Sci-Fi News and Reviews

The WB: A Sci-Fi Look Back

With the final broadcasts of the WB and UPN network, I thought it might be a fitting tribute to look back at the Sci-Fi programming that these networks have given us. I was pleasantly surprised to this long list of science fiction shows for these networks. The list is so extensive that I am going to have to look at each network separately.

Here is the full list of WB Sci-Fi programs, ranked in my order of preference:

Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997-2001 WB)
One of the greatest shows in recent television history. Season Three, which is the year Buffy graduates from high school, is simply the best season of television that I have ever seen. If you have any doubt about Buffy's place in television history (or, if you think I am crazy for even suggesting that a show about a girl that kills vampires should even have a place in history), read this article. There is a print magazine still putting out new issues! Remember, this show ended over three years ago.

Angel (1999-2004)
Could this show be the best spinoff in history? It certainly should be in the discussion. Angel was one of those rare shows that continued to improve with each and every episode. Every character that was imported from 'Buffy' grew and changed in a very realistic manner. Their choices counted and they evolved. I (and many other fans) thought that it could have continued several more seasons.

Supernatural (2005-2006 WB)
Supernatural is rapidly moving up my list of favorite shows. Two brothers roam the country, fighting demons and looking for their dad in hope of finding the monster that killed their mother. After a relatively slow, monster-of-the-week, first few episodes, this show really caught fire around midseason with the introduction of Nikki Aycox as a primary villian. The season ending cliffhanger literally came out of nowhere. You can follow this show on the Fodder Network all season long.

Charmed (1998-2006)
A show about three sisters, who happen to be witches. It was a perfect for the network, showcasing Alyssa Milano, Holly Marie Combs and Shannon Doherty for several seasons. It defied the odds, as it actually got better when Rose McGowan replaced Ms. Doherty after the third season. 'Charmed' is currently holds the record for the longest running show with all female leads, dethroning 'Laverne and Shirley' in 2006.

Roswell (1999-2001 WB)
Roswell was a very nice show about three teen aliens living in Roswell, NM. The aliens were actually supposed to be from the famous crash in 1947! Jonathan Frakes was a producer for this show and made at least one guest appearance to help the show. The wiki article states that in the second season, veteran sci-fi writer Ronald D. Moore (Battlestar Galactica) was brought in as the showrunner to further develop the show's sci-fi elements. During seasons two and three, members of the fanbase divided between those who had preferred the original style (criticized by opponents as too soapy or melodramatic) versus those who preferred the newer style (criticized by opponents as too dark or convoluted).

Smallville (2001-2006 WB)
Many of you may be surprised that I have ranked 'Smallville' so low. I am a huge Superman fan, so I am probably overly critical of any adaption of the story. I admit - I was upset that Lana Lang was not a redhead! I quickly got over any casting problems that I had. However, two things ultimately soured me on the show - the overuse of kryptonite and the continual memory loss/body switching plotlines in season two and three. I am no longer a viewer of this show.

Birds of Prey (2002 WB)
The adaptation of the DC comic featuring the Huntress, Oracle and the Black Canary's daughter seemed like it would be a hit. It was not. I believe this show suffered from a lack of overall direction. Concept good; execution bad.

Black Sash (2003)
This show, about a martial arts teacher and a set of high school students had some potential, but was quickly cancelled before any chance of building an audience. Carlton Cuse, of 'Lost' fame, was a writer and producer for the show.

I should also mention 'Do Over' and 'Tarzan', if only for completeness. I never watched 'Do Over' and I could only stomach one episode of 'Tarzan'. It was that bad.

Overall, the WB provided us with a strong selection of Sci-Fi programming. Hopefully, the CW will continue their strong tradition. They have graciously allowed 'Supernatural' and 'Smallville' to continue on the new network, so they are off to a good start.

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Posted by Fred on September 17, 2006 7:07 PM
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