When Worlds Collide

One of the most important aspects to consider when creating a sci-fi or fantasy world is to make it believable, or to engender in the viewers a suspension of disbelief. This usually entails the writers setting up a set of rules governing the characters and, more importantly, the environments they inhabit.

This is doubly important with sci-fi, which can take place on alien planets, because sci-fi audiences are often smarter than the average cinemagoer, even if they watch the occasional Michael Bay movie. Apart from ensuring the science works, even if it is made up, another way the writers have added credibility to their universes is with crossovers - Aliens vs Predators being a prime example - although it is more prevalent in TV series where there is room for expansion.

Most examples of this happen with spin-off series that are already set in the same universe: Buffy and Angel, Doctor Who and Torchwood, The X-Files and The Lone Gunmen. Alternatively, there will be “pop culture” references, often added in as insider jokes, such as Nathan Fillion dressing up as Mal from Firefly for a costume party in an episode of Castle. However, it is another matter when two disparate shows bleed into each other, although it is hardly surprising that they are both produced by the same network.

In Season 2 of Warehouse 13 (out now on DVD), the show about a secret government warehouse that stores all manner of historical objects that usually possess supernatural powers, the warehouse is visited by Fargo from Eureka, the show about a town of scientific geniuses, who has to reinstall a new computer system and is immediately embroiled in situation that sees him trapped in the building with the rest of the Warehouse 13 team. He also falls for resident geek grrl Claudia (Allison Scagliotti), who then makes a visit to Eureka (Season 4.0 also out now on DVD) only to discover random objects appearing in the town.

Eureka Season 4
For anyone familiar with Eureka, Season Four sees the series have something of a reboot when the main characters are transported back to the 1940s to the original founders, only to return to a slightly altered present day, where existing relationships and responsibilities have changed slightly, much to the characters’ shock.

It also sees a new character, played by Battlestar Galatica’s James Callis, returns from the past with them.

Of all the fictional sciences, time travel is one of the hardest to do well, because of all the possible paradoxes, but the writers have done great job and leave this first half of the season on this box set on a great cliffhanger.

Warehouse 13
Warehouse 13
also deals with its fair share of alternative science and the occasional bit of time travel.

This series has more humour than Eureka, mostly thanks to Agent Peter Lattimer (Eddie McClintock) and his relationship with his partner Myka, which is like a lighter, funnier version of Mulder and Scully.

What also makes Warehouse 13 great is its inventive use of historical and literary objects, endowing them with powers that they could logically have. Like all good TV series, apart from artefact of week, there is a seasonal story arc, this time involving HG Wells.

These are both fun sci-fi series that manage to get the right balance of comedy and intelligent storytelling, with likable characters, and some interesting villains too.

Warehouse 13 Season 2 andEureka Season 4.0 are both out now from Universal Playback and are available from Play and all good retailers.

We have three DVD sets containing both series to give away. Click on the link below to enter the competition.

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