Re: New show Terra Nova
OK, I'll buy that.
But while we're all picking the currently most significant effort to revive network Sci-Fi apart, please recognize that such criticism, ala "If it ain't better'n Avatar, it's trash" attitude is a goodly part of why even moderately good Sci-Fi is so absent from the networks or cable.
When we demonstrate our duly superior taste and critical judgement, we also demonstrate our intolerance for production companies who are trying to forge a new path during a time of widespread opposition.
I accept that some glasses are half empty. For Sci-Fi, these days, a half a glass is decent bit better than an empty one. Or would we all rather see 'Falling Skies' oocupy the pinnacle of current Sci-Fi programming?
At least they're trying. Stomp this one flat, and the odds are really good they'll simply stop trying. When they do, who will we have to thank for that? Sometimes, we can be our own worst enemies.
For example, the premise behind <span style="font-style: italic">Babylon 5</span> was A-OK, but a lot of the characterization and plot arcs were highly episodic and downright fluky, and the effects came from something they briefly labelled The Video Toaster, then they hid from direct sight. If this degree of criticism were leveled at it in its first season, where would it have gone?
Me, I like Sci-Fi, hate the junk like the duds you cite, and try to get behind new shows when they arrive. They may not be <span style="font-style: italic">Avatar</span> but I find them adequate; and with support, they could garner better efforts in writing and production. Trash them, and that most definitely <span style="font-style: italic">won't</span> happen.
Seriously, look around. Is there something better out there right now?
Greg