JMS CIS Digest: 25-Feb-96 16:07:18 through 26-Feb-96 12:02:18 (54 msgs)
b5jms-owner at cs.columbia.edu
b5jms-owner at cs.columbia.edu
Wed Feb 28 06:16:39 EST 1996
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
From: jhardin at wolfenet.com (John Hardin)
Lines: 1192
RFC 1153 Digest of messages from
J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644 at compuserve.com>
25-Feb-96 16:07:18 through 26-Feb-96 12:02:18 (54 messages)
WARNING: This digest may contain information about episodes
you haven't seen yet. Proceed with caution.
Subjects in digest:
8 NEW B5 EPS!
<Messages From Earth>
Writing B5
<MfE - Agamnennon>
Licensed B5 stuff
B5 Merchandise...
Minor Minbari Question:
< Messages from Earth>
I've got JMS's EAR!!!
Earthforce Ship Names
<Point of no Retrun>
Messages From Earth
Good to see.
up and coming
>>PoNR<<
Administrivia:
Contact me (John Hardin) at <jhardin at wolfenet.com> with comments
and requests. I am willing to do limited retrieval of files from
the B5 archives on CIS and posting of messages to the CIS B5 forum.
I reserve the right to delete story ideas from messages I am asked
to post on the CIS B5 forum.
I am not directly involved with any mailing lists this digest
may appear in. Other people are reposting this digest from rastb5
to the mailing list. If you have questions about the mailing list,
*please* send them to the mailing list owner. Mailing list owners
I am aware of are:
<b5jms-owner at majordomo.cs.columbia.edu> (B5JMS Poster, b5jms)
<judge at america.net> (Dirk A. Loedding, jms-posts)
<kcop-b5-info at babcom.com> (Alan Sheltra, kcop-b5)
Replies to this digest currently go to me.
obSpoiler-space...
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Date: 25-Feb-96 05:01:51
From: Trent K. Johnson <71020.1052 at compuserve.com>
To: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644 at compuserve.com>
Subject: 8 NEW B5 EPS!
Message-ID: <forum.sfmediaone.458362 at compuserve.com>
References: <forum.sfmediaone.458301 at compuserve.com>
> Relax. Smoke a cigarette. Go out for pizza.
Ahh! I've written that down.
BTW, the friends who've just seen "Messages" wanted me to pass
on that you are a sadistic <insert colorful expletive here>.
All I could say was, "Well, you know those Vorlon...".
Great work! I felt the top of my head coming off during the
Jupiter atmosphere sequence.
Trent/ReAnimators
^^^^ CD-RMES
------------------------------
Date: 25-Feb-96 16:07:18
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644 at compuserve.com>
To: Trent K. Johnson <71020.1052 at compuserve.com>
Subject: 8 NEW B5 EPS!
Message-ID: <forum.sfmediaone.458733 at compuserve.com>
References: <forum.sfmediaone.458362 at compuserve.com>
We try....
jms
------------------------------
Date: 25-Feb-96 08:36:46
From: Alan P. Biddle <73260.1450 at compuserve.com>
To: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644 at compuserve.com>
Subject: <Messages From Earth>
Message-ID: <forum.sfmediaone.458444 at compuserve.com>
References: <forum.sfmediaone.457600 at compuserve.com>
G'Kar seems to be a bit "spacey" right now. Since you like at
least parts of THE SHINING, I was wondering if he is writing the
Narnish equivalent of "The quick brown fox jumped over the lazy
dog" over and over and over? :)
APB
------------------------------
Date: 25-Feb-96 16:07:19
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644 at compuserve.com>
To: Alan P. Biddle <73260.1450 at compuserve.com>
Subject: <Messages From Earth>
Message-ID: <forum.sfmediaone.458734 at compuserve.com>
References: <forum.sfmediaone.458444 at compuserve.com>
No, I don't think I'd go that way with him, certainly not
yet....
jms
------------------------------
Date: 25-Feb-96 09:56:29
From: Michael Grabois <74737.2600 at compuserve.com>
To: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644 at compuserve.com>
Subject: Writing B5
Message-ID: <forum.sfmediaone.458483 at compuserve.com>
References: <forum.sfmediaone.458319 at compuserve.com>
> Nope, not calling anybody until I've actually *done* it, and
> there's still one more to go.
In the article "Inside Trek" that came out this week, the one
with Majel Barrett-Roddenberry, she said something to the effect
that you had already written next season's shows, so you weren't
sure if her character would come back. I assume she's misinformed
about this? Maybe she was referring to the arc itself, not the
actual scripts.
mg
------------------------------
Date: 25-Feb-96 16:07:20
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644 at compuserve.com>
To: Michael Grabois <74737.2600 at compuserve.com>
Subject: Writing B5
Message-ID: <forum.sfmediaone.458735 at compuserve.com>
References: <forum.sfmediaone.458483 at compuserve.com>
She had to be referring to the arc overall, because if next
year's scripts are already written, I'd sure as hell like a copy of
each; it'd make my job a LOT easier.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 25-Feb-96 12:40:14
From: Damian Reaves <75373.2325 at compuserve.com>
To: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644 at compuserve.com>
Subject: <Messages From Earth>
Message-ID: <forum.sfmediaone.458579 at compuserve.com>
References: <forum.sfmediaone.458324 at compuserve.com>
I have a question JMS,
Is the Shadow ship just a living ship or is it actually a
different type of Shadow?
DAMIANMANIA LIVES!!!!
------------------------------
Date: 25-Feb-96 16:07:23
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644 at compuserve.com>
To: Damian Reaves <75373.2325 at compuserve.com>
Subject: <Messages From Earth>
Message-ID: <forum.sfmediaone.458736 at compuserve.com>
References: <forum.sfmediaone.458579 at compuserve.com>
It's not a kind of shadow, no.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 25-Feb-96 12:41:54
From: Daniel M. Upton <75442.1331 at compuserve.com>
To: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644 at compuserve.com>
Subject: <MfE - Agamnennon>
Message-ID: <forum.sfmediaone.458584 at compuserve.com>
References: <forum.sfmediaone.458351 at compuserve.com>
> This is the main difference I've noted in the mail that's come
> in: the net-folks are constantly trying to figure out what's
> coming up next, treating it like a mystery story (which, really,
> it's not, any more than ANY novel is a mystery in that you don't
> necessarily know its turns and twists as you're reading it),
> whereas the non-netted folks tend to just take it as it comes.
I was not online when I saw my first episode of B5 (Midnight On
The Firing Line on its first rerun cycle). When I saw Sinclare
save the Centari colony from the evil Narn invaders in the last
quarter of the episode I thought that this was going to be the
formula for the entire series. That there would always be some
threat of war and that the heroic godlike Earth Force officers
would always prevent it just in the nick of time. I opened my
CI$ account shortly after that and found out differently. I
wonder when I would have picked up on the fact if I didn't have a
computer.
What sense do you get from the letters of when the average
non-netted person comes to realize that the whole series is
telling one specific story?
Dan^^^^
------------------------------
Date: 25-Feb-96 16:07:26
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644 at compuserve.com>
To: Daniel M. Upton <75442.1331 at compuserve.com>
Subject: <MfE - Agamnennon>
Message-ID: <forum.sfmediaone.458737 at compuserve.com>
References: <forum.sfmediaone.458584 at compuserve.com>
What I usually get are letters that say, "I didn't know there
was an arc until I saw four or five episodes." Because that's an
aspect that really hasn't been as well promoted as it could've been.
But once they glommed onto it, they ran with it.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 25-Feb-96 12:42:39
From: Brian A. Thomas <75231.1122 at compuserve.com>
To: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644 at compuserve.com>
Subject: Licensed B5 stuff
Message-ID: <forum.sfmediaone.458588 at compuserve.com>
References: <forum.sfmediaone.458299 at compuserve.com>
> Also, T-shirts are currently available from All-U as well, very
> good quality stuff. Ruby's is doing some B5 masks which are
> fairly decent. And there's the Making of B5 book coming out in
> about a month in the UK from Boxtree Books, by David Bassom.
> (I'm currently fact-checking his second B5 book, the A-Z of
> Babylon 5.)
Thanks for that info I'll add it to the list going out today.
When the official fan club gets up and running, will information
be included how to get in contact with all these people to get
their products, or will the club make it available itself?
See ya,
-Brian A. Thomas ^^^^
------------------------------
Date: 25-Feb-96 16:07:30
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644 at compuserve.com>
To: Brian A. Thomas <75231.1122 at compuserve.com>
Subject: Licensed B5 stuff
Message-ID: <forum.sfmediaone.458738 at compuserve.com>
References: <forum.sfmediaone.458588 at compuserve.com>
The theory is that we'll use the fan club web page to allow
direct or indirect access to the folks who make all the other
non-fan-club licensed stuff. We may even have a kind of virtual Zocalo
where you can shop....
jms
------------------------------
Date: 25-Feb-96 12:57:38
From: Draco <101603.2062 at compuserve.com>
To: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644 at compuserve.com>
Subject: B5 Merchandise...
Message-ID: <forum.sfmediaone.458593 at compuserve.com>
Saw the message about pin badges and the like not being
legal - I've got a catalogue (yeah, english spelling, I'm in the
UK) with a few B5 items in -
Most of them are models of ships from the series, and are
made out of vinyl or resin, because it's a catalogue aimed at
'serious' model makers. The full list is ; Narn Fighter, 2
different Star Furies and a Shadow - also there are some 1:1
replicas - Earth Force Insignia and PBG Pistol (yes pBg) type I
and type II.
Not sure if you know about this, but I'll send you the
catalogue if you want (I'll need the address again, though)
Hope this helps, but I didn't really think about
copyright laws when I saw the catalogue, and the pictures are not
poor quality like the ones described in that other catalogue.
Anyone else seen anything like this, or is it just me ???
Draco (the Dragon - and breath like one)
------------------------------
Date: 25-Feb-96 16:07:32
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644 at compuserve.com>
To: Draco <101603.2062 at compuserve.com>
Subject: B5 Merchandise...
Message-ID: <forum.sfmediaone.458739 at compuserve.com>
References: <forum.sfmediaone.458593 at compuserve.com>
If you could send me a copy of the catalog, I'd appreciate it.
We have already shut down some of these companies, but others sprout up
again, offering inferior merchandise or models that fall apart fast.
When we do models, and eventually we will, they will be *quality* and
worth fans spending hard-earned money to purchase, not cheapo
knockoffs. (As a for instance, when we sell patches and pins via the
fan club, they will be made by the same sub-contractor who makes them
for the show, so they'll be high quality and *100% authentic*.)
jms
------------------------------
Date: 25-Feb-96 13:47:14
From: John R. Finnan (Ireland) <100012.3073 at compuserve.com>
To: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644 at compuserve.com>
Subject: Minor Minbari Question:
Message-ID: <forum.sfmediaone.458635 at compuserve.com>
References: <forum.sfmediaone.456506 at compuserve.com>
> About a thousand years, give or take.
So, would this have been before after or *during* the last Shadow
war, which was also around 1000 years ago?
For that matter, was Valen and the Grey Council formed
before/during or after the war?
Or will we find this out when we find out the *true* history of
the Triluminaries???
John R. Finnan (Ireland) 25-Feb-96 @ 20:05:47 GMT
------------------------------
Date: 25-Feb-96 16:07:38
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644 at compuserve.com>
To: John R. Finnan (Ireland) <100012.3073 at compuserve.com>
Subject: Minor Minbari Question:
Message-ID: <forum.sfmediaone.458741 at compuserve.com>
References: <forum.sfmediaone.458635 at compuserve.com>
It'll be covered in the two-parter, to a large degree.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 25-Feb-96 14:06:15
From: Elyse M. Grasso <70302.3304 at compuserve.com>
To: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644 at compuserve.com>
Subject: < Messages from Earth>
Message-ID: <forum.sfmediaone.458651 at compuserve.com>
Joe --
This episode is wonderful. The pacing and balance between the
quieter personal scenes and the big dramatic bravura ones was very
well done. Everyone else has already had a chance to discuss the
big stuff, and I agree with all of it, but I do have a couple of
small comments and questions.
G'Kar's cell is his chrysalis, in some ways. It will be
interesting to see what comes out of it. It will also be
interesting to see if the mellowness he shows in the cell, where
he can be just G'Kar, will hold once he is once more subject to
the stress of being the leader of the resistance. (Did Andreas
really write in the book of G'Kar or were those 'stunt hands'?)
Marcus is wonderful and getting better. Swashing buckles.
Badgers. Ferrets. The Ottoman Empire. Bacon and eggs. (Should we
research the Ottoman empire, or is it _really_ just a throwaway? I
know ... burble rustle *Yes* rustle kching. sigh)
Bruce Boxleitner was flat out amazing... and John Sheridan was
d**ned impressive. It was interesting that both he and Marcus
mentioned their parents.
I await next week's episode with great anticipation... That bit
in the coming attractions about the praetorian guard was worrying.
Elyse
------------------------------
Date: 25-Feb-96 16:07:44
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644 at compuserve.com>
To: Elyse M. Grasso <70302.3304 at compuserve.com>
Subject: < Messages from Earth>
Message-ID: <forum.sfmediaone.458743 at compuserve.com>
References: <forum.sfmediaone.458651 at compuserve.com>
I'm reasonably sure those were Andreas' hands.
And thanks....
jms
------------------------------
Date: 25-Feb-96 06:08:21
From: John R. Finnan (Ireland) <100012.3073 at compuserve.com>
To: ALL
Subject: I've got JMS's EAR!!!
Message-ID: <forum.sfmediaone.458385 at compuserve.com>
As was noted in another post elsewhere, I've found the legendary
(?) lost ear of JMS!!
And I didn't have to drug him & drag him either.
I was at WOLF 359 last year in Manchester, (must have gone
through about 12 rolls of film) and I just happened to be holding
out my camera at nothing in particular when, surprise surprise,
Joe walked past.
I, of course, snapped a perfect profile shot from about 2 feet.
Sorry Joe, soon as I can get this to a scanner, it's going to the
library.
John R. Finnan (Ireland) 25-Feb-96 @ 13:54:45 GMT
*cough* *cough* stalker *cough*
------------------------------
Date: 25-Feb-96 20:02:50
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644 at compuserve.com>
To: John R. Finnan (Ireland) <100012.3073 at compuserve.com>
Subject: I've got JMS's EAR!!!
Message-ID: <forum.sfmediaone.458898 at compuserve.com>
References: <forum.sfmediaone.458385 at compuserve.com>
I suppose you know there is nothing I can do to stop you.
I suppose you know that I will find you.
I suppose you know the drill. It begins with the words, "You
will know pain...."
jms
------------------------------
Date: 25-Feb-96 15:18:32
From: Joel Hilke <102354.1702 at compuserve.com>
To: John R. Finnan (Ireland) <100012.3073 at compuserve.com>
Subject: <MfE - Agamnennon>
Message-ID: <forum.sfmediaone.458684 at compuserve.com>
References: <forum.sfmediaone.458640 at compuserve.com>
> P.S. Sorry about the Trek references. But I think we're more
> forgiving of that cross-series referencing, aren't we?
I have no moral problems with it! :-)
> I don't know. Could you see Kirk firing on the Enterprise? Not
> an easy choice. Especially if he still had friends like Spock
> and Bones aboard.
Yea - but that's Star Trek! Not remotely the same series - on
Trek they would have .... technbabbled their way out of a similar
situation.
> They were Sheridans people for years, out on the Rim with only
> themselves for company.
> I think Sheridan was perfectly correct in going to extreme
> lengths so as not to fire on his old ship.
I understand WHO they were - and I understand why he didn't want
to fire. That makes sense. But - repurcussions - personal
repurcussions. Jumping out in-atmosphere seemed an easy out to me.
Too easy for B5 - the show that has no problem whiping out whole
species of aliens to prove a point.
- Joel
------------------------------
Date: 25-Feb-96 20:02:51
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644 at compuserve.com>
To: Joel Hilke <102354.1702 at compuserve.com>
Subject: <MfE - Agamnennon>
Message-ID: <forum.sfmediaone.458899 at compuserve.com>
References: <forum.sfmediaone.458684 at compuserve.com>
Also, bear in mind that Sheridan went into Earth-space knowing
the risks. For him to fire on the Aggy would be selfish, and wrong; he
knew full well that this could be a one-way ride.
If you're going to have a situation where Sheridan fires on EA
ships, it has to be the ONLY way of dealing with the situation, and it
has to be SUPREMELY motivated, so that it's not just him or one of our
guys who's at stake. It has to be a big situation to merit taking the
lives of fellow officers, in the same service.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 25-Feb-96 16:17:59
From: Eugene S. Erdahl <103403.1753 at compuserve.com>
To: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644 at compuserve.com>
Subject: Earthforce Ship Names
Message-ID: <forum.sfmediaone.458752 at compuserve.com>
Congratulations on a wonderful program. Both my wife and I, long
time Star Trek and Science Fiction buffs think it is one of the
best things on TV. May your fame be as great as Roddenberry's.
Babylon 5, The Next Generation? Am I right in assuming that the
Earthforce warships (Agamemnon, for example) bear the names of
British Royal Navy ships-or is this just coincidence?
Former Naval Person
------------------------------
Date: 25-Feb-96 20:14:39
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644 at compuserve.com>
To: Eugene S. Erdahl <103403.1753 at compuserve.com>
Subject: Earthforce Ship Names
Message-ID: <forum.sfmediaone.458907 at compuserve.com>
References: <forum.sfmediaone.458752 at compuserve.com>
Most of the Omega class of destroyers are given Greek names,
such as Achilles, Alexander, Agamemnon and others.
And thanks.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 25-Feb-96 16:40:21
From: Daniel M. Upton <75442.1331 at compuserve.com>
To: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644 at compuserve.com>
Subject: <Point of no Retrun>
Message-ID: <forum.sfmediaone.458768 at compuserve.com>
Just a few comments and questions.
Very good episode. I loved the spoo reference. When did Londo
acquire his taste for them? Perhaps when he came into possession
of 20,000 shares in a spoo ranch?
Lady Morella [sp] was wonderful. She and Turhan must have shared
something more than a political marriage. They seem very much
alike and very much deserving of each other. Did she ever
prophecy for Turhan?
About Zack. I'm glad to see that he redeemed himself. One
thing, however. Just before Sheridan bottled up the Nightwatch
Zack seemed to be confused. He looked toward the other Nightwatch
members and then back then seemed to decide at the last second.
Is it that the way it happened. Did Sheridan sucker him into
trapping the NW or did Zack knowingly help Sheridan?
Does the fact that Gen. Franklin's ship was one of those
attacking Gen. Hague's squadron mean that Franklin's father is on
Clark's side?
The last scene between John and Susan was completely perfect.
Everything about it was flawless.
Dan^^^^
------------------------------
Date: 25-Feb-96 20:14:40
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644 at compuserve.com>
To: Daniel M. Upton <75442.1331 at compuserve.com>
Subject: <Point of no Retrun>
Message-ID: <forum.sfmediaone.458908 at compuserve.com>
References: <forum.sfmediaone.458768 at compuserve.com>
Thanks. I think Zack was mainly nervous in that last bit,
which may account for his twitchiness. And yes, Morella often
prophesied for Turhan.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 25-Feb-96 17:04:05
From: Phil Herscher <71101.304 at compuserve.com>
To: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644 at compuserve.com>
Subject: < Messages from Earth>
Message-ID: <forum.sfmediaone.458792 at compuserve.com>
References: <forum.sfmediaone.458743 at compuserve.com>
Joe,
I really liked the part about John's father. Bruce did a
wonderful job with that scene! It was a very good episode all
around. Just one question. What were the effects of the Whitestar
opening the Jump Point within the atmosphere? Was the resulting
blast assumed to be the "enemy" ship being destroyed?
Phil
------------------------------
Date: 25-Feb-96 20:14:43
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644 at compuserve.com>
To: Phil Herscher <71101.304 at compuserve.com>
Subject: < Messages from Earth>
Message-ID: <forum.sfmediaone.458909 at compuserve.com>
References: <forum.sfmediaone.458792 at compuserve.com>
I think they know the White Star (aka the unidentified ship)
got away, but they put the best face on it back home. Which is one
more reason why Clark's declared martial law. Things are spinning out
of control, he's in increasingly hot water back home, and he has to
seize control. Whoever was in that alien ship knows too much about his
operations...if that were to come out, he's finished.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 25-Feb-96 17:07:21
From: Rebecca Eschliman <76072.2345 at compuserve.com>
To: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644 at compuserve.com>
Subject: Messages From Earth
Message-ID: <forum.sfmediaone.458798 at compuserve.com>
References: <forum.sfmediaone.458143 at compuserve.com>
> - hanks. And you can expect more between Delenn and Sheridan
> soon. -
Good. One of the strengths of B5 is that it can encompass so
many kinds of stories. Not just battle, not just neat aliens, not
just any one particular theme.
Messages struck me as being one of the most "caffeinated"
episodes I've ever seen on television. Really loved the Marcus
wandwork.
One thing I particularly liked was that you let Delenn come up
with the final White Star strategy. Although she is lovely as a
nurturer, it's gratifying that she is a complete enough character
to have the heart and head of a warrior, as well. Maybe in her
rebellious youth (if Minbari have rebellious youths) she took to
hanging around a Windsword dojo, mmm?
Now I really see what you meant by needing to give the audience a
breather once in a while.
- rje -
------------------------------
Date: 25-Feb-96 20:14:46
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644 at compuserve.com>
To: Rebecca Eschliman <76072.2345 at compuserve.com>
Subject: Messages From Earth
Message-ID: <forum.sfmediaone.458910 at compuserve.com>
References: <forum.sfmediaone.458798 at compuserve.com>
Thanks....
jms
------------------------------
Date: 25-Feb-96 18:23:51
From: Charles Agius <72712.3572 at compuserve.com>
To: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644 at compuserve.com>
Subject: Good to see.
Message-ID: <forum.sfmediaone.458833 at compuserve.com>
Hello Great Maker
Just wanted to say that my brother and I loved this weeks
episode. It was one of the better ones you've ever made. I think
the action scenes and the incredible graphics had somthing to do
with it. That shot of Juptier was very real and the showdow's
looked particularly scary. I watched it twice already. I hope I
get to see more episodes like that real soon.
On another note, I was unhappy to see PHL17 moved B5 to
Sat at 4pm. A horrible time slot! Why did they do this? (I hope
they did not get angry over reruns like myself.)
I read a huge article about b5 in a Sci-Fi magizine that
had some pretty good things to say about you and the show. Also
they said that Americans are not watching the show and that it is
doing better over seas.
I got my autograph photo from Bruce a while ago. It was
not a personal response, but I understand. From what I hear
shoting a show like this takes alot of time. I framed the photo
and hung it.
Finally, I picked up the long awaited book #4 yesterday
and hope it is as good as the 3rd.
Thanks,
Grand Admiral Thrawn
------------------------------
Date: 25-Feb-96 20:14:49
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644 at compuserve.com>
To: Charles Agius <72712.3572 at compuserve.com>
Subject: Good to see.
Message-ID: <forum.sfmediaone.458911 at compuserve.com>
References: <forum.sfmediaone.458833 at compuserve.com>
Best way to change the local time slot is to write the local
station and urge them to do so. Good luck with it, and thanks.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 25-Feb-96 19:35:01
From: Don Porges <71531.3465 at compuserve.com>
To: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644 at compuserve.com>
Subject: <MfE - Agamnennon>
Message-ID: <forum.sfmediaone.458884 at compuserve.com>
References: <forum.sfmediaone.458351 at compuserve.com>
I recomend to anyone (who isn't writing a TV series full-time...)
a book called TEXTUAL POACHERS, by Henry Jenkins, a LitCrit
examination of the relationship between fans and TV shows, mostly
SF. Speaking of alt.tv.twin-peaks, he talks about how the
analysis raced miles ahead of, and round and round, what was
actually shown: "No sooner did the fans come to accept a
previously outlandish line of speculation than that solution
began to seem 'too obvious' and the search for alternatives began
again..."
The book doesn't cover the case where the show's writer is a
participant in the discussion, but I think a lot of the same
dynamic of pooling guesses and specluations applies. (And,
compared to Twin Peaks, B5's overall structure is "predictable" in
the sense that we, the netted viewers, expect that there *is*
a point to most of what we see.)
(And, if this book is any indication, there's underground fiction
being written at this moment, mostly by women, involving Sheridan,
Sinclair, and/or Garibaldi having sex with each other.)
------------------------------
Date: 25-Feb-96 20:14:50
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644 at compuserve.com>
To: Don Porges <71531.3465 at compuserve.com>
Subject: <MfE - Agamnennon>
Message-ID: <forum.sfmediaone.458912 at compuserve.com>
References: <forum.sfmediaone.458884 at compuserve.com>
Good point. Because the show *is* going somewhere, it's
possible for people, knowing that, to jump ahead a bit. 90% of the
speculations are wrong, but if 10% are right, then there you are.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 25-Feb-96 21:13:48
From: Joel Hilke <102354.1702 at compuserve.com>
To: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644 at compuserve.com>
Subject: <MfE - Agamnennon>
Message-ID: <forum.sfmediaone.458921 at compuserve.com>
References: <forum.sfmediaone.458899 at compuserve.com>
> Also, bear in mind that Sheridan went into Earth-space knowing
> the risks. For him to fire on the Aggy would be selfish, and
> wrong; he knew full well that this could be a one-way ride.
So he decided to risk the Whitestar itself than fire on her -
basically, commiting suicide instead of attacking if the
in-atmosphere didn't work. That's good honor - but can it hold? Do
you see my issues on this thing? Yes - Sheridan didn't want to
fire on her - but he's knows or must think that he may have to
someday. If not her, then another innocent EA ship. Not asking
you what will happen, mind, just asking if Sheridan worries about
this.
I suppose my problem is my love for characters to go through
trial by fire, so to speak. Granted - bad things have happened to
him already (strieb kidnapping on extreme and commanding a raid
into earth space on the other extreme). But I guess I like my
heros to suffer :) and I imagine he will eventually.
The best episodes of Star Trek: TNG was when Picard, inflapable
Picard, would get injured psychically or physically. The things
the Borg made him do, the strong emotional wrenching of the show
where he was taken to the other world to live out his life and
returned to Enterprise with the flute, the accusastions made
during the Drumhead episode (are you now, or have you ever been a
Romulan), and the torture sequence by the Cardasian. Of course,
this stuff never really changed his character but it worked so
much more than the usual stuff of the show and, for me,
represented high points. Guess I'm a sadist :-/
I was hoping, actually, that the in-atmosphere jump would have
damaged the Aggy (good, short word there) and it would have been a
pure accident that would make him realize that he can't simply
decide right or wrong - sometimes things happen. I'd prefer that
easily over opening fire since that'd save his honor on the one
hand and wound it on the other.
Ah well. Darn it JOE - hurt your characters already!!! <BG>
Oh, btw - I assume the Whitestar is the only ship that's been
able to achieve an in-atmosphere jump? Its been tried before with
disastrous results ala opening jumppoints in jumpgates?
- Joel
------------------------------
Date: 25-Feb-96 23:33:00
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644 at compuserve.com>
To: Joel Hilke <102354.1702 at compuserve.com>
Subject: <MfE - Agamnennon>
Message-ID: <forum.sfmediaone.459008 at compuserve.com>
References: <forum.sfmediaone.458921 at compuserve.com>
Of course it can't hold. And they're going to go through
plenty of fire. Remember, this is the first of three that accomplish
that. Each escalates upon what went before. Don't worry...you'll get
your wish.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 25-Feb-96 21:29:36
From: Joel Hilke <102354.1702 at compuserve.com>
To: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644 at compuserve.com>
Subject: up and coming
Message-ID: <forum.sfmediaone.458933 at compuserve.com>
Hello - just curious. Next week (this week actually) is a new
episode of B5. Is this the last episode and then back to reruns
(making it 5 episodes new) or is there a sixth planned? And what
will the reruns be when they start up again (or is that out of
your hands?)
- Joel
------------------------------
Date: 25-Feb-96 23:33:01
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644 at compuserve.com>
To: Joel Hilke <102354.1702 at compuserve.com>
Subject: up and coming
Message-ID: <forum.sfmediaone.459009 at compuserve.com>
References: <forum.sfmediaone.458933 at compuserve.com>
Yes, "Point of No Return" next week is the last new one until
April 3rd.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 25-Feb-96 23:15:02
From: Toni Muller <75223.1575 at compuserve.com>
To: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644 at compuserve.com>
Subject: >>PoNR<<
Message-ID: <forum.sfmediaone.459003 at compuserve.com>
This was an incredible episode. I was particularly thrilled to
see Zack choose the right side (I hope!). I'm not sure how
Garibaldi would have dealth with another betrayal.
The acting was superb from all the cast, particularly Bruce,
Jerry, and Andreas. Jeff Conaway has really grown into his role
and has quite convincingly played a man torn between two
allegiances. I found myself getting very emotionally involved,
experiencing a lot of anger and frustration, as well as triumph at
the end. To elicit such strong responses is a testimony to your
writing and story development. And you adeptly wove in bits of
humor that were quite appropriate, even in the midst of this
intense episode.
I have only one complaint - we want more, we want more! Waiting
for a new episode is a fate worse than death, so you might as well
get it over with and feed us to the Shadows.
BTW, the promo for next week looks like a new episode, but I
thought it was to be a repeat of FoN. What's the scoop?
Keep up the excellent work. This is truly the best show I have
ever seen - on TV or on the big screen.
Toni
------------------------------
Date: 25-Feb-96 23:33:02
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644 at compuserve.com>
To: Toni Muller <75223.1575 at compuserve.com>
Subject: >>PoNR<<
Message-ID: <forum.sfmediaone.459010 at compuserve.com>
References: <forum.sfmediaone.459003 at compuserve.com>
Yeah, it's supposed to be a repeat. What was in the promo you
saw?
And thanks...the story's coming along nicely.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 25-Feb-96 23:51:23
From: Toni Muller <75223.1575 at compuserve.com>
To: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644 at compuserve.com>
Subject: >>PoNR<<
Message-ID: <forum.sfmediaone.459011 at compuserve.com>
References: <forum.sfmediaone.459010 at compuserve.com>
> What was in the promo you saw?
Voice-over: "The war that will decide the fate of the galaxy"
Shots of:
A ship coming through the jumpgate - it seems familiar,
but I can't identify it.
The scene from the season 3 opener where B5 takes a hit
on one of the forward arms.
Londo saying, "You, you'll not survive."
Keffer just before he dies and his recording of the
shadow ship.
Ivanova and Sheridan in C&C. Sheridan saying, "Launch
everything we've got."
The unidentified ship being swarmed by starfuries.
A shot of the ion cannon (I think) firing.
The unidentified ship blowing up.
Some of it seems so familiar, even the ship. But I don't ever
remember seeing that shot of B5's arm taking the hit except in the
opener. Does the promo make sense to you?
Toni
------------------------------
Date: 26-Feb-96 01:29:40
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644 at compuserve.com>
To: Toni Muller <75223.1575 at compuserve.com>
Subject: >>PoNR<<
Message-ID: <forum.sfmediaone.459052 at compuserve.com>
References: <forum.sfmediaone.459011 at compuserve.com>
Okay, that's the make-believe promo they made from other
footage. That's FON all right.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 26-Feb-96 00:42:25
From: Mike Hoffmann <100321.2604 at compuserve.com>
To: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644 at compuserve.com>
Subject: <MfE - Agamnennon>
Message-ID: <forum.sfmediaone.459034 at compuserve.com>
References: <forum.sfmediaone.459008 at compuserve.com>
> Of course it can't hold. And they're going to go through
> plenty of fire. Remember, this is the first of three that
> accomplish that. Each escalates upon what went before. Don't
> worry...you'll get your wish.
It seems I am just on the opposite side of Joel here:
I hurt when I think that the moment will come when they may have
to go cannons ablaze at Earth ships. It's too easy to lose one's
humanity once the threshold of violence is crossed. Ivanova almost
passed it on DtD. And Sheridan knows how hard it is to come back.
In this time when all we seem to be taught is that the best and
swiftest solution to problems is by resorting to violence I relish
that the B5 characters use their brains and compassion. And I
guess I'm wroth to let that go.
Mike
-Mike Hoffmann
------------------------------
Date: 26-Feb-96 01:29:41
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644 at compuserve.com>
To: Mike Hoffmann <100321.2604 at compuserve.com>
Subject: <MfE - Agamnennon>
Message-ID: <forum.sfmediaone.459053 at compuserve.com>
References: <forum.sfmediaone.459034 at compuserve.com>
And that is exactly the reaction you *should* have.
Such things are never easy, and are always at terrible,
terrible cost.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 26-Feb-96 05:17:55
From: Anne L. Warner <71513.1177 at compuserve.com>
To: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644 at compuserve.com>
Subject: <Point of no Retrun>
Message-ID: <forum.sfmediaone.459076 at compuserve.com>
References: <forum.sfmediaone.458908 at compuserve.com>
Joe,
We won't see Point of No Return til next Sunday, but I'll ask now
anyway... Is there any possibility of (or reason for) Lady Morella
reappearing in the future? It sounds like we're going to like
her.
Anne
------------------------------
Date: 26-Feb-96 12:02:10
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644 at compuserve.com>
To: Anne L. Warner <71513.1177 at compuserve.com>
Subject: <Point of no Retrun>
Message-ID: <forum.sfmediaone.459216 at compuserve.com>
References: <forum.sfmediaone.459076 at compuserve.com>
Always a possibility.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 26-Feb-96 09:11:19
From: Philip Hornsey <74053.2101 at compuserve.com>
To: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644 at compuserve.com>
Subject: <Messages From Earth>
Message-ID: <forum.sfmediaone.459119 at compuserve.com>
References: <forum.sfmediaone.458324 at compuserve.com>
> It's certainly a *very* good question.
Another good question...What do *you* call what we are calling
"Battlecrabs" etc.
It there and *actual authentic* name for the really cool Shadow
monsters?
Phil^^^^ FREE MARS!
------------------------------
Date: 26-Feb-96 12:02:11
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644 at compuserve.com>
To: Philip Hornsey <74053.2101 at compuserve.com>
Subject: <Messages From Earth>
Message-ID: <forum.sfmediaone.459217 at compuserve.com>
References: <forum.sfmediaone.459119 at compuserve.com>
I just call them shadow vessels. For now.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 26-Feb-96 11:23:03
From: Tom Knudsen <72347.1626 at compuserve.com>
To: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644 at compuserve.com>
Subject: Earthforce Ship Names
Message-ID: <forum.sfmediaone.459197 at compuserve.com>
References: <forum.sfmediaone.458907 at compuserve.com>
Joe,
<Most of the Omega class of destroyers are given Greek
names, such as Achilles, Alexander, Agamemnon and others.>
Do all the Omega class destroyer name start with Alpha or
was this just a coincidence in your post?
Tom^^^^
Guardian of the Republic
General Pain in the Butt
Ranger
------------------------------
Date: 26-Feb-96 12:02:13
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644 at compuserve.com>
To: Tom Knudsen <72347.1626 at compuserve.com>
Subject: Earthforce Ship Names
Message-ID: <forum.sfmediaone.459219 at compuserve.com>
References: <forum.sfmediaone.459197 at compuserve.com>
Not with Alpha, since that isn't a name out of Greek mythology.
But the first one off the production line probably would've been the
Achilles.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 26-Feb-96 11:30:16
From: David Belt <72142.1365 at compuserve.com>
To: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644 at compuserve.com>
Subject: Licensed B5 stuff
Message-ID: <forum.sfmediaone.459202 at compuserve.com>
References: <forum.sfmediaone.458299 at compuserve.com>
Joe,
Speaking of the T-shirts, I purchased one with the station on it
and "Our last, best hope...". I have six children ranging in ages
from 12 to 2. Only my oldest is a big fan of the series (in
addition to myself and my wife). My 2-year-old saw me wearing the
T-shirt and pointed and said "Balon Fife". So your show is
becoming a household word in our household at least.
Just saw Messages From Earth and it was everything you said that
it would be and more! Thanks again for the best show on
television. We get the show on Saturday here in Spokane. My wife
has watched it twice already. Immediately after watching B5 we
watched the Q episode of Voyager. What a contrast! It is getting
harder and harder to stomach that show. I keep hoping they will
get better. Maybe I would find it easier to watch Voyager if I
watched it first and then watched a masterpiece like B5
afterwards. No way! I am not waiting a minute longer than I have
to! Anxiously awaiting PONR!
Dave
------------------------------
Date: 26-Feb-96 12:02:15
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644 at compuserve.com>
To: David Belt <72142.1365 at compuserve.com>
Subject: Licensed B5 stuff
Message-ID: <forum.sfmediaone.459220 at compuserve.com>
References: <forum.sfmediaone.459202 at compuserve.com>
Thanks. We're happy to spoil you.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 26-Feb-96 11:30:18
From: David Belt <72142.1365 at compuserve.com>
To: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644 at compuserve.com>
Subject: Licensed B5 stuff
Message-ID: <forum.sfmediaone.459203 at compuserve.com>
References: <forum.sfmediaone.458738 at compuserve.com>
How long, O Great Maker, before the web page becomes a reality?
Dave
------------------------------
Date: 26-Feb-96 12:02:18
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644 at compuserve.com>
To: David Belt <72142.1365 at compuserve.com>
Subject: Licensed B5 stuff
Message-ID: <forum.sfmediaone.459221 at compuserve.com>
References: <forum.sfmediaone.459203 at compuserve.com>
Expect late April.
jms
------------------------------
End of JMS CIS Digest 25-Feb-96 16:07:18 through 26-Feb-96 12:02:18
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