TV/Movie Review: Babylon 5
Legend of the Rangers
Review by Jennifer L. Oberlander
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"We live for the one, we die for the one, but we don't die stupidly." These are the words spoken by the rebellious leader Dylan Neal that closes the action teaser for the latest in the Babylon epic, 'Legend of the Rangers'. Like many die-hard B5 fans, we settled down to watch this, hoping it would live up to the legacy of Babylon Five, and not be another disappointment like the late and unlamented 'Excalibur.' In my opinion, it does show much promise.
The story opens with Dylan Neal under suspension for not following a group of raiders with his crippled ship, thus breaking the Ranger code. Enter G'Kar, who intervenes on his behalf. It's good to see the character again; he was always one of my favorite characters of the old series. It looks like he may play a big part in this series. I personally hope so. Needless to say, Dylan is cleared and granted his own ship: The 20-year old cursed L'landra. The rest of tale is typical B5, with a great deal of character interaction, a plot, and sub-plots.
The main element is a new menace of great power, beyond any seen previously, known only as 'The Hand.'
What made B5 attractive were its characters and the varied alien races, and this new series seems to be living up to that tradition quite nicely. The second-in-command, Dulann, and Dylan seem to have several verbal sparring matches almost reminiscent of the old exchanges between one particular captain and his pointy eared executive officer. We didn't get to see too much of Na'feel, but she appears to a be no-nonsense Narn, with their typical 'charming' personality. The Drazzi, Tirk is also a nice edition. I couldn't help but laugh during the brief exchange between him and the Drazzi ambassador. How the conversation went, I am not saying, nor will I say too much about the plot. Watch the show - it's bound to be repeated -- you won't be disappointed.
The weapons chief, Sarah Cantrell, has a fiery temper with red hair to match; the typical attitude of any combat person, ready for a fight. I guess that kind of goes with the job. Her personality and viewpoints almost remind me of Ivanava.
The only problem I had with program was the combat system. An energy web of sorts surrounds Sarah and she becomes a kind of living weapon directing the shots through the use of her hands and feet while appearing to float out in middle of space. While it does follow the Ranger credo of personal combat, it would seem to be more effective to have a standard weapons array than doing kung-fu moves in space. Admittedly, though, that would be less dramatic.
Overall, I was pleased with movie, and look forward to the series, which has been mentioned several times. The creators have brought some of the charm that attracted so many to B5 before to this new effort. One can already start to relate to these characters and care what happens to them. That is, in my opinion the basis on which a show succeeds or fails. Just remember in the words of G'Kar concerning Babylon 5 itself: "No one here is what they seem." A promise of mystery and deft moves in the shadows, B5 does appear to live.
The story opens with Dylan Neal under suspension for not following a group of raiders with his crippled ship, thus breaking the Ranger code. Enter G'Kar, who intervenes on his behalf. It's good to see the character again; he was always one of my favorite characters of the old series. It looks like he may play a big part in this series. I personally hope so. Needless to say, Dylan is cleared and granted his own ship: The 20-year old cursed L'landra. The rest of tale is typical B5, with a great deal of character interaction, a plot, and sub-plots.
The main element is a new menace of great power, beyond any seen previously, known only as 'The Hand.'
What made B5 attractive were its characters and the varied alien races, and this new series seems to be living up to that tradition quite nicely. The second-in-command, Dulann, and Dylan seem to have several verbal sparring matches almost reminiscent of the old exchanges between one particular captain and his pointy eared executive officer. We didn't get to see too much of Na'feel, but she appears to a be no-nonsense Narn, with their typical 'charming' personality. The Drazzi, Tirk is also a nice edition. I couldn't help but laugh during the brief exchange between him and the Drazzi ambassador. How the conversation went, I am not saying, nor will I say too much about the plot. Watch the show - it's bound to be repeated -- you won't be disappointed.
The weapons chief, Sarah Cantrell, has a fiery temper with red hair to match; the typical attitude of any combat person, ready for a fight. I guess that kind of goes with the job. Her personality and viewpoints almost remind me of Ivanava.
The only problem I had with program was the combat system. An energy web of sorts surrounds Sarah and she becomes a kind of living weapon directing the shots through the use of her hands and feet while appearing to float out in middle of space. While it does follow the Ranger credo of personal combat, it would seem to be more effective to have a standard weapons array than doing kung-fu moves in space. Admittedly, though, that would be less dramatic.
Overall, I was pleased with movie, and look forward to the series, which has been mentioned several times. The creators have brought some of the charm that attracted so many to B5 before to this new effort. One can already start to relate to these characters and care what happens to them. That is, in my opinion the basis on which a show succeeds or fails. Just remember in the words of G'Kar concerning Babylon 5 itself: "No one here is what they seem." A promise of mystery and deft moves in the shadows, B5 does appear to live.
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