Babylon 5

:

Season 1
Season #: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 56 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 51 out of 56
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 56
  3. Negative: 1 out of 56
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  1. Humboldt1337
    May 6, 2011
    8
    Ahhh, Babylon 5. This show was just sadly before its time - and could have benefited greatly from modern HD video, and computer graphics. This season is pretty slow as far as the Bab5 seasons go - with the exception of the pilot episode being exceptional. The musical chairs played with the cast in the first season is also slightly off-putting, but the characters stay constant from thereAhhh, Babylon 5. This show was just sadly before its time - and could have benefited greatly from modern HD video, and computer graphics. This season is pretty slow as far as the Bab5 seasons go - with the exception of the pilot episode being exceptional. The musical chairs played with the cast in the first season is also slightly off-putting, but the characters stay constant from there on out.
    Try to get past the horrendous vector-based computer graphics of the early 1990's, and you will find a show that is surprisingly good.
    This show has easily the best writing out of any Sci-Fi show ever, including STNG.
    The depth of the politics in this show will stagger you, as will the final revelation of the series - it literally stunned me when it culminated in season 5 (maybe 6?).
    2 people of particular note are the alien characters of G'Kar, and Londo Mollari - the interaction between these two characters is very deep, as Londo's race is responsible for the destruction of G'Kar's race's world, and the enslavement of his people. They are now on even footing on Babylon5, and their relationship is heavily developed throughout the show.
    You owe it to yourself to watch this show.    … Expand
  2. whiskybarnes123
    Sep 4, 2011
    10
    Greatest TV series ever made I cant say any bad things about it the storylines and character development were superb. The series may be finished but the characters will live on in our memories for ever.
  3. Thradar
    May 2, 2011
    7
    What?! No B5 reviews? I give season 1 a 7. Yes, it's a season you have to be patient with. The entire season is about setting up people, places, and things for the epic 2nd, 3rd, and 4th seasons. It also sets up lots of foreshadowing. Parts of this season show flash forwards to following seasons that actually happen years later and use the same video. JMS laid everything out yearsWhat?! No B5 reviews? I give season 1 a 7. Yes, it's a season you have to be patient with. The entire season is about setting up people, places, and things for the epic 2nd, 3rd, and 4th seasons. It also sets up lots of foreshadowing. Parts of this season show flash forwards to following seasons that actually happen years later and use the same video. JMS laid everything out years ahead of time.… Expand
  4. lifeinrewind
    Jun 29, 2011
    7
    Babylon 5 was ambitious from the start, but the first season does suffer from its dated special effects and slow overall development. It does an effective job at introducing, defining, and developing all the main characters, but also is hit or miss when it comes to the attempted humor and action scenes. On the plus side, there are great episodes involving moral, political, and otherBabylon 5 was ambitious from the start, but the first season does suffer from its dated special effects and slow overall development. It does an effective job at introducing, defining, and developing all the main characters, but also is hit or miss when it comes to the attempted humor and action scenes. On the plus side, there are great episodes involving moral, political, and other topical issues. In the long run, all of the issues with the first season paid off by having excellent characters to deal with the later seasons' conflicts. It's a slow build, but tons of foreshadowing was done that is relevant later in the series. Pay special attention to great episodes such as "Babylon Squared" which come towards the end of the season. The first season may not be fantastic, but should be paid attention to in order to get the most out of the later seasons. So while Babylon 5 here is not even close to being as good as it would become, it's worth watching. Overall score: 7/10… Expand
  5. LordLardAss
    Mar 25, 2012
    7
    It was great at the time, but feels very dated now. The digital effects of the first season are so bad I literally had to squint to reduce the agony when I re-watched this show recently! The pacing is also slow at times, and there's often this pretty annoying militaristic sentimentality to it. But even so, this show is well worth watching! The character development and acting is second toIt was great at the time, but feels very dated now. The digital effects of the first season are so bad I literally had to squint to reduce the agony when I re-watched this show recently! The pacing is also slow at times, and there's often this pretty annoying militaristic sentimentality to it. But even so, this show is well worth watching! The character development and acting is second to none (at lest in sci-fi), especially when it comes to the two secondary characters that together more or less carry this whole thing: Londo Mollari (Peter Jurasik) and G'Kar (Andreas Katsulas). It's worth watching Babylon 5 just to see those two performances, they're that good! The strangest thing about Babylon 5, is there is a big plot build up over the first four seasons. This plot is then perfectly finished by the end of season 4, with no loose endings. So why did they even make a fifth season? It is mostly pointless and dull, just as all the B5 movies. I recommend watching the first four seasons, and skipping everything else from this franchise.… Expand
  6. giskarduk
    Sep 13, 2013
    9
    Babylon 5 is simply the best Scifi show on TV and has been for 2 decades and counting. But watch them in order, otherwise its a massive spoiler. Seasons 1 to 4 are the best, Season 5 never really goes anywhere and the spin offs lost money. But the main series made money, was extremely popular and the story arc actually finished before the series ended. In my opinion the story arc ended atBabylon 5 is simply the best Scifi show on TV and has been for 2 decades and counting. But watch them in order, otherwise its a massive spoiler. Seasons 1 to 4 are the best, Season 5 never really goes anywhere and the spin offs lost money. But the main series made money, was extremely popular and the story arc actually finished before the series ended. In my opinion the story arc ended at the end of season 4.… Expand
  7. SchnitzelPoof
    Nov 24, 2018
    10
    This show is a masterpiece, unequaled and unrivaled to this day. Nobody did politics in space as well as Babylon 5. Their empires, as well as their characters, actually carry believable motivations and interests.
    The arching story-line is excellent, the universe is fascinating, and the smaller moral dilemmas presented in each episode can sometimes be quite thought-provoking.
    The visuals,    This show is a masterpiece, unequaled and unrivaled to this day. Nobody did politics in space as well as Babylon 5. Their empires, as well as their characters, actually carry believable motivations and interests.
    The arching story-line is excellent, the universe is fascinating, and the smaller moral dilemmas presented in each episode can sometimes be quite thought-provoking.
    The visuals, unfortunately, did not age well, but I cannot judge them by today's standards. I - like many others, I'm sure - would've loved to see an update to the low-res CGI scenes.
    I believe those will be enough superlatives, Vir. Send the message, and by the Grreat Makerr, let us pray it shall be received.    … Expand
  8. Netzwerk69
    Feb 28, 2018
    10
    This is the truly masterpiece of the SCI-TV cinematography. A Tv show where each season (not episode) was planned way ahead. Where most of the characters delivers emotional deep and quality. The best in Babylon 5 that so much more adult and different than Star Trek.
  9. jado818
    Feb 5, 2013
    9
    Season 1 was watchable but the series finds it's stride in seasons 2 thru 4. Babylon 5 tells a complex story of inter-planetary politics, justice, and culture. The graphics are extremely dated and the sets are low budget but the story more than makes up for the show's visual shortcomings. Season 5 is more of an extended last episode for the series showing what happens to all the charactersSeason 1 was watchable but the series finds it's stride in seasons 2 thru 4. Babylon 5 tells a complex story of inter-planetary politics, justice, and culture. The graphics are extremely dated and the sets are low budget but the story more than makes up for the show's visual shortcomings. Season 5 is more of an extended last episode for the series showing what happens to all the characters after the main story arcs are resolved.… Expand
  10. Kai82
    Oct 20, 2021
    8
    Season 1 is named “Signs and Portants”. It does the worldbuilding, sets up the characters, lore, conflicts and alien races. For me it does a really good job and you see the potential that it has and will reach. The strengths of the show are a deep story that is set and planned over multiple seasons, a cast of memorable characters, great worldbuilding and lore like barely any other show andSeason 1 is named “Signs and Portants”. It does the worldbuilding, sets up the characters, lore, conflicts and alien races. For me it does a really good job and you see the potential that it has and will reach. The strengths of the show are a deep story that is set and planned over multiple seasons, a cast of memorable characters, great worldbuilding and lore like barely any other show and development for characters, society and races. Like in all shows the characters, relations and interactions are not flashed out immediately but they archive more in the first season than most other shows. For example DS9 got amazing during season 2 or lets say from season 3 as more will agree here onward as did TNG. Babylon 5 was good in season 1, better in season 2 and from season 2 onward to season 4 it was a masterpiece. Lets get a set up: Humanity has become a space faring race and is part of the galactic community. In the past they saved the League of Non-Aligned Worlds from an attack by the Dilgar. The Earth Alliance military pushed them back to their home world. Sadly they were not pure evil just desperate as their sun would become a supernova and this ended their race. Humanity however became arrogant and ignorant. Disaster happens when a human fleet meet a Minbari fleet. Both races have not met before and know the others only by stories. The Minbari were probably the most technology advanced of the younger races in the galaxy. A custom of the Minbari warrior caste was to turn on the weapon systems to honor the others (but not the targeting and defense systems). Before you say this is stupid: Ever seen how we welcome VIPs in the political world? With an honor guard that salutes with their weapons. So not much of a difference. The commander of the Earth ship misinterpret this as attack preparation and fired on them first. This caused the death of one of the most respected leaders and the Minbari go to a full holy war. Mankind was completely outclassed by the Minbari but made them pay for each victory. It would have been the end of humanity but when the Minbari reached Earth they ceased fire and surrender unconditionally after destroying the last defense line. This is one of the great mysteries until now. Mankind was defeated and nothing could have turned the tide. There was no super weapon, danger or thread for the Minbari. Approx 10 years later mankind has build the Babylon 5 space station. A place for diplomacy, trade, commerce and understanding to prevent another great misunderstanding. The station is now functioning and all important races have ambassadors on it. I especially like that they did not hide humanities dark sides. We might have evolved there but our problems from today are still present in the future as they were also in our past. Also they often have a great sense of dark humor. I truly like the cast with Michael O’Hare, Mira Furlan, Richard Biggs, of cause Andreas Katsulas and Peter jurasic, Bill Mumy, Claudia Christiansen and all the other. I do not have the space here to praise them all and say why. They all deliver and are immersive characters I was fully invested in. Each one has arcs, character development and progression. A truly good cast. I give an 8/10 as the beginning is a bit weaker and the following seasons are better. My favorite episodes are: “Midnight on the Firing line” for the story, plot and setting up Londo and G’Kar. Both will have a lot of character development and become fan favorites. “Mind War” for setting up Telepaths, the Psi Corps and Bester. He will be a reoccurring love to hate character. “And the Sky full of Stars” as it shows that there is far more behind the facade. With each good twist you get answers but more questions too. “Deathwalker” for the idea, conclusion and showing the true values of mankind and the other races. “By any Means Necessary” shows again how little mankind has evolved and has a good twist. “Signs and Portents” is a crucial episode and sets up a lot. Also Morden is introduced who will be a mysterious key character. “Grail” for an episode that was unlike everything I expected. Spirituality and faith still exists even with the wonders of the galaxy and science. “Legacies” gives an insight into the Minbari and a few characters too with a nice story to round it up. “Chrysalis” is the game changer. This sets up big events that will have impacts. A great final that wanted me to see more.… Expand
  11. hulmej
    Aug 21, 2015
    10
    No doubt one of the best sci-fis I have ever seen. A terrific storyline with some very good spaceship battles in. It's great to see how different alien races and the humans integrate and the consequences of it.
  12. ForReals13
    Apr 10, 2018
    7
    Midnight On The Firing Line C+. Soul Hunter C-.
    Born To The Purple C. Infection D+.
    The Parliament Of Dreams C+. Mind War B-. The War Prayer C-. And The Sky Full Of Stars B. Deathwalker C+. Believers C. Survivors C-. By Any Means Necessary C. Signs And Portents B+. TKO F. Grail D+. Eyes C. Legacies C. A Voice In The Wilderness Part 1 B-. A Voice In The Wilderness Part 2 B. Babylon    Midnight On The Firing Line C+. Soul Hunter C-.
    Born To The Purple C. Infection D+.
    The Parliament Of Dreams C+. Mind War B-. The War Prayer C-.
    And The Sky Full Of Stars B. Deathwalker C+. Believers C.
    Survivors C-. By Any Means Necessary C.
    Signs And Portents B+. TKO F. Grail D+. Eyes C. Legacies C.
    A Voice In The Wilderness Part 1 B-.
    A Voice In The Wilderness Part 2 B. Babylon Squared B+.
    The Quality Of Mercy C+. Chrysalis A-.    … Expand
  13. EdFactor
    Aug 14, 2017
    10
    Babylon 5 is the best SciFi show ever. The characters and their motivations are integral to a grand story. This show would have been even better if it not for the sword of damocles hanging over it at every turn. But somehow it survived to tell the full 5 year tale. It's biggest problem stems from that and the rush to get a conclusion that would be satisfying at the end of the 4th year,Babylon 5 is the best SciFi show ever. The characters and their motivations are integral to a grand story. This show would have been even better if it not for the sword of damocles hanging over it at every turn. But somehow it survived to tell the full 5 year tale. It's biggest problem stems from that and the rush to get a conclusion that would be satisfying at the end of the 4th year, left the last season feeling too much like epilog.… Expand

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
55

Mixed or average reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 13
  3. Negative: 1 out of 13
  1. Variety
    Reviewed by: Tony Scott
    Jun 18, 2015
    50
    Trekkies will strain to like it because of the concept, though the first episode bows in with too much hardware and only hints of personal interrelationships. But there are intriguing potentials. [30 Jan 1994]
  2. Chicago Sun-Times
    Reviewed by: Lon Grahnke
    Jun 18, 2015
    75
    Babylon 5 promises to be a welcome addition to the ever-expanding sci-fi universe. [24 Jan 1994, p.31]
  3. Cleveland Plain Dealer
    Reviewed by: Tom Feran
    Jun 18, 2015
    80
    Emphasizing action more than character, Babylon 5 is a show that's simply grittier, more exuberantly freewheeling and more fun [than "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine"]. [25 Jan 1994, p.9D]
See all critic reviews »