Summer is the perfect time for science-fiction.
And not just any science-fiction, but brilliantly written, female led, heart-filled and kickass science-fiction. This summer, three such shows are airing Friday nights on the Syfy Channel, and while I feel they aren’t getting enough love from the mainstream media, they’ve got fans like me to tell you all about ’em!
So in honor of the season premieres of Dark Matter and Wynonna Earp this Friday, June 9th (and Killjoys on Friday, June 30th), scroll down for my stories of discovering these shows and the characters that made me fall in love.
SPOILERS BEYOND THIS POINT
Wynonna Earp – “Wynonna Earp, the outcast great-great-granddaughter of legendary lawman Wyatt Earp, battles demons and other supernatural beings that inhabit her hometown, Purgatory.”
The newest of the shows, I’m ashamed to admit that when I first started watching Wynonna Earp, I was not a fan (I know, I’m terrible). The show came off as a Western-style Supernatural with a lady lead instead of the Winchester boys. I can’t tell you when, but I’d say it was within 4 episodes, that all changed for me. Something about the dialogue, the characters, the sexiness. SOMETHING switched in my brain and I was hooked! I quickly binged season 1 and found myself wanting more. I joined team WayHaught (ie those of use who love the relationship between Wynonna’s sister Waverly and Officer Haught), and grew a big ol’ crush on Doc (as in Doc Holiday, Wyatt’s bestie). This show is instantly quotable and must be applauded for it’s fleshed out characters and earnest approach to relationships – be they romantic, familial, or otherwise. As the final scene of the season 1 finale closed on it’s cliffhanging climax, I felt the longing for new episodes. Luckily, season 2 is just around the corner!
Wynonna Earp season 2 premieres June 9th on Syfy. Watch the season 2 trailer here.
*The Wynonna Earp after-show will stream live Sundays at 3p PT on AfterBuzzTV
Killjoys – “Killjoys follows a trio of hard-living bounty hunters – Dutch, John, and D’avin. Working for the Reclamation Apprehension Coalition (RAC), they work in a four planet system known as the Quad. Taking on warrants to apprehend people or property, RAC Agents are given high authority by their agency. As part of their job, they swear to remain neutral in conflicts and owe no allegiance to any system, government, or other organizations. With their pasts coming back to haunt them, the trio will have to work hard to keep themselves, and their friends, alive.”
I originally tuned into Killjoys because the premise – Bounty Hunters in Space – seemed pretty silly and I needed a not-too-complicated show to entertain me while my regular TV shows were on hiatus. Instantly I was attached to our team: Dutch, the sexy and badass leader, Johnny our lovable and adorable tech guy, and newcomer D’Avin, Johnny’s mysterious and good-looking older brother. Turned out, by the end of the first episode, this show was far from simple. The world Michelle Lovretta (Lost Girl) created is detailed and complex. As are the supporting characters: Bar owner Pree whose fierce fashion and sassy bite makes you eager to learn more about his criminal past. The rival Killjoy Fancy Lee, aka the “designated asshole”, who would be a formidable foe but somehow turned out to be incredibly loyal. The beloved Lucy, the team’s quick witted and flirtatious ship (which led to a must applauded ‘ship between the vessel and Johnny). And of course, the Monk… who was always inexplicably shirtless (this is not a complaint). There was also the mystery of Dutch’s past and her silverfoxed tutor/father Khlyen. While season 1 and 2 maneuvered us through their world and politics, I believe season 3 is taking us back to their roots (*wink*).
Killjoys season 3 premieres June 30 on Syfy.
*The Killjoys after-show will stream live Sundays at 5p PT on AfterBuzzTV
Dark Matter – “A group of people with no memory of who they are or where they came from wake up on a starship called the Raza. Naming themselves “1” through “6” in the order of their awakening, they stabilize their vessel and begin trying to figure out what happened to them.”
Truth be told, Dark Matter was originally passed over for Killjoys because it looked too complicated. While you should consider Dark Matter an ensemble show, the Raza crew is led by “2” and she’s everything you want in a leader: she’s smart, feisty and super tough. Plus, she’s a hot almost human (she’s technically not human as she was built by Dwarf Star Technology… like I said, it’s a bit complicated). The rest of the team of misfits include the deceased “1” (good riddance), the sexy bad boy “3” who slowly grows a heart the more we get to know him, the stoic “4” who has turned on the team – and I believe he can be considered our villain in the upcoming season 3 – we have the young and spirited “5” who is always treated like the child of the team, but is also the tech expert and true heart of the crew, bringing them all together. As for “6”, after the season 1 finale where he betrayed them, I was not ready to easily forgive. But through season 2 he proved himself loyal, and even introduced a fan favorite character, Anders. I can’t forget to mention the Android – unfortunately, I can’t even begin to explain her, but know that she’s amazing. Additionally, Dark Matter has had some cool guest stars like the ridiculously sexy Ruby Rose and iconic Wil Wheaton. One of the greatest things about Dark Matter is that the team behind the show (Mr. Mallozzi and his crew) are serious nerds: full on sci-fi loving, anime watching, time-travel logistics arguing, stuff-’em-in-your-locker Nerds. Which guarantees quality. While this is another show to end a season on a cliffhanger, I’m excited to see where season 3 picks up (seriously, almost everyone blew up).
Dark Matter season 3 premieres June 9th on Syfy. Watch the season 3 trailer here.
*The Dark Matter after-show will stream live Sundays at 4p PT on AfterBuzzTV
— Yael Tygiel