Rating: 
Summary: Good bookcase reference to Season One of B5
Review: "Who are you?" "What do you want?" These two questions, how they are answered, and in what order, define the televised novel Babylon 5. Be aware though. Answering these two questions is not nearly as easy as it sounds. Babylon 5 is about choices made (in response to the two questions), opportunities lost, and the effect of these on the development of each character. This theme is brought to light in a nicely written book covering Babylon 5's first season (which has the same title as the book - "Signs and Portents") by Jane Killick. For each episode and the pilot, there is a synopsis which, along with a well thought out analysis, helps greatly in rationalizing and understanding the motives of each of the major characters and the various races. Numerous interviews with the actors, writers, directors, and series creator, J. Michael Straczynski, provide additional insight into the series direction and each character's actions. Killick's book also contains a comprehensive section devoted to the events that led up to Babylon 5's creation. Because Babylon contains forshadowing of future events in almost every episode, I found that the book increased my understanding of the events taking place in the Babylon 5 universe considerably. From refreshing my memory about forgotten details, to pointing out what was overlooked in viewing the show, this book was an invaluable tool that could only have been made better by including more plot detail. Overall, I have to rate this book a "must buy" for those with even a passing interest in the show. It is the first authorized book of its type and it doesn't rely heavily on information posted on the web or hearsay sources, but instead on exclusive first person interviews. This reason alone makes it worth the price. No doubt about it, this book's a keeper (and you'll find out about those in the Season 3 book of the series - "Point of No Return").
Rating: 
Summary: Two Questions, No Easy Answers.
Review: "Who are you?" "What do you want?" These two questions, how they are answered, and in what order, define the televised novel Babylon 5. Be aware though. Answering these two questions is not nearly as easy as it sounds. Babylon 5 is about choices made (in response to the two questions), opportunities lost, and the effect of these on the development of each character. This theme is brought to light in a nicely written book covering Babylon 5's first season (which has the same title as the book - "Signs and Portents") by Jane Killick. For each episode and the pilot, there is a synopsis which, along with a well thought out analysis, helps greatly in rationalizing and understanding the motives of each of the major characters and the various races. Numerous interviews with the actors, writers, directors, and series creator, J. Michael Straczynski, provide additional insight into the series direction and each character's actions. Killick's book also contains a comprehensive section devoted to the events that led up to Babylon 5's creation. Because Babylon contains forshadowing of future events in almost every episode, I found that the book increased my understanding of the events taking place in the Babylon 5 universe considerably. From refreshing my memory about forgotten details, to pointing out what was overlooked in viewing the show, this book was an invaluable tool that could only have been made better by including more plot detail. Overall, I have to rate this book a "must buy" for those with even a passing interest in the show. It is the first authorized book of its type and it doesn't rely heavily on information posted on the web or hearsay sources, but instead on exclusive first person interviews. This reason alone makes it worth the price. No doubt about it, this book's a keeper (and you'll find out about those in the Season 3 book of the series - "Point of No Return").
Rating: 
Summary: Behind-the-scenes insights from those who were there
Review: The Season-by-Season Guides look at the eyes of every single Babylon 5 episodes through the eyes of those who were there. Stories of what went right, what went wrong, memories of how they approached storylines and how it fits into the big arc come from all the main cast members, the directors and the creative mind behind the whole project, J Michael Straczynski, who comments on every episode. Each episode is also re-told in a short, dramatically written synopsis which, when put together, tell the story of each season.
Season Guide #1: Signs and Portents includes a forward by Michael O'Hare who lead the cast as Commander Sinclair in the first year and chapters on the pilot film, The Gathering; how the series was sold to sceptical TV bosses who thought there was no room for science fiction on television outside Star Trek; and an author's analysis of the first season. The British edition included eight pages of colour photographs which, I assume, are included in the US imprint.
Jane Killick is a full time freelance writer and broadcaster. I have been writing for science fiction magazines for many years and among my previous books is The Making of Judge Dredd, a behind-the-scenes account of the Sylvester Stallone movie.
Rating:
Summary: A Great Guide to a Great Series
Review: Babylon 5 was unique in television. The main plot for the entire series was mapped out before the show even started. As a result, it developed a loyal fan base that still loves it. This book is the first in a series of five episode guides to the series. Covering the first season, it has a separate chapter for each of the twenty-two episodes, plus the pilot. Each starts with a plot summary, but then goes into behind the scenes stories and commentaries. Through interviews with cast, crew, and creator J. Michael Straczynski, author Jane Killick is able to give a full picture of what went into each episode. Some of my favorite parts are the stories of bloopers or jokes the cast played on each other. I also find the summaries useful if I'm looking for a particular episode to rewatch. Starting out the book is an interesting chapter about the five year struggle the producers had to get the show on the air. It really gave me a new appreciation for what JMS went through to make his vision a reality. Also included is a season 1 overview. While I might not agree with all of the author's commentary, I find her perspective interesting. Any fan will love to have this well researched book for a behind the scenes look at a wonderful piece of science fiction television history.
Rating:
Summary: A Great Guide to a Great Series
Review: Babylon 5 was unique in television. The main plot for the entire series was mapped out before the show even started. As a result, it developed a loyal fan base that still loves it. This book is the first in a series of five episode guides to the series. Covering the first season, it has a separate chapter for each of the twenty-two episodes, plus the pilot. Each starts with a plot summary, but then goes into behind the scenes stories and commentaries. Through interviews with cast, crew, and creator J. Michael Straczynski, author Jane Killick is able to give a full picture of what went into each episode. Some of my favorite parts are the stories of bloopers or jokes the cast played on each other. I also find the summaries useful if I'm looking for a particular episode to rewatch. Starting out the book is an interesting chapter about the five year struggle the producers had to get the show on the air. It really gave me a new appreciation for what JMS went through to make his vision a reality. Also included is a season 1 overview. While I might not agree with all of the author's commentary, I find her perspective interesting. Any fan will love to have this well researched book for a behind the scenes look at a wonderful piece of science fiction television history.
Rating:
Summary: A worthy resource book for Babylon 5 fans.
Review: For those who want in-depth reviews and notes on each episode of Season One of the highly-acclaimed television series 'Babylon 5', this book will do extremely well. Entertaining facts and reviews abound in this book, including behind-the-scenes notes from the creater of the show on how his vision went from paper to screen. I enjoyed it immenseley, including the section that reveals how actor Walter Koenig was originally selected for the role of Psi Cop Alfred Bester. The candid forward from Michael O'Hare was a very pleasant addition to a well-constructed Season One reference manual of the show. I recommend it (and future reference books in the series) to both fans and first-timers alike.
Rating:
Summary: A worthy resource book for Babylon 5 fans.
Review: For those who want in-depth reviews and notes on each episode of Season One of the highly-acclaimed television series 'Babylon 5', this book will do extremely well. Entertaining facts and reviews abound in this book, including behind-the-scenes notes from the creater of the show on how his vision went from paper to screen. I enjoyed it immenseley, including the section that reveals how actor Walter Koenig was originally selected for the role of Psi Cop Alfred Bester. The candid forward from Michael O'Hare was a very pleasant addition to a well-constructed Season One reference manual of the show. I recommend it (and future reference books in the series) to both fans and first-timers alike.
Rating:
Summary: an excellent companion to a video collection
Review: I have taped all of the shows, & proceed to watch them at my own leisure one by one. After watching each episode, I then read the synopsis of the episode out of the book. It tends to make some minute things come to life.Things that I consider minor, are shown to be of great importance by the creator. The insights on why things were done, the timing of those things, it was all very excellent. I reccommend it for any real Baylon 5 fan. There is sooo much to learn from this series of books.
Rating:
Summary: Essential Reading for the B5 Viewer
Review: The Babylon 5: Season by Season guidebooks are an essential read for fans of the TV series. Containing photos, interviews, essays, and in-depth rundowns of each episode, each book is indispensable for B5 vets and newbies alike. Strongly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: Essential Reading for the B5 Viewer
Review: The Babylon 5: Season by Season guidebooks are an essential read for fans of the TV series. Containing photos, interviews, essays, and in-depth rundowns of each episode, each book is indispensable for B5 vets and newbies alike. Strongly recommended.
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