Cape Karen
Trying to stay away from political topics in this blog is really difficult lately. So many things are happening in our country right now, that need correcting, that to talk about anything meaningful somehow always finds its way back to the dreaded topic: politics.
But, I'll try.
Today, I'll start out by writing about the new line-up of shows on television this fall, and see where I end up.
What the hey?? Are we about to be invaded from outer space or what? It seems that 90% of new shows have something to do with science fiction and aliens. "Lost" - another year of mystery begins; "Surface," "Invasion," and "Night Stalker," just to name some of them.
I've never been a "Trekkie," and I've never read a science fiction novel in my life - but, both of my sons devour them. Bob has even co-authored one called, "Mitanyl." (I know I probably spelled that wrong, but without my own copy ~a-hem~ how can I possibly remember how to spell that strange title?)
Even though Bob and Scott were raised thousands of miles apart, by different sets of parents, when we finally met 12 years ago, I found they had some interesting similarities. They were both incredibly bright. They had both taught themselves to use computers, with amazing skill - even using the same Atari (?) model to begin their life-long interest. They had both read the entire "Lord of the Ring" series (and follow them in film, to this day,) and they both have a subtle, tongue-in-cheek, sense of humor.
Therefore, this season's televison shows should be of interest, I would think, to both of them. However, while they are both still involved with computers, they are not really "into" television. Scott doesn't even own one - he watches whatever he needs or wants to watch on his computer; and Bob doesn't have cable TV, so he also uses the computer to catch various cable shows, now and then.
I will never be a true fan of science fiction, because it usually goes way over my head, and I have absolutely no imagination for such topics as those seen on Star Trek or written about in sci-fi books, written by people like Bob. But, I am fascinated with the idea of real aliens and real undersea monsters; so these shows should keep me entertained nicely this year!
I doubt all these new shows will last more than one season - although I do find "Surface" very compelling. When the Sci-Fi channel runs the first four shows in a row, so people can catch-up if they missed them, you know it has engendered some real interest. It's sort of a scarier version of Spielberg's "Close Encounters" or E.T., except here, E.T. has been replaced with a little alien sea creature who is, so far, being hidden by a boy and his friend. Like ET, this darling little 'being' wants to "go home," too - but he wants to go down under the sea - not up in a spacecraft.
All in all, considering what else is on these days: ("My Name is Earl," Martha Stewart and Donald Trump, "The Nanny," etc. ) it's pretty good, dramatic televison. I just wonder why all these under-the-ocean type of science fiction shows are popping up. . . or should I say, "surfacing," this year?
I guess the writer's must have all attended the same Sci-Fi conference. . . or something?
Posted by Karen at October 12, 2005 11:36 AM