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The aborted science fiction series “Crusade” takes place in the same universe as “Babylon 5” Straczynski’s earlier TV series. In a “B5” TV movie made after the conclusion of the series an alien race called the Drakh seed Earth’s atmosphere with a virus that infects every living creature on the planet. Within 5 years all life on Earth will be dead. The planet is quarantined as a result. Captain Matthew Gideon (Gary Cole) of the Excalibur is charged with finding a cure assembles a team of scientists, doctors and a Technmage named Galen (Peter Woodward) to save Earth. Galen who once saved Gideon volunteers to help Gideon and his crew because he feels a responsibility for Earth as his people turned away from helping humanity during the Shadow War. ***

Although it was cut down right in the middle of its first season, “Crusade” will keep “B5” fans engrossed. Sadly, there really isn’t a conclusion per se as TNT in another one of its blundering moves cancelled the show midstream because fans that tuned in didn’t stick around for the other programs (I wonder why). It’s a pity as the series began to show considerable promise. Woodward with his Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts training and tenure in the Royal Shakespeare Company commands the screen. His droll delivery makes even the occasionally clunky dialogue sound much better than it is. Likewise Gary Cole energizes the cast with his portrayal of Captain Gideon. Hopefully both will show up and there will be resolution to the plot laid out here in the “Babylon 5” movie now in pre-production at Warner Brothers. The series was erratic in quality and the series wasn’t allowed the time to develop the relationships of the characters like “B5”. So, for example, in the pilot Gideon barely remembers Galen. By the second episode he seems to be his new best friend. This disjointed feeling may stem from the fact that the series was shot out of order with the last five being shot before the first eight. I do feel that “Crusade” is priced too high given that there’s only 13 episodes spread over four discs. Warner Brothers appears to be taking advantage of the “B5” fandom. ---

Things are a bit leaner in the extras department than other “B5” related sets. There’s a documentary on the making of the series that provides considerable background on the genesis, casting and production. It’s a good documentary although I doubt fans will watch it more than once or twice. There’s also a fine featurette on the designing of the Excalibur including feedback NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory into the design elements of the ship. ---