A Just ‘Crusade’

Your paper has recently been addressing the issue of sex and violence on television. There has been, and still is, some quality programming on television--you just have to know where to look.

When I wanted an interesting, thought-provoking program, I used to watch “Babylon 5.” There, I could get a dose of interesting characters dealing with real-life issues (no matter the alienness of the space setting), while forming complex relationships. It was interesting, intelligent and never gratuitous in dealing with sex or violence.

Now there is a sequel series to “Babylon 5” called “Crusade.” It began airing on TNT on June 9 and will continue for 13 episodes. That’s right, just 13 episodes.

The show was officially canceled before the first episode was aired and the series given a chance to prove itself.

I enjoy intelligent, thought-provoking television and have always gotten that from “Babylon 5/Crusade” creator J. Michael Straczynski. His two Hugos and a third nomination this year are proof that I am not the only person who likes to be challenged to think when watching television.

A group of fans on the internet has begun a crusade to save “Crusade.” They can be found at www.astro.umd.edu/fleming/index.html, which has details on how to help save one quality television show from Hollywood’s wastebasket.

One way would be to encourage another television station to pick up the show. The station most likely to do this is the Sci-Fi Channel, which can be reached at the following: Bonnie Hammer, Senior Vice President of Programming, Sci-Fi Channel, 1230 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020-1513.

CATHY UDOVCH

El Toro