Best 6 Fantasy TV Series of 2011 - The Medical Questions

I have been a fan of sci-fi and fantasy TV shows for years and 2011 was a good year for fantasy TV. Most TV show genres are described as fantasy, sci-fi (science fiction) comedy, drama, thriller, or action/adventure. But what does being a “sci-fi” or “fantasy” show mean?

The World English Dictionary defines “fantasy” as being “a creation of the imagination; a whimsical or far-fetched notion; imagination unrestricted by reality.” (Don’t we all need a little break from reality now and then?)

Dictionary.com defines “science fiction” as “a form of fiction that draws imaginatively on scientific knowledge and speculation in its plot, setting, theme, etc.”

Here are my top 6 favorite television series of 2011 that can be defined as either science fiction and/or fantasy.

MERLIN (BBC AMERICA/SYFY)
Fridays @ 10:00pm on SYFY (Fall/Winter)
In this version of the classic tale of Camelot, Arthur (Bradley James) is still a young prince while his father King Uther (Anthony Head) sits on Camelot’s throne. After the death of Arthur’s mother which Uther believes was caused by magic, Uther has declared Camelot to be a kingdom free of magic. Anyone caught using magic will be sentenced to death. Meanwhile, Merlin (Colin Morgan) is living with his uncle Gaius (Richard Wilson) who is the king’s physician. Gaius is also guiding Merlin as he is learning of his magical powers, how to control them and his destiny of protecting the future King Arthur at any cost. To get close to Arthur in order to keep an eye on him Merlin becomes Arthur’s servant. The supporting cast includes Gwen (Angel Coulby), and Morgana (Katie McGrath).

SMALLVILLE (CW)
(2001 – 2011)
Even if you are not a comic book fan I’m pretty sure you have heard of Superman. “Smallville” took fans on a 10-year journey beginning with the high school years of the iconic American super hero – from being a high school superstar to a successful journalist known as Clark Kent (Tom Welling). In the beginning of the series super fans were put aback as the writers took the show in a different direction rather than following the comic book. They introduced viewers to new characters such as Clark’s best friend Chloe Sullivan (Allison Mack) and portrayed his comic book arch rival Lex Luthor (Michael Rosenbaum) as a close friend. Also friends with the young Clark were Pete Ross (Sam Jones III who only appeared in 68 episodes) and rich playboy Oliver Queen (Justin Hartley) who also had a secret identity – the Green Arrow. Clark, in his secret identity, never wore the iconic cape and tights until the very end of the show. Instead he consistently wore a red shirt with a blue jacket (later on in the show he wore black) and became known as the Blue Blur. He also never flew but got around by running really, really fast. Other anchor characters from the comics appeared in “Smallville” such as Jonathan and Martha Kent (John Schneider and Annette O’Toole), Jimmy Olsen (Aaron Ashmore), Lionel Luthor (John Glover), Lana Lang (Kristin Kreuk) and of course Lois Lane (Erica Durance).

HAVEN (SYFY)
Sundays @ 10:00pm
Strange things are happening in the small town of Haven also locally known as “The Troubles” in which local people become infected with strange supernatural-like afflictions. FBI Agent Audrey Parker (Emily Rose) lands in Haven while on a search concerning her lost past and a mysterious photograph in which she appears to be standing on the shores of one of Haven’s docks. Audrey stays in Haven, joins the local police force and becomes partners with Nathan Wuornos (Lucas Bryant) who is afflicted with one of “The Troubles” – he can’t physically feel anything. Haven also stars Eric Balfour as Duke Crocker, who own the local bar, and Vince Teagues (Richard Donat) and Dave Teagues (John Dunsworth) eccentric brothers who co-own the local newspaper, the Haven Herald.

THE SECRET CIRCLE (CW)
Thursdays @ 9:00pm (Fall/Winter)
When Cassie’s mother died she had to move to her mother’s home town, Chance Harbor, Washington, to live with her Grandmother. The people of Chance Harbor seem to know more about Cassie (Britt Robertson) than she does about herself. Cassie falls in with a group of teenagers – Diana, Adam, Nick, Faye and Melissa (Shelly Hennig, Thomas Dekker, Louis Hunter, Phoebe Tonkin, Jessica Parker Kennedy) – who reveal to her that she is a part of their coven of witches and they need her to join them in order to complete their Secret Circle and bind their powers together. “The Secret Circle” is based on the novels written by L.J. Smith (also the author of “The Vampire Diaries.)

ONCE UPON A TIME (ABC)
Sundays @ 8:00pm (Fall/Winter)
10-year-old Henry (Jared Gilmore) is an adopted child with a vivid imagination who goes out looking for his real mother whom he believes is the daughter of Prince Charming (Josh Dallas) and Snow White (Ginnifer Goodwin). When Henry finds his birth mother Emma (Jennifer Morrison) and brings her back to Storybrooke, he does his best to try to convince her that his adopted mother, Regina (Lana Parrilla), is the Evil Queen who poisoned Snow White in the fairytales. Henry believes everyone living in Storybrooke is an alter ego of a fairytale character and Emma is the key to unlocking their memories. Also residing in Storybrooke are Jiminy Cricket/Archie Hopper (Raphael Sbarge), and Rumplestiltskin/Mr. Gold (Robert Carlyle).

CAMELOT (STARZ)
Fridays @ 10:00pm (Summer)
When King Uther is killed and Camelot is in shambles, Merlin (Joseph Fiennes) goes to find Arthur (Jamie Campbell Bower) to bring him back to Camelot. Arthur, who was given away at birth, has no idea he has royal blood running through his veins and is heir to the empty throne. Arthur is a randy young fella who has a keen eye for the Lady Guinevere (Tamsin Egerton) who is already betrothed to one of his newfound knights, Leontes (Philip Winchester). Can this young, untrained new king bring Camelot back to its glorious self?

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