Blinded By Science: An In-No-Way Comprehensive Guide to Science Fiction and Fantasy TV

Cover Reveal – 10 More Bits of My Brain New Release — 10 More Bits of My Brain!

Blinded By Science: An In-No-Way Comprehensive Guide to Science Fiction and Fantasy TV

Grab your clicker folks and cue up the DVR. 2014 might be the year of Science Fiction and Fantasy TV. It’s only March, and the shows keep serving up some serious viewing pleasure for fans of SF/F—no trips to your local theater or video shop required (not that anybody goes to a video shop anymore, but you get the point). The major networks have even gotten on board so you don’t even need basic cable to get your fix of werewolves, vampires, hauntings, time travel, superheroes and the supernatural. Or, if you’re like me and got rid of cable in favor of Netflix, Hulu, and the internet, you can get your fix on your own schedule. Now, I don’t have as much time as I would like to watch most of this cool new programming. I wish I did but my books aren’t going to write themselves.

This guide in no way represents an endorsement or a comprehensive list of the greatest or most recent Science Fiction and Fantasy TV offerings, but more of a wish list.

5 Shows I Wish I could Binge-Watch This Year

1. Revolution – This “swashbuckling drama” is back for the second season. From J.J. Abrams’ Bad Robot Productions and “Supernatural” creator Eric Kripke, the show centers on the Matheson family. After a mysterious worldwide blackout, the Mathesons struggle to survive in a post-apocalyptic world for 15 years. Though epic in scope, the focus on family life tells an intimate story. The family’s grim world after the crash is juxtaposed with bucolic images of overgrown cities and a vision of hope, rebirth and retribution. Season 1 was fantastic and came with the bonus of having one of my son’s childhood friends in an episode!

2. Almost Human – This Science Fiction/Crime drama, also created by Bad Robot Productions along with Warner Bros, set in the not-so-distant future serves up gritty, realistic Sci-Fi action. Human cops and androids partner up to protect and serve, licking up blood and kicking crime’s ass. Yes, it’s set in the future, but rather than a dystopia the show takes place in a civilization where technological development has outpaced ethical considerations.

3. Sleepy Hollow – An update of Washington Irving’s classic tale, this Supernatural/Crime show follows the story of Ichabod Crane. After he wakes up in the 21st century, Crane finds his 18th-century nemesis, the Headless Horseman, has also come along for the ride. Their fantastic journey through time brings them to modern-day crime fighters who attempt to unravel a mystery that dates all the way back to the founding fathers.

4. American Horror Story: Coven – Coven tells the secret history of witches and witchcraft in America. Over three hundred years have passed since Salem and those who managed to escape are now facing extinction. Mysterious attacks against their kind are escalating and young girls are being sent away to a special school in New Orleans to learn how to protect themselves. Now, I know this program has been going for a few years, but, since this witchy season is supposed to feature a Stevie Nicks cameo, I had to put it on my wish list. Couple that with the amazing Jessica Lange, and this show is seriously binge-worthy.

5. Cosmos: A Space Time Odyssey – The follow up to Carl Sagan’s Cosmos: A Personal Voyage, this new journey into space, time and the unknown will be hosted by the charismatic physicist Neil DeGrasse Tyson. Obviously this is science with a capital “S” and there’s nothing fictional about it. But, the reincarnation of Sagan’s classic show about the workings of the universe is so exciting that I just may take some time off from my writing and tune in.