TMC
11-30-2023, 09:29 PM
https://whatculture.com/trekculture/star-trek-11-huge-comparisons-between-deep-space-9-and-babylon-5?rf=homepage
Who did it better? Babylon 5 or Star Trek: Deep Space Nine?
BY FRANK CHAVEZ
NOVEMBER 30TH, 2023
In 1986, J. Michael Straczynski began working on the concept for his new science fiction series, Babylon 5. He began pitching it to Hollywood executives in 1987. In 1989 he brought his idea along with a pilot script, concept art, character descriptions, series bible, and synopses for approximately 22 episodes to Paramount, the studio behind Star Trek. Paramount rejected the pitch but Warner Bros., envious of Star Trek's success, picked it up in 1991.
Also in 1991, Paramount chairman Brandon Tartikoff asked Rick Berman to expand the Star Trek franchise. Berman and writer Michael Piller discussed ideas for a new show with Gene Roddenberry just before Roddenberry's death in October 1991. The new series, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine was given the green light in 1992 and premiered in January 1993 with their pilot episode, Emissary.
Babylon 5's pilot, The Gathering, although filmed earlier, premiered a few weeks after Emissary due to longer post-production. Straczynski couldn't help noticing the similarities between his show and Deep Space Nine and wondered what was going on. Although he never accused Berman of plagiarism, Straczynski has said he does believe executives familiar with his pitch may have helped guide Star Trek: Deep Space Nine's development.
With that in mind, here are eleven comparisons between Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and Babylon 5.
Who did it better? Babylon 5 or Star Trek: Deep Space Nine?
BY FRANK CHAVEZ
NOVEMBER 30TH, 2023
In 1986, J. Michael Straczynski began working on the concept for his new science fiction series, Babylon 5. He began pitching it to Hollywood executives in 1987. In 1989 he brought his idea along with a pilot script, concept art, character descriptions, series bible, and synopses for approximately 22 episodes to Paramount, the studio behind Star Trek. Paramount rejected the pitch but Warner Bros., envious of Star Trek's success, picked it up in 1991.
Also in 1991, Paramount chairman Brandon Tartikoff asked Rick Berman to expand the Star Trek franchise. Berman and writer Michael Piller discussed ideas for a new show with Gene Roddenberry just before Roddenberry's death in October 1991. The new series, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine was given the green light in 1992 and premiered in January 1993 with their pilot episode, Emissary.
Babylon 5's pilot, The Gathering, although filmed earlier, premiered a few weeks after Emissary due to longer post-production. Straczynski couldn't help noticing the similarities between his show and Deep Space Nine and wondered what was going on. Although he never accused Berman of plagiarism, Straczynski has said he does believe executives familiar with his pitch may have helped guide Star Trek: Deep Space Nine's development.
With that in mind, here are eleven comparisons between Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and Babylon 5.