Watching spellbound through the 90 minute pilot, I was reminded of what I like so much about the little bits I've seen of Babylon 5. It's a show about all the different political factions from all the alien races being thrust together, all with their own interests, agendas, and history. All conspiring, making alliances, and pushing for their own unique vision of how things should be.

At the same time, the representives of these cultures each have lives, personal ties, grudges, and longings, which also play a significant part in the evolution of societies, although these parts seldom end up in the history textbooks. "Notice the waves, each moving in its own order. Predictable. Unchanging. But drop in a single stone, and see how the pattern changes. Everything is altered."

B5, "our last, best hope for peace", bears the idealistic hopes of Star Trek, told with the down-to-earth realism of a seasoned cynic. The writing is where it really shines.

I really hope they release the rest of this thing on DVD, preferably in the format of complete box sets for each season. That will conclude today's rave.