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Reader reaction: CRUSADE - "The War Zone" [series premiere] ((please read intro before posting))

Glen here...

Crusade is now upon us. 'Tis a big night to many, a bittersweet night to most.

I encourage every person reading these words to WATCH THE SHOW. Do not turn away from it simply because I ran a less-than-favorable review a few weeks back. Do not turn away from it simply because it might not capture your imagination the way Babylon 5 (its predecessor) did. Do not turn away from it simply because of the negative press or controversy the show has generated.

Watch the show.

Watch all of its episodes.

Think about them.

Then decide their quality for yourself. I can not say these sentiments strongly enough.

I am guessing some of you will be disappointed in Crusade. Some of you will hold onto your love for the Babylonian universe, and be unable to acknowledge the series' potential shortcomings no matter what. Some of you will just be happy to have 13 episodes of Crusade instead of none at all. Some of you will profess that even mediocre Straczynski is better than most other "good" programming. The range of emotions surrounding the show will be multitudinous, passionate, and fascinating.


Crusade Talkbacks

Because Crusade's circumstance is unusual in the history of both television and Coaxial (I've never covered a series which was effectively canceled before it hit the airwaves), I will be opening "reader reaction" for each episode of the series during the duration of its initial 13 episode run. This means every Wednesday evening for the next 13 weeks...should you so choose...you can come to Coaxial to discuss that evening's Crusade episode.


REMEMBER - LET'S RESPECT EACH OTHER'S OPINIONS !!!

As uncomfortable as it may be, people may not always agree with what we have to say about Babylon 5 and Crusade. Disagree with someone all you want in these forthcoming Talkbacks, but if you start name calling, threatening, demeaning, or otherwise running-down someone simply because they do not say what you wish they'd say (which has been happening to a lot of people voicing dissenting opinions abut this show lately), you will be summarily banned and deleted from these Talkbacks. CIVIL DISCOURSE ONLY - and I will be watching!


Saving Crusade

In the near future, you may also find yourself asking "How do I send letters to someone about saving this show!?!?!?!

You can find out more information about sending "Save Crusade" letters by CLICKING HERE, or by CLICKING HERE to access the primary SAVE CRUSADE web sites.


In closing...

One question which seems to be coming up over and over again: since the recent downer reviews: does Coaxial still care about Babylon 5 and Crusade?

Very much so.

I intend to continue reporting on the situation as much as possible, and very much hope the madness we now face comes to some happier end than obilvion.

This doesn't mean I'm going to change my opinion...or be dishonest about my feelings re: a show...simply to save said show from extinction. I wouldn't do that for any show. But I do hope (and intend) to continue covering the franchise (sorry, JMS - don't know what else to call it here) as long as its around to cover.

That being said: have fun, enjoy the show, and pray for better Babylonian Days. Now go watch the thing, and scroll down to tell us what you think...


________________________


Questions? Comments? Praise? Ridicule ?

CLICK HERE to e-mail Glen

If you send a message to the above address & bounces back to you, send mail to a back-up address!

Or call:

(512) 347-1992

Mail can be sent to:

Glen Oliver

P.O. BOX 160812

Austin, TX 78716-0812

USA


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Reader Talkback

Just remember the first 13 B5s sucked too!
by Mister_Light
Jun 9th, 1999
04:53:39 PM
I agree, B5 did suck at first.
by Defiant
Jun 9th, 1999
05:12:18 PM
War Zone
by CordwainerHawk
Jun 9th, 1999
06:02:46 PM
Opening Credits: Moody Dance Music? Lame.
by Fourmyle
Jun 9th, 1999
07:10:18 PM
No freaking captioning!!!
by Das Ringking
Jun 9th, 1999
07:48:58 PM
Pitiful
by jimimack
Jun 9th, 1999
08:05:33 PM
Not great but not bad :)
by kyle81
Jun 9th, 1999
08:07:49 PM
Impressions
by TNT Sucks
Jun 9th, 1999
08:08:56 PM
Not the best of starts
by pulpculture
Jun 9th, 1999
08:11:19 PM
I watched
by Karellan
Jun 9th, 1999
08:12:06 PM
Great Beginning
by SciFiJunky
Jun 9th, 1999
08:12:06 PM
Now that it's over...
by Grp Cpt Mandrake
Jun 9th, 1999
08:13:56 PM
That was.... disappointing
by Laura47
Jun 9th, 1999
08:14:22 PM
Better than Midnight
by Violent_A
Jun 9th, 1999
08:14:41 PM
Pots and Pans
by Violent_A
Jun 9th, 1999
08:17:38 PM
Could've been much worse!
by SWCrusader
Jun 9th, 1999
08:21:15 PM
Crusade rocks
by ToddK
Jun 9th, 1999
08:23:10 PM
Grace period?
by Holmanz
Jun 9th, 1999
08:23:46 PM
What show has a good start anyway...
by Wolverton Cross
Jun 9th, 1999
08:25:26 PM
Has potential
by Miaka
Jun 9th, 1999
08:26:22 PM
Renegade *RANGERS*???
by MuadDib
Jun 9th, 1999
08:28:07 PM
A solid B -- real room for improvement, but okay
by Mike Benedetto
Jun 9th, 1999
08:31:42 PM
Sheriff Lucas Buck
by samuelk
Jun 9th, 1999
08:31:48 PM
Not bad, does have potential
by cplhicks
Jun 9th, 1999
08:32:08 PM
crappy drakh
by Diabolo42
Jun 9th, 1999
08:32:23 PM
War Zone was Grrrreat!
by drjekyll
Jun 9th, 1999
08:37:40 PM
Crusade rocks
by ToddK
Jun 9th, 1999
08:37:45 PM
The episode that should never have been.
by Poppy
Jun 9th, 1999
08:44:25 PM
Quit dissin' the music
by shewhomustbeobey
Jun 9th, 1999
08:44:40 PM
I liked it.
by Anakin Rocks
Jun 9th, 1999
08:48:32 PM
Gem-Ha-Dar, here, Gem-Ha-Dar everywhere...
by DaveyK
Jun 9th, 1999
08:49:19 PM
Shitmusic
by KULA
Jun 9th, 1999
08:52:14 PM
War Zone
by Minarvia
Jun 9th, 1999
08:58:56 PM
Crusade
by Blaktyger7
Jun 9th, 1999
09:14:56 PM
Save this show!!
by Mathew Lukacs
Jun 9th, 1999
09:23:36 PM
Crusade complaints - staring Evan Chen
by Tigerclaw
Jun 9th, 1999
09:34:50 PM
Crusade - War Zone
by DAHAK
Jun 9th, 1999
10:04:32 PM
Dialogue
by Nevin
Jun 9th, 1999
10:04:52 PM
Well.... I guess its better than voyager
by Chen_sucks
Jun 9th, 1999
10:09:41 PM
The
by eminar
Jun 9th, 1999
10:35:49 PM
These "crappy looking" Drakh are NOT new...
by eminar
Jun 9th, 1999
11:03:51 PM
not B5... and that's okay
by landbote
Jun 9th, 1999
11:04:55 PM
Excuses, excuses
by Savant
Jun 9th, 1999
11:08:04 PM
Max Eilerson - Hmm
by freshsong
Jun 9th, 1999
11:21:43 PM
I sat back and tried to enjoy it. *smiles*
by RyanNock
Jun 9th, 1999
11:32:38 PM
Hmmm...
by BrotherZag
Jun 9th, 1999
11:46:17 PM
Re: Excuses, Excuses
by Jacob Corbin
Jun 9th, 1999
11:54:14 PM
Good but needs work
by BrianSLA
Jun 9th, 1999
11:54:51 PM
I change my mind slightly
by RyanNock
Jun 9th, 1999
11:54:57 PM
Chris Franke vs. Evan Chen
by Jacob Corbin
Jun 10th, 1999
12:04:07 AM
Pretty good...
by Mr EuroSnob
Jun 10th, 1999
12:08:46 AM
If You Read THIS Far Down...
by devinagain
Jun 10th, 1999
12:13:04 AM
CRUSADE:WarZone
by mckracken
Jun 10th, 1999
12:17:54 AM

by DAVE LECTER
Jun 10th, 1999
12:53:50 AM
Crusade good....fuck TNT!!! I know, not a very eloquent title...
by Ahriman
Jun 10th, 1999
02:38:53 AM
Crusade's Music isnt bad!
by lynxcat
Jun 10th, 1999
02:43:02 AM
Crusade--Literature for Television
by chanur
Jun 10th, 1999
03:41:59 AM
Evan Chen Delivers the Goods!
by chanur
Jun 10th, 1999
03:53:51 AM
re: Well, it wasn't as bad as "Infection" or "TKO"
by DaveyK
Jun 10th, 1999
04:39:16 AM
Crusadeblazers
by Ronin
Jun 10th, 1999
04:53:27 AM
pretty good but....
by Crowley
Jun 10th, 1999
05:29:22 AM
Not bad for an unnecessary episode.
by phobos
Jun 10th, 1999
05:39:23 AM
weak episode of incredible series
by KenTilZha
Jun 10th, 1999
05:52:06 AM
Crusade = quality TV science fiction
by Tightman
Jun 10th, 1999
05:52:09 AM
Huh?
by Savant
Jun 10th, 1999
06:24:35 AM
Not bad considering no pilot
by Arioch2112
Jun 10th, 1999
06:51:07 AM
Not bad considering no pilot
by Arioch2112
Jun 10th, 1999
06:58:37 AM
I'll watch it for JMS, not TNT
by DaniTo BuRRito
Jun 10th, 1999
07:18:35 AM
What really pissed me off...
by Arioch2112
Jun 10th, 1999
07:21:23 AM
It did what it had to
by Gislef_crow
Jun 10th, 1999
07:32:37 AM
Edgey start for B5/Crusade
by bhayes
Jun 10th, 1999
07:39:21 AM
It's just week 1
by Dolby1000
Jun 10th, 1999
07:43:07 AM
JMS calls Crusade#1 the worst episode!
by Troy
Jun 10th, 1999
07:46:42 AM
Life is full of little surprises!
by orac_uk
Jun 10th, 1999
07:57:37 AM
Could have been worse.
by Incarnadine
Jun 10th, 1999
08:15:26 AM
Not impressed
by Gallagher
Jun 10th, 1999
08:40:26 AM
Confused About Episode Orders
by ctowner
Jun 10th, 1999
09:04:32 AM
Crusade- Too Edgy????
by Archfalcon
Jun 10th, 1999
09:12:18 AM
Despite it's name, Crusade isn't meant to be an epic, is it? Ra
by Drath
Jun 10th, 1999
09:19:09 AM
too soon to tell
by RuySmith
Jun 10th, 1999
09:31:47 AM
Major major yawn fest
by JGenie
Jun 10th, 1999
09:34:03 AM
Just remember what jms said
by Dan H
Jun 10th, 1999
10:29:30 AM
I liked it a lot.
by Epsilon3
Jun 10th, 1999
10:29:39 AM
Dungeons & Dragons in Space!
by Professor
Jun 10th, 1999
10:51:43 AM
Problems with episode 1
by Tesarta
Jun 10th, 1999
10:54:13 AM
MMMM?
by gish
Jun 10th, 1999
11:25:14 AM
Crusade
by MikeNorris
Jun 10th, 1999
11:30:34 AM
Report card for JMS
by Sharlin master
Jun 10th, 1999
11:32:32 AM
Thank you for flying Pan-American
by Owatonna
Jun 10th, 1999
12:58:37 PM
Crusade A.K.A Blows Cheese
by Lord_Darth
Jun 10th, 1999
01:21:02 PM
My opinion
by Cassius the Evil
Jun 10th, 1999
01:41:59 PM
Why are we here?
by JWRIGHT
Jun 10th, 1999
01:52:01 PM
Good show, sucky music
by Will1
Jun 10th, 1999
02:00:12 PM
Can't wait to see where this goes...
by Veritas
Jun 10th, 1999
02:27:47 PM
weak weak weak
by Rozehead
Jun 10th, 1999
02:43:02 PM
'War Zone' imo
by Jedi_Solo
Jun 10th, 1999
03:43:53 PM
JMS's D*ck
by egomanic
Jun 10th, 1999
04:54:22 PM
ARE ANY OF YOU AWARE OF THE BUDGET OF THIS SHOW?!?!?!
by Defiant
Jun 10th, 1999
05:01:07 PM
JMS Message from CSI
by Wiz33
Jun 10th, 1999
05:44:31 PM
For Your Consideration...
by TheMage
Jun 10th, 1999
06:19:24 PM
Chen was great!
by gboybama
Jun 10th, 1999
06:46:57 PM
This thing was pretty close to awful !
by ikarus
Jun 10th, 1999
07:00:59 PM
TNT is run by a bunch of trained monkeys!!!!!
by Stony
Jun 10th, 1999
07:24:24 PM
The good the bad and the ugly
by raindog2
Jun 10th, 1999
07:44:20 PM
Space Above & Beyond.
by Lord_Darth
Jun 10th, 1999
08:48:17 PM
Everyone take a breath!
by shewhomustbeobey
Jun 10th, 1999
09:57:27 PM
Thoughts on Crusade, Ep. 1
by djc8
Jun 11th, 1999
05:17:27 AM
JMS Rules
by trimbach
Jun 11th, 1999
06:29:23 AM
Gish, that's not fair
by Meridian
Jun 11th, 1999
07:43:06 AM
Episode Order
by ctowner
Jun 11th, 1999
07:45:14 AM
I wish it had more time
by Barney
Jun 11th, 1999
08:05:32 AM
ups, I ment: The question is: did many people watch CRUSADE, wer
by Skript
Jun 11th, 1999
09:07:28 AM
Hoping for better eps
by sting
Jun 11th, 1999
09:16:00 AM
Crusade
by Simplicissimus
Jun 11th, 1999
09:50:31 AM
major disappointment
by babylon5
Jun 11th, 1999
10:57:42 AM
War Zone on its Own
by ctowner
Jun 11th, 1999
11:01:50 AM
Weak writing, TNT may have been right
by Marvin42
Jun 11th, 1999
11:23:58 AM
B5 - the story line continues
by wildferret
Jun 11th, 1999
03:08:38 PM
CRUSADE CHAT YESTERDAY, ONLY 10-15 PEOPLE WERE ONLINE
by shewhomustbeobey
Jun 11th, 1999
07:51:43 PM
Crusade: Thoughts And Opinions
by Jds532218
Jun 11th, 1999
08:40:18 PM
So far so good.
by Flint2
Jun 11th, 1999
10:00:05 PM
Speaking of name calling...
by JGenie
Jun 11th, 1999
11:21:58 PM
RE:Speaking of name calling...
by Flint2
Jun 12th, 1999
12:08:52 AM
No wonder TNT wanted changes....
by splat
Jun 12th, 1999
10:42:20 AM
And another thing..
by splat
Jun 12th, 1999
10:48:06 AM
another refernece to old B5 Eps but I do not think anybody reads
by Skript
Jun 12th, 1999
02:07:19 PM
No. No, please. Save me! Someone help!
by thetrekman
Jun 12th, 1999
05:15:23 PM
Are you kidding??
by SWCrusader
Jun 12th, 1999
05:44:38 PM
I liked it!
by McKenna
Jun 12th, 1999
06:18:49 PM
It's Better than...
by alphadan
Jun 12th, 1999
06:24:53 PM

by A1A
Jun 12th, 1999
06:30:47 PM
Crusade sucks, but.......
by A1A
Jun 12th, 1999
06:36:59 PM
i now exempt myself from the human race....
by steinhenge
Jun 12th, 1999
11:42:00 PM
polyphony
by steinhenge
Jun 12th, 1999
11:44:07 PM
ya know....
by jello bean
Jun 13th, 1999
12:09:50 AM
Crusade
by CADave
Jun 13th, 1999
01:42:27 AM
JMS saw all this long ago...
by no_One
Jun 13th, 1999
02:49:13 AM
Nope... I ain't buying it this time, bub...
by JohnYama
Jun 13th, 1999
08:49:48 AM
Gary Cole Shines
by flave
Jun 13th, 1999
09:11:04 AM
Middling, but gallons of promise
by Platinum Dragon
Jun 13th, 1999
10:11:15 AM
Hmm.
by Boba Jar-Jar
Jun 13th, 1999
02:29:38 PM
crusade
by starstuff
Jun 13th, 1999
03:48:55 PM
About the ratings
by westtim
Jun 13th, 1999
06:02:33 PM
about the ratings..
by excal
Jun 13th, 1999
06:50:59 PM
::sigh::
by Verger
Jun 13th, 1999
07:39:23 PM
Crusade Ok
by pred
Jun 13th, 1999
07:46:45 PM
Berserker go home.
by Flint2
Jun 13th, 1999
11:11:23 PM
what will...
by tkip
Jun 13th, 1999
11:51:08 PM
Crusade
by bignick
Jun 14th, 1999
06:46:24 PM
RE:You still need to take a break and think for about a minute.
by Flint2
Jun 14th, 1999
07:56:56 PM
Give _Crusade_ a chance to develop
by Severian_of_Urth
Jun 14th, 1999
09:38:56 PM
It's amazing
by Savant
Jun 15th, 1999
03:58:03 AM
Putting away the hammer, picking up the pen
by JackStar
Jun 15th, 1999
05:42:52 AM
Just a few contradictions...
by Gislef_crow
Jun 15th, 1999
09:15:39 AM
Holy Mary Mother of.....
by Xander
Jun 15th, 1999
09:56:36 AM
Way off base, Berserker
by Zontar
Jun 16th, 1999
03:56:56 AM
AICN Wasn't the Pilot
by Savant
Jun 16th, 1999
06:34:52 AM
In the minority
by Resident Alien
Jun 16th, 1999
11:26:05 AM
a response to Berserker's farrago of inexactnesses
by no_One
Jun 16th, 1999
11:33:24 AM
Agreed, Username
by Savant
Jun 16th, 1999
02:47:56 PM
War Zone: TNT's attempt at writing
by Malachi
Jun 16th, 1999
06:07:40 PM
Coming from a troll like Berserker...
by Zontar
Jun 16th, 1999
06:46:58 PM
A brilliant reply from Loxley84
by JohnYama
Jun 19th, 1999
08:47:37 AM
What a bunch of hardcases!
by TechnoPagan
Jun 21st, 1999
04:44:22 PM
People depend on Glen to tell them what to think.
by Wolfpack
Aug 2nd, 2006
08:05:08 AM

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