Babylon 5
revolutionized genre television. First aired in 1993, the space opera series is highly respected for everything it was trying to achieve on television at a time when
Star Trek
was king. Its use of story arcs and long-form storytelling in science fiction can be felt in everything from
Battlestar Galactica
to
Lost
and
The Expanse
. Much of its legacy has been about its struggle to survive. From the rivalry with
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
, to the collapse of the Prime Time Entertainment Network, the cancellation of spin-off series, and the failed big screen attempts—the behind-the-scenes details on
are as fascinating as anything we have on screen.
This work explores the complex history of
, the career of showrunner J. Michael Straczynski, and the behind-the-scenes drama to stay on the air, with many attempts to continue the franchise. Featuring interviews with cast members from the podcast
A Dream Given Form
, a lengthy two-part interview with Peter Jurasik (Londo) and a chat with Patricia Tallman (Lyta) and others, this book gives insights into what it was like to be part of
, chronicling the show's highs and lows and examining the legacy it left behind in genre television.