CompuServe Messages

(Gold Channel message — to all operatives — Section Leader finally sucked into neverending Sci-Fi discussion — situation is proceeding according to plan) >> Yes, the cast worked great together, but only AFTER about the first season. << That's what I was trying to say. Most successful SF TV shows in recent memory have needed some time for actors, writers, directors to find and establish the characters. I'm a huge ST:TNG fan, but only came aboard during season 2. (Didn't watch season 1 due to principles) I loved the show, but cringed when I saw some of those year-1 reruns! Worf's voice a half-octave higher, e.g. I'm just suggesting that we give Voyager the same chance to mature. >> My favorite of the lot is Babylon 5. << Mine too, and I never thought I'd ever find a space show to top a Star Trek franchise! Babylon 5 gives me a reason to watch, every week, to witness the intricate developments that give frightening glimpses of events to come. Year 1 was pretty much a throwaway, but character development shifted into overdrive in year 2. We saw a washed-out, harmless buffoon turn into a ruthless force of darkness, coldly advancing his agenda without any notion that he, in turn, is a pawn to a larger entity. (Londo) We saw a cardboard character, whose sexy appearance and telepathic abilities made her a convenient plot device, change as her loyalty to the organization that raised and molded her from childhood was being weakened by revelation after revelation. (Talia) We learned, at the end of a seemingly harmless episode, that a character had been kept in the dark (and didn't inform his colleagues) about his _real_ mission for 6 months. (Sheridan) We witnessed the gradual transformation of a harmless aide into a faithful companion and fierce collaborator. (Lennier) And best of all, increased acting abilities have seemingly come out of nowhere and affected all the actors. Some of the episodes have had plot twists that have left me speechless. I've seen roller-coaster rides, revelations, sinister foreshadowing, and intricate plot development like I've never seen on any SF show. May sweeps are upon us; it's a great opportunity for those of you who've been told again and again how much the show has improved, to see for yourself. Blaq!