody ever reads these notes so hope you enjoyed that folks!
From David Sedaris’s “Santaland Diaries”: “Snowball just leads elves on, elves and Santas. He is playing a dangerous game.”
A Kheldian from City of Heroes in “space squid” form:
Episode 71: The Summoning (Season 4, Episode 3)
Synopsis: In which the Vorlons strike back, G’kar endures, and there are many happy returns.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517714/?ref_=ttep_ep3
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/master/guide/069.html
Room 101/Two Minutes Hate/Goldstein! Goldstein! Goldstein! - a very 1984-heavy episode this week (the book and film, not the sub-par Van Halen album).
Warning: Trek digression starting about 12 minutes in. Mostly slagging on TNG interior design and costuming nightmares.
Max the Cat appears briefly in the background at about 20 min.
Episode 70: Whatever Happened to Mr Garibaldi? (Season 4, Episode 2)
Synopsis: In which G’Kar falls into the hands of the Centauri and Captain Sheridan lingers between life and death.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517723/?ref_=ttep_ep2
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/master/guide/068.html
It’s possible that the title of this episode is a nod to Alan Moore’s classic “Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow?” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superman:_Whatever_Happened_to_the_Man_of_Tomorrow%3F
Cats in sci-fi (includes movies which we weren’t examining, or Jonesy would definitely have been #1): https://www.geek.com/culture/the-12-best-cats-in-sci-fi-history-1693091/
As always, I flubbed the Tears in Rain reference: “I've seen things you people wouldn't believe. Attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion. I watched C-beams glitter in the dark near the Tannhäuser Gate. All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain. Time to die.”
Lord Baltar’s robotic assistant was, of course, Lucifer. Bit on the nose there, Larson. https://en.battlestarwikiclone.org/wiki/Lucifer
Episode 69: The Hour of the Wolf (Season 4, Episode 1)
Synopsis: In which everyone must come to terms with the loss of Captain Sheridan, and Londo is recalled to the Centauri Imperial court.
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/master/guide/067.html
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517705/?ref_=ttep_ep1
February 2015 in New England. Thankfully we don’t have anything like that this year.
TNotP Season 3 Show Notes
Episode 68: Season 3 Wrap-Up
Jon’s Top 5 Episodes:
5) War Without End
4) And the Rock Cried OUt, No Hiding Place
3) Passing Through Gethsemane
2) Severed Dreams
1) Z’ha’dum
Chris’s Top 5 Episodes:
5) Z’ha’dum
4) Interludes & Examinations
3) Passing Through Gethsemane
2) Severed Dreams
1) Point of No Return
Jon’s Bottom 3 Episodes:
3) Grey 17 Is Missing
2) Exogenesis
1) A Late Delivery from Avalon
Chris’s Bottom 3 Episodes:
3) A Late Delivery from Avalon
2) Exogenesis
1) Voices of Authority
Princess Allura was apparently a the pilot of the Blue Lion on Voltron: Defender of the Universe, which Chris hasn’t thought about in more than 30 years. Thanks, brain! (Brain? Brain? What is brain?)
Any fans wishing to show us their appreciation: https://www.amazon.com/MPC-Space-1999-Eagle-Transporter/dp/B01A7TPCNS
Episode 67: Z’ha’dum (Season 3, Episode 22)
Synopsis: In which Captain Sheridan goes to Z’ha’dum.
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/master/guide/066.html
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517724/?ref_=ttep_ep22
The Ministry of Ideas podcast - “The Myth of Modernity” https://www.ministryofideas.org/episodes/myth-of-modernity
“I’m full of tinier men!” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctPqNSrmknA
Episode 66: Shadow Dancing (Season 3, Episode 21)
In which Dr Franklin’s walkabout comes to an abrupt end and a major battle is fought against the Shadow fleet.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517687/?ref_=ttep_ep21
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/master/guide/065.html
Crunchy Wheat! Nicely Sweet! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0e16Y9a9sE
Raw vfx shots from B5 season 3: https://vimeo.com/304310640/description?fbclid=IwAR3RPYEGVZ-YIn9aJjEwIjmvskiRoyknZMY-wffxaavOIifk6VxdHgS0ZA4
Moar ship porn. Rocket Science vfx for The Expanse (probably some spoilers): https://vimeo.com/300307277?cjevent=6e358e48fcdd11e8805b006f0a240614
Heat Miser and Snow Miser: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_SGlPnA_iCk
Martin Stein’s death from Legends of Tomorrow https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Cmj4A_jLx8
Oliver and Diggle have it out on Arrow: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCHs5QHV-WA
Actresses who have played Catwoman, in order: https://www.popsugar.com/beauty/photo-gallery/24031780/image/24031787/Julie-Newmar
Does not include voice actors from animated features or Maggie Baird, who played Selena in the Birds of Prey tv series YES I WENT THERE!
Episode 65: And the Rock Cried Out, No Hiding Place (Season 3, Episode 20)
Synopsis: In which Sheridan and Delenn analyze the patterns behind the Shadows’ attacks and Londo moves against an enemy to gain power in the Centauri court.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517628/?ref_=ttep_ep20
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/master/guide/064.html
Francois Giroday, who portrayed Minister Virini https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0320931/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t16
How many licks does it take to get to the Tootsie Roll center of a Tootsie Pop? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvFzOgK-V9E
A Clockwork Orange and “Singing in the Rain” http://moviemezzanine.com/inglorious-bastard-the-horror-of-singin-in-the-rain-and-a-clockwork-orange/
Necross the (Ha Ha Ha) Mad - I had to dig into my comics collection and take a pic of this page, it’s such a deep cut I couldn’t even find it on the internet anywhere.
The doctor from “The Cage” was Dr. Boyce http://memory-alpha.wikia.com/wiki/Philip_Boyce The actor, John Hoyt, was in the film “The Conqueror,” in which John Wayne plays Genghis Khan (woof! Not even going there!). Ninety of the film’s 200 cast/crew members contracted cancer afterward. And we thought B5 was cursed!
Episode 64: Grey 17 Is Missing (Season 3, Episode 19)
Synopsis: In which Garibaldi hunts down a mystery, and Delenn faces a challenge to her leadership of the Rangers.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517654/?ref_=ttep_ep19
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/master/guide/063.html
1990s Doomsday cults? I’m stayin’!
Branch Dividians https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Branch_Davidians
Aum Shinrikyo https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aum_Shinrikyo
Heaven’s Gate - Tragic, and maybe our “favorite” UFO cult https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heaven%27s_Gate_(religious_group)
Order of the Solar Temple https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Order_of_the_Solar_Temple
Max the Cat shows up at about 13:30.
Duns Scotus, 13th century theologian and hair splitter quo maxime: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duns_Scotus
Eruv - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eruv
Episode 63: War Without End (Season 3, Episodes 16 & 17)
Synopsis: In which Jeffrey Sinclair returns and the fate of Babylon 4 is revealed.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517721/?ref_=ttep_ep16
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517722/?ref_=ttep_ep17
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/master/guide/060.html
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/master/guide/061.html
Do I need to lnk about Lucy and Ethel? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I_Love_Lucy
Creature Double Feature was a Saturday afternoon staple for those of us growing up in the Boston area in the 70s: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m--ayWTBWi0
Summaries of JMS’s intended original plan, where we can see what the show might have looked like had Michael O’Hare stuck around and get Sinclair all the way through, including the spin-off show Babylon Prime. Interesting stuff here, but lots of spoilers if this is your first time through the show. Bringing B4 forward to be the new station in the spinoff is similar to what Jon has discussed with a sequel show to B5, set 1000 years down the road.
http://www.republibot.com/content/hidden-evolution-babylon-5
http://www.republibot.com/content/hidden-evolution-babylon-5-part-ii-%E2%80%9Cbabylon-prime%E2%80%9D
Max the Cat makes a brief appearance at about 10:45. I know you’ve all been wondering what was up with him.
Seriously, you do not want to get Chris started on the history of the Legion of Super Heroes, particularly in the post-Crisis/pre-Zero Hour era.
The film Predestination is an adaptation of the story “All You Zombies” by Robert Heinlein and is the most brain breaking time travel I’ve encountered yet. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Predestination_(film)
Looper is up there in the running though. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Looper_(film)
Star Trek’s “Tomorrow is Yesterday” is a great episode, setting aside maybe the bit about the ship’s computer being reprogrammed to be more “feminine.” http://memory-alpha.wikia.com/wiki/Tomorrow_is_Yesterday_(episode)
DS9’s “Past Tense” http://memory-alpha.wikia.com/wiki/Past_Tense,_Part_I_(episode)
Star Trek: Discovery’s “Calypso” https://io9.gizmodo.com/short-treks-dives-far-into-the-future-of-star-trek-with-1830339940 Chris is probably wrong here, I can’t find any evidence that Aldis Hodge’s character is actually joining the regular show, sadly.
Legends of Tomorrow is the most bonkers show on television. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqRZJgA_IqM
El Ministerio del Tiempo https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Ministerio_del_Tiempo
Travelers season 3 drops in March 2019. Yay! https://www.denofgeek.com/us/tv/travelers/271433/travelers-season-3-release-date-news-and-more
Dark season 2 is currently in production http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/dark/news/a860226/dark-season-2-opening-scene-filming-starts/
San Dimas High School Football Rules!! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_%26_Ted#Bill_&_Ted_Face_the_Music_(2020)
12 Monkeys - the film, not the series, is also a great time travel mind bender: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15s4Y9ffW_o
Time After Time: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0080025/?ref_=nv_sr_1
And Somewhere in Time: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0081534/?ref_=nv_sr_2
TNG’s “Parallels” featuring Riker with an even more glorious beard than usual http://memory-alpha.wikia.com/wiki/Parallels_(episode)
Credo, the board game of the Council of Nicea. Complete Jon and Chris-bait. https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/1304/credo-game-dueling-dogmas
Aleph Mattresses. Not our sponsor...yet. https://trustaleph.com/
World of Warcraft’s Draenei: https://wow.gamepedia.com/Draenei
Episode 62: Walkabout (Season 3, Episode 18)
Synopsis: Dr. Franklin tries to find himself, Sheridan tests the Shadows’ weakness, and we meet the new Kosh.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517720/?ref_=ttep_ep18
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/master/guide/062.html
Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sinners_in_the_Hands_of_an_Angry_God
Four hundred Vulcans cried out...and were suddenly silenced. http://memory-alpha.wikia.com/wiki/The_Immunity_Syndrome_(episode)
The Vorlon Ulkesh appeared in the novel https://babylon5.fandom.com/wiki/To_Dream_in_the_City_of_Sorrows
Jeffrey Willerth was the performer in the Kosh suit(s) https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0929790/
He seems to have been primarily a producer (and an Associate to Producer on B5) more than an actor/puppeteer, which makes the subtlety of his performance even more noteworthy.
Let the record show that I (Chris) did not buy into a new miniatures game while in California.
Three cheers for John Mundy!
Foundationism: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foundationism
Cleverman https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleverman
Erica Gimpel: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0319826/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t12
JMS apparently does have a text on Foundationism. I’d love to get a look at that.
JMS on religion in science fiction: https://techtv.mit.edu/videos/3608-j-michael-straczynski-on-themes-of-religion-in-science-fiction
Episode 61: Interludes and Examinations (Season 3, Episode 15)
Synopsis: In which Captain Sheridan convinces Kosh to take a more active role in the war, and Mr Morden returns.
“The Back Nine” is a golf reference. Somehow I (Chris) always thought it was referring to the last nine acres of farmland you had left to plow. See the things you learn listening to podcasts, kids?
The Gaim’s helmet resembles the helmet worn by Morpheus, Lord of Dreams in Neil Gaiman's Sandman
The Baader-Meinhof Group https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Army_Faction and Baader Meinhoff phenomenon (aka frequency illusion) https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/inside-the-mind/human-brain/baader-meinhof-phenomenon.htm
The Symbionese Liberation Army https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Symbionese_Liberation_Army (“Symbionese” referring to symbiosis)
Canadian plan for preemptory US invasion in 1921 https://bigthink.com/strange-maps/in-1921-canada-developed-a-secret-plan-to-invade-the-us
Homer Simpson’s spirit guide was a coyote voiced by Johnny Cash. But Chris was conflating that with Homer’s guardian angel, who appeared to him in a form of Colonel Klink. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sM28sWT2pvU
SUGAR. DIRT. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wv7flH9oUcg
Episode 60: Ship of Tears (Season 3, Episode 14)
Synopsis: In which Bester seeks Sheridan’s help in stopping the Shadows and G’Kar is brought into the conspiracy.
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/master/guide/058.html
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517688/?ref_=tt_ep_nx
What We Left Behind - the Deep Space 9 retrospective documentary https://ds9documentary.com/
"Third Person: Authoring and Exploring Vast Narratives” by Pat Harrigan https://www.amazon.com/Third-Person-Authoring-Exploring-Narratives/dp/0262533790/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1541628420&sr=8-2&keywords=third+person
"Henry Gale" from Lost - his real name was Ben Linus (portrayed by Michael Emerson https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0256237/?ref_=nv_sr_1) Good lord I hated him.
"Brain, brain, what is brain?" Jon dropped some Spock's Brain on us and I didn't catch it. Not sure who is the more shameful in this situation.
Screen Memories - https://mysteriousuniverse.org/2016/01/the-messengers-ufos-owls-and-synchronicity/
There are many different types of possible subspecies of Grey aliens
http://hybridsrising.com/Hybrid-Project/Hybrids-Rising-The-Greys-HP.html
Episode 59: Sic Transit Vir (Season 3, Episode 12)
Synopsis: In which Vir meets his bride-to-be and we learn more about what he has been doing in his spare time.
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/master/guide/056.html
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517689/?ref_=tt_ep_pr
Centauri minister Damian London: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0518686/?ref_=tt_cl_t13
The Monty Python Oscar Wilde sketch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UxXW6tfl2Y0
Carmen Thomas https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0858593/?ref_=tt_cl_t12
Jesus Salvador Trevino: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0872442/?ref_=tt_ov_dr
Brimstone, starring John Glover and his hair: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brimstone_(TV_series)
David Mamet’s Oleanna: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oleanna_(film)
Episode 58: A Late Delivery from Avalon (Season 3, Episode 13)
Synopsis: In which a man claiming to be Arthur, King of the Britons, arrives on Babylon 5
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/master/guide/057.html
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517617/?ref_=tt_ep_nx
Note: This episode was intended to go after “Sic Transit Vir,” which we will examine next week.
There are a lot of Monty Python and the Holy Grail references here, I’m not going to link them all. Same for the references to Arthurian lore and historical study.
I will however strongly recommend the “Arthur Dies at the End” series of retellings of Mallory’s “Le Mort de Arthur” by my (Chris) friend Jeffrey Wikstrom. Very funny and irreverent. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LAKWHH8/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
Do not get Chris started on stirrups in the movie Gladiator.
The “Camelot 3000: comics series: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camelot_3000
MASH’s finale, “Farewell, Amen and Amen” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goodbye,_Farewell_and_Amen
Logan’s Run https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Logan%27s_Run_(film)
The postal worker was portrayed by Michael Fagan. I was confused because he’s listed with a name in the credits, “Emmet Farquaha,” but I don’t think the name was ever spoken in the episode.
Attentive listeners may recall that the film Apollo 13 was beat out for a Hugo award in 1996 by the Babylon 5 season 2 episode “The Coming of Shadows.” JMS was certainly aware of the film.
The board game “This War of Mine” is a harrowing experience. Cannot recommend it enough. https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/188920/war-mine-board-game
Shoeless Joe: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shoeless_Joe_Jackson
Episode 57: Ceremonies of Light and Dark (Season 3, Episode 11)
Synopsis: In which the dust settles from the past few episodes and everyone gets spiffy new uniforms!
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517636/?ref_=tt_ep_nx
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/master/guide/055.html
Domo Arigato https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uc6f_2nPSX8
Halfway there: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDK9QqIzhwk
Suebi and Etruscans and Greeks, oh my! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_citizenship
In Our Time - the best history/science/culture/everything podcast out there: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006qykl/episodes/player
“People with terrible ideas often think they’re going to work.” - https://www.ilinxilinx.com/nameofthepod/
The Dollop podcast https://www.dolloppodcast.com/
Don Stroud: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0835144/?ref_=tt_cl_t13
“Tomorrow is Yesterday” is the classic Star Trek episode where the computer keeps referring to Kirk as “dear.” http://memory-alpha.wikia.com/wiki/Tomorrow_is_Yesterday_(episode)
“Are we the baddies?” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hn1VxaMEjRU
Buck Rogers uniform:
An aside, but Gil Gerard (Buck) and Felix Silla (Twiki) are still friends and hang out. That feels nice.
https://vitalvegas.com/this-was-easily-our-weirdest-vegas-celebrity-sighting-ever/
And in conclusion YOGA PANTS ARE NOT PANTS. Come at me, haters!
Episode 56: Severed Dreams (Season 3, Episode 10)
Synopsis: In which everything hits the fan.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517686/?ref_=tt_ep_nx
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/master/guide/054.html
Other Hugo nominees in 1997 for “Best Dramatic Presentation” were Star Trek: First Contact, DS9 “Trials and Tribble-ations,” Mars Attacks and Independence Day.
Max was particularly vocal this episode. Enjoy his dulcet tones.
Robert Foxworth’s treason is discussed by JMS in length on the Lurker’s Guide page, linked above.
Episode 55: Point of No Return (Season 3, Episode 9)
Synopsis: In which the crisis with the Nightwatch comes to a head and Londo and Vir learn their destinies.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517679/?ref_=tt_ep_nx
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/master/guide/053.html
The legendary Majel Barrett: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000854/?ref_=tt_cl_t12
Before her death, Majel Barrett’s voice was recorded phonetically so it is still possible we may get her voice for our phones! https://news.avclub.com/the-late-majel-barrett-might-still-voice-the-computer-o-1798251733
Star Trek Continues: https://www.youtube.com/user/StarTrekContinues
Emmanuel Goldstein and the Two Minutes of Hate: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4zYlOU7Fpk
Episode 54: Messages from Earth (Season 3, Episode 8)
Synopsis: In which Sheridan must take drastic action to keep President Clark from obtaining a shadow ship, and the Nightwatch steps up their operation on the station.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517668/?ref_=tt_ep_pr
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/master/guide/052.html
Stove Top? I’M STAYING! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3T1dvaEY9CQ
The Ultra Menace Missile! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ZAuNqHSEQk
The Shobijin from Godzilla vs Mothra: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=stavnP7kcGU
Night Boat! The Crime Solving boat! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uoV1-fsFCmw
The Reflex Gun! Another Star Blazers reference! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAA3bLM3IGA
Lyanna Mormont, baddest badass in the Seven Kingdoms. It is known. http://gameofthrones.wikia.com/wiki/Lyanna_Mormont
Episode 53: Exogenesis (Season 3, Episode 7)
Synopsis: In which a creepy bug/parasite thing appears to be possessing people and Ivanova tests Corwin’s loyalty.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517649/?ref_=tt_ep_nx
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/master/guide/051.html
Samuel Taylor Coleridge was interrupted while writing Kulba Khan by “the stranger from Porlock” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Person_from_Porlock
Which led to Rush’s “Xanadu,” possibly my (Chris) favorite of their songs. If you’ve never heard it, can tolerate prog rock, and have eleven-odd minutes to spare check it out. I’ll be over here rocking out hard: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEuOoMprDqg
Aubrey Morris, this episode’s Duncan, appears as the Roman emperor in this episode of The Prisoner - “The Dance of the Dead.” Once you’ve watched that Rush video spend 40 minutes checking this out too. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaCVzUy3KP4
Fantasy recasting of Marcus:
Chris - David Tennant: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0855039/?ref_=nv_sr_1
Jon - Richie Campbell: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1951953/?ref_=tt_cl_t2
Here’s our first pass at the prestige 10 episode breakdown for season 2. Much of this didn’t survive contact with the discussion we have in this episode but it was a starting point.
The zones of total exclusion thing came from the French Zone Rouge, an area of France entirely incapable of supporting life because of damage from World War 1. Details: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zone_Rouge
And of course there’s a TV Tropes page as well (because of course there is). https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/ForbiddenZone
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517646/?ref_=tt_ep_nx
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/master/guide/050.html
Chris’ outline for prestige season 1
Jon’s outline for prestige season 1:
1
A Narn-Centauri War (Midnight)
B Ivanova's Family (Purple)
2
A G'kar Black Rose / Londo assassin (Purple / Parliament)
B Sinclair and Sakai (Parliament)
3
A Religion Festival (Parliament)
B Garibaldi and Mars (Lianna) (Survivors)
4
A Deathwalker (Deathwalker)
B Franklin and the Children of Time (Believers)
5
A Sigma 957 (Parliament)
B Talia and Kosh (Deathwalker)
6
A Morden (Signs)
B Sinclair kidnapped (Sky)
7
A Babylon 4 (BB)
B Ivanova and Koslov (TKO)
8
A Epsilon 3 / Draal, pt. 1 (Voice1)
B Garibaldi and Mars, election of Santiago (Voice1)
9
A Epsilon 3 / Draal, pt. 2 (Voice2)
B Sinclair and Earthforce (Voice2)
10 = Chrysalis, as filmed
Jason Morningstar - Fiasco is really a terrific game! http://bullypulpitgames.com/about/jason/
Jon & Tracy’s excellent podcast on gaming and education, Game Level Learn: http://www.gamelevellearn.com/podcast/
Episode 51: Voices of Authority (Season 3, Episode 5)
Synopsis: In which Marcus and Ivanova search for allies in the war against the Shadows, and the Clark administration attempts to tighten its grip on the station.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517719/?ref_=tt_ep_nx
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/master/guide/049.html
The Seraphs’ ship from the 1978 Battlestar Galactica: https://wikivisually.com/wiki/Seraphs_(Battlestar_Galactica)
Balok from Star Trek’s “The Corbormite Maneuver” http://www.startrek.com/database_article/balok
Marie Crane, the candidate who lost to incumbent Luis Santiago in the 2258 election: http://babylon5.wikia.com/wiki/Marie_Crane
Shari Shattuck: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0789449/?ref_=tt_cl_t13
.38 Special’s “Caught Up In You” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zg21Rkew874
Episode 50: Passing Through Gethsemane (Season 3, Episode 4)
Synopsis: In which Lyta returns, and one of Brother Theo’s monks is not who he seems.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517677/?ref_=tt_ep_nx
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/master/guide/048.html
Moxie, a regional New England soft drink/delicacy/punishment: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moxie
Jeppsen’s Malort is a Chicago-area wormwood liqueur, with the lingering aftertaste of a tire fire: https://www.thrillist.com/drink/chicago/14-things-you-didn-t-know-about-malort-thrillist-chicago
Brad Dourif: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000374/?ref_=tt_cl_t12
Black Mirror’s “White Bear” episode: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_Bear_(Black_Mirror)
Adam Nimoy: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0632382/?ref_=tt_ov_dr
Grant Morrison’s The Invisibles http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news-columns/friday-recommendation-the-invisibles/
Mysterious Universe: https://mysteriousuniverse.org/
Doug Hutchinson: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0006535/?ref_=nv_sr_3
Synopsis: In which G’Kar must make difficult decisions regarding the resistance on the homeworld and an alien probe makes a generous offer.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517615/?ref_=tt_ep_nx
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/master/guide/047.html
Vidkun Quisling, head of the Norwegian government during Nazi occupation https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vidkun_Quisling
Cixin Liu’s “The Dark Forest”
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23168817-the-dark-forest
And believe not or not, there’s a good explanation of the “chain of suspicion” to be found on Quora: https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-Dark-Forest-Theory-of-the-cosmos-which-is-a-response-to-the-Fermi-Paradox
The Culture: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Culture
The possible dangers of the METI project: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/28/magazine/greetings-et-please-dont-murder-us.html
Stephen Macht: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0532685/?ref_=tt_cl_t12
Episode 48: Convictions (Season 3, Episode 2)
Synopsis: In which a mad bomber terrorizes the station and a number of pilgrims begin to arrive.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517641/?ref_=ttep_ep2
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/master/guide/046.html
Mode Training is a philosophical/quasi-religious doctrine from David Gerrold’s “War Against the Chtorr” series. It is intended to let individuals move beyond human psychologies. The founder of the movement writes under the pseudonym of “Solomon Short.” Make of that what you will.
Brother Theo’s monastery is New Melleray Abbey in Iowa. The monks there are Cistercians or Trappists, who make a darn fine jam. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Melleray_Abbey
Gene Roddenberry was indeed an ardent humanist and disdainful of religion. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gene_Roddenberry#Religious_views
Somehow we had a whole conversation about religion and spirituality in sci-fi without mentioning either incarnation of Battlestar Galactica. You should probably be listening to a better podcast.
In the 13th century Pope Innocent IV sent a letter to Guyuk, Khan of the Mongols, telling him that the Mongol forces should stop attacking Christendom and maybe even convert to Christianity.
Guyuk’s response to the Pope: "You must say with a sincere heart ‘We will be your subjects; we will give you our strength.’ You must in person come with your kings, all together, without exception, to render us service and pay us homage. Only then will we acknowledge your submission. And if you do not follow the order of God, and go against our orders, we will know you as our enemy."
https://ballandalus.wordpress.com/2015/06/01/mongol-papal-encounter-letter-exchange-between-pope-innocent-iv-and-guyuk-khan-in-1245-1246/
Babylon 5 Season 3 intro: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9EbGd1AlMg
Space: 1999 Season One theme. Mixing 2001’s orchestral epicness with funk electric guitar that for some reason actually works: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLhdY6_juDk
Season Two leans fully into the disco horns. Whether it “works” is best left as an exercise for the reader: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsmefY94E_0
Episode 47: Matters of Honor (Season 3, Episode 1)
Synopsis: In which the army of light gains a new ally and a totally awesome new ship, and dark alliances are revealed.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517666/?ref_=ttep_ep1
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/master/guide/045.html
“Welcome back, your dreams were ticket out” is from the theme song to the classic sitcom Welcome Back Kotter.
“And they told two friends. And so on, and so on, and so on…” https://www.retroist.com/2015/12/14/and-they-told-two-friends-how-faberge-organics-shampoo-explained-virality/
At less than a minute into season 3, Jon and Chris reveal they are old as DIRT.
Strider/Aragorn (John Hurt) meets the Hobbits at the Prancing Pony, from Ralph Bakshi’s Lord of the Rings: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orLz433Cf-g
Ambassador Fox (Gene Lyons) from “A Taste of Armageddon”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfqIpf987vM
Episode 46: Season 2 Wrap-Up
This episode was recorded in the lobby of our hotel (because the godforsaken Hilton only saw fit to give me one chair in my room so we had to look elsewhere, and there was a 20,000 person game convention AND a Pride parade going on outside with about the same attendance, plus some kind of investment/retirement/MLM fleecing seminar in the hotel...some days you just can’t get rid of a bomb!) so there’s some echo and noise from people walking by. I’ve done what I can with it but obviously it’s not as clean as a regular recording.
Jon’s top 5 episodes:
5) Acts of Sacrifice
4) And Now for a Word
3) In the Shadow of Z’ha’dum
2) The Long, Twilight Struggle
1) The Coming of Shadows
Chris’s top 5 episodes:
5) Knives
4) And Now for a Word
3) In the Shadow of Z’ha’dum
2) The Coming of Shadows
1) The Long, Twilight Struggle
Jon’s bottom 3 episodes:
3) Come the Inquisitor
2) The Long Dark
1) GROPOS
Chris’s bottom 3 episodes:
3) The Long Dark
2) Geometry of Shadows
1) Soul Mates
The discussion of the network forcing JMS to include a hotshot pilot (Warren Keffer) is apparently from the DVD commentary to “The Fall of Night.” http://babylon5.wikia.com/wiki/Warren_Keffer
Episode 45: The Fall of Night (Season 2, Episode 22)
Synopsis: In which Earthdome takes sides in the Centauri/Narn conflict, Zack falls deeper into the Night Watch, and Kosh is revealed.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517703/?ref_=ttep_ep22
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/master/guide/044.html
A very brief overview of the Sudentenland crisis and Chamberlain’s Appeasement policy. Again, entire careers could be spent on this one issue, but here’s a very high level thumbnail: http://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/higher/history/roadwar/munich/revision/1/
Charles Lindbergh’s America First Committee was ostensibly focused on keeping America out of the war, but Lindbergh himself and others were suspected of being Nazi sympathizers. Certainly his racial and anti-Semitic views were in line with a lot of what the Nazis were selling at the time. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/America_First_Committee
Episode 44: Comes the Inquisitor (Season 2, Episode 21)
Synopsis: In which the Vorlons send a sadistic mass murderer to judge whether Delenn and Sheridan are worthy, and G’Kar attempts to secure some help for his people.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517638/?ref_=ttep_ep21
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/master/guide/043.html
“From Hell” is an amazing comic series from Alan Moore and Eddie Campbell focusing on the Jack the Ripper murders and, Victorian society, and mystical geography of late 19th century London. Incredibly detailed, very challenging.
“Letters from Whitechapel” is a really great logic/deduction boardgame. https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/59959/letters-whitechapel
The Prisoner’s “Once Upon a Time” where Number 2 attempts to break Number 6 using “degree absolute” https://tv.avclub.com/the-prisoner-once-upon-a-time-1798207352
Legion https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5114356/?ref_=nv_sr_1 An amazing show with an almost breathtaking presentation of telepathy and identity.
David Lee Roth’s “California Girls” The first minute or so of the video, before the song actually begins, has that same fisheye lens closeup technique we see in this video. It’s very unsettling in both contexts. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5GMoLENWsSk
DS9’s “Empok Nor,” directed by Mike Vejar http://memory-alpha.wikia.com/wiki/Empok_Nor_(episode)
Episode 43: The Long, Twilight Struggle (Season 2, Episode 20)
Synopsis: In which the Narn/Centauri war comes to a tragic close.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517709/?ref_=ttep_ep20
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/master/guide/042.html
Battlestar Galactica’s “33”: http://ew.com/article/2015/01/14/battlestar-galactica-anniversary-decade-33-pilot/
It it nearly impossible to find an article on whether the decision to use the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in order to bring a quicker end to World War II was the “right” decision without the article having a bias toward one answer or the other, or that doesn’t devolve into “you are all idiots!” So in the end you get a wikipedia page https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Debate_over_the_atomic_bombings_of_Hiroshima_and_Nagasaki One could easily spend a lifetime analyzing the rationale for that one decision.
The Andromeda Strain is a fantastic film that 47 years later remains chilling https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Andromeda_Strain_(film)
Star Blazers !!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5oniErmeuE
John Schuck is a national treasure https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0775870/
Episode 42: Divided Loyalties (Season 2, Episode 19)
Synopsis: In which Lyta Alexander returns to expose that someone on the station is not what he or she seems.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517645/?ref_=tt_ep_pr
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/master/guide/041.html
The Ultra-Humanite, the best mind-transferring ape villain ever, on the cover of one of my favorite comics issues ever.
The Traveller returns. Not what you’d call a good episode. http://memory-alpha.wikia.com/wiki/Journey%27s_End_(episode)
“Your stupid minds! Stupid! Stupid!” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qro7oBzUBos When this is the vibe your evil character is giving off in their gloating, it’s time to go back for another draft.
To go along with our discussion on paper in Babylon 5, here’s how to make a papercraft Omega-class Destroyer: http://www.papercraftsquare.com/babylon-5-very-detailed-omega-class-destroyer-free-paper-model-download.html
(no, my googling didn’t give me anything useful about why paper is so persistent in the B5-universe)
Patricia Tallman in Army of Darkness https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gSf5UMZ8ms
Episode 41: Confessions and Lamentations (Season 2, Episode 18)
Synopsis: In which an epidemic brings about the end of the Markab people.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517639/?ref_=tt_ep_nx
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/master/guide/040.html
“Your glasses are intact, you’ve got some books…” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Time_Enough_at_Last
“The Outcast” episode of TNG. What a stinker of a Very Special Episode. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Outcast_(Star_Trek:_The_Next_Generation)
“The Cloud Minders” episode of original Star Trek. Based on a story by our beloved David Gerrold. I (Chris) am not sure I’ve ever seen this episode. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Cloud_Minders
Mary Douglas Purity and Danger: An Analysis of the Concepts of Pollution and Taboo https://www.amazon.com/Purity-Danger-Analysis-Pollution-Routledge/dp/0415289955
Perdo Zamora: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pedro_Zamora
A discussion of the Diff’rent Strokes “Bicycle Man” episode: https://tv.avclub.com/a-very-special-diff-rent-strokes-that-s-terrifying-fo-1798240170
Here’s an article on “Maude’s Dilemma” from 1992, fairly close to the time B5 was on the air: http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1992-11-13/features/9204130017_1_mothers-as-donna-reed-messy-family-life-maude-findlay
“A Taste of Armageddon” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Taste_of_Armageddon Such a good episode.
“Far Beyond the Stars” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Far_Beyond_the_Stars (based on a story by Marc Scott Zicree, writer of B5’s “Survivors”)
Do we really need to link to Space: Above and Beyond again? I didn’t think so.
“Edith’s 50th Birthday” from All in the Family https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edith%27s_50th_Birthday Again, Norman Lear showing how it should be done.
Family Ties’ “Speed Trap” http://familyties.wikia.com/wiki/Speed_Trap They all look so young!
No shortage of “War is Hell” messages http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/WarIsHell
Dammit, I (Chris again) said Norman Mailer instead of Norman Lear. TWICE! Bad liberal, no cookie!
Sense8 is (was) such a wonderful show, cut down too soon. Imagine if, like B5, JMS and the Wachowski sisters had gone into the show with a five-year story planned out and had gotten the chance to tell it.
“You’ve wasted another perfectly good hour listening to Car Talk” goes the line. The only show where the hosts laugh at their own jokes more than we do.
Episode 40: In the Shadow of Z’ha’dum (Season 2, Episode 16*)
Synopsis: In which Mr Morden has Captain Sheridan’s undivided attention, and the secret history of the Shadows is revealed.
*It would be weird to have “Knives” after this episode. Sheridan’s reaction to seeing Anna’s ship would be VERY different.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517657/?ref_=tt_ep_pr
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/master/guide/038.html
“Coming to you live from the Kingdom of Nye in the High Desert of the Great American Southwest” - the intro of the legendary Art Bell (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Art_Bell), who passed shortly before we recorded this episode. He wasn’t without his issues but there was no one like him and he defined a genre of radio - and possibly podcasting.
Tolkein’s Legendarium: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tolkien%27s_legendarium The world is so much larger than the story you’re reading. A key element to any Mythic-level fantasy (or sci-fi).
The Vir Wave: https://i.imgur.com/NzWbswx.gif
Episode 39: Knives (Season 2, Episode 17*)
Synopsis: In which an old friend of Londo comes seeking a significant favor and once again strange things are afoot in Sector 14.
*The Lurker’s Guide notes that JMS says this episode should have come before “In the Shadow of Z’ha’dum” but was actually broadcast after it because it demanded so many special effects.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517662/?ref_=tt_ep_nx
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/master/guide/039.html
The Forms of Kanly have been obeyed! http://dune.wikia.com/wiki/Kanly
Another great example of an honor-bound society with ritual combat: Wakanda. There’s a terrific dissertation in the treatment of ritual/honor in genre fiction and how it evolves over time to reflect the “current” world.
KJ Parker is a pseudonym for author Tom Holt. Jon and Chris cannot recommend Parker’s works enough.
Here’s a decent piece on Parker’s works for a new reader: https://www.tor.com/2015/08/18/starting-with-first-principles-where-to-begin-with-k-j-parker/
Devices and Desires, the first book of the Engineer Trilogy, was where we started. Pick it up and take a read and let us know what you think.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002B9MHPY/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Devices-Desires-Engineer-Trilogy-Book/dp/1841498769/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1524784591&sr=1-2
Ellen Kushner’s Swordspoint Smaller “world,” more focused on a handful of characters. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000XUDHHA/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
Joe Abercrombie’s First Law series book 1. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TOT9LDK/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
Later books that spin out and explore more pieces of the world are fantastic as well. Another really terrific example of worldbuilding.
Carmen Argenziano. Where the heck have I seen this guy? https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0034492/?ref_=tt_cl_t13
Episode 38: And Now for a Word (Season 2, Episode 15)
Synopsis: In which an ISN reporter comes to the station for a special feature on the Babylon project.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517627/?ref_=tt_ep_nx
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/master/guide/037.html
I went looking for Dateline clips from 1995 and came across this promo and wow, this is exactly the sort of thing that JMS is banging on about here, and frankly which hasn’t changed much in 20 years. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iiq9wotRL2M
WCVB’s Chronicle - your home for rustic New England nostalgia http://www.wcvb.com/chronicle
Christian Science Monitor https://www.csmonitor.com/
Revisionist History’s episode on Churchill http://revisionisthistory.com/episodes/15-the-prime-minister-and-the-prof
Churchill and India: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2015/02/03/the-dark-side-of-winston-churchills-legacy-no-one-should-forget/?utm_term=.bf2c150b8e29
Alec Baldwin’s Here’s the Thing with Kyle MacLachlan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqI2w48raxs
From the Psi Corps commercial. What the heck is with that lamp???
Episode 37: There All the Honor Lies (Season 2, Episode 14)
Synopsis: In which Captain Sheridan is accused of murdering a Minbari civilian and a gift shop opens on the station.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517718/?ref_=tt_ep_nx
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/master/guide/036.html
Peter David tells the story of the bear in this episode and how it became a long running back and forth between him and JMS: https://www.peterdavid.net/2012/03/26/the-bear-story/
From that piece I learned that the gift shop story was supposed to end with a bit about a toy gun being mistaken for a real gun, so it was not wholesale inserted by JMS simply to space the bear.
Mea culpa.
Simeon Stylites - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simeon_Stylites You know, 37 years on the top of a pillar sounds pretty good some days. As long as it gets wifi and I can get Chinese food delivered..
Carlin Barton’s Roman Honor: The Fire in the Bones https://www.amazon.com/Roman-Honor-Bones-Carlin-Barton/dp/0520225252/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1523891944&sr=8-1&keywords=roman+honor+by+carlin+barton
The Art of Manliness podcast episode with Prof. Barton. Well worth a listen. https://www.artofmanliness.com/2014/06/28/art-of-manliness-podcast-74-ancient-roman-honor-with-dr-carlin-barton/
w/r/t/ Gary Indiana https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XihLS-jA_Dg
The Expanse also seems to use Mandarin/banded collar shirts as a shorthand for “the future.”
And Garibaldi’s shirt definitely has the Mandarin collar.
Episode 36: Hunter, Prey (Season 2, Episode 13)
Synopsis: In which a doctor with important information about the death of President Santiago is hiding on the station, and Kosh begins to educate Captain Sheridan.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517655/?ref_=tt_ep_nx
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/master/guide/035.html
The Expanse novel series: https://www.goodreads.com/series/56399-the-expanse
Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure remains one of the better time travel movies out there. Also, San Dimas football rules!
Supreme #41 by Alan Moore and Joe Bennett
The Noble Eightfold Path http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/8foldpath.htm We’ll have to read some more about this and get a more solid footing before we dive any deeper into the Buddhist flavorings of the Vorlons and the side of Light.
The Return of Garibaldi’s Chess King Shirt!
Episode 35: Acts of Sacrifice (Season 2, Episode 12)
Synopsis: In which the Narn/Centauri war spills over onto the station, and a strategically significant alien ambassador makes great demands of Commander Ivanova.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517624/?ref_=tt_ep_nx
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/master/guide/034.html
Paul Williams is basically the voice of our youth. http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0931437/?ref_=tt_cl_t13
Ivanova’s dance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ADGYli7418
Max the Wonder Cat shows up early this episode at 2:30.
Birds of Prey promo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_aJg_RFw3JI
Quark and Garak discuss root beer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWIVEuK5ATw
Episode 34: All Alone in the Night (Season 2, Episode 11)
Synopsis: In which Captain Sheridan gets old-school alien-abducted, and General Hague initiates a cabal against EarthGov and the PsiCorps.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517625/?ref_=tt_ep_pr
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/master/guide/033.html
Robert Foxworth (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0289343/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t17) also voiced Race Bannon in The Real Adventures of Jonny Quest, which by itself would make him a top shelf actor in our book.
The Babylon 5 RPG from Mongoose Games is out of print but copies can be found if one looks hard enough. They produced an extensive line of sourcebooks (https://index.rpg.net/display-search.phtml?key=system&value=Babylon+5+d20)
Max the Wonder Cat sighting at 27:14!
Hondo Ohnaka, legendary pirate: http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Hondo_Ohnaka God, we hate him.
Numenera RPG: https://www.shutupandsitdown.com/rpg-review-numenera/
Episode 33: GROPOS (Season 2, Episode 10)
Synopsis: In which an Earthforce infantry division under the command of Dr Franklin’s father is staged at Babylon 5 in preparation for a dangerous assault.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517652/?ref_=tt_ep_nx
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/master/guide/032.html
Paul Winfield was a force of nature http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0934902/?ref_=tt_cl_t13
The Flash episode that infuriated Chris (and his wife Ali) beyond words: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt6741960/?ref_=ttep_ep14
Babylon 5 Wars boardgame: https://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/3765/babylon-5-wars
Babylon 5: A Call to Arms miniatures space combat game https://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/13455/call-arms-babylon-5-space-combat
Babylon 5 Micro Machines. I believe I have the first 2 sets somewhere. http://m2museum.com/Babylon5/Babylon_5.htm
Episode 32: The Coming of Shadows (Season 2, Episode 9)
Synopsis: In which G’Kar and Londo both see great opportunity in the Centauri Emperor’s visit to the station and the last, best hope for peace is destroyed.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517697/?ref_=tt_ep_nx
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/master/guide/031.html
Not a lot of notes this week (the episode was edited during a blizzard in which Chris had no power/internet)but you can hear more of our dear friend and special guest Brian Ries on the Inside MTV’s Siesta Key podcast: http://www.insidemtvsiestakey.com/ Although as we note, the overlap of fans of B5 and that show is probably fairly slim.
Episode 31: A Race Through Dark Places (Season 2, Episode 8)
Synopsis: In which Mr Bester returns to hunt down an “underground railroad” for rogue telepaths, forcing Talia to make some hard decisions. Meanwhile Sheridan also makes some hard decisions on where to sleep.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517618/?ref_=tt_ep_nx
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/master/guide/030.html
For those outside the U.S. (and probably some within), the Underground Railroad was a series of routes and safehouses for helping African-Americans escape from slavery in the pre-Civil War U.S. to freedom in free states and Canada. http://www.history.com/topics/black-history/underground-railroad
Power Girl and the infamous “boob window”
Synopsis: In which Londo is visited by his three wives, and Talia is visited by yet another mysterious man from her past.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517693/?ref_=ttfc_fc_tt
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/us/guide/029.html
Peter David: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_David I’ve always felt like I should like his stuff but for whatever reason it never clicked for me.
The drawbacks of watching the episodes in broadcast order strike again. We comment about how abrupt Talia’s mistrust of the Psi Corps seems in this episode, but next week’s show, “A Race Through Dark Places”, was supposed to come before “Soul Mates,” and that one DEFINITELY sets up her issues with the Corps.
Max is a very lovey cat.
The Lion in Winter (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0145284/?ref_=tt_cl_t4) is our favorite Christmas movie. Take that, Die Hard!
Keith Szarbajka http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0843775/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t13 Seriously folks, we’re not going to shut up about Profit or Space:Above and Beyond so if you’re with us for the long haul you may as well go watch those so you know what we’re talking about.
Carel Struycken http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0835393/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t17
Episode 29: A Spider in the Web (Season 2, Episode 6)
Synopsis: An assassination threatens to scuttle relations between Earth and Mars, and Sheridan begins to smell a rat in EarthGov and/or PsiCorps .
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517619/?ref_=ttep_ep6
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/us/eplist.html
We mention two shows featuring Leonard Nimoy in this episode...COINCIDENCE???
The evil futurecorp from Space: Above and Beyond (and Millennium) was AeroTech http://spaceaboveandbeyond.wikia.com/wiki/AeroTech
(Chris bought the full run of In Search Of on DVD just after recording this episode)
Richard Hoagland and the Moon Landings: Here’s some stuff on Hoagland’s lunar structures in general. I can’t find anything on his claim that the landings were faked but I definitely heard him say it on Art Bell’s short lived Midnight in the Desert show back in 2013.
The Disappearance of the Roanoke Colony: http://www.history.com/news/ask-history/what-happened-to-the-lost-colony-of-roanoke
The Titanic Insurance Scam: https://social.shorthand.com/TitanicMystery/jCPyIbzzPVc/did-the-titanic-really-sink-or-was-it-olympic
Betty & Barney Hill’s alien abduction: http://www.library.unh.edu/find/archives/collections/betty-and-barney-hill-papers-1961-2006
Velikovsky’s New Chronology: https://www.velikovsky.info/Ages_in_Chaos
The Phantom Time theory: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phantom_time_hypothesis
D.B.Cooper:https://www.cbsnews.com/news/db-cooper-mystery-investigators-claim-new-revelations-about-infamous-hijacker/
https://xkcd.com/1400/
Here’s an overview of Andrew Basiago’s deal. https://www.outerplaces.com/science/item/17819-presidential-candidate-andrew-basiago-time-traveled-mars-barack-obama But really, you should track down some of the old Coast to Coast AM episodes he was on or some of his other long-form speaking clips. He doesn’t have the kind of crazy undertones you’d expect from someone making these claims; he’s calm and collected and sounds perfectly rational. It makes it even weirder.
Shroud of Turin: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shroud_of_Turin
Kensington Runestone: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kensington_Runestone
Vinland Map: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vinland_map
Voynich Manuscript: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voynich_manuscript
Piri Reis Map: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piri_Reis_map
Lexicon Games are a type of collaborative writing project and a ton of fun: https://web.archive.org/web/20080617213627/http://www.20by20room.com/2003/11/lexicon_an_rpg.html
Episode 28: The Long Dark (Season 2, Episode 5)
Synopsis: A sleeper ship from a century ago arrives at the station with an uninvited guest, and a Lurker suffers from Lovecraftian PTSD.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517707/?ref_=tt_ep_pr
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/us/guide/027.html
Dwight Schultz: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0776239/?ref_=tt_cl_t14
Matt Frewer: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001242/?ref_=nv_sr_1
Jon’s recasting
Sheridan - Jeffrey Combs http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001062/?ref_=nv_sr_1
Ivanova - Kristen Cloke http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0167028/?ref_=nv_sr_1
Garibaldi - Jared Abrahmson http://www.imdb.com/name/nm4245462/?ref_=nv_sr_1
Franklin - Keiynan Lonsdale - http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2920533/?ref_=nv_sr_1
Winters - Michelle Forbes http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000405/?ref_=nv_sr_1
Londo - Peter Capaldi http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0134922/?ref_=nv_sr_1
Delenn - Tilda Swinton http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0842770/?ref_=nv_sr_1
G’Kar - John Noble http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0633604/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1
Vir -Haley Joel Osment http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005286/?ref_=nv_sr_1
Lennir - Aaron Douglas http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0234928/?ref_=nv_sr_1
Na’toth - Maisie Williams http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3586035/?ref_=nv_sr_2
Kosh - Doug Jones http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0427964/?ref_=nv_sr_1
Chris’s recasting
Sinclair - James Morrison http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0607175/?ref_=nv_sr_1
Sheridan - Idris Elba http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0252961/?ref_=nv_sr_1
Ivanova - Gal Gadot http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2933757/?ref_=nv_sr_1 (alternate Tessa Thompson http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1935086/?ref_=nv_sr_1)
Garibaldi - Donal Logue http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0006610/?ref_=nv_sr_1
Franklin - Cas Anvar http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0031679/?ref_=nv_sr_1
Winters - Tuppence Middleton http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3095562/?ref_=nv_sr_1
Londo - Wentworth Miller http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0589505/?ref_=nv_sr_2
Delenn - Anna Torv http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1396022/?ref_=nv_sr_1
G’Kar - Clancy Brown http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000317/?ref_=nv_sr_1
Vir - Nick Frost http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0296545/?ref_=nv_sr_1
Lennir - Jimmi Simpson http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0801051/?ref_=nv_sr_1
Na’toth - Jennifer Spence http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0817780/?ref_=nv_sr_1
Kosh - Doug Jones http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0427964/?ref_=nv_sr_1
Episode 27: A Distant Star (Season 2, Episode 4)
Synopsis: In which Captain Sheridan questions his fitness for his new position, a daring rescue attempt is made, and Dr Franklin puts everyone on a diet.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517616/?ref_=ttep_ep4
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/us/guide/026.html
The EAS Cortez alongside B5. An un-cited wikipedia note claims the Explorer class is 6km long, where the station is 8km long.
Dropfleet Commander: https://www.hawkwargames.com/collections/dropfleet-commander
Sadly I (Chris) was not able to get the demo of the game I’d hoped for.
Full Thrust: https://shop.groundzerogames.co.uk/rules.html A great little miniatures starship combat game from the 1990s.
Russ Tamblyn: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0848560/?ref_=tt_cl_t13
Jon’s Miscast
Sheridan - Matthew Broderick http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000111/?ref_=nv_sr_1
Ivanova - Valerie Bertinelli http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000933/?ref_=nv_sr_1
Garibaldi - John Travolta http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000237/?ref_=nv_sr_1
Franklin - Arsenio Hall http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0002119/?ref_=nv_sr_1
Winters - Joan Collins http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001058/?ref_=nv_sr_1
Molari - John Colicos http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0171475/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t5
Delenn - Bea Arthur http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0037735/?ref_=nv_sr_2
G’Kar - William Windom http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0934750/?ref_=nv_sr_1
Vir - Burt Ward http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0911431/?ref_=nv_sr_7
Lennir - Parker Stevenson http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0829017/?ref_=nv_sr_1
Na’toth - Mindy Cohn http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0169934/?ref_=nv_sr_6
Kosh - V.I.N.C.E.N.T. from The Black Hole (character voiced by Roddy McDowall http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001522/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t8 )
Chris’s Miscast
Sheridan - Tommy Wisseau http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1382072/?ref_=nv_sr_1 or Tony Randall http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0709704/?ref_=nv_sr_1
Ivanova - Zooey Deschanel http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0221046/?ref_=nv_sr_1
Garibaldi - Charles Nelson Reilly http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0717650/?ref_=nv_sr_1
Franklin - Bill Cosby http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001070/?ref_=nv_sr_1
Winters - Cameron Diaz http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000139/?ref_=nv_sr_1
Molari - Danny DeVito http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000362/?ref_=nv_sr_1
Delenn - Rhea Perlman http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0674231/?ref_=nv_sr_2
G’Kar - Arnold Schwarznegger http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000216/?ref_=nv_sr_1
Vir - Carrot Top http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005488/?ref_=nv_sr_1
Lennir - Peter Lorre http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000048/?ref_=nv_sr_1
Na’toth - Tracy Scoggins http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001712/?ref_=nv_sr_1
Kosh - The Unknown Comic http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0486717/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1
Episode 26: The Geometry of Shadows (Season 2, Episode 3)
Synopsis: In which Londo plays stupid political games with a mysterious Technomage, and loses, while Commander Ivanova tries to sort out the even stupider political games of the Drazi
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517704/?ref_=ttep_ep3
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/us/guide/025.html
The big list of Roman Emperors for the first couple hundred years, referenced in the show. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Roman_emperors#The_Principate
Jon’s guess of Domitian is close to the mark, but Domitian’s father Vespasian was proclaimed Caesar in the dreaded Year of the Four Emperors (69 C.E) when Domitian was already 18 years old (and his older brother Titus, who preceded him, was 30).
Antoninus Pius was not a child of Hadrian at all, but was adopted in his fifties.
There are very few films Chris hates as much as Gladiator. He nearly walked out of the theater in the first scene when the Romans had stirrups. Can you imagine what it must be like to live with someone like that?
The first listener to identify the “ROME ROME RUBBISH RUBBISH!” quote gets, well, a keen sense of satisfaction I suppose.
Episode 25: Revelations (Season 2, Episode 2)
Synopsis: In which we get the old band back together, we learn the tragic story of Captain Sheridan’s wife, and strange things are afoot out on the rim
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517682/?ref_=ttep_ep2
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/master/guide/024.html
The episode Chris was struggling to remember was of course Signs and Portents. #amateurhour
Netflix’s Travelers https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Travelers_(TV_series)
Ancient Aliens: The Narn Version. Would that be hosted by a human, or maybe a Minbari? Did we each get another race’s Ancient Aliens show by mistake?
This episode was directed by Jim Johnston, who brought us season 1 favorites like Babylon Squared and Parliament of Dreams, as well as...less favorites like Soul Hunter, By Any Means Necessary and Survivors.
The more relaxed and deferential relationship between Franklin and Sheridan may be explained by their prior mission together documented in “In The Beginning.” Was JMS already thinking of this prior relationship while writing season 2? Or was that developed later to explain the closer bond between the two men?
HAIRWATCH: Level Theta
Level Delta
Episode 24: Points of Departure (Season 2, Episode 1)
Synopsis: In which Babylon 5 welcomes a new commanding officer and a gaggle of renegade Minbari seek to stir up trouble.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517680/?ref_=ttep_ep1
http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/us/guide/023.html
Ivanova Hairwatch!!!
Level Omega. Warning: if you are facing Omega Level Hair, you done messed up, son! Do not expose small children or pregnant women to Level Omega Hair.
Level Alpha. The kindest, gentlest Ivanova. She will (probably) not kill you. Not today.
*Sheridan evaluation as co questions on fb group*
Live and in person for the first time! Some minor microphone issues so we take turns being louder than the other but it isn’t terrible. Maybe by season 5 we’ll learn how to use the equipment.
The room in question. Definitely very Centauri.
“Good old rock. Nothing beats that!” https://youtu.be/qg5g0bvxyes?t=1m11s
“Kickboxing, sport of the future.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMU8lM3O5_Q
Jon’s bottom 3:
3) Soul Hunter
2) Infection
1) Eyes
Chris’s bottom 3:
3) Infection
2) T.K.O.
1) By Any Means Necessary
Jon’s top 3:
3) Chrysalis
2) A Voice in the Wilderness
1) Deathwalker
Chris’s top 3:
3) A Voice in the Wilderness
2) Parliament of Dreams
1) Signs and Portents
Colonel Ari Ben-Zayn was portrayed by Gregory Paul Martin. http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0552361/?ref_=tt_cl_t12
The bit with Catherine surveying the unknown world and getting bailed out by G’Kar wasn’t actually in “Parliament of Dreams;” it was in “Mind War.” I (Chris) still maintain Parliament’s position in my top 3 though. The assassination b-plot was just fine as well.
Caitlin Brown played Na’Toth for season 1 (and then again for a season 5 episode) but left due to issues with the makeup and prosthetics. Mary Kay Adams played her for Season 2.
The “master list” order of episodes from the Lurker’s guide: http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/master/eplist.html
Again I (Chris) have confused my B-plots. “Legacies” of course is the episode involving the funeral procession for the Minbari war hero, not the one where Delenn is offered a place on the Grey Council (“Babylon Squared”). I don’t actually get why that leads directly to “Chrysalis” or fits in better that late in the series.
TV Tropes “Out of Order” http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/OutOfOrder
Clerks: the Animated Series https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clerks:_The_Animated_Series
Star Trek Continues https://www.youtube.com/user/StarTrekContinues/featured Definitely worth a look if you like the original series.
Synopsis: In which a lot of bad stuff happens. I mean a LOT.
8:29 - here’s where Jon says “Ed Morden,” for those of you keeping score at home.
The Great Season Finales discussion:
Star Trek: TNG - “Best of Both Worlds (part 1).” Clearly one of the best season finales out there. I (Chris) was never a fan of putting a main character in danger for a cliffhanger - you knew there was no way they were going to remove Patrick Stewart from the show - but Picard getting Borged had implications and thankfully the series dealt with them as it went along rather than the episode just being resolved merrily.
The “Mulder buried in the train car” episode of X-Files was the season 2 closer “Anasazi” which was actually the first of a 3 parter. That was a long summer, waiting for that show to come back, even though (see above) there was no way they were killing off Mulder. Unfortunately with the X-Files, the set-ups were almost always far better than the resolutions. Mulder’s escape through a tunnel or something was deeply unsatisfying.
Space: Above and Beyond we’ve talked about at length before. The season 1/series finale was harrowing.
The Expanse is too recent a show for me to want to give spoilers for the end of season 1, but it definitely provided some answers to questions that had been out there for a long time while raising the stakes.
The 100 takes the “what you’ve known all along about this situation? Yeah, it’s really something else” approach to a season closer, which I always really liked (see Lost and The Good Place).
Cleverman (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleverman )
Lost’s season 3 closer “Through the Looking Glass” was definitely something that turned the established narrative on its head.
Millennium’s season 2 ended with a “global pandemic” and the wife of the lead character, believing herself infected, walking off into the woods leaving her husband and daughter safely behind. Much like X-Files though (unsurprising since it is from the same lineage) the resolution was disappointing (the pandemic turned out to be very localized and not all that severe. feh).
Synopsis: In which we learn a great deal more about Earth’s criminal justice system, Dr Franklin confronts a woman who possesses a seemingly miraculous healing machine, and Lennier and Londo get up to some shenanigans.
The “Third Fane of Chudomo” is Lennier’s clan within the religious caste. http://babylon5.wikia.com/wiki/Third_Fane_of_Chudomo
The 36th Chamber of Shaolin: https://nerdist.com/schlock-awe-the-36th-chamber-of-shaolin/
There was no Pope Callixtus VI. Callixtus III was as far as they went, and he was a Borgia and hardly counts. Callixtus II was the one who reached the Concordat of Worms with Holy Roman Emperor Henry V, bringing peace between the papacy and the Empire. Callixtus I was so unpopular that the first Anti-pope was raised up during his tenure. So all in all a mixed bag.
The lobotomy doesn’t date back to the 19th century but rather only to the mid -20th. http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-15629160 But 19th century mental health practices were not exactly a picnic. Although, at the time, the practitioners thought they were doing the right thing.
http://historycooperative.org/a-beautiful-mind-the-history-of-the-treatment-of-mental-illness/
This episode of the podcast The Dollop on the history of the lobotomy is...very difficult to listen to: http://thedollop.libsyn.com/lobotomy
And here’s the book Chris was reading that made him faint on an airplane: https://www.amazon.com/Famished-Gentleman-Ghouls-Gentlemen/dp/1940444241/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1511312482&sr=8-1
June Lockhart, America’s sci-fi mom: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001478/?ref_=nv_sr_1
The mentioned scene of the space-hobos huddled around a burning barrel wasn’t actually in this episode. It’s in Chrysalis, next week. Oops. That’s what we get for watching/recording a bunch of episodes at the same time.
There were 5 documented Medlabs aboard Babylon 5. There was also a larger “infirmary” referenced, which may be the general services hospital. http://babylon5.wikia.com/wiki/Medlab
Strange Luck aired 1995-1996. 17 episodes. I would stab someone for a copy of this show on DVD. It looks like many of them are on YouTube, but the quality is dodgy, at best.
Profit aired in April 1996, cancelled after only 5 episodes. Three more were made. It was gloriously deranged and complaints both from Bible Belt viewers and from business caused Fox to pull the plug and replace it with Kindred: The Embraced.
Synopsis: In which the lost Babylon 4 station reappears as mysteriously as it vanished, we get a glimpse of the future, and Delenn gets an exciting new job offer.
One of many lists of “essential” X-Files episodes: http://www.everythingisscary.com/screen/essential-x-files
The commentary from JMS that Babylon 4 was built using scraps leftover from the first 3 stations is at the always excellent Lurker’s Guide: http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/us/guide/020.html
The Enterprise-C. Still the best in the line.
Babylon 4. I definitely like the look of this one better than 5, sad to say.
The Philadelphia Experiment/Al Bielek/Montauk. Beware: Rabbit Hole Ahead http://www.bielek.com/ab_albielek.htm
The Doctor Who episode that sent Chris into a fit of rage: http://tardis.wikia.com/wiki/The_Wedding_of_River_Song_(TV_story)
Barry Allen (CW TV series version) is very likely the stupidest person who has ever travelled through time in any form of media.
“Time and Punishment” from The Simpsons Treehouse of Horror V: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43Lk_qxUxVw
John Wesley Shipp - best. Flash. Ever.
Also, Shipp was born in Norfolk, VA. Where did the USS Eldridge allegedly reappear during the Philadelphia Experiment? NORFOLK, VA! And his last name is SHIPP!! Coincidence?? Or should I not be drinking while writing show notes???
“Yesterday’s Enterprise” timeline: http://memory-beta.wikia.com/wiki/Yesterday%27s_Enterprise_timeline
Looper timeline, diagramed with straws: http://www.slate.com/blogs/browbeat/2012/11/05/looper_explained_in_a_diagram_with_straws.html
Primer: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Primer_(film)
“Assignment Earth” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assignment:_Earth
“Cause and Effect” http://memory-alpha.wikia.com/wiki/Cause_and_Effect_(episode)
“Trials and Tribble-ations” http://memory-alpha.wikia.com/wiki/Trials_and_Tribble-ations_(episode)
“Far Beyond the Stars” http://memory-alpha.wikia.com/wiki/Far_Beyond_the_Stars_(episode)
“The Visitor” http://memory-alpha.wikia.com/wiki/The_Visitor_(episode)
Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_%26_Ted%27s_Excellent_Adventure Wyld Stallyns!!!
The Timeline of River Song:
“The Year of Hell” http://memory-alpha.wikia.com/wiki/Year_of_Hell_(episode), http://memory-alpha.wikia.com/wiki/Year_of_Hell,_Part_II_(episode)
At the time of this recording I had not yet seen the film Predestination (based on a Robert Heinlein story “All You Zombies”). It may be the most messed up time travel movie ever.
Synopsis: In which the planet Babylon 5 orbits around begins revealing its ancient secrets, setting off a power struggle over who will control it.
Lurker’s Guide to Babylon 5 page on “Voice in the Wilderness part 1” http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/us/guide/018.html
And part 2: http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/us/guide/019.html
I sincerely have NO idea where Jon was going with the Angela Merkel thing. Late stage Diet Coke poisoning, I suspect.
Babylon 5 had a per-episode budget of about $800,000. Adjusted for inflation to 2017 dollars that’s about $1.32 million. The first season of Game of Thrones had a budget of $6 million/episode, and the final season is up to $15 mission. Imagine what the show could look like with today’s technology and that kind of budget!
(in our Season 1 Wrap-Up episode, dropping in early December, we will play the inevitable casting game. Stay tuned, true believers!)
Is the “Mars wanting to be independent” sci-fi trope a projection of the American Revolution? It seems to share a lot of the same elements.
“Things were different in the south” is a saying from our grad school advisor, Dr. Joseph Lynch, who maintained this was true no matter where you were speaking of. The second of Lynch’s Laws was “Whatever you can imagine, however perverse, someone somewhere has tried it and liked it.” I don’t recall much from my years in the Ohio State University history department, but those words have stayed with me.
Janet Greek (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0337550/?ref_=ttfc_fc_dr1) didn’t have a super-long CV, but what she has done is really good.
It was actually Blaise Pascal who, it is believed, was first responsible for the quote about “I wrote a long letter because I did not have time to write a short one.” I wouldn’t be surprised if Franklin or Twain claimed to have coined it though; never trusted those two.
Ron Canada, who played Captain Pierce here, was also in the 1998 David Hasslehoff vehicle Nick Fury, Agent of Shield. Also he apparently plays an admiral in The Orville, which I consider a step down from that. http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0133474/?ref_=nv_sr_1
Louis Turenne: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0877027/?ref_=tt_cl_t12
Louis will return in season 3 episode “Passing Through Gethsemane” along with one of our favorite modern day character actors Brad Dourif! Can’t wait!!
And seriously, Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story (1993) is a great film. Go check it out.
Lauren Holly was indeed in Picket Fences. And she was the psychiatrist in Crank: High Voltage but was uncredited in that film.
Synopsis: In which the funeral tour for a Minbari war hero arrives at the station, re-opening old wounds, and a “young” telepath explores options for her future
D.C. Fontana has been writing tv since Moses was in short pants. She pitched the idea for this episode, which was the only one of the season that came from an outside source rather than JMS.
The Babylon 5 wikia informs us that there are 3 Minbari castes: Warrior, Religious and Worker. Which I guess makes sense, because someone has to do the actual day to day stuff.
Grace Una’s IMDb page doesn’t list her date of birth (and there’s not a lot of other hits about her online) but there’s no WAY she’s even remotely 14. What was Mary Jo Slater thinking?? http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0880923/?ref_=nv_sr_1
The Narn (Narns? I see the plural both ways. I prefer “Narn” though) are not reptilian in nature, based on a few minutes of internet digging. So I’ll go with the “the Narn brains are structured in such a way that they have no natural telepaths and thus are hostile environments to other telepaths.”
The Star Trek: The Next Generation episode “Night Terrors” (Season 4, episode 14) is, according to the website TechRepublic, behind only “Shades of Grey” (the Ur-clip episode) and “Sub-Rosa” (something about a ghost possessing Dr Crusher) as the worst. TNG. episode. ever. http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/geekend/the-five-worst-star-trek-the-next-generation-episodes-ever/
Fist of the North Star: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0142371/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_47
Neal Robinson is not listening.
Synopsis: In which Commander Sinclair’s past bad decisions catch up to him as an Earthforce colonel with a score to settle and his pet telepath come to the station.
We’ve raved about Space: Above and Beyond before but seriously, it’s one of the better seasons of television that either of us have ever seen. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space:_Above_and_Beyond
There are even some interesting connections to the other big Fox genre shows of the time, X-Files and Millennium, suggesting they shared a universe (along with the apparently completely unavailable Strange Luck).
Here’s a great clip of Col. McQueen for those of you unfamiliar with the show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2p5KOq6Ekwg
(This clip won’t mean much to anyone not familiar with Space:Above and Beyond, but Wang impersonating Col. McQueen is still just amazing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0hsvt4Nbko)
We’re going to assume that Kirk, Picard, Sisko, Janeway and Adama are all familiar to you.
The Trolley and the Fat Man - a classic thought experiment about making tough choices when there are no good options. Kirk would have probably cheated and rigged the trolley to tip over before the switch. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trolley_problem
“The Immunity Syndrome” - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Immunity_Syndrome_(Star_Trek:_The_Original_Series)
Commodore Matthew “There is no third planet!” Decker - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Doomsday_Machine_(Star_Trek:_The_Original_Series)
In the Space:Above and Beyond episode “Sugar Dirt” Colonel McQueen and the USS Saratoga are forced to abandon a squadron of marines planetside for months, without any promise of rescue (except that this is a serialized American TV show so we know the main characters will get out). It is positively harrowing.
Captain Avatar of Star Blazers. Best. Captain. Ever. http://starblazers.wikia.com/wiki/Captain_Avatar
Except for maybe Garrett or Georgiou...
Jeffrey Combs has just been in everything: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001062/?ref_=tt_cl_t13
The Doom Patrol. I mean, seriously.