I was watching Doctor Who (the new series) last night when it occurred to me that the best sci fi on TV comes from EVERYWHERE but the United States. In fact, I don't think a good sci fi show has come out of the States since The Night Stalker (starring Darren McGavin), and before that Star Trek.

The problem appears to be that American writers simply take tried and true soap opera plot devices, throw a few robots and spaceships in, and call it science fiction.

Doctor Who by comparison is positively bubbling with mind-stretching stuff. Yes, the effects are cheesey, but hey, the stories are great!