January 26, 1994 - 'Midnight on the Firing Line'

[Dan Dassow]

I was able to watch all of Babylon 5 (The Gathering and seasons 1 through 4) on the St. Louis affiliate of PTEN, KPLR-TV-11. Unfortunately, KPLR had the broadcast rights for Blues Hockey games, so Babylon 5 was frequently preempted and re-broadcast at strange times of the day. I politely, but repeatedly, complained to the station manager via email. At one point he offered to make a copy of the video tapes so I would leave him in peace. I declined, since I did not wish to violate WB's copyright. I also did not believe that he was serious.

At the time we did not subscribe to cable television, even though we live in a fringe reception area. Many times, I could barely make out the image on the TV and the sound had a lot of static. We did not subscribe to cable television until after the TV stations were forced to broadcast only via digital. What was fringe reception became practically no reception.

Since we did not subscribe to cable television during season 5, I had to rely upon a fellow B5 fan to loan me his video tapes to see season 5 episodes.

[joebarnin]

I was following JMS' posts on the message boards, so I was there for the pilot. I remember not being overwhelmed. Season One started slowly, and I almost dropped out. It felt too episodic. Luckily I hung in there and was rewarded.

It's funny - I just re-watched it for the sixth (?) time, and I appreciate the first season a lot more. You can see the groundwork being laid, dominoes being set up, however you want to say it.

[phazedout]

a friend recommended it on BBC2, i think i started watching in parliament of dreams, I REcall londos drunken "In purple I am stunning" speech, was hooked from then, don't think i missed an episode after that.

[Jan]

22 years ago today.

I'd missed the pilot but I was watching from the first episode on. Only missed one in first run - 'Comes the Inquisitor'.

How about all of you? I'm betting there may be some stories of how y'all found Babylon 5!

Jan