Because I'm usually at least 10 years behind on TV (in this case nearly 30 years), I'm starting Babylon 5. First thoughts: 1) It's like an '80s aesthetic done with '90s production values. Reminds me of Alien Nation much more than it does DS9, which was its contemporary. 2) Being a Freaks and Geeks fan, I can't help seeing Lt. Cmdr. Ivanova as Bill Haverchuck's mom ... but, weirdly, with flashes of Ziva David.
Being a JMS fan, I tried to watch it when it originally aired, but the sets just looked so bad that I couldn't continue.
If you can make it through the first season, it will pay huge dividends. Season One can be a tough slog at first viewing, but it's quite remarkable how JMS weaves it into the overall story in later seasons and, in retrospect, the season actually improves considerably. While the aesthetic unfortunately doesn't improve, the stories become much more engaging. It's easily one of the top ten sci-fi series of all time.
It's easily one of the top one sci-fi series of all time. Head and shoulders better than Trek. Better, more consistent story arcs than Battlestar Galactica. I'd even put it ahead of Doctor Who.
Eh, that's a tough one. Especially when stacked up against the genius of Rod Serling's The Twilight Zone. It's definitely up there, and I agree that it's much better than any of the Trek series.
I couldn't get through season one - not even high and a captive victim of @Uncle Albert's viewing choices. Next time he tries, I'm forcing him to watch Pride and Prejudice - every adaption.
I half-heartedly tried to watch the first episode once and couldn't get past what I considered some very poor effects. Yeah, stupid. It probably deserves another effort.
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies will get him back on his feet, so show it first and then he has no hope remaining.
I have a feeling that recently I said "I should watch Babylon 5" but I can't remember the reason. Maybe it was another show? Is there another show I should watch? Dr. Who?