Re: B5 dvd

[Jose J. Ortiz-Carlo]

Speaking of B5, I was reminded of a story which I'd like to share with you guys... I don't know if this is common knowledge, since I'm totally disconnected from B5 after the first couple of seasons.

I once had the pleasure and opportunity to exchange email with B5's creator, JM Straczinsky (sp?). He was a really cool guy to talk to, very candid and down-to-Earth.

At the time, which was near the launch of both B5 and DS9, Straczinsky took the opportunity to address the questions regarding what was referred to, at the time, as a "striking similarities" between B5 and DS9. According to JMS, he had the chance to pitch his story idea to the producers of Star Trek, shortly before Gene Rodenberry's death. His pitch was rejected. Months later, Paramount announced the release of DS9.

According to JSM, the similarities between the two shows in question were, most likely, NOT accidental. He felt ripped off. I don't know if he chose to prosecute, or even if he had legal grounds to do so. From what I know, when submitting story ideas, you lose rights to what you pitch. A shaky argument, to say the least, but at least that's what they tell to those few and brave who pitch to Star Trek.

Anyway, I just wanted to throw this into the mix.

Cheers,

JJ

P.S. Another short brief of info regarding DS9.. I attended a Star Trek convention at the time that DS9 had just started out. Part of the guest list included Richard Arnold, Gene Rodenberry's controvertial "personal assistant" or "gopher", as the online community referred to him. I was very happy to make his acquaintance, him being in Puerto Rico for the first time and all, and he was very gracious with his time, regaling me and my friends with legends of Gene Rodenberry and the Star Trek production crews.

I remember asking him if Gene had any knowledge of DS9 before his death. The official Paramount story on this is that Berman met with him and explained him what they were doing. Upon knowing the concept of DS9, Rodenberry, who was at the time ill, managed to give Berman a thumbs-up.

According to Arnold, this was a majorly fabricated lie. Gene said, (and I quote), "you'll have to wait until I DIE before you do *that* Star Trek spinoff". The only reason Gene didn't fight them in court (again, this was according to Arnold) was that he was too old and sick to try anything.

True or not? Well, they *did* wait until after Gene's death! ;-)

P.P.S. I apologize for a possible "missend". Seem to have pressed wrong button!

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