Babylon 5: In the Beginning
The story of the Earth-Minbari War.
A 1998 TV movie set in the Babylon 5 universe, this film recounts the Earth-Minbari war that nearly wiped out humanity. Written by J. Michael Straczynski and directed by Michael Vejar, it aired on TNT in January 1998, just before the series' fifth season. The conflict, sparked by a misunderstanding, was secretly halted by the Minbari, leading Earth to build the Babylon stations to prevent future wars.
Quick Facts
- Genre
- Space opera; Drama
- Creator
- J. Michael Straczynski
- Director
- Michael Vejar
- Starring
- Bruce Boxleitner
- Mira Furlan
- Richard Biggs
- Andreas Katsulas
- Peter Jurasik
- Reiner Schöne
- Michael O'Hare
- Theme music
- Christopher Franke
- Country
- United States
- Language
- English
- Executive producers
- Douglas Netter; J. Michael Straczynski
Facts from the source article.
Plot
In 2278, the planet Centauri Prime is in flames. In 2243, humanity, emboldened by recent victories, expands into space and learns of the mysterious Minbari. Despite a warning from Londo, Earth sends the starship Prometheus to study them. The Prometheus encounters the Grey Council's convoy by chance.
As Minbari ships approach, they open their gun ports—a sign of respect in their culture. The Prometheus captain interprets this as an attack and opens fire, severely damaging the Minbari ships and killing Dukhat. The Grey Council declares a holy war against humanity, with Dukhat's protégée Delenn casting the deciding vote. Over months, human forces are overwhelmed by superior Minbari technology.
Lieutenant Commander John Sheridan, first officer of the Lexington, assumes command after his commanding officer is killed and lays a trap, seeding local asteroids with nuclear mines. The Minbari flagship Black Star is destroyed by the mines—Earth's only real victory. Delenn, having learned that Dukhat believed an alliance with humans was needed to defeat the Shadows, leads a faction seeking peace. The Centauri, rivals of the Narn who are brokering secret peace talks, bomb the conference, not understanding its purpose.
Neither humans nor Minbari suspect Centauri intervention, and all hope for peace is lost. Humanity's losses continue for two more years.
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