In the past decade, television networks have flooded the airwaves with numerous science fiction shows. This is due the success of shows like the "X-Files," "Star Trek: The Next Generation," and "Buffy the Vampire Slayer." But there only a few that are worthy of their acclaim. To be considered one of the best, each show has to fit the following criteria. Firstly, it has to present an unique and interesting world that can capture the imagination of the viewers every week. Secondly, it needs to provoke the audience to examine questions about moral and ethical issues that we face in our daily life and package them in an interesting way. Finally, the show has to be well-written and entertaining.
Here are the top five sci-fi shows of the past decade.
#5 - Firefly (2002-2003)
When "Firefly" appeared on the FOX network, the series was the biggest departure from Whedon's fare. The show was devoid of his signature pop culture references and the teen drama seen in his other series such as "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Angel." But from the beginning, it was doomed to fail, since FOX did not understand how to market a show about space cowboys.
The show takes place in the 26th century and follows the exploits of Captain Mal Reynolds (Nathan Fillion) and his crew as they are forced to take on odd jobs when being labeled criminals when they taken in siblings running from the law.
As he did with his previous TV shows, Whedon shows his knack for creating vibrant and interesting worlds. Prior to the setting of the show, humanity had used up all the natural resources on Earth and began to terraform and colonized the planets of a distant solar system. He presents a universe with a unique culture that is a hybrid of American and Chinese cultures, where Mandarin Chinese is the official second language and the solar system is divided up into two groups; the rich and elite planets in the center and the poor and desolate planets near the borders of the solar system.
While show can be reminiscent of an action-packed Westerns such as "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" and "The Wild Bunch," Whedon managed to keep his knack for witty language and tackling social issues. Whedon said on a DVD extra that "nothing will change in the future: technology will advance, but we will still have the same political, moral, and ethical problems as today." In one episode, the character Inara (played by Morena Baccarin) questions Mal's ethics while he in turn questions her own morality, as she is a courtesan, which in the show's world is an honorable profession.
While "Firefly" hasn't changed policies or influenced the trends seen on television, it retained a large following even after its cancelation. That dedication paved the way for a feature film called "Serenity" and several comic books. Still, Whedon's short-lived classic is considered one of the best science fiction shows due its brilliantly creative blend of two genres and providing material for fans and scholars to debate. "Firefly's" complete DVD collection is available on Amazon and is currently airing on the Science Channel on Sunday nights.
#4 - Fringe (2008 - Present)
When "Fringe" premiered in the fall of 2008, J.J. Abrams's series felt like FOX's replacement for the "X-Files." The premise of "Fringe" is that FBI agent Olivia Dunham (played by Anna Tova) is assigned to the Fringe Division, a special task force which deals with unusual cases involving fringe science. With the help of the mentally unstable Dr. Walter Bishop (John Noble) and his son Peter Bishop (Joshua Jackson), Dunham and her team take one weird case each week.
As the series progressed, it evolved from a case-of-the-week format to the multilayer epic story about the fate of two universes: our own and another alternate reality where John F. Kennedy was never shot, Zeppelins are a popular mode of transportation, Eric Shultz starred in the "Back to the Future" series, polio was never cured and there sections of the world are encased in amber.
Despite the heavy emphasis on the science fiction elements, the show appeals stems from the interpersonal relationships between the core characters. Where Noble and Jackson shines was in their characters' attempt to work through years of resentment as they try to rebuild their relationship. But if the show was to have a thesis, it would be "should scientists play God for the sake of progress?" Audiences are forced to make a judgment every week as Walter deals with the consequences of his experiments with his former partner Dr. William Bell (Lenard Nimoy) that includes, and without giving too much away, experimenting on young children and being responsible for the unraveling of the two universes.
While "Fringe" won't change the world by any means, it does provide an entertaining story that makes the audience think about ethical questions. The show currently airs on Friday night at 9 p.m. on FOX.
#3 - Doctor Who (2005 - Present)
"Doctor Who" was originally intended as a Saturday morning children's show on the BBC about a mysterious alien called the Doctor, who travels through space and time in vehicle, the TARDIS, which looks like a police box. He travels with a human companion, almost always an attractive young woman, solving problems that only he can fix. As corny as the premise sounds, the show provides insight to the human condition and often always us to question whether we deserve to be saved.
The show was re-launched in 2005 with a modern and adult attitude after its original run, which began over 50 years ago, was cancelled in 1983. But the brilliance of "Doctor Who" comes from the fact that the series is accessible for all ages and does not lose sight of what made the original successful: it's a fun hour of adventure and celebrating the human spirit.
is a member of the 
