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I'm thinking, but other than Doctor Who I can't think of anyone else who was doing story arcs in science fiction TV before BSG. Primitive as they were, BSG had the Ship of Lights arc (intersected by the Terra arc), character arcs for Apollo and Sheba, the Baltar-in-prison arc, and a few other things going on. By contrast, you could jump into something like Star Trek (TOS) anywhere and be about the same.

Am I forgetting something, or was Galactica the first sci-fi arc-welder on US TV?

From the silence, I take it that either (1) there aren't any other examples, or (2) this is a completely uninteresting topic.

I was trying to ponder this some... Star Trek TOS had no arcs? Not even two related episodes?

Okay. How about 1968, Land of the Giants... didn't it? I've not seen it forever but it seems show to show there was some story arcs... or maybe just two parters... hummmm Lost in space maybe?

Cylon-Knight wrote:I was trying to ponder this some... Star Trek TOS had no arcs? Not even two related episodes?

Well, OK, I grant you Harry Mudd, but two points don't determine an arc. Still, come to think of it, I guess the Organian Peace Treaty counts as a proto-arc, although it happened the first time the Klingons were introduced. As for Lost in Space and Land of the Giants, I'd be interested in hearing about their possible arcs as I've never seen either.

Logan's Run may have had an arc but it was very short lived and it's been decades since I've watched.

Understanding that we are all products of our time, I must confess the lack of story arcs is what I find so enjoyable about 60's and 70's programs. Episodic television can be enjoyed at any moment without investment. Each (good) episode is a self-contained jewel.

The transition to serialized storytelling has made jumping in difficult and I often feel so lost that I don't bother watching what are probably exceptional shows. Television writing and programs have improved significantly, but for me enjoyment of a serialized shows must be measured across many episodes and I often do not have the time to appreciate it. While a show like DS9 presented some of the best SciFi storytelling arcs in television history, I still enjoy the self contained episodes the best.

I tend to agree.

Planning on watching through Logan's Run soon, so I'll report back.

Well, I'm just 3 episodes into Logan's Run, and while I'm not sure if I've seen an arc yet, I am sure that the little electronic "Berrrr! Berrrr! Berrrr!" in the theme song is starting to annoy me day and night.


(Edit: That was my 360th post. Have I come full circle?)

Hope It Is The Grog wrote:Well, I'm just 3 episodes into Logan's Run, and while I'm not sure if I've seen an arc yet, I am sure that the little electronic "Berrrr! Berrrr! Berrrr!" in the theme song is starting to annoy me day and night.

Oh, now you've done it. With a comment like that, I must watch this again. It's only been 37 years since my last viewing.

bishopdonmiguel wrote:

Hope It Is The Grog wrote:Well, I'm just 3 episodes into Logan's Run, and while I'm not sure if I've seen an arc yet, I am sure that the little electronic "Berrrr! Berrrr! Berrrr!" in the theme song is starting to annoy me day and night.

Oh, now you've done it. With a comment like that, I must watch this again. It's only been 37 years since my last viewing.

Happy to be of service.

Ah, just saw the one with ultimate 70's genre babe Lisa Eilbacher. She so should have been in Galactica.

Trying not to turn this into a general Logan's Run thread, but... Kim Cattrall?!? That's got to be the earliest thing I've ever seen her in.

Hope It Is The Grog wrote:Well, I'm just 3 episodes into Logan's Run, and while I'm not sure if I've seen an arc yet, I am sure that the little electronic "Berrrr! Berrrr! Berrrr!" in the theme song is starting to annoy me day and night.


(Edit: That was my 360th post. Have I come full circle?)

I totally agree, Logans Run has the most annoying theme in TV history.

What about the Planet of The Apes TV series?

They had the found computer disc storyline that ran through at least a couple (or a few) of episodes. I think it was eventually abandoned, or maybe just never mentioned again.

Back to Logan, Greg Harrison raised a eyebrow when I brought a Logan's photo for him to sign. I didn't ask, but I'm guessing he doesn't get many Logan's items at shows?

Scott wrote:
I totally agree, Logans Run has the most annoying theme in TV history.

What about the Planet of The Apes TV series?

They had the found computer disc storyline that ran through at least a couple (or a few) of episodes. I think it was eventually abandoned, or maybe just never mentioned again.

Back to Logan, Greg Harrison raised a eyebrow when I brought a Logan's photo for him to sign. I didn't ask, but I'm guessing he doesn't get many Logan's items at shows?

Perhaps not!

OK, I'll take your word for Apes as long as it ran for more than 2 episodes (according to the geometric principle of an arc).

Hope It Is The Grog wrote:

Scott wrote:
I totally agree, Logans Run has the most annoying theme in TV history.

What about the Planet of The Apes TV series?

They had the found computer disc storyline that ran through at least a couple (or a few) of episodes. I think it was eventually abandoned, or maybe just never mentioned again.

Back to Logan, Greg Harrison raised a eyebrow when I brought a Logan's photo for him to sign. I didn't ask, but I'm guessing he doesn't get many Logan's items at shows?

Perhaps not!

OK, I'll take your word for Apes as long as it ran for more than 2 episodes (according to the geometric principle of an arc).

I need to check. I swear it's in at least 2. Might be more, even though it could be a throwaway line. After a fight with the apes, "Pete, do have the disc!?!"