JMS on CompuServe (Feb 14, 1998) *POSSIBLE SPOILERS*

[bbarrett at speedlink.com]

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 upcoming Babylon 5 episodes.

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 [ Summary of subjects in this section: ]
    Sb: #19849-#<tVftG> Prismatic View
    Sb: #19782-<The View>
    Sb: #19903-Thank You
    Sb: #19950-#Bo and Mack remind me of
    Sb: #19945-VFtG
    Sb: #19925-B5 Official Guide CD


 [ Summary: Asks if fans still object to alternate style episodes that
   take a break from the arc. ]

 #: 19857 S5/Seas. 5 SPOILERS
    14-Feb-98  00:36:05
Sb: #19849-#<tVftG> Prismatic View
Fm: J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI

      Yeah, it's still a problem for some groups of fans...the core of it is, 
you have to do some strong character stories amid the arc stories, because if 
you don't, if you don't continue to make the characters into people you *care* 
about, then the arc stuff doesn't matter.

      We had a couple of arc-light episodes to start off this season, in part 
due to knowing that we were going to get a lot of new viewers who had to be 
brought up to speed, and due to introducing Lochley, and there's this group 
that goes over the edge saying that the arc is faltering, it's going too 
slow....

      But then you turn around, and if you do 3-5 arc episodes in a row, the 
same group goes over another cliff saying that it's all moving too fast.

      If something's resolved in 6 episodes they say it should've been done in 
8; if in 8, they say it should have been 6...if it isn't a strong SF-based 
story it shouldn't be in the show at all...if it doesn't hew to our format, 
it's frivlous and self-indulgent and a waste, get back to the arc....

      One could go mad, quite easily.

                                                                    jms


 [ Summary: (See below.) ]

 #: 19858 S5/Seas. 5 SPOILERS
    14-Feb-98  00:36:05
Sb: #19782-<The View>
Fm: J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI

"1) Back in a college creative writing class my professor expressed that a 
person would have to be either a fool, a genius or insane to write a story 
from the POV of a minor charters.  Which do you consider yourself?"

      Your professor's worst nightmare.

"2) Last week you pointed out that your writing credit was put up as G'kar was 
talking about his muse.  This week it Mac was saying "Let's go eat" when you 
credit was displayed.  Any comment?"

      It didn't mean anything that I could see.

"3) Can Zac arrest the Rough Cut guy?  He impersonates a doctor, and busts 
into Sheridan's office.  There has to be some offence he's committed (other 
than insulting our intelligence and your show).  Or, better yet, lets see him 
in the vacuum of space already!"

      We try....

                                                                    jms

 [ Summary: A first time poster thanks JMS for all the work he's done. ]

 #: 19958 S2/Bab 5: General
    14-Feb-98  15:06:06
Sb: #19903-Thank You
Fm: J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI

      Thanks, I appreciate all of that.

                                                                    jms


 #: 19950 S2/Bab 5: General
    14-Feb-98  13:07:00
Sb: #Bo and Mack remind me of
Fm: DAVE LATORRE

A standing ovation for AVftG!!!  What a neat way to turn a story by hinging 
everything on the most delightful pair of tall/short characters since those 
famous droids.  It was surreal to see them taking a break while the battle 
raged in full view outside.  Terrific theater.  But tell me, was the "Bo and 
Mack get caught in the cross fire" scene a wink in an obvious direction?

Dave



 #: 19959 S2/Bab 5: General
    14-Feb-98  15:06:06
Sb: #19950-#Bo and Mack remind me of
Fm: J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI

      Thanks.

"But tell me, was the "Bo and Mack get caught in the cross fire" scene a wink 
in an obvious direction?"

      If it was, I didn't know about it.

                                                                    jms


 #: 19945 S5/Seas. 5 SPOILERS
    14-Feb-98  11:31:14
Sb: #VFtG
Fm: KOSLOSKY

JMS,

The Lurker's Guide asked the same question that was in my mind after viewing 
this Ep - where was the Great Machine in all of the desperate fighting?  Twice 
now B5 has been in danger of destruction (Zha-ha-dum was the first) and yet 
where was Draal?  

Respectfully,

Bob

 #: 19960 S5/Seas. 5 SPOILERS
    14-Feb-98  15:06:06
Sb: #19945-VFtG
Fm: J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI

      I don't think Draal wants to be bothered each and every time B5 is in a 
hassle.  He specifically said he wanted to be left alone.  Otherwise you also 
get into a "god in the box" deus ex machina situation where, "Oh, we're in 
trouble, quick, get Draal."  Truth is, if they called him every time they got 
in trouble, he'd never get ANY sleep.

      Now, if B5 had failed in stopping this advance force, and the main fleet 
came in, then yeah, they might very well call him.  But this was just an 
advance force, and she knew they could take it, and she was right...so where's 
the need for Draal?  He should be a last resort ONLY.

                                                                    jms

 [ Summary: About the CD-ROM, this person asks, "Is the BABCOM supposed 
   to malfunction?" ]

 #: 19961 S8/Bab 5 Merchandise
    14-Feb-98  15:06:07
Sb: #19925-B5 Official Guide CD
Fm: J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI

      Don't know the music answer...as for Babcom, yes, it's a broken unit, 
which when you tap it with the mouse, allows you to eavesdrop on bits and 
pieces of converstion around the station.

                                                                    jms


[END]

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