The Babylon File: The Definitive Unauthorized Guide to J. Michael Straczynski's TV Series Babylon 5

by Andy Lane

Book Overview

Babylon 5 is unique: a science fiction TV show with a predetermined story arc. The closest thing to an SF novel conceived for the small screen, the programme has been hailed by fans and critics alike as one of the best and most complex genre series ever. Book jacket.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 075350233X
• ISBN13: 9780753502334
• Release Date: January 1999
• Publisher: Virgin Publishing
• Length: 286 Pages
• Weight: 0.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 4.3" x 7.0"

Customer Reviews

Pesimistic yet suberb. Buy it!!!

Nothing less than pure Babylon 5. A definite volume two. It not only picks up where volume one left but provides all the neccesary tie up. The language is the well accustomed from Vol. 1 although the pesimistic view of the author is clear in every line. I have not seen yet all the episodes and might not agree with her at some points, still she put all of herself in writting the "best Babylon 5 episode guide ever". The intro by Willerth, the essays, the closing by Pat Tallman, give a more insight view to this terrific space saga, plus the appropriate literature. A "must" book for the dedicated Babylon 5 Universe fan and a book that proved more than my expectations (see my review of Vol. 1). Good job and keep it coming Mrs. Lane (perhaps a "Crusade" guide ?).

Still the best B5 episode guide.

I just bought this book yesterday and rushed home to read it. I have the first volume and have been waiting for some time for the second volume. I was a bit dismayed by the price of the book, more for what is nearly half the size of the original book (140,000 words in Vol 1 compared to 80,000 words in Vol 2). The first thing that became evident is that the author clearly has lost a lot of his enthusiasm for B5, a fact that he admits in the early part of the book. This is mainly due the fact that the author feels let down by JMS by the quality of season 5 and an ending to the series that did not do what JMS had promised. The way season five turned out was clearly due to the uncertainty that there would ever be a season 5 and thus a lot of the arc being tied up in season 4. One of the most disappointing parts of the book is that I felt there were no final words from the author about what the thought overall of B5. In fact, the final words are left to Pat (Lyta) Talman. However, with all these faults this book is a must for any B5 fan. It is the only episode guide that does more than just re-tell each episode, but offers insight and constructive criticism. I also liked the section that corrects all the errors from Vol 1, clearly an author that cares about his work. Because it is still the best episode guide to B5 but falls a little bit short of what I had hoped for and the dubious pricing I give it a 4 star rating.

Bravo! He knew something we didn't..........

I have been a loyal fan of Babylon5 since the first episode. This guide makes my time of watching each episode even more enjoyable, I always took a glance of the guide between commercials and, boys, the feeling is wonderful. (Too bad the first edition of this book only includes the first 3 & 1/2 seasons). Definitely, the author knew something we didn't, even though we have been watching the same episode several times. Whenever I use it, It's like open a secret chapter of the show. PS: To all fans of STAR TREK, it's time to try something deep.

Not Just an Episode Guide

Most episode guides seem to be rather boring and a labor to read. This is NOT one of those episode guides. Everything that made Babylon 5 fun and interesting is represented in this entertaining guide - the characters, the story and the ever present questions and sense of wonder are discussed here. Though vol.2 is not yet published, I'm sure it will be as informative as the first and will, of course, have all 5 seasons as opposed to only the first 3 1/2. If you watched the show and enjoyed it, or if you are currently catching up on the reruns, this book is for you. I have found it very interesting to watch the episodes then run to the book thereafter - it was almost like watching them for the first time.

Better than the first

I have not read this book yet because it will not be out until 1999. I have however read from cover to cover Andy Lane's first edition of this book and found it to be the best Babylon 5 refrence book I have ever used. Andy Lane divides each episode into different parts like plot, arc, questions raised, and good and bad quotes. He gives you all the numbers of the episodes like the episode #, the season/ episode #, the production #, and the name so no matter how you refer to an episode you can find it easily. This book is not just a synopsis of each episode it has tons of other information like the B5 military setup, foods, aliens, jokes, and just little tid bits of information you didn't know. The only thing I found that was bad about this book was it only had the first 3 1/2 seasons and no spinoff movie so I am sure this secound edition will be written with the same quality as the first with the rest of the episodes, spinoffs, and Books.To anyone who calls them ! selves a B5 fan whether you've seen all the episodes or are just getting into the series This is a MUST HAVE BOOK!!!!!!! When the book comes out I am getting 2 copies, this book is worth the price and you will not be dissapointed.