Those of you who know me or are familiar with my reviews know I am a big fan of Science Fiction. Now, I’m not one of those die-hard picky fans who has to nitpick every little thing that doesn’t seem feasible, I just like to sit back and enjoy a good story. (Though if the error is really glaring, I am apt to point it out.) I have always liked “Star Wars” and “Star Trek”, but as far as series go I’ve always been partial to “Babylon Five.” And now that Warner Brothers Home Video is rolling out the second season of this extraordinary show, I feel like a kid in a candy store. The 1st season of “Babylon 5” was an interesting one. When I first started watching it, I liked it immediately. Though I wouldn’t say I loved it. Over the course of the first few episodes, some of the stories and acting were a little cheesy, but not so bad as to turn me off. All the characters and stories were interesting, and they seemed pretty fully developed so I pretty much had the show all figured out and knew what to expect. I pretty quickly learned how wrong I was.

As the 1st season continued, I started to notice some subtle changes in some of the characters. Every now and then, little bits of information would pop up and bring a new dimension to that character. By the time the season was drawing to a close it was pretty darn evident that no one, and I mean NO ONE was who he, she or it… seemed.

From my understanding, that was what creator J. Michael Straczynski intended. He pretty much had an entire 5-year story arc written out, a Bible if you will. The plan was to draw in audiences with simple stories and likable characters. As the 2nd season progressed everything started to evolve. The stories started becoming more complex, and plotlines began to mesh. Situations that were alluded to or foreshadowed in the 1st season began to surface in the 2nd. Things that might not have been clear would suddenly become crystal.

The same goes with all the characters. Personalities and relationships began to shift. Characters who were funny and likable started becoming darker. Alliances were formed and broken, political ties began to be questioned, and friendships were torn apart. What started out as ‘Sci-fi’ light, became an intricate web of conspiracies, lies and deception. Some of the treachery bordered on shocking. “Babylon 5,” in its 2nd season became a force to be reckoned with in the realm of science fiction dramas.

Along with the changes many of the characters were going through, there also came a change in leadership. With the disappearance of the original commander Jeffrey Sinclair (Michael O’Hare), there was need for a new face of authority. It came in the form of John Sheridan (Bruce Boxleitner), who like every one, else turns out to be more than what we see at face value. His is the command that guides the series throughout the remainder of it’s five year run.

This new DVD set from Warner Brothers has it all. 24 episodes from the sophomore season on 6 discs. Each episode is presented in glorious Widescreen. I was always impressed with the amazing graphics on the show and they are really enhanced by these transfers. The sound and video is terrific, and transforms each episode into nothing less than a mini-movie.

One of the standout episodes for me was “Gropos,” which deals with the stationing and eventual deployment of 25,000 ground troops, preparing for the battle to come. This particular episode centers on Security Chief Michael Garibaldi (Jerry Doyle), and is especially poignant and heart breaking.

We are also introduced to one of the more creative and somewhat frightening villains in the sci-fi universe, as they are mentioned in the subtitle for the season “The Coming of Shadows.” There is something ominous about these creatures that just really creeps me out every time.

There are also plenty of extras that will keep fans of the series busy for days. The 13 ½ minute documentary, “Building Babylon – Blueprint of an Episode” is made up of multiple interviews with the cast and crew, each giving a little piece of what it would take to create an episode. These different aspects, viewpoints and little details come together to paint a total picture of what the experience was like.

“Shadows and Dreams: Honors of Babylon” is about 8 ½ minutes long and offers more interviews, but focuses more on the awards and accolades that have been bestowed on the series. Various members of the creative team, including creator Straczynski, mention the show’s many awards and nominations, while discussing their interpretations of just what it is about Babylon 5 that makes it such good Sci Fi.

“The Universe of Babylon 5” is a more interactive feature that lets you explore different areas of the series. The Personnel Files allows you access to video file biographical information about each character. The Time Line is just what it sounds like. You can follow the timeline from 1957 all the way through 2259, where you will find important dates in the past and future history of Earth’s space exploration. The Tech Files has video records similar to that of the Personnel Files, only these focus on the various ships and tactical abilities available in the Babylon 5 universe. The Data Files has more if the same and serves as a video glossary of important terminology, various groups and some historical information.

If that isn’t enough for you, there is also commentary by Straczynski on a few of the episodes, and one episode that has commentary by members of the cast.

I’ll mention again that I really enjoyed “Babylon 5” and consider it to have been one the best Sci Fi shows on television. I personally can’t wait for the opportunity to add all five seasons to my DVD collection… and while they’re at it, hopefully they’ll release the feature length features that were made for TV, as well as the ill-fated follow-up series “Crusade.” Here’s keepin’ my fingers crossed!!

Episodes:
Points Of Departure
Revelations
The Geometry Of Shadows
A Distant Star
The Long Dark
Spider In The Web
Soul Mates
A Race Through Dark Places
The Coming Of Shadows
Gropos
All Alone In The Night
Acts of Sacrifice
Hunter, Prey
There All The Honor Lies
And Now For A Word
In The Shadow Of Z'ha'dum
Knives
Confessions And Lamentations
Divided Loyalties
The Long, Twilight Struggle
Comes The Inquisitor
The Fall Of Night

Starring: Bruce Boxleitner, Claudia Christian, Jerry Doyle, Andrea Thompson, Richard Biggs, Peter Jurasik, Mira Furlan, Andreas Katsulas, Stephen Furst, Mary Kay Adams, Bill Mumy, and Robert Rusler
Extras: Commentary by Creator J. Michael Straczynski, on select episodes, Commentary by some of the cast on one episode, “Building Babylon: Blueprint of an Episode”, “Shadows and Dreams: Honors of Babylon”, and “The Universe of Babylon 5”.
Specifications: Widscreen, Dolby Digital 5.1
Studio: Warner Brothers Home Video
Release Date: 4/29/2003
Region 1
MPAA Rating: NR
Website

We'll give Babylon 5: Season 2 an A.