The Top Five Science Fiction Series of All Time

There are a lot of contenders for the best science fiction series of all the time, but only five that make the cut:

Star Trek

The original Star Trek is still a landmark of science fiction television. Its externalization of ideals - from the rationalism of Spock, the passion of Kirk, and sarcastic emotionalism of McCoy to various social ills in the form of various god-like creatures proffered a series of commentary on the those issues. Its deep influence over subsequent science fiction cannot be overstated. Its introduction of concepts that have now become science fiction clichés to the mainstream is unparalleled, from the transporter to the force field. And the show itself is still going strong in syndication after 43 years.

Buy Star Trek - The Complete Series on DVD at Amazon.com.

Star Trek: The Next Generation

After a slow start, this show more than lived up to the reputation of its predecessor through its use of sophisticated science fiction concepts, notable villains (Q and the Borg readily come to mind), top-notch acting, and commentary on humanity. It definitely surpassed its predecessor in artistic depth and scope, particularly when it dealt with political issues, such as Klingon and Vulcan civil conflicts, and the Cardassian-Bajoran war.

But the show, less action-oriented, than the original series or its own predecessors, continually dealt with intriguing concepts and deeply engaged viewers with its own moving cast of outsiders: Worf, the half human Klingon; Deanna Troi, the half-human Betazed; Geordi LaForge the blind engineer with extraordinary perceptive abilities; and most of all Data, the android desirous of humanity. The show edges out the original series as the best of the franchise - no small feat.

Buy Star Trek: The Next Generation - The Complete Series on DVD at Amazon.com.

Babylon 5

Babylon 5 was not only epic in scope - it was deeply moving, largely due to its translation of political conflict into a realistic future. The characters helped, as they were also human, rather than the human ideal, and often deeply flawed: recall Doctor Stephen Franklin became a junkie in the third season and the recovering alcoholic Security Chief Michael Garibaldi.

The show gave fans what they wanted: the political intrigue became full-on wars that were far more realistic and bloody than some of the tamer conflicts of the Star Trek franchise. Moral questions abounded and the often self-righteous idealism of Star Trek was rarely on display for more than a few minutes before someone was assassinated. And impressively, the series wove together the fates of five disparate races in such a way as to make each race worth viewer sympathy and scorn, depending on the season.

Buy Babylon 5 - The Complete Series on DVD at Amazon.com.

Firefly

A show cancelled far too soon, blending science fiction and westerns very literally in a compelling hour, Firefly rivals any science fiction series in imaginativeness, realism, and sheer enjoyability. For one, there are no aliens, no fancy laser guns, no transporters, and no faster than light travel. The crew of the ship Serenity - a motley crew of shady characters constantly on the run from a sinister government organization, provide just the right amount of everything - action, sexuality, humor, religion, and treachery. Given a chance, the show would have been an undeniable entry into any "Best of" list rather than a debatable entry. But even given the brevity of the show it has made an indelible mark on science fiction and its fans.

Buy Firefly - The Complete Series on DVD at Amazon.com.

Lost

Perhaps the most compelling show of the last six years, Lost is the Ulysees of science fiction: dense to the point of impenetrability, rich in allusion, and epic in scope. For every question answered four more are raised, a phenomena that has continued since the very first episode of the first season. The combination of religious references and science fiction tropes, combined with often-explosive action and gripping relationships, and rich characterizations, make this show one of the best science fiction shows ever created - hands down.

Buy Lost - Seasons 1 Through 5 on DVD at Amazon.com.