Old Is New Again, But Different

Now, Sci-Fi is running a new version of the series, apparently staying pretty true to the original concept and story. Last night was the first episode of this new version that I’ve seen, and I found it just so-so. The story is just as cheesy, and convoluted, as I think I remember the original. I’m surprised I ended up watching the whole episode. Was it actually good, or was I just that tired and easily entertained. I’m not sure.

Sci-Fi is remaking other old science fiction shows, too: Battlestar Galactica and Flash Gordon are the two that come to mind right now. I’ve seen the commercials for both shows, and neither seem anything like the originals. (The original Flash Gordon was well before my time, but I think of the 80s movie when I think of Flash Gordon.) So I’ve had no interest in seeing them. I’m of the thought that if producers are going to make a completely different kind of show, they shouldn’t use the old show name.

Now, the new shows may be fantastic. As I haven’t seen them, I can’t judge them on their content. But the show names carry expectations—baggage, even. When the commercials show none of those expectations, they turn me off.

I didn’t plan to watch Doctor Who tonight—I didn’t even know when it aired until I just happened to see a notice while surfing through Sci-Fi. But from what I had seen of the commercials, the new series looked similar in style (though better in effects) to what I could remember of the original series. So I was intrigued enough to stop and watch.