With 2011 at an end, let’s reflect on the awesome and the not so awesome that was. There seemed to be a resurgence of quality sci-fi and fantasy on television this past year, with some that were new and others that were canceled prematurely. Overall for the sci-fi and fantasy fan, sitting at home being a couch potato never looked better.
Let’s break it down by network/cable station aired as there was a surplus of awesome.
Syfy Network for the most part has not been on seen in a good light, because of all the many reality based shows that have some just a bit over the channel, but what they lack in that part of the programming, scripted, weekly shows are what probably keep people coming back to the channel. 2011 has seen some great shows, and here is a list of some their better shows.
1. Being Human came to the US with a vengeance and won the hearts of many for 13 weeks. It is the U.S. version based off the U.K. version and many fans of the original version were not happy, but by the end of the season finale, the U.S. version became its own show, one to compliment the original. Who thought a story about a vampire, werewolf, and ghost living as roommates would be so engrossing?
2. Alphas was another new show that Syfy released, and while it started off a bit slow, the powers that the main characters have are slightly different than what has been seen before. A mix between X-Men and a police procedural, Alphas proved to be a winner as it was green lit for season 2.
3. Eureka had the unfortunate timing to have been in the middle of filming its new season and being told that the network was going to cancel the show. By the time the show is off the air it will have had six seasons, but for those of us who are fans, know that there was more story to tell.
4. Haven is still a fan favorite. The mystery of who Emily is ad what part Brock will play has been established yet there is still more to the story, that is just as intriguing when it first aired.
5. Warehouse 13 is that show that is both funny and serious at the same time. Each character has their part and each storyline throughout the year leads to an awesome season conclusion.
6. Sanctuary has been going strong for several seasons and with the season finale ending, it appears that the show will take a new turn. Another Syfy staple that is still working and that will hopefully continue for a few seasons more.
BBC America is a television cable network that seems to have grown in popularity during 2011 and with more interesting programming to come, that popularity should continue to grow. Not all shows that aired worked. Here is a list of shows that graced our screens over the past year.
1. Doctor Who continues to wow and amaze new and old fans alike, and does not appear to be stopping anytime soon.
2. Outcasts came and went both on BBC and BBC America. I enjoyed the first two episodes of the show, but then it stalled after that and it had such promise. It was as if the actors and writers had no idea how to deal with science fiction that dealt with the human experience like emotions vs. the effects that drives a lot of science fiction.
3. Bedlam was creepy good. And it ended so abruptly that it better have a season two. It was BBC America’s newer shows that aired and it worked brilliantly.
4. Being Human in its 3rd season had the death of a favorite character, that people are questioning how will season 4 be without him? It was such a major issue, especially as it showed in the U.K. first so many of us already knew the death of Mitchell, but still came as a shock.
6. Primeval has come a long way from its first season, and as a fan could not be happier. It is campy and scary, and just plain awesome. It first brought dinosaurs as weekly series to television, and it continues to work.
TNT brought us a Stephen Spielberg sci-fi weekly TV show that showed us the after effect of what humanity would do in the face of an alien invasion.
1. Falling Skies was a surprise hit, because it paired the family aspect with human aspect and how people would do anything to stop the aliens from taking over their world. Really great TV.
The CW Network, while it appeals to a younger, and mostly female audience, they do have several interesting shows that fit right into the fantasy mode.
1. The Vampire Diaries, while taking a step away from the book, is showing that vampires still have it. The show is geared towards the female audience, and it apparently has staying power. Not my cup of tea per se, but for those who like this show, they will keep it on the air.
2. Supernatural is a CW network staple and one that shows that after several seasons, the writers till got it.
3. The Secret Circle is a new offering to the network and also based on a book series by the same author who wrote The Vampire Diaries. Because I opted to not read the book and watched the series, I can say I do like what I’m seeing.
Fox has had some great sci-fi shows in the past, yet they cancel them before they even get off the ground. So their track record is not what one would like, but they do at least give these types of shows a chance.
1. Fringe has been moved around in the past three seasons from one day to the next, as if Fox wants it to fail, yet the fans keep the show going. It really is a great science fiction show on TV right now.
2. Terra Nova is the show that is both loved and hated. I am in the love it camp, but I also see the many flaws of the show. But with that said, the show works and can definitely be better once Fox established a season two.
ABC only has one fantasy series, but so far it is winning hearts left and right. This is definitely a step in the right direction.
1. Once Upon A Time is that rare fantasy television show that works on so many levels. It is a fairy tale that delves into the dark, but still light enough to appeal to all ages.
NBC also has a fantasy show that many thought would not be able to hold its own against two established shows on Fox and CW, yet it seems to be doing just that.
1. Grimm is also based on fairy tales, but this show series is much darker. It is also paired with the police procedural which makes it stand on its own. The stories are compelling though the special effects are quite cheesy. These can be forgiven because they take all the Grimm Fairy Tales and unlike the Disney version some of us have seen, is closer to what the Brothers Grimm intended when they created the fairy tales.
AMC, took a graphic novel about flesh-eating monsters and made a very popular series that had two successful seasons.
1. The Walking Dead is not a show for the faint-hearted, but once you get a “taste” for the show it is hard to stay away. Who’d have thought zombies would make a good series? It works on so many levels; suspense, horror, and the very fight for survival.
Starz decided to take on a series that had three seasons prior as well give a new spin to the King Arthur story.
1. Torchwood in its fourth season had 10 episodes that had people both loving and hating what the series had become. It is a spin-off from Doctor Who and originally aired in the U.K. With no renewing in sight, Starz picked up the series. It had its flaws, but overall it was satisfying. Well at least to something.
2. Camelot had so much potential, yet with a less than agreeable King Arthur, the series stalled a bit. It was also pretty predictable which is never fun. Between these two series, I want Torchwood to come back.
HBO not only had two great fantasy series, but they also started HBO Go which is like Netflix, but only for HBO subscribers.
1. True Blood continues to veer away from the books as the series moves along, but the writing that is there well it is keeping people on board.
2. Game of Thrones proved to be such a popular hit, that a season 2 was quickly announced right after it premiered. This show is not for the casual observer as there are quite a few characters that grace the screen.
FX has decided to dip their toe into fantasy horror, and what an interesting look they have created.
1. American Horror Story came onto the scene where people were confused about what they were watching but kept on watching and as the season progressed. Each episode got progressively weirder and darker and let’s just say even crazier.
There you have it, a look back at the surplus of science fiction and fantasy on television in 2011. Which was your favorite from the year? And are you looking forward to 2012?
Check out more Sci-fi and fantasy articles.
Can't get enough of the world of Sci-Fi and/or Fantasy? Click the SUBSCRIBE button up top to get news and updates/news happening all over world sent straight to your inbox.
If you like this article, you can keep up to date with all the Sci-Fi & Fantasy Pop Culture news! Sci-Fi & Fantasy Examiner: Twitter Facebook
© 2011 Acquanetta Ferguson, All rights reserved.
No part of this article may be reproduced in any way without prior permissions from the author or Clarity Digital Group LLC d/b/a Examiner.com
Comments