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The Lurker's Guide to Babylon 5
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JMS CompuServe messages for January 1998. Collected by John Hardin
<jhardin@wolfenet.com>.
Date: 01 Jan 1998 23:32:12 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Catherine Becic <73414.2603@compuserve.com>
Subject: season 5
Catherine Becic <73414.2603@compuserve.com> asks:
> Q: With the rebroadcast of S1-4 on TNT, how will you handle NEW
> fans who suddenly want to ask you all the same questions we've
> been asking you through the first runs? Will you repeat yourself,
> keep a lower profile and send them to review the Lurker's Guide,
> what? Is The Gatherine still scheduled for right after In The
> Beginning?
Yes, the Gathering will be aired after In the Beginning. I
think they'll run the Guide again in-between, though.
I'll deal with the new fans as I have with the old timers...with
as much courtesy as I can, because I owe them no less. One thing that
*would* help is if people continue what they've been doing, and if a
question comes up where the answer is known, or the questioner can be
pointed to a faq, if they can continue to dive in and point the person
to the relevant info, thus saving me the effort, that would be
wonderful as well.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 01 Jan 1998 23:32:13 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: NAV Crew Pays Homage
{original post unavailable}
Thanks, I'll look for it.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 01 Jan 1998 23:32:14 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: SysOp_Dupa_T_Parrot <70040.104@compuserve.com>
Subject: TZ Marathon
SysOp_Dupa_T_Parrot <70040.104@compuserve.com> asks:
> Did you catch any of the classic Twilight Zone shows on the SciFi
> Channel's TZ marathon?
I saw some of it, was working most of the time. They did shoot
a few select shows on videotape, as an experiment, which they later
dropped.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 01 Jan 1998 23:32:13 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: SysOp_Dupa_T_Parrot <70040.104@compuserve.com>
Subject: B5 in the news
{original post had no questions}
Yeah, thanks, I'm looking forward to seeing the article and
review.
They had MY picture in there? Oh, dear, there go their sales
figures, down the toilet....
jms
------------------------------
Date: 01 Jan 1998 23:32:14 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Kosh (Spoilers to ITF)
(blocked) asks:
> Will we ever learn more about Kosh I and why he was more
> sympathetic to the Second Ones than Kosh II, or is the Vorlons'
> place in the saga over?
That's a good question, and one of the things I'd like to do
(but which I can't see any way to do in the series) is the whole story
of who Kosh was, how he got to be who and what he was, why he felt the
way he did toward humans (part of it was knowing Valen)...maybe this
will have to go into one of the novels.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 01 Jan 1998 23:32:13 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: TZ Marathon
(blocked) asks:
> Didnt you meet him once?
Yes, I did meet Rod once, though it wasn't until it was too late
that he was identified to me, at which point he'd left (typical). He
was the best of us.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 01 Jan 1998 23:32:14 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Were four sections okay?
{original post unavailable}
I don't think I've much noticed or cared what sections there
were, or how many there were. I just mainly look at what messages come
to me directly, and what new ones there are, using Tapcis...there could
be 50 sections or 5, the number of questions tends to remain the same.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 03 Jan 1998 00:17:10 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: StarFury Model Found
{original post unavailable}
Not warlord. Warlock.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 04 Jan 1998 20:33:12 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Magazine Error
{original post had no questions}
Feh....
jms
------------------------------
Date: 04 Jan 1998 22:51:02 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Gardner L. Harris <76657.3333@compuserve.com>
Subject: Magazine Error
Gardner L. Harris <76657.3333@compuserve.com> asks:
> Joe, was there a specific reason that the original DeLenn facial
> prosthetics were not more closely duplicated for the prequel?
It made more sense to put it in line with the series, since
there's 22 of the first season, and only 1 of the pilot.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 04 Jan 1998 20:33:13 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: ItB - Zowie!
{original post unavailable}
Thanks...it's a terrific little story.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 04 Jan 1998 22:51:03 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: from jms on stuff
{original post unavailable}
No, that was the logic, but we never showed it before...I didn't
know if it'd be confusing at that point, since we were a new show. So
I decided to drop it in here.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 04 Jan 1998 23:03:11 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: from jms on stuff
{original post unavailable}
Kosh's voice always becomes clearer with the passage of time....
jms
------------------------------
Date: 04 Jan 1998 22:51:03 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Congrats on ITB
{original post unavailable}
"Congratulations on a superb movie."
Thanks, it's a good one.
"Far better than many of the "blockbuster" films that appeared in the
theaters this past year. Hmm, I wonder what you could do with $200
million for one movie?"
I don't know offhand, but for that kind of money you should
expect at least a 50% cardiac arrest scenario....
jms
------------------------------
Date: 04 Jan 1998 23:03:10 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Ray Pelzer <70475.1263@compuserve.com>
Subject: ITB & TG:SE
Ray Pelzer <70475.1263@compuserve.com> asks:
> So, does this mean the shadow-helpers didn't actually do the
> destruction? Perhaps the Centauri did it trying to drive them out?
That Kosh, always a mumbler.
"Londo said "...look what _we_ did to _ourselves_...." when he looked
out the window. So, does this mean the shadow-helpers didn't actually
do the destruction? Perhaps the Centauri did it trying to drive them
out?"
You'll get the answer to that one soon enough.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 04 Jan 1998 23:03:11 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Craig M. Bobchin <102354.3246@compuserve.com>
Subject: ItB Questions
Craig M. Bobchin <102354.3246@compuserve.com> asks:
> Did you know at the outset of Season 2 that Franklin, G'kar and
> Sheridan had met before? If so how come no mention was ever made
> of that fact?
Yeah, in my notes on Sheridan I had him meeting Sheridan before,
but never did much with it at the time...we never see the first time
Sheridan and Franklin meet in the second season, and when we do they're
hanging out pretty casually, as people who've met each other before
might. Bear in mind, also, that there's about 11 years between the two
incidents, and at best they were casual acquaintances on one mission.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 04 Jan 1998 23:03:11 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: ITB> and <TG
{original post had no questions}
Thanks....
"I know you probably couldn't have made a movie about the
Earth-Minbari War without giving away the ending, but I was kind of
hoping the details would be left more vague than they were for the
benefit of new viewers."
I came to that part of my decision-making process, and realized
that in 2, 5 or 10 years, the secret ain't gonna be secret anymore...so
why not play into that, and make the audience aware up front, which
adds a different kind of tension, like seeing the bomb under the table
when the characters eating dinner don't know it's there.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 05 Jan 1998 00:22:11 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: B5 in Canada
{original post unavailable}
CFMT and one other Canadian network will be carrying the show
shortly.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 05 Jan 1998 13:28:07 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Deonaha M. Conlin <102531.2627@compuserve.com>
Subject: Congrats on ITB
Deonaha M. Conlin <102531.2627@compuserve.com> asks:
> Di Conlin, TUS , Wielder of the Lesser Salmon of Discipline
> Supreme Dominatrix, RMES, your fearless leader "Great Maker, huh?
Thanks...always hated the Zoo scene myself.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 05 Jan 1998 13:28:05 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Claudia
{original post unavailable}
Tracy Scoggins, but it's a very different role.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 05 Jan 1998 23:48:03 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Claudia
{original post unavailable}
Trap doors have always been in place for all the characters.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 05 Jan 1998 13:28:06 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Congrats on ITB
{original post unavailable}
Thanks....
jms
------------------------------
Date: 05 Jan 1998 13:28:08 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Congrats on ITB
{original post unavailable}
Here's another thought: $200 million = ten years of the B5
series and 8 TV movies.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 06 Jan 1998 15:47:11 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Ken Mayer <103721.3257@compuserve.com>
Subject: In the Beginning
{original post had no questions}
Thanks...it's a very moving and emotional movie in a lot of
places, which was the goal. If it doesn't touch you, there ain't much
point to doing it.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 05 Jan 1998 23:48:03 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Peter Godfrey <100545.3607@compuserve.com>
Subject: B5 Calendar
Peter Godfrey <100545.3607@compuserve.com> asks:
> By showing this on equipment obviously supplied from the future,
> mean that the time line was disturbed ?
"By showing this on equipment obviously supplied from the future, mean
that the time line was disturbed ?"
Good grief, if that's true then I'm seriously out of phase, and
at any second I could completely disappea
------------------------------
Date: 05 Jan 1998 13:28:07 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Neville White <100335.2721@compuserve.com>
Subject: PPG science follows art!
{original post had no questions}
Always ahead of our time.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 05 Jan 1998 13:28:06 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Steven K. Andeweg <72143.674@compuserve.com>
Subject: In the Beginning
{original post had no questions}
Thanks...if we don't keep trying to get better, what's the
point?
jms
------------------------------
Date: 06 Jan 1998 15:47:11 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Steven K. Andeweg <72143.674@compuserve.com>
Subject: In the Beginning
{original post had no questions}
And the thing is..."In the Beginning" cost us a tick under $3
million bucks, which is almost nil in terms of budgets for TV movies.
It looks like it's a $12 million feature film.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 06 Jan 1998 21:23:10 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Tom Knudsen <72347.1626@compuserve.com>
Subject: In the Beginning
{original post had no questions}
We got the ratings, and I can't release them yet, that has to
come from TNT, but suffice to say they're dancing in the aisles over at
TNT. Again, I can't give specifics yet, but they had a very specific
rating in mind that they felt was the best we would probaby get, which
we beat handily, and they felt that the pilot, being a rerun, wouldn't
do that well...and it ended up doing as well as the maximum they'd
hoped the prequel would get.
They're stunned.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 05 Jan 1998 13:28:06 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: ITB and TG:SE
(blocked) asks:
> ITB used the current uniform, why wasn't it filmed using the old
> TG uniforms? Will TNT show the original version of TG?
No, I don't think TNT plans to show the first version.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 06 Jan 1998 15:47:12 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: <ITB> thoughts
(blocked) asks:
> Londo's "What do you want?"
> Is it possible he would've been firmer with the Captain about the
> orders to avoid contact they had received, and that the entire
> incident and thus the war might've been avoided? At what age do
> Centauri boys have their hair start to stick up? How do they know
> this? Do they have additional information they're not mentioning
> about Minbari war strategy? Are they just guessing?
> Or are they just making it all up as propaganda, thinking that it
> will motivate the Earth Forces to fight harder?
Londo's first wife was a dancer, who he was forced to divorce by
his family.
Adira reminds him of her a lot.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 05 Jan 1998 23:48:04 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: In the Beginning
{original post unavailable}
Thanks, it's been a real struggle, and we've had to overcome a
lot to get to this point.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 05 Jan 1998 13:28:06 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Brent Barrett <75063.3305@compuserve.com>
Subject: One Gathering
Thanks...it's much improved.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 05 Jan 1998 23:48:04 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: ItB - Zowie!
{original post unavailable}
Yeah, there was supposed to be a commercial there, but instead
TNT ran straight through into act 2, and inserted a commercial in act
6, right before they go to see Sinclair.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 05 Jan 1998 23:48:03 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: SysOp_Dupa_T_Parrot <70040.104@compuserve.com>
Subject: ItB and The Gathering
SysOp_Dupa_T_Parrot <70040.104@compuserve.com> asks:
> So, are ya planning to go to Australia in 1999?
> Is that correct?
That was his interior monologue, yes.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 06 Jan 1998 02:03:13 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: <ITB> thoughts
{original post had no questions}
No, it's been established that Londo's first wife was a dancer,
who he was forced to divorce by his family.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 06 Jan 1998 16:14:08 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: <ITB> thoughts
{original post had no questions}
"But that still doesn't explain the "cared for them all deeply" part
in relation to the other three... <bg>"
We remember what, and how, we choose to remember.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 05 Jan 1998 23:48:03 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Steve Ringley <73727.1202@compuserve.com>
Subject: <TG> Zoo Scene
The idea was just to go through the sector, pass some aliens,
see the exteriors of some quarters...the director made it into a zoo.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 05 Jan 1998 23:48:04 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Shane Shellenbarger <104305.3404@compuserve.com>
Subject: In the Beginning
{original post unavailable}
Thanks.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 06 Jan 1998 15:47:10 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Mike Biracree <75173.2021@compuserve.com>
Subject: ItB: Dilgar War ?
{original post had no questions}
There's a fair amount about the Dilgar in "Deathwalker," first
season. And thanks.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 06 Jan 1998 15:47:10 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Marcus....why
{original post unavailable}
Thanks...as for the alien machine, no, it definitely won't work
on a dead person.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 06 Jan 1998 15:47:10 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Michael L. Wonch <73373.3533@compuserve.com>
Subject: Claudia
Michael L. Wonch <73373.3533@compuserve.com> asks:
> Assuming Sheridan and his wife will still be main characters????
Oh, Sheridan and Delenn will definitely be sticking around.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 06 Jan 1998 21:23:08 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Michael L. Wonch <73373.3533@compuserve.com>
Subject: Claudia
Michael L. Wonch <73373.3533@compuserve.com> asks:
> I can't remember his real world name(sin of sins, I know), but
> when Seridan replaced Sinclair, was that planned from the
> beginning? I mean, did the actor leave the show, for some reason?
No, that's something that developed over time.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 06 Jan 1998 21:23:11 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Gathering re-edit
{original post unavailable}
I've no idea why they didn't promote that aspect of it.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 06 Jan 1998 16:14:08 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Philip Hornsey <74053.2101@compuserve.com>
Subject: ItB - Zowie!
{original post had no questions}
"I nearly cried when the President asked the military to "hold the
line" so that a pitiful few hundred could escape. In that single
moment, you feel that even if the Minbari had done it, those few
refugees would have sired a people who, eventually, would have made it.
Just at that moment, you see the echo to the ball of light flying into
the encounter suit a million years hence."
It's a very moving scene, even for me. There's something in
particular about a female president making that request, and giving
those orders, that is especially strong. I don't know why that should
be, but somehow it is. We as a people tend to forget our own strength,
and as Londo says, our stubborn nobility. We only seem to remember it
when we stand on the edge of the abyss, when it's almost too late to do
anything about it.
"I always have felt this show is about him."
Yeah, in many ways, it is.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 06 Jan 1998 21:23:10 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Philip Hornsey <74053.2101@compuserve.com>
Subject: <TG> Zoo Scene
{original post had no questions}
"Also, the reworking of Sinclair's narration of the Battle of the
Line, with Requiem for the Line and the battle transmissions was just
gripping, it really showcased Michael O'Hare's strengths as an actor."
Yeah, that was an experiment I wanted to try. When we did the
audio spotting (me sitting with the sound folks, Chris, others), I
explained what I wanted done with that scene, and they kinda got it but
were a little dubious as to whether or not this could or would work.
When we came to the day of the audio mix, it was kind of a jumble...so
I worked with the music and the voices to basically fill in the gaps
between Sinclair's words. Then I backed up and chose the ones that
most related to what he had just said, or was about to just say. It
took about half an hour to get that 30 second piece down pat.
One of the least visible things I do is mess with the music and
how the music lays out on the track. I'm often at the front of the
mixing room, working with the mixers, bringing up one instrument
(percussion, for instance), bringing down the horns for one piece, up
in another. In "In the Beginning," for instance, there was percussion
all through the Battle of the Line itself...and we had big EFX of guns
and explosions going off, and the two muddied together. So I went with
the explosions for the first of it, then replaced some of the
gunfire/explosions with percussion, then ducked down the SFX altogether
and just let the music take it. You kind of have to be a conductor in
these instances.
(Which is why the astute will notice a slight change in the main
title music starting with 507. I was down sick when they had to do the
main title mix, and couldn't get into it. When we had to modify some
voice stuff for 507, I went in and pulled out all the music stems and
rebalanced stuff to bring out the themes more, which kind of got buried
a little in places. All the same individual pieces are there, but in
different perspectives.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 06 Jan 1998 21:23:09 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Philip Hornsey <74053.2101@compuserve.com>
Subject: Kosh (Spoilers to ITF)
Philip Hornsey <74053.2101@compuserve.com> asks:
> 1) Is Naranek a title and if so what does it mean?
> 2) Is Kosh a title and if so what does *it* mean?
> 3) Why are all Vorlon Kosh?
> 4) What was the relationship between Kosh 1 and Kosh 2 (they
> always seem to be together, as on B4, in Dukhat's quarters,
> backing each other up on B5), and if they were close, it that why
> Kosh 2 was such a hardass in the aftermath of Kosh 1's death? Am I
> close?
Zha is the usual reference for the future, whose meaning changes
depending on whether it's a suffix or a prefix, and what it's up
against. Isil-zha usually means change, changing the future, coming of
a new age; entil-zha is the one who creates or guides the forces
creating the future; and z'ha'dum (with the broken zha) is the death of
the future, or the dark future.
And yes, Kosh and Ulkesh were contemporaries, though Ulkesh was
the more military of the two, very isolationist, while Kosh was the
curious one, interested in the younger races, and more willing to
extend himself (with sometimes unfortunate results). Kosh always
worried what Ulkesh would do without his moderating presence...and
ultimately had to be the one to take him down to allow the younger
races to step forward.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 06 Jan 1998 21:23:10 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Philip Hornsey <74053.2101@compuserve.com>
Subject: ItB - Zowie!
Philip Hornsey <74053.2101@compuserve.com> asks:
> Did Kosh set the Vorlons *and* the Shadows up?
> Was he sick of the conflict and so arranged events, that he was
> *certain* that the outcome would be a final end to it all?
You're right, as far as it goes...I think Kosh came late to the
table. I don't think he came to B5 with that intent, but it grew in him
over time that this cycle had to end, and he could be instrumental to
that.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 06 Jan 1998 21:23:09 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Tom Knudsen <72347.1626@compuserve.com>
Subject: Earth Firsters and Truth
{original post had no questions}
Any organization like that has to proceed from a stance that
either has the potential to make sense, or can sound reasonable. So
yeah, one can make an argument for their position.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 06 Jan 1998 21:23:09 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: JMS in NY
(blocked) asks:
> Is this trip still on, and if so, do you have any info about it?
I'm having to buckle down and finish writing S5 and getting the
third movie written, so I'm stuck out here.
It's a curious thought...I just turned in 519, which means with
just these last 3 scripts, I'm done writing the Babylon 5 series. (The
third movie is outside the series in terms of one-hour episodes.)
After ten years, I'm 3 scripts away from being done with this thing.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 07 Jan 1998 02:05:06 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Rebecca Eschliman <76072.2345@compuserve.com>
Subject: The Joy of Resonance
Rebecca Eschliman <76072.2345@compuserve.com> asks:
> Are the Soul Hunters (as a civilization) actually *wrong* in
> "preserving" souls? So, is Lorien's "preservation" of Sheridan
> really that different?
That's the question I wanted to ask in writing TSH...is it a
Good Thing, or is it a Bad Thing, to retain these essences? So yeah,
that was always a part of it...and as for the resemblance, that's a
valid point also, since when I met with the costume and prosthetics
divisions, I mentioned that I wanted a soul-hunter sort of feel.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 07 Jan 1998 02:05:06 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Claudia promo
(blocked) asks:
> When were the Ivanova promos that run at the end of the season 1
> shows filmed? Before or after the contract difficulties?
> If after, does this mean we really might see some guest roles for
> Christian? If before, do you have to get additional permission (?)
> or pay actors for these promo spots in addition to their
> contract?
Those promos were shot during the end of the fourth season.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 07 Jan 1998 12:26:02 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Philip Hornsey <74053.2101@compuserve.com>
Subject: In the Beginning
{original post had no questions}
There were a number of big fans of the show in TNT programming
who kept bugging management to pick up the show, do the movies...and
whose necks were on the line if it didn't work...who are now dancing in
the aisles.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 07 Jan 1998 12:26:02 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Philip Hornsey <74053.2101@compuserve.com>
Subject: <TG> Zoo Scene
{original post had no questions}
Yeah, I'm real happy with that sequence, starting with the top
of the act and straight through to the President's speech...I think
it's one of those moments when we committed art.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 07 Jan 1998 12:26:01 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Philip Hornsey <74053.2101@compuserve.com>
Subject: Kosh (Spoilers to ITF)
Philip Hornsey <74053.2101@compuserve.com> asks:
> Were they friends?
No, I wouldn't call them friends. They had a certain respect
for one another, but Ulkesh always thought Kosh was soft, and Kosh
always worried that Ulkesh was dangerous. In their own ways, both were
right.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 07 Jan 1998 12:26:02 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: David DeRubeis <75221.2351@compuserve.com>
Subject: In the Beginning
{original post had no questions}
Turns out we virtually tripled our regular audience, and *built*
each quarter hour, which means folks were jumping in all through, and
those who came, stayed.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 07 Jan 1998 12:26:03 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Nick and Toni Muller <75223.1575@compuserve.com>
Subject: Congrats on ITB
{original post had no questions}
Thanks....
Eowyn? I may be wrong, but it sounds like somebody's a Tolkein
fan.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 07 Jan 1998 23:56:01 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Congrats on ITB
{original post unavailable}
No, I named them Shadows after the Jungian notion of the Shadow,
which is the part of the mind which is all desire, and is destructive.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 07 Jan 1998 12:26:03 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Tom Knudsen <72347.1626@compuserve.com>
Subject: In the Beginning
Tom Knudsen <72347.1626@compuserve.com> asks:
> Can you say if you broke and cable network records?
No, didn't break records, but we didn't have to and didn't
expect to.
We just had to succeed.
We did.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 07 Jan 1998 12:26:01 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Tom Knudsen <72347.1626@compuserve.com>
Subject: Kosh (Spoilers to ITF)
Tom Knudsen <72347.1626@compuserve.com> asks:
> Since Kosh and Ulkesh seem to have the authority to dictate
> Vorlon policy from what you've said, can we assume that they were
> near the top of the Vorlon heirarchy (whatever THAT may be)?
It's not a hierarchy as you or I would understand it...and the
weird thing is, though I kinda know how it functions, I'll be damned if
I can figure out how to explain it in words.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 07 Jan 1998 12:26:03 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Brian Prothero <76711.663@compuserve.com>
Subject: In the Beginning
Brian Prothero <76711.663@compuserve.com> asks:
> Any chance on rebroadcasting the re-edited pilot given the
> suprisingly high ratings? Also, will the re-edited version of "The
> Gathering" ever be released on video (VHS, DVD or Laserdisc)?
I think the rebroadcast will happen in a couple of months on TG;
the rest is in the works but nothing's happening in the short run.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 07 Jan 1998 23:56:01 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Mark Fountain <74023.221@compuserve.com>
Subject: cudos & such
Mark Fountain <74023.221@compuserve.com> asks:
> Did you consider putting the scene of the hunter confronting the
> Minbari at the battle of the line into the movie? Was that a once
> considered story line that didn't make the cut?
"Did you consider putting the scene of the hunter confronting the
Minbari at the battle of the line into the movie?"
Yeah, for some time, in fact...but the logistics involved in
staging a full-scale assault, dozens of soul hunters, the fight itself,
would've taken up about 10-15 minutes minimum, which would have had to
come out elsewhere, and I can't find 15 minutes in that movie that's
expendable. One can only do so much in the amout of space, and time,
and money, one has.
"One is a picture of what appears to be a soul hunter craft crashed
into a jungle scene beside a Mayan looking temple. At the time I just
assumed that eventually an episode would bring that to light, but
nothing ever has."
No, that's an image Ron did on his own, had nothing to do with
the show.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 07 Jan 1998 23:56:01 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Terry Berkes <75050.2767@compuserve.com>
Subject: Rising Star: boffed
Terry Berkes <75050.2767@compuserve.com> asks:
> In the scene with Franklin and the very upset Ivanova, when she
> uses the word "boffed" (like Marcus), was this intended as just a
> cute scene or a hint that the transfer would have had lasting
> effects?
"In the scene with Franklin and the very upset Ivanova, when she uses
the word "boffed" (like Marcus), was this intended as just a cute scene
or a hint that the transfer would have had lasting effects?"
No, nothing more was intended than what was seen.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 07 Jan 1998 23:59:12 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: TNT Ratings
{original post had no questions}
If the release is up, then by all means, repost it.
And thanks...we did killer numbers.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 08 Jan 1998 16:57:10 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Neil S. Turkenkopf <102664.3532@compuserve.com>
Subject: Overwhelmed
{original post had no questions}
Thanks...it's so strange to see the show starting all over
again....
jms
------------------------------
Date: 08 Jan 1998 16:57:10 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Soul Hunters
(blocked) asks:
> Omission?
> Something that is on the cutting room floor?
No, there wasn't time to do it in the movie...it would've taken
about 10-15 minutes to set it up and pay it off properly, and I
couldn't find 15 expendable minutes in ItB. There's a brief window
after the body's death where the soul hunters can still move in, so
there was time...we showed their ships moving in in Atonement, and to
do so again here would get in the way and really confuse new viewers.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 09 Jan 1998 21:55:07 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Deonaha M. Conlin <102531.2627@compuserve.com>
Subject: 101 thru 104 (I think)
Deonaha M. Conlin <102531.2627@compuserve.com> asks:
> Di Conlin, TUS , Wielder of the Lesser Salmon of Discipline
> Supreme Dominatrix, RMES, your fearless leader "Great Maker, huh?
It's uneven in places, but yeah, there's some good stuff there
amid the dross. Thanks.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 09 Jan 1998 21:55:07 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: A moment of B5 beauty
{original post unavailable}
Thanks...it's so odd, to in a sense go through it all over
again....
jms
------------------------------
Date: 11 Jan 1998 00:26:05 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Airship Package
{original post had no questions}
Thanks, much appreciated.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 11 Jan 1998 00:34:06 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Pat Frank <102016.1015@compuserve.com>
Subject: Centauri... REPUBLIC??
Pat Frank <102016.1015@compuserve.com> asks:
> Why chose the word "republic" if it isn't one?
Why call the United States a democracy when it's a republic?
You must understand that there is always some difference between
what a country calls itself, and what it actually is...further, though
the Centauri Republic may have been more of a republic than it is now,
it almost certainly wouldn't change thousands of years of history books
just to accommodate a slight shift in direction. No matter what form
its government takes, it will always call itself the Centauri Republic,
because that's their whole identity, their history. We lie to
ourselves all the time...that's what most governments are built on.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 11 Jan 1998 00:34:07 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Ben <106774.313@compuserve.com>
Subject: Aganemnon/ Shadow Models
{original post had no questions}
There are currently no shadow or vorlon ships licensed to
anyone; Revell will likely do them in future, but at this point, anyone
out there who sees or hears of any other models, know that they are
pirated kits.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 11 Jan 1998 00:26:06 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Brent Barrett <75063.3305@compuserve.com>
Subject: Missing Hour?
Brent Barrett <75063.3305@compuserve.com> asks:
> So what I'm asking here is, which is correct?
> The episode or the movie?
> Or can both be correct?
> Did Londo call them before the hour was up?
> Was he referring to other prisoners?
We're really only talking about an hour's distinction
here...time is fluid in dramatic terms. (How many times have we seen a
bomb timer showing 3 minutes, and the process of defusing the bomb
takes 15?)
jms
------------------------------
Date: 11 Jan 1998 00:34:07 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: In The Beginning
{original post unavailable}
"There was one notable flashback scene that did not make it into the
movie, in which Sinclair rushes Delenn and pulls her hood off. Also we
never saw Sinclair surrounded by the Grey Council and blasted by the
staff. Given how "In the Beginning" progressed I'm not sure how those
scenes could have fit in."
This happened shortly after the events shown.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 11 Jan 1998 19:14:10 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Michael Beemer <71551.1670@compuserve.com>
Subject: In The Beginning
Michael Beemer <71551.1670@compuserve.com> asks:
> What arrangements does a production make with an actor like
> Michael York or Michael O'Hare when footage shot for one episode
> is used in another?
You just call up their agent and work out an arrangement.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 11 Jan 1998 19:14:09 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Good TV Again !
{original post unavailable}
TNT did some market research prior to the launch of B5, and the
two questions they wanted answered were, what does a new viewer need to
tune in to B5, and what do the current viewers need to bring them in to
watch again?
The research told them all the things they had to include, and
do, and say, to get the new viewers...and then when they got to what
the current viewers need:
"They just need to know when it's on."
I think that's when they began to sense something rather massive
lurking just beneath the radar nets....
jms
------------------------------
Date: 11 Jan 1998 19:14:09 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Claudia
(blocked) asks:
> Why did Sinclair leave and Sheridan take over B5?
Check the library...I've answered this question a zillion times,
and some kind souls have archived it all in the library.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 11 Jan 1998 19:14:10 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Kosh (Spoilers to ITF)
(blocked) asks:
> Was Kosh II really Ulkesh?
> Why call himself Kosh?
The new Vorlon was Ulkesh, yes...the Kosh thing was meant in a
Vorlon philosophical sense. They ain't wired up like the rest of us.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 11 Jan 1998 19:14:10 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Kevin Wood <100337.272@compuserve.com>
Subject: Did I _really_ see...?
Kevin Wood <100337.272@compuserve.com> asks:
> Is this just a figment of my overactive imagination, and a desire
> to get more B5, or is there something more to it? PPS - is it true
> that the BtVS crew whipped the B5 crew at paintball?
Optic Nerve, the ones who do B5 prosthetics, also do them for
Buffy, so there some understandable similarities from time to time
(like when they used a good chunk of n'grath for one shot).
"PPS - is it true that the BtVS crew whipped the B5 crew at
paintball?"
Nope. We beat them.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 12 Jan 1998 00:19:14 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Gardner L. Harris <76657.3333@compuserve.com>
Subject: Centauri... REPUBLIC??
Gardner L. Harris <76657.3333@compuserve.com> asks:
> So are we looking at civil war, or a Narn invasion?
> Maybe that's all to be explained in S5?
It's coming.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 12 Jan 1998 11:37:08 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Michael Beemer <71551.1670@compuserve.com>
Subject: In The Beginning
Michael Beemer <71551.1670@compuserve.com> asks:
> BTW, I presume the original contracts with all the actors
> specified residuals for the first "X" broadcasts, and that since
> TNT will actually be broadcasting the episodes beyond that limit
> (where PTEN probably wouldn't), that all involved are seeing
> money they'd otherwise hope for but not expect? Am I right in that
> (convoluted as it may be <g>)?
This is all standard stuff with the various guilds.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 12 Jan 1998 11:37:09 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Carl Cantarella <105030.3700@compuserve.com>
Subject: In The Beginning
Carl Cantarella <105030.3700@compuserve.com> asks:
> Am I wrong to ask you about this, or do you see it at all
> similarly?
No, he spoke to me about his approach to the role in WWE, and he
said that he wanted to play it distant, that in a way, Sinclair had
already gone beyond, was more mystical and reserved. Hence the
difference.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 12 Jan 1998 23:09:13 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Kevin Wood <100337.272@compuserve.com>
Subject: Did I _really_ see...?
Kevin Wood <100337.272@compuserve.com> asks:
> MOI, how do you handle things like this?
> Do you copyright the appearance of certain races, or what?
The way it usually works is this...most such companies do
recycle stuff, it's a given. They are just under the obligation to
change 50% minimum between what's done for a different show and the new
item.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 12 Jan 1998 23:09:13 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Newton's Laws...
(blocked) asks:
> Shouldn't the exterior portion of the station counter-rotate in
> relation to the interior portion? Or did I miss something and the
> inner section is divided into two halves that spin in opposite
> directions? Or should I not eat spicy food late at night just
> prior to going to sleep??
There is a counter-rotating flywheel configuration...it only
looks like it's stationary because it's maintaining that relative speed
against the rotation of the lower section.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 12 Jan 1998 23:09:13 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Sam Waas <73052.2644@compuserve.com>
Subject: Marcus....why
Sam Waas <73052.2644@compuserve.com> asks:
> And when B5 finishes its run (sob) we are on the lookout for the
> JMS touch in other projects -- maybe you'll be involved in
> another feature film?
"And when B5 finishes its run (sob) we are on the lookout for the JMS
touch in other projects -- maybe you'll be involved in another feature
film?"
I dunno...film really isn't my venue. In TV, the writer is in
charge; film is conceded as a director's medium. I'm too cranky to
turn it over to a director, and too busy writing to direct...so I guess
that leaves me to TV.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 12 Jan 1998 23:09:14 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: In The Beginning
{original post unavailable}
"That would be the only place they would fit, but then I wonder why a
Grey Council member would blast Sinclair after they already know he has
Valen's soul."
Remember that Sinclair was going for them at that moment, and
the blast didn't hurt him, only knocked him out...they were
deliberately *not* trying to hurt him.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 12 Jan 1998 23:09:14 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Rebecca Eschliman <76072.2345@compuserve.com>
Subject: Be These Truly Reruns?
{original post had no questions}
"Very occasionally one catches a nuance that was missed on the first
go-round. But with the B5 reruns it's an entirely new experience,
because one doesn't catch a mere nuance, but entire leitmotifs that may
have been originally delineated, but are only fully visible in
retrospect. The best of TV or movies have a 3-dimensional feel from the
depth of the characters moving in an engrossing plot....B5 more and
more feels like a flamin' tesseract! It is truly amazing to sense the
layers from later episodes blooming from incidents and statements in
early episodes like a Web-page with all of the hyperlinks "active"
simultaneously."
And lemme tell you something...this has been INCREDIBLY hard to
pull off. If I'd known just how hard, I don't know if I would've tried
to tackle it. The only reason this got done was that I didn't know it
couldn't be done until I'd already done it.
One of the hard things was putting this stuff in, and having a
number of folks at the beginning say, "Where's the story? Where's this
so-called arc? It's nothing." I knew it was there, and knew that
they'd know it was there...but like life, we don't see the patterns
until afterward. That was a real risk. But I always wanted to plan
this story for the long-haul, timing it and measuring it out with the
knowledge that -- though it ran on a weird schedule for each of its
original years -- in the long run it would show every day for years.
So it had to serve two masters, the short term goal and the long-term
one.
It's what I promised when I talked about holographic
storytelling 4 years ago...the more you see, the more you can see
*through* the layers to the patterns they form, one behind the next.
It's not a form that's really been done much before, so I kinda had to
find ways to make it work on the fly. You have to have a mind like a
rabbit warren to keep all the pieces together, running simultaneously,
to write this stuff.
What's been rewarding is seeing so many people now coming
forward to say much the same thing as you just said. It means I did it
right. I gambled on the intelligence of viewers, and that gamble has
paid off.
All of which is one big reason why I'm going to be glad to be
finished with B5, as much as I'm going to miss it. It's been a hideous
struggle to get all this down on paper, and to stay ahead of the
Machine, the camera, which chews through stories at the rate of 24
frames per second. In a way, now I kinda know what John Henry felt
like, going up against the steam engine. Just a few more steps, and
I'll have beaten the damned thing.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 13 Jan 1998 15:58:07 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: David DeRubeis <75221.2351@compuserve.com>
Subject: Returning Fan
{original post had no questions}
"It's a very clever ploy, but it had the danger of turning off those
of us who didn't realize that there was an underlying plan."
Yeah, it was a risky thing to do...but I figured that if we did
it right, that would turn around eventually. You just have to hold
true to your plan and not get discouraged and wait until the rest of
the world catches up to you.
"In retrospect, it's *all* right there, but initially, I had to many
prejudices to allow myself to see it. I expected an attempt to copy
Star Trek by someone who didn't understand SF, and I was going to see
that, no matter what."
Don't worry about it...this happened to a *lot* of people.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 13 Jan 1998 21:49:01 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Pat Frank <102016.1015@compuserve.com>
Subject: Returning Fan
Pat Frank <102016.1015@compuserve.com> asks:
> Joe: Are you guys aware of what kind of mind share you're getting
> right now, in the _meanstream_ audience?
Yeah, we're getting in the demographics, and they're terrific so
far. TNT is pleased.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 14 Jan 1998 12:36:08 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Gardner L. Harris <76657.3333@compuserve.com>
Subject: Status check?
{original post had no questions}
Yeah, Bruce is definitely an SF fan. He tends to show up every
so often at a couple of SF bookstores here in LA, startling the hell
out of everybody, picking up the latest stuff. And he and Jerry have
built up a great working relationship with NASA, having gone out to the
Cape to watch several launches and help promote the space program on
their own time.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 15 Jan 1998 22:37:00 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Steve Ringley <73727.1202@compuserve.com>
Subject: In The Beginning
{original post had no questions}
"At the end of A Sky Full of Stars which aired tonight, a Minbari
tells Delenn Sinclair must be killed if he remembers the encounter.
One of my friends considers this the greatest gaffe in the series."
Here's the reasoning on this.
First, understand that Minbari believe in reincarnation.
Second, as noted in ItB, if the Sinclair/Valen/soul issue got
out, it would likely tear Minbari society apart. The repercussions
would be devastating on every possible level, if it came before they
could be prepared properly.
In light of that, with or without a Minbari (or Valen's) soul,
better to sacrifice Sinclair (who will be reborn anyway, and maybe next
time in a proper Minbari body) than see Minbar damaged. Remember, they
don't know about the time loop, they see it as a straight-line
progression.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 15 Jan 1998 11:47:00 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Brent Barrett <75063.3305@compuserve.com>
Subject: Season 5 Intro
Brent Barrett <75063.3305@compuserve.com> asks:
> And was that your name I saw painted on the butt of the station
> as if it were a great big bumper sticker?
Thanks...yeah, this in some ways is my favorite title sequence.
It took a long time to make it, and it was very difficult to assemble.
Usually I can design the title sequence on paper, and the working with
the editors part doesn't take that long...here it took a Long Time to
painstakingly choose the images, use counterpoint dialogue, pick the
high moments and make it all flow from one year to the next, sort of a
Cliff's Notes version of the history of the show. And the music is
terrific...very mature, solid sounding.
As for the back of the station...y'know, those damn taggers are
everywhere, aren't they?
jms
------------------------------
Date: 15 Jan 1998 11:47:00 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Craig M. Bobchin <102354.3246@compuserve.com>
Subject: Starfury Question
Craig M. Bobchin <102354.3246@compuserve.com> asks:
> Should those be open all the way through, or should the be closed
> off partially through the tunnel? Or does it not make a bit of
> difference?
Shouldn't really make any difference...you can close 'em if you
want, but it's okay either way.
Revell did a good job and they were very patient...we kept
coming back to them with corrections, and even when they didn't have to
do them, as the deadline came up, they made the changes anyway. I
can't speak highly enough of them.
If you want to own a starfury, folks, now's your chance.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 15 Jan 1998 22:53:12 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Carl Cantarella <105030.3700@compuserve.com>
Subject: Starfury Question
Carl Cantarella <105030.3700@compuserve.com> asks:
> Joe, What's the story with these ..."models"?
> Are they available through order over the internet?
I dunno...you'd have to check with Revell on that one.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 15 Jan 1998 22:53:12 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Shawn D. Ratner <73753.175@compuserve.com>
Subject: Space Battle Scenes
{original post had no questions}
Given that a long battle would range all over the place, with
multiple ships acting simultaneously, sometimes miles apart from one
another, I think it would be nearly impossible to do.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 15 Jan 1998 22:53:12 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Shawn D. Ratner <73753.175@compuserve.com>
Subject: Season 5 Title Sequence
{original post had no questions}
Thanks...in about two dozen comments so far about the S5 title,
only one has been negative, the rest loving it. It helps to place each
season for the new viewers, recaps things, hits the high points, and
the new music gives it a more mature sound. I'm pleased. (Since I
designed it, I guess I'd better be....)
jms
------------------------------
Date: 15 Jan 1998 22:53:13 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: ITB and The Gathering
{original post had no questions}
The shipment of com links from Earth to the new B5 was delayed,
and --
Look, a comet!
jms
------------------------------
Date: 15 Jan 1998 22:53:13 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Season 5 Uniforms
(blocked) asks:
> Is it going to remain like this?
> wouldn't Franklin feel weird, being the only one still with the
> "Delenn" uniform?
It's a mix-and-match world this season, showing the disparate
parts of the B5 world after the various worlds as they have kind of
blown apart, as they gradually come back together again.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 15 Jan 1998 22:53:13 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Season 5 Uniforms
(blocked) asks:
> Is it going to remain like this?
> wouldn't Franklin feel weird, being the only one still with the
> "Delenn" uniform?
PS, Zack is also in the black uniform.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 16 Jan 1998 12:51:05 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Brent Barrett <75063.3305@compuserve.com>
Subject: Formulaic Television
Brent Barrett <75063.3305@compuserve.com> asks:
> What do you think about the possibility that Babylon 5, a program
> that dared the throw away the industry formulas and cliches, is
> becoming a new industry formula and cliche? But how do you feel
> about the possibility of so many others emulating your style, not
> because they want to be creative, but because they want to jump
> on the bandwagon of what is looking to be a successful concept
> and application?
I don't feel we've yet achieved sufficient visibility on the
Hollywood radar screens for that to be much of a problem at the moment,
and at this point I only have time for problems of the moment....
jms
------------------------------
Date: 16 Jan 1998 12:51:05 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Vorlon's Attitude.
{original post unavailable}
It's a cover. They want to seem aloof and disinterested,
because they want to hide their activities.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 17 Jan 1998 17:49:03 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Steve Ringley <73727.1202@compuserve.com>
Subject: In The Beginning
Steve Ringley <73727.1202@compuserve.com> asks:
> If the Minbari kill him before he fulfills his destiny as it
> were, doesn't everything change?
Yes, it would change history, if it happened...but since it did
not happen, history was unchanged.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 17 Jan 1998 22:10:03 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Philip Hornsey <74053.2101@compuserve.com>
Subject: ITB and The Gathering
Philip Hornsey <74053.2101@compuserve.com> asks:
> Any seconds?
Yeah...that's the ticket...that's what I meant to
say...doubleplus good.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 17 Jan 1998 22:10:03 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Philip Hornsey <74053.2101@compuserve.com>
Subject: In The Beginning
{original post had no questions}
Absolutely.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 17 Jan 1998 22:10:03 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Ray Pelzer <70475.1263@compuserve.com>
Subject: Season 5 Uniforms
Ray Pelzer <70475.1263@compuserve.com> asks:
> will we be seeing Vir's wife this final season?
> any chances of Harlan sitting down with DM, since he's already
> been on Politically Incorrect so often?
No, no plans for Vir's wife this season. He has enough troubles
to deal with....
jms
------------------------------
Date: 17 Jan 1998 22:10:04 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Kevin Kenney <104102.352@compuserve.com>
Subject: S5 Intro: Model Request
Kevin Kenney <104102.352@compuserve.com> asks:
> Now, is there any chance of Revell adding it as a decal to their
> station model? How about a sheet of optional model decals via
> thestation.com?
Yeah, it does kinda break the fourth wall just a bit...but
again, I figure, what the heck, why not?
jms
------------------------------
Date: 17 Jan 1998 22:10:02 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: SysOp_Dupa_T_Parrot <70040.104@compuserve.com>
Subject: Commercials and TNT
SysOp_Dupa_T_Parrot <70040.104@compuserve.com> asks:
> Does TNT run fewer commercial minutes per hour than the PTEN
> stations did?
I think they may run fewer, yes, but haven't done a precise
comparison to be sure.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 20 Jan 1998 02:49:03 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Robert A. Matern <70012.3660@compuserve.com>
Subject: PTEN Intro Music
Robert A. Matern <70012.3660@compuserve.com> asks:
> Who owns the rights to that PTEN intro music now that PTEN is
> defunct???
No, that belongs to PTEN, which is now defunct...it announced
the distributer. TNT is the new distributer, so it's gone...as you
wouldn't see the NBC logo if ABC started carrying the former's show.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 20 Jan 1998 02:49:04 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: In The Beginning
{original post unavailable}
We all rationalize this stuff every day...and we are never quite
as good, at all times, as our PR and self-image would suggest.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 20 Jan 1998 02:49:03 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Carl Cantarella <105030.3700@compuserve.com>
Subject: Season 5 Intro
{original post had no questions}
Thanks...took a bit to pull that one together, but I like it a
lot.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 20 Jan 1998 02:49:03 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Mike Lovitt <75021.1731@compuserve.com>
Subject: Lyta and the Vorlons
Mike Lovitt <75021.1731@compuserve.com> asks:
> Will Lyta ever reveal what she knows about the Vorlons?
"Will Lyta ever reveal what she knows about the Vorlons?"
You may have your answer sooner than you expect.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 20 Jan 1998 02:29:05 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Lennier <101671.630@compuserve.com>
Subject: Official Guide CD-ROM
Lennier <101671.630@compuserve.com> asks:
> On the B5 CD you said there was an 'Easter Egg', is this the
> little clips spread around the CD, like Londos Bar Guide, or is
> there something special to try and find?
No, it's somewhere else.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 20 Jan 1998 14:19:08 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Lennier <101671.630@compuserve.com>
Subject: Official Guide CD-ROM
Lennier <101671.630@compuserve.com> asks:
> Any clues whatsoeveras to where or what the 'egg' is?
Look in the least interesting part of the cd.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 21 Jan 1998 17:06:01 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Carl Cantarella <105030.3700@compuserve.com>
Subject: Season 5 Intro
{original post had no questions}
I think the newbies will be fine...unless and until you know the
context of the scenes from S1-4, they're just pretty pictures.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 21 Jan 1998 14:12:13 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Lennier <101671.630@compuserve.com>
Subject: Season 5 intro
Lennier <101671.630@compuserve.com> asks:
> Where did they see it?
> Will there be a movie clip of it uploaded onto this forum?
You can find the clip at the tnt site,
www.tnt.turner.com/babylon5, or you can watch it tonight.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 21 Jan 1998 14:12:13 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: WhiteWitch <104047.2451@compuserve.com>
Subject: Sheridan, the Messiah?
WhiteWitch <104047.2451@compuserve.com> asks:
> Was this intentional?
> Or have I been watching King of Kings, Ben Hur, and that lot way
> too much?
There's certainly a messianic streak running through the
character, though he himself might challenge that notion.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 21 Jan 1998 17:07:11 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Michael Beemer <71551.1670@compuserve.com>
Subject: A thought...
Michael Beemer <71551.1670@compuserve.com> asks:
> Turhan - "How will this end?"
It all interweaves, don't it...?
jms
------------------------------
Date: 21 Jan 1998 22:54:07 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Philip Hornsey <74053.2101@compuserve.com>
Subject: No Compromises
{original post had no questions}
"That last one is what hooked me. I figured you'd be spending the next
few weeks explaining how you really hadn't broken the cardinal rule of
B5 by introducing little Simon."
That means you went for the okeydoke...and thus didn't see the
last bit coming. That was the intent.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 21 Jan 1998 22:54:07 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Question about Kosh
{original post unavailable}
If I can, I'll try to work that in someday.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 22 Jan 1998 00:41:07 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: <NC (501)> thoughts
(blocked) asks:
> After seeing the Signs and Portents rerun tonight, we see Lochley
> ask *the* question of Byron - "What do you want?" Had we ever seen
> what a Gaim looked like without the mask before? Will the "public"
> ever find out that the entire oath of office taken by Sheridan
> was "Put your hand on the book and say 'I do'"? We now know that
> Sheridan washes his own socks, but we still don't know the real
> issue -- sock sock shoe shoe or sock shoe sock shoe?
"Does anyone know whether Byron's "The geometries that circumscribe
your waking life draw narrower until nothing fits inside them anymore"
came from anywhere. My first (rather obvious) guess was that it was a
line from Byron."
No, that was me.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 22 Jan 1998 01:45:06 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Gardner L. Harris <76657.3333@compuserve.com>
Subject: Season 5 Intro
Gardner L. Harris <76657.3333@compuserve.com> asks:
> Was that a glitch in post or intentional on your part?
We've always done that with the jumpgates.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 22 Jan 1998 11:47:02 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: No Compromises
{original post had no questions}
Thanks...yeah, Tracy's doing a bang-up job for us, and fits
right in. So much for the few who worried we'd bring in a "babe" with a
softer, more submissive attitude, which I heard endlessly in some
corners. Amazing how often people are willing to dismiss stuff out of
hand. She's gonna be great.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 22 Jan 1998 11:46:03 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Carl Cantarella <105030.3700@compuserve.com>
Subject: Season 5 Intro
{original post had no questions}
Except, of course, that the Clark aspect is mentioned several
times over the course of season 5.
Basically, it seems to me a tad over the top to expect that the
new season 5 episodes should not contain information that's a spoiler
for 1-4; you may as well not MAKE the show on that basis. If you're
going to tune in to S5 after not seeing 1-4, you're going to learn
things you didn't know; that can't be helped, and I can't see the
wisdom in hobbling the show for all the rest of the years to come to
protect a few newbies in the current season who, if they're THAT
concerned about being spoiled, shouldn't be watching.
This seems to me at times a bit like the v-chip discussion...do
we have to protect everybody all the time and let them never assume any
kind of responsibility for their own actions? Seems that deprives them
of free will and free choice, all in the name of "protecting" them.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 23 Jan 1998 12:41:13 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Scott J. Epstein <71514.2733@compuserve.com>
Subject: Season 5 Intro
Scott J. Epstein <71514.2733@compuserve.com> asks:
> BTW, I loved that Lorien's question, "Do you have anything worth
> living for?"
If they don't want any reference to what happened in S4, why are
they watching S5? That line is no more specific than any other
discussion about the fall of Clark in S5 episodes.
This is a silly conversation.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 22 Jan 1998 11:47:02 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Dave Latorre <76172.473@compuserve.com>
Subject: Londo and G'Kar
Dave Latorre <76172.473@compuserve.com> asks:
> Was it difficult to find these characters in the casting line?
> What lead you to make these important choices?
When they came in the door, they *were* those characters as they
read the script. It was a no-brainer.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 22 Jan 1998 19:56:12 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Paul McElligott <70007.3154@compuserve.com>
Subject: <NC (501)> thoughts
Paul McElligott <70007.3154@compuserve.com> asks:
> Do you get mistaken for dead poets that often?
"Do you get mistaken for dead poets that often?"
Only when they see my picture.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 22 Jan 1998 19:56:11 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Formulaic Television
(blocked) asks:
> You're a hell of a storyteller; what made you choose television
> as the medium?
I picked TV because this sort of saga has been *done* for print
before, but nobody's done it for TV in the US before. It's more of a
challenge to do it here.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 23 Jan 1998 02:06:10 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Season 5 - Final 10?
(blocked) asks:
> Any truth to this report?
> Am I reading too much into this, or are we going to get a "bonus
> episode" somewhere along the line in S5?
No, this season you get 22 episodes, no extras in the series.
Re: the schedule...it was brought to our attention that the NBA
coverage would lead to episodes being shunted around and pre-empted for
a number of weeks. Obviously this concerned us, and would concern
viewers, so we discussed it with TNT, and they came back to us with the
notion that we would continue new episodes until hitting #100, break
for the NBA games, then come back (starting with another possible
half-hour special) afterward at the same time to finish the season.
It was either this, or get shuffled around the schedule due to
the NBA, and the former is infinitely preferable.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 23 Jan 1998 02:06:10 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Carl Cantarella <105030.3700@compuserve.com>
Subject: Season 5 Intro
{original post had no questions}
Thing is, I think we're taking the term "spoilers" and taking it
to a new level of definition that simply isn't valid. A spoiler means
getting information on an episode that hasn't aired yet in one's area,
it doesn't refer to things that a) have happened long ago, or b) one
may not have seen the first time it aired. I just don't think it's a
valid approach on the face of it.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 23 Jan 1998 12:41:13 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Season 5 Intro
{original post unavailable}
Thanks...each season's intro ep is a bit easier going, designed
to bring newbies into the show by introducing the characters and
universe and backstory...the next one is pretty darned intense.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 22 Jan 1998 19:56:12 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: <NC (501)> thoughts
{original post had no questions}
There is, but it's something you kind of have to put together
after meeting more of his folks...it's not necessary to the storyline,
it's just a little something I put in.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 22 Jan 1998 11:47:02 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Steven K. Andeweg <72143.674@compuserve.com>
Subject: NC/Main title
{original post had no questions}
Thanks....
jms
------------------------------
Date: 23 Jan 1998 02:13:14 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Rebecca Eschliman <76072.2345@compuserve.com>
Subject: Compromise or No
Rebecca Eschliman <76072.2345@compuserve.com> asks:
> But you've driven me nuts with the music box -- character quirk
> or portent of something?
Thanks...it's a good stew. I've got the ingredients in place
now, all that remains is to start stirring the pot.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 23 Jan 1998 02:13:14 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Brent Barrett <75063.3305@compuserve.com>
Subject: TNT Won't Show All...?
Brent Barrett <75063.3305@compuserve.com> asks:
> Sure, they push it like crazy, but they tend to start it slightly
> off the top of the hour, run inane little tie-in clips that
> insult the show (transporters for the Rough Cut crew?
This came out of discussions with TNT when it came out that we
would have to be pre-empted and shuffled around for the NBA playoffs.
It made more sense to let them go through unobstructed, then come back
afterward in the same slot rather than forcing fans to go hunting
again. It's not a big.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 23 Jan 1998 12:41:14 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: John Bendel <73447.741@compuserve.com>
Subject: No Compromises
{original post had no questions}
Thanks...she's a good character and a fine performer.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 25 Jan 1998 00:29:07 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Formulaic Television
(blocked) asks:
> Has it, ultimately, been worth the struggle for you?
Has it been worth it for me? Yeah, I think it has...it's been
tough, but worthwhile. What matters is if, in the long run, viewers
will think it was worth it. Me, I was gonna be here anyway, and the
story was gonna tell itself in my brain anyway, so I may as well have
gone along with it....
jms
------------------------------
Date: 25 Jan 1998 00:29:08 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Philip Hornsey <74053.2101@compuserve.com>
Subject: Formulaic Television
Philip Hornsey <74053.2101@compuserve.com> asks:
> expand?
> So, tell us, is Netter already thinking along these lines?
Certainly, it's our intent to keep the production team together
on Crusade, once that gets going...if I sold any other shows, we've
discussed the possibility of splitting the team in half, bringing in
some new guys on the current show (whichever that is), and putting half
our current team on the new show, so that both can learn from one
another....
But in terms of doing other writers' shows...that's not
something I'm interested in doing. It's just too damned hard to do all
this for someone else's story. I don't want to be the exec supervising
somebody else's show; that would turn me into a Suit, and that would be
the end of me.
NDEI, as a separate entity, is better able to handle some of
this sort of thing, but I'm not directly involved with any of that. I
know they've got another project of their own that's nearly solid now,
called Rail Runners (steampunk SF), and I'm confident that they will
use the lessons we've learned on B5 in doing that show, or any others
down the road.
We're having an effect on TV more by osmosis than by making it
ourselves in terms of doing other shows...the term 5-year arc is
showing up more and more, first in Dark Skies then Earth: Final
Conflict, and now others in the works...the CGI we pioneered for TV is
now showing up in a lot of other series...and other shows are studying
our methods. The Directors Guild magazine has already done one major
article on some new things we're doing, and another one is due out
soon. We've given tours to other producers to show them how we do what
we do. And our directors, some of whom were fairly new to dramatic TV
(having done documentaries and afternoon specials and the like) before
coming to B5 have now become in demand on other shows (you'll note
that a lot of B5 directors are now doing ST shows because they've
learned our methods...which is kinda ironic since no ST directors have
done B5 because of studio pressure not to)....
So the impact is already there, and will continue to grow over
the coming years.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 25 Jan 1998 00:29:08 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Season 5 Intro
{original post unavailable}
That's Sinclair's reading.
"My only criticism is that the end of it is a bit too Sheridan heavy,
and it would have been nice to have a Garibaldi line somewhere,
although I can't think of one offhand which would have fit."
Neither could I...which is why it ain't there.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 24 Jan 1998 23:54:10 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Evan Zucker <73067.1455@compuserve.com>
Subject: I prefer Star Trek f/x
Evan Zucker <73067.1455@compuserve.com> asks:
> What do other people think?
I always find remarks like yours amusing...since the Star Trek
shows are currently using the same systems, CGI, and in many cases, the
same animators who worked on the first 3 years of B5 via the same
company that we helped to set in place, Foundation Imaging.
The difference is not in the perceived, but in the perceiver.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 24 Jan 1998 23:54:10 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Daniel Barer <74033.167@compuserve.com>
Subject: ITB: Minb. ship trashed?
Daniel Barer <74033.167@compuserve.com> asks:
> Does this mean that Sheridan's was not the only ship that
> destroyed a Minbari battleship during the war? Was his the only
> ship to do so and survive? Or did the Minbari ship actually
> survive, albeit with a big hole in the middle? What do you think?
"In the "2 years" montage in "In The Beginning", we see an Earth
Alliance ship ram a Minbari cruiser amidships, blowing a hole through
its middle. Does this mean that Sheridan's was not the only ship that
destroyed a Minbari battleship during the war?"
Sheridan was the only one to score a *victory* against a Minbari
war cruiser. Meaning he survived. Ramming one, and dying in the
process, ain't a victory...at best it's a draw.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 25 Jan 1998 00:29:10 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Jonathan Kass <74130.443@compuserve.com>
Subject: No Compromise
Jonathan Kass <74130.443@compuserve.com> asks:
> My question is, are we to assume G'Kar actually did the things he
> is given to do in the books?
I don't think any characterization of the Narns as simply
victims is correct...even in the series, we showed that the Narns, once
free of Centauri oppression, turned around and were in the process of
doing to others what had been done to them. They did a lot of awful
things, no mistake.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 25 Jan 1998 23:09:08 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Philip Hornsey <74053.2101@compuserve.com>
Subject: No Compromise
Philip Hornsey <74053.2101@compuserve.com> asks:
> Speaking of Narns, what is G'Kar's position now?
> Has the Ka'Ri been reestablished?
> Is he finally First Circle?
A lot of that will be established this season, but technically,
he's still the Ambassador from Narn.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 25 Jan 1998 00:29:10 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Hairy decisions
(blocked) asks:
> Who decided that Garabaldi should be bald this season and that
> Sheridan would have a beard? In general are hair-style decisions
> for television characters made in the same way as wardrobe
> decisions? Did Delenn's makeup take longer before or after her
> transformation? On another matter, how do you collaborate with the
> book authors?
Jerry has been shaving his head, getting shorter each year, and
it worked for where his character is going, so I let it stay...Bruce
would love nothing more than to get rid of the beard (I suspect Melissa
doesn't like it also), but for me it's important to make the character
visually different, and to give him a more mature look, so Bruce
graciously indulges me.
Re: the novels...in the first few, the writers came up with
outlines and then manuscripts which they ran past me. I subsequently
decided that this didn't work because too many non-canonical things
were slipping in, and if I was reading the ms. late at night I'd miss
things, and generally they didn't feel like the show. The last few
from Dell, and the new ones from Del Rey, will proceed from outlines
assigned out from my office, based on my notes about the B5 universe.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 25 Jan 1998 00:29:11 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Of course I was wrong
{original post unavailable}
Gracious apology just as graciously accepted.
It's happened before. We're pretty much used to it by now. But
we just don't create uninteresting characters or choose uninteresting
actors to play them. Never have, never will.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 25 Jan 1998 18:48:11 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Of course I was wrong
{original post unavailable}
"I'd hate to see what you do with B5's janitor! <bg>"
Don't laugh...wait about 5 episodes and you'll find out.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 25 Jan 1998 00:45:14 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: In praise of MO'H
{original post unavailable}
A lot of folks are coming to that conclusion now...and I kinda
wish they could've seen it then, because I can tell you that a lot of
the criticism Michael endured (rather stoically, I have to say) was
unfair and hurtful and needlessly mean-spirited.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 25 Jan 1998 00:29:11 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Michael Rubinstein <74012.147@compuserve.com>
Subject: "No Compromises": 2 q's
Michael Rubinstein <74012.147@compuserve.com> asks:
> Faith manages, right?
> Isn't the Psi Corps still formally a branch of EarthGov?
> If so, then wasn't Captain Lochley duty-bound to report Byron's
> people to the Psi Cops as soon as she found out that they were
> rogues? Or is she really not working for Earth anymore?
> If that is the case, then why the EarthForce uniform?
> If the interests of B5 and of Earth should ever diverge, then
> whose interests is Captain Lochley *supposed* to serve?
You're correct; we always start out slow each
season...especially in this case, knowing that we're going to get a lot
of new viewers, I structured the show so it would bring folks up to
date asap on who everybody is, and where things stand. Believe me,
there's plenty of tragedy and pathos lurking right around the corner.
It picks up at the end of the season, after some very rough things for
the characters, because I can't end it all on a downer, but at the same
time, it has to have meat to it.
"Isn't the Psi Corps still formally a branch of EarthGov? If so, then
wasn't Captain Lochley duty-bound to report Byron's people to the Psi
Cops as soon as she found out that they were rogues?"
You'll find that question answered soon enough.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 25 Jan 1998 00:29:09 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Season 5 Intro
{original post unavailable}
No reason to change until something formally gets worked out.
And thanks.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 25 Jan 1998 00:29:09 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Carl Cantarella <105030.3700@compuserve.com>
Subject: No Compromises
{original post had no questions}
Thanks...it's easy to mistake the actor for the character in
situations like this.
It's a vastly different character from Ivanova also, not meant
to fit in the same place, do the same things, or be the same person.
They're both strong characters, but different in their approach.
Ivanova tended to be a shouter, and on the impatient side...Lochley is
a thinker, and more inclined to the blade than the ball-bat. But both
are equally lethal.
Lochley, I think, also has the maturity of character you need to
rise to the rank of captain in the military, and the voice of moral
authority, which both Sinclair and Sheridan had, in comparable
positions.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 25 Jan 1998 18:48:11 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Arthur Stoppe <73710.2014@compuserve.com>
Subject: No Compromises
{original post had no questions}
Oh, she has a sense of humor...but we don't see it here in this
episode any more than when Ivanova first came in, because both are in
new situations and that requires a certain degree of seriousness.
We'll see some of her humor along the way...it's also different from
Ivanova's, more a sly kind of humor, the sort that slips past you and
ricochets around the corner half an hour later to nail you between the
eyes.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 25 Jan 1998 00:29:10 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Koslosky <102365.2062@compuserve.com>
Subject: No Compromises
Koslosky <102365.2062@compuserve.com> asks:
> He asked - if a telepath walked into a bathroom and someone was
> "hidden" behind a shower curtain, could that telepath do anything
> to that person?
Depends on the strength of the telepath.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 25 Jan 1998 00:29:08 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Koslosky <102365.2062@compuserve.com>
Subject: SaP & TKO
Koslosky <102365.2062@compuserve.com> asks:
> morden visits Delenn, what was that glowing triangle?
> Morden?
> Regarding TKO, he grabbed me in the office the day after it aired
> and asked, "What's with the "Bloodsport" rip off (the movie with
> Jeanne Claude von Damme)?
"In SaP, when Mr. morden visits Delenn, what was that glowing
triangle? He thinks he recalls also seeing it in ItB and he thinks it
has something to do with the Triluminary, but he hasn't seen it since.
What did it mean in the case of Mr. Morden?"
It's something the Grey Council have that allows them to sense
the arrival of the Shadows and their minions.
"Regarding TKO, he grabbed me in the office the day after it aired and
asked, "What's with the "Bloodsport" rip off (the movie with Jeanne
Claude von Damme)? I didn't care and thought it was well done but I
told him I'd ask you on his behalf."
Dunno...didn't write it.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 25 Jan 1998 00:29:10 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: SysOp_Dupa_T_Parrot <70040.104@compuserve.com>
Subject: No Compromises
SysOp_Dupa_T_Parrot <70040.104@compuserve.com> asks:
> You once said that season 5 would be all "Wham" episodes; is that
> still your plan? So does this mean that B5 will invade the Super
> Bowl?
Thanks...haven't actually seen the cheeseheads one, though I had
to rewrite the copy (and the other one with the football player)
because they didn't quite get the show or the character. Don't know if
they stuck with my changes or not.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 25 Jan 1998 00:29:11 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Leadership
{original post had no questions}
Thanks...it's certainly an approach that would benefit the chain
of command in a lot of situations.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 25 Jan 1998 22:54:00 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Akua Lezli Hope <71220.1665@compuserve.com>
Subject: <NO COMPROMISES> Spoiler
Akua Lezli Hope <71220.1665@compuserve.com> asks:
> The resounding of familiar visual themes: the asassin reminded us
> of the shadow-agent, especially in killing the "Queens" (was that
> their name? having to deliver it himself?
> Of course he was hungry, hadn't he gone without sleep and
> sustenance to create the unsaid words? Will we ever get to read
> the oath of office, or was this a sublimely clever device to
> spare JMS from creating one?
"Why couldn't the young telepath just broadcast his discovery to the
others, vs. having to deliver it himself?"
Line of sight.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 25 Jan 1998 18:48:11 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: All
Subject: Cards/Comic Due Soon
Just a general FYI...the Fleer S4 card set has just come in, and
should be appearing soon at stores. They're gorgeous cards, with not
only the pictures on one side, but also on the same side, a line of
dialogue associated with that character that can only be seen if you
tilt the card; plus some nice (but not excessive in number) chase
cards...real nice.
And the first issue of the DC comic Valen miniseries just got
into my hands; should be hitting stores the coming week or so.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 25 Jan 1998 23:09:08 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Carl Cantarella <105030.3700@compuserve.com>
Subject: Cards/Comic Due Soon
Carl Cantarella <105030.3700@compuserve.com> asks:
> Would you ever consider doing something like this with the Valen
> character somewhere down the line for television, such as in
> "Crusade"?
I think there may be some way to tell the story of Valen down
the road in one form or another.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 25 Jan 1998 23:09:07 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Philip Hornsey <74053.2101@compuserve.com>
Subject: Formulaic Television
Philip Hornsey <74053.2101@compuserve.com> asks:
> Have you been watching Earth: Final Conflict?
> Ya wanna be a actor Joe?
"Ya wanna be a actor Joe?"
Not if you hung me by the short-and-curlies off the World Trade
Center on a windy day.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 25 Jan 1998 23:09:08 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Philip Hornsey <74053.2101@compuserve.com>
Subject: Formulaic Television
Philip Hornsey <74053.2101@compuserve.com> asks:
> Suit have to lose?
Phil, honest and true, I'd rather have a root canal....
jms
------------------------------
Date: 26 Jan 1998 23:18:05 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: "Big Screen B5"?
(blocked) asks:
> Is there any truth to this story?
> Will you be at the London premieres?
> Should I start planning trips to London in July and October?
No one's said anything to me about it thus far...the first I
heard of it was in that article.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 26 Jan 1998 23:18:06 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Kirk Darling <73063.3115@compuserve.com>
Subject: No Compromises
Kirk Darling <73063.3115@compuserve.com> asks:
> jms, does that imply that in some future eps, Lockley will be
> right and Sinclair will be wrong?
"jms, does that imply that in some future eps, Lockley will be right
and Sinclair will be wrong?"
Assuming you mean Sheridan here...the answer is yes.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 26 Jan 1998 23:18:06 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: EYES guest star
{original post unavailable}
No, he just did the one for us.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 27 Jan 1998 12:18:05 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Ivanova Question...again
{original post unavailable}
"This was unfair to the B5 brass and said no. CC was in England
promoting the show, the time-limit on the contract signing passed, and
she was fired and replaced."
Just to clarify...since she had declined to sign the same
extension the rest of the cast signed, she was no longer working for B5
at that time, and hadn't been for over a month. You can't fire someone
who isn't working for you. All WB could do was make an offer, which
she could accept or not.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 27 Jan 1998 21:06:08 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Ivanova Question...again
{original post unavailable}
No question you were being neutral, and admirably so...I was
just looking to clarify one point. You did great.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 26 Jan 1998 00:27:14 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: acheron
Actually, the Acheron is the river of woe....
jms
------------------------------
Date: 26 Jan 1998 23:18:07 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: acheron
{original post unavailable}
It helps to have a background in the classics...I was reading
greek mythology while still in grade school, and minored in philosophy
in college.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 26 Jan 1998 23:18:07 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: No Compromises
{original post had no questions}
There's a reason behind that name...though that wasn't it, it's
a nice bit of lagniappe.
And thanks.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 27 Jan 1998 20:59:04 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Carl Cantarella <105030.3700@compuserve.com>
Subject: No Compromises
Carl Cantarella <105030.3700@compuserve.com> asks:
> How about the title of the episode, Joe?
> Any reason other than the theme which might have prompted your
> choosing it?
I picked "No Compromises" because that was my approach for this
season: we aren't going to give an inch on the quality of the show.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 26 Jan 1998 23:18:07 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Brent Barrett <75063.3305@compuserve.com>
Subject: 501: Crooked?
Brent Barrett <75063.3305@compuserve.com> asks:
> looks a little crooked," or should I get my hearing checked?
It was an inside bit of humor on his part, yeah, but that's it.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 27 Jan 1998 12:25:01 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Philip Hornsey <74053.2101@compuserve.com>
Subject: EYES guest star
Philip Hornsey <74053.2101@compuserve.com> asks:
> Is he no longer allowed to do B5 by virtue of pressure from "The
> Mountain"?
No, there's been no pressure there, just a matter of finding the
right role.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 28 Jan 1998 03:38:02 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Formulaic Television
{original post unavailable}
I can't say, all I know is that it happens, and it's pretty much
ignored when it does. It's the biz.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 28 Jan 1998 03:38:03 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: T.P.Chai <104674.3064@compuserve.com>
Subject: Last 10 in Canada?
T.P.Chai <104674.3064@compuserve.com> asks:
> JMS, if TNT is holding back on the last 10, are you still going
> ahead with the production ? if so, are you going to deliver to
> them regardless of the hiatus?
Yeah, we're still proceeding along with production.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 28 Jan 1998 11:35:09 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: T.P.Chai <104674.3064@compuserve.com>
Subject: Last 10 in Canada?
T.P.Chai <104674.3064@compuserve.com> asks:
> And you will continue to deliver them to TNT without a break?
"And you will continue to deliver them to TNT without a break? thanks"
That's what I said.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 28 Jan 1998 11:35:10 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Cards/Comic Due Soon
{original post unavailable}
Yeah, there's a full cast set of autographs.
I just heard today that all 800 cases of the B5 cards have sold
out before even being shipped, which is the first time that has
happened in the history of the Fleer entertainment division.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 28 Jan 1998 20:49:04 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Scott J. Epstein <71514.2733@compuserve.com>
Subject: Cards/Comic Due Soon
Scott J. Epstein <71514.2733@compuserve.com> asks:
> Will the following parts be shipping weekly or monthly?
"Will the following parts be shipping weekly or monthly?"
I suddenly realized that I don't know...my guess is monthly.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 28 Jan 1998 20:49:04 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: T.P.Chai <104674.3064@compuserve.com>
Subject: Official Guide CD-ROM
T.P.Chai <104674.3064@compuserve.com> asks:
> RE: the "Easter Egg" - is it the "fourth question"?
Yup.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 28 Jan 1998 20:49:03 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Gardner L. Harris <76657.3333@compuserve.com>
Subject: No Compromises
{original post had no questions}
No, given that these are one-time-only aliens, it seemed unwise
to spend all the time and attention to create a detailed language for
them.
And thanks....
jms
------------------------------
Date: 28 Jan 1998 20:49:04 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: TVLNOLM
{original post had no questions}
I'll have that corrected asap.
Sigh...it never ends....
And yeah, good ep.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 29 Jan 1998 02:03:14 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Kevin Kenney <104102.352@compuserve.com>
Subject: TNT Shedule & Quick Qs
Kevin Kenney <104102.352@compuserve.com> asks:
> Can you have someone check and clarify this?
> Quickies: G'Kar's replacement eye: this wasn't because of Andreas
> starting to have problems with the contacts, was it? Will Lockley
> or anyone that stayed loyal to Clark ever answer the question
> about what they expected to happen to Clark? Or was Edgar's
> description all we'll get? Perhaps the answer is too simple to
> relate: they thought it would clear up somehow, and just didn't
> want to get involved themselves...?
No, the contact omission was kept because of the story and the
character; it'll be dealt with down the line in more detail, but for
now, that's why it's there.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 28 Jan 1998 23:38:13 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: TVLNoLM
{original post unavailable}
Thanks...I'm proud of that one.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 29 Jan 1998 13:19:06 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Scott J. Epstein <71514.2733@compuserve.com>
Subject: TVLNoLM
Scott J. Epstein <71514.2733@compuserve.com> asks:
> Could Delenn have interceded and prevented the Rangers from
> accepting Lennier? Obviously, she absolutley *would* not, but
> could she have?
Thanks...and yes, she could have...but it would have devastated
him and undermined the Ranger structure.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 29 Jan 1998 13:19:06 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: The Dark jedi <110014.2055@compuserve.com>
Subject: TVLNOLM
{original post had no questions}
Thanks...like you, I'm fascinated by the relationship between,
and the characterizations of Londo and G'Kar. Writing those two is the
most fun I can have with my clothes on.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 29 Jan 1998 22:57:09 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Brent Barrett <75063.3305@compuserve.com>
Subject: 502: Ummm... Wow.
Brent Barrett <75063.3305@compuserve.com> asks:
> When the episode opened with Sheridan and Delenn in their
> quarters, I asked, "Is this going to be the way every episode of
> season five starts?" But can Delenn let it go so easily?
> Londo knows about John's twenty years?
> Just how common is this knowledge?
> Boy, when you say that the first episode is just to get the new
> viewers up to speed, and then you take off in the second, you
> ain't kiddin', are ya?
"Boy, when you say that the first episode is just to get the new
viewers up to speed, and then you take off in the second, you ain't
kiddin', are ya?"
Rangers never bluff.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 29 Jan 1998 13:19:05 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: TVLNoLM
{original post had no questions}
Thanks....
jms
------------------------------
Date: 29 Jan 1998 22:57:08 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Kevin Kenney <104102.352@compuserve.com>
Subject: TNT Shedule & Quick Qs
{original post unavailable}
No, the delay is only until the playoffs are over, then we're
back.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 29 Jan 1998 23:12:04 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Rebecca Eschliman <76072.2345@compuserve.com>
Subject: <VLN> Heartbreak Hotel
Thanks. It's a somewhat off-format for us, and those are always
fun and nervous-making. I'm really glad it worked out.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 30 Jan 1998 15:54:07 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Frank McCloy <74541.3464@compuserve.com>
Subject: Claudia
Frank McCloy <74541.3464@compuserve.com> asks:
> Hmmm, They must have ironclad contracts, hey?
"I, for one, would like to see the Ivanova character return. I don't
know if it's possible, but I would still like to see it."
a) Wasn't my decision, b) given that I'm writing 522 right now,
I'd say that the odds are zero, barring "Sleeping in Light," shot last
year and held over to this one.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 30 Jan 1998 23:34:03 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Brent Barrett <75063.3305@compuserve.com>
Subject: Claudia
Brent Barrett <75063.3305@compuserve.com> asks:
> Are we gonna see/hear about little David before Sleeping in
> Light? Any chance?
> Pretty please?
Sorta kinda.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 30 Jan 1998 23:34:04 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: George Gillburg/CA <73137.1733@compuserve.com>
Subject: Previews
George Gillburg/CA <73137.1733@compuserve.com> asks:
> Is this change permanent?
> Or is this even anything you have any control over?
I think the preview now is actually between acts 3 and 4.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 30 Jan 1998 23:34:04 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Mira Furlan Signed Card?
{original post unavailable}
The real cards have a white area at the bottom for signatures;
none of the other cards have that white area. If it's anything other,
it's a fake.
jms
------------------------------