What would a realistic sci-fi series look like in a post-disaster world?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of a realistic sci-fi series set in a post-disaster world, exploring themes of human drama amidst advanced technology. Participants consider the balance between technological realism and character-driven storytelling, as well as the tone and atmosphere of the narrative.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose a series that focuses on human dramas in a post-disaster setting, using realistic technology as a backdrop rather than the main focus.
  • Others argue that the optimistic tone of classic sci-fi, like Star Trek, contrasts with the often pessimistic themes of contemporary apocalyptic narratives.
  • A participant suggests setting the series some time after the disaster to allow for a more hopeful outlook and the development of new societal norms.
  • There is a notion that the series could appeal to a wide audience, similar to the X-Files, by incorporating relatable human experiences rather than solely focusing on sci-fi elements.
  • One participant emphasizes that while technology will be present, the emotional and personal stories will take precedence, with technology treated as a familiar aspect of life rather than a central plot device.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of agreement and differing views on the tone and focus of the series. While there is a shared interest in realistic technology and human drama, opinions vary on how to balance these elements and the overall atmosphere of the narrative.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not resolved the specifics of the series' setting, character dynamics, or the extent to which technology will influence the plot. There are also varying interpretations of how to depict the aftermath of a disaster and its impact on society.

Raavin
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I've been thinking for a while about a Sci-fi series. Sort of trek like but with more believable concepts. Since the arrival of "Enterprise" I think there is room for a good show.

This is the idea.

At some time in the not too distant future, there is some sort of world disaster (not too much of a stretch given the current state of affairs). While bunkers etc. are being developed on earth, the world powers want to cover all bases and send generational ships to eventually find another planet to colonise.

Perhaps the 'stay on earth' bit would be a good enough start and not worry about the ship. Basically though, what we are after is an excuse for a 'cutting edge of technology' situation, using reasonable extrapolation of current technology. The techno bit would be purely background. Sort of like trek, the show would just be about human dramas, hopefully a bit better than trek, but in a different setting. So, for example, you might have cop stories or relationship stories and it might be a bit dirtier than other sci-fi. The look might be a bit more like a mix of Bladerunner, Aliens etc. but no aliens or replicants. Just real people living real lives under extreme and high tech circumstances.

Any thoughts??

Raavin [?]
 
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Greetings !

I think that one of the most appealing aspects
of Star Trek is the optimistic approach towards
the future of humanity, unlike most contemporary
sci-fi stories. I think that still applies today.

All those apocalypse scenarios ussualy put you in
a pessimistic atmosphere to start with and
instead of "careless" exploration of space
we have battles for survival and so on.

I certainly like the realistic technology part
(wouldn't though if you asked me years ago... ).

Of course, with enough imagination anything
is possible...:wink:

Live long and prosper.
 
I think that one of the most appealing aspects
of Star Trek is the optimistic approach towards
the future of humanity, unlike most contemporary
sci-fi stories. I think that still applies today.

All those apocalypse scenarios ussualy put you in
a pessimistic atmosphere to start with and
instead of "careless" exploration of space
we have battles for survival and so on.

I see your point. One of the ideas I had was to have the series set quite a while after the 'apocolypse', for want of a better term. This might give time for a more positive outlook to develop, looking toward a brighter future and all that. Maybe giving the sense of a clean slate was what I was after. I think shows like Third watch are still appealing but not in the same sense. The idea that there were loosely related people who got involved in their own dramas. There is a site somewhere where the bit part actors in Trek series' are the stars in their own stories.

Things like the fact that all of the commanders of a Trek ship go into the most dangerous situations and the hundreds of others on the ship seem to do nothing always seems weird.

Raavin
 
i think it would be a show that will have a wide range of viewers it is like the X-files well not the plot but the way that it appeeled to many poepel now i never got into the scifi shows but i like the X-files...your show will stretch our technology not create completely new concepts
 
X-files is the feel and appeal I'm after. A future sort of like Bladerunner but without the replicants. The stories wouldn't really be based around technology as such, but the 'world' would contain it. For example, a character's parent might be having heart problems and go through the whole ER-esque drama of potentially losing a loved one during surgery to receive an artificial or animal heart. The technology would not be mentioned in detail as the emotional drama would be the focus. The technology would be well known to the characters so wouldn't be treated as anything huge in the show, but it would be mentioned.

Raavin
 

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