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From the beginning both were running out of time. The space station that was the last best hope for peace was sooner or later certain to be eclipsed by new political coalitions and technical advances. And John Sheridan who guided the massive freeport through its most tumultuous days knew that his own fate had been inalterably prophesied. Now both storylines converge in a 22-episode final season whose events also include Sheridan’s attempts to wage peace for the Interstellar Alliance the tragic fate of the telepaths and the ultimate fireball destruction of the outmoded station after it is declared to be a spaceway navigational hazard. You are cleared for final approach to Babylon 5.Running Time: 968 min.Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: SCI-FI/FANTASY UPC: 085392427529 Manufacturer No: 24275

A disappointment after the superb two previous seasons, the final run of Babylon 5 found Claudia Christian departed and Ivanova replaced by Captain Elizabeth Lochley (Tracy Scoggins), who in a soap-opera twist turned out to be Sheridan’s first wife. Sheridan was promoted to President of the Interstellar Alliance and the action moved to a group of telepaths seeking sanctuary from the PSI-Corp on B5. Giving a prominent role to Patricia Tallman’s Lyta Alexander, a love story for her was woven with the leader of the telepaths, Byron (Robin Atkin Downs). Meanwhile the aftermath of the Shadow War was explored as the origin of human telepaths became clear in “Secrets of the Soul,” and the appearance of PSI-Corp’s Bester (Walter Koenig) brought the plight of the refugees to a powerful close in “A Tragedy of Telepaths” and “Phoenix Rising.”

This was immediately followed by a rare episode not written by J. Michael Straczynski. Much was expected of “Day of the Dead,” penned by Neil Gaiman, the British creator of DC’s landmark Sandman comic and graphic novel series. Yet despite a change of tone including a guest appearance by Penn & Teller as 23rd-century comedy favorites Rebo & Zooty, the story proved an incongruous side trip into an unexplained twilight zone of fantasy. As usual the season picked up toward the end, with a string of fine political episodes leading to “The Fall of Centauri Prime” and the haunting “Objects at Rest,” in which Sheridan and Delenn leave Babylon 5 for new quarters on Minbar.

The final episode, “Sleeping in Light,” was directed by J. Michael Straczynski and made an epilogue to the series. Set 20 years later, after all the sound and fury this quiet, elegiac tale is the apotheosis of the love story that proved the balance to the tragedy of the preceding darkness. A personal story resolved against a background of the epic, at once transcendent, deeply human, and profoundly optimistic, “Sleeping in Light” is as moving as any hour in the history of television drama and a thoroughly satisfying conclusion to one of the greatest series ever made. –Gary S. Dalkin

• From the beginning, both were running out of time.

As 2262 begins, things are looking up for our characters. The Alliance has been formed and Sheridan is taking office as its first President. The station itself is getting a new captain as Elizabeth Lochley steps in for Ivanova who has left to captain a ship. But things soon take a dark turn. Sheridan agrees to let a colony of rogue telepaths live on the station. Their interactions with Lyta Alexander change her profoundly. Some mysterious force is attacking members of the Alliance. And Londo and G’Kar try to solve the mystery of the royal court back on Centauri Prime.

This season is not as strong as the seasons preceding it. Because this was a last minute save, all plot lines had been wrapped up in season 4, and it takes a few episodes to get the ball fully rolling forward again. Personally, I loved Ivanova, so I miss her absence in this season as well. While watching this set, I realized why else this season isn’t a favorite. It’s much darker. We see Londo’s final fate, Garibaldi hits the bottle again, and Lennier makes some poor choices. My final complaint is the endings left open involving Lennier and Sheridan and Delenn’s unborn son. While this season may be dark, it is still powerful and moving drama that pulls you in and doesn’t let you get. Especially if you’ve spent the four previous years with the characters. Fans can’t help but watch this to get the next chapter in these character’s lives.

And this doesn’t even touch the final episode. Filmed as part of season four, it’s set 19 years in the future and does include Ivanova. If that episode doesn’t move you, nothing will.

If you’ve bought the previous season sets, you know exactly what to expect here. The episodes are presented in widescreen with some grain and dust in the picture. The full surround audio makes an impressive display of the soundtrack. Extras include the intro to the season on disc one, three commentary tracks, documentaries on the digital effects and fans and other merchandise related to the show and personnel and data files and the season gag reel. This set features three scenes from “Sleeping in Light” that hit the cutting room floor, a first for any of the sets. And there is an Easter egg to look for as well.

It’s unfortunate that this series couldn’t go out with quite the bang fans had hoped for. Still, this is a good end to a great series that all fans will want to have on DVD….more info

Second Half of Season a great finish
As others have said, the first half of the 5th season was quite disappointing. But once the character of Byron was killed off, the series returned to the high quality of seasons 2-4 to finish off the 5 year story in spectacular fashion. Some fans were upset that the show didn’t tie up every last plot thread, but the show did wrap up the story of Babylon 5’s crucial years quite well.

The quality of the dvd set is good, but not great. The extras are okay. The series itself is what drives the sales of these DVDs, and most B5 fans will want to own the last half of season five….more info

Beautiful End to one of the greatest Shows of all time
Though Season 5 had some early rough patches. It starts rolling in my opinion after the issue between the Psy-Cor ends with Bryon and Lita.

“Sleeping In The Light” was filmed after Season 4 before they new they were picked up for a 5th season. So they held it off until the end of the 5th. BEAUTIFUL episode that had my strong will break down in a tear. Possibly one of the best final episodes ever in a series. Truly a masterpeice. Closing credits had me balling! Ivonava mentioned Marcus at the dinner table with Sheridan as a people to salute and remember just sunk my heart. Delenn, who probally one of the most beautiful characters ever in Sci-Fi her closing tribute to Sheridan again water filling my eyes.

Babylon 5 has been such a enjoy to explore and follow. So many great episodes that made you laugh, excite, and cry. Characters you love and characters you hate. This was a space station like no other….more info