Can anyone here help me with a Babylon 5 question?

Question

In the first season, we find out that Babylon 4 was shifting back and forth in time. But the characters and plot changed drastically after season 1; not least of which was Sinclair leaving the show (for the most part). But during that first season, we get a preview of something that's supposedly going to happen in the future. This was capitalized on in season 3 (still with me?).

The question is this: Did JMS originally intend to have the episode involving Babylon 4 in season 3 look the way it did? If not, what was it supposed to look like?

I know it's a lot to take in, but any insight would be appreciated.

Answer 1

JMS was a regular participant in the Usenet moderated B5 newsgroup while the show was in production. He said a great many things, some of them contradictory.



At one point, he claimed that the switch from Sinclair to Sheridan was always planned. I doubt anyone ever believed it though. One thing he never did though, was discuss how the show might have gone. He feels that discussing the behind the scenes work is like a magician revealing how his tricks work. He won't do it, and insists that the fans judge the work by the finished product only.



I personally disagree, but it was his show, and he gets to make the rules.



There were a few comments regarding "War Without End", and some rather clever editing. Those comments used to be archived on The Lurkers Guide to Babylon 5, but I just checked, and most of those pages are no longer available.

Answer 2

It was left vague so as not to give away Sinclair's other identity and the significance of the missin Babylon Four and to allow for the inclusion of other characters to the story if one of the actors should die or quit. the story went as planned but like I said they had to be prepared in case something went wrong.

Answer 3

go to the babylon 5 webpage - if its still up. there is a blow-by-blow commentary on each and every episode. if it aint there, it aint anywhere. if all else fails, ask my wife - she is the resident expert on the subject. :)

Answer 4

I can't help you but I will have my son answer it when he gets home