Home | Introduction to Babylon 5 | Introduction to Corwin | Email
Previously, this site operated on the assumption that anyone prepared to track down a web page devoted to Joshua Cox or Lt Corwin must be a reasonably devoted fan of Babylon 5, thereby removing the need for explanations of the programme or of Corwin's character. This, however, is longer the case and these days Josh Coxx is probably more widely recognized (in the US at least) for his starring role in Strong Medicine, than for his portrayal of David Corwin. These introductory pages are designed to provide complete newcomers with a basic insight into the Babylon 5 universe, and Corwin's position within it.
Those of you already familiar with the programme may wonder why I've selected Corwin as the subject of a website to begin with. He is after all a minor character who, despite having appeared in over 30 episodes of Babylon 5 and two of the related films, is rarely depicted outside the confines of the station's Command and Control centre. He enjoys relatively little dialogue, and on casual inspection, appears to be a one-dimensional figure. Why then, lavish so much attention on him? Well - there are several reasons. I could expound at length on the fact that in a programme as intricate and complex as Babylon 5, even lesser players have a significant contribution to make and therefore require some closer examination. I could also point out the surprising extent of Corwin's popularity amongst both the male and female audience of the show. But I won't. Of course both the points just mentioned are important factors, explored in greater detail in other areas of the site, but basically my reasons are as follows.
Firstly, I'm more or less confined to the house due to illness at the moment, and in the interests of keeping occupied, determining just how much information could be compiled on a subsidiary character in Babylon 5 seemed like an interesting exercise. Secondly, Corwin web-sites are in desperately short supply, and many which exist completely fail to address Josh Coxx's other work. As the man is achieving ever greater prominence, maybe he deserves more than 3 active fan-sites. The third and shamefully superficial reason is that Corwin is not exactly hard on the eyes - in fact he's what we in Belfast would describe as a "generous portion of sex on a stick." He's also in my estimation, a very attractive character - quiet, unassuming, reliable and retiring - but one who on occasion exhibits quite surprising degrees of courage and eccentric humour. While I will confess that a hint of the traditional female predilection for lost looking young men in desperate need of maternal affection has influenced my opinion of Corwin, it's by no means his only attribute.
Lastly, minor characters do exert a peculiar appeal - they're sketchy, enigmatic, and subject to no hard and fast rules of interpretation. From the Red Dwarf Followers of Flibble, to the EastEnders Cult of Big Ron, for years people have fallen prey to the alluring conundra posed by background figures, and yes - I admit it - I have now joined their ranks. Where did Corwin come from? What propelled such an unlikely soldier into the ranks of EarthForce? What lay behind his decision to remain aboard Babylon 5 during it's cataclysmic separation from the Earth Alliance? Sadly many of the questions raised by the imprecision of Corwin's character are destined never to be answered. This site can provide no definitive solutions either - it simply aims to fill the gaps as best it can.
Before concluding the introduction, I'd like to express my thanks to everyone who's mailed me with supportive comments, suggestions, and constructive criticisms of the site. Feedback is always appreciated! I'd also like to give some recognition to those obliging souls who provided me with copies of some of Josh's more obscure appearances on the small screen - all these people are credited individually on the relevant pages in the "Other Roles" section. Lastly, as anyone who's read the old introduction to these pages is aware, I suffer from Chronic Major Depression, which when combined with the massive doses of medication needed to keep the condition under control, does seriously undermine my mental agility, linguistic capacities, and concentration. So apologies in advance for all the typos, inconsistencies, and long boring tracts of incomprehensible waffle you may encounter on this site. Don't be too hard on me - I'm doing my best :-) And on that note, a special word of gratitude to all who contacted me regarding the subject of depression - both for sharing your plights and expressing support.
Take care!
Sarah
Home | Introduction to Babylon 5 | Introduction to Corwin | Email
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