Introduction

Babylon 5 is an American science fiction television series created, produced and largely written by J. Michael Straczynski. The show centres on the Babylon 5 space station: a focal point for politics, diplomacy, and conflict during the years 2257-2262. With its prominent use of planned story arcs, the series was often described as a “novel for television”.

Series 05 was titled Babylon 5: Th Wheel of Fire.

Part of the Babylon 5 franchise.

Outline

In 2262, Earthforce Captain Elizabeth Lochley is appointed to command Babylon 5, which is now also the headquarters of the Interstellar Alliance. A conflict arises between Psi-Corps and a group of rogue telepaths that are seeking their own homeworld after learning that the Vorlons created telepaths as weapons against the Shadows. When several telepaths martyr themselves, Lyta leads attacks against the Psi-Corps, becoming an enemy of the state.

Meanwhile, Alliance trade and civilian ships are being attacked by an unknown force, and evidence is discovered that the Centauri may be involved. Mollari discovers that the Drakh, a Shadow-allied race, have forced the Centauri leadership to precipitate war with the Alliance, in part as revenge for Mollari’s turn against the Shadows. Mollari is forced to co-operate when he becomes Emperor, and withdraws the Centauri from the Alliance. Vir becomes the Centauri ambassador on the station.

Separate stories show the long-standing members of Babylon 5 making plans to leave the station: Sheridan and Delenn move to the Alliance’s permanent headquarters on Minbar. Garibaldi, having relapsed in his alcoholism, is aided by Lise, and the two marry and return to Mars. Dr. Franklin takes a position on Earth as head of xenobiology. G’Kar discovers he has become a religious figure, and unable to stay on the station or return to Narn, exiles himself to travel the galaxy, taking Lyta with him since she is in a similar position.

Twenty years after his return from Z’ha’dum, Sheridan feels his life fading. He has the Rangers gather his old friends on Minbar for a farewell party. The next day, Sheridan attempts to leave while Delenn is asleep, but she stops him to say a final goodbye. Alone, Sheridan revisits Babylon 5, now being decommissioned, before continuing to the location of the final Vorlon/Shadow encounter. Drawing his last breaths, he is met by Lorien, who invites Sheridan to travel beyond the galactic rim. Sheridan’s ship is found adrift and empty some days later.

Babylon 5 Series

• Episode 01: No Compromises.
• Episode 02: The Very Long Night of Londo Mollari.
• Episode 03: The Paragon of Animals.
• Episode 04: A View from the Gallery.
• Episode 05: Learning Curve.
• Episode 06: Strange Relations.
• Episode 07: Secrets of the Soul.
• Episode 08: Day of the Dead.
• Episode 09: In the Kingdom of the Blind.
• Episode 10: A Tragedy of Telepaths.
• Episode 11: Phoenix Rising.
• Episode 12: The Ragged Edge.
• Episode 13: The Corps is Mother, the Corps is Father.
• Episode 14: Meditations on the Abyss.
• Episode 15: Darkness Ascending.
• Episode 16: And All My Dreams Torn Asunder.
• Episode 17: Movements of Fire and Shadow.
• Episode 18: The Fall of Centauri Prime.
• Episode 19: The Wheel of Fire.
• Episode 20: Objects in Motion.
• Episode 21: Objects at Rest.
• Episode 22: Sleeping in Light.

Production & Filming Details

• Release Date: 21 January 1998 to 25 November 1998.
• Rating: 12.
• Running Time: 45 minutes.
• Country: US.
• Language: English.

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