The 2nd half of the new seasons of Galactica and the Stargates does not start until the middle of January 2006. So fans of scifi may be interested in the new wave of network TV scifi. This is a mini review of science fiction shows on network TV:

Surface: This is essentially two shows in one. The first part is teenager adopts strange/scary/alien pet. The 2nd part is a rogue female scientist, conspiracy theories and cover-ups and such.

Threshold:

Alien things "land" in the sea. A team of geniuses is assembled to investigate. Does the plot sound familiar?

Invasion:

Alien things "land" in the Everglades. Curious residents want to investigate. Some locals may be under the influence/control of the aliens. This show screams "V" remake. (you know, V, V The Final Battle). In fact the sheriff looks a lot like the reporter from "V" - he even has that semi-annoying voice. When the show is not busy with aliens/mysteries, it deals with blended families and multiple divorces.

Supernatural:

X-Files but with two 20-somethings. Oh yeah, it is on WB. Supernatural elements are liberally used here and presented as fact.

Nightstalker:

This is a remake of the old Kolchak but it also looks like "X-Files Lite". Supernatural elements here remain a mystery most of the time.

The common thread among all of the above: They have exceeded expectations, but the expectations were very low to begin with...