JMS on Compuserve: October 29 , 1995
The Green Meddler
kilgalen at tde.com
Sun Oct 29 11:55:55 EST 1995
Subj: Bab5 cancellation HELP Section: Babylon 5
To: Dale Duncan, Saturday, October 28, 1995 6:44:28 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#385876
What you can also do, btw, is get together lots of other folks, using
SF and comic stores, to sign a petition and go to another station and urge
them to pick it up once it becomes available. This has worked in other
places.
jms
Subj: Telepathic Vorlons Section: Babylon 5
To: Michael Zitaglio, Wednesday, October 25, 1995 10:16:05 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#382840
They have certain potentialities, but I'd rather not go into them
here quite yet.
jms
Subj: <spoiler: Comes the Inq> Section: Babylon 5
To: Marte Brengle, Wednesday, October 25, 1995 10:16:06 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#382841
Short of convincing them via pressure, I can't think of anything.
jms
Subj: Influence? Section: Babylon 5
To: Terry Cotant [RSS], Wednesday, October 25, 1995 10:16:08 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#382842
No, had nothing to do with Q, it's deciding what kind of person our
Mr. Sebastian might've been, and working from there. When you have
a character with as vivid and powerful as his, you don't need
to look to ST for any ideas on character.
And unlike Q, Sebastian has no powers of his own, just the force of his
personality.
jms
Subj: Influence? Section: Babylon 5
To: Terry Cotant [RSS], Thursday, October 26, 1995 8:07:17 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#383837
Wayne has primarily done stage work, not a lot of TV, he's kind of a
find.
jms
Subj: Influence? Section: Babylon 5
To: Ray Pelzer, Sunday, October 29, 1995 3:37:25 AM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#386238
Okay, here's one clue for any would-be Ripperologists out there.
In all the long story of Jack, when he was out doing his nightly work,
only one person, a woman, wrote an actual letter, published in the London
Times, offering an *explanation* for the Ripper's work,
arguing that he was trying to send a message, that maybe people should
listen to that message. It was as close as anyone's ever come to an
actual *defense* of what he was doing.
Note the woman's name, and who her husband was...a man who was twice
interviewed by Scotland Yard, and interviewed by many Church officials, the
transcripts of which have been *sealed* by the Church ever since,
at the request of the family...a person who was the last man to see at
least one of the victims alive...and who was a direct blood relative of the
man who was living with the final victim (who was killed indoors,
leading to the speculation that she knew her assailant)...who suffered a
breakdown just before the murders began, was obsessed with cleaning up
the Whitechapel area, and after whose sudden, hasty transfer, the murders
stopped...and whose profession is tied *directly* to the only thing the Ripper was
overheard to say to one of his victims.
jms
Subj: <Twilight Struggle > Section: Babylon 5
To: Elyse M. Grasso, Wednesday, October 25, 1995 10:16:14 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#382844
<Just another note of appreciation.... now that I've finally seen TLTS, I
can't find adequate words to describe its impact.
(And a lot of the few I can find have already been used by other people. I
think I was one of the last people here to see it.) Londo Mollari, John Sheridan
and G'Kar grow more 3-dimensional all the time.>
Thanks...and the amazing thing is, it continues to improve....
jms
Subj: Londo's Cough Section: Babylon 5
To: Nigel Nixon, Thursday, October 26, 1995 12:34:30 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#383256
Not that it just looked better per se, but the gunshots came from
right to left; the gun hand as originally shot fired from left to right.
It looked very funky when edited together, like it was going in a different
direction than the one it was fired in. Flopping the shot corrected that.
jms
Subj: <CtI---OK> Section: Babylon 5
To: Jan Fennick, Thursday, October 26, 1995 12:37:18 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#383257
"catch me a kvetch, find me a flarn...."
jms*
(Who woke up this morning humming "While My G'Kar Gently Weeps")
Subj: Videotapes from jms Section: Babylon 5
To: Marte Brengle, Thursday, October 26, 1995 2:18:31 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#383382
In answer to your question (383177)....
As you've noted, the Powers That Be at Warner Bros. don't think there
is a market for B5 tapes, from the first season to present. The *only* way
that they can ever be released is if the fans themselves take action.
That is the absolute bottom-line. Only if the fans speak out will this
happen. This is not a drill, and I don't pass along this kind of information
lightly or often, even when requested, as was done here.
The primary contact, who can make the decision, is
Mr. James Cardwell, Executive Vice-President/General Manager, Warner Bros.
Home Video, North American Division, 3903 W. Olive, Building 154, 3rd
Floor, Burbank, CA
91522.
I do not anticipate posting this elsewhere, to avoid the appearance of
encouraging a deluge.
The question has come up here repeatedly, and I answered finally. If
others choose to take this message from CIS and post it
elsewhere, that's certainly their option.
At this point, since WB has no plans to rerun the first season due to
concerns that the presence of a different CO might confuse viewers,
this is about the only way for folks who saw, or missed, the first season to
catch up on all that went before. (Obviously when the show is over completely,
the episodes will go into syndication, but that is, presumably, 3 years
down the road.)
jms
Subj: Videotapes from jms Section: Babylon 5
To: Esther Schindler [EXEC], Saturday, October 28, 1995 12:13:20 AM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#385117
I think giving out the fax number might tend to clog it, which they
might kinda object to.
jms
Subj: Fan mail Section: Babylon 5
To: Jane Killick, Thursday, October 26, 1995 2:18:00 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#383383
Fan mail can be sent to all involved in making B5 at the following
address: c/o Babylon 5, 14431 Ventura
Boulevard, Suite 260, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423. The c/o must be included.
jms
Subj: <spoiler: Comes the Inq> Section: Babylon 5
To: Chad Underkoffler, Thursday, October 26, 1995 2:18:02 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#383384
The episode underlines that there are two fundamental questions in
B5: who are you, and what do you want?
The order in which you answer those two questions can either make you
great...or destroy you.
As for "There...plain truth!" Someone elsewhere noted that this is
how we work sometimes...we hand you our play book quite openly,
we tell you we're coming right up the middle, try and stop us.
jms
Subj: <spoiler: Comes the Inq> Section: Babylon 5
To: Joe Walters, Friday, October 27, 1995 2:07:00 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#384517
Yeah, that's about the right reaction to Sebastian. As for the next
week's scenes...well, at least the really major
thing wasn't shown.
jms
Subj: <CtI -- Question> Section: Babylon 5
To: Marlyn Bumpus, Thursday, October 26, 1995 8:07:14 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#383835
<I do have one question, however. How did Lennier know where to find
Delenn?
If Sheridan told Delenn that he'd found a place where she and Sebastian
could conduct their business undisturbed, one would think that information
wouldn't have been made available to anyone *but* Delenn, Sheridan himself,
Sebastian, and maybe Garibaldi.
So how did Lennier get there?>
Well, given Delenn's position, I think she'd have let Lennier know
where she was, or that he'd heard Sheridan tell Delenn in the scene we
played the voice-over.
Thanks, it was a good show.
jms
Subj: <CtI -- Question> Section: Babylon 5
To: John M. Kahane, Saturday, October 28, 1995 9:47:04 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#386114
< I am curious about how you view the relationship between Delenn and
Lennier. I still remember the wonderful scene from "The Parliament of Dreams" of the
awestruck Minbari who arrived on B5 and couldn't even look at Satai
Delenn's face.
Lennier has changed so much in the series, moreso than Delenn I sometimes
think. Where do you see Lennier and Delenn having been, and where do you
see the two of them going?
I'll second (or third, or whatever...) the other thoughts on "Comes
the Inquisitor."
This is one of my favourite episodes of the second season, even though it
didn't have action in the classic sense and even though the drama was
almost melodramatic in its powerful feelings and all.
Wayne Alexander was perfect as Sebastian, and he didn't play things as
over-the-top as he might have done.
His menacing tone during the scenes of his interrogation of Delenn was
perfect. Btw, I loved the frazzled look and feel that Mira's Delenn had
for most of the scenes in Grey sector. My commendations to Mira on her
acting in this one. Thanks for a terrific episode.>
Yes, Mira's great in that episode.
As for Lennier...it's an unusual relationship, which you'll learn a
LOT more about in "Ceremonies of Light and
Dark." Which is all I can say for now.
jms
Subj: Archetypes Section: Babylon 5
To: John M. Kahane, Thursday, October 26, 1995 8:07:15 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#383836
That's the kind of thing I don't tend to dwell on overmuch, lest the
storytelling become self-conscious. The more
you start to over-analyze the work as you're doing it, the less fresh and
spontaneous it becomes.
jms
Subj: Major B5/ST News Section: Star Trek
To: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644Saturday, October 28, 1995 6:44:25
PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#385875
Sysops:
As a note, there's probably no reason to repost this message again; I
think it might be overkill, and while I felt it
was right to come in here once to announce this, it *is* the ST section and
shouldn't have to put up with multiple
raids of the same message.
As an aside, Majel is shooting this week on B5, and so far seems to be
enjoying it immensely. She's having great fun working with Peter Jurasik
and Stephen Furst.
jms
Subj: Episodes Evaluation Section: Babylon 5
To: Elizabeth Whitaker, 74541,613 Saturday, October 28, 1995 2:30:25 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#385578
<MI'm enjoying the show very much. I caught the pilot, and tried watching
the first season, but never figured out what
was going on -- or developed any empathy for the characters.
Then, I saw a mention of Bruce Boxleitner's coming on board in an issue of
TV Guide and decided to make an effort to check on the show -- and got
hooked. (I've been a fan
of his for years.)
What *really* helped was And Now for A Word. That did a *wonderful* job of
introducing the major characters and
outlining (what I later found to be most of) the major plot lines.
That was the second show I saw: the first one that I saw was the one about
the TechnoMages. (The TechnoMage reminded me of A Canticle for Leibowitz.)
I've been a science fiction fan since childhood. The very first science
fiction story I read was Harlan Ellison's "Repent," Said the Ticktockman.
I was a little young -- an uncle handed the magazine to me and said "You'll
like this"-- but really started reading science fiction after getting a
sub. to Analog for my tenth birthday.
I've read a lot of hard science fiction, especially Pournelle, Niven,
Drake, and Stirling, and am also a Clancy and Coonts fan.
Episodes of Babylon5 really are like reading a chapter of a science fiction
novel every week.>
Thanks, and I'm glad you made it to the show. Bruce is nothing but
terrific to work with. And I think you'll like
where we're going over the next 6 weeks in particular....
jms
Subj: Episodes Evaluation Section: Babylon 5
To: The Jawa / Jawa #2, Saturday, October 28, 1995 9:47:31 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#386111
<I have a Talia question:
I never saw the episode with Ironheart and Talia.
But he gave her something.
Talia is now Corps.
Whatever he gave her, Psi Corps has.
Is that, uh, a problem?
And what'd he give her anyway??
<in search of Excedrin...>
The Jawa
Kidism Patrol
Reading "Robotech" AND PROUD OF IT!!>
Logically, yes, that would eventually pose a problem.
jms
Subj: <Comes the Inquisitor> Section: Babylon 5
To: Sharon Foster, 76360,301 Saturday, October 28, 1995 2:30:26 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#385579
<"Omigod. Omigod. Omigod. Omigod. Omigod. But you can't do that on
television. Nobody's ever done that on
television!"
After I finished reciting the Babylon 5 litany, picked myself up off the
floor, and wiped the tears from my face, I
switched channels and watched it again, just to make sure.
Then I rewound the tape and watched it again, just to make sure.
I may have to audiotape it so I can listen to it in the car next week,
just to make sure.
The impact doesn't fade, it only amplifies.
The incredibly satisfying shock of finally realizing who Sebastian was in
his earthly life ...
You have certainly shed new light (!) on the biblical stories of Job and
of Jesus' temptation in the wilderness. It occurs to me for the first time that the
Satan of the Christian church has been getting a bum rap all these centuries.
You've really outdone yourself this time, Joe. Besides the script -- the
staging, the lighting, the direction, the
players, the casting -- all were outstanding.
This is not only one of the top WHAM! episodes of the season, it is one of
the top WHAM! episodes of any season, of any series.
"A universe of majesty and terror" indeed! Rod Serling and Joseph
DiStefano would be very very proud of you this week.>
You know, you say the *nicest* things....
jms
Subj: <Comes the Inquisitor> Section: Babylon 5
To: David Fox, Saturday, October 28, 1995 6:58:22 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#385910
The pain is necessary because it's easy to consider laying down one's
life intellectually; when the pain and the
agony bring it home, it's no longer as easy.
And there *is* no correct answer to "Who are you?" The only real
answer is no answer, because as soon as you apply someone's term for it,
you have limited yourself, defined yourself in someone else's terms.
Doing things in a refined, gentle, intellectual manner is the sort of
thing Delenn's used to, she can handle that easily...the goal of Sebastian
was to try and *break* her.
That's not intended to be done gently. You don't break someone over a cup
of tea discussing philosophical concepts and the nature of personal
identity.
It's also not terribly dramatic to watch.
Because of her position, rank and authority, she expected to be
treated a certain way...which was why it was important to treat her just
the opposite.
It's easy to put oneself into a grand prophecy, to assume one has a
destiny...to pay the price for that is something else again.
Anyone can do the former; very few can ever do the latter.
jms
Subj: <CTI> Did Sinclair pass? Section: Babylon 5
To: David E. Francis, 72047,2070 Saturday, October 28, 1995 9:47:00 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#386112
<JMS, I have just seen the "Comes the Inquisitor" episode for the first
time. Great! I do have a question. Delenn and Sheridan pass their tests
of being the right people in the right places for the coming darkness by
the Vorlon.
Did Sinclair have to undergo a similar interrogation?
I ask because in the Babylon 4 episode, we learn that Sinclair is the
"One"; the leader of the armies of light.
Or am I making a wrong assumption that the Vorlon will side with the army
of light?
I have been watching Babylon 5 nearly since its beginning. You, your
staff, the crew, and cast have done an excellent job of telling a story.
You combine the noble and philosophocial ideals of the human race with the
realities of own worse, dark sides.
You tell it in a way that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. I
look forward to seasons 3, 4, and 5.>
Bear in mind, though, that we don't yet know, when someone says The
One, the answer to, "The One *what*?"
When this gets answered later this season, you may have your answer there.
And thanks.
jms
Subj: <TLTS & Stuff> Section: Babylon 5
To: Richard M. Perry, 76461,2737 Saturday, October 28, 1995 9:47:02 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#386113
<<< Is there a connection? Who knows.... >>
Uhmmm, you do? At least I hope you do, because if you don't I would be
very disappointed in you. I know the answer is forthcoming in one of the
season three episodes, maybe.
If it's vague ambiguity more than likely it comes from you, "Who knows"
indeed. Does Sinclair or Delenn know? I bet Kosh knows.
How about Bo, does Bo Jackson know? <G>>
Hey, I gotta have *some* fun here, right? Can't make it too easy. If
I just answered all the questions, wouldn't be
much point in making the show, now would there?
jms
Subj: <Inquisitor--Mira, etc> Section: Babylon 5
To: Mara K. Malovany, Saturday, October 28, 1995 9:47:08 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#386115
I think that, in the long run, the vorlons and the shadows will answer
the questions Who are you and What do you want...in that that's kind of
what they *are*, if that makes any sense.
Well, it will. Eventually.
Funny thing is, how much as you note the show corresponds to some of
the things Mira's been through...some of it intentional, knowing that if I
dig into this area, it'll come out of her with the ring of truth...some of
it quite unintentional.
When I finished writing "Severed Dreams," and the actors got it, Mira's
first words to me were, "So...how long DID you live in Yugoslavia?" The
parallel wasn't intentional...but it fit.
jms
Subj: Milwaukee Affiliate Section: Babylon 5
To: Bob Perse, Saturday, October 28, 1995 9:47:09 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#386116
Yes, most stations now are only showing the episodes once per week not
twice. So if you want to get it, it has to happen the first time at bat.
"I am seething here."
So when you called the station, did that make it a seething ring?
jms
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