Babylon 5
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Babylon 5
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| Episodes: | 110 |
| Year: | 1993-1998 |
| Country: | United States |
| Seasons: | 5 |
| Seasons Breakdown: | (1) 22 ,(2) 22, (3) 22, (4) 22, (5) 22. |
| Category: | Space |
| Colour: | Yes |
| Format: | Series-Serial |
| Company: | Babylonian Productions, Inc., Synthetic Worlds, Ltd. (pilot) and Warner Bros. Television |
| Creator: | J. Michael Straczynski |
| Run Time (mins): | 43-44 |
| Language: | English |
| Type of Show: | Live Action |
| Status: | Ended |
| Broadcaster: | PTEN |
| First Aired: | March 8, 1993 |
| Last Aired: | January 3, 1999 |
Summary
Babylon 5 is an American science‑fiction television series set primarily in the year 2257 A.D. aboard the Babylon 5 space station, a five‑kilometre‑long diplomatic outpost constructed by the Earth Alliance. It is the fifth in a succession of stations intended to promote interstellar cooperation; the first three were destroyed under unexplained circumstances, while the fourth, Babylon 4, vanished without trace. Its disappearance is addressed in a first‑season episode, and its ultimate fate is revealed in the fourth season.
The station was built ten years after the Earth–Minbari War as a neutral venue where humans and alien civilisations could negotiate disputes peacefully, with the broader aim of preventing future large‑scale conflict. Its initial commanding officer, Commander Jeffrey Sinclair, was a decorated veteran of the Battle of the Line. The Minbari specifically requested his appointment, a decision later linked to his unexplained memory gap concerning the Minbari surrender. Sinclair departs at the end of the first season to serve as Earth’s ambassador to Minbar, returning briefly in the second season and later in a major two‑part story in the third. He is succeeded by Captain John Sheridan, noted for commanding Earth’s sole significant victory during the Minbari War, who becomes central to the station’s political and military developments.
Babylon 5 hosts permanent diplomatic missions from Earth and four major alien civilisations. The Minbari Federation is represented by Ambassador Delenn and her aide Lennier. Delenn, a member of the Grey Council, plays a key role in Sinclair’s original assignment and undergoes a metamorphosis early in the series that alters her physiology to appear more human, resulting in her removal from the Grey Council but not from her diplomatic post. She later forms a romantic relationship with Sheridan, and a future child is depicted in a flash‑forward sequence.
The Centauri Republic is represented by Ambassador Londo Mollari and his aide Vir Cotto. The Centauri, the first alien species to make contact with humanity, are portrayed as a declining imperial power. Disillusioned with his marginal posting, Londo enters an alliance with the enigmatic Mr. Morden and his unseen associates, the Shadows, in an effort to restore Centauri influence, a decision that directly contributes to renewed Centauri aggression against the Narn.
The Narn Regime is represented by Ambassador G’Kar and his aide Na’Toth. Formerly occupied by the Centauri, the Narn achieved independence after a prolonged struggle. Centauri ambitions to reclaim Narn territory, supported by Londo’s Shadow allies, lead to the re‑subjugation of the Narn homeworld during the second season.
The Vorlons are represented by Ambassador Kosh. An ancient and highly secretive species, the Vorlons reveal little of their motives. Their representatives wear encounter suits, and their true appearance remains unknown to most races. Kosh’s arrival is a central event in the pilot film, and he is later killed in the third season by another Vorlon ambassador, also designated Kosh.
The series explores diplomacy, war, political intrigue, and the influence of ancient powers on younger civilisations. The evolving relationships among Sinclair, Sheridan, Delenn, Londo, G’Kar and Kosh form the core of its long‑form narrative structure.
Cast
Captain Jefferey Sinclair MICHAEL O''HARE' (1), Security Chief Michael Garibaldi JERRY DOYLE, Lt. Cmdr. Susan Ivanova CLAUDIA CHRISTIAN (1-4), Dr. Stephen Franklin RICHARD BIGGS, Delenn MIRA FURLAN, Londo Mollari PETER JURASIK, G'Kar ANDREAS KATSULAS, Psi Corp Telepath Talia Winters ANDREA THOMPSON, Lennier BILL MUMY, Na'Toth CAITLIN BROWN (1), Na'Toth MARK KAY ADAMS (2), Vir Cotto STEPHEN FURST, Capt. John Sheridan BRUCE BOXLEITNER (2-5), Ranger Marcus Cole JASON CARTER (3-4), Zack Allen JEFF CONAWAY (3), Ambassador Kosh ARDWRIGHT CHAMBERLINE, Warren Keffer ROBERT RUSLER (2), Lyta Alexandra PATRICIA TALLMAN (4-5), Captain Elizabeth Lochley TRACY SCOGGINS (5), Byron ROBIN ATKINS DOWNES(5)
Tags: Space, United States, 1993, English
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