JMS on CompuServe (Dec04-05, 1995) *SPOILERS*
b5jms-owner at cs.columbia.edu
b5jms-owner at cs.columbia.edu
Wed Dec 6 15:19:13 EST 1995
Forwarded message to B5JMS list.
Originally From: brent.barrett at 24stex.com (Brent Barrett)
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WARNING !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The following posts may contain SPOILERS for
upcoming Babylon 5 episodes.
[spoilers to "Passing through Gethsemane","Soul Hunter" --mod.]
Continue at your own risk.
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
S
P
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E
R
P
R
O
T
E
C
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I
O
N
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
#: 410091 S5/Babylon 5: General
04-Dec-95 03:48:44
Sb: #408653-#From jms: info
Fm: Steve Ruud 72056,2760
To: J. Michael Straczynski 71016,1644 (X)
Joe,
B5 airs Friday at 10:00pm not Tuesday at 10:00pm. (FWIW, Tuesday 10:00pm was
the slot for seasons 1&2 with a repeat on Friday at 10:00pm the same week).
Steve
#: 410254 S5/Babylon 5: General
04-Dec-95 11:54:35
Sb: #410091-#From jms: info
Fm: J. Michael Straczynski 71016,1644
To: Steve Ruud 72056,2760
This doesn't help me unless I know where it's airing; can you tell me
*where* it's airing in this time slot? Thanks.
jms
#: 410181 S5/Babylon 5: General
04-Dec-95 08:27:17
Sb: #B5 Questions
Fm: T.N.Tumbusch 71034,1607
To: J. Michael Straczynski 71016,1644 (X)
Joe-
In the first episode of season two, Sheridan indicates that the Tragati
is "about two jumps from Babylon 5." Is there a limit to the distance a ship
can travel in hyperspace via the Jumpgates?
Also...is Talia's current absence from the show just part of the
storyline, or is there a behind-the-scenes reason why the actress is not
available?
-TNT
#: 410255 S5/Babylon 5: General
04-Dec-95 11:54:36
Sb: #410181-B5 Questions
Fm: J. Michael Straczynski 71016,1644
To: T.N.Tumbusch 71034,1607 (X)
No, no limit on jumps, but you tend to ride the beacon from one jump gate
to the next to avoid getting lost.
jms
#: 410206 S6/Babylon 5: Upcoming
04-Dec-95 09:48:56
Sb: #AN END TO RERUNS!!!!!!!!
Fm: Charles Agius 72712,3572
To: ALL B5 Fans
To all Babylon 5 members interested in saving the show.
In the past months I have urges changes in the way B5 is marketed and
run. The poor public relations and long rerun blocks are wrecking the show in
the ratings. By January B5 will have aired only 4 new shows. This after we
waited for FOUR MONTHS! to get new episodes.
The signs of cancellation are in the air. The show has poor ratings
and is being jugled and even dropped by many networks. In addition commercials
are having a hard time finding an audience during the show. I have made many
pleas to JMS to make minor, but needed changes to the show in order to help it
survive. His response has been >>I'd rather let the show die, than make the
changes you propose!<< This quote was in response to a request to put more
commercials on the air for the show and to limit the number of reruns.
However, If you the reader will also write to JMS and tell him of the
changes you think are needed we might be able to keep the show alive to
complete the arc.
Sincerely,
Grand Admiral Thrawn
Leader of those with COMMON SENSE
#: 410256 S6/Babylon 5: Upcoming
04-Dec-95 12:05:44
Sb: #410206-#AN END TO RERUNS!!!!!!!!
Fm: J. Michael Straczynski 71016,1644
To: Charles Agius 72712,3572 (X)
No, sorry to correct you, but the changes you suggested to me were that I
basically dumb down the show, take out the arc, and otherwise make the show
something it is not.
Because if what you HAD said was to "put on more commericals for the show
and to limit the number of reruns," I would have said -- as others here know --
that I have repeatedly asked for more promos for the show, and that I have
argued incessantly with PTEN about the reruns, but I HAVE CONTROL OVER NEITHER.
I/we don't make or distribute the promos, and it's up to your local station to
allocate commercial time to promote the show. They have 'em, if they don't air
'em, that's their call; PTEN provides matching funds for promo airings. And
the show broadcast schedule is determined by PTEN, I have no influence over
that.
So if you're going to quote me, get it right, for starters. Second, the
ratings are doing just fine right now. The juggling of the show on a few
stations -- and it is just a very few stations -- has to do with changes in the
syndication marketplace overall and the shrinking number of slots.
Every so often, someone -- often you -- comes in here and tries to throw
everyone into a panic. Give it a rest. If I thought there were the slightest
threat to B5, believe me, you'd hear it.
And if you're going to quote me, don't distort it to your own purposes. My
response to you was in answer to *story and character changes* you suggested
that would've ruined the very core of the show. Stop screwing around.
jms
#: 409994 S5/Babylon 5: General
03-Dec-95 22:00:09
Sb: #409046-#B5 Screen Saver Arrived!
Fm: Burhaan Ahmad 75754,3065
To: Ken Mayer 71333,1030 (X)
>> However, the number of bitmaps is small compared to the number of .BAF
files used for the screen saver. <<
I see. I give it try, and hope Win95 doesn't protest.
-ba- ^^^^
RMES - Abstract artists, concrete analysts, ruthless bookies -
#: 410841 S5/Babylon 5: General
04-Dec-95 22:48:42
Sb: #409994-#B5 Screen Saver Arrived!
Fm: J. Michael Straczynski 71016,1644
To: Burhaan Ahmad 75754,3065 (X)
Apparently the program *is* win95 compatible, at least that's what it
says, I haven't yet upgraded, waiting a) for the bugs to get worked out, and b)
until I have the time required for the learning curve of installation.
jms
#: 410369 S5/Babylon 5: General
04-Dec-95 15:15:48
Sb: #<PTG-Bravo!>
Fm: David Belt 72142,1365
To: J. Michael Straczynski 71016,1644 (X)
Joe,
Once again you astound me, sir! My wife and I were deeply moved, both of us to
tears. What a wonderful story! I am so glad that things got ironed out so you
could share it with us.
You know, for an professd atheist, you certainly have a profound understanding
of true religion. What a wonderful insight! Thank you, sir. I teach the 12
and 13 year old deacons at church and I would like to show my tape of this
episode as part of a lesson. That would probably violate the law (so I can't
do it), but it what a lesson it would make!
Dave
#: 410866 S5/Babylon 5: General
04-Dec-95 23:11:37
Sb: #410369-#<PTG-Bravo!>
Fm: J. Michael Straczynski 71016,1644
To: David Belt 72142,1365 (X)
No, showing a tape to other folks is perfectly legal as long as no
admission is charged.
So you're welcome to do so, and welcome in general.
jms
#: 410373 S6/Babylon 5: Upcoming
04-Dec-95 15:18:48
Sb: #409753-#<Ptg:Prison Station>
Fm: Paul Maskens (OMRI UK) 100012,3274
To: J. Michael Straczynski 71016,1644 (X)
>> It's really been most useable in probably the preceding 30-40 years.
Hmmm, and how long has man been on Mars?
Connection - Mars/Shadows : human mind technology...
#: 410867 S6/Babylon 5: Upcoming
04-Dec-95 23:11:37
Sb: #410373-<Ptg:Prison Station>
Fm: J. Michael Straczynski 71016,1644
To: Paul Maskens (OMRI UK) 100012,3274 (X)
Man has been on Mars for just under 100 years.
jms
#: 410499 S6/Babylon 5: Upcoming
04-Dec-95 17:04:16
Sb: #410256-#AN END TO RERUNS!!!!!!!!
Fm: Trent K. Johnson 71020,1052
To: J. Michael Straczynski 71016,1644 (X)
Re promos:
Is there/was there a B5 promo feed available? I seem to remember there being
one, but I may be thinking of the short "making-of" special that ran way back
when.
The local station here that's beginning in January to air B5 (starting with
"Divided Loyalties", btw) is planning on putting together a promo campaign
prior to airing, and the Promotions supvr was asking if there's anything
available.
If not, I assume they'll be putting together clips from what they've already
been fed...
Cheers!
Trent/ReAnimators
^^^^ CD-RMES
#: 410868 S6/Babylon 5: Upcoming
04-Dec-95 23:11:39
Sb: #410499-AN END TO RERUNS!!!!!!!!
Fm: J. Michael Straczynski 71016,1644
To: Trent K. Johnson 71020,1052
I don't know, but I would imagine WB has something....
jms
#: 410619 S6/Babylon 5: Upcoming
04-Dec-95 19:27:35
Sb: #409752-#<Gethsemane questions>
Fm: Robert Miller 71501,3042
To: J. Michael Straczynski 71016,1644 (X)
I just had to add my praise for the way Theo and Edward were written. Usually
a religious character on television is written either as a sanctimonious
do-gooder or a crazed fanatic. Theo and Edward are neither. They are simply
good men seeking their God and to understand the world around them. They also
function in the same setting as everyone else, and have the same concerns about
things such as money. Their dialogue rang true throughout. The fact that it
was written by someone who is not himself religious made it all the more
extraordinary.
Theo is fast becoming one of my favorite characters, and I hope we eventually
see him interacting with the rest of the cast.
#: 410869 S6/Babylon 5: Upcoming
04-Dec-95 23:11:43
Sb: #410619-#<Gethsemane questions>
Fm: J. Michael Straczynski 71016,1644
To: Robert Miller 71501,3042 (X)
One caveat here overall...it's been complimented and commented upon that
I would expose a belief system in my show which I do not personally agree with
(presenting the face of religion even though I'm an atheist). That I could be
this tolerant is apparently praiseworthy.
I would just suggest that at some point, when and if I should offer a
point of view from another perspective, which one watching might not personally
agree with, the same tolerance is given, since the virtue of tolerating
divergent attitudes has been deemed praiseworthy...and is something ever to
strive for....
jms
#: 410672 S6/Babylon 5: Upcoming
04-Dec-95 20:19:05
Sb: #410256-#AN END TO RERUNS!!!!!!!!
Fm: Rick Shelton [FL] 72560,3114
To: J. Michael Straczynski 71016,1644 (X)
Joe,
I try to avoid the doomsayers who talk about "saving" B5 or whatever. For what
it's worth *I* think B5 is the best thing on TV right now. It's great fun.
BTW, thank goodness I was taping the episode where Londo told Vir: "Women may
even come to find you attractive." It took me about a half hour to stop
laughing over that one. Great Line!
Finally (!) if you or anyone else in the forum is interested in space photos I
highly reccommend the astronomy forum. They have Hubble photos of M16, Orion,
etc that will blow you away.
Rick
#: 410870 S6/Babylon 5: Upcoming
04-Dec-95 23:11:46
Sb: #410672-#AN END TO RERUNS!!!!!!!!
Fm: J. Michael Straczynski 71016,1644
To: Rick Shelton [FL] 72560,3114
Actually I already downloaded the M16 shots from the Hubble web page,
glorious stuff.
jms
#: 410683 S5/Babylon 5: General
04-Dec-95 20:26:00
Sb: #B5 Screensaver
Fm: Jason Wong 73302,776
To: J. Michael Straczynski 71016,1644 (X)
Any idea when the product will be in stores? By Christmas hopefully?
BTW, what ever happened to the idea of a B5 Wing Commander type game? L8r.
#: 410871 S5/Babylon 5: General
04-Dec-95 23:11:46
Sb: #410683-#B5 Screensaver
Fm: J. Michael Straczynski 71016,1644
To: Jason Wong 73302,776 (X)
Actually it's hitting stores now. (And there may be a Mac version after
the first of the year.)
jms
#: 410740 S5/Babylon 5: General
04-Dec-95 20:51:41
Sb: #Bill Mumy's show on Nick
Fm: Shelley Marshall 70751,2114
To: 71016,1644 (X)
Will Bill Mumy's new show on Nick affect whatever you had planned for Lennier
this or next season?
#: 410872 S5/Babylon 5: General
04-Dec-95 23:11:49
Sb: #410740-Bill Mumy's show on Nick
Fm: J. Michael Straczynski 71016,1644
To: Shelley Marshall 70751,2114 (X)
No, there's no conflict at all between our schedule and theirs; he's
producing it from here, not acting in it.
jms
#: 410748 S5/Babylon 5: General
04-Dec-95 21:14:38
Sb: #409389-#Garibaldi's arm
Fm: Elyse M. Grasso 70302,3304
To: J. Michael Straczynski 71016,1644 (X)
Did you have to do a lot of rewriting to fold the broken arm into the onging
story?
#: 410873 S5/Babylon 5: General
04-Dec-95 23:11:51
Sb: #410748-Garibaldi's arm
Fm: J. Michael Straczynski 71016,1644
To: Elyse M. Grasso 70302,3304 (X)
Actually just took a line or two to cover it, given what happened in the
previous episode.
jms
#: 410801 S6/Babylon 5: Upcoming
04-Dec-95 22:10:16
Sb: #Minbari Religion
Fm: Scott Miller 70562,3656
To: J. Michael Straczynski 71016,1644 (X)
The account of Minbari religious beliefs in 'Gethsemane' seem to me to
contridict earlier references. Delenn said they believe the 'soul' is a
"non-localized phenomenon". She said, "We believe that the universe... breaks
itself apart, investing its own consciousness in EVERY form of life." Lennier
says, "The soul is also a projection. It does not exist inside us..." This
seems to me to be at odds with events in 'Soul Hunter', where 'souls' were
stored in small orbs. It also seems to confuse the facts concerning the end of
the Earth/Minbari war. As I understand it, it was ended because Sinclair was
discovered to have a 'Minbari soul'. How could the Minbari see a distinction
between 'Minbari souls' or 'Human souls' or 'Centauri souls' etc., if there's
just one 'universal' soul?
Scott
#: 410874 S6/Babylon 5: Upcoming
04-Dec-95 23:11:53
Sb: #410801-#Minbari Religion
Fm: J. Michael Straczynski 71016,1644
To: Scott Miller 70562,3656 (X)
If there were just one pure and unchanged unvirsal soul running through
everything, there wouldn't be any point in breaking itself into pieces and
investing itself in different species/people...it would just keep running into
identical versions of itself.
So the soul form in Minbari is different from the soul form in humans;
also, in their view, having been civilized longer than us, their soul form is
more elevated, more evolved...and thus the pices are more precious, to them,
and to the Soul Hunters.
jms
#: 410906 S5/Babylon 5: General
04-Dec-95 23:52:00
Sb: #410525-Minbari Souls
Fm: J. Michael Straczynski 71016,1644
To: Sharon Foster 76360,301 (X)
See my other note here about souls, this may clarify a bit.
jms
#: 410849 S6/Babylon 5: Upcoming
04-Dec-95 22:58:52
Sb: #409395-#<Gethsemane questions>
Fm: Daena Hinkelman 73554,1731
To: J. Michael Straczynski 71016,1644 (X)
I cried at the end. The themes of faith and forgiveness were worthy of a
theologian. Are you sure there isn't something you'd like to tell us?
DLH
#: 410907 S6/Babylon 5: Upcoming
04-Dec-95 23:52:02
Sb: #410849-#<Gethsemane questions>
Fm: J. Michael Straczynski 71016,1644
To: Daena Hinkelman 73554,1731 (X)
"The themes of faith and forgiveness were worthy of a theologian. Are you sure
there isn't something you'd like to tell us?"
Never shoot pool at a place called Pop's. Never eat food at a place
called Mom's. The difference between horses and humans is that they're too
smart to be on what *we'll* do.
And I have lost people. Too many people. Lost them to chance, violence,
brutality beyond belief; I've seen all the senseless, ignoble acts of "god's
noblest creature." And I am incapable of forgiving. My feelings are with
G'Kar, hand sliced open, saying of the drops of blood flowing from that open
wound, "How do you apologize to them?" "I can't." "Then I cannot forgive."
As an atheist, I believe that all life is unspeakably precious, because
it's only here for a brief moment, a flare against the dark, and then it's gone
forever. No afterlives, no second chances, no backsies. So there can be
nothing crueler than the abuse, destruction or wanton taking of a life. It is a
crime no less than burning the Mona Lisa, for there is always just one of each.
So I cannot forgive. Which makes the notion of writing a character who
CAN forgive momentarily attractive...because it allows me to explore in great
detail something of which I am utterly incapable. I cannot fly, so I would
write of birds and starships and kites; I cannot play an instrument, so I would
write of composers and dancers; and I cannot forgive, so I would write of
priests and monks and minbari....
jms
#: 410930 S5/Babylon 5: General
05-Dec-95 02:22:21
Sb: #B5 interruptions
Fm: Raymond Chuang 72441,3652
To: J. Michael Straczynski 71016,1644 (X)
jms,
Speaking of your asking about BABYLON 5 broadcast schedules, what do you feel
about the situation regarding B5 syndicated showings being interrupted by
sporting events?
I believe this problem is particularly acute during the winter with college
basketball, pro basketball and NHL hockey being on at the same time. Does PTEN
tries to work its hardest to ensure that B5 gets shown very quickly by the
local station in case such an interruption occurs?
Raymond
#: 411365 S5/Babylon 5: General
05-Dec-95 17:48:38
Sb: #410930-B5 interruptions
Fm: J. Michael Straczynski 71016,1644
To: Raymond Chuang 72441,3652
That stuff is entirely in the hands of the local stations.
jms
#: 410960 S6/Babylon 5: Upcoming
05-Dec-95 04:08:10
Sb: #410874-#Minbari Religion
Fm: Robt Martin 75663,2701
To: J. Michael Straczynski 71016,1644 (X)
Interesting. The quotes Scott brings up reminds me of some reading I've done on
the Kabbalah, and your explanation seems to carry this forward a bit. Any
chance you've looked into Chassidic mysticism, Joe?
#: 411366 S6/Babylon 5: Upcoming
05-Dec-95 17:48:40
Sb: #410960-Minbari Religion
Fm: J. Michael Straczynski 71016,1644
To: Robt Martin 75663,2701
I've looked into just about everything, Robert....
jms
#: 410977 S5/Babylon 5: General
05-Dec-95 06:37:01
Sb: #410841-#B5 Screen Saver Arrived!
Fm: John Sheridan 70700,345
To: J. Michael Straczynski 71016,1644 (X)
>>until I have the time required for the learning curve of installation.<<
The learning curve for installing WIN95 is pretty short Joe.
It's getting all of your software to run *after* you install WIN95 is where
the learning curve can become quite long......<g>.
#: 411367 S5/Babylon 5: General
05-Dec-95 17:48:41
Sb: #410977-B5 Screen Saver Arrived!
Fm: J. Michael Straczynski 71016,1644
To: John Sheridan 70700,345
Yeah, that's the part that worries me.
jms
#: 411242 S5/Babylon 5: General
05-Dec-95 14:54:58
Sb: #B5 Con#1 & Latvia
Fm: Mark Koro 70252,3354
To: J. Michael Straczynski 71016,1644 (X)
JMS:
I just read the transcript of your conference held in the Compuserve Convention
Center this past weekend. The one thing that jumped out at me was the part
about Mr. Netter wanting to "conquer Latvia". Being one myself, should I be
worried <g> and is there any more to the story?
Mark Koro
(Koro is short for something REALLY long and unpronouncable, like Straczynski.)
#: 411368 S5/Babylon 5: General
05-Dec-95 17:48:43
Sb: #411242-B5 Con#1 & Latvia
Fm: J. Michael Straczynski 71016,1644
To: Mark Koro 70252,3354 (X)
With Doug...always worry.
jms
#: 411287 S6/Babylon 5: Upcoming
05-Dec-95 15:34:26
Sb: #410870-#AN END TO RERUNS!!!!!!!!
Fm: Walter F. Hern 74201,2063
To: J. Michael Straczynski 71016,1644 (X)
JMS
Your right, he's wrong, keep up the good work.
Polite question. In the opening there is a shot of crescent shaped "fighter "
sized ships flying tips forward near B5. Whose are they please?
Walt
#: 411369 S6/Babylon 5: Upcoming
05-Dec-95 17:48:46
Sb: #411287-#AN END TO RERUNS!!!!!!!!
Fm: J. Michael Straczynski 71016,1644
To: Walter F. Hern 74201,2063
I think those are the ones attacking a Narn cruiser, so they're Centauri
mid-size attack craft.
jms
#: 411338 S6/Babylon 5: Upcoming
05-Dec-95 17:12:55
Sb: #410256-#AN END TO RERUNS!!!!!!!!
Fm: Charles Agius 72712,3572
To: J. Michael Straczynski 71016,1644 (X)
United States Naval Cadets NEVER SCREW AROUND!!!!
We are the best. We train HARDER AND HARDER EVERY DAY so that you can get the
chance to live your life in continued comfort....
I get few hours off. I've said it before and I'll say it again. Babylon 5 is
my favorite show! It is an hour of enjoyment once a week that I need to get
by.
I don't enjoy finding that my show is constanly being tossed around in time
slots and I hate to waste my time with reruns when there should not be any at
this time.
By the way if you think you have a hard time with network execs screwing up!
Well guess what if my execs screw up I get killed!
If you are incapable of taking suggestions or criticism! Find another line of
work!
Midshipman Gregory Agius USN
AKA Grand Admiral Thrawn
#: 411370 S6/Babylon 5: Upcoming
05-Dec-95 17:48:48
Sb: #411338-#AN END TO RERUNS!!!!!!!!
Fm: J. Michael Straczynski 71016,1644
To: Charles Agius 72712,3572
If you had any criticisms or sugggestions that made sense, well, that's
one thing. But if you come in here speaking in tongues, spouting nonsense,
distorting the content of previous messages, and trying to spread unnecessary
panic, you're going to get ignored or rebuffed. Being a US Naval Cadet does
not equate with infallibility; if YOU can't take reprimands or corrections you
shouldn't be in the Armed Services.
jms
#: 411382 S6/Babylon 5: Upcoming
05-Dec-95 18:12:30
Sb: #411327-#AN END TO RERUNS!!!!!!!!
Fm: J. Michael Straczynski 71016,1644
To: Charles Agius 72712,3572
"Look if JMS were so against this rerun block he would go out there and bust
some heads to get it fixed."
Yeah, I can just see that...there is only one person who makes the
decision on the rerun schedules. That is the same person who decides our fate,
who picks us up each season, the head of the network. So I'm going to go up to
the executive suites at Warner Bros. and "bust the heads" of the person in
whose hands our fate rests.
Have you always been a nut or is this a recent development?
jms
#: 411383 S6/Babylon 5: Upcoming
05-Dec-95 18:12:33
Sb: #411329-#AN END TO RERUNS!!!!!!!!
Fm: J. Michael Straczynski 71016,1644
To: Charles Agius 72712,3572
"I'm referring to the fact that they have only made four epsisodes this season.
They had that entire summer block off and now we have to wait again. Someones
is getting lazy."
I take it back. You're not a nut. You just don't have a clue what you're
talking about.
We have shot 12 episodes so far; we don't just stop and wait around for the
reruns to end before we start shooting again. We shoot straight through to
April. We have 3 more finished episodes in hand right now. They're holding
them until the next sweeps periods.
Before you start throwing around accusations, might I suggest you learn a
little about what you're talking about?
(Has the US Navy dropped its standards lately for cadets?)
jms
/*********************************************
* Brent Barrett brent.barrett at 24stex.com *
* Senior Software Engineer Automedia, Inc *
*********************************************/
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