5 Common and Annoying Types of Episodes in Science Fiction Television

As a fan of many Science fiction shows, I’ve come across quite a few scenarios that we normally see in every series we watch. These types of episodes can be fun but can also be annoying. During these episodes we may feel ourselves becoming bored especially when we see them in just about all the Sci Fi shows out there. So what are the most aggravating types of episodes out there.

Time loops AKA Ground Hogs day

Time loops can be a fun way for the characters to have a redo with things that happen or don’t always go so well. These episodes can become a bit tiring and overdone. There are always one or two of the main characters who relive the same day over and over again while the other members just think it’s a normal day.

Sometimes these episodes bring a variety of comedy to the table. Take Stargate SG-1’S “Window of Opportunity”, in Season four. Episode 6 of season four has to be one of the funniest episodes in all of Stargate history, as Colonel O’Neill starts everyday eating a bowl of fruit loops and Teal’c’s day always starts with him getting smacked in the face by a door being opened. The episode has a substantial amount of comedy as Colonel O’Neill and Teal’c quickly realize ( Thanks to a few words from Doctor Daniel Jackson) they can do anything they want, because no one else will remember the events that have happened.

2 & 3 Flashbacks and storytelling

These two I am adding in together as sometimes they work pretty well when combined. We see these types of episodes in all genres of television, Sci Fi or not.

Flashbacks are normally done at the end of a season to remind us of everything that has happened during the season before. Some viewers do feel like Flashback episodes are lazy writing and just an attempt to spread the season out more. These episodes may come in handy if you aren’t up to date on the series or haven’t watched the show in a while. Another positive thing about these types of shows is if a following episode deals with something from a previous season that the viewer may need to be reminded of for the story to move along.

Episodes involving storytelling are similar to Flashback episodes, however they usually do not have Flashbacks we have seen before. The storytelling is accompanied by scenes that have not happened in past episodes and are new to the viewer. The storytelling part becomes a bit annoying as those minutes of the character babbling could be used to add to the story line. Luckily these types of episodes aren’t as common and we don’t have to sit through too many of them.

Star Trek: Deep Space 9 does have a very well written episode like this that combines both Flashbacks and storytelling. In Season 5’s episode 6 “Trials and Tribble-ations” Benjamin Sisko tells two investigators about his team visiting the Original Enterprise, commanded by the one and only James T. Kirk. This episode is fun as we get the nostalgia of the Original Star Trek Series, along with bringing a few new things to the original storyline. We also get to see the comedy of the quick breeding of the ever so cute Tribbles.

4. Parallel Universes/ Alternate realities

Parallel universe or alternate realities seem to be a way for the writers to bring the fans fantasies to life. These types of episodes normally will show two characters who aren’t together, become romantically involved. Stargate SG-1 seems to have quite a few of these episodes where Colonel O'Neill and Major Samantha Carter end up together.

Despite the fact that the fans love this, it’s a big tease as this isn’t how the story is going to really end. We get our hopes up and very excited at the thoughts of our favorite characters becoming more than teammates and in the end are disappointed that it doesn’t actually end up that way.

5. Musicals

As much as I love a good musical, bringing them into a Science Fiction show isn’t always that great, even though it does go pretty well with the whole Sci Fi aspect of it all. We normally get one of these episodes towards the end of a series when the creators start to run out of ideas. These types of episodes only work out if at least a few of the cast members have a musical background.

If you’re looking for a fun and entertaining musical episode, I would suggest Buffy The Vampire Slayer's musical Episode. Season 6, Episode 7’s “Once More With Feeling” brings the whole cast together and we get to see what the characters are feeling internally through music and dance. This is a pretty awesome way for the story to move along. We get to see Spike sing about his love for Buffy and Anya sings about Bunnies. Each song is original and fits the character as well as the actor/actress playing the role.

Yes, seeing these types of episodes over and over again can be irritating. We do have to admit though, Sci Fi television does need these types of episodes to make it interesting and make it a Sci Fi show. If we get too annoyed, we can skip them. However, one in awhile they do add a few things we may miss if we skip them.