Which episode to show a Non B5er ???

[thegavel]

Okay,
I have a couple of friends who are into Sci-fi
(SG1/Atlantis & BSG) and I want to show them an
example of the BEST Sci-fi show.

Which episode should I show them that would set
them on the path to enlightenment ???

Which would be best as a stand alone episode ?
I'm thinking (MAYBE) Comes the Inquisitor or
Babylon squared.

ANY THOUGHTS/IDEAS ????

CHEERS
GAV

[Ranger 6 and 7/8]

I'm bad with the title name, but i got mine in by showing 2 different ones, the first is of the finale.
Even though it is 10 years old, the emotional acting is not dated. My friends wife lost it with Sheridan and DeLenn's goodbye "...You who are my Sun, and my sky and my moon"
The second for action is when Sheridan approaches Earth with the fleet. That Speech is excellent acting and Bruce delivered it without going over the top.
"These are Your sons and Your Daughters, People whose belief in this Alliance has Never waivered....We have come home!"

[Morden]

They watch BSG? So what, they've already seen episodes of the best scifi-show, hehe...!

Regarding "B5", I always go for "In the Beginning", has always worked with the people I wanted to introduce to our beloved show. "It gives some spoilers concerning Delenn's and Sinclair's arcs, but not such big spoilers to the resolution of the main story arcs as the previously proposed "Sleeping in Light" and "Endgame" (wich ARE great episodes, of course).
On a side note, I have to add that "Mdnight on the firing line" still is a very good opener for the series, but in the eyes of recent BSG and Atlantis viewers, the lack of good looking modern effects may be disturbing...
And in my opinion also not a very bad try, though an anusual approach, would be "Thirdspace" - I don't like that movie too much in the B5 chronology, but it'll work as a first shot into the show because of it's relatively standalone character and it's both gritty and epic feel.

[Jan]

You know your audience best but I agree that "In the Beginning" can be a great introduction, especially if you think that they may have issues looking at the early effects. Otherwise, "Midnight on the Firing Line", "Babylon Squared", "Born to the Purple" or "Parliament of Dreams" would probably be my choices. I would stick to the first season just for the sake of not having to explain too much.

Jan

[glindros]

It hasn't been mentioned yet, but I might suggest Points of Departure.

It puts you in the place of Sheridan as he enters this new place. There is a enough back story for jms to play with, yet still enough explanation given to get Sheridan up to speed.

If one shot is all this person will ever see of B5, ItB does give a nice scope and well rounded view of B5,actors, story, effects, but there is so much payoff to watch Itb after at least season 4, I shy away from recommending it for a first viewing.

[KoshN]

You know your audience best but I agree that "In the Beginning" can be a great introduction, especially if you think that they may have issues looking at the early effects. Otherwise, "Midnight on the Firing Line", "Babylon Squared", "Born to the Purple" or "Parliament of Dreams" would probably be my choices. I would stick to the first season just for the sake of not having to explain too much.

Jan

"Born to the Purple" has that one scene where Trakis puts his room card into the wall card reader and the whole wall moves (cheap sets). That may elicit groans.

I'd go with "In the Beginning" or "Midnight on the Firing Line". My intro. was "Shadow Dancing" and it worked well for me. Yes, it's a Season 3 ep. but it's enjoyable, even out of context (You don't have to explain anything.)

[mandragora]

I don't think new viewers will get as much out of ItB as those who watch it after season 4. At least that's my experience. I also think it's too spoiler-heavy on major arc elements.

I'd take the chance to show them an episode out of season 2 or 3 - even at the cost of some minor spoilers (like Delenn with hair) and on the chance that they might not understand everything - not understanding everything might not even be a bad thing, as it proves the existence of long-term story arcs and might be an incentive for watching the entire series.

Some suggestions would be
- Coming of Shadows
- And now for a word
as they give a pretty good idea what the show is about without being too spoilerish or too confusing.

For a more stand-alone episode rather than Inquisitor I'd suggest Passing Through Gethsemane.

[ILUVJOHNSHERIDAN]

In the Beginning

In the Beginning is the best Intro to Babylon 5, There is just enough action to keep everyone's attention, It also is a great lead in to season one with Sinclair, Delenn and Kosh and it also links season 2 with Capt Sherian. It also explains later episodes with Londo and G'kar that a new B5 viewer will come to realize as the show progresses.

[Jan]

Welcome aboard, ILUV!

Jan

[TurkishZath]

Passing through Gethsemane.

[Pedrith]

I would recommend starting with Season 1 and show them five episodes:

The Parliament of Dreams

Mind War

And the Sky Full of Stars

By Any Means Necessary

Babylon Squared


David

[grumbler]

Passing through Gethsemane.

Yep. This has always worked for me. It has just the right mix of pre-existing knowledge and stand-alone acting.

[Dr Maturin]

I will second "The Coming of Shadows."

[thegavel]

I'm bad with the title name, but i got mine in by showing 2 different ones, the first is of the finale.
Even though it is 10 years old, the emotional acting is not dated. My friends wife lost it with Sheridan and DeLenn's goodbye "...You who are my Sun, and my sky and my moon"
The second for action is when Sheridan approaches Earth with the fleet. That Speech is excellent acting and Bruce delivered it without going over the top.
"These are Your sons and Your Daughters, People whose belief in this Alliance has Never waivered....We have come home!"

Yeah I agree SIL is probably the BEST episode (AMAZING acting/story), unfortunately I have only watched it (completely) once and I was a crying,blubbering mess by the credits so I'm reluctant to let my friends see that happen to me again.
Jeez I'm tearing up just reading"...You who are my Sun, and my sky and my moon"
OOOPS tissue time again (YES I'm a big softy).
Just a side note, My friend is Russian so....
(Yes I've shown him the "God sent me" Ivanova clip &
he LOVED it - WHO DOESN'T ???).
I'm making up a list of everyones suggestions so keep 'em
coming.
(You guys & gals are truly amazing and it's an Honor and Privilege to pick your brains).
CHEERS
Gav

[Whyruss]

Just show them the first episodes - and FORCE (;-)) them to watch the entire season one ^^ after that they will continue on their own will hehe ^^
If u show them the keyepisodes u ruin the storybuilding... and to show them SIL would be the worst thing u can do - I mean if u haven't seen a single episode u simply don't care...