New Sci-fi, Syfy, and Fantasy shows
So many science fiction shows either just started or will start in the next two weeks. Here’s a quick breakdown of each one, so you know where to start with your summer nerding. A quick word of caution, I haven’t actually seen either of the Syfy network shows yet, Killjoys or Dark Matter. I’m basing my excitement on the promises Syfy has made to show great science fiction going forward, like Charles Dance in Childhood’s End coming later this year. For fans of the genre, I’m sure both shows are worth a try.
Recently Premiered!
Sense8 (Netflix)
Sense8 is a crazy new Netflix series that is half rich character drama, and half science fiction action show, with some really detailed sex thrown in randomly. Eight people are awakened as a “cluster”, a group able to telepathically speak to each other, and take-over each other’s bodies to perform their own special skills. Luckily, the group does have some fun skills like science, martial arts, hacking, stealing, and acting. The show also has some very brave moments of characters coming to terms with their gender identity and homosexuality, which I never would’ve expected on a science fiction show, but like I said it is more than just an action show. The Wachowskis did a great job directing this, and Freema Agyeman (Martha Jones from Doctor Who) has a great role in it, although sadly she’s not part of the 8.
Stitchers (ABC Family)
Allison Scagliotti (Claudia from Warehouse 13) is the sarcastic roommate in this series. Her comedic abilities, plus how rude the main character is to absolutely everyone, actually make this a pretty interesting show to watch. The premise is still very close to iZombie, who does it better. Why use fancy tech when you can just eat brains? Also, there is a skin tight suit and plot silliness. A lot of plot silliness. However, if the ratio of Claudia and overall rudeness stays high, I think this could be a fun show. Stitchers started last week on 6/2, but you can catch the first episode online or on demand. It airs Tuesdays 9/8C on ABC Family.
Between (Netflix)
There is a town called Pretty Lake where the adults suddenly begin dying, but everyone under 22 is doing fine. The town is quarantined and drama ensues. I’ll need someone to convince me this isn’t just another teen drama show. The first episode had a great and shocking death count, but once the adults are all dead, seems like it’ll just be teenagers being dramatic. Netflix is airing one new episode a week for this show, so I hope it fails for that reason. Why can’t I watch it all at once? If it was on autoplay I may have watched more than one episode, and gotten hooked. Who can tell? Nah, I probably would have angrily exited out of Netflix. Ha.
Residue (Netflix)
Residue is about an explosion in a future city, and the paranormal after effects on the survivors. The entire season of Residue is available now, but I angrily quit watching when there was a disgusting club where people were doing who knows what to a woman. I didn’t feel like finding out. Also, even when it wasn’t a huge gross trigger warning, the only super power people seem to get was insanity. Yuck. The name is right, though. It did leave a gross residue in my head. Iwan Rheon (Ramsay from Game of Thrones) was cast as a boyfriend or husband type. His eventual insanity would be great to watch. If anyone makes it that far, comment with the episode number.
The Whispers (ABC)
The trailers made this show look like it’d be a lot of creepy children doing creepy things. Shockingly, it is a show about creepy children doing creepy things. The first episode lays out so much of the plot, that I think if you don’t like what you see, you won’t like the show. I didn’t like the pilot at all, except Milo Ventimiglia (Jess from Gilmore Girls and Peter from Heroes) does a great job of being a scary possessed guy. Then he goes normal, though. That was disappointing. The Whispers airs Mondays 10/9C on ABC.
Premiering Soon (June 7-19)
Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell (BBC America)
“One is never alone when one has a book.” Mr. Norrell is a very serious man. He has taught himself to be a magician by reading a lot of books, but he hasn’t quite figured out how to be with society.
“I met a man under a hedge who told me I was magician.” Jonathan Strange is a gentlemen with no real direction, until a man tells him he is one of two great magicians that will bring magic back. Jonathan has no magic knowledge, but can make up spells on his own, intuitively.
I love the serious and silly mix of these two characters. This is a must watch for magic lovers. Watch the premiere now on BBC America’s website, or catch it BBC America 10/9C on Saturday 6/13.
Killjoys (Syfy)
The Killjoys are SPACE BOUNTY HUNTERS! I know it has been done, but it’s still such a good premise. I guess adding space onto a lot of things makes it a good premise. SPACE CABBAGE GROWERS! It stars people I don’t know but who look badass, and Aaron Ashmore (Jinks from Warehouse 13). I’m struggling to see Aaron Ashmore as a bounty hunter, but eh, who cares. He can do anything. Maybe he’s in charge of not walking into space traps. Every science fiction show needs that person. Killjoys premiers June 19th 9/8C on Syfy.
Dark Matter (Syfy)
Dark Matter is about SPACE MEMORY LOSS! See? Although, yes, again not a new idea. People wake up not knowing who they are, and there is a war that is starting that it seems they were going to join in on, but on which side? The character names are 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and the android. I love science fiction! I’m sure they’ll find out that they were horrible people pre-memory loss, but that’s fine. The cast includes Roger R. Cross (Arrow, The Strain) and Zoie Palmer (Lost Girl). Dark Matter premieres June 12th 10/9C on Syfy.
Did you love something that me and the alien face palmed about? Comment!