2003-08-05 A Great Guide to a Great Series

This book is the first in a series of five episode guides to the series. Covering the first season, it has a separate chapter for each of the twenty-two episodes, plus the pilot. Each starts with a plot summary, but then goes into behind the scenes stories and commentaries. Through interviews with cast, crew, and creator J. Michael Straczynski, author Jane Killick is able to give a full picture of what went into each episode. Some of my favorite parts are the stories of bloopers or jokes the cast played on each other. I also find the summaries useful if I’m looking for a particular episode to rewatch.

Starting out the book is an interesting chapter about the five year struggle the producers had to get the show on the air. It really gave me a new appreciation for what JMS went through to make his vision a reality.

Also included is a season 1 overview. While I might not agree with all of the author’s commentary, I find her perspective interesting.

Any fan will love to have this well researched book for a behind the scenes look at a wonderful piece of science fiction television history.