Science Fiction Aficionados discussion

and here's a general discussion thread for Sci Fi on the small screen.

my favorite is probably Firefly, which is no doubt many people's favorite.

also have really enjoyed:

Farscape
Star Trek Deep Space 9
Star Trek Enterprise
The Walking Dead (i guess this should really be considered Horror, but so much of this series is about post-apocalyptic re-building, rather than running around in dark places)
The Prisoner
Battlestar Galactica (new series)
Dollhouse (although i had many problems with it)
Stargate Atlantis (actually, i really was annoyed by this, for the most part. but the whole arc with Michael the half-Wraith was worth it all)

there's a bunch of classics & obscure scifi tv that i have yet to enjoy. some day. the ones most on my mind:

Babylon-5
Space: Above and Beyond
Blake's 7

and then there's Doctor Who. i love this show, but only when i love it. for every great episode there seems to be 3-4 that are pretty dull & eye-rolling. i'm not talking just about the recent series, but the series in its entirety.

although i do love much of the recent series, especially after they ditched the annoying blonde and brought on the much more interesting Martha Jones. i thought the return of the Daleks a few seasons ago was AWESOME. and the Weeping Angels episodes are now classics.

of the new guys, my favorite is probably Christopher Eccleston. David Tennant was great, except when he annoyed me. i like Matt Smith.

looking at the whole series, i would say that most of my favorite episodes are from the Tom Baker run (like most of Doctor Who's older audience, no doubt). although i have a very soft spot for the elderly First Doctor, i liked his style. and Third Doctor was fairly nifty, what with the martial arts and being trapped on earth. and there was something interestingly eerie & off about the Peter Davidson Doctor.

i'm not sure if i could pick a favorite Companion. Martha Jones would be up there and so would Sarah Jane Smith of course. i liked the Second Doctor's Jamie. K-9, naturally. Donna Noble & Jack Harkness. and i have a soft spot for the most unpopular Companion, Adric. i thought he was pretty unique and he had his own tragic arc.

Really enjoy Doctor Who-- I got into it with Christopher Eccleston and have followed it forward.

Of earlier sci-fi, I was a huge fan of the Max Headroom series, which-- having seen it again recently-- was really quite ahead of its time.

Max Headroom! wow it has been years since i even thought of that series. used to love it; definitely agree with it being ahead of its time. i wonder if it is available anywhere.

mark wrote: "Max Headroom! wow it has been years since i even thought of that series. used to love it; definitely agree with it being ahead of its time. i wonder if it is available anywhere."

It should still be. I got a copy on DVD about a year ago. It's still entertaining.

I am a big fan of Doctor Who (just got the season 6 box for Hanukkah). I also love Torchwood although "Miracle Day" was rubbish. And Blake's 7...that needs to be released on DVD.

it's available from the uk. but you'd need a region-free dvd player to play it. it is expensive, but one of these days i'll just have to treat myself.

I have most or all of them on VHS tapes in the closet somewhere, but you know how that is.

that's also where i'm keeping all of my Space: 1999 episodes!

In my closet? No wonder I can't find anything in there.

i am keeping so much stuff in your closet! my soul, my conscience, my sense of dignity... surprised you even have room for Blake's 7.

I am surprised no one has mentioned Eureka. This was a nice diversion weekly for 5-5 1/2 seasons.

For classics we can't forget Time Tunnel and Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea. Time Tunnel was a turkey of a show but fun in a hokey sort of way. V2BofS was a soap opera that ran in prime time and was all science fiction.

And of course, we must not forget the original Lost in Space.

never heard of VttBotS. i like that title! i'll have to see if i can find that somewherre. maybe in Scott's closet.

Good luck with that!

I grew up on Star Trek TNG and DS9(cried harder as a child when I learned they were canceling TNG than I did when I realized Santa wasnt real). Naturally love Battlestar Galactica, Doctor Who (I'm a tennant and Martha fan), the first season of Heroes, duh Firefly. How an you not like Firefly?

I really enjoyed Eureka and Warehouse 13 too, but Eureka, just like Heroes and BSG got severaly wounded by the writer's strike.

Red Dwarf is hands down my FAVORITE scifi comedy, though I have enjoyed the new one that Nick Frost is on produced through the BBC. Still, nothing will ever compare to Ace Rimmer.

Farscape is an absolute must-see if you havent. Its brilliant.

Also after watching all of Stargate Sg-1 and Stargate Atlantis I can promise that you will forever recognize every background or guest character on any tv show. Ever.

If you havent seen Better of Ted, you really should. There are a couple of nerdy scientists that really make the show awesome. Its not a sci-fi in itself, but I think most sci-fi fans would enjoy it.

Annnnd everything I just mentioned is on netflix, hooray!

MY FAVORITES LIST

RECENT: Firefly, Farscape, Babylon-5, Space: Above and Beyond, Battlestar Galactica v2, Star Trek DS9, Stargate (until O'Neill left the show), Eureka, Bones (the 3D holographic display -admissible in court -makes this show pure SF).

CLASSIC: Star Trek (TOS), The Prisoner, Dr. Who, THE OUTER LIMITS.

Firefly-Just recently started to watch it on netflix, I know the shame.
Dr. Who-Started with Eccleston, Tennant, have watched few older episodes.
Torchwood-although I still need to watch the last miniseries movie episode.
Primevil-Dinosaurs!
X Files-ended on a really bad note but a favorite.
Millenium-Lance Henrickson
Star Trek-original and Voyager my favorites.
Full Metal Alchemist-anime

Yep, I dig:

Star Trek TOS, Voyager, and Enterprise.
The Original Bionic Woman
The Prisoner (Original and, yes, AMC's remake)
Mystery Science Theater 3000
Original Twilight Zone
Quark
Space: 1999
Battlestar Galactica (the Disco version and Ron D. Moore version, but not Galactica:1980)
Warehouse 13
Thunderbirds
Ultraman & Ultraman Taro

Traci- I actually thought that the Miracle Day was the best I'd even seen Torchwood!

My faves:

Babylon 5
Farscape
Battlestar Galactica (Ron Moore)
Doctor Who
Torchwood
Stargate Universe

I've been slowly working myself up to rewatch Farscape, B5 and Battlestar but its a lot to take on.
I might be in the minority on Stargate Universe. Granted it had some cliche moments but I thought it was enjoyable.

Doctor Who I've been a fan of since it started up again with Eccleston but its hit or miss sometimes with the storylines.

Becky wrote: "I grew up on Star Trek TNG and DS9(cried harder as a child when I learned they were canceling TNG than I did when I realized Santa wasnt real). Naturally love Battlestar Galactica, Doctor Who (I'm ..."

Better Off Ted was great. Loved the Doctor Who Dalek easter egg in one of the episodes.

I swear to god that Daleks are the most prolific set props! I've seen Dalek models in Warehouse 13, the IT Crowd, and in the lab on Better of Ted.

The IT Crowd is another fantastic show for any techie and BBC enthusiast.

And of course there's the nativity scene from Mr Bean.

Beezlebug wrote: "might be in the minority on Stargate Universe. Granted it had some cliche moments but I thought it was enjoyable...."

yeah, i had a lot of issues with SGU. i didn't mind so much that it was ripping off the new BSG in both tone & style... that made it a really different entry in the SG universe, very distinctive. it was actually, as you note, the cliche moments that aggravated me. A LOT. that said, i watched every episode. and Robert Carlyle was pretty awesome, he did so much with what could have been a fairly rote character.

FYI: Today is the Birthday of the first appearance of Tribbles 44 years ago today

Hugh (A.K.A. Hermit the Curmudgeon) wrote: "FYI: Today is the Birthday of the first appearance of Tribbles 44 years ago today"

Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you.... What the hell's that in my shoe!

Happy Birthday (drum) Happy Birthday (Drum) Gloom doom and dispair.... people dying every where.. happy birthday...

Three more I watched a lot of or have watched all so far and enjoyed for various reasons:

Alphas
Dark Angel (w/Jessica Alba)
The Six Million Dollar Man

The last one is another one of those TV classics that since his running mate, The Bionic Woman, was mentioned deserved a note. 6M$man was real hard core Science Fiction. Much of the tech is coming into reality today, with the exception of the emdeded optical replacement. We have surgically implanted hearing enhancements, robotic limb replacements, steel/alloy cage technology for spines, rib cages, etc. Ahead of its time certainly.

Dark Angel may be a guilty pleasure and only about half the episodes were worth much. Lots of cool visuals around a dystopian Seattle.

Alphas has great potential as a superhero team concept. A well done first season.

Will avoid the many, many, cartoon/animated SF shows that I've watched over the years - for now!

I came across a DVD set of THE INVADERS (1968) that I enjoyed watching. Lasted two seasons. Lone man is witness to aliens arriving on earth and spends each show trying to convince the public. Aliens are able to take on human form, until they're killed then they conveniently evaporate.

Kurt wrote: "I came across a DVD set of THE INVADERS (1968) that I enjoyed watching. Lasted two seasons. Lone man is witness to aliens arriving on earth and spends each show trying to convince the public. Alien..."

Were those the guys with the crooked fingers, my Mother spent my entire childhood telling me she was one of them. Due to a crooked little finger that is, not evil alien intentions.

Kurt wrote: "I came across a DVD set of THE INVADERS (1968) that I enjoyed watching. Lasted two seasons. Lone man is witness to aliens arriving on earth and spends each show trying to convince the public. Alien..."

YES, thank you. I've been trying to remember what the name of that series is. It was written by a guy from the University of Texas (I know that because my parents graduated from UT and point out everyone who's ever done something remarkable that went there).

It may have only run two seasons but looking at the date, It had to have influenced so many more modern works.

FARSCAPE FARSCAPE FARSCAPE.......

ITS THE BESTEST EVER...... SCI FI SERIES.......

Also what about the Ghost In The Shell manga....

;-)
Steve

My fave TV series has to be Eureka followed by the Stargate series and of course Firefly.

Battlestar Galactica (new),Dr Who, Fringe, X-Files, Eureka, and right now I'm enjoying Falling Skies. Also like Firefly.

Scott wrote: "I am a big fan of Doctor Who (just got the season 6 box for Hanukkah). I also love Torchwood although "Miracle Day" was rubbish. And Blake's 7...that needs to be released on DVD."

I've got most of Blake's 7 on DVD. BBC released them years ago.

I liked Outcasts, but sadly it got cut after the 1st series.
My dad went through hell when The Invaders was on telly. He's got the same name as the lead character in the show.
I don't usually go for the foreign TV shows so much (not so keen on the style they tend to use) but I loved the reimagined Battlestar Galactica. Pity the storyline got progressively more silly as it reached the last series. Babylon 5 was also good. I enjoyed the Stargate movie, but never warmed to the TV series or various spin-offs. Farscape - don't actually know what it is. Keep hearing the name - never seen it broadcast.

Ruth wrote: "Battlestar Galactica (new),Dr Who, Fringe, X-Files, Eureka, and right now I'm enjoying Falling Skies. Also like Firefly."

I forgot about Falling Skies. Totally love that one too. :) It's gotten really interesting lately.

I have a few episodes to catch up on. Hopefully I'll be able to watch them today because it's my day off.

Paul wrote: "I've got most of Blake's 7 on DVD. BBC released them years ago."

Sorry, I should have qualified "in the U.S."

I like the new BG too. In the middle of season 2 right now.

Farscape is excellent! a lot of fun.

i actualy liked BSG from beginning to end. i think i am in the minority there.

I've got a boxset of every series of BSG. Liked the whole lot, just have to overlook the weird prophecy mumbo-jumbo towards the end. The final episode is excellent and very moving.

I've never heard of Falling Skies. Has that made it across the Atlantic yet?

Falling Skies is a show on TNT about life after aliens have invaded. Here's link to the official page.
http://www.fallingskies.com/

Sounds pretty good.

As far as I can establish, TNT stopped broadcasting here in the UK a long while back. It seems Falling Skies is shown on FX here, but I don't get that channel.

I've loved Firefly, Dr Who (am also a sucker for Tom Baker!), BSG (both series), and was really getting into Outcasts when it was canned - such a shame.

i liked the second season of Alphas. although i suppose it is only marginally scifi. i hope it comes back for a 3rd season.

Falling Skies is pretty good, looking forward to its return this summer. Anyone check out Defiance, which started this week? I wasn't amazed by the first episode but there was enough to interest me.

Taped Defiance but haven't watched it yet. Saw the previews of the new season of Falling Skies. Can't wait.

Defiance - Another dark, dark post apocalyptic Sci-Fi were humans struggle for survival. It is probably one of the better looking of the post apocalyptic shows. I do prefer a more upbeat show instead a dark gloomy background world. So far on the Sci-Fi network, Warehouse 13 is OK, it is a bit better than any other on that network. Still for now, the ONLY new Sci-Fi show on TV that I enjoy is Doctor Who by the BBC. It is an upbeat show that is often not in gloomy background world.

From the old, Star Trek series was king.

Love all the Star Trek series and it's awesome being able to watch episodes thru things like Netflix and Hulu.
Babylon 5 is really cool too. It's one of my faves.
Stargate SG1 and Atlantis are awesome but Universe wasn't really my thing, but it's really good, especially the intrigues. I just like more action.
Firefly rocks. Wish there was more. Farscape too. It ended too soon and the movies weren't enough.
I love cyborgs so the old Six Million Dollar Man and Bionic Woman shows are faves. I like the old Battlestar Galactica series more than the newer one. Watched Buck Rogers in the 25th century on Netflix also and thought it was fun. Bede bede bede. Lolz!

Saw Defiance the other day. Pretty good start. It looks like it could become interesting. Hopefully they keep up the action and adventure stuff. It's done by Rockne S. O'Bannon (Farscape) so it will probably stay fast paced and exciting.

Watched a bunch of old Dr. Who eps a few years ago and thought it was cool and have seen a couple eps of the new series and it's pretty awesome. Going to have to brush upon my Who trivia before the Whovians find out I have been slacking. I wouldn't want to get mixed up on one of the names of the many actors who have been the Doctor. That would be embarrassing. :)

^Apparently Rockne S. O'Bannon only had a hand in the pilot and then left to pursue another project (something called 'The Cult' I believe) so his influence won't stretch too far beyond the first episode.