[Mark Burgess]

This is a really difficult (complicated) question to answer! My attitude hasn’t really changed as much as the genre has changed. I didn’t grow out of it as much as it grew out of me. Perhaps I’m stuck in my childhood past.

I read nothing but science fiction for many years, only later discovered other forms of fiction. Recently, I’ve been rereading those old SF books again from my shelves and been enjoying them immensely. So I didn’t grow out of them, but I grew to embrace more things.

For film/tv, science fiction is such a mixed bag. There is greatness and there is … everything else. I love the old classic movies like Forbidden Planet, The Day the Earth Stood Still, The Andromeda Strain, Logan’s Run .. that whole era before Star Wars. Star Wars is Star Wars, not sure it’s science fiction. I never tire of seeing Star Trek (original series), together with Blakes 7 and Dr Who (Pertwee + Baker years). But I find it hard to stomach the newer series. The increased focus on special effects (war) over proper script is my usual complaint.

I always look forward to new science fiction movies, but I’m usually disappointed. As the fandom drove SF into a style that became increasingly “woke” (to use that awful phrase), I just can’t stomach the new series or movies based on the the various Franchises. I usually admire the actors, hate the warfare scenes, and want to throw up over the scripts. Mushroom drive replaces warp drive? Please. Stargate was an exception, because it never became fluffy! I did like Stargate.

I often force myself to watch certain series, out of desperation. I do need a fix of science fixion. Just please please PLEASE ban all forms of time travel paradox from now on (including forever future-past present and alterative-futures) and never say quantum to me every again. 🙂