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Honorverse TodayHVT-000 IntroductionWelcome to the Honorverse Today podcast! We’re glad you found us. We’re excited to have you enjoy the adventures of Honor Harrington with us as we work our way through this 14-book series written by David Weber. Styled after the classic Horatio Hornblower series, we’ll experience the naval adventures of exploration, military service, and combat—all brought into deep space. As the series begins, we meet Commander Honor Harrington, an already seasoned officer, and the captain of one of the Queen’s combat ships in the Royal Manticoran Navy. As the series progresses, we’ll watch Honor accept...2022-08-2142 min
The Dune Saga PodcastDune Saga Podcast #37 – Dune 2021On this episode of The Dune Saga Podcast, David, Scott, and Jim discuss the new Dune movie. While all agreed this was a brilliant film with a great script, exceptional cast, and superior film score, there were a few reservations voiced during the talk. Listen and compare your impressions with our hosts and see where … Continue reading2022-06-221h 16The Dune Saga PodcastThe Dune Saga Podcast #36 – Lady of CaladanOn this episode of the Dune Saga Podcast, David, Scott and Jim gather in the sietch to discuss the latest in the Caladan trilogy, Dune: The Lady of Caladan by Frank Herbert and Keven J. Anderson. This is the second installment of the trilogy focusing on the Lady Jessica who is at odds with her beloved Duke Leto, and … Continue reading2021-11-261h 09
The Babylon Project PodcastBPP Novel 9: To Dream in the City of Sorrows
This time we’re looking at the final novel in the set of nine (what people call) standalone novels: the much-anticipated To Dream in the City of Sorrows, by Kathryn M. Drennan. With what we already knew about this book, there was little concern about how good it was rumored to be. It was everything we’d expected and hoped for and/or remembered. Toward the end of the show, we mention that this was Raul’s third time reading the story over the years, it was Jim’s second, and JP’s first time through. It was unanimous that it wa...2021-08-0200 minThe Babylon Project PodcastBPP Novel 4: Clark’s Law
The next stand-alone novel we read and reviewed is Jim Mortimore’s Clark’s Law. This is the only novel he wrote within the B5 universe, although he has writing credits for novelizations within the Dr. Who universe. The print copy was published by Dell in February 1996, and ran 288 pages. The story takes place in 2259, at the end of Season 2 and occurs between “Comes the Inquisitor” and “The Fall of Night”. sometime prior to “The Coming of Shadows” (Season 2, Episode 9). This book is not considered canon.
Well, we went from liking the previous novel quite a bit to not liking th...2021-03-0100 minThe Dune Saga PodcastDune Saga Podcast #35: Duke of CaladanWelcome back to the Dune Saga Podcast. On this episode, David, Scott, and Jim comment on the newest Dune novel, Dune: The Duke of Caladan by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson. It is the first of a trilogy that will lead directly to the events of the original Dune by Frank Herbert. After an … Continue reading2021-01-221h 11The Dune Saga PodcastDune Saga Podcast #34 – Tales of Dune: Expanded EditionIn anticipation of the soon to be released Dune movie, David, Scott, and Jim discuss Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson’s Tales of Dune. This is a collection of eight stories set in different time periods in the Dune universe. The stories are entertaining and short, making this a perfect appetizer for the spice-loaded main … Continue reading2020-10-141h 12The Babylon Project PodcastBPP Crusade 110 – The Memory of War
As mentioned previously, the previous episode was intended to be the premiere for the series, and this episode was intended to air third.
This episode kicks off with Jane (our favorite actress Maggie Egan!) talking about how the Rangers are scouting for leads on potential cures, with the military research vessel Excalibur following up on specific leads. This explains why in earlier episodes (as aired) it seemed the Excalibur was sort of wondering around, almost purposelessly or without any real focus or urgency. Here, the Excalibur arrives at a planet, sends probes into the atmosphere, and begins p...2020-09-141h 22The Babylon Project PodcastBPP Crusade 109 – Racing The NightWe liked this episode for a number of reasons. Understanding that JMS originally intended this episode to be the premiere helped. With that in mind, it becomes clear why we’re seeing an assortment of character introductions that don’t seem to belong in the nine episode (as aired). It also explains why Max seems to be back to his fully-abrasive personality after we’ve seen several episodes he may have a heart and a moral compass that isn’t fully driven by corporate profit and politics as a company man.
The Excalibur’s crew is on a planet s...2020-08-311h 16The Babylon Project PodcastBPP Crusade 108 – Appearances and Other DeceitsThe last episode of the series filmed finds its way at this point in the season, with a B plot of the crew being fitted with “new” uniforms, which were actually the “old” uniforms to match the first episodes filmed. Your hosts talk about “what’s old is new again” as well as as follow the main storyline which has our crew discovering a ghost ship adrift. Bringing a survivor onto the ship, a medical technician touches the patient who dies after “infecting” her with something he was carrying.
Max works on deciphering symbols assumed to be the written langua...2020-08-171h 24The Babylon Project PodcastBPP Crusade 107 – The Rules of the Game
The Excalibur is on a voyage that has a deliberate connection to finding a cure for the plague and our crew finds themselves on Babylon 5 to work gaining access to a planet called Lorka 7. Max quickly runs into someone he probably didn’t want to see: his ex-wife. Gideon quickly finds himself arguing with the Brakiri for access to a planet they are the guardians for. The reason given why he can’t the visit the planet: rules regarding a religious order and the risk of their purity being compromised by corrupt visitors. Even so, we learn that...2020-08-031h 28The Babylon Project PodcastBPP Crusade 106 – Ruling From The Tomb
The episode opens on Mars, where we find Captain Lochley and Gideon together in advance of a conference convened to discuss the Drakh plague. Gideon is there since he’s the captain of the Excalibur; Lochley has been called away from Babylon 5 to head up the event security. She confidently declares the event “perfectly safe.” — Oh boy! Early in the episode we also see several tips of the hat to Ray Bradbury, starting with a visible street sign for Bradbury Street.
Lochley and Gideon seem slightly flirtatious, Max and our old friend Trace seem to be squabb...2020-07-201h 34The Babylon Project PodcastBPP Crusade 105 – Patterns of the Soul
Once again the crew is taken off the path to find a cure for the Drakh plague. The Excalibur is sent to Theta 49 where there is concern a small group of colonists might be contaminated with the plague. Gideon receive orders to find the colonists and bring them back to Earth—an unusual request. If they’re actually contaminated, it would be relatively simple to quarantine this secluded planet.
As Excalibur arrives, we get a glimpse of one of the colonists interacting with a representative of what appears to be an indigenous population. This elder tell...2020-07-061h 12The Babylon Project PodcastBPP Crusade 104 – The Path of Sorrows
In this episode, your hosts agree this felt like the usual B5 episode we’ve come to love. We also find the crew of the Excalibur on what appears to be a legitimate mission focused on finding a cure for the Drakh plague: a relatively unknown world that also happens to be a place of healing.
Upon arrival, the team finds a strange alien apparently entombed in a vessel, that has the ability to grant forgiveness and therefore a release from the emotional burden carried by others. We then see this creature begin to heal members of the c...2020-06-2200 minThe Dune Saga PodcastDune Saga Podcast #32 – Dune News and Listener FeedbackOnce again, David, Scott and Jim look at the latest Dune news and bring it to you. BOOM! Studios is planning a realease of the 1999 of House Atreides a twelve part comic series, Denis Villenueve spent a year designing the sand worm for the upcoming Dune movie, and compares his film to the Godfather films, … Continue reading2020-06-1957 minThe Babylon Project PodcastBPP Crusade 103 – The Well of ForeverWelcome back! We’re three episodes into Crusade and as you’ll hear, still reminding each other that this is a new show, with new characters who need to develop—meaning the actors and writers haven’t quite found the familiarity with the characters just yet, but that’s to be expected. This episode is one of only a few written by someone other than JMS.
Things kick off quickly, and a little ominously, with a Psi Corps ship approaching the Excalibur. We’re introduced to Mr. Jones, a Psi Cop of sorts, who is there to perform a sc...2020-06-081h 32The Babylon Project PodcastBPP Crusade 102 – The Long RoadThings kick off with a large, orange blob threatening some Earth Force folks and they’re calling for help. We quickly learn they’re crew from the Medusa, detailed to guard a planet-based mine on Regula 4. Meanwhile, the Excalibur is tasked to assist with the problem. Turns out the society there has rejected most forms of modern technology and they have… a dragon problem.
While is is the second episode broadcast, JMS intended for this to be episode 6, so if you feel like you might have missed some of the development of the crew’s storyline, you know why...2020-05-251h 20The Babylon Project PodcastBPP Crusade 101 – War ZoneHere we go! Having finished the original series and the movies, we’ve made our way to the spin-off series “Crusade”. For the fans of the B5 time line, the events in this series take place in 2267, just five years after the original series ended, and a year after the events in the movie “A Call to Arms”. This episode originally aired on June 9, 1999, and was the first of only 13 episodes that made their way to television. There were apparently a full 22 episodes planned, but the series was canceled early. It appears there was some intent for another five-year story, sim...2020-05-111h 26The Babylon Project PodcastBPP – A Call To ArmsWelcome to our fifth and final review of the Babylon 5 movies. A Call to Arms originally aired on TNT on January 3rd, 1999. The movie depicts events that happened one year before the spin-off series “Crusade”, and one year after the events in the movie “Legend of the Rangers”.
After the last movie we reviewed, this one was refreshing and felt like it comfortably belonged with the series. As the movie opens we see Delenn is the Vice President, and we learn Sheridan has been keeping below the radar. We quickly see why: he’s been involved in the creation of...2020-04-271h 34The Babylon Project PodcastBPP – Legend of the RangersThis is our fourth movie review of five for your hosts. “Legend of the Rangers: To Live and Die in Starlight” takes place in 2265, between the end of Season 5 (2263) and A Call to Arms (2266). It originally aired on January 19th, 2002 on the Sci Fi Channel. Written by JMS, it was intended to be a pilot for a new series, although it did not go to series due to low ratings.
The consensus from your hosts going in was this may be the least favorite of the movies we’ve looked at. As we’ve seen with other movies i...2020-04-131h 51The Babylon Project PodcastBPP – River of SoulsThis is the third movie of the Babylon 5 movies (not including The Gathering) and originally aired on November 8, 1998 on TNT. It takes place in the year 2263 between the 5th season of the series and the start of the spin-off series “Crusade”. If you’re a fan of Shakespeare, you probably recognize the title of this episode from Hamlet. Overall, an okay movie, but like many of the others it seems to be an idea that would fuel seasonal episode, stretched out to fill the length of a feature movie.
The movie kicks off with an awkward Indiana Jones...2020-03-301h 26The Dune Saga PodcastDune Saga Podcast #31 – Dune News and Listener FeedbackDavid, Scott, and Jim look at the latest Dune movie news on this episode of the Dune Saga Podcast. They discuss the cast of the upcoming film slated to release on December 18, 2020. Next is a brief discussion about how Kyle MacLachlan (Paul Atreides in the 1984 Dune) feels about the new film. Then … Continue reading2020-03-1631 minThe Babylon Project PodcastBPP – In The BeginningYour faithful hosts may not have enjoyed Thirdspace very much, but we did enjoy In the Beginning. It felt like it belonged with the series. The end of the movie ties in with War Without End from Season 3, but this movie also involves a period of time 10 years before the series began, AND approximately 15 years after it ended. Are you ready?
G’Kar and Delenn set things in motion through their opening monologues and the show kicks off with Centauri Prime in flames. Emperor Mollari is old and still on the throne, sad and alone in his th...2020-03-161h 45The Babylon Project PodcastBPP – Thirdspace
The first of five Babylon 5 movies we’ll watch and discuss. If you have the same box set as some of us do, Thirdspace is the third movie, but the one we start with. In terms of the show’s chronology, it takes place between Seasons 4 and 5.
The movie opens with a monologue by Sheridan. He tells us we’re between the wars in the year 2261. The raiders are a problem and we see a dear friend right in the middle of the fight addressing the problem: Susan Ivanova. In fine Ivanova fashion, when the raiders thre...2020-03-021h 44The Babylon Project PodcastBPP 522 – Sleeping in Light
With the last show leaving us satisfied with a very appropriate and emotional season ender, the SERIES concludes with this episode. If you thought the last one tugged on the heart strings, this one beats it, hands-down. Things begin with a monologue by Michael as we learn 20 years have passed since the incidents on Z’ha’dum and Lorien extending John’s life. The show opens with some certainty that John’s departure from this life is imminent. Listener, I hope your heart is ready.
John is having dreams that specifically lead him to believe — or know —...2020-02-171h 22The Babylon Project PodcastBPP 521 – Objects at Rest
As this episode opens, your hosts discuss that this is the SEASON ender—and it sure feels that way. You’re correct in that there’s one more episode, but the agreement is that the next and last episode is the SERIES ender. The situation: John and Delenn are leaving Babylon 5 and heading to Minbar to move into the new, permanent seat of the Alliance. Things kick off with a dialog, perhaps some reflecting, between Sheridan and Lockley about the adventure we’ve all participated in: “where does the time go?” And also the question, “what’s out there?”, ans...2020-02-031h 18The Babylon Project PodcastBPP 520 – Objects in Motion
This is the beginning of the end of the season in that this episode starts the real wrap up of where people are, and where they’re going. As the show opens we see Number 1 (we learn her name is Tessa) arriving on Babylon 5 to a less than warm reception. Dr. Franklin recognizes her though, and helps her ease through security. We quickly learn she’s looking for Michael on what appears to be urgent business — yes, she has her serious face on. Or is that her normal face? She’s taken to see Michael and finds him less...2020-01-201h 07The Dune Saga PodcastDune Saga Podcast #30 – Dune News and the Dune Game ReviewDavid, Scott, and Jim are back to bring you the most current news in the Dune universe. The release of the new Dune film is getting closer with each passing day, and your hosts are looking forward to it with great anticipation. Jim reported that he received the classic Dune Board game, and after an … Continue reading2020-01-1737 minThe Babylon Project PodcastBPP 519 – The Wheel of Fire
There aren’t really any lighthearted episodes to look forward to at this point, but we do get a break from the heaviness of the last two episodes. Wheel of Fire begins with Lockley greeting G’Kar as he returns to the station. In what is almost a comical moment, we learn that G’Kar has become an icon, with his followers posting images of him on the wall and carrying statues of him around. Even more offensive to G’Kar’s sensibilities and humility, they’re even kneeling in his presence!
Sheridan finally confronts Michel about...2020-01-0658 minThe Babylon Project PodcastBPP 518 – The Fall of Centauri Prime
The last episode essentially resumes after a (rare) recap of events that brought us to this point—a recap with BOOM. If the last episode contained one of the saddest moments in the season/series; at least one of your hosts feels this is perhaps the saddest episodes in the series. Events continue to unfold and play along a central theme to the series: there are consequences that result from actions.
As the bombs fall, one bright moment is when we get to see Londo race to G’Kar’s aid. Whatever their relationship was, we def...2019-12-231h 28The Babylon Project PodcastBPP 517 – Movements of Fire and Shadow
This episode further defines the divisions between the sides, and the issues that continue to surface and fester within the alliance. The war continues to be hot – as White Stars are authorized to attack Centauri. BOOM. Related to the White Stars, the fleet has been in constant use, and Sheridan appeals to Delenn for help in creating a new class of these amazing ships to satisfy the need for more, and a more capable fleet.
The Drazi aren’t returning the bodies of those they defeat (suspicious!), and Londo has formed a plan that he beli...2019-12-091h 02
The Babylon Project PodcastBPP 516 – And All My Dreams, Torn AsunderThe previous episode carries over as we see how the Alliance leadership manages bringing the evidence, and frankly charges, to Londo as the Centauri representative. In his absence, evidence is presented by Franklin, Garibaldi, and Lennier. After each round of testimony, the evidence is provided to Londo for consideration as he prepares for his time in front of the Council. G’Kar doesn’t testify and instead supports his friend through the proceedings, suggesting that while the evidence is damning, the Centauri are still innocent until formally proven guilty. In the end though, Londo provides no real defense and Sher...2019-11-251h 17
The Babylon Project PodcastBPP 515 – Darkness AscendingOur hosts open the discussion commenting on what begins as a disorienting episode — something horrible has happened to the station. Seems there was quite a bit of boom, but we quickly learn it was Michael’s nightmare.
Delenn receives information from Lennier and learns several disturbing things: the attacks on shipping have increased dramatically in number, and each attack appears to be preceded by a discrete and encoded Centauri transmission. Later in the episode, Lennier gets a little unorthodox in his attempt to gather additional, necessary information. The risk is great, Lennier almost loses his life, but the...2019-11-111h 19
The Babylon Project PodcastBPP 514 – Meditations on the AbyssWe all know Delenn is a strong and willful character, and in this episode we watch her take action to secretly gather necessary information (evidence) to implicate or exonerate the Centauri in the attacks on alliance shipping. She also does so in a way that gives Sheridan plausible deniability in the event the intelligence gathering mission is discovered. Lennier is tasked to gather the information and his response to Delenn is haunting: “I’ll do whatever you want, no matter the cost.” He’s subsequently assigned to a training ship to openly continue his Ranger training, but also in a positi...2019-10-2800 min
The Babylon Project PodcastBPP 513 – The Corps is Mother, The Corps is FatherThis is one of the most interesting episodes in the season, and perhaps the entire series. We get a chance to look in on what Bester’s life as a Psi Cop is like, as two interns are assigned to him as he works an unusual case: it seems a Psi Corps student has gone mad, has killed someone, and is now on the run. He’s no ordinary student and we watch Bester have to manage his interns while he pursues a truly dangerous individual. This may be the only episode where we see Bester show genuine concern and...2019-10-1400 minThe Babylon Project PodcastBPP 512 – The Ragged Edge
We join Sheridan as he’s lamenting over the bureaucratic side of life as the President of the Alliance, and with the Council in turmoil over the ongoing attacks, pressure mounts for the Alliance to do something. Seems the way the original charter was drafted, no one has authority outside their own sovereign space to take military action, and the Alliance is stretched thin. The show opens with some boom and we watch three key points unfold along the ragged edge: the new problem of how to get (or allow) member races to contribute to the common de...2019-09-3000 minThe Babylon Project PodcastBPP 511 – Phoenix Rising
Lots of things unfold and many separate threads of the story intertwine. Byron’s rebels are armed, Psi Corps arrives and Bester briefs his troops. While this is happening, Byron wants to talk to Sheridan. Michael is looking to find a way to get at Bester—old wounds aren’t healed and Michael wants to get even. Byron’s armed separatists take hostages in Med Lab
Byron makes his way to Med Lab undetected, then in a surprise turn of events, shoots one of his own to take control of the situation. He then negotiates for the...2019-09-161h 12The Babylon Project PodcastBPP 510 – A Tragedy of Telepaths
Byron’s story continues as a group of his followers wall themselves into a section of the station, with intent to take actions to secure their future. No more pacifism for this group as they see Byron’s plan failing. Meanwhile, he continues down the path of martyrdom. By the episode’s end, Bloodhound Units are arriving on the station to round up Byron’s followers.
On Centauri Prime, Londo and G’Kar are surprised when they discover Na’Toth being held prisoner by the Regent for at least the past two years. She was essentially...2019-09-0200 minThe Babylon Project PodcastBPP 509 – In the Kingdom of the Blind
Starting with this episode, we see three consecutive episodes about telepaths, then have a break from the telepath storyline, followed by a fourth episode that essentially culminates the main storyline of the human teeps. In this episode, we watch Byron and his crew make a final attempt to gain a homeworld of their own. It’s done badly as we learn he significantly lacks the ability of diplomatic or strategic thinking. He also loses control of some of his people, which results in violence for a second time. Desperate and out of options, Bryon’s followers secretly scan...2019-08-1900 minThe Babylon Project PodcastBPP 508 – Day of the Dead
An interesting and very strange episode. After some discussion and some hesitation, the decision is made to honor a request by the Brakiri to celebrate a very special and rare religious custom on B5. The ceremony requires them to conduct the ceremony on Brakiri soil and as a result they actually purchase (not rent) a significant segment of the station, to be returned after the ceremony is complete. The custom: The Day of the Dead. It’s not quite what you think it might be, and it ends up not quite being what the non-Brakiri on the st...2019-08-0500 minThe Dune Saga PodcastDune Saga Podcast #29: Dune News & DiscussionFilming has wrapped on the new Dune movie and the internet is exploding with rumors that a major character is being gender-bent! David, Scott, and Jim have combed the internet and discuss their findings. Join us for this edition of Dune News and Discussion that includes the proper pronunciation of Villeneuve!2019-08-0146 minThe Babylon Project PodcastBPP 507 – Secrets of the Soul
There’s no relief in sight for the building tension in this fifth and final season. As we watch a number of storylines unfold, our attention is held by Zack’s growing jealousy and frustration with Lyta’s clear fondness, emerging loyalty, and maybe even love for Byron.
Lyta seems to be driven to the point of finding identity and comfort among this family of rogue telepaths: the Vorlons abused her, and her non-telepathic colleagues haven’t trusted her and even shun her. But in the best of circumstances, we still don’t really know what Byron...2019-07-2200 minThe Babylon Project PodcastBPP 506 – Strange Relations
Have you been looking for some traditional boom? You’re certainly going to get some in this episode! An inbound vessel crashes into the docking bay when the captain disregards direction from C&C. Then, in an apparent assassination attempt, the ship intended to carry future Emperor Mollari back to Centauri Prime explodes as it starts its departure from B5. What a way to start an episode!
And we see several strange relationships play out as the episode unfolds. We find Lyta stealing from Dr. Franklin and Med Lab in an effort to provide supplies to...2019-07-081h 10The Babylon Project PodcastBPP 505 – Learning Curve
Welcome to the episode that drew the most passion out of your hosts. This is a controversial episode in that it’s theme revolves around the Minbari’s traditional/historic doctrine of Mora’dum (or the application of terror) associated with the training of the Anla-shok. This is a two-edged sword of sorts. Something happens that causes terror in a Ranger; and the Ranger is then required to inflict terror in return to gain their confidence and strength back.
Two issues surface as the episode unfolds: what are the limits of the terror a Ranger is all...2019-06-241h 39The Dune Saga PodcastDune Saga Podcast #28: Dune 2020 Movie and The Sisterhood TV Series NewsGreetings and enjoy David, Scott, and Jim’s discussion of the latest Dune News! In this update, we learn that the director of the upcoming Dune movie is also planning a television show focusing on the Bene Geserit Sisterhood! Jason Mamoa has wrapped his scenes in the film, and we get a promise that the new … Continue reading2019-06-2136 minThe Babylon Project PodcastBPP 504 – A View From The Gallery
We’ve spent four seasons watching galactic events unfold from the points of view of our heroes. In this interesting episode, we get to see a special view from the perspective of “every man”, or perhaps from a few fellows who sit in what’s often referred to as “the peanut gallery”. Meet Mack and Bo, two maintenance workers on Babylon 5 who have also been witnesses to the events we’ve seen. We get to enjoy their perspectives and thoughts as the station is attacked and they are witnesses to the actions, and even some discussions, of our leaders.2019-06-1000 minThe Babylon Project PodcastBPP 503 – The Paragon of Animals
If you’re a fan of Shakespeare, you probably recognize the title of this episode from Hamlet, or perhaps as a reference to Psalm 8:5. The episode kicks off with us seeing the Council hasn’t changed much, debate is freely occurring, and we see some angry resistance from the Drazi as they refuse to sign the Alliance’s Declaration of Principles. Rather than signing as an affirmation of their support for the principles, they feign indignation saying that they don’t need to sign because it suggests their support to the Alliance is in question.
In anoth...2019-05-271h 12The Babylon Project PodcastBPP 502 – The Very Long Night of Londo MollariWe learn Londo is now on a deliberate path and timeline to become emperor, followed shortly by an apparent poisoning. We quickly learn that he’s in medical distress due to a heart attack – not poison – and his long night of self examination begins. With one of his two hearts damaged, and due to the associated difficulty to render medical aid, Londo finds himself cradled in the arms of death and wrestling with his past.
Meanwhile, Lennier’s unrequited love for Delenn comes to a head and he decides to join the Rangers. Is he following a path he’...2019-05-131h 10The Dune Saga PodcastDune Saga Podcast #27: Dune 2020 Movie NewsOnce again, David, Scott, and Jim are back with yet more 2020 Dune Movie news. In this episode, our intrepid DSP crew explore the question, will we finally get the Dune Movie we fans deserve. There seems to be some differing opinions on the answer to this one. Also, it was announced how Stellan Skarsgård … Continue reading2019-05-1337 minThe Babylon Project PodcastBPP 501 – No CompromisesThe fifth and final season begins with our introduction to Captain Elizabeth Lochley. In some ways she’s a lightning rod of a character with a strong personality, a strong military record, and a plan for fixing Babylon 5. Many view her at Ivanova’s replacement, but she’s really Sheridan’s as the new commander of B5, and her initial contact with some of the members of her command staff is—let’s say abrasive. Her initial contact with Garibaldi even more so.
Join Raul, Jim and JP as they discuss Mars, Minbar, a dead Ranger, a music box, a...2019-04-2900 minThe Babylon Project PodcastBPP 422 – The Deconstruction of Falling Stars
Join us for what Join us for what is perhaps the oddest episode of the entire series. In this set of vignettes, we’re prepared for Season 5 through several snapshots in time. Our journey begins with John and Delenn’s new marriage, then jumps ahead in time several times. As the episode unfolds, we move ahead from the key events we’ve just witnessed by a year, then 100 years, 500 years, 1000 years, and finally 1,000,000 years. It’s a wild ride that can surprise a new viewer with things that change, and probably even more-so by things that don’t. As odd as...2019-04-1500 minThe Babylon Project PodcastBPP 421 – Rising Star
After the intensity of the last episode, and the end of the war, we see things wrapping up. Marcus is dying and his final moments show some of Claudia Christian’s (Ivanova) best performances in the series. Sheridan is a full participant in what must come next for him, and showing us all the integrity we’ve grown fond of, ensures the right thing is done. What is left of the system is strained and bruised, and John holds himself accountable in addition to allowing the fragile and recovering system to deal with him. And in the mix...2019-04-011h 28The Babylon Project PodcastBPP 420 – Endgame
The season is coming to a head as things kick off with our heroes back on Babylon 5. In this heavily emotional episode, Susan appears to be mortally wounded, and Marcus is in worse shape than she is emotionally. Michael appears to be back—as his old self and back on the team in good standing—as things come to a head on Mars. Sheridan’s forces release their own secret weapon in the form of 30 very unique bombs, and it becomes clear the plan to win the war includes bypassing Mars and going straight to Earth.
Unde...2019-03-1800 minThe Dune Saga PodcastDune Saga Podcast #26: Dune 2020 Movie Casting NewsIt’s been a long time and we miss you all. David, Scott and Jim have have been doing the Orbital Sword Podcast. But we are back to discuss the news on the newly anticipated Dune movie, coming out in November of 2020. We talk casting news.2019-03-1646 minThe Babylon Project PodcastBPP 419 – Between the Darkness and the Light
Should we worry about the number of Earth Force defectors, and how easy they’re coming over to support Sheridan and the Resistance? Is Clark simply so bad as to fuel so many to change sides and risk charges of treason? Or could some of the defectors be double agents? Ivanova leads a fleet of White Star ships on a mission, and we hear about Earth Force ships with an advanced design—apparently some sort of secret weapon.
Everyone seems to be falling behind Sheridan, Clark plans an ambush, and Garibaldi contacts the Resistance on Mars on...2019-03-0400 minThe Babylon Project PodcastBPP 418 – Intersections in Real Time
In this out of the ordinary episode, we discuss what’s happening now that Sheridan is imprisoned and Clark wants a confession. He’s interrogated and pressured to make a live public statement to confirm what we know as viewers is false. But in the context of his interrogation, we learn a number of things about the world inside the show: Clark’s people believe that ends justify the means, and so truth is subjective. Whether something is true or not, it doesn’t really matter. Truth is immaterial. In fact, the goal is to make John decide to “believe d...2019-02-181h 10The Babylon Project PodcastBPP 417 – The Face of the Enemy
War gets closer to Earth and more former Earth Force ships are aligning themselves with sides. Sheridan’s dad is captured and being used as bait to lure Sheridan to Mars to be captured. Mike delivered the news to Sheridan that his dad was captured and Sheridan should meet with the folks involved on Mars. Even though he’s warned against it and told it could be a trap, he goes anyway.
Talking with Garibaldi, Edgars confirms his view that Psi Corps is the problem as he sees it, and the drugs mentioned last episode are in fac...2019-02-041h 24The Babylon Project PodcastBPP 416 – The Exercise of Vital Powers (Repost)
William Edgars is quite powerful! Maybe more than we imagined. Garibaldi arrives on Mars and has a bunch of questions for Mr. Edgars, his new boss: first about his drug smuggling through B5; and also about receiving help from Edgars to stop Sheridan. What initially looked like a plan to help telepaths with some sort of cure for a problem ends up being a part of a larger plot to ensure telepaths can’t take control of all things human, and Garibaldi finds an ally in his quest to stop Sheridan and get him “proper treatment.” We also hear Edgars...2019-01-231h 17The Babylon Project PodcastBPP 416 – The Exercise of Vital Powers
William Edgars is quite powerful! Maybe more than we imagined. Garibaldi arrives on Mars and has a bunch of questions for Mr. Edgars, his new boss: first about his drug smuggling through B5; and also about receiving help from Edgars to stop Sheridan. What initially looked like a plan to help telepaths with some sort of cure for a problem ends up being a part of a larger plot to ensure telepaths can’t take control of all things human, and Garibaldi finds an ally in his quest to stop Sheridan and get him “proper treatment.” We also hear Edgars...2019-01-211h 17The Babylon Project PodcastBPP 415 – No Surrender, No Retreat
Enough is enough, and we find ourselves in the War Room again. Sheridan is compelled to start taking action and holds a meeting with the ambassadors from the non-aligned worlds. He states the price for them to continue to continue their relationship with B5: each will provide a warship to contribute to the protection of B5, and break their alliances with Earth.
And we have some boom. Quite a bit actually, as the forces aligned with B5 exchange blows with Earth Force vessels. In the end several of the earth force ships join B5 in its stand...2019-01-071h 27The Babylon Project PodcastBPP 414 – Moments of Transition
This aptly named episode gives Raul, Jim and JP a lot to talk about. Lots of transition happens in various story arcs, and with individual characters.
The conflict on Minbar between the Warrior and Religious castes comes back into focus as Delenn prepares to surrender to calm the situation. There are a few surprises and the Grey Council is re-established. Psi-Corps continues to maneuver. And while Lyta is looking for work on the station, Bester offers her a job as a covered agent. Understandably reluctant at first, she ends up taking the job and we’re...2018-12-241h 20The Babylon Project PodcastBPP 413 – Rumors, Bargains and Lies
In this episode, Sheridan continues bargaining to establish the necessary elements of, and allies for, his campaign against Clark by creating the perception certain things are happening that might cause real harm to the worlds who aren’t very supportive of joining the fight. Certain bits of information (rumors, lies?) are spread by just the right people, at just the right time, and the results are interesting—maybe even funny at times. The Drazi in particular, end up very worked up over what they’re told is “nothing”, leading them to fall into supporting Sheridan.
Meanwhile, Min...2018-12-1000 minThe Babylon Project PodcastBPP 412 – Conflicts of Interest
So many interests are in play now, often in conflict. Here are a few of the big ones, and no doubt there are more woven through the storyline:
Conflict 1: Garibaldi is working as a private Investigator and still using government gear—a PPG and identification credentials issued to him by B5 when he was the Security Chief. Now he’s using them to facilitate his private (and at times illicit) work, and Sheridan puts a stop to it. Garibaldi is angry about it even though he knows better, and it further fuels his contrarian view of Sheri...2018-11-261h 13The Babylon Project PodcastBPP 411 – Lines of Communication
Things are starting to build toward open conflict between Clark’s government and Sheridan’s forces. With everything else going on though, things begin to interfere with the plans to counter Clark.
On Mars, Number One is furious when when a bomb goes off in a hotel, risking blame against the Resistance and allowing Clark to create more propaganda. Attention of any kind, especially the wrong kind, may very well bring an end to their work. Away from Mars, Minbari allies are being attacked. Delenn arrives on-scene and makes contact with a new race—the Drakh...2018-11-1200 minThe Babylon Project PodcastBPP 410 – Racing Mars
Oh, Steven!
What can we say? We all love it when we have a Dr. Franklin/Marcus episode. There was just a really great chemistry between the two. They’re on Mars to get help from the Mars resistance as part of Sheridan’s plan to take back Earth. Why a doctor for a military operation, you might ask? We’ll find out at the end of the season.
We also meet someone who becomes an instant fan favorite, known only for the longest time as Number One. We do eventually find out her actual na...2018-10-2900 minThe Babylon Project PodcastBPP 409 – Atonement
Poor John. Problems with the in-laws has gone to a whole new level here.
Seriously, though, Delenn has been running a bit rogue the last several seasons and it’s time to pay the bill. One good thing for us, is that we get to see full-Minbari Delenn again. And we have some interesting guest appearances from the past.
Even better is that we get a lot of answers about Earth-Minbari relations that we have been wondering about since the original pilot movie. Delenn gets some very surprising answers, as well. It turns...2018-10-1500 minThe Babylon Project PodcastBPP 408 – The Illusion of Truth
There’s an old joke. How do you know a reporter is lying? His lips are moving. Ok, I’ve heard it used for several other professions, as well, but oh man, does it apply to this episode! Seriously, though, an honest and free press is important to a democratic society. In this case, we see the power of a press under the control of a dictator at work. That is an entirely different animal.
The Babylon 5 command staff allow an ISN reporter onto the station as a follow up from season 2’s And Now For A Word. Y...2018-10-0100 minThe Babylon Project PodcastBPP 407 – Epiphanies
Yeah, we certainly do have a few lightbulbs going on.
Bester’s got a few ideas to help save his lover involving Z’ha’dum.
Londo has the idea that it might not be quite safe for him on Centauri Prime. You know, killing the emperor, and all that, might have made a few people vengeful.
Zack thinks it might be a bad idea for Mike to quit and Mike is drawing faces in the mirror.
Lyta has the bright idea to stick it to Bester and Captain Sheridan passes...2018-09-1700 min
SciFi Diner PodcastScifi Rewind 338 – Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country with Jim Arrowood (Host of the Orbital Sword, the Babylon 5 Project, and Bound by Honor Podcasts)Tonight’s Menu: On this rewind, Jim Arrowood joins us as we share our thoughts about Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country. Scifi Rewind 338 – Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country with Jim Arrowood (Host of the Orbital Sword, the Babylon 5 Project, and Bound by Honor Podcasts) This show is brought to you by Patreon […]2018-09-131h 28The Babylon Project PodcastBPP 406 – Into The Fire
That’s one happy Vir! Londo gave him what he wants.
And episode 406 is giving fans what they want.
What we have been building towards for over three years now comes to a head in this episode. The Vorlons and the Shadows have been fighting it out … well, more like taking it out on the Younger Races. Sheridan is going to make sure everyone, Vorlons, Shadows, and the Army of Light all know the truth.
Raul, Jim, and JP talk much about endings this episode. That’s natural, since this episode marks the...2018-09-0300 minThe Babylon Project PodcastBPP 405 – The Long Night
Last time, G’kar had the long night. This time, pretty much everyone else does.
Sheridan has been building the largest fleet in known history to fight both the Vorlons and the Shadows. At the same time. That weight certainly ruins the night.
Susan is Russian. Of course she’s having a bad night. On the bright side, she does get a promise of making a noble gesture at the end of all things.
Neither expect to be coming back. Certainly a long night there.
If you’re a jester, in th...2018-08-201h 01The Babylon Project PodcastBPP 404 – Falling Toward Apotheosis
Well, we’re four episodes in and now Sheridan’s back, Garibladi’s back, even Mr. Morden is back. In fact, everything is back to normal. Or at least Babylon 5’s version of “normal” which is anything but. You see, Sheridan is playing host to a Vorlon, the Centuari are playing host to a Shadow fleet, and Mike seems to have a host of problems with Lorien.
On the larger scale, the Vorlons are on a rampage, wiping out entire worlds – not the populations, but the whole planet – that have played host to the Shadows. News of this is a bi...2018-08-0600 minThe Babylon Project PodcastBPP 403 – The Summoning
Interesting title: The Summoning.
Cartagia summons Londo. (A couple of times, actually.)
Lyta summons the Vorlon. (Yeah, that probably won’t work out well. Go figure.)
Sheridan summons the League. (He’s better now.)
The Vorlons summon their big guns. (And they’re not afraid to use it.)
Marcus summons unicorns. (Let’s not go there…)
While the first may be the most obvious, the rest certainly apply as well. Ok, perhaps not the unicorns, though it might be easier to find one than it seems in finding Fi...2018-07-2300 minThe Babylon Project PodcastBPP 402 – Whatever Happened to Mr. Garibaldi?Good question. It’s been 9 days since both Sheridan and Garibaldi had disappeared.
Inquiring Narn want to know. And inquiring Rangers want to help him know. Sadly for G’Kar, things don’t work out quite the way he expects. However, it does play well into his path of destiny. Let’s be honest, we all know that sooner or later the Centauri had to get their hands on him. We know that from the visions of previous seasons. Actually, the capture of G’Kar sets the destinies of both he and Londo in motion.
In spite of the tit...2018-07-091h 17The Babylon Project PodcastBPP 401 – The Hour of the WolfWe left season 3 with Captain Sheridan presumed dead in destruction of the Shadow city. Mr. Garibaldi is missing. The Shadows have been dealt a massive blow. And, well… things are generally in a huge mess.
Welcome to season 4.
Ingmar Bergman’s film describes the hour of the wolf as this:
The hour between night and dawn. The hour when most people die, when sleep is deepest, when nightmares are most real. It is the hour when the sleepless are haunted by their deepest fears, when ghost and demons are most powerful, the hour of the...2018-06-2500 minThe Babylon Project PodcastBPP 322 – Z’ha’dumThis is it! The episode we have all been waiting for.
Sheridan took on and defeated the Shadows in a military confrontation last episode. Now he has to confront them and win on an individual level. We all knew that sooner or later, John would be going to Z’ha’dum and this is it. Nobody could have imagined the circumstances, however.
This episode ties back not only to obvious Shadow war foreshadowing throughout the series, but also specifically to things we’ve seen in War Without End and Babylon Squared. We have a lot of closure...2018-06-1100 minThe Babylon Project PodcastBPP 321 – Shadow DancingZ minus 7 days…
Hmmm, think that “Z minus” thing might mean something? Last week it was 14. This week it’s 7.
Oh, and did we mention that there’s only one episode after this one in season 3?
The team is struggling to get the League worlds to commit ships to Sheridan’s plan, partly because he is keeping them in the dark regarding many of the details. Eventually, the agree to provide support, and everything is in motion to take on the Shadows directly. The battle is an amazing piece of production that is far beyond what...2018-05-2800 minThe Babylon Project PodcastBPP 312 – Sic Transit VirHmm… Well, yes. Thus passes the man. Or the Centauri.
How do I put it. Yeah. That’s it. Vir gets the girl. And what a girl she is. She does make bald look good.
Raul can’t look at this episode without thinking “Flounder.” This really is one of the funniest episodes of the series. JMS, however, being who he is makes a hard shift and suddenly gets much darker than expected. We also get a solid lesson in how no good deed goes unpunished. Ok, we also get a bit of a lesson in bad dee...2018-01-231h 00The Babylon Project PodcastBPP – Feedback December 2017Now I have a machine gun…
Ho! Ho! Ho!
You’ll shoot your eye out kid.
Uh… no.
We’re not the Classic Christmas Movie podcast.
But we’re also not entirely the Babylon Project Podcast today, either. Well, yes we are, but tonight we’re not talking about, “The next exciting episode…” What we are talking about is all the wonderful feedback we have gotten from you, our listeners. For Jim, Raul, and now JP, hosting, Troy’s brilliant editing and Anthea’s voice on the credits, this podcast has been a labor of...2017-12-2500 minThe Babylon Project PodcastBPP 310 – Severed Dreams – Fixed[A special “Thank you,” to listener Big Brother (@back2babylon5 on Twitter) for letting me know the link wasn’t in the post. We should be fixed now.]
“Be somewhere else.”
Probably one of the strongest lines in science fiction television. Raw power and an absolute willingness to use it. We’ve seen some of the flirty or feminine Delenn lately, so we might have forgotten she was a member of the Grey Council – and the chosen of Dukat – for a reason.
But that’s just one of many “wham” points for this episode. All the tension...2017-12-1200 minThe Babylon Project PodcastBPP 309 – Point of No ReturnRaul and Jim are quite wrong in this episode. JP Harvey is NOT a guest. As of this episode he joins the podcast are our third host of the show and we are all much better for it.
Joining JP in our exalted guest list is the appearance of Majel Barrett-Roddenberry. With those two, can it get any better? Well, yes it can. We also get the ever popular Marshall Teague back as Ta’Lon. OH! And Maggie is back!
A cast like this can only mean that we are in for a very special episode. ...2017-11-2800 minThe Babylon Project PodcastBPP 308 – Messages From EarthPresident Clark is a creep. No doubt about it. We see it in a couple ways in this episode. First we have his nameless representative from Nightwatch nudging into station security and putting pressure on Zack. Bet that armband is beginning to feel a lot tighter and noose-like. Then we have him – and Psi Corp, apparently – trying to put the double cross on the Shadows. One wonders how much of that is evil and how much is just plain stupidity. (Hint: we actually find out somewhat at the end of season 4, so stay tuned.)
It turns out that this i...2017-11-1700 minThe Dune Saga PodcastThe Dune Saga Podcast #25: Navigators of DuneAfter some mishaps with lost files and other difficulties, David, Scott and Jim have finally gotten their spice together and recorded their thoughts on the latest of the Dune series of books by Brian Herbert and Kevin J, Anderson, Navigators of Dune.2017-07-1256 minThe Dune Saga PodcastThe Dune Saga Podcast #21: National Lampoon’s DoonWhen she saw the cover of National Lampoon’s Doon, Jim’s daughter asked, “what’s up with the chef riding the giant pretzel?” Well, to be honest, Scott, David, and Jim discussed that very question in this review of a spoof on the book by Frank Herbert. Is it making fun of, or is it a tribute? Tune in … Continue reading2016-03-0355 minThe Dune Saga PodcastThe Dune Saga Podcast: Listener Feedback #18Our hosts, David, Scott, and Jim delve into the electronic mail bag to read and comment on your contributions to our Listener Feedback show. With real life rearing its ugly head, the guys have been busy with their day jobs and the mail has piled up, but never fear, we manage to get through everything … Continue reading2016-01-0550 minThe Dune Saga PodcastThe Dune Saga Podcast #20: The Road to DuneJoin us on this episode of The Dune Saga Podcast as David, Scott, and Jim go down a road that finds them at opposite ends of the spectrum as they analyze Frank Herbert, Brian Herbert, and Kevin J. Anderson’s Road to Dune, a companion book to the Dune series. Therein is contained several articles, short stories, and deleted scenes … Continue reading2015-12-141h 07The Dune Saga PodcastThe Dune Saga Podcast #19: Sandworms of DuneIs this the Kwisats Haderach you’ve been looking for? Listen to this episode in which David, Scott, and Jim take a close look at Sandworms of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson. This novel is intended to finish the story presented in Frank Herberts original Dune series. So how does it all end? Does the … Continue reading2015-11-0659 minThe Dune Saga PodcastListener Feedback #16In this Dune Saga Podcast Listener Feedback show, Join David, Scott, and Jim as they read and respond to your feedback on Hunters of Dune as well as other interesting and fun banter. We love to hear from our listeners and encourage you to contribute to dunesagapodcast@gmail.com with an e-mail or by recording and sending … Continue reading2015-10-291h 04The Dune Saga PodcastThe Dune Saga Podcast at OSFest 8: The FremenOnce again our very own co-host, Jim attended the Omaha OSFest 8 convention in Omaha, Nebraska and, along with his friends, John Shoberg and Pat Kennedy, hosted a Dune panel. This years focus was on the Fremen. Listen in and enjoy this special edition of The Dune Saga Podcast.2015-10-211h 00The Dune Saga PodcastThe Dune Saga Podcast #15: God Emperor of DuneJoin David, Scott, and Jim as they take a close look at the events that will change the universe forever in Frank Herbert's God Emperor of Dune.2015-04-171h 10The Dune Saga PodcastThe Dune Saga Podcast #13: Children of DuneOpinions fly all over the place as Jim, Scott, and David discuss the ins and outs of Frank Herberts Children of Dune. Tune in and let us know where you stand on the book.2015-01-131h 10The Dune Saga PodcastThe Dune Saga Podcast #12: The Winds of DuneThe face of Dune is changing, and so is everything else in the post Muad'Dib world and there are plots within plots galore in Winds of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson. Join David, Scott, and Jim as they break it down.2014-11-181h 13The Dune Saga PodcastListener Feedback #8What the heck is a Lute anyway? Well in this episode, David, Scott and Jim not only take a look in the mailbag and read the thoughts of you, the faithful listener, but it seems that Jim will never live down his rant on mistaken musical identity from the Frank Herbert’s Dune Miniseries. A fun … Continue reading2014-09-1851 minThe Dune Saga PodcastThe Dune Saga Podcast #10: Dune MiniseriesIt's time to dissect the 3 part SciFi (now SyFy) Channel miniseries Frank Herbert's Dune. And with Jim on the case, no prop is left unscrutinized.2014-09-0456 minThe Dune Saga PodcastListener Feedback #6Things get a little 'spicy' as our hosts, David, Scott, and Jim are called out by a listener on what is a very valid point. This and much more as we hear your thoughts on David Lynch's Dune.2014-07-181h 16The Dune Saga PodcastThe Dune Saga Podcast #6: House CorrinoAt the speed of a Guild Heighliner, David, Scott and Jim take you through a discussion of the third and Final book of the Prelude to Dune series, Dune: House Corrino.2014-05-011h 01The Dune Saga PodcastThe Dune Saga Podcast #3: The Battle of CorrinDavid, Scott and Jim gather once again for a discussion of Dune: The Battle of Corrin, the third and final book of The Legends of Dune series by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson.2014-01-291h 07The Dune Saga PodcastThe Dune Saga Podcast #2: The Machine CrusadeYou are invited to join David, Scott, and Jim as we take a close look at Dune: The Machine Crusade, the second in the Legends of Dune trilogy by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson. We discuss our favorite plot points, the growth and development of the characters, and reveal some of our favorite quotes from the book.2013-12-201h 22The Dune Saga PodcastThe Dune Saga Podcast #1: The Butlerian JihadWelcome to our review and discussion on the first book in the Legends of Dune series, Dune: The Butlerian Jihad by Kevin J. Anderson and Brian Herbert. In this podcast, David, Scott, and Jim discuss over all thoughts on the book, how it lines up to Frank Herbert's Dune, our expectations of the book, favorite moments and quotes, our ratings, and responding to listener feedback.2013-11-1842 minThe Dune Saga PodcastAnd So It Begins….Get to know the hosts Scott Hertzog, David Mouton, and Jim Arrowood and learn about the journey that will be The Dune Saga Podcast in this inaugural episode.2013-10-1119 min