Fringe, The Expanse, BattleStar Galactica, Star Trek(TOS) & TNG

Compare and contrast these TV series

"Fringe," "The Expanse," "Battlestar Galactica," and "Star Trek" (both The Original Series and The Next Generation) are iconic TV series that delve into the vastness of science fiction, each offering a unique lens on the genre.

Let's break them down to see how they compare and contrast, focusing on their themes, approach to storytelling, and impact on the genre.

Themes

• Fringe explores parallel universes and the blending of science with the supernatural. It's like a modern-day "X-Files," focusing on the personal stories of its characters against a backdrop of fringe science.
• The Expanse offers a gritty, realistic take on the future of human colonization in the solar system. It's a tale of politics, war, and survival that feels like a space opera grounded in real physics.
• Battlestar Galactica (reimagined series) delves into themes of identity, humanity, and survival. It's a dark, philosophical drama that examines what it means to be human in the face of extinction.
• Star Trek: TOS & TNG focus on exploration and the optimistic future of humanity. While TOS broke ground with its vision of a diverse, peaceful future, TNG expanded on these themes with deeper dives into ethics, philosophy, and the complexities of civilizations.

Storytelling Approach

• Fringe uses episodic stories with an overarching narrative, focusing on character development and emotional arcs.
• The Expanse is known for its complex, serialized storytelling, weaving multiple storylines across a richly detailed universe.
• Battlestar Galactica offers a continuous, serialized narrative that keeps viewers engaged with its intense drama and moral quandaries.
• Star Trek: TOS & TNG primarily utilize episodic storytelling, with TNG incorporating more serialized elements in its later seasons. They mix philosophical dilemmas, moral challenges, and the exploration of new worlds.

"For anyone who enjoyed the Space Opera, Battlestar Galactica, then The Expanse is aimed directly at them..."

Impact on Genre

• Fringe added a unique blend of science fiction and supernatural elements, pushing the boundaries of traditional sci-fi storytelling.
• The Expanse has been praised for its realism and detailed portrayal of space travel, influencing how science fiction approaches the depiction of future human expansion.
• Battlestar Galactica redefined space opera drama, introducing a darker, more mature theme to the genre.
• Star Trek: TOS & TNG are foundational to sci-fi TV, setting standards for the genre with their optimistic outlook, exploration of ethical issues, and vision of a united humanity.

In essence, while "Fringe" and "Battlestar Galactica" lean towards the darker, more introspective aspects of science fiction, "The Expanse" roots its narrative in a believable portrayal of humanity's future. Meanwhile, "Star Trek" (both TOS and TNG) remains the beacon of hope, exploring what humanity could achieve. Each series, in its way, pushes the envelope of the genre, offering viewers a plethora of ways to imagine the future, the universe, and our place within it.

These shows not only entertain but also challenge us to think deeper about our world, our ethics, and our future. They invite us to explore the unknown, question the status quo, and dream of a better tomorrow.

"Can you find anyone who reviewed all three and pull a real quote?"

From a quick search, here's what I discovered.

I found a review that contrasts "The Expanse" with "Battlestar Galactica," though it doesn't directly compare all the series you mentioned. The reviewer on Adam Frosh's blog mentions being captivated by "Battlestar Galactica" from start to finish, appreciating its clear quest and high stakes for humanity.

The character development is praised, and Edward James Olmos' portrayal of William Adama is highlighted as a favorite. In contrast, the reviewer finds "The Expanse" ambitious with stunning effects but struggles with its early episodes' failure to present clear stakes and the mumbling of dialogue, making it a struggle to watch despite its potential.

Additionally, another source, Jammer's Reviews, provides in-depth critical reviews of various sci-fi series including "Star Trek," but the specific quote pulled from the review focuses on "Star Trek: Enterprise," discussing character arcs and moral questions raised in the series, not directly comparing all the shows you asked about.

These insights offer a glimpse into individual perspectives on "The Expanse" and "Battlestar Galactica," highlighting differences in storytelling, character development, and thematic execution. Unfortunately, I couldn't find a single source that reviews all four series side by side with direct quotes comparing them comprehensively.

The GPT results are generated with custom instructions and through The GRWGPT which is designed to mimic a specific writer's profile.