Babylon 5 is a science fiction tv series which took to the air in 1994. The program is set in the 25th century and takes it's name from the space station where the majority of the story takes place. It is a city in space and it's purpose is to provide a neutral area where humans and aliens can interact peacefully thereby facilitating diplomacy, commerce, and cultural exchange. Naturally the drama comes from the petty squabbles within each race and the grander squabbles between the races.

The space station comes complete with all strata of society from the military command crew and diplomats through to those who are unable to afford the fare to leave the station. The aliens have all the human failings associated with individual personality and the humans come complete with their own problems such as addiction and character flaws. Sadly, and despite all their technology, they have been unable to rid society of crime, poverty or politics. Fortunately, the fine art of the insult still flourishes as does humour.

For a series set in space it is quite down to earth. Within the five mile length there's a shopping mall, markets, public gardens, restaurants, staff canteen, sports events, cafes, bars, as well as the usual locations. One clandestine conversation takes place in a public toilet, with separate facilities for the methane breathers, and in many scenes in public areas there are cleaners buffing the floor and workmen making repairs. It is not so much "cowboys in space" but rather a space soap opera which provides a fictional construct within which to play with ideas which might otherwise be uncomfortable if set in our own time and place.

Not only is there morality but also religion, and even alien religions.