After the shaky but very necessary build up of Season 1, Babylon 5 takes its place as the best sci-fi TV series in the history of ever. Yes, I'm boldly going there - I consider it to be even better than Star Trek (Hi, Nick~). The bursting-with-potential element it nurtured in the previous year finally comes to fruition.
Commander Jeffrey Sinclair is out, replaced by the kind of charismatic leading-man Captain figure that we were lacking before.
Delenn has a large part to play in the season, but when she finally shows her face it's not quite the one we remember from before; you'll see what I mean.
The complex relationship between Ambassadors G'Kar and Londo Mollari heats up to Shakespearean proportions. The protagonist/antagonist dynamic between those two is a huge part of what makes B5 great; in fact, it's perhaps my favourite part of the show. Andreas Katsulas (G'Kar) was a superb actor and I'm deeply saddened every time I think of his passing.
Straczynski kicks his real plan into first gear and lets his story arc take centre stage. It builds slowly but steadily, and while there are still a number of standalone episodes it's the arc that'll keep you hooked. Things spiral out of control all over the place, and when the station is caught in the middle, trying desperately to retain neutrality, the aliens turn their attention inward.
The banner for Season 2 is 'The Coming of Shadows'. If you don't know what that refers to, then you're in for a very special treat. If you do know what I mean, you'll know that how it's handled is perfect, with just enough exposure to keep the viewer on the edge of their seat... waiting... knowing.
The series continued to be as impenetrable as ever for new viewers, which is both its primary failing and, conversely, its greatest strength if you're one of the fans. It doesn't pander to the casual viewer. It demands your attention.
There are two duff episodes, Gropos (Ep.10) is duller than grey flannel undies; whereas And Now for a Word (Ep.15) has an interesting POV but is a real chore to get through more than once. But the nature of the show means that almost every episode has something that refers to the arc or plays a significant role later on, so it's best to suffer them for the greater good. Whatever you decide, please do not miss The Coming of Shadows (Ep.09), because it's an essential element.
22 episodes, approx 44 mins each.
4½ dark spidery things in hyperspace out of 5
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