Science fiction-based space operas have long been popular on American television, starting with the original Star Trek and later with Star Trek: The Next Generation. It was only a matter of time before the universe would be inundated with a number of competing shows but one in particular, Babylon 5, managed to win the hearts of fans and critics alike, thanks to its originality and compelling storylines.

Babylon 5 was a huge and remote space station in the year 2258, and residing in a neutral territory following a war that had previously taken place between Earth and the planet Minbar. A universal United Nations of sorts, Babylon 5 was a meeting place between various ambassadors of various interstellar races to settle their differences.

The leader of Babylon 5 was Commander Sinclair in the first season, and Captain Sheridan in subsequent ones. To aid in the often-difficult task of getting the various inhabitants of the space station and a large number of aliens to get along were Commander Ivanova, Dr. Frankin, and Chief of Security, Garibaldi. Each spent their time trying to settle the differences of such planetary ambassadors as G’Kar from Narn, Londo from Centauri and Minbari representative, Delenn.

Unlike Star Trek, whose episodes were stand-alone in nature, Babylon 5 was a continuous story spanning not only episodes but seasons as well. Literary techniques such as foreshadowing were used throughout the series to make the storylines more cohesive and compelling than the typical single-episode offered. Furthermore, strong character development aided in creating a show that viewers could become emotionally attached to over time.

After five seasons, Babylon 5 would end its run in 1998, but would live on in the hearts of sci-fi fans everywhere. A number of special two-hours TV films would fill the void in later years, including Babylon 5: In The Beginning and Babylon 5: Thirdspace. The film, Babylon 5: A Call To Arms would also spawn a sequel series, Babylon 5: Crusade in 1999. It, unfortunately, only lasted a single season but Babylon 5 will long be remembered by fans for its unique approach and compelling drama in this novel set in space.