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.

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.

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!

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.

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...