How One Underrated Sci-Fi Series Achieved Five Seasons Without Gaining Much Attention
By Jonathan Klotz and Joshua Tyler | Updated just an hour ago
The 1990s and early 2000s were a golden era for imaginative and entertaining science fiction on television. However, as we moved into the 2010s, this vibrant genre seemed to take a backseat, overshadowed by more somber and serious shows like Battlestar Galactica and The Expanse. The lighthearted escapades that once dominated the sci-fi landscape seemed to have vanished, leaving fans longing for the thrill of adventure.
Yet amidst this shift, a particular series bravely broke the mold, presenting a refreshing take on space adventures while quietly securing five complete seasons.
Lost in the midst of the angst-ridden 2010s, Killjoys went largely unnoticed, but it’s high time we brought it back into the spotlight. Here’s the scoop on why Killjoys didn’t quite make the splash it might have deserved.
Firefly wasn’t the first show to blend the elements of science fiction with Western themes, but it undeniably popularized this unique fusion. Today, when people think of a "space western," Firefly is the first title that comes to mind. Even years later, many sci-fi series continue to weave Western motifs into their narratives and world-building. Although Killjoys lacks the traditional cowboy attire and revolvers, it encapsulates the adventurous spirit reminiscent of the Wild West.
The show follows a trio of bounty hunters who often find themselves outmatched and on the run from various adversaries. While it may not pack the same punch as Firefly, it certainly satisfies that craving for fun-filled escapism. A "Killjoy" refers to a bounty hunter, and in the pilot episode, we are introduced to our protagonists, Dutch and Johnny, as they embark on what appears to be a routine mission to capture a target named Andras.
However, the plot thickens when it is revealed that "Andras" is actually Johnny’s brother, D’avin. This twist leads them to devise a way to invalidate the kill warrant, resulting in D’avin joining their crew as the newest member of the Killjoys and serving as the audience’s guide through the chaotic and perilous world of bounty hunting.
What follows in the subsequent episodes is a delightful blend of episodic escapades interspersed with an overarching mythology. Unlike some sci-fi shows that struggle to strike a balance between standalone stories and deeper narratives, this original SyFy offering maintains a brisk pace right from the start.
The Killjoys operate as agents for the Reclamation Apprehension Coalition (RAC), one of the many factions within their universe. Their adventures revolve around Old Town, an industrial hub largely controlled by a powerful conglomerate known as The Company, which exerts significant influence over trade and commerce. As the story unfolds, it's clear where the conflicts lie, yet, typical of narratives set on the fringes of society, loyalties can shift unexpectedly.
Throughout its airing on SyFy, Killjoys garnered acclaim for the unexpected richness of its world-building. Unlike Firefly, which didn’t have sufficient time to delve into the intricacies of its universe, Killjoys explores a web of politics, deception, and secret plots involving immortal super soldiers, drawing viewers into its compelling narrative.
Despite receiving well-deserved praise, Killjoys never became a household name. The SyFy channel provided it with a decent run, allowing the series to conclude after five seasons, a rare luxury for genre television. However, even with this generous lifespan, Killjoys never really captured the attention of the broader science fiction community. Fast forward to today, just a few years after its finale in 2019, and it seems to have faded into obscurity. What went wrong? Why hasn’t it attained a more prominent place in discussions about sci-fi television?
What sets Killjoys apart is its role as a spiritual successor not only to Firefly but also to Farscape. In a time when many sci-fi shows leaned towards darker narratives, Killjoys embraced a lighter tone and consistently delivered humor throughout its episodes.
Yet, this characteristic could be seen as double-edged; while some viewers appreciated the levity, others felt that the series lacked the emotional depth found in contemporaries like The Expanse or Dark Matter. Additionally, it must be acknowledged that the performances, while adequate, did not elevate beyond the realm of a "B-tier" sci-fi series.
For many, though, this is precisely what makes Killjoys enjoyable. If you’re looking for an entertaining escapade without the heavy emotional baggage, this series delivers in spades, providing ample content to binge-watch.
One delightful aspect of Killjoys lies in the cleverness of its episode titles, which often include puns or references that range from “How to Kill Friends and Influence People” to “The Hullen Have Eyes.” There’s even a title that seemingly nods to Blake Lively’s iconic line, “Wargasm.” These creative titles set the tone for the show, hinting at its playful nature, making you either eager to dive in or perhaps steer clear altogether.
In an age marked by a surge of serious television programming, where even comedic elements felt unwelcome, it’s understandable why Killjoys may not have achieved the level of success it potentially warranted.
