Science fiction thrives on what if scenarios, but as franchises grow, they often prioritize continuity over innovation. This tension is evident in standalone films like The Last Starfighter, which fully explores a singular premise, versus franchise expansions like Stargate Universe, which must navigate existing lore.
The Role of What If in Science Fiction
Science fiction has historically pursued multiple goals:
- Speculation – Imagining alternate realities (e.g., The Time Machine).
- Social Commentary – Reflecting contemporary issues (1984, Brave New World).
- Human Nature & Ethics – Exploring consciousness and morality (Frankenstein, I, Robot).
- Technology & Discovery – Pushing the boundaries of science (2001: A Space Odyssey).
The what if method introduces a single change to reality, allowing for deep exploration of its consequences. From the Golden Age’s science-driven adventures to modern, diverse narratives, sci-fi continues to evolve while wrestling with how much continuity to preserve.
Case Studies: The Last Starfighter vs. Stargate Universe
The Last Starfighter: A Focused What If
- Premise: What if a video game were a recruitment tool for an interstellar war?
- Strength: A self-contained story that fully explores its speculative concept.
- Impact: Pioneered CGI in film while maintaining narrative clarity.
Stargate Universe: Weighed Down by Lore
- Premise: What if a starship were exploring our origins?
- Challenge: Must fit within Stargate continuity, limiting creative freedom.
- Result: The what if question gets diluted by franchise obligations.
The Franchise Dilemma
Expanding existing IPs poses challenges:
- Creative Vision vs. Continuity – Showrunners must balance fresh ideas with established lore.
- Commercial Viability – Studios favor franchises with built-in audiences, limiting risk-taking.
- Fan Expectations – Divergences from continuity can frustrate audiences.
The tension between innovation and continuity isn’t unique to Stargate Universe or The Last Starfighter—it’s a fundamental challenge for the genre. Standalone stories have the freedom to fully explore a speculative concept without pre-existing constraints, while franchise extensions must weigh the risks of change against audience expectations.
For creators, this balancing act is increasingly complex in today’s entertainment landscape. Streaming services and franchise-driven media encourage long-form storytelling, where world-building and continuity play a greater role than ever. While this can deepen narratives, it also makes it harder for a singular what if premise to shine. Conversely, anthology formats like Black Mirror and The Twilight Zone prove that the genre still thrives when given room to focus on bold, self-contained ideas.
The Roddenberry Paradox: Reinvention vs. Expectation
Few figures in science fiction history embodied the struggle between innovation and continuity as much as Gene Roddenberry. After the cancellation of Star Trek (original series), Roddenberry initially wanted to leave Star Trek behind and pursue new ideas. However, the show’s passionate fanbase, coupled with the massive success of syndicated reruns, made it clear that Star Trek was far from dead. Despite his original intention to move on, he found himself drawn back into expanding the universe he had created, beginning with Star Trek: The Motion Picture.
When he developed Star Trek: The Next Generation, Roddenberry again sought to break new ground rather than simply revisiting past successes. He deliberately set TNG a century after the original series, distancing it from familiar characters and settings. His vision included a more evolved, conflict-free future where humanity had moved beyond many of the struggles depicted in TOS. However, just as before, he faced resistance. Many longtime fans—and even some of the TNG cast and writers—pushed back against his approach. They wanted Star Trek to maintain its adventurous, sometimes combative spirit, and they missed the direct connections to the beloved original crew. Ultimately, while TNG found its own identity, it was not as independent from TOS as Roddenberry had originally hoped.
This pattern illustrates the dilemma that creators of long-running franchises face: even when they want to explore new frontiers, fan demand often pulls them back to familiar territory. Audiences develop deep attachments to the worlds and characters they love, making radical departures difficult.
The Future of Science Fiction: Balancing Vision and Continuity
For fans, the divide between those who want fresh ideas and those who want established lore honored is an ongoing debate. Some embrace reinterpretations and new perspectives, while others feel frustrated when franchise expansions contradict or dilute earlier works. This divide can make it difficult for studios to take risks, leading to the recycling of familiar stories instead of bold new concepts.
Ultimately, science fiction’s greatest strength is its ability to imagine possibilities. Whether through expansive universes or standalone narratives, the genre’s success hinges on how well it balances compelling speculative ideas with the demands of long-term storytelling. Moving forward, the key for both creators and audiences is to recognize when continuity serves a story—and when it limits its potential.
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Hmmm interesting analysis on the tension between innovation and continuity in science fiction. I really enjoy sci-fi, and it seems the challenge is balancing fresh ideas without alienating longtime fans. Maybe that’s why formats like Black Mirror stand out, allowing ‘what if’ explorations without constraints. Do you think franchises can find a middle ground without losing their identity?
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Very interesting analysis.
I love SciFi and had lamented the regurgitation of existing franchises and lack of great original stuff in film and TV.
Books are much better from that regard.
Original stuff isn't the problem, as such. It's the deviation of what scifi is. Is it a carrier for telling "what if" or is it a drama that just so hapoens to be set in space?