Naturalistic science fiction: Difference between revisions

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m (→‎In Practice...: Fixed BSG link, wiki-linked to documentary, removed tribal music link.)
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== In Theory... ==
== In Theory... ==


Naturalistic Science Fiction (NSF) is a realistic take on the SF genre, avoiding typical SF [[Wikipedia:cliche|cliches]], utilizing visual and artistic elements from such dramas as [[Wikipedia:The Sorpranos|''The Sorpranos'']] and [[Wikipedia:The West Wing|''The West Wing'']].
'''Naturalistic science fiction''' (NSF) is a realistic take on the SF genre, avoiding typical SF [[Wikipedia:cliche|cliches]], utilizing visual and artistic elements from such dramas as [[Wikipedia:The Sopranos|''The Sopranos'']] and [[Wikipedia:The West Wing|''The West Wing'']]. Naturalistic SF blends the best elements of [[Wikipedia:Soft science fiction|"soft" science fiction]] (where characterization is of prime importance) and [[Wikipedia:Hard science fiction|"hard" science fiction]] (where plausible technical accuracy is preferred).


== In Practice... ==
== In Practice... ==


For ''[[Battlestar Galactica (RDM)|BSG]]'' this means that characters are viewed as normal, every-day people.  There will be no characters that are simply the "smoking chauvinist", "loyal soldier", "heroic lead", "spiritual commander", "whiz-kid genius", or "sexy doctor".   
===Characters===
For [[Battlestar Galactica (RDM)|the new "Battlestar Galactica" series]] naturalistic SF means that '''characters''' are viewed as normal, every-day people, complete with flaws, neuroses, and even addictions.  There will be no stereotypical SF characters such as the "smoking chauvinist", "loyal soldier", "heroic lead", "spiritual commander", "whiz-kid genius", or "sexy doctor".   


Technology is far enough advanced for star travel to be possible (see: [[FTL]] travel) and plausible yet every other aspect of Colonial technology is humbly realisitic. Instead of [[Wikipedia:Star Trek|''Star Trek'']] matter-energy conversion tech, people need to be physically shuttled between ships on smaller craft like [[Raptor|Raptors]]; Colonial ships are not powered by inexhaustible Dylithium crystals and Warp Cores, ships burn a limited solid fuel known as [[tylium]]; phaser weapons and photon torpedoes are replaced with guns, bullets and nuclear bombs;  and other unrealistic SF [[Wikipedia:deus ex machina|deus ex machina]] are replaced with technology more in-line with what's seen in modern life.
===Technology===
'''Technology''' is far enough advanced for star travel to be possible (see: [[FTL]] travel) and plausible, yet every other aspect of Colonial technology is humbly realistic. Instead of using technology such as [[Wikipedia:Star Trek|''Star Trek's'']] transporters, people need to be physically shuttled between ships on smaller craft like [[Raptor|Raptors]].


Much like [[Aaron Doral]] noted in the opening of the [[Mini-Series]], form follows function.  ''Galactica'' was designed to be a battle cruiser/aircraft carrier in space; the hull is lined with armour plating, strengthened by structural ribbing and insulated from external explosions by water tanks.  The CIC is buried deep within the ship and protected from any attacks, unlike ''Star Trek'' starships, whose bridges are openly exposed at the top-centre of the ship.  ''[[Colonial One]]'' was designed to be a jetliner in space and is set up similar to a real world passenger airliner with rows of seats separated into various classes down the fuselage, cramped airplane bathrooms, cargo bays in the ship's underbelly and private cabins for VIPs.
Colonial ships are not powered by inexhaustible "dylithium crystals" housed inside "warp cores" , but from [[tylium]], a powerful solid substance with interesting properties that's mined from planets and asteroids and refined.


Characters like [[Saul Tigh|Col. Tigh]] are annoyed by endless [[technobabble]], instead of routinely spouting it themselves. Complex procedures are often explained in simple and down-to-earth terms, if they're ever explained at all.
Fantasy energy weapons such as "Star Trek's" phasers and photon torpedoes are replaced with ordinary projectile weapons and Earthly mass-destruction ordinance: guns, bullets and nuclear bombs. Other unrealistic SF "[[Wikipedia:deus ex machina|deus ex machina]]" are avoided entirely, or replaced with technology more in-line with what's seen in modern life. If the [[Fleet]] runs out of water, ''Galactica'' can't "invent" some futuristic device to reclaim the water molecules from space-borne hydrogen molecules--they search for a planetary body that has water ([[Water]]). Technology looks familar to the viewer, from the phones, computer screens, and even the bathrooms.


There are no "planet-of-the-week" episodes.  A majority of [[Battlestar Galactica (RDM)|BSG's]] episodes primarily focus on internal fleet survival issues (see: <u>[[Water]]</u>, <u>[[Bastille Day]]</u>, and <u>[[The Hand of God]]</u>). There will be an absence of aliens, a la [[Wikipedia:Joss Whedon|Joss Whedon's]] [[Wikipedia:Firefly (Series)|<i>Firefly</i>]], for planets will be mostly uninhabitable and lifeless (with sound, scientific reasoning).
Much like [[Aaron Doral]] noted in the opening of the [[Mini-Series]], form follows function when it comes to the ship designs.  ''Galactica'' was designed to be a battle cruiser / aircraft carrier in space; the hull is lined with armor plating, strengthened by [[Frame|structural ribbing]] and insulated from external explosions by internal structures such as water tanks ([[Water]]). The command center of the ship, the [[CIC]], is buried deep within the ship and protected from any attacks, unlike ''Star Trek's'' starships, whose bridges are openly exposed at the top-center of the ship.


[[Battlestar Galactica (RDM)|BSG]] avoids the thematic elements found in ''[[Wikipedia:Star Wars|Star Wars]]'' and episodic storytelling, using a [[Wikipedia:Documentary film|documentary]] feel for the series and tribal music.
Many Colonial civilan ships are just variations of ships you may see in the air or at sea in the real-world Earth. ''[[Colonial One]]'' was designed to be a [[Intersun|jetliner in space]] and is set up similar to a real world passenger airliner with rows of seats separated into various classes down the fuselage, cramped airplane bathrooms, cargo bays in the ship's underbelly and private cabins for VIPs.
 
===No "Deux Ex Machina" Concepts===
 
Characters like [[Saul Tigh|Colonel Tigh]] are annoyed by endless '''[[technobabble]]'''. Complex procedures needed to further the plot are often explained in simple and down-to-earth terms, if they're ever explained at all.
 
When technology is mentioned, it's typically analogous to something found on the real-world Earth. Dialogue such as "[[Stims|stims]]", "[[Morpha|morpha]]", "[[DRADIS]]" and "[[wireless]]" will seems familiar enough when used in context to most casual viewers.
 
''Galactica'' and its Fleet has to be creative with the very limited resources in the Fleet. They cannot barter with other civilizations (there aren't any), or "replicate" parts from some fanciful reproducing device. They have a limited supply of ''everything'' :  [[Viper|fighters]], ammo, food, water, and people. Specialized crewmembers, such as [[List of Pilots|pilots]] and [[Cottle|doctors]], are in even shorter supply. In "Battlestar Galactica's" world, there haven't a "starbase" or "Federation" : What they are and what they have is literally visible in every episode--and everything is wearing or running out, adding to the drama of the characters.
 
===Space Remains Big...and Lonely===
 
There are no "planet-of-the-week" episodes. The universe remains empty, with the odds of meeting other intelligent beings (excluding, perhaps, remnants of the [[Earth|Thirteenth Tribe]]) practically nil. A majority of [[Battlestar Galactica (RDM)|Battlestar Galactica's]] episodes primarily focus on internal Fleet survival issues ("[[Water]]", "[[Bastille Day]]", and "[[The Hand of God]]").
 
Humanoid or quasi-humanoid intelligent life (save that of the Fleet's nemesis, the [[Cylons (RDM)|Cylons]]) does not exist, as almost all of the encountered planets will be mostly uninhabitable and lifeless (with sound, scientific reasoning).
 
The characters do speak of animals from the now-occupied Colonies, and they share most of the names we use in the real-world Earth: [[Life Forms of the Twelve Colonies|chickens, dogs, cattle, and cats]] existed on their worlds.
 
===Storytelling and Music===
 
[[Battlestar Galactica (RDM)|"Battlestar Galactica"]] avoids the thematic elements found in ''[[Wikipedia:Star Wars|Star Wars]]''. The series story is told chronolgically in episodic storytelling, using a [[Wikipedia:Documentary film|documentary-style, ''cinema verite'']] visual feel, and tribal music that sounds more like the music from the reality series "Survivor" than the overly-used flags-and-banners overtures used in "Star Trek" and "Star Wars".


== Related Articles ==
== Related Articles ==

Revision as of 21:05, 9 December 2005

In Theory...

Naturalistic science fiction (NSF) is a realistic take on the SF genre, avoiding typical SF cliches, utilizing visual and artistic elements from such dramas as The Sopranos and The West Wing. Naturalistic SF blends the best elements of "soft" science fiction (where characterization is of prime importance) and "hard" science fiction (where plausible technical accuracy is preferred).

In Practice...

Characters

For the new "Battlestar Galactica" series naturalistic SF means that characters are viewed as normal, every-day people, complete with flaws, neuroses, and even addictions. There will be no stereotypical SF characters such as the "smoking chauvinist", "loyal soldier", "heroic lead", "spiritual commander", "whiz-kid genius", or "sexy doctor".

Technology

Technology is far enough advanced for star travel to be possible (see: FTL travel) and plausible, yet every other aspect of Colonial technology is humbly realistic. Instead of using technology such as Star Trek's transporters, people need to be physically shuttled between ships on smaller craft like Raptors.

Colonial ships are not powered by inexhaustible "dylithium crystals" housed inside "warp cores" , but from tylium, a powerful solid substance with interesting properties that's mined from planets and asteroids and refined.

Fantasy energy weapons such as "Star Trek's" phasers and photon torpedoes are replaced with ordinary projectile weapons and Earthly mass-destruction ordinance: guns, bullets and nuclear bombs. Other unrealistic SF "deus ex machina" are avoided entirely, or replaced with technology more in-line with what's seen in modern life. If the Fleet runs out of water, Galactica can't "invent" some futuristic device to reclaim the water molecules from space-borne hydrogen molecules--they search for a planetary body that has water (Water). Technology looks familar to the viewer, from the phones, computer screens, and even the bathrooms.

Much like Aaron Doral noted in the opening of the Mini-Series, form follows function when it comes to the ship designs. Galactica was designed to be a battle cruiser / aircraft carrier in space; the hull is lined with armor plating, strengthened by structural ribbing and insulated from external explosions by internal structures such as water tanks (Water). The command center of the ship, the CIC, is buried deep within the ship and protected from any attacks, unlike Star Trek's starships, whose bridges are openly exposed at the top-center of the ship.

Many Colonial civilan ships are just variations of ships you may see in the air or at sea in the real-world Earth. Colonial One was designed to be a jetliner in space and is set up similar to a real world passenger airliner with rows of seats separated into various classes down the fuselage, cramped airplane bathrooms, cargo bays in the ship's underbelly and private cabins for VIPs.

No "Deux Ex Machina" Concepts

Characters like Colonel Tigh are annoyed by endless technobabble. Complex procedures needed to further the plot are often explained in simple and down-to-earth terms, if they're ever explained at all.

When technology is mentioned, it's typically analogous to something found on the real-world Earth. Dialogue such as "stims", "morpha", "DRADIS" and "wireless" will seems familiar enough when used in context to most casual viewers.

Galactica and its Fleet has to be creative with the very limited resources in the Fleet. They cannot barter with other civilizations (there aren't any), or "replicate" parts from some fanciful reproducing device. They have a limited supply of everything : fighters, ammo, food, water, and people. Specialized crewmembers, such as pilots and doctors, are in even shorter supply. In "Battlestar Galactica's" world, there haven't a "starbase" or "Federation" : What they are and what they have is literally visible in every episode--and everything is wearing or running out, adding to the drama of the characters.

Space Remains Big...and Lonely

There are no "planet-of-the-week" episodes. The universe remains empty, with the odds of meeting other intelligent beings (excluding, perhaps, remnants of the Thirteenth Tribe) practically nil. A majority of Battlestar Galactica's episodes primarily focus on internal Fleet survival issues ("Water", "Bastille Day", and "The Hand of God").

Humanoid or quasi-humanoid intelligent life (save that of the Fleet's nemesis, the Cylons) does not exist, as almost all of the encountered planets will be mostly uninhabitable and lifeless (with sound, scientific reasoning).

The characters do speak of animals from the now-occupied Colonies, and they share most of the names we use in the real-world Earth: chickens, dogs, cattle, and cats existed on their worlds.

Storytelling and Music

"Battlestar Galactica" avoids the thematic elements found in Star Wars. The series story is told chronolgically in episodic storytelling, using a documentary-style, cinema verite visual feel, and tribal music that sounds more like the music from the reality series "Survivor" than the overly-used flags-and-banners overtures used in "Star Trek" and "Star Wars".

Related Articles

  • The physics seen in the Re-imagined Series