When comparing Babylon 5 vs Stargate Universe, the Slant community recommends Babylon 5 for most people. In the question“What are the best Sci-Fi shows that are similar to Battlestar Galactica (2008) and Firefly?” Babylon 5 is ranked 1st while Stargate Universe is ranked 2nd. The most important reason people chose Babylon 5 is:
Before the show began, it had a planned ending. This allowed for subtle foreshadowing of character and plot development, and excellent internal consistency.
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Pros
Pro Overarching plot was mapped out in advance
Before the show began, it had a planned ending. This allowed for subtle foreshadowing of character and plot development, and excellent internal consistency.
Pro Rigorous attention to physics
There are series-wide plot devices, primarily psionics and jumpgates, which violate real-world science. But outside of those self-contained and self-consistent exceptions, real-world physics is a constant consideration: the design of Babylon 5 itself, the behavior of thrust propulsion, the use of "plasma pulse guns" as sidearms to avoid damaging the hull, etc., etc.
Pro Completed its run without getting cancelled
A rare feat for science fiction, and an especially important trait for once-burnt Firefly fans!
Cons
Con First season is slow and awkward
Between the natural growing pains of a new project and the need to lay foundations for planned events down the line, season 1 may fail to impress. This is widely acknowledged and the new viewer is encouraged to suffer through it, or even to start with season 2 and later watch season 1 as if it were a prequel.
Con CGI pioneer, not in a good way
Early episodes have many scenes rendered on Amiga computers. This isn't too jarring for depictions of spaceships and planets, but on the occasions when a human is rendered in the scene, the poor textures, bad lighting simulation and stiff animations yield cartoonish results, too poor to even reach Uncanny Valley. Later seasons saw improvements in both technology and budget, making this less noticeable as the series progressed.