[Sir Krustin]

1) Firefly
2) Battlestar Galactica (the current one, not the 80s schlock)
3) Babylon 5

Firefly had everything - engaging characters, detailed and consistent plot, good effects, and an excellent soundtrack. About the only negative things I can say about it are the unrealistic physics of the background universe and the usual dramatic license taken towards such things.

BSG is an amazing show, if it wasn't for Firefly this would definitely be my favourite. Fairly realistic physics are shown in the combat scenes. (no ridiculous death rays or "swooshing" spacecraft. Fighters behave in a more-or-less newtonian manner.) Good characters, skilled actors, excellent plotline and it is amazingly consistent internally while delivering plenty of plot twists. Easily the best drama on TV right now.

Babylon 5 is basically a "pity" entry on my part, I love that show warts and all, but lets face it - early episodes were painful, and the actors (with a couple of notable exceptions) give a stilted performance and dramatic pacing was spotty. On the flip side, the plot has good internal consistency and scientific plausibility is high, within the limits of a space opera type show. It's a devastating disappointment that the sequel Crusade had such a short life, it looked very promising.

edit: the only star trek I would even consider for this honour would be the original, the sequels have all of the flaws of the original and few of it's virtues. The latest incarnations are cliched beyond belief.

[ 04-08-2007, 09:31 PM: Message edited by: Sir Krustin ]