Best and Worst Science Fiction Television Programmes?

[D289]

Which TV shows (either TV shows in general or individual episodes) do you think show sci-fi at its zenith and at its lowest?

[D289]

Me:

I think Star Trek: the Next Generation; Babylon 5; and Firefly show us some of the best sci-fi on TV.

Conversely, I think some of the worst include some of the more recent episodes of Dr Who (I think Stepehen Moffat needs to step aside and let some new blood in); Andromeda, which always struck me as weird and campy in a bad way...I'm sure I'll think of a tonne more but I prefer positive, quality stories.

I think the three best episodes of TNG are "Family," the episode dealing with the aftermath of the Borg attack in "The Best of Both Worlds," which actually showed heartache and the repair of relationships; "Sarek," the final appearance of Spock's Dad a century after his introduction, who has to pull himself together with Picard's help to arbitrate one last mission; and "Yesterday's Enterprise" giving Tasha the good-bye she deserved and proving TNG had (mostly) left camp behind and stood as quality, thought-provoking entertainment.

[lord_george]

I would add "The Inner Light" to your list of best TNG episodes. And Battlestar Galactica as one of the best sci-fi series.

[Turtlejosh]

For me doctor who encompasses everything about sci fi. Not only does it have the science stuff but mor importantly, it shows how easily it is to lose someone as well as the child like wonder we should have for the universe around us. So much imagination goes into it and it has really inspired me.

For me a low point was the later series of heroes which had power manipulation become so easy to gain and lose.

[D289]

Do you think Stephen Moffat is taking Dr Who in the right direction?

[pat9916]

I would add "The Inner Light" to your list of best TNG episodes. And Battlestar Galactica as one of the best sci-fi series.

I agree, BSG was damn good, but Stargate SG-1 will forever be my favorite.

[Turtlejosh]

Do you think Stephen Moffat is taking Dr Who in the right direction?

For now yes, but what I like about the show is that it will take a new direction soon again, maybe it will get a bit more dystopian or become more adventure like. The fluidity of the show keeps me engaged

[D289]

I worry a little that it might stagnate.

I hope the other Time Lords come back soon. Being the last of the last I think was tired even by David Tenant's second or third series

[Wombling Wurzel]

Red Dwarf is my favourite and the one for the win.  Yes I'm one of those who like Sci-Fi on a shit budget.

How can anyone not love this intro music



And the credits

[lock7235]

I would add "The Inner Light" to your list of best TNG episodes. And Battlestar Galactica as one of the best sci-fi series.

I agree, BSG was damn good, but Stargate SG-1 will forever be my favorite.

Stargate SG-1 is hands down my favourite show ever, never got around to finishing BSG though

[Ad1210]

Star trek DS9.  And the new Dr who

[Mettis]

Stargate SG1, Star Trek, Defiance.

[ToneBender]

Best - The 100, Doctor Who, Firefly, Star Trek Enterprise, Battle Star Glactica
Still working on the worst though the remake of V is a good bet

[Ad1210]

Best - The 100, Doctor Who, Firefly, Star Trek Enterprise, Battle Star Glactica
Still working on the worst though the remake of V is a good bet

Interesting choice of Enterprise over the other series!

[ToneBender]

Yes - I get a lot of flack for that.

I like Archer, the crew, the NX5, the adventures, the journey into the expanse.
I like how it filled in the backstory between Zephram Cochrane's flight and the original Star Trek including the formation of the alliance.

Not really sure why it wasn't more popular.

I should mention (I did mention but the server didn't save my edit) that Doctor Who and Firefly both feature positive depictions of naturist ideals - Doctor Who and Capt. Malcolm Reynolds are both pretty confident in the skin they're in.