I’ve probably watched all of B5 about 10 times or more. Going through another cycle right now. Just watched the first episode of season 2 today, having finished season 1 yesterday, so this is very fresh. I think if I was going to introduce a friend to it, I’d say to skip season 1 entirely.
There’s a lot of stuff that feels like filler in season 1, even though I think quite a few of those episodes are actually trying to introduce lore in a sneaky way. Like, the Soul Hunter episode feels a lot like hot garbage, but it does put some important lore in your head. Similar with the episode that they find some ancient organic alien technology. Plus, I think everybody will instantly like Sheridan in a way that never happened with Sinclair.
I’ve grown to like season 1, but it took several watches before it stopped bothering me.
And that’s how all my friends got introduced to Babylon 5.
I’ve probably watched all of B5 about 10 times or more. Going through another cycle right now. Just watched the first episode of season 2 today, having finished season 1 yesterday, so this is very fresh. I think if I was going to introduce a friend to it, I’d say to skip season 1 entirely.
There’s a lot of stuff that feels like filler in season 1, even though I think quite a few of those episodes are actually trying to introduce lore in a sneaky way. Like, the Soul Hunter episode feels a lot like hot garbage, but it does put some important lore in your head. Similar with the episode that they find some ancient organic alien technology. Plus, I think everybody will instantly like Sheridan in a way that never happened with Sinclair.
I’ve grown to like season 1, but it took several watches before it stopped bothering me.
Babylon 5, season 1, is largely skippable.
2 and 3 are very good. 4 is the single best season of sci-fi television ever done.
Ideally, you watch it all in order.
In a pinch? 2-3-4-1-5.