Every time Syfy comes out with a new original movie, I sit there staring blankly (with the latest exceptions of Stonehenge Apocalypse and Sharktopus).
Their stories are ridiculous, and often very similar (shaken up with a side of vodka and maybe a little cayenne pepper). Like an episode of X-Files, there is a monster caused by some terrible magic/science that needs to be defeated. The, usually, unfortunate hero that has some ridiculous connection to the theme.
So, with plots even less original than the standard chick-flick, I still find myself sitting down to watch their shows.
Why? Because there are a few things these original movies have (that they really should try to earn):
A good lead actor/actress, and just enough science to actually make the story seem plausible.
These two things are obviously important. A good enough actor can make anything sound, at the very least, better. As stated above, Stonehenge Apocalypse got decent ratings because Misha Collins was acting in it. Honestly- put the right person in the lead and you're assured at least 100 people watching.
(Just in case I have to keep writing it out, Stonehenge Apocalypse will now be known as SA).
The second thing might be even more crucial. Having a plot backed up with science (on a science fiction network...it should go without stating) instantly endears your show to a majority of the viewers.
Again, SA had a terraforming event. Losers like me sit up in their seats (bouncing if they're anything like me) at the classic concept brought up anew.
Oh! I forgot the fantasy part!
Now, most sci-fi fanatics will strictly deny that fantasy should even be used in the same sentence as their beloved science fiction.
(Usually the line between them lies in the same area as Star Trek vs. Star Wars. Star Trek die-hards will swear that Star Wars is a travesty that doesn't deserve to have the word "science" anywhere near it. The "science" in Star Wars is generally unsound whereas everything in Star Trek- with the notable exception of teleportation- has become possible. Sadly, we have yet to produce a working model of a light saber... we should work on that one.)
Anyway, because most of us grew up on Disney, we like our fairy tales. We like our magic and things we're a little more qualified to understand (admit it- the average American isn't going to understand anything scientifically based unless they do the embarrassing analogy about how neurons are the telephone poles of the body...or something equally simplified).
So, because most Syfy movies take this into account, you end up with things that pique the interest of their audience.
Sharks and octopi- come on! The concept of Sharktopus, regardless of its scientific impossibility, is wonderful! The weight required to take down a ship, the tentacles to squeeze its prey into oblivion and open door and jars and things, and the teeth and eyesight to tear apart hapless swimmers.(Side note- I was looking through the cast of this movie and have decided they actually though the idea was so badass they didn't need a great actor.)
In SA you get the science mixed with this great unknown element- who the f*** did build pyramids and Stonehenge and Easter Island? (Ok, so there are actually answers for those, but again the standard viewer probably doesn't know that. They know the mystery behind them because the name "History Channel" makes them start drooling in anticipation of the nap they're bound to get from it.)
In Chupacabra you get to explore the legendary "goat eater." The Triangle plays on the mysterious Bermuda Triangle and the different theories surrounding that. Supernova is the classic space is overtaking Earth and going to destroy it story. (The fact that these movies feature John Rhys-Davies, Sam Neill, and Luke Perry- respectively- doesn't hurt.)
Ultimately, this awkward blend of science, fantasy, and acting (and probably a lot of that vodka I mentioned before) breeds the abominations of Syfy network,
And, even knowing this, I can't stop watching them T_T
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