compendium ➦
The year is 2257, and the Babylon station is constructed in neutral space between several major governments to provide a place for us to work out our problems peacefully. It is, we believe, our last, best hope for peace. But when a proxy war of ideology breaks out between two superpowers, Babylon 5 becomes something greater — our last, best hope for victory.
In this TV-to-film fan-edit of Babylon 5, I picked individual scenes from throughout each season and I restructured and recombined them in creative ways to assemble a trilogy of 90-minute movies per season. The concept of this edit was inspired by the show Sherlock, which has an interesting and unconventional episode structure. Each season of Sherlock has just three episodes — but each episode is 90-minutes long, which means each season is ultimately a trilogy of movies. My goal with this edit is to make a version of Babylon 5 that fits that same episode structure, where each season is a trilogy of 90-minute movies.
Babylon 5 is partly about sci-fi and fantasy, with stories of prophecies, visions, and time travel, and Babylon 5 is also partly about the human experience, with stories of cycles of hatred, military coups, and worker strikes. This edit heavily focuses on the human stories. The Sherlock episode structure works well because Babylon 5 has two main plot threads spanning the show, and with the Sherlock structure I could make one movie each season dedicated to the Shadow story, one movie each season dedicated to the Earth story, and one wild card.
Babylon 5 is from a time when TV shows had 22 episodes per season. A long runtime is both good and bad. It gives stories room to breathe, but it also forces writers to stretch and fill the hours. Even the most devoted B5 fan will admit that JMS had to stretch to fill season five, and it's also common for first-time viewers to feel like they need to power through season one. Movies, meanwhile, have a more limited runtime, but that limitation also forces us to prioritize a fundamental principle: make every scene tell. For fans who have already seen the original series, this version of Babylon 5 offers a fresh and cinematic way to experience the show. And for newcomers, this edit serves as an easier entry point. It moves at a faster pace while staying true to the spirit of the original work. The full original show is currently free to watch on Roku. If you like this fan-edit, please take a moment to support the show.
Original runtime ▶ This edit's runtime
- Season 1: 16h 30m ▶ 4h 30m (Time cut: 12h)
- Season 2: 16h 30m ▶ 4h 30m (Time cut: 12h)
- Season 3: 16h 30m ▶ 4h 30m (Time cut: 12h)
- Season 4: 16h 30m ▶ 7h 30m (Time cut: 9h)
- Season 5: 16h 30m ▶ 3h 00m (Time cut: 13h 30m)
Teaser: Amazing Shots of Babylon 5 (2m)
Demo clips
If your time is short
Maybe you're interested in this edit but you don't want to commit to watching 16 movies. If your time is short and you want to watch only one, then here are a few suggestions you can pick from:
4.1 Falling Toward Apotheosis is worth your time because it's the story of a monarchy when the emperor goes mad. This edit lets you experience that story in a new way than in the original show, because in the original show the story of Cartagia and Centauri Prime was overshadowed by the climax of the Shadow War that was happening at the same time. But in this edit, I picked from just the Centauri scenes to create a movie that tells Cartagia's entire story, and I don't cut away to anywhere else.
-
4.4 Intersections in Real Time is worth your time because it's a psychological interrogation that frames a spy thriller when Garibaldi goes to Mars to work for Edgars. This edit lets you experience that story in a new way than in the original show, because in this edit I used a Nolan-inspired non-linear scene order. Chronologically, Sheridan's interrogation happens last, but in this movie I cold-open to the interrogation in a B&W flashforward, and I return to the interrogation at the movie's midpoint and again at the movie's end.
Also, the original show compressed a lot of story to fit within season four. JMS said that if he knew he would get a season five, then season four would have ended with Intersections in Real Time. And so in this edit, I followed that original plan, and this movie is what the season four finale might have been.
1.2 By Any Means Necessary is worth your time because it's the filler movie. That may not sound like a selling point because the word "filler" has negative connotations, but not every movie needs to be Big Plot, and I've come to appreciate standalone anthology-style stories. In this edit, I weaved together scenes from several "filler" episodes to tell the story of the chaotically ordinary everyday life aboard Babylon 5, as the station's commander juggles the press, political rivalries, worker strikes, and the tensions between religious beliefs.
Progress Update
January 2026
November 2025
-
I updated 4.1 Falling Toward Apotheosis and 4.2 Into the Fire, and for the first time during this final pass, I made a significant story change.
In 4.1 Falling Toward Apotheosis, I cut the scenes of G'Kar searching for Garibaldi, and I replaced them with scenes from the S3 episode A Day in the Strife. In Strife, a Centauri-picked Narn representative arrives on the station to replace G'Kar and to pressure him to return home.
Here's why I made that change. I want each movie to stand on its own and to tell a self-contained story. The crucial moment is when G'Kar makes a deal with Londo to free Narn. Prior to this moment, the plight of the Narn hadn't been shown or mentioned in THIS movie, which makes G'Kar's bargain appear to come out of the blue. But in this updated version, the movie vividly reminds us of the Centauri occupation and treatment of the Narn, and that vivid reminder makes the moment of G'Kar's deal more powerful.
- The TV movie In the Beginning is currently available only as a DVD, and at DVD resolution. But now we might have something better, because user 2X on IFDB shared their In the Beginning upscale and restoration project. The Sherlocked movie 1.1 Midnight on the Firing Line contains 30 seconds of footage from In the Beginning, and I updated it to use 2X's upscaled version.
What's Next
- I'm planning a final pass update to season 5.
- I'm planning to make and release one final Babylon 5 movie: Babylon Squared. In the Sherlocked edit, I focused on the human stories at the expense of the scifi stories, and the biggest storyline that didn't make the cut is Sinclair's mythology. There's no mention of his missing day, no time traveling B4, and no great machine. But now, those stories get their own movie. It will tell the entire Sinclair mythology story, from the battle of the line, to B4, to Valen.
- I'm planning to make a 6-minute Amazing Shots of Babylon 5 video, using the extended Sierra video game music.
ONE: SIGNS AND PORTENTS
1.1 Midnight on the Firing Line (1h30m) UPDATED 2025-NOV
Welcome to Babylon 5! When the Narn attack a Centauri colony, Londo and G'Kar nearly come to blows, but Londo receives help from a mysterious stranger. Meanwhile, Garibaldi investigates an unauthorized use of a communications channel, and a Rabbi helps Ivanova come to terms with her father's death. Also, ambassador Kosh hires telepath Talia Winters to oversee an unusual negotiation.
Sources: The Gathering, Midnight on the Firing Line, Signs and Portents, Chrysalis, with b-stories from Born to the Purple, Deathwalker, TKO, and brief scenes from In the Beginning, The Parliament of Dreams, Mind War
1.2 By Any Means Necessary (1h31m)
An accident in the docking area threatens to spark an illegal strike, while Sinclair is forced to protect a notorious war criminal who has invented an immortality serum. Meanwhile, the station hosts a week-long festival where humans and aliens demonstrate their religious beliefs, Londo interferes in an important Narn religious observation, and Dr. Franklin intercedes when a family refuses life-saving surgery because of their religious beliefs. Also, Catherine Sakai wants to survey a promising planet but G'Kar warns her to stay away.
Sources: The Parliament of Dreams, Deathwalker, Believers, By Any Means Necessary, with b-stories from Infection, Mind War, and brief scenes from Midnight on the Firing Line, Soul Hunter, Signs and Portents
1.3 The War Prayer (1h31m)
Garibaldi makes a discovery that could cost him his life, and he's blamed for an act of sabotage ahead of the President's visit, which leads to hitting the bottle after a prolonged abstinence. Meanwhile, a violent attack on a Minbari poet leaves Sinclair scrambling to flush out a vicious pro-Earth group, and Talia's old Psi Corps instructor is on the run from Psi-Cops. Also, Londo takes Lennier for a look at the less savory sections of the station.
Sources: Mind War, The War Prayer, Survivors, Chrysalis, with b-stories from The Quality of Mercy, and brief scenes from Signs and Portents, Points of Departure, Revelations
TWO: THE COMING OF SHADOWS
2.1 Divided Loyalties (1h30m)
A fugitive with sensitive information about the Earth government flees to Babylon 5, Bester investigates an underground railroad of rogue telepaths, and Lyta Alexander returns with a warning. Meanwhile, a new commander assumes control of the station, and Delenn undergoes a mysterious change before the Grey Council decides her fate. Also, a new Earth Alliance agency tries to recruit station personnel, and General Hague makes an unofficial visit.
Sources: A Race Through Dark Places, Hunter Prey, Divided Loyalties, with b-stories from Babylon Squared, All Alone in the Night, and brief scenes from Chrysalis, Points of Departure, Revelations, In the Shadow of Z'ha'dum
2.2 Acts of Sacrifice (1h31m)
The Centauri Emperor visits the station while Londo and Refa plot, and Babylon 5 is embroiled in a deadly conflict between the Narn and Centauri while an ISN reporter covers the story. Meanwhile, G'Kar asks Sheridan and Delenn to intervene militarily on behalf of the Narn, before the Narn/Centauri War reaches a turning point.
Sources: The Coming of Shadows, Acts of Sacrifice, And Now For a Word, The Long Twilight Struggle, and brief scenes from Revelations, In the Shadow of Z'ha'dum
2.3 The Long Twilight Struggle (1h30m)
A Narn warcruiser seeks help from Babylon 5, Earth takes a position on the Centauri, and Kosh takes a drastic step to save a life. Meanwhile, Ivanova is given a diplomatic assignment when the Drazi divide by random selection, a fatal disease spreads among the Markab population, and Sheridan discovers a connection between Morden and the death of his wife. Also, Delenn asks Sheridan to dinner and they share a growing trust and respect.
Sources: In the Shadow of Z'ha'dum, Confessions and Lamentations, The Fall of Night, with b-stories from The Geometry of Shadows, and brief scenes from Soul Mates, A Race Through Dark Places, Knives, Divided Loyalties, The Long Twilight Struggle
THREE: POINT OF NO RETURN
3.1 Point of No Return (1h29m) UPDATED 2025-NOV
As the Earth Alliance plunges toward civil war, the Senate investigates President Clark, the Nightwatch tightens its grip, and Zack's loyalties are put to the test. When President Clark tries to seize control of Babylon 5 by force, Sheridan is faced with the prospect of severing the station's ties with Earth. Meanwhile, Delenn receives disturbing news from a Ranger, and Londo and G'Kar are trapped in an elevator.
Sources: Voices of Authority, Point of No Return, Severed Dreams, with b-stories from Convictions, and brief scenes from Comes the Inquisitor, Messages from Earth
3.2 Ship of Tears (1h31m)
Sheridan and Ivanova try to rally support as direct confrontation with the Shadows begins. Bester seeks Sheridan's help, and Sheridan receives a new tool in the fight against the Shadows. Meanwhile, Sheridan engages Kosh's interest, Lyta Alexander returns to the station, and G'Kar uses a drug with telepathic effects. Also, Delenn plans a rebirth and renewal ceremony, and G'Kar presses for admission to the conspiracy of light.
Sources: Ship of Tears, Interludes and Examinations, with b-stories from Passing Through Gethsemane, Dust to Dust, Ceremonies of Light and Dark, and brief scenes from Soul Mates, Hunter Prey, There All the Honor Lies, Matters of Honor, Voices of Authority, A Late Delivery from Avalon
3.3 And the Rock Cried Out, No Hiding Place (1h29m)
Sheridan is consumed by his analysis of the Shadows' strategies, and he launches a pre-emptive strike against the Shadows. Meanwhile, Londo severs his ties with Morden, presents Refa with an ultimatum, and uses G'Kar and Vir to gain power in the Centauri Royal Court. Also, a face from Sheridan's past takes him on a dangerous mission to meet his Shadow counterpart.
Sources: And the Rock Cried Out No Hiding Place, Shadow Dancing, Z'ha'dum, with b-stories from Interludes and Examinations, and brief scenes from Matters of Honor, Ceremonies of Light and Dark, Grey 17 Is Missing
FOUR: NO SURRENDER, NO RETREAT
4.1 Falling Toward Apotheosis (1h30m) UPDATED 2025-NOV
When Londo discovers that Emperor Cartagia has struck a disturbing deal endangering Centauri Prime, Londo and Vir scheme to kill Cartagia. Meanwhile, G'Kar has been captured by the Centauri, and Londo makes G'Kar a promise in exchange for help overthrowing the Emperor.
Sources: The Hour of the Wolf, Whatever Happened to Mr Garibaldi, The Summoning, Falling Toward Apotheosis, The Long Night, Into the Fire, with b-stories from A Day in the Strife, and brief scenes from Comes the Inquisitor
4.2 Into the Fire (1h31m) UPDATED 2025-NOV
Sheridan has returned to Babylon 5, seemingly back from the dead and accompanied by a mysterious stranger. The new Ambassador Kosh arrives, but the Vorlons step up their battle against the Shadows, and Garibaldi must remove Kosh from the station. As the Army of Light prepares to strike, the Shadows unleash a terrible new weapon, before the Army of Light mounts its final assault.
Sources: Whatever Happened to Mr Garibaldi, The Summoning, Falling Toward Apotheosis, The Long Night, Into the Fire, with brief scenes from Walkabout, The Hour of the Wolf
4.3 The Illusion of Truth (1h31m) UPDATED 2026-JAN
ISN comes back on air and sends a team to do a story about Babylon 5. But Sheridan is compelled to act after receiving horrible news, and he mobilizes his forces to liberate Proxima 3. Meanwhile, Delenn tries to defuse a brewing Minbari civil war. Also, the resistance's counter-propaganda broadcast begins.
Sources: The Illusion of Truth, Rumors Bargains and Lies, Moments of Transition, No Surrender No Retreat, with brief scenes from Ship of Tears, Lines of Communication, Conflicts of Interest
4.4 Intersections in Real Time (1h34m) UPDATED 2026-JAN
Sheridan faces an inquisitor from Earthdome. Meanwhile, Garibaldi takes on a new job and travels to Mars to meet his secretive employer.
JMS speaks: If I had known with absolute certainty that there would be a season 5, then season 4 would have ended with 418, Intersections in Real Time.
Sources: Conflicts of Interest, The Exercise of Vital Powers, The Face of the Enemy, Intersections in Real Time, with brief scenes from Epiphanies, The Illusion of Truth, Atonement, Racing Mars, Moments of Transition, No Surrender No Retreat
FIVE: THE WHEEL OF FIRE
S5E1 Rising Star (1:31:02)
Franklin and Marcus arrive on Mars to begin their undercover mission (Racing Mars), and they try to convince the leaders of the resistance to go along with Sheridan's plan to unseat Clark (Lines of Communication). Meanwhile, Garibaldi is captured by the Mars Resistance, and they launch a plan to free Sheridan (Between the Darkness and the Light). Sheridan's forces make their final strike (Endgame), and Earthgov decides his fate (Rising Star). Also, Londo tries to enlist G'Kar's aid in backing Sheridan against Earth, and Delenn makes a remarkable proposition to the League of Non-Aligned Worlds(No Surrender No Retreat, Rising Star, The Deconstruction of Falling Stars).
S5E2 The Wheel of Fire (1:30:28)
Londo suffers a serious heart attack and must face his greatest fear to survive(The Very Long Night of Londo Mollari). Meanwhile, attacks begin on Alliance ships (In the Kingdom of the Blind). Garibaldi goes to the Drazi homeworld to search for a witness (The Ragged Edge), and Lennier uncovers hard evidence about the source of the attacks (Darkness Ascending). Evidence of who is behind the attacks is revealed to the Alliance, and the situation escalates into war(And All My Dreams Torn Asunder). Also, Lyta and Franklin visit the Drazi homeworld on a mission of mercy (Movements of Fire and Shadow), and Sheridan races to stop the Alliance ships from attacking Centauri Prime (The Fall of Centauri Prime).
S5E3 Sleeping in Light (1:31:54)
Tales intertwine as we look back at the impact of Babylon 5 from 100 years in the future (The Deconstruction of Falling Stars). Longtime residents prepare to leave the station (Objects in Motion, Objects at Rest), G'Kar becomes a religious icon and is subjected to unwanted attention (The Ragged Edge, The Wheel of Fire), and Lyta embraces a colony of rogue telepaths (The Paragon of Animals, Strange Relations, Secrets of the Soul, In the Kingdom of the Blind, Phoenix Rising). Meanwhile, in Sheridan's final days, old friends gather to celebrate (Sleeping in Light).
SPECIALS:
S3 E2¾ Babylon Squared
Coming soon!
✉ APreciousBlueberry@protonmail.com