Bill Mumy Movies
One of the best child actors of the 1950s and 1960s, freckled-faced Billy Mumy performed with a directness and sincerity that put many an adult performer to shame. Before he was even ten years old, Mumy had played two of the most unforgettable juveniles in TV history: malevolently telekinetic Anthony Fremont on the 1961 Twilight Zone episode "It's a Good Life," and the pistol-toting protagonist of "Bang! You're Dead," an incredibly suspenseful 1962 installment of Alfred Hitchcock Presents, directed by Hitchcock himself. In films from 1963, Mumy's finest cinematic hour-and-a-half was as Erasmus Leaf, an 8-year-old math genius with an all-consuming crush on Brigitte Bardot, in 1965's Dear Brigette. From 1965 to 1968, Mumy appeared as Will Robinson on the popular TV sci-fi fantasy series Lost in Space. As Mumy matured, he found roles harder to come by, though he was given generous screen time in the 1971 Stanley Kramer production Bless the Beasts and Children and was a regular on the 1975 TV weekly Sunshine. He kept busy in the 1980s on the sci-fi convention lecture circuit and as a scriptwriter; he also played cameo roles in remakes of "It's a Good Life" (the middle section of the 1983 Twilight Zone feature film) and "Bang! You're Dead" (one of the components of the 1985 TV revival of Alfred Hitchcock Presents). The many fans of Bill Mumy's previous work in the realm of "fantastic television" were delighted in 1995 to find him playing the recurring role of Lennier on the syndicated TVer Babylon 5. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide- 1998
Sheridan finds himself at odds with the League ambassadors over G'Kan's proposed Interstellar Alliance Declaration of Principles. A small planet solicits the help of the Alliance in fending off raiders. And Garibaldi tries to align with refugee Telepaths by forming a new intelligence unit. The title of this episode is lifted from the "What a piece of work is a man" speech from Shakespeare's amlet. First telecast on February 4, 1998, "The Paragon of Animals" was written by J. Michael Straczynski. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bruce Boxleitner, Tracy Scoggins, (more)
- 1998
On January 21, 1998, Babylon 5 joined the weekly lineup of the TNT cable network. Subtitled "Wheel of Fire," the series' fifth season got under way with the episode titled "No Compromises." While preparing for the inauguration of the former skipper Sheridan as first president of the New Interstellar Alliance, the crew of Babylon 5 welcomes their new commanding officer, Captain Elizabeth Lochley (Tracy Scoggins). Amidst all the hustle and bustle, a group of Telepaths, headed by Byron (Robin Atkin Downes), arrives at the station seeking sanctuary. And unbeknownst to all but one person on board B5, there's a plan afoot to murder Sheridan before he can take the oath of office. "No Compromises" was written by series producer J. Michael Straczynski). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bruce Boxleitner, Tracy Scoggins, (more)
- 1997
Warrior leader Shakiri (Bart McCarthy) intensifies his aggression in the Minbari civil war. Hoping to resolve the crisis, Delenn prepares to make the ultimate sacrifice. And Psi Cop Bester (Walter Koening) tries to strike up an unusual bargain with telepath Lyta. Scott Adams, creator of the comic strip "Dilbert," makes a cameo appearance. Originally telecast during the week of May 19, 1997, "Moments of Transition" was written by J. Michael Straczynski. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bruce Boxleitner, Claudia Christian, (more)
- 1997
Using methods that could be described as unethical, Captain Sheridan manipultes the League to accept the presence of White Star patrols. Delenn again heads for Minbar, hoping to civil strife on her homeworld with with the aid of Neroon (John Vickery). But the plans of both Sheridan and Delenn may be foredoomed if the behavior of those involved does not proceed according to plan. Written by J. Michael Straczynski, "Rumors, Bargains and Lies" first aired during the week of May 12, 1997. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bruce Boxleitner, Claudia Christian, (more)
- 1997
Lyta makes telepathic contact with an unconscious Shadows victim. Garibaldi hopes to gain the complete trust of his new boss, pharmaceutical mogul William Edgars (Efrem Zimbalist Jr.) And Captain Sheridan races against the clock as his guides his troops towards the Earth. Harlan Ellison makes a brief onscreen appearance as a Psi Cop. Originally telecast during the week of June 2, 1997, "The Exercise of Vital Powers" was written by J. Michael Straczynski. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bruce Boxleitner, Claudia Christian, (more)
- 1997
This Babylon 5 episodes takes its title from the name of the series' fourth-season saga. The world of Proxima 3 is the battleground for a crucial confrontation between Captain Sheridan and Earth President Clark. Meanwhile, Londo hopes to arrange a joint effort between the Centauri and the Narn to resist the vainglorious Clark. But to do this, Londo needs the cooperation of the understandably recalcitrant G'Kar. Written by J. Michael Straczynski, "No Surrender, No Retreat" made its US television debut during the week of May 26, 1997. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bruce Boxleitner, Claudia Christian, (more)
- 1997
Thanks to the misguided efforts of Garibaldi, Captain Sheridan has been captured by the Earth forces. Using extreme measures, an interrogator named William (Raye Birk) tries to force Sheridan into confessing that he was under alien influence during his attack on President Clark's forces. J. Michael Straczynski's teleplay is so constructed to blur the distinction between fantasy and reality --- and as a result, the viewer is often as disoriented as the hapless Sheridan. "Intersections and Real Time" was originally broadcast during the week of June 19, 1997. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bruce Boxleitner, Claudia Christian, (more)
- 1997
Garibaldi hatches a scheme to capture Sheridan, using the Captain's father as bait. Pharameutical baron William Edgars (Efrem Zimbalist Jr.) then startles Garibaldi by explaining his true motivations. And Lyta agonizes about the future of Telepaths. Written by . Michael Straczynski, "The Face of the Enemy" first aired during the week of June 9, 1997. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bruce Boxleitner, Claudia Christian, (more)
- 1997
Captain Sheridan launches his final strike against the forces of President Clark. His biggest remaining obstacle is a huge fleet of Earth warships, converging near Mars. Meanwhile, Marcus makes a crucial decision that will have long-ranging effects on Ivanova --- and an immediate impact on his own life. Written by J. Michael Straczynski, "Endgame" was first telecast in the United States during the week of October 13, 1997. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bruce Boxleitner, Claudia Christian, (more)
- 1997
As in past years, the final four episodes of Babylon 5's 1996-97 season were broadcast in the United Kingdom before making their first American TV appearances. Written by J. Michael Straczynski, "Between the Darkness and the Light" is a surprisingly low-key episode, despite all that occurs within its 48-minute timeframe. Captured by the Mars Resistance, Garibaldi tries to convince Franklin and Lyta that he was not entirely responsible for his previous actions. As plans are drawn to rescue Captain Sheridan from President Clark's minions, Ivanova, armed with vital information, launches her own counterratack against Clark --- with devastating results. "Between the Darkness and the Light" made its American TV debut during the week of October 6, 1997. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bruce Boxleitner, Claudia Christian, (more)
- 1997
President Clark is dead, and the civil war on Earth is over. Delenn triumphantly stage-manages the convergence of the Earth, the Minbari and the Narn into a new alliance. Captain Sheridan's role in the Alliance must, however, wait until the Earthgov decides his ultimate fate. Elsewhere, Ivanova grieves over the apparent death of Marcus --- and what has become of Lise? First seen in America during the week of October 20, 1997, "Rising Star" was written by J. Michael Straczynski. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bruce Boxleitner, Claudia Christian, (more)
- 1997
Walter Koenig returns in his familiar Babylon 5 role as the reboubtable Psi Cop Bester. Somewhat surprisingly, Bester offers to work with Sheridan against the megalomanic Earth President Clark. But there's a price tag attarched: Sheridan must return to Z'ha'dum to resolve a personal crisis in Bester's life. Meanwhile, Garibaldi resigns as B5's security head. Written by J. Michael Straczynski, "Epiphanies" made its American TV bow during the week of February 10, 1997. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bruce Boxleitner, Claudia Christian, (more)
- 1997
An ISN camera crew pays another visit to Babylon 5, this time accompanied by the far-from-unbiased reporter Dan Randall (Jeff Griggs). At first reluctant to welcome the newscasters, Sheridan agrees to give the ISN a free hand on the condition that he be allow to refute the claims of President Clark. But will the truth be served this time around? And how can one explain the disturbing about-face of the previously loyal Garibaldi? First seen in America during the week of February 17, 1997, "The Illusion of Truth" was written by J. Michael Straczynski. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bruce Boxleitner, Claudia Christian, (more)
- 1997
Captain Sheridan and Delenn summon their forces for a final showdown with both the Vorlons and the Shadows. Londo's ruthlessness pays off when he receives a promotion in the Royal Court of Centauri. And as G'Kar struggles to escape, Centauri Emperor Cartagia (Wortham Kimmer) has his own rendezvous with destiny. Written by J. Michael Straczynski, "The Long Night" was syndicated to American television during the week of January 27 1997. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bruce Boxleitner, Claudia Christian, (more)
- 1997
Captain Sheridan and the crew of Babylon 5 are joined by the First Ones and the White Star fleet in an all-out battle against the Shadows and Vorlons on Corianus 3. With his emperor out of the way, Londo attempts to purge Centauri prime of all vestiges of the Shadows. And the Vorlon planetkiller continues its inexorable approach. Originally broadcast during the week of February 3, 1997, "Into the Fire" was written by J. Michael Straczynski. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bruce Boxleitner, Claudia Christian, (more)
- 1997
Babylon 5's fourth-season saga "No Surrender, No Retreat" reached the halfway mark during the week of April 28, 1997 with the episode titled "Lines of Communications." As always, several separate plotlines converge in a dramatically startling fashion. Franklin and Marcus finally touch base with the Resistance on Mars; Ivanova prepares to launch her broadcasting career as "The Voice of the Resistance;" and Delenn discovers the motivation behind the attacks upon the allies of the Minbari. "Lines of Communications" was written by J. Michael Straczynski. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bruce Boxleitner, Claudia Christian, (more)
- 1997
Assuming the mantle of "The Voice of the Resistance," Susan Ivanova delivers her first newscast. Garibaldi accepts a new job on Mars, only to come face to face with an old --- and not altogether fond--acquaintance. And Franklin is forced to make several unpleasant executive decisions. Denise Gentile appears as Lise Hampton, a key figure in the life of one of the series' major characters. First telecast during the week of May 5, 1997, "Conflicts of Interest" was written by J. Michael Straczynski. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bruce Boxleitner, Claudia Christian, (more)
- 1997
Delenn returns to her home world of Minbar, hoping to convince the people to accept her relationship with Captain Sheridan. Upon arrival, she is required to undergo The Dreaming, a ritual that literally burrows into her soul. And in another development, Marcus and Franklin are sent to Mars, there to link up with the Resistance forces. Written by J. Michael Straczynski, "Atonement" was first telecast in the US during the week of February 24, 1997. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bruce Boxleitner, Claudia Christian, (more)
- 1997
Captain Sheridan takes Garibaldi to task over the latter's inexplicably contrary behavior. Marcus and Franklin arrive on Mars, but their plan to link up with the Resistance hits a snag. Can this setback have anything to do with their eccentric travelling companion Captain Jack (Donovan Scott)? A disturbing plot twist caps J. Michael Straczynski's teleplay. "Racing Mars" was originally broadcast in America during the week of April 21, 1997. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bruce Boxleitner, Claudia Christian, (more)
- 1996
Walter Koenig returns as B5's pesky nemesis, Psi Cop Bester. On this occasion, Bester and the crew are obliged to form an uncomfortable alliance. The mission: to capture and neutralize Lindstrom (George Gerdes), the dealer of a dangerous telepathic drug. Main complication: G'Kar may be on the verge of becoming addicted to the deadly "dust." Written by J. Michael Straczynski, "Dust to Dust" was first syndicated during the week of February 5, 1996. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bruce Boxleitner, Claudia Christian, (more)
- 1996
Ambassador Draal (John Schuck) is invited back to B5, this time to help Sheridan and the crew make further contact with the First Ones. It is hoped that this ancient and venerable race will assist the crew in their confrontations with the Shadows. Meanwhile, Sheridan must withhold a potentially volatile secret from his new political officer, Night Watch representative Julie Musante (Shari Shattuck). Debuting in America the week of January 29, 1996, "Voices of Authority" was written by J. Michael Straczynski. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bruce Boxleitner, Claudia Christian, (more)
- 1996
Appalled by the civil unrest on Earth, Sheridan declares Babylon 5 as an independent state. As President Clark summons his forces to seize control of B5, Delenn asks Minbari for help. A Ranger arrives with news that throws Delenn for a loss. And that is all that can be said without giving away the many plot surprises in "Severed Dreams." Written J. Michael Straczynski, this episode won the 1997 Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation. In America, it was first made available for syndication during the week of April 1 , 1996. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bruce Boxleitner, Claudia Christian, (more)
- 1996
As conditions on Earth deteriorate, the population is placed under martial law by the Nightwatch, and the government steels itself for an all-out civil war. The loyalties of B5 crewman Zack --- and his friendship with Garibaldi --- are strained to the breaking point when the Nightwatch takes charge of the station's security. And Londo is given a peek into his future by the prognosticating widow of the Centauri Emperor. Star Trek perennial Majel Barrett guest-stars as Lady Morella. Originally shown in America during the week of February 26, 1996, "Point of No Return" was written by J. Michael Straczynski. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bruce Boxleitner, Claudia Christian, (more)
- 1996
Sheridan receives distressing news from archaeologist Dr. Kirkish (Nancy Stafford): The Earth had formed an alliance with the Shadows. Rushing to Ganymede, Sheridan hopes to destroy a downed Shadow vessel before its technology can be used for evil purposes. Meanwhile, the civilian population of the Earth is under the thumb of the Nightwatch. Written by J. Michael Straczynski, "Messages from Earth" debuted the week of February 19, 1996. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bruce Boxleitner, Claudia Christian, (more)
