This book, Babylon 5: Season by Season, Book 2: The Coming of Shadows, is the essential, episode-by-episode guide to the pivotal second season of J. Michael Straczynski's revolutionary science fiction saga.

Authored by Babylon 5 expert Jane Killick, this volume details the season that transitioned the series from political intrigue into a full-scale galactic war, forever changing the destiny of the station and the star systems around it.

Book Overview

The Coming of Shadows meticulously chronicles the 22 episodes of the second season, which saw the arrival of Captain John Sheridan, the dramatic transformation of Ambassador Delenn, the escalation of the Narn-Centauri War, and the first undeniable movements of the ancient, malevolent force known as the Shadows.

This guide provides deep analysis and exclusive production details that illuminate the complex narrative threads leading to the show's massive shift in scale and tone.

Key Features

• Comprehensive Episode Summaries: Features in-depth, episode-by-episode breakdowns of all 22 shows from the debut of Captain Sheridan in "Points of Departure" through the dramatic season finale, "The Fall of Night."
• Behind-the-Scenes Analysis: Includes Jane Killick's essays, such as "By Any Means Necessary: Making 'Babylon 5' on a Budget" and insights into the creative changes of the second season.
• New Command, New Conflicts: Detailed exploration of the arrival of Captain John Sheridan (played by Bruce Boxleitner) and his immediate immersion into the brewing conflicts.
• The Rise of the Shadows: Focuses on the ominous plot developments that signal the return of the Shadows, the growth of Londo Mollari's tragic deal with Mr. Morden, and the first appearance of the secretive Rangers (The Army of Light).
• Tragedy of the Narn-Centauri War: Detailed analysis of the episodes that lead to the devastating war between the Narn Regime and the Centauri Republic, including the momentous episode, "The Coming of Shadows."