The Lurker's Guide to Babylon 5

Hop in the nearest jump gate and explore the Babylon 5 universe

• The Lurker's Guide to Babylon 5
• by Steven Grimm
• koreth@hyperion.com
• Supports text only

o call this site a guide is an understatement. Encyclopedia would be more accurate. The Lurker's Guide is a complete reference to Babylon 5, one of the most innovative science fiction television programs on the air. The guide contains episode synopses, trivia, behind-the-scenes information and analysis, as well as links to other B5 resources and much more. (Using the guide, readers will quickly learn that a "lurker" isBabylon 5 parlance for a homeless person living in the Downbelow areas of the Babylon 5 space station.)

The Lurker's Guide has five major sections, which start with The Babylon 5 Universe. This section introduces the show, giving background on historical events (such as the Earth-Minbari War) that have shaped its political and social climate. Much of the information is taken from postings and other material by J. Michael Straczynski, the creator and executive producer of Babylon 5.

The next area is devoted to the Episodes themselves. This is the heart of the guide. For each episode there is an overview and a section on "Backplot" which gives information on how the episode relates to the overall story arc. Then comes "Unanswered Questions" such as: Why is G'Kar, after serving 5 years on the Narn council, now serving as the Narn diplomat to Babylon 5? Is this a move up, or down? This is followed by "Analysis," which provides insights into the characters and plot, as well as cross references to other episodes. The episode guides often point out details that viewers might have missed: For the record, Londo and Vir eat their fruits, Garibaldi declines... "JMS Speaks" contains Straczynski's comments about the episode, gathered from various sources.

Other sections include The Making of Babylon 5, which moves away from fiction to the reality of the program, and Other Babylon 5 Resources, which lists additional online and print resources.

The Lurker's Guide is untiring in its mission to serve forth Babylon 5 information in a variety of ways. The episode guides are updated constantly, adding new facts and insights whenever they become available. The site is easy to navigate and the graphics are attractive and useful without being obtrusive. Other nice (and necessary) touches include a search engine, an index and online help. The site managers even go the extra mile and provide quick guides to each episode, in addition to the more in-depth coverage provided.

Babylon 5 veterans will find The Lurker's Guide an invaluable reference, and newcomers will find it a great introduction to the show. In fact, it's a far better resource than the official Babylon 5 site operated by Warner Bros.

This is the most thorough yet concise fan-operated Web site I have ever visited. "Professional" sites that tie in to other television programs should take note.-- Brooks

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