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The Lurker's Guide to Babylon 5
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This file contains messages posted by J. Michael Straczynski on GEnie from
Feb 1 - Feb 28th, 1995. Postings are copyright 1995 by J. Michael Straczynski
with compilation copyright by GEnie.
************
Topic 1 Mon Oct 26, 1992
SF-MARSHALL [Dave ] at 18:50 EST
Sub: Babylon 5 - The Series (Non-Spoiler)
Welcome to the Babylon 5 General category. This is the main topic for the
hit SF series. We discuss all general information on the series in this
topic. Topic 2 is for SPOILERS! DO NOT POST STORY IDEAS!
571 message(s) total.
************
------------
Category 18, Topic 1
Message 360 Mon Feb 06, 1995
STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 16:46 EST
The VO at the end of all the PTEN shows has been dropped.
jms
------------
Category 18, Topic 1
Message 374 Tue Feb 07, 1995
STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 00:51 EST
Sean: if you could send me a copy of that TV Guide piece asap, I would be
*profoundly* grateful.
Slowly, we're starting to get noticed. Break Magazine, out of North
Carolina, just did a very good three-page review that says B5 "has set the SF
TV world on end with the quality of its writing...stories that are gripping
and speculative...if you haven't checked out Babylon 5 you owe it to yourself
to do so. This is, without doubt, the best science fiction series ever
produced. Give it the next six weeks. You'll be hooked." (Reviewed by
staffer Tom Poston.)
jms
------------
Category 18, Topic 1
Message 404 Wed Feb 08, 1995
STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 00:53 EST
Well, after nudzhing them for the last two years, finally SFWA has given
in to Harlan's insistence about changing the Grand Master Nebula awards rules,
since we were and are on the verge of losing many of those deserving of the
honor, and why the hell can't we amend one bitty rule to give out a couple at
a time rather than once every two years? Granted it doesn't go all the way
(and of course it wasn't in the LEAST due to outside pressure), but at least
now it'll be once a year rather than once every two years...and this comes on
a day when R.A. Lafferty has a stroke, I'm told.
BTW, and totally unrelated (well, mostly)...Harlan will be on the Tom
Snyder show on the 17th of this month.
jms
------------
Category 18, Topic 1
Message 428 Thu Feb 09, 1995
STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 05:52 EST
The copy of the Canadian TV Guide commentary should be sent to me at
14431 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 260, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423.
jms
------------
Category 18, Topic 1
Message 487 Sat Feb 11, 1995
STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 22:23 EST
BTW, Harlan Ellison will be signing tomorrow at Golden Apple book store
in LA tomorrow from 2-4 p.m. I'll probably be tagging along.
jms
------------
Category 18, Topic 1
Message 509 Mon Feb 13, 1995
STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 04:06 EST
I thought the size of your hands was indicative of the size of your
dish....
The comics and novels are within B5 continuity in general, but bear in
mind you've got a LOT of different people working on these things, so some of
the finer points may vary. In general, we're keeping it as much within our
universe as possible; but as an adjunct, not required reading, since that's
unfair to viewers.
I'm pretty sure the pilot wings are uniform across the board.
jms
------------
Category 18, Topic 1
Message 517 Mon Feb 13, 1995
STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 21:12 EST
Yeah, Jerry called me about the Rush mention. We've now been mentioned
on the Howard Stern Show and Rush Limbaugh...talk about your wide
demographics....
jms
------------
Category 18, Topic 1
Message 306 Sun Feb 19, 1995
STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 23:59 EST
Two different Minbari, yes.
jms
------------
Category 18, Topic 1
Message 342 Wed Feb 22, 1995
STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 02:50 EST
It's my understanding that, for instance, while the navy does not salute
uncovered, the army and air force can or do. So we've tried to vary our
salutes (Colonel Ben Zayn and General Franklin, both army or marine types, got
salutes uncovered, for instance, while others may not).
Funny ad in this week's BATMAN comic, for a company called French Toast,
their French Toast Profile, showing a kid and a (probably bogus) bio, listing
his name as Michael O'Heir, whose biggest wish is to meet an alien from
another galaxy, and whose goal in life is to become a Commander at NASA.
Hmmmmmmmmmmm....
jms
------------
Category 18, Topic 1
Message 356 Thu Feb 23, 1995
STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 01:42 EST
November would be the start of year three, so it makes sense that that
would be the end of this next contract; you don't contract for a show beyond
the current season until it's been renewed.
jms
------------
Category 18, Topic 1
Message 359 Thu Feb 23, 1995
STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 04:34 EST
Yeah, it's not like a computer is running this show *ccKKkak** not like a
computer is running this sh~~ckckk...not like a computer i
------------
Category 18, Topic 1
Message 375 Fri Feb 24, 1995
STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 00:16 EST
There are several periods of renewal, variously for B5 and PTEN per se.
One was in January; the next is in April/early May.
jms
------------
Category 18, Topic 1
Message 381 Fri Feb 24, 1995
STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 04:31 EST
I'd go for about 6.5, maybe 7 at the outside. Which is better than last
year at this time, when it was 4 or 5. The final word, yes/no, will probably
come in early May.
jms
------------
Category 18, Topic 1
Message 399 Sat Feb 25, 1995
STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 04:00 EST
Assuming that the panel has not yet taken place, please take this with
you and read it at the panel.
Ahem.
Actually, I have nothing to say, I haven't heard anything from J. Michael
Straczynski, I'm making this all up. No, really. I made up the part about
having a message from him.
But if I actually HAD a message from J. Michael Straczynski, it would
probably say this: Babylon 5 has most emphatically NOT been canceled. Our
ratings continue to improve slightly from one quarter to another, and our
demographics are nothing less than appropriately stellar. Nothing will be
decided firmly until late April or early May, but we have real hopes for being
renewed. Last year at this time I put the odds of renewal at 50/50; I now
place them closer to 65/35, maybe even 70/30.
54-40 or fight. Tippecanoe and Tyler, Too. Bibble-bibble wah, bibble
wah wah bibble.
That's where the message ends. I'd just like to add a personal comment,
thanking J. Michael for clearing this up for us, and that I'll be modeling the
lace teddy I'm wearing beneath my clothes in the Elmtree tomorrow at one
o'clock. I would also like to know why no one on the panel looks like Ivanova
except the gentleman on the left. And please stop that, we can see you. I
also predict that when I sit down the entire room will burst out in applause
and laughter.
Thank you.
No, I'm not sitting yet. This was only a drill. If I were actually
sitting, I would not be quite this tall.
Is it cold in here, or is it just me?
Thank you for your patience.
I'm still not done yet.
Yes, you are.
No, I'm not.
I absolutely, positively, cagetorically and enthusiastically REFUSE to
sit down.
(sit)
jms
------------
Category 18, Topic 1
Message 418 Sat Feb 25, 1995
STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 22:26 EST
Gale...congratulations, you have just become part of the B5 mythos.
jms
------------
************
Topic 2 Wed Nov 20, 1991
STARR [Arne] at 19:41 EST
Sub: Babylon 5 -- The Series!! >>SPOILERS<<
Babylon 5 is moving into a second season of 22 episodes. This series can be
seen at 8 Pm on Wednesdays, in most areas. This topic is for SPOILERS only.
Just remember our NO STORY IDEAS rule and we'll let you live. <g>
448 message(s) total.
************
------------
Category 18, Topic 2
Message 264 Wed Feb 01, 1995
STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 02:54 EST
An accident of casting. Turhan had come in on an audition for the part
of Elric in "Geometry," but while we wanted someone with more sheer menace
(which Ansara gave us), we were just charmed out of our socks by him. I swore
right then that I'd write a part designed just for him, and no one else.
jms
------------
Category 18, Topic 2
Message 274 Thu Feb 02, 1995
STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 20:37 EST
Unfortunately the station doesn't have the budget for that, and it's
easier to deal with what you have than pour more money into it in the hopes of
revenue down the road. Kinda like Congress. Also, the areas of downbelow are
mainly crummy, near the waste recycling system, the air compressors, the water
reclamation facility...not exactly choice real estate.
jms
------------
Category 18, Topic 2
Message 292 Sat Feb 04, 1995
STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 03:52 EST
I'm very happy at the reaction. I was telling John Copeland a bit ago,
when we finished the episode, "Maybe we ought to superimpose a crawl before
the first frame of the teaser saying, "JUST IN CASE YOU THOUGHT WE WERE
KIDDING.""
An aside on the jms/kosh discussion, for whatever interest it may
have....when Ardwight comes in to do Kosh, they call me in to direct his
performance so that it matches what the intent is now, and how it will be
interpreted later. From where I sit in the control room, I can't see him, I
can only hear his voice. So it's kinda like talking with Kosh there, and me
saying, "Okay, can you try 'In Fire' hitting the second word harder, and with
a sense of some anger behind it?" And between takes, he's still in Kosh-speak
mode, muttering, "How will this end, how do I know talk to my agent...go on,
get out, buzz off...."
jms
------------
Category 18, Topic 2
Message 306 Sat Feb 04, 1995
STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 20:10 EST
Hal, the answer to your question is Yes.
Remember that this show is wrapped around ambiguities. I always have
had a problem with the Evil Force lurking on the edge, lusting for conquest,
looking to take over the galaxy, because then the inevitable question becomes,
"Yeah, but what do you DO with it?" I have no patience with or interest in
cackling bad-guys.
Once again, as with all our characters, they're set up to look one way,
so you're lulled into a sense of predictable familiarity. "Oh, okay, now I
know who all the players are and what they're after." Only to discover that
this ain't necessarily so. There's a great scene in "Wrath of Khan" (if I may
be permitted a ST reference) in which the Enterprise is able to get the upper
hand because Khan is going back and forth in his search, not up and down, not
taking advantage of the full XYZ axis. "Two dimensional thinking," Spock
calls it. If one wishes to hit the target there, and in this show, one must
set aside two-dimensional thinking.
jms
------------
Category 18, Topic 2
Message 357 Wed Feb 08, 1995
STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 00:56 EST
I think Campbell was very interesting. I have many of his books,
including those on occidental and oriental mythologies, Hero With A Thousand
Faces, others...very cogent and thought-out analyses. I don't think, though,
that you can consciously attempt to utilize them in your storytelling, because
then you're trying to out-think yourself. These examinations work best AFTER
the fact; otherwise it's like the centipede trying to analyze which foot goes
first.
jms
------------
Category 18, Topic 2
Message 387 Sat Feb 11, 1995
STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 18:32 EST
Actually, during WW II and the Vietnam and Korean wars, it was not at all
uncommon for base commanders and other commanders to fly missions -- even
dangerous ones -- to a) maintain the trust and respect of their pilots, b) to
survey the situation personally in order to make the right judgments on
mission objectives, and c) to maintain flight pay and full flight
classification on new equipment. Remember, in the military, the amount of
time you spend in combat situations is *directly* proportional to career
advancement and promotion, which is why women pilots have been rightly
clamoring to be allowed into combat missions; otherwise they can't rise in the
ranks.
jms
------------
Category 18, Topic 2
Message 391 Sat Feb 11, 1995
STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 22:21 EST
Frmfh...I meant to type wing commander...brain implosion....
jms
------------
Category 18, Topic 2
Message 446 Sat Feb 18, 1995
STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 02:50 EST
Actually, what the Knight said was, "Maybe you're still inside; maybe
we're *both* still inside."
Some tie-ins...remember Sheridan in "A Distant Star" saying that he was
feeling beached, abandoned? His unsureness in taking on this post, what if it
was a mistake? A number of his actions come into a clearer light once you
know he was in essence checking them all out, and putting on a hard "I'm a
nice guy" attitude.
Also, I noted somewhere in a preview for upcoming episodes, among the
things coming, "conspiracies of light as well as dark." Perhaps that is now
clearer.
jms
------------
Category 18, Topic 2
Message 452 Sun Feb 19, 1995
STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 04:58 EST
How did they solve the strike? Vorlon arbitrators. Each side thinks it
got what it wanted because it doesn't quite understand the terms of the
agreement.
The game has started, it is too late for the hot dogs to vote.
jms
------------
Category 18, Topic 2
Message 473 Tue Feb 21, 1995
STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 01:45 EST
We've actually introduced and carried on several traditions, including
specific rules for the officer's club (or you end up buying drinks for
everyone), ships' logos behind the bar, proper traditional ship IDs on caps,
that sort of thing.
jms
************
Topic 3 Tue Nov 03, 1992
STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 03:09 EST
Sub: Babylon 5 - Computer SFX Tech-Talk
Some of the new computer EFX used in BABYLON 5 will be revolutionary, a new
approach never seen before on this scale. It's all new tech, and this topic
will try and address the new technologies involved.
431 message(s) total.
************
------------
Category 18, Topic 3
Message 351 Sat Feb 04, 1995
STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 20:14 EST
The Sanctuary is entirely a virtual set. It's all blue-screen, no walls,
no windows, no stars, no nothing. I made sure to ask Foundation and Mitch to
blur the walls a bit in close up to give it the correct depth of field. (Much
of the CGI/background work is done by Mitch, our effects guy, who works
independent of Foundation, who was also the main EFX guy on Predator, ET and
others.) Because that was a LONG scene, the rendering time was just hideous.
jms
------------
Category 18, Topic 3
Message 358 Sun Feb 05, 1995
STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 02:03 EST
The Sanctuary set has ALWAYS been entirely virtual, except for a small
grating on the floor as a marker. The walls, the windows, all of it.
Virtual. We've actually done this a number of times. I haven't said anything
before because whenever I mention there's a virtual set, and where it is,
people look at it and say, "Oh, yeah, I could tell it was virtual." Because
they knew ahead of time. So I stopped mentioning it.
We're sneaky that way. You've seen, and will continue to see, sets that
don't exist ANYwhere. Hell, you know that bazaar shot in the main title
sequence? The second floor? Doesn't exist. Digital compositing and virtual
set melding.
jms
------------
Category 18, Topic 3
Message 370 Sun Feb 05, 1995
STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 18:40 EST
The area where the reception was being held is the Rotunda.
jms
------------
Category 18, Topic 3
Message 383 Fri Feb 10, 1995
STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 01:49 EST
You'll get something close to this shot in a few days.
jms
------------
Category 18, Topic 3
Message 389 Sat Feb 11, 1995
STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 03:39 EST
A CGI sequence is not a story; a CGI sequence that has a result IS a
story. I.e., "A nifty St. Elmo's Fire effect shimmers over the station" (non-
story idea) ... "...turning everyone into ducks" (story idea).
jms
------------
Category 18, Topic 3
Message 397 Sun Feb 12, 1995
STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 03:14 EST
We've actually played with the idea of doing that scene several times,
just haven't yet found the right story to do it in.
jms
------------
************
Topic 5 Tue Nov 03, 1992
T.ORTH [Mr. Rico] (Forwarded)
Sub: Grid Epsilon Irregulars - News & Info.
This topic is for information about Babylon 5 fan groups, newsletters,
fanzines, get-togethers, B-5 at conventions, and other general fun.
316 message(s) total.
************
------------
Category 18, Topic 5
Message 230 Sat Feb 04, 1995
STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 20:16 EST
Don't you threaten ME with another learning curve! I just got
Windows/Norton Desktop configured JUST the way I want it...don't even THINK of
jms
------------
Category 18, Topic 5
Message 240 Sun Feb 05, 1995
STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 03:58 EST
My two systems (at present): both are Pentiums, 32 megs ram, onboard 3x
CD Rom, external jukebox CD Rom changer, external rewriteable magneto optical
Iomega changeable drive (620 megs each), 64 bit #9GXEPro card in one system (1
meg VRAM), and 128 big Imagine card (4 megs VRAM) in the other, Supermatch 17"
(former) and Nanao 17" Flexscreen (latter), 2 gig sized hard drives in former,
1 gigabyte hard drive in the latter, plua (plus) with the other a Kinesis
ergonomic keyboard (which is actually working out), plus both have
Soundblaster 16 sound cards and enhanced IDE systems for running SCSI stuff.
They didn't arrive so much as taxi in under the watchful gaze of guys in
orange vests.
jms
------------
Category 18, Topic 5
Message 250 Mon Feb 06, 1995
STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 04:25 EST
Didn't get the footpedals; I'd just get confused. Slowly getting used to
the board, though.
I just wish they made one with a trackball
jms
------------
Category 18, Topic 5
Message 293 Sun Feb 12, 1995
STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 23:16 EST
Showman: 1 CD went off to you via post office on Friday. You should have
it by Monday/Tuesday.
jms
------------
************
Topic 10 Thu Nov 12, 1992
SANDMAN [Henry] at 19:25 EST
Sub: Sex in Babylon 5
Can't do without this one!!
478 message(s) total.
************
------------
Category 18, Topic 10
Message 463 Sun Feb 05, 1995
STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 23:26 EST
Anybody know what WGN stands for? (I do, just seeing who else does.)
jms
------------
Category 18, Topic 10
Message 473 Sat Feb 11, 1995
STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 18:35 EST
Someone had it right before: World's Greatest Newspaper (WGN), for parent
company the Chicago Tribune.
jms
------------
************
Topic 14 Thu Dec 31, 1992
STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 03:59 EST
Sub: Lurkers/Introductions: Please Sign In
A place for newcomers to come in, say hello, whether you want to jump into the
conversation or not, just to let us know you're here.
458 message(s) total.
************
------------
Category 18, Topic 14
Message 403 Fri Feb 24, 1995
STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 04:38 EST
It was either stand on the chair or stand on Matt.
The chair looked considerably steadier.
jms
------------
************
Topic 17 Tue Jan 19, 1993
C.STOBBE [Colin] at 21:02 EST
Sub: Babylon 5 - Merchandising
A place to discuss all the neat Babylon 5 merchandising coming out (hopefully)
soon
467 message(s) total.
************
------------
Category 18, Topic 17
Message 417 Sat Feb 04, 1995
STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 20:19 EST
Showman...if sometime Monday during the day you leave me an EMAIL message
with your address, I can at least send you one of the CD's, though not
autographed. This may help make up for losing all the others. No charge.
jm(we care about our fans)s
------------
Category 18, Topic 17
Message 420 Sat Feb 04, 1995
STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 21:36 EST
Well...maybe 98% class, 2% soya lecithin....
jms
------------
Category 18, Topic 17
Message 442 Fri Feb 10, 1995
STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 01:54 EST
The CD is from Sonic Images, and I just finished approving the final
stages of the revised booklet inside (more pictures, including a three shot of
me, Doug and John), and having reviewed the additional suite, which is I think
about 12 minutes long, making the whole CD about 55 or 56 minutes. It will be
hitting stores sometime in March; the first 2,000 copies right off the press
are already earmarked for the UK, to fill a backlog of orders.
If you haven't got a copy of the soundtrack, and want one, I very
strongly suggest you go to your record store locally or contact a discount
distributer and pre-order; the limited edition went out in a flash, and while
Sonic Images can do good sized orders, they're not as fast as, say, a Warners
Records. These things are going to fly out the door, and if they know how
many to advance produce, that'll help minimize any shortages.
jms
------------
Category 18, Topic 17
Message 457 Sun Feb 12, 1995
STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 03:16 EST
Insofar as I know, no, no EA pins have been licensed, so any out there
are of dubious origin.
jms
------------
Category 18, Topic 17
Message 494 Fri Feb 24, 1995
STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 04:35 EST
I don't think we'll be doing a 900 number ever, frankly; though I find
the idea of 1-900-ASK-KOSH more than just a little amusing.
"Hello, this is Julie from Wisconsin, and I was wondering if I will be
successful in my new job?"
"Beauty...in the dark."
<click!><that'll be $2.50, please.>
jms
------------
************
Topic 24 Fri Jun 04, 1993
J.ROY18 [Jonathan] at 21:11 EDT
Sub: Babylon 5 - Weapons and Warfare!
For discussion about the weapons, counter weapons, armor, shielding, tactics,
logistics, and so forth, of small combat and large scale war in the Babylon 5
universe.
282 message(s) total.
************
------------
Category 18, Topic 24
Message 271 Sun Feb 12, 1995
STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 23:20 EST
If there *were* a Self Destruct system, it would not be used if there
were any real number of civilians on board. And even then only if it were
clear that everybody was going to die anyway, and the station needed to be
kept out of the wrong people's hands, or used to get a secondary target.
jms
------------
************
Topic 25 Sat Feb 04, 1995
DUNEWALKER at 18:10 EST
Sub: Babylon 5 Suggestion Box
Give your suggestions concerning the plot of Babylon 5.
20 message(s) total.
************
------------
Category 18, Topic 25
Message 2 Sat Feb 04, 1995
STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 20:20 EST
Re: 1 and 2....n'grath's been gone all season, and you'll be seeing a
LOT more of Kosh very soon now.
jms
------------
************
Topic 26 Sun Jan 22, 1995
SF-VENTERS [Jan] at 17:15 EST
Sub: B5 Conventions/Public Appearances
This is the location where you can post and find out about SF/F conventions
where some of the Babylon 5 cast and Executive Producer will be guests.
121 message(s) total.
************
------------
Category 18, Topic 26
Message 67 Wed Feb 08, 1995
STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 21:02 EST
Quickie alert...looks like Claudia, Mira, maybe Jerry and definitely I
will be making an appearance next Thursday evening (16th) at Planet Hollywood
in Chicago, in part to promote the coming convention, and in part to promote
the show in general.
jms
------------
************
Topic 28 Mon Feb 06, 1995
BILL.HIRST [Fluffy Frog] at 00:03 EST
Sub: Babylon 5 filking songs
There was Sheridan, and Londo too,
Sinclair and Delenn.
A Centauri, and a Narn, .... here on Babylon Five.
56 message(s) total.
************
------------
Category 18, Topic 28
Message 11 Fri Feb 10, 1995
STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 02:10 EST
To the Brady Bunch Theme
It's the story
Of a bunch of filkers
Who simply couldn't leave B5 alone
They were cruising
For a bruising
Riding the modem tone.
It's the filking
That drives you crazy
With rhymes that cut you clear down to the bone
Even more scary
Than Mayor Barry
It makes you groan and groan
Till the one day the filkers met a producer
And they knew that they were clearly out of luck
Now this group must somehow cross the border
Or risk assault and mayhem from a truck.
The Filking Bunch.
The Filking Bunch.
Run away from the scary Filking Bunch.
jms
------------
************
Topic 30 Mon Jul 04, 1994
D.KAUFFMAN5 [CyberDad] at 13:14 EDT
Sub: Nods, In-Jokes, and References
Post any nods, in-jokes, or references you have seen here. For example,
Babylon 5 refers to the Babylon of ancient Earth; the location of B5 is at
Grid Epsilon 470/18/22, the location of the original B5 topic on GEnie.
364 message(s) total.
************
------------
Category 18, Topic 30
Message 302 Mon Feb 06, 1995
STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 02:02 EST
...sigh...okay, everybody who thinks I'd spend 10 years of my life
getting and making this series just to do LoTR with the serial numbers filed
off raise his hands.
Both of 'em. Makes it easier for the chain saw.
jms
------------
Category 18, Topic 30
Message 307 Mon Feb 06, 1995
STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 04:27 EST
THE BABYLON CAFE
Tonight's Special
FROG'S LEGS
jms
------------
************
Topic 31 Sat Jul 09, 1994
STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 20:23 EDT
Sub: Really Stupid Questions from JMS
Every so often, I need Information. (You won't get it!) Technical stuff,
research or reference stuff...and given the brain trust here, I figured this
could be a useful resource from time to time. With appreciation.
277 message(s) total.
************
------------
Category 18, Topic 31
Message 249 Wed Feb 01, 1995
STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 00:00 EST
Unfortunately, I've never been able to dictate scripts. I need to SEE
the words on the page. A lot of what I write has a certain rhythm to the
language, and I can only see that on the page. (People who have gotten used
to my writing can sometimes tell exactly where a jms scene appears in another
script by the rhythms.) For me it all happens when I fall through the page.
jms
------------
************
Topic 32 Tue Feb 07, 1995
J.YUEN at 17:34 EST
Sub: Babylon 5 Novels
With the 1st Novel due on Feb 13, I'll go ahead and start the topic ,
please report sightings.
69 message(s) total.
************
------------
Category 18, Topic 32
Message 8 Thu Feb 09, 1995
STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 19:15 EST
Normally, for things like this, the studio has rights to the actor's
likeness. For other aspects of merchandising, like actual figures of the
actor, there is a percentage given.
Unfortunately, many studios take advantage of the idea that there is no
such thing as a percentage of the net, since there is never (on the books) any
profit. Case in point: in the 27+ years of Star Trek, the majority of the big
seven actors have gotten about $16,000 from all of the dolls, figurines, chess
sets and zillion other products with their faces. This out of a billion
dollar franchise.
jms
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************
Topic 35 Tue Nov 01, 1994
STARR [Arne] (Forwarded)
Sub: #209 - "The Coming Of Shadows"
The episode that also gives us the title of season 2.
194 message(s) total.
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Category 19, Topic 35
Message 60 Thu Feb 02, 1995
STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 03:30 EST
The "ban" was only for the satellite viewers; now that the show has begun
to air regionally, anybody can talk about anything.
(And it was just a request, not a ban; I don't have the power to enforce
one, and wouldn't want to do so in any event. Common courtesy, and a
request...which was wonderfully accommodated.)
jms
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Category 19, Topic 35
Message 69 Thu Feb 02, 1995
STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 20:33 EST
There are some episodes coming that are about as intense as this, though
not as much *happens*, in the sense of a bunch of events affecting lots of
people in different places.
Yes, intentional parallel structure to "Midnight," which is why I
included the shot from that episode in Londo's dream. I like irony.
jms
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Category 19, Topic 35
Message 96 Sat Feb 04, 1995
STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 03:44 EST
On the chance that the datacrystal might fall into the wrong hands, I had
Sinclair deliberately avoid using Garibaldi's last name, and avoid Delenn's
altogether (since she has only the one). The Ranger was told to deliver the
crystals at the cost of his own life if necessary...but sometimes such orders
don't end well for the messenger. So both messages began the same way.
Re: the Ranger's pin...I kind of designed this, working with Ann Bruice,
our costumer. I sketched out what I had in mind, which is two figures at
either side of the brooch, one minbari, the other human, joined and made of
the same metal, over a precious stone.
jms
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Category 19, Topic 35
Message 124 Sun Feb 05, 1995
STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 18:35 EST
The Rangers actually owe more to the Lone Ranger and the Texas Rangers
in general.
FYI, Sinclair called Delenn "old friend" as far back as the 2-hour pilot.
jms
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Category 19, Topic 35
Message 130 Sun Feb 05, 1995
STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 23:22 EST
Doug: correct. He starts to speak to Garibaldi, but then the guards show
up. He looks back at them..and clams up.
jms
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Category 19, Topic 35
Message 135 Mon Feb 06, 1995
STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 01:58 EST
I will tell you a true and secret thing, re: Londo's dream, and looking
up into a blue sky to see the ships passing overhead.
Ever since I was a kid, I've had that image in my dreams, of standing out
in the open and looking up as strange dark ships pass overhead. It's always
been an unnerving image, and I really wanted to use it here to see if it would
have the same effect on others.
The other single most recurring image is to be standing at the bottom of
a long set of stairs, in a basement, and the door at the top of the stairs is
thrown open, and there's gunfire, and guards, and flares in the night beyond,
and more ships firing down.
Don't be surprised if this shows up as well, someday....
jms
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Category 19, Topic 35
Message 153 Tue Feb 07, 1995
STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 18:44 EST
Y'know...in looking at all these dream messages...there's another dream
in a few episodes...I have this nasty hunch that modems are going to explode
over this one....
jms
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Category 19, Topic 35
Message 158 Tue Feb 07, 1995
STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 21:45 EST
G'Kar specifies a quarter million civilians, as I recall; it was the
military presence that got wiped out.
jms
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Category 19, Topic 35
Message 166 Wed Feb 08, 1995
STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 04:59 EST
When dialogue appears, and dialogue doesn't appear, it's in the script
that way.
Re: civilians/military...this may be a case of "it's in Joe's head, but
getting it out clearly is gonna be a bitch...."
jms
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************
Topic 36 Wed Dec 07, 1994
STARR [Arne] (Forwarded)
Sub: #210 - "GROPOS"
by Lawrence DiTillio. Directed by Jim Johnston.
166 message(s) total.
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Category 19, Topic 36
Message 10 Wed Feb 08, 1995
STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 05:02 EST
So then I assume that holographic genitalia would be completely out of
the question....
jms
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************
Topic 37 Wed Dec 07, 1994
STARR [Arne] at 00:58 EST
Sub: #211 - "All Alone In The Night"
by JMS. Directed by Mario Di Leo.
co-starring Robert Foxworth.
60 message(s) total.
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Category 19, Topic 37
Message 1 Wed Feb 08, 1995
STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 00:48 EST
(to the satellite people who will see this episode first.....
*gotcha!*
jms
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Category 19, Topic 37
Message 12 Sat Feb 11, 1995
STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 18:28 EST
Which is basically deliberate. Now we begin the process of narrowing
down these threads, and collapsing some of them, so that we see that A and B,
originally perceived as two different things, are actually aspects of the same
thing. Since so much has been thrown out, the next episdoes after this are
kinda focused on only one or two elements at most. You've been hit with a
lot; now's time to pull back a little and let people breathe and digest what
they've seen. Then, as stated, you start peeling back the layers and tossing
out the red herrings so you can concentrate on the important aspects. (And,
really, there's not *that* much, minus that pennultimate scene in Sheridan's
quarters, that isn't an extension of what has gone before...Delenn was told
that she might be dropped from the Grey Council in "Babylon Squared," and the
information about the President has been sort of there in the background ever
since Chrysalis.
Even so, though, this concern has been anticipated, and built around.
jms
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Category 19, Topic 37
Message 26 Tue Feb 14, 1995
STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 23:25 EST
I doubt we'll be seeing these guys again for a long time, if ever. So I
don't consider them on the level of certain shadows or stuff.
They came, they grabbed, we whomped.
jms
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Category 19, Topic 37
Message 57 Sat Feb 18, 1995
STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 02:38 EST
Yes, Sheridan was speaking in the Drazi's native language, trying
(without success) to get through; they're a cranky species to start with, and
this didn't help.
jms
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Category 19, Topic 37
Message 105 Mon Feb 20, 1995
STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 02:56 EST
Sheridan learned a smattering of various languages while on patrol on the
Agamemnon.
jms
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Category 19, Topic 37
Message 116 Tue Feb 21, 1995
STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 05:08 EST
Pledging oneself to someone's side is not common, and carries great
significance. From that point onward, you are bound to that person until your
death, and you must defend that person at the cost of your own life.
jms
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Category 19, Topic 37
Message 126 Fri Feb 24, 1995
STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 04:28 EST
It's Ivanova.
jms
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************
Topic 38 Wed Dec 07, 1994
STARR [Arne] at 00:58 EST
Sub: #212 - "Acts Of Sacrifice"
by JMS. Directed by Jim Johnston.
102 message(s) total.
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Category 19, Topic 38
Message 13 Mon Feb 20, 1995
STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 18:50 EST
Don't laugh, I actually considered that for a while; just wasn't time or
space left to do it.
jms
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Category 19, Topic 38
Message 16 Tue Feb 21, 1995
STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 01:43 EST
Will probably know sometime later March/early April.
jms
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Category 19, Topic 38
Message 23 Thu Feb 23, 1995
STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 01:40 EST
It's both; laughing at the absurdity, and crying...about as close as
we've seen to a nervous breakdown.
jms
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Category 19, Topic 38
Message 30 Fri Feb 24, 1995
STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 00:11 EST
Given that the Narns were agrarian prior to the arrival of the Centauri,
and were under their heel, and got most of their tech FROM the Centauri
leftovers, no, they're not more advanced. It's a lot like the Russian
situation, seemingly this tremendous power, but once you look deep, not as
well off as they'd like you to think.
Claudia loved the scene when I first described it to her, prior to
finishing the script. She was dying to do it, and kept sort of "doing" it
around people for some time prior to filming.
jms
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Category 19, Topic 38
Message 53 Sat Feb 25, 1995
STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 22:22 EST
The Narn were not out in space prior to the Centauri arriving.
While Paul Williams was on set for this ep, I had him sign my two CDs of
the "Phantom of the Paradise" soundtrack. Ah, power....
jms
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Topic 39 Wed Dec 07, 1994
STARR [Arne] at 00:59 EST
Sub: #213 - "Hunter, Prey"
by JMS.
75 message(s) total.
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Category 19, Topic 39
Message 6 Sat Feb 25, 1995
STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 22:22 EST
Be patient; by the end of this season, you're going to know a LOT about
Kosh.
jms
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