Most Anticipated New Sci-fi Shows Next Season
Stargate Universe, Day One and Caprica dissected.
Aug 12, 2009
Two of the most hotly anticipated new shows for next season are actually spin-offs, both hoping to expand upon the plots and themes established by their predecessors; Stargate Universe promises to be stylistically different than SG-1 or Atlantis, with greater ambition and depth, whilst Caprica will explore the history of the Colonial culture hinted at in Battlestar Galactica. Day One brings the action down to Earth, however, with apocalyptic events happening in the modern day. Here's a rundown of everything you need to know about Stargate Universe, Day One and Caprica.
Stargate Universe
Who's behind the cameras?
Brad Wright (The Outer Limits, Stargate SG-1, Stargate Atlantis)
Robert C. Cooper (Da Vinci's Inquest, The Ark of Truth, Continuum)
Give me a taste of the cast:
- Robert Carlyle (Trainspotting, The Full Monty, 24: Redemption)
- Ming-na (ER, Two and a Half Men, Push)
- David Blue (Scrubs, Moonlight, Ugly Betty)
What's it about?
A group of soldiers, scientists and civilians are forced to flee through the Stargate, an intergalactic form of transportation, when their base is attacked. They accidentally (or perhaps not...) find themselves stranded on the other side of the universe aboard a decaying Ancient starship, and must try to figure out a way to reach home.
Why should I watch it?
Whilst many commentators have blasted the show as ripping off Battlestar Galactica and Voyager (both sci-fi shows concerned a crew searching for a home) the producers of Stargate Universe, or SGU, are hoping that the show will reinvigorate the Stargate franchise. With a budget $1m higher than the average Stargate Atlantis episode, it certainly has the funds to do so.
Stylistically, SGU appears to be a large departure from it's predecessors Stargate SG-1 and Stargate Atlantis. From snippets of the various trailers, and interviews with the cast and crew, the style of shooting for the series is very much in the mold of Battlestar Galactica or Firefly; handheld cameras and grittiness abound.
It appears, however, that it will be substance as well as style that makes the grandchild of the Stargate franchise stand out. Whilst SG-1 and Atlantis had their moments of depth and character development they were often sidetracked by the action/adventure elements of the plot. SGU, it seems, will focus primarily on the characters, and has been described as a more "psychological" show than its predecessors.
And don't worry if you're not a fan of cheesy, latex-foreheaded aliens; the producers have vowed to keep them to a minimum, hoping to introduce some truly non-humanoid aliens.
When does it start?
Stargate Universe kicks off on October 2nd, 2009 on Syfy.
Day One
Who's behind the camera?
Jesse Alexander (Alias, Lost, Heroes)
Alex Graves (The West Wing, Journeyman, Fringe)
Give me a taste of the cast:
- Julie Gonzalo (The News, Veronica Mars, Eli Stone)
- Catherine Dent (Taken, Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, The Shield)
- Jamie Thomas King (Bad Girls, The Tudors, Private Practice)
What's it about?
Day One follows the fortunes of a group of apartment block residents who survive a global cataclysm in mysterious circumstances. All of them seem to have survived for a purpose; but what?
Why should I watch it?
From the recently-released trailer it seems that Day One has an impressive budget, based on the visual effects that seem to show an alien invasion of some sort. Part War of the World, part Lost, Day One may be the next big sci-fi network hit. Unusually, it may be pre-determined to only have one 13 episode season, as NBC have been playing up Day One as "event television". Presumably if it's a runaway success the show could be expanded beyond the initial run, but the potential short run could increase the likelihood of it being an exciting, tightly-plotted miniseries.
The mystery elements hinted at in the trailer also suggest this may be more than your typical post-apocalyptic fare. Whilst there isn't much more known about the show yet, it should certainly be worth checking out the pilot.
When does it start?
You'll have to wait a little while, unfortunately. Day One is due to launch in March 2010 on NBC.
Caprica
Who's behind the cameras?
Jane Espenson (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Dollhouse, Battlestar Galactica)
Ronald D. Moore (Star Trek: The Next Generation, Roswell, Battlestar Galactica)
David Eick (American Gothic, Bionic Woman, Them)
Give me a taste of the cast:
- Eric Stoltz (Some Kind of Wonderful, Pulp Fiction, Chicago Hope)
- Esai Morales (NYPD Blue, Vanished, Jericho)
- Polly Walker (State of Play, Rome, Cane)
What's it about?
A prequel to the award-winning Battlestar Galactica; set on the planet Caprica, the series explores Colonial civilisation prior to its destruction by the Cylons, and explains how the cybernetic slaves became genocidal killing machines. Caprica follows the lives of the Greystone and Adama families during this turbulent time.
Why should I watch it?
It would seem that the majority of Battlestar Galactica fans will be devouring Caprica eagerly, but even if you've never seen BSG, you won't have a problem understanding Caprica. The producers always intended the show to be self-sufficient and not rely on any prior knowledge, making Caprica accessible to newbies and hardcore fans alike.
The cast are an excellent feature of the show, and the retro-futuristic style (fedoras and spaceships) gives the show an appealling look. For anyone who found BSG a little too bleak, Caprica is far brighter and airier, whilst maintaining some truly dark subject matter.
Whilst BSG was primarily a military drama, Caprica focusses far more on family relationships; indeed, early in it's development stages some people described it as "Dallas in space".
If you're looking for a psychological drama with a good sci-fi edge this Fall, try Caprica.
When does it start?
Caprica premieres on Syfy on January 22nd, 2010.
 |
