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Martin Generous's avatar

So what does "weird science fiction" mean, anyway? and why are the two mutually exclusive?

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ProfessorMeredith's avatar

And to clear, they don't have to be mutually exclusive, but they usually are. The Drumhead, for instance, is a "low concept" episode of TNG. Basically, almost no action happens, but they explore character and philosophy.

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Martin Generous's avatar

I was thinking of, back in the 60s, there was Outer Limits and Twilight Zone. OL had the reputation of being "monster of the week", whereas TZ was certainly weirder but also more thought provoking and dealt with political and social subjects. So you're saying that his definition of weird SF is more of the monster of the week variety??

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ProfessorMeredith's avatar

I'm more familiar with Twilight Zone than OL, but that is essentially the difference

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ProfessorMeredith's avatar

Based on other quotes, I'm pretty certain he sees "weird science fiction" as the kind of high concept science fiction that is more interested in explosions, dinosaurs, sexy aliens, etc. What sells well and sells merch (think Terminator or Jurassic Park, blockbuster films).

As opposed to more character driven stories which are what we see a lot of in TNG and DS9.

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