Sci-Fi News and Reviews

Story Arcs - Ruining Sci-Fi?

Slice of Scifi found an interesting article out of the British-based site Guardian.co.uk. The article, entitled "'Torchwood' has succumbed to the story arc craze" puts forth the theory that "... In the era of the story arc, it increasingly takes serious commitment to watch sci-fi telly" - and the author seems to think this is a bad thing!

The premise of the article is that 'epic' story lines, as evidenced by the plots of 'Babylon 5' and 'The X-Files' are confusing, unfunny and just not good for the genre. In his own words, "... it's not just that story arcs are confusing for newcomers...they inevitably become sluggish and slow, weighed down by the baggage of past events."

If you've read any of my past posts, you know that I completely disagree with this viewpoint. The greatest feature of the Sci-Fi genre is its ability to tell an epic story. I *expect* a continuing, evolving, internally consistent plot, coupled with excellent characterization. If any of these items are missing, I am disappointed (I'm looking at you, "Heroes").

The best shows have the ability to balance continuity of plot with standalone episodes that flesh out individual characters. A great example of this type of episode is "The Zeppo" from "Buffy: The Vampire Slayer". "The Zeppo" was a completely Xander-centric episode and did not advance the main storyline at all. Yet, it added depth to the story, which was then leveraged to gain a better perspective on Xander's actions later in the series.

"The Zeppo" is the ideal example of a standalone episode. The version that network execs (and the article) seem to support is one of 'easy-accessibility' for new viewers. I can see why they might like this idea...but it won't work. One of the commenters ("John from Jersey") on Slice of SciFi has encapsulated my feelings on the matter::

So the article’s author thinks his lack of attention span and his distaste for character development and the concept of “consequences” applies to each and every viewer?
Some of us want better than the television equivalent of fast food.

I hope the networks ignore the Guardian's article - or better yet, read the commentary by the horde of viewers that love the genre shows. Because, if the premise of the Guadian's article catches on, we are in for a huge drought of good Sci-Fi shows.

Posted by Fred on June 17, 2009 12:46 PM
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I agree that the best genre television balances complex story arcs and character development with stand-alone, entry-friendly episodes.

Since Babylon 5, SFTV shows have become increasingly arc-driven, satisfying many fans but limiting their accessibility to mainstream audiences (and ratings and advertising dollars).

I think the serialized plots of The X-Files, Buffy, Battlestar Galactica, and Lost are fine, but many of my favorite episodes (such as "The Zeppo") were stand-alone ones. We don't need to go back to Star Trek: the Next Generation's early insistence on episodes without context, but I do think producers could be more balanced in their approaches to shows.

-- Posted by: GeneD at June 17, 2009 1:31 PM

Well, it follows that this guy saw one episode of Torchwood, and didn't know what was going on, and then wrote a scathing commentary on the entire genre.

There is a theory in comic books that the book you write may be someone's very first comic book, but at the same time, you're not required to write a story that explains each and every detail. As you say, the best stories stand alone, and if they're part of a larger story arc, add depth. If the original writer is not adult enough to understand this, then we need to deal with him directly, and as you say, pray that TPTB don't listen to him.

-- Posted by: Matches Malone at June 18, 2009 8:30 AM

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