Pleasure Thresholds

by Patricia Tallman

The Ultimate Insider’s Experience of Babylon 5: A behind-the-scenes peek into Patricia Tallman's life during her “B5 Years.” A candid (and occasionally spicy) memoir.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography

355 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2011

Reviews

[Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm really glad I bought it and would definitely recommend it to any fans of the show. The pictures are really great and it's lovely to see such a playful side of the cast, particularly those who are no longer living. Patricia has a really nice conversational way of writing. It's very close and you feel like she's just sitting in the room next to you telling stories and remembering things. Reading this book gave me a much better appreciation for her as an actress (and stuntwoman) as well as a greater appreciation for Lyta. The book is a nice chronological approach to her time on the show. Starting with JMS' introduction where he talks about seeing her in Night of the Living Dead and wanting her for B5. To the auditions, pilots, leaving the show and coming back. There's also details about her work on Star Trek, personal background, audtioning and what it's like going to conventions as a guest. I got the book and read it in about 12 hours 350 pages, with lots of pictures and totaly absorbing. The books also came with a cd of interviews and audio tracks that I've not listened to or watched yet. But I totally loved this it brought back a lot of my B5 love.

[Alli · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really, really enjoyed reading this. I stumbled upon it the other day while looking for something old usenet posts by JMS during the B5 years for a radio thing I'm doing in December, and bought it IMMEDIATELY. And read it in a day. Patricia Tallman was one of my favorite actors on Babylon 5, and meeting her was one of the highlights of my high school years (I think hers was the last con I went to before college, though I could be wrong). I remember being in high school co-running the B5Teens mailing list (oh, the days of mailing lists!) and fan club, and I still to this day have my B5Teens t-shirt, signed by the 8 of us members who'd been there from the beginning AND Patricia Tallman.

This book is witty, insightful, full of great behind the scenes pictures from the B5 set as well as others (Star Trek, Jurassic Park, and other things she has been in, including Castle!) and behind the scenes stories that give you a good look into what it is like working as an actor when you aren't one of those "Big Name" stars. A phenomenal read.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the 2020 Edition-
Behind the scenes memoirs can inform, and sometimes, surprise you, on what happens in the places you don't get to see on a show, or in this case, a person's life.
I've been a long time Babylon5 fan and when the opportunity to acquire Ms. Tallman's book came up, I couldn't pass it up. I knew she had worked extensively in the Stunt industry. I didn't know the scenes she was actually in for some of my favorite shows and movies. She is both coy and blunt in describing her life before, during and after B5. As a photographer, I appreciated the shots she had of co-workers and friends just relaxing, working and letting off steam.
Thank you for letting us take look into your life and get a better view of the life of a B5 alumni.
PS- the tributes and words to the actors who have passed beyond the veil were just right.

[Norma · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re a Babylon 5 fan, this is a must read. Like sitting down with a friend for a conversation. Ms. Tallman writes about her experiences being a working actor in Hollywood, as well as her time on Babylon 5, and filled with pictures. I loved it.

[Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolut beautiful

[Jennifer Baratta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much for this book Patricia Tallman.

[Mel Horadam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Too wholesome to give anything less than 5 stars

[Fox Smoulder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always been a fan of the strong, talented women in science fiction. In fact, for a very long time it was only in science fiction that you could find strong female characters who followed their hearts and used their minds, rather than just waiting around for the lead male character to save them. Sci-fi women were my role models when I was a kid, and I still look toward them when I need inspiration. So imagine my thrill when picking up Patricia Tallman’s ‘Pleasure Thresholds’ as a sci-fi geek, and finding that the woman behind some of these powerful characters is also strong, talented, AND can tell a great story! The first two I was already fairly certain of, having met her online, (caveat she’s very nice, check her out on twitter: @patriciatallman :) but the third made me even happier.

‘Pleasure Thresholds’ is a title taken from one of Patricia Tallman’s more famous lines in Babylon 5 and the book contains her experiences working on the show, but so much more. In her conversational writing style Ms. Tallman also tells her own story, from her beginnings in Illinois through her amazing experiences as a stunt woman in the likes of Star Trek The Next Generation, Deep Space 9, and Jurassic Park. Then her story moves into the story of Babylon 5 space station saga, including some of her experiences on the sci-fi convention circuit with other members of that cast. Throughout, she shares pictures she took over the years. SO MANY pictures!

If you’re curious about the inner workings of Babylon 5, look no further. This book is straining its spine with pictures and stories from behind the scenes on the space station. There are both happy and heart-breaking tales of Ms. Tallman herself and cast mates both alive and passed. But if you’re also curious about the acting or stunt work professions, or if you enjoy well told stories about a woman who is both a seasoned professional and a little crazy in a good way, this book is for you too.

Much like the space station, Patricia Tallman is powerful, tough, and beautiful. Hers is a story of passion and resilience that will resonate for anyone who likes strong women, sci-fi, or like me, both!

‘Pleasure Thresholds’ is alone well worth the price for a glimpse into the inner workings of Babylon 5 and life of such a woman, but it also comes with a bonus CD-ROM containing a bunch of extras, (some containing chickens… don’t ask) and is signed by not only Ms. Tallman, but also the creator of Babylon 5 himself, Mr. J. Michael Straczynski!

[Jimmie Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was a big fan of Babylon 5. Patricia had posted that she was coming to Texas and was bringing a few copies of her book. So I asked if she would have me a copy and I would purchase it from her. She said she would have one saved for me and would personalize it for me. So that's how I got my copy. Didn't have to wait for it in the mail. That was really and getting to meet her in person. Patricia was a hard working MOM, actress and yes stunt woman. She work hard on all the projects she was on. She had to. She came to be know as Lyta Alexander from Babylon 5. She was on other science fiction shows. The most famous one is the Star Trek franchise, The Next Generation and Deep Space Nine. The book has a lot of pictures from the many shows Patricia did. She goes behind the scenes on B5 and how after the show ended, everyone still stays in touch. I also learned that Patricia had a charity that is dear to hear heart and that the Penny Lane. They help out the youth that cannot be placed in foster care because they were so abused. Around the Holidays she has a Be a Santa program for Penny Lane. So I see where Lyta comes from. Patricia is a strong lady just like her character Lyta. I would recommend to see the real side of being a actress. This is it. JM

[John Longeway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining behind the scenes look at Babylon 5 from the multi-talented Patricia Tallman who played telepath "Lyta Alexander." Filled with personal behind the scenes photos and stories that range from the funny to the tragic to the slightly ribald, Ms. Tallman gives us a glimpse at the machinery behind one of the most significant sci-fi television series in history, as well as a peak into the mind and life of a working actress and stunt-woman. Highly recommend for fans of Babylon 5 or Tallman's other work, or anyone who enjoys learning about others' creative processes.

Also helps confirm my long held suspicion that Jerry Doyle is indeed a dick.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting memoir from actress and stuntwoman Patricia Tallman. Despite the title, it's only partly about her experiences on Babylon 5. There's also discussion of her work on Star Trek, her experiences with cons, and a bit of a biography of her life before and after the show. The organization sometimes feels a bit disjointed, but doesn't keep it from being an enjoyable read.

In addition to the text of the memoir, the book is packed with photos from Patricia's personal collection, as well as reproductions of some script covers and call sheets from B5 episodes she appeared in.

[Dietmar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Babylon 5 was an integral part of my life as a fanboy in the 90's ... that said, this book was a trip down memory lane at its best. A candid and witty recount of the series and a window behind the scenes. Lots of insights, great pictures and a light read with the odd sad note in remembrance of those of the cast who have gone to the stars already. I have thoroughly enjoyed the book and it brought me in the mood to pick up my B5 DVDs and delve back into the series ...

[Birger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have had the distict pleasure of meeting Pat and interwied her on ShadowCon here in Oslo some yeats ago.
What I met was not an aloofed Hollywood actress.
I met a hardworking, talented (and very beautyfull) woman with a big smile, and an even bigger heart.
Reading this book just comfirms my Suspicion:
Angels really have red hair.

The book is fun, gripping and personal.

I just hope there will be more from my favorite Telepath.
(If you could read my thoughts.....)

[Molokov · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Babylon 5 Memoir by "Lyta Alexander" actress Pat Tallman is a great exploration into the behind the scenes of B5, and an actor's perspective of the audition process, and convention experiences. Pat's been very open with what she's written and the book is hilarious, insightful, and poignant. #andsheusesalotofhashtags

[Joel Gompf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book greatly. I bought it as soon as it was available as I had enjoyed all of Ms Tallman's commentary's on the Babylon 5 series discs. She uses a lovely combination of being forthright while also engaging. I love her literary style. I certainly hope she seriously considers another foray into the world of writing.

[Jason Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very open and frank memoir. A must-have for any Babylon 5 fan. It gives a fascinating look into the world of an actor and highlights just what they put themselves through for a paycheck and for our enjoyment. Thank you for sharing, Pat. :)

[Laura Naysmith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never realised just how little actors got paid until I read is book, Pat's decision to be very open and honest about EVERYTHING is very refreshing and makes this a book I definitely want to re-read.

[Mirka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting and detailed look into the life of a working actor in the 90's, worth reading even if you're not a fan of Babylon 5.