I always saw it as a transitional show, between what Star Trek was (Original and Next-Gen) and Firefly/BSG. Of course, at the tine it was ground breaking because it was a little different then ST, and only now can you see it as a step up.
But then I see something like SYFY’s Flash Gordon which is a major step back…
I’m eating a leftover burrito. It’s cold. I’m too lazy to heat it up. That being said, after eating a huge dinner at a 70th birthday party I ordered Papa John’s six meat pizza and finished that off. What the frak? Am I pregnant? I am a frakkin bunny afterall.
My dining choices are limited for the next week or two.
(And I won’t do the dead rabbit joke that is Teed up…)
So I misunderstood what you meant, but you agree with my misunderstanding? Makes sense to me. 
Actually, I do recall Joss mentioning JMS as an influence at some point. The exact reference escapes me. I’ll look into it.
I was talking about this specific episode, but as a series, I never really saw the comparison with ST. B5 was much darker — and grittier, back when nothing was — that Star Trek ever was. It always seemed like its own unique entity. It was considered ground-breaking, because it was.
But then I see something like SYFY’s Flash Gordon which is a major step back…
Sadly, that trainwreck of a show actually became very compelling and entertaining in the last few episodes. Too little, too late, of course.
Are you eating for nine? 
Actually, I’ve got some serious munchies myself today. Too much cake and pizza and not enough real food, I think. 
HEY! Pizza is real food. (As long as you get the special with sausage, Meatballs, pepperoni, Green peppers, onions, … I am SO hungry now)