I enjoy Science Fiction. Growing up, I was exposed to a great deal of sci-fi, thanks to my father. Dad loved to both read and watch science fiction, so I was introduced to Star Wars, Star Trek, Battlestar Galactica, Dr. Who, V, the Twilight Zone and the Outer Limits. I still have vivid memories of being scared, intrigued and thrilled by most of it. I have my dad to thank for my lifelong devotion to all things Star Wars (and James Bond, which could arguably be considered science fiction in some circles).
It is probably no accident that I married a science fiction enthusiast. Though his passion for Star Trek exceedingly outweighs the passing interest I hold for it, his ardor does not reach the level of "Trekkie". Our differences in affection for Star Trek and ensuing discussions did help me to learn to articulate what it is about scifi that I like. Yes I love the effects and mythology of Star Wars, but those factors never really helped me to get into Firefly or Stargate. I find that I am drawn more to those movies/shows/stories that are closer to the basic premise of scifi, which is a slight twist on reality. The Twilight Zone and The Outer Limits are good examples of this. Most stories include everyday people or situations that are somehow altered by time travel, alternate universes, superpowers, magical objects or monsters.
Perhaps because the slight twist on reality is so close to what reality is, it makes it more relatable. As mentioned in previous posts, I personal prefer entertainment that is not too far removed from reality. Also with an appreciation for darker endings, "slight twist" science fiction lends itself better to darker endings. I mean, if you are going all out and having an outlandish, totally different world in your story, then you can more easily provide a happy ending to suit your desires. I typically find those endings to be more deus ex machina, which I am definitely do not like. If you ever want to see a simple, but incredibly terrifying scifi conceit, watch Dr. Who's episode "Blink". Easily one of the scariest examples of science fiction. And it stars Oscar-nominee Carey Mulligan. The British are good proprietors of scifi, which is why their well-known actors and actresses don't shy away from it. They also make good comedy (Black Adder, Monty Python), but that is for another discussion.
