I have the series on DVD but I’ve never seriously cracked it, only seen a few episodes. Was wondering what people here think, is it as good as the internet often says it is? I know it was an inspiration for one of my favorite franchises (Mass Effect) and The Orville had a cute reference to it by making its main actor the president of the Planetary Union, but that’s the extent of my B5 knowledge. So anyway, should I binge the series?
There are problems with Season 1, Season 2 has a better hook and because they replaced the commander and are doing a bunch of catch up work, there’s no harm starting there then circling back.
Season 1 is a slow burn and there are a lot of filler episodes that don’t go anywhere (looking at you Infection, Deathwalker, Believers, TKO).
That being said, the must watch season 1 episodes:
1-3, 5-8, 11-13, 16-20, 22.
That’s pretty much the case of S01 of any series, especially sci-fi, especially from the 90’s.
I’m in the minority who believes Fox was right to start Firefly with the Train Robbery, so what do I know? :) (I know my wife fell asleep 1/2 way through the original pilot.)
Possibly… It’s true that people want instant gratification, and also true that pilots tend to kinda suck (see B5 actually).
I think these days the show creators have gotten better at hitting the ground running from the start.