Average Rating: 
Rating:  - The first review of the actual DVD
Let me begin by stating how incredible the series really is, and season 2 is the first season that won awards in the sci-fi community. So the base content of this 6-DVD set is strong. Added to that are special features galore.To start off, the episodes are presented in widescreen format for a better viewing experience. Second, two episodes have commentary tracks by writer JMS, as in the first season, these commentaries are enlightening about how he conceived of the show and how he crafted the show to fit his vision. Third, an episode has a commentary by actors Claudia Christian (Ivonava), Bruce Boxleitner (Sheridan), and Jerry Doyle (Garibaldi). While not so enlightening about the story of the show, it is simply hilarious and a must see. Fourth, there are also two documentaries and an introduction to the show. This is a great peek into how the show actually worked. All of the above and more in this DVD set; buy, watch and enjoy.
Rating: - The story builds...
The second season of Babylon 5 is like the second spice you put in your chili: it is definately an improvement, but you only sense that there is something better to come. Of course, the chili doesn't taste right if you don't put in the second spice second, and so those who want to wait for the more numerous "wow" episodes of season three won't get the right "taste."There are, in fact, some rather lusterless episides in season two (for my money, even more than there were in season one), but the arc hits ground in even the most seemingly arcless episodes. Plus, JMS really gets comfortable with his charactors in season two, primarily because he gets to re-invent Sinclair in the Sheridan charactor, who is less grim and forboding, and therefore allows JMS to lighten the overall mood and, I think, enjoy the writing more. Season 2 sees the start of the real ensemble interaction that carries the series through to the end. Of course, some would argue that episodes like "Comes the Inquisitor" are exactly the opposite of light, but I say that CTI wouldn't have been so memorable without the more "human" and less bleakly driven charactors JMS develops in season 2. The acting in season 2 isn't better than season 1. It just seems so because the writing is so much better (and the special effects and makeup - we finally get to see Mollari's hair as JMS originally wanted it to look!) I am ordering this today, and suffering through the wait. Maybe, if there is a kindly diety, the moneygrubbers will decide that they want their profits early, and we will see season 3 before November 2003!
Rating:  - Changing of the guard during transitional 2nd season
Now that most of the characters had a backstory, the second season of B5 ventured further into it's 5 year story arc involving the war with the Shadows. Although I never really bought the romantic subplot involving Sheridan (I never felt that Boxleitter and Mira Furlan had much chemistry as a couple), it does work well within the context of the story. The political intrigue of season one expands to include Mars colony, the Psicorp and the usual suspects.Boxleitter is a better actor than Michael O'Hare and he manages to bring considerable power to the role. The change in the guard (due to studio politics amongst many other things)also allowed for a richer, more indepth back story for the series. Although there are a fair share of clunkers during this season, overall the quality is high. The third season would be where the series really hit its stride. I can't comment on the extras here as I haven't seen them yet, but the overall quality of the writing and directing is top-notch. The acting also took a leap forward during this pivotal season.
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