What do you consider to be the most interesting alien race?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around participants' opinions on the most interesting alien races from various science fiction works. The scope includes literary analysis, character exploration, and personal preferences regarding fictional extraterrestrial beings.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express admiration for the Moties from "The Mote in God's Eye," highlighting their societal structure and fatalistic beliefs.
  • Others mention the Kzin as notable for their poor diplomatic skills.
  • One participant introduces the concept of women as an interesting alien race, alongside various alien species from Niven's works, such as the Puppeteers and the Outies.
  • The xenomorphs from the "Alien" franchise are discussed for their unique biological traits and survival capabilities.
  • The Q continuum from "Star Trek" is noted for its ability to change forms and its philosophical implications.
  • Participants mention the First Ones from "Babylon 5," particularly the Vorlons and Shadows, as intriguing due to their mysterious nature.
  • The Fithp from "Footfall" are described as an interesting race with a unique evolutionary background.
  • Some participants reflect on non-humanoid aliens, such as the Na'ka'leen Feeder and the Mi-Go from Lovecraftian lore.
  • Discussion includes references to Hal Clement's works, with mentions of alien races that defy typical biological norms, such as those living on neutron stars.
  • One participant expresses a fondness for the Zerg from "Starcraft," emphasizing their collective consciousness.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present a variety of opinions on what constitutes the most interesting alien race, with no consensus reached. Multiple competing views remain throughout the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Some references to specific alien characteristics and narratives may depend on individual interpretations of the source material. The discussion includes speculative elements and personal preferences that are not universally agreed upon.

  • #91
I think Farscape had quite a few of the most interesting alien species, with Babylon 5 a close second.

Farscape - characters listed, race/species name not available.
1. The Pilot
2. Pa'u Zotoh Zhaan (a plant humanoid)
3. Ha D'Argo
4. Dominar Rygel XVI
5. Scorpius
6. Chiana
​
Babylon 5
Character - Race
1. Delenn - Mimbari
2. Vir Coto and Londo Mollari - Centari
3. G'Kar - Narn​
 
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  • #92
Buzz Bloom said:
Babylon 5
Character - Race
1. Delenn - Mimbari
2. Vir Coto and Londo Mollari - Centari
3. G'Kar - Narn

I loved B5. Belong to a Facebook fan group. The Physics Forum thing about the show I found most interesting is how Straczinski dealt with the FTL problem. Don't build a starship, build a universe the ship can access to get to other points in the galaxy quickly.