LAST BEST HOPE: A Babylon 5 Podcast for Our Uncertain Age

#13 – Some Deep Space Franchise (HOMEFRONT/PARADISE LOST)

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 07:33:00 -0000

For April Fool's Day, we show you what we'd be like as a Star Trek: Deep Space Nine podcast...

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#12 – The Quiet Turning of Considered Conscience (SEVERED DREAMS)

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 11:33:00 -0000

What a year it's already been. And we're bringing you our first offering of 2026 with what, according to IMDb, is the highest rated episode of the Babylon 5. That's right folks, we're finally doing it. Of course I'm talking about the Hugo Award-winning, status quo-smashing episode, season 3's "SEVERED DREAMS."

In some ways, our entire podcast has been leading up to this. But have we really reached our IRL Severed Dreams moment...?

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Please write to us! Any and all comments are welcome, but we're particularly interested in how you came across the show and what platform you listen on. You know, for science.

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#11 – Good, Kind, and Decent (THE DECONSTRUCTION OF FALLING STARS)

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 11:00:00 -0000

As we say goodbye to 2025 and welcome 2026, Josh and John pause. Consider. Selah. It's season 4/5's "The Deconstruction of Falling Stars."

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#10 – Drunk, With the Rest of the Aliens (INFECTION)

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 11:33:00 -0000

We revisit one of B5's most reviled episodes and discover what it looks like through a 2025 lens. Also: will New York become our own universe's last, best hope?

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#9 – Rules of Engagement (NO SURRENDER, NO RETREAT)

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 10:33:00 -0000

Trump and Hegseth stomp their feet in front of the grown-ups; Bob wants a promotion.

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#8 – One Battle After Another (BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY)

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 10:33:00 -0000

We're still here! Join us for this discussion on the season 1 episode "By Any Means Necessary," which, despite being recorded in July, is still resonant today. We're about to record again, so please let us know if you have any suggestions re: the episode we should watch for our discussion.

email: lastbesthopeb5@gmail.com

<> _sometimes peace is just another word for surrender <>_

#7 – What Did We Do Wrong? (POINT OF NO RETURN)

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 19:35:18 -0000

We're back after an unplanned hiatus—with the last episode we recorded before said hiatus. It's season 3's POINT OF NO RETURN.

email: lastbesthopeb5@gmail.com

#6 – A Stormy Present (MESSAGES FROM EARTH)

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 09:12:00 -0000

00:27 Messages from Earth: Overview 00:53 Dramatic Arrival and Ominous Message 01:36 Earth Government's Dark Alliance 03:38 Clark's Ambitions and Modern Parallels 14:39 Sheridan's Leadership and Personal Reflections 27:33 JMS's Writing and Personal Influences 37:23 Leadership and Parental Influence 38:23 Conservative Parents and Trump Support 39:00 Generational Trauma and Leadership 41:50 Authoritarianism and Family Dynamics 43:23 Trump's Authoritarian Appeal 53:35 Martial Law and Authoritarian Tactics 56:19 Historical Parallels and Modern Implications 01:00:12 The Role of the Military in Domestic Affairs 01:12:12 Reflection and Self-Understanding 01:14:15 The Illusion of Control 01:15:06 Dictators and Delusions 01:16:12 The Crazy Man Leader Technique 01:17:50 Martial Law and Its Implications 01:27:40 The Power of Familiarity in Storytelling 01:34:05 The Roller Coaster of Season Four 01:35:30 Reflections on Babylon 5's Legacy 01:41:31 The Appeal of Authoritarian Stability 01:42:48 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts

We want your feedback!

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#5 – Stupid Enough to Take It (DUST TO DUST, EXOGENESIS)

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 18:58:37 -0000

Josh and John continue hurtling toward authoritarianism in the first half of BABYLON 5, Season 3...

#4 – Where Everyone Has Gone Before (VOICES OF AUTHORITY)

Fri, 04 Apr 2025 23:38:46 -0000

John and Josh discuss how sex and humor are both weapons in the fight against authoritarianism in their discussion of Babylon 5 Season 3, Episode 5: Voices of Authority.

#3 – Who Are You? (COMES THE INQUISITOR)

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 22:04:13 -0000

Josh and John jump back an episode to season 2's penultimate "Comes the Inquisitor," and ask if someone can be a good leader if they do the right thing--for the wrong reasons.

#2 – Another Word for Surrender (THE FALL OF NIGHT)

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 18:32:44 -0000

John and Josh discuss the parallels between Earth/Centauri/Narn and U.S./Russia/Ukraine.

Let us know what you think: lastbesthopeb5@gmail.com

#1 – Nothing's the Same Anymore (CHRYSALIS)

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 23:14:08 -0000

Josh and John discuss the season finale of Babylon 5's first season, after which everything changed.