Why Babylon 5 Isn't Considered Among the Greatest Sci-Fi Shows

Babylon 5, a beloved and critically acclaimed television series, has often been overlooked when it comes to discussions of the greatest sci-fi shows. However, there are several reasons behind this:

1. Original Run and Competition

One of the primary issues with Babylon 5 was its original run, which was directly impacted by its time slot and competition. When Babylon 5 aired, it faced a significant challenge from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Both shows were set on space stations near critical wormholes, with conflicts centered around genocidal wars involving the Centauri and Narn (B5) and the Cardassian and Bajoran (DS9) factions. The greater powers in both shows, the Shadows in Babylon 5 and the Dominion in Deep Space Nine, added layers of tension to the narratives. Furthermore, Babylon 5 was pitched to Paramount but was rejected, leading to a controversial leaked idea to Star Trek writers Berman and Piller, resulting in Deep Space Nine beating Babylon 5 to the punch. The timing became a significant factor, as Star Trek had more prime-time slots and viewers, making Babylon 5 struggle to gain the same level of recognition.

2. Brand Recognition and Star Power

While Babylon 5 has a dedicated fanbase and is widely respected, it often faces the shadow of its more prominent counterpart. The brand recognition of Star Trek is significantly higher, with its franchise encompassing numerous movies, TV series, books, and other media. Babylon 5, in comparison, has a smaller presence and is often referred to as the "jolt cola" to Star Trek's "Coca-Cola." Additionally, despite the talented cast, none of the Babylon 5 actors have the same star power as those in the Star Trek series. For instance, while Bruce Boxleitner is a well-respected actor, he is not recognized with the same level of fame as Patrick Stewart or Jeri Ryan. This discrepancy in star power limits the show's overall appeal and recognition.

3. Dialogue and Humor

The writing in Babylon 5 has been a subject of debate, particularly regarding dialogue. While writer David Gerrold is praised for creating memorable characters and complex storylines, the dialogue often falls short of being engaging or memorable. David J. Malitz, known as JMS, is not considered a master of dialogue, and his writing sometimes becomes too verbose, with characters speaking in unnecessarily long and often redundant lines. In contrast, screenwriters like Aaron Sorkin and Quentin Tarantino excel at crafting crisp, impactful dialogue. While Patrick Stewart can elevate even bad dialogue to a higher level in Star Trek, no actor in Babylon 5 could match his level of delivery.

4. Production Values and Overall Impact

Babylon 5, while commendable for its ambitious storytelling and pioneering use of CGI, had to endure the limitations of its budget. The production values were highly professional, but the sets and effects often dated quickly as technology advanced. While the show's visual effects were groundbreaking for their time, they now look outdated compared to modern standards. The show's reliance on CGI backdrops meant that the space scenes, while impressive, did not quite reach the same level of realism and detail as in later sci-fi series like Doctor Who and The Expanse, which often embrace their period-specific styles.

Despite these challenges, Babylon 5 remains a revered series within the sci-fi community, known for its intricate plotlines and deeply developed characters. However, its legacy is shaped by the enduring popularity of Star Trek, which has a broader reach and a more established audience base.