BABYLON 5
60 Minute Drama
Science Fiction
ORIGINAL TRANSMISSION
1994 — 1998
BROADCASTER
PTEN (1994 — 1996)
TNT (1996 — 1998)
SEASONS / EPISODES
PTEN: The Gathering (1993)
PTEN: 3 Seasons / 66 Episodes
TNT: 2 Seasons / 44 Episodes TNT: 4 TV Movies (1998, 1999)
Sci-Fi: 1 TV Movie (2001)
DVD RELEASES
UK (Region 2 / PAL)
- The Gathering: Amazon.co.uk / HMV.com
- Season 1: Amazon.co.uk / HMV.com
- Season 2: Amazon.co.uk / HMV.com
- Season 3: Amazon.co.uk / HMV.com
- Season 4: Amazon.co.uk / HMV.com
- Season 5: Amazon.co.uk / HMV.com
- In the Beginning: Amazon.co.uk / HMV.com
- Thirdspace / River of Souls / A Call to Arms: Amazon.co.uk / HMV.com
- The Legend of the Rangers: Amazon.co.uk / HMV.com
- Crusade: Amazon.co.uk / HMV.com
- The Lost Tales: Amazon.co.uk / HMV.com
United States (Region 1 / NTSC)
- The Gathering / In the Beginning: Amazon.com
- Season 1: Amazon.com
- Season 2: Amazon.com
- Season 3: Amazon.com
- Season 4: Amazon.com
- Season 5: Amazon.com
- Thirdspace / River of Souls / A Call to Arms: Amazon.com
- The Legend of the Rangers: Amazon.com
- Crusade: Amazon.com
- The Lost Tales: Amazon.com
The Complete Book of Scriptwriting
by J Michael Straczynski
- USA
- Hardback
- Writer's Digest Books
- 1996
Episode Scripts
The Coming of Shadows
The Coming of Shadows
Other Editions
UK / Paperback / Titan Books / 1997 (Amazon.co.uk)
USA / Paperback / Writer's Digest Books / 1997
UK / Paperback / Titan Books / 1997 (Amazon.co.uk) USA / Paperback / Writer's Digest Books / 1997
Notes
- The Coming of Shadows script was only included from the Titan Books edition onwards.
- The script to The Coming of Shadows was published in a totally seperate volume by Boxtree in the UK during 1998 and was also included as part of Babylon 5: The Scripts of J Michael Straczynski — Volume 3 in early 2006.
Babylon 5: The Coming of Shadows
by J Michael Straczynski
- UK
- Paperback
- Boxtree
- 1998
Episodes Scripts
The Coming of Shadows
The Coming of Shadows
Back Cover Blurb
'Our hope for peace is over. We are now at war... we are now at war'
When the ageing Centauri Emperor visits Babylon 5. his peaceful language halts Ambassador G'Kar's murderous ambitions, and for a brief moment their seems to be an opportunity for a new understanding between the Narn and the Centauri races. But Londo has other, more deadly plans, and with the help of the mysterious Shadows, a new and terrible era in their conflict begins...
'The Coming of Shadows', the linchpin episode of the second season, is a key moment in Babylon 5's dramatic story. A rollercoaster ride of suspense, high drama, pathos and excitement, this highly acclaimed episode won science fiction's prestigious Hugo Award for the Best Dramatic Presentation of the Year.
This script book contains the complete screenplay of 'The Coming of Shadows', including scenes cut from the final edit. In his fascinating introduction, Babylon 5's creator, J. Michael Sraczynski, explains how and why he wrote the series, what it is that makes Babylon 5 different from any other science fiction TV show, and why he considers 'The Coming of Shadows' to be the series' best episode so far.
'Our hope for peace is over. We are now at war... we are now at war'
When the ageing Centauri Emperor visits Babylon 5. his peaceful language halts Ambassador G'Kar's murderous ambitions, and for a brief moment their seems to be an opportunity for a new understanding between the Narn and the Centauri races. But Londo has other, more deadly plans, and with the help of the mysterious Shadows, a new and terrible era in their conflict begins...
'The Coming of Shadows', the linchpin episode of the second season, is a key moment in Babylon 5's dramatic story. A rollercoaster ride of suspense, high drama, pathos and excitement, this highly acclaimed episode won science fiction's prestigious Hugo Award for the Best Dramatic Presentation of the Year.
This script book contains the complete screenplay of 'The Coming of Shadows', including scenes cut from the final edit. In his fascinating introduction, Babylon 5's creator, J. Michael Sraczynski, explains how and why he wrote the series, what it is that makes Babylon 5 different from any other science fiction TV show, and why he considers 'The Coming of Shadows' to be the series' best episode so far.
Notes
- The Coming of Shadows contains J Michael Straczynski's original script which won the 1996 Hugo award for Best Dramatic Presentation. The series struck gold again the following year with the script to Severed Dreams, again written by J Michael Straczynski.
- The script to The Coming of Shadows was also included in the Titan Books edition of J Michael Straczynski's The Complete Book of Scriptwriting, published in 1996, as well as being included as part of Babylon 5: The Scripts of J Michael Straczynski — Volume 3 in early 2006.
Day of the Dead
by Neil Gaiman
- USA
- Paperback
- Dreamhaven Books
- 1998
Episode Scripts
Day of the Dead
Day of the Dead
Notes
- Day of the Dead includes an introduction by J Michael Straczynski, the creator of Babylon 5. The script itself was later re-issued as part of Other Voices — Volume 3, the final volume in a series of Babylon 5 script books which colleceted together all of the scripts which had not been written by series creator J Michael Straczynski.
- Neil Gaiman is probably best known for scripting the Sandman comic and for writing the BBC fantasy series Neverwhere.
Babylon 5: The Scripts of J Michael Straczynski — Volume 1
by J Michael Straczynski
- USA
- Paperback
- Synthetic Worlds
- 2005
Episode Scripts
The Gathering / Midnight on the Firing Line / Soul Hunter / Infection / The Parliament of Dreams / Mind War
The Gathering / Midnight on the Firing Line / Soul Hunter / Infection / The Parliament of Dreams / Mind War
Notes
- The first in a major series of volumes which will eventually collect together all of J Michael Straczynski's scripts for Babylon 5, as well as providing numerous background notes and alternate and abandoned storylines. Volume 1 collects together the scripts to the pilot episode and the first five Season One episodes written by Straczynski.
- The original, unproduced version of Soul Hunter was included in Volume 15.
Babylon 5: The Scripts of J Michael Straczynski — Volume 2
by J Michael Straczynski
- USA
- Paperback
- Syhthetic Worlds
- 2005
Episode Scripts
And the Sky Full of Stars / Signs and Portents / A Voice in the Wilderness, Part 1 / A Voice in the Wilderness, Part 2 / Babylon Squared / The Quality of Mercy / Chrysalis
And the Sky Full of Stars / Signs and Portents / A Voice in the Wilderness, Part 1 / A Voice in the Wilderness, Part 2 / Babylon Squared / The Quality of Mercy / Chrysalis
Notes
- Volume 2 contains J Michael Straczynski's final seven scripts for Season One of Babylon 5.
- The draft version of And the Sky Full of Stars was included in Volume 15.
Babylon 5: The Scripts of J Michael Straczynski — Volume 3
by J Michael Straczynski
- USA
- Paperback
- Synthetic Worlds
- 2006
Episode Scripts
Points of Departure / Revelations / The Geometry of Shadows / A Race Through Dark Places / The Coming of Shadows / All Alone in the Night / Acts of Sacrifice
Points of Departure / Revelations / The Geometry of Shadows / A Race Through Dark Places / The Coming of Shadows / All Alone in the Night / Acts of Sacrifice
Notes
- Volume 3 contains J Michael Straczynski's first seven scripts for Season Two of Babylon 5.
- The script to The Coming of Shadows has already appeared in print twice; first as part of the Titan Books edition of Straczynski's non-fiction work The Complete Book of Scriptwriting, and second as a script book from Boxtree, simply titled Babylon 5: The Coming of Shadows. The script to the episode won the prestigious 1996 Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation.
Babylon 5: The Scripts of J Michael Straczynski — Volume 4
by J Michael Straczynski
- USA
- Paperback
- Synthetic Worlds
- 2006
Episode Scripts
Hunter, Prey / And Now for a Word / In the Shadow of Z'ha'dum / Confessions and Lamentations / Divided Loyalties / The Long Twilight Struggle / Comes the Inquisitor
Hunter, Prey / And Now for a Word / In the Shadow of Z'ha'dum / Confessions and Lamentations / Divided Loyalties / The Long Twilight Struggle / Comes the Inquisitor
Notes
- Volume 4 contains J Michael Straczynski's next seven scripts for Season Two of Babylon 5, as well as a partial script to an unproduced Season One episode named Festival!
Babylon 5: The Scripts of J Michael Straczynski — Volume 5
by J Michael Straczynski
- USA
- Paperback
- Synthetic Worlds
- 2006
Episode Scripts
The Fall of Night / Matters of Honor / Convictions / A Day in the Strife / Passing Through Gethsemane / Voices of Authority / Dust to Dust
The Fall of Night / Matters of Honor / Convictions / A Day in the Strife / Passing Through Gethsemane / Voices of Authority / Dust to Dust
Notes
- Volume 5 contains J Michael Straczynski's conclusion to Season Two and his first six scripts for Season Three of Babylon 5. As a bonus, the book also includes an earlier draft of Matters of Honour.
Babylon 5: The Scripts of J Michael Straczynski — Volume 6
by J Michael Straczynski
- USA
- Paperback
- Synthetic Worlds
- 2006
Episode Scripts
Exogenesis / Messages from Earth / Point of No Return / Severed Dreams / Ceremonies of Light and Dark / Sic Transit Vir / A Late Delivery from Avalon
Exogenesis / Messages from Earth / Point of No Return / Severed Dreams / Ceremonies of Light and Dark / Sic Transit Vir / A Late Delivery from Avalon
Notes
- Volume 7 contains J Michael Straczynski's next six episodes from Season Three of Babylon 5.
Babylon 5: The Scripts of J Michael Straczynski — Volume 7
by J Michael Straczynski
- USA
- Paperback
- Synthetic Worlds
- 2006
Episode Scripts
Ship of Tears / Interludes and Examinations / War Without End, Part 1 / War Without End, Part 2 / Walkabout / Grey 17 is Missing / And the Rock Cried Out, No Hiding Place
Ship of Tears / Interludes and Examinations / War Without End, Part 1 / War Without End, Part 2 / Walkabout / Grey 17 is Missing / And the Rock Cried Out, No Hiding Place
Notes
- Volume 7 contains J Michael Straczynski's next six episodes from Season Three of Babylon 5, including Severed Dreams which won the 1997 Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation.
Babylon 5: The Scripts of J Michael Straczynski — Volume 8
by J Michael Straczynski
- USA
- Paperback
- Synthetic Worlds
- 2006
Episode Scripts
Shadow Dancing / Z'ha'dum / The Hour of the Wolf / Whatever Happened to Mr. Garibaldi? / The Summoning / Falling Toward Apotheosis / The Long Night
Shadow Dancing / Z'ha'dum / The Hour of the Wolf / Whatever Happened to Mr. Garibaldi? / The Summoning / Falling Toward Apotheosis / The Long Night
Notes
- Volume 8 contains J Michael Straczynski's last two episodes from Season Three of Babylon 5 and the first six from Season Four.
Babylon 5: The Scripts of J Michael Straczynski — Volume 9
by J Michael Straczynski
- USA
- Paperback
- Synthetic Worlds
- 2006
Episode Scripts
Into the Fire / Epiphanies / The Illusion of Truth / Atonement / Racing Mars / Lines of Communication / Conflicts of Interest
Into the Fire / Epiphanies / The Illusion of Truth / Atonement / Racing Mars / Lines of Communication / Conflicts of Interest
Notes
- Volume 9 contains seven of J Michael Straczynski's episodes from Season Four of Babylon 5.
Babylon 5: The Scripts of J Michael Straczynski — Volume 10
by J Michael Straczynski
- USA
- Paperback
- Synthetic Worlds
- 2007
Episode Scripts
Rumours, Bargains and Lies / Moments of Transition / No Surrender, No Retreat / The Exercise of Vital Powers / The Face of the Enemy / Intersections in Real Time / Between the Darkness and the Light
Rumours, Bargains and Lies / Moments of Transition / No Surrender, No Retreat / The Exercise of Vital Powers / The Face of the Enemy / Intersections in Real Time / Between the Darkness and the Light
Notes
- Volume 10 contains seven of J Michael Straczynski's episodes from Season Four of Babylon 5.
- An alternative version of The Exercise of Vital Powers was included in Volume 15.
Babylon 5: The Scripts of J Michael Straczynski — Volume 11
by J Michael Straczynski
- USA
- Paperback
- Synthetic Worlds
- 2007
Episode Scripts
Endgame / Rising Star / Sleeping in Light / The Deconstruction of Fallen Stars / No Compromises / The Very Long Night of Londo Mollari / The Paragon of Animals
Endgame / Rising Star / Sleeping in Light / The Deconstruction of Fallen Stars / No Compromises / The Very Long Night of Londo Mollari / The Paragon of Animals
Notes
- Volume 11 contains seven of J Michael Straczynski's episodes spanning the end of Season Four and the beginning of Season Five of Babylon 5.
- Sleeping in Light was written as the very final episode of Babylon 5, but with the late commissioning of Season Five by TNT this was then held back for a year with Sraczynski penning a replacement to end Season Four in the form of The Deconstruction of Falling Stars.
Babylon 5: The Scripts of J Michael Straczynski — Volume 12
by J Michael Straczynski
- USA
- Paperback
- Synthetic Worlds
- 2007
Episode Scripts
A View from the Gallery / Learning Curve / Strange Relations / Secrets of the Soul / In the Kingdom of the Blind / A Tragedy of Telepaths / Phoenix Rising
A View from the Gallery / Learning Curve / Strange Relations / Secrets of the Soul / In the Kingdom of the Blind / A Tragedy of Telepaths / Phoenix Rising
Notes
- Volume 12 contains the next seven of J Michael Straczynski's episodes from Season Five of Babylon 5.
Babylon 5: The Scripts of J Michael Straczynski — Volume 13
by J Michael Straczynski
- USA
- Paperback
- Synthetic Worlds
- 2008
Episode Scripts
The Ragged Edge / The Corps is Mother, the Corps is Father / Meditations on the Abyss / Darkness Ascending / And All My Dreams, Torn Asunder / Movements of Fire and Shadow / The Fall of Centauri Prime
The Ragged Edge / The Corps is Mother, the Corps is Father / Meditations on the Abyss / Darkness Ascending / And All My Dreams, Torn Asunder / Movements of Fire and Shadow / The Fall of Centauri Prime
Notes
- Volume 13 contains the next seven of J Michael Straczynski's episodes from Season Five of Babylon 5.
Babylon 5: The Scripts of J Michael Straczynski — Volume 14
by J Michael Straczynski
- USA
- Paperback
- Synthetic Worlds
- 2008
Episode Scripts
The Wheel of Fire / Objects in Motion / Objects at Rest / In the Beginning
The Wheel of Fire / Objects in Motion / Objects at Rest / In the Beginning
Notes
- Volume 14 contains the final batch of scripts to J Michael Straczynski's episodes from Season Five of Babylon 5, as well as the script to the In the Beginning TV movie and the usual wealth of extras.
Babylon 5: The Scripts of J Michael Straczynski — Volume 15
by J Michael Straczynski
- USA
- Paperback
- Synthetic Worlds
- 2008
Episode Scripts
Soul Hunter / And the Sky Full of Stars / The Exercise of Vital Powers
Soul Hunter / And the Sky Full of Stars / The Exercise of Vital Powers
Notes
- In an unusual and extremely generous move, when the series of Babylon 5 script books was announced it was made clear that the series would consist of fifteen volumes, with the the very final one being given away free to people who had purchased all of the first fourteen titles. And only to people who had purchased the first fourteen.
The contents include the original script to Soul Hunter (which was subsequently replaced with a completely new script before production), a draft of And the Sky Full of Stars, the Babylon 5 writer's bible, a breakdown of the original five-year story arc as it would have been had Commander Sinclair not been written out between Seasons One and Two, and an alternate version of The Excercise of Vital Powers.
Babylon 5: Other Voices — Volume 1
by Larry DiTillio, DC Fontana, David Gerrold, Marc Scott Zicree and Christy Marx
- USA
- Paperback
- Synthetic Worlds
- 2008
Episode Scripts
Born to the Purple / The War Prayer / DeathWalker / Believers / Survivors / Grail
Born to the Purple / The War Prayer / DeathWalker / Believers / Survivors / Grail
Notes
- The first of three volumes that include the Babylon 5 scripts not written by series creator J Michaael Straczynski.
Babylon 5: Other Voices — Volume 2
by Kathryn M Drennan, Larry DiTillio and DC Fontana
- USA
- Paperback
- Synthetic Worlds
- 2008
Episode Scripts
By Any Means Necessary / TKO / Eyes / Legacies / A Distant Star / Spider in the Web
By Any Means Necessary / TKO / Eyes / Legacies / A Distant Star / Spider in the Web
Notes
- The second of three volumes that include the Babylon 5 scripts not written by series creator J Michaael Straczynski.
Babylon 5: Other Voices — Volume 3
by Scott Frost, Peter David, Larry DiTillio and Neil Gaiman
- USA
- Paperback
- Synthetic Worlds
- 2008
Episode Scripts
The Long Dark / Soul Mates / There All the Honor Lies / Gropos / Knives / Day of the Dead
The Long Dark / Soul Mates / There All the Honor Lies / Gropos / Knives / Day of the Dead
Notes
- The third of three volumes that include the Babylon 5 scripts not written by series creator J Michaael Straczynski.
- The script to Beil Gaiman's Day of the Dead had previously been published on its own by Dreamhaven Books in 1998
Babylon 5: The Scripts of J Michael Straczynski — TV Movies
by J Michael Starczynski
- USA
- Paperback
- Synthetic Worlds
- 2009
Episode Scripts
Thirdspace / The River of Souls / The Legend of the Rangers / The Lost Tales
Thirdspace / The River of Souls / The Legend of the Rangers / The Lost Tales
Notes
- Final volume of Babylon 5 scripts which gathers together four of the TV movies, as well as featuring the usual extensive background notes. This leaves the script to the A Call to Arms TV movie as the only Babylon 5 story not to be published — presumably leaving it free to appear in a collection of Crusade scripts at some point in the future.
