Wayne's Worlds: What's A Sci-Fi TV Addict To Do?

I watch every science-fiction show I can fit in, and that doesn't include my passion for mystery, crime dramas, etc. In fact, I have two televisions in my bedroom, each with recorders so I don't miss anything.

Again and again, I'm seeing articles about how the strike will affect viewers. Well, let me share my feelings on it as well as some plans I have if the strike goes on for an extended period of time.

Since it is likely that most drama/sci-fi shows probably have enough episodes in the can to survive through the end of the year, I really don't think it will affect me much. And yet, I have to confess to a strange feeling of ... comfort ... at the thought of a break that might last several months.

Now I'm sure that's not what TV execs want to hear from someone like me. I work hard to watch every new episode when it airs so I don't have to try to catch shows I've missed during reruns. It pays off during the summer in particular.

But overall, I feel that the level of quality in television has been slowly fading along with the ratings. And several of the new sci-fi programs have me wondering if I could possibly get some of my time back somehow. Those shows include NBC's "Chuck" (which I spoke about last time) and "Journeyman," as well as The CW's "The Reaper" (which I will likely look into in the near future). They're OK. Just OK.

They're not really funny or gripping. They're the kind of show that I used to "watch" while I was doing something else. "Lost" is great for this -- I can get so much done with "Lost" on in the background because nothing significant happens unless the music builds up to a crescendo. Then I looked at the screen, not before.

Notice that I said "looked" because, sci-fi fans, "Lost" is one of the few shows I've ceased to tape or watch. I didn't realize that the name of the show actually referred to the condition of its viewers and not the characters on the program.

Another show I have a unique way of watching is "Smallville." Now, I loved the "Justice" episode last year, and whenever the other heroes are around, interesting things happen. But when they are nowhere to be found, neither are many interesting things, I feel. So I zap "Smallville" by fast-forwarding through the seemingly endless talk sequences between Clark and Chloe, Clark and Lana, Lana and Chloe, Lex and Chloe, Lex and Lana, Lex and Clark, Lois and Clark, Lois and Chloe, Lois and Lex ... and don't get me started on Jimmy Olsen!

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