20 of the most epic failures in network science fiction TV

Blastr.com ^ | 09/21/10

[KevinDavis]

The new TV season starts in earnest this week, and as usual it brings with it the promise of all kinds of new sci-fi, fantasy and horror treats for us to watch. And all too soon it will also bring with it an inevitable round of cancelations as shows that seemed like they were just getting going get cut short when the ratings take a sudden downturn (or maybe a slow decline).

Before we fall in love with too many new darlings only to lose them too soon, we thought it was a good time to look back over some of the most promising new network shows in the last 10 years that also seemed fresh and young ... only to flame out spectacularly.

The list could go well past 20 of course, but all of these stood out in some way during their brief time in the sun, either because so many viewers tuned in at first that cancelation seemed impossible, or because creatively they seemed a cut above the average TV fare.

[StayoutdaBushesWay]

Surface was a good show, I miss it as well as Life on Mars and Journeyman. The hiatus’ are what kill so many of the good shows. I am currently into the show Haven on the syfy channel and Fringe on Fox.

[this_ol_patriot]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E06cNv55jTs

[this_ol_patriot]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFb4IVLXDss&feature=related

[thecodont]

Roy Thinnes mentioned in one of his commentaries on the CD’s that the invaders were a little too easy to kill but people sort of accepted that since they were in a strange world in which they had to undergo constant rehabilitation in those chambers to stay alive and keep their human form.

I had an small Invaders comic book (hardbound) when I was a kid. The story elements included the protagonist (David Vincent) being chased by the aliens (then in human form). He was in an auto accident as a result, and had to scrape up some dirt (which later turned out to contain molybdenum, per the lab analysis) as evidence, and explain the damage to his car rental company.

Also one of the aliens was masquerading as the county sheriff, but his pinkie finger was crooked, that was the tell-tale sign he was an alien.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0061265/

[Oztrich Boy]

But can you identify the specific character that each of the two chicks plays?

[netmilsmom]

I think it was the Plan 9 of tv shows.

[TexasFreeper2009]

I just wanted to know what happened on surface, they just left us hanging.... with them in the tower and the creatures swimming around them.

I'd settle for a short miniseries to just sum things up, or a paperback book. Heck they could just write a summery on the web of what happened to them.

[InvisibleChurch]

read the book, it is very good

[Question_Assumptions]

The Lost Saucer actually had some very solid science fiction plots for episodes. I’d buy it if they released it on DVD.

[Question_Assumptions]

Electra Woman and Dyna Girl was the Best Saturday Morning theme song ever.

[Question_Assumptions]

The intro to Star Maidens here.

[Question_Assumptions]

Of those shows, the ones I’m sorry failed are Journeyman, Firefly, Kings, Defying Gravity, John Doe, Life on Mars, and FlashForward. I thought the new Bionic Woman was horrible and Invasion only barely held my interest. The Tick was pointless after the fantastic animated version.

[Zionist Conspirator]

My sister and brother-in-law were following a show called "Nowhere Man" several years back. I don't know anything about it, but they liked it.

The original "Night Stalker" was great. I didn't think the update had lasted very long.

I realize it's a bit of a stretch to call it sci-fi, but does anyone remember a series in the Sixties called "Coronet Blue?"

Hey . . . remember "Wizards and Warriors?" Or that show about the family that went through the Great Pyramid and wound up in this parallel universe that seemed like an updated version of ancient Rome?

Um . . . "Lidsville," anyone?

[Vor Lady]

Or Search? It was on ‘72ish.

[Zionist Conspirator]

Or Search? It was on ‘72ish.

With Burgess Meredith (and a secret lab full of blinking lights)!

[Vor Lady]

That would be the one. I wish they’d release it on DVD. Sigh. It’s probably not as cool as I remember it being; but it’d be fun to watch it again to check. It’s funny you said Burgess Meredith. I always remember him and Doug McClure. The hot star of the series was supposed to be Hugh O’Brian; I never liked his episodes.

[yarddog]

It seems in the back of my mind there was some attempt to do a remake of “The Invaders”, but then maybe I am wrong.

I do remember one episode, they had Roy Thennis’ wife portray some girl. She was pretty hot too.

I do think the basic show was good and wish they would do it again.

[dead]

I watched Flash Forward but never really bought into the premise. The idea that anybody would actually be doing what they saw in their vision of the future was too absurd.

I just kept thinking that everybody would spend the 120 seconds yelling back stock picks, sports scores or "don't date Danielle!" type information back to their earlier selves, who they knew would be listening.

[Tanniker Smith]

I’m a Browncoat and surprised that some see Firefly as a failure.

They aren't referring to the quality of the actual show or its fans. Just the launch from the network and the viewership and its eventual demise.

[Tanniker Smith]

Primeval was cut short too. There was talk of making a final round of episodes to wrap it up.

That would be nice, but since they already retconned the first season out of existence, killed off a bunch of characters (and made one never exist), there isn't much to do except to get whathisname (Danny?) out of the past and back home.