Here's how JMS describes the differences between Star Trek and Babylon 5:
"...The differences between Babylon 5 and Star Trek are two-fold. One *flips open an open palm* is that Star Trek mediates on a single goal; that being exploring strange new worlds and seeking out new life. Babylon 5, however, mediates on the purpose of natural development and the imagination of our writers. That does bring in a similiarity though. Both Star Trek and Babylon 5 base their aliens apon a bipedal structure. Two arms, two legs, a torso, and a head with two eyes, two ears, and a mouth.
This is done because we've realized that not only must a show be believeable, it has to also react to the watchers mind. Us, as aliens, are bipeds with all the same rudimentary ligaments. If the watcher can relate something from him or her just from the look of a character, it makes the show more enjoyable.
Now, the second difference *opens his other open palm*, is that Star Trek bases each episode to only a single pattern. It starts at A; usually being on the bridge. During the episode, it progresses in its own fashion. But... at the end of the episode it ends right back at A.
For example, if you were to watch any two episodes of Star Trek consecutively, you'll see that they both fit identically in the timeline structure.
As for Babylon 5, it starts with A, and progresses to B, C, D... and at the end of the episode, it ends with E.
If you were to watch two episodes of Babylon 5 consecutively, you'll see that they both fit in different places of the storyline; because it is a story itself.
Babylon 5 is a novel; with each episode relating to a chapter..."
JMS continues with further descriptions of other things.
Anyways, take what you just read, and put those pieces together.
