The Great Misconception Of Science Fiction

When one dwells on science fiction television, shows like Star Trek, Stargate, and BS Galactica come to mind. The problem is that none of these shows provide an accurate representation of what science fiction really is. You see, science fiction is a setting and not a genre.

Before we begin to explore the merits of this statement, it would be prudent to examine the definition of science fiction and what it is all about. Let’s use a well known contemporary television program like Prison Break as an example.

1. Prison Break as we know it is an action drama. It takes place in a modern day setting and posses real world relevance.
2. If Prison Break were to take place in 2015 and the presentation were the same, it would still be an action drama.
3. If Michael’s cell mate is a hairy, blue alien and the prison is located in a parallel universe, then it falls under the label of a fantasy genre. Now here is the key. If the story takes place in 2000 B.C., then it falls under the historical setting. If it takes place in 2500 A.D., then it’s a science fiction setting.

4. Prison Break, set in 2500 A.D., would transform in to a science fiction show, but it would retain the action drama. Therefore, it would classified as an action drama in a science fiction setting.

Now this begs the question. Why do Star Trek, BS Galactica, Babylon 5, and more, all have to employ aliens, evil empires, and voodoo magic in their storylines? Because the Gods of television have brainwashed us into thinking that science fiction and fantasy are the same thing. There is absolutely no reason why we couldn’t have an hour long television show, set in the future, without any four legged aliens or triple breasted prostitutes. As long as the story is compelling and the characters well rounded, it would be successful.

Granted, it might begin as a fringe show, but it only takes one hit to change the television landscape. I defy anyone to tell me that a Scrubs or House set two hundred years in the future wouldn’t work. No guns or spaceships would be required. All it takes is for the television public to become more open minded and for television producers to grow a pair. We live in a television world of stagnate progression and almost communist idealism. How has an industry so dependent on imagination and creativity, become so stubborn and methodical?