The Triumph of Babylon 5

<p> <I>Babylon 5</I> 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 <I>Star Trek</I> was king. Its use of story arcs and long-form storytelling in science fiction can be felt in everything from <I>Battlestar Galactica</I> to <I>Lost</I> and <I>The Expanse</I>. Much of its legacy has been about its struggle to survive. From the rivalry with <I>Star Trek: Deep Space Nine</I>, 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 <I>Babylon 5</I> are as fascinating as anything we have on screen.</p><p> This work explores the complex history of <I>Babylon 5</I>, 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 <I>A Dream Given Form</I>, 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 <I>Babylon 5</I>, chronicling the show''s highs and lows and examining the legacy it left behind in genre television.</p>