A video index...oh man...you're *deliberately* trying to make my
life a living hell, aren't you? (More than it is already.)

We'll see. It's something I'll mention, and see how they react.

Meanwhile, here's a little something I came across in my computer
this evening. I had always sensed that the Londo introduction/narration
at the top of the pilot was the way to go. But it never hurts to try
other avenues...you discover the darndest ideas that way. Anyway, I came
up with an alternate introduction, just to see if it worked or not. I
rather liked it...and still do, to some degree...but finally opted to go
with the Londo intro instead, which is what we'll stick with.

But since it's not going to be used, I figured...why not let y'all
take a look at what would've been an alternate opening for the pilot?

BABYLON 5
Insert/Prologue

FADE IN:

ON STATIC. Then: a BLACK SCREEN, OVER which we HEAR the FEMALE
voice of a news broadcast in progress:

FEMALE VOICE (vo)
-- continue to bring you updates on
the Interplanetary News Network.

And now, gradually, a PICTURE begins to emerge from the darkness
-- grainy, slightly washed out, a VIDEO IMAGE of Babylon 5.

FEMALE VOICE (vo)
In other news, the Earth Alliance
space station Babylon 5 celebrates
its first year in operation with the
imminent arrival of an ambassador
from the Vorlon Empire.

And now: a MONTAGE of shots from within B5, and some EFX shots
from outside...the casino, the customs area, the bazaar and other
areas. During this, the IMAGE BEGINS TO SHRINK, to recede into
the distance, and gradually the stars begin to come out on all
sides of the picture, framing it. This UNDER:

FEMALE VOICE (vo)
Located in neutral territory, Babylon
5 has exceeded all expectations in
dealing with the many life forms that
pass through the five mile long
station. As a result, Earth Central
has approved an appropriations bill
to keep the orbiting freeport open to
travelers, businessmen and diplomats
for another five years.

And now the image shifts, and the picture continues to recede
into the distance, now only a few inches across...a grainy black
and white image:

FEMALE VOICE (vo)
Meanwhile, a new binary star
discovered by Mars colony scientists
has been named Kennedy Proxima, after
20th century president John F.
Kennedy, born 340 years ago this
week.

And now, in the small picture framed by stars, receding more
rapidly from view, we SEE footage of JFK speaking before the
Democratic convention the eve of his presidential nomination:

KENNEDY
I believe that the times require
imagination, and courage, and
perseverance. I'm asking each one of
you to be pioneers toward that New
Frontier. My call is to the young at
heart, regardless of age; to the
stout of spirit, regardless of party;
to all those who respond to the
scriptural call, "Be strong and of
good courage. Be not afraid, neither
be dismayed." For courage, not
complacency, is our need today.

UNDER this, Kennedy's image recedes further into the distance,
growing smaller and smaller until he is now one of the many
surrounding stars splashed across the blackness of space. A
moment, and the MUSIC RISES, brave and martial, as we

TILT and PAN ACROSS to reveal Babylon 5 itself, up close and
personal in all its huge splendor. PUSH IN on the station as
a ship approaches, and we HEAR:

LAUREL (vo)
Confirmed, Delta Gammer Niner, you
are clear for docking.


jms