Jeffrey Sinclair
| Jeffrey Sinclair | |
|---|---|
| Babylon 5 character | |
 | |
| First appearance | Babylon 5: In the Beginning (chronological) (last airdate), The Gathering (airdate) |
| Last appearance | Babylon 5: The Road Home |
| Portrayed by | Michael O'Hare |
| Voiced by | Paul Guyet (Babylon 5: The Road Home) |
| In-universe information | |
| Species | Earth Alliance , Rangers |
Jeffrey Sinclair is a fictional character on the
Portrayed by the actor
In the second season, Sinclair was succeeded as space station Commander by John J. Sheridan (portrayed by Bruce Boxleitner.)
Role in Babylon 5
 | This section describes a work or element of fiction in a primarily in-universe style. (July 2012) |
Character arc
Jeffrey Sinclair is introduced in the 1993 pilot film, Babylon 5: The Gathering, which takes place roughly one year before the first-season episode "Midnight on the Firing Line".
Jeffrey Sinclair was born on the
Sinclair was promoted to fighter pilot and — less than a year later — promoted to squadron leader. Due to his rapid rise through the ranks, it was rumored that he was on the fast track to making
When the Babylon 5 space station was established, Sinclair was appointed as the leader by the Minbari race who were responsible for its creation. He was selected over many senior officers, including Colonel Ari Ben Zayn, all of whom had been vetoed by the Minbari.
In Babylon 5 season 2, Sinclair was reassigned as
Relationships
Sinclair enlisted in EarthForce in 2237. While working as a flight instructor at EarthForce Academy, he met second-year cadet Catherine Sakai. This marked the beginning of a 15 year on-again off-again relationship. Sinclair proposes to Sakai during the season one finale; this episode marks Sinclair and Sakai's final regular appearances in the series.[1]
Departure and reception
After filming one full season, O'Hare and the series executive producer/creator J. Michael Straczynski mutually decided for the actor (and character) to depart as a series regular.[2][3] Straczynski announced O'Hare's departure via a written statement posted on GEnie on May 20, 1994:
This is a mutual, amicable, and friendly separation. This isn't a Tasha Yar situation. Moreover, we will be handling this in such a way that, down the road, Sinclair could potentially return to the story. ...I take pains to mention this because both Michael [O'Hare] and I want it clear that we both believe in the show, and want this in no way to interfere with the series. He has asked me to convey for him his encouragement, his best wishes, and to emphasize that this is, again, an amicable and friendly separation.[2]
Responding to backlash from fans, Straczynski added: "Please do not stick this on O'Hare. Whatever decisions get made, it is up to the producers — me and Doug — to implement those decisions, so ultimate responsibility rests with me. If you're going to be angry at anyone, be angry at me."[2] O'Hare left the series for mental health reasons that were not disclosed at the time.
Straczynski revealed the circumstances of O'Hare's departure from Babylon 5 at a presentation about the series at the
Straczynski emphasized that O'Hare's fans, particularly those of his role as Sinclair, had helped him cope with his struggle in ways "medication never could."[7] O'Hare told Straczynski that fans deserved to eventually learn the real reason for his departure, and that his experience could raise awareness and understanding for people with mental illness.[5][6][7]
O'Hare reprised the character of Sinclair on season two and had a two-episode guest appearance in season three. As a result of his departure, there are several minor inconsistencies between the first season and the remainder of the show, most visibly in "
In literary analysis of characters in pop culture and science fiction, Jeffrey Sinclair has been examined as a hero[8] and leader.[9]
External links
References
- To Dream in the City of Sorrows.
- ^ a b c Straczynski, J. Michael (May 1994). "About Michael O'Hare's Departure". The Lurker's Guide to Babylon 5.
As a result of these discussions, it has been agreed that we will have a separation, in the role of the commander. Let me emphasize this very clearly, so there is no chance of miscommunication: this is a mutual, amicable, and friendly separation. This isn't a Tasha Yar situation. Moreover, we will be handling this in such a way that, down the road, Sinclair could potentially return to the story. The character of Sinclair will achieve an important destiny, and the mystery of the Battle of the Line will be explained, both in the first episode of the new season. His story will still track. And the series will still track precisely as planned. I take pains to mention this because both Michael and I want it clear that we both believe in the show, and want this in no way to interfere with the series. He has asked me to convey for him his encouragement, his best wishes, and to emphasize that this is, again, an amicable and friendly separation.
- ^ Original GEnie post Message 560 by Straczynski on Fri May 20, 1994[permanent dead link]
- YouTube(explanation begins at 10:50)
- ^ YouTube(explanation begins at 10:50)
- ^ a b "J. Michael Straczynski on Michael O'Hare's battle with mental illness". YouTube. 25 Feb 2014. Archived from the original on 2021-12-12. Retrieved 23 June 2014.
- ^ a b Roth, Dan (May 28, 2013). "Straczynski reveals moving story of why Michael O'Hare left Babylon 5". Blastr. Archived from the original on 2017-06-05. Retrieved 2014-09-13.
What was amazing was when I saw [O'Hare] walk into a room with you, with the fans, the color came back to his cheeks, the confidence came back. You, the group, sustained him and empowered him and brought him to life in ways no medication ever could.
- ISSN 1540-5931.
- ISBN 978-1-4422-2986-0.