14. Farscape
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This wild and whacky sci-fi series didn’t just bend the conventions of its genre but shattered them outright. Ben Bowder was the lead as the Earth pilot rocketed into a distant galaxy and soon involved in a gang of criminals amid war between various forces. Claudia Black kicked ass as his soldier love interest and the mix of CGI and puppetry gave this a feel unlike any other show of its time or since. One week we would get harrowing drama, the next a laugh-out-loud comedic romp that pushed sexy stuff amid fun dialogue and stunning space action. It ended on a big cliffhanger that required a mini-series to bring closure but still tons of potential there, especially among its huge fandom. To return to this galaxy years later would be glorious, keeping to the same style but better FX, showing how things have gone, whether Bowder and Black have raised their child well and what other misadventures the crew have gotten into. Whether it’s a big epic or just a small romp, fans will flock to whatever Farscape takes them next as it was always a hell of a ride
13. Carnivale
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This one is tricky as this HBO series was a pretty wild and frankly bizarre experience. Then again, if Twin Peaks can make a return, so can this. Set in the Dust Bowl era, a young man falls in with a small-town carnival who realize his strange healing powers. The carnival has a mix of prophets, snake charmers, water-finders and more who carry on a unique lifestyle that proves far better than the “normal” people around them. The creators had talked of a bold vision for the series, envisioning six seasons that would take the story through World War II and showcase how this carnival was at the heart of the true battle of good and evil in this time. Its ratings declined to lead to its cancellation at the end of its second season but it has found an audience thanks to DVD and fans enjoying its fantastic mix of drama and magical experience that was so different than other shows at its time. To finally allow that long-range plotline to be put to bed would be a good move by the network and show how good things truly come to those who wait.
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