Most of this blog, as you’ve probably gathered by now, is about books. Books are both my favourite hobby, and the core of my research into science fiction as a genre. But there’s more to SF than just books. I’ve been slacking when it comes to reviewing these offshoots of the genre, so here’s a quick rundown of what I’ve been watching and listening to this year so far.

TV

The Boys (S5)

A show with more buckets of blood than it knows what to do with, the Boys ended as messily as it began, folding in Gen V along the way for good measure. The jokes had worn a little thin by the fifth and final season, but it was largely a satisfying climax

For All Mankind (S5)

AppleTV’s alternative history hit goes from strength to strength, and the fifth season continued to show how differently things might have gone if we had a city on Mars in the 2010s. Phenomenal work by all involved, and I’m glad to see that another season is in the works.

Fallout (S2)

Fallout’s second season suffers heavily from a need to tie itself in knots to avoid contradicting any events from the game New Vegas. Is the show still fun? Absolutely, but it’s also incredibly thin and ends up treading water for most of its run.

Silo (S3)

Speaking of trading water, the glacial pacing of Silo continues into its sludgy third season, with the added burden of lengthy flashbacks to the present day. At this point I’m only watching because my family are.

Star Trek: Starfleet Academy (S1)

Guess what? They finally did it. They made a Star Trek show that works on every level. It walks across new ground with its younger protagonist at the Academy, while veteran actors Holly Hunter, Robert Picardo, and Paul Giamatti keep things from turning too immature. This is, with the possible exception of Picard’s first season, my favourite thing to come out of the new age of Star Trek. Of course, it’s already been cancelled, but at least we have a second season on the way.

Sugar (S2)

Having seemingly ignored its sci-fi twist, Sugar remains a fascinating piece of modern-day noir. There’s still half a season to go, and I have no idea where it’s headed. But I’m excited to find out.

Film

Project Hail Mary

Amaze, amaze, amaze. If you liked the book, you’ll like the film. It’s brilliant on every level. And if you never read the book, you can go in completely blind and still have a great time. Flawless stuff. No notes.

Games

Star Trek: Resurgence

Hands down the best Star Trek game I’ve ever played, this Telltale-style adventure had me gripped from the beginning, and I’m already wondering how things might have gone if I’d chosen other options. A shame it’s no longer available to buy, as I cannot recommend it highly enough.

Music

Angus McSix and the All-Seeing Astral Eye (Angus McSix)

Yes, it’s stupid, but it’s also full of catchy songs. Replacing the title character with his brother Adam McSix is a funny gimmick, but the lack of Thomas Winkler is keenly felt throughout. Still a good listen if you don’t mind hurting a few brain cells.

World War Dinosaur (Victorious)

Somehow equally stupid, but not quite as catchy. But it’s also a power metal album about cyberpunk dinosaurs. You get what you pay for.

The Wow Signal (Muse)

Serious science fiction music? Yes, Muse are back on top form with an incredible piece of rock opera. The riffs are strong, the vocals powerful, and for some reason Ellie Goulding is on a track too. Easily the best album of the year so far.

Podcasts

Star Trek: Khan

An original audio story for Star Trek? I’m hardly the biggest fan of Wrath of Khan, but this was an interesting prequel piece. It also features stellar turns from George Takei and Tim Russ. I doubt we’ll see it’s like again, so this treasure is all the more valuable.

Well, that’s your lot. I’m always on the lookout for more science fiction media to study, so let me know if there are any recent releases you think I’ve missed. And don’t worry, I fully plan on giving at least one of these shows full reviews when I get the time.