Replies

The problem with the good science fiction is that it is not PC.

B5, Firefly, Star Trek (60's), Crusade, BG2, and others is that hey ask tough questions and try to give real answers. Also there are real bad guys and they are treated that way.

The typical TV executive/producer is into the moral relativism thin full throttle. They do not want any show that makes value judgment. Fan support is the only thing that lets a show survive.

B5. Evil shadows and Pres Clark.

Crusade. The drak and, if the rumors are true, the earth government.

Firefly. The union and every body has a gun (oh my).

Star Trek. Kirk always has a love interest, Ohura (sp?) and Sulu are not white and are authority figures. This was not PC at the time.

It is this politically incorrect attitude of these shows that gets them killed, not their Sci-Fi-ness. Look at the various ST spin-offs. They were PC and ran way beyond the point anybody watched them.

The fear of the moral relativist is that people will watch these shows and start making judgments. Go and read a book called "Escape Velocity" by Christopher Statshief (sp?). In the book the good guys start an education program disguised as popular TV shows. Fabian conservatism.

I agree in part, but its more than just PC.

I read that the reason BSG (the new one) had a hard time being made was that 'suits' were CONSTANTLY telling producers/writes to "lighten it up".

To depressing, to somber, not enough humor or sex... that kind of stuff.

Now is that "PC" or just misguided/outdated TV Exec. mumbo jumbo.... who knows.

BUT, I totally agree that when they buck the trent and "be real" you really end up with a superior product.

I disagree. There were a lot of shades of grey in B5. Londo's gradual descent with his alliance with the Shadows. Sheridan using the telepaths as weapons against the Shadows. Bester being kind to the PsyCorps trainees. Delenn giving the order that started the Earth-Minbari war. Garibaldi's alcoholism and betrayal of Sheridan. Lockley having fought on the side of Clarke in the civil war. Even the Vorlons and Shadows were partially correct. And that's just off the top of my head, I'm sure there's more.

Great stories have conflict, internal and external, as well as action.