Rating: - One of my favorite reference works
"The Sci-Fi Channel Encyclopedia of TV Science Fiction" is an impressive achievement by co-authors Roger Fulton and John Betancourt. The book is a guide to dozens of science fiction TV series dating from the 1950s to the late 1990s. The authors include British and U.S. series (as well as a few productions from elsewhere). A nice touch is the inclusion of children's series and short-lived series (such as TV's "Planet of the Apes" and "The Fantastic Journey"). Fantasy, as well as sci-fi, series are included.

For the main series profiled, the authors provide an introductory article as well as a complete episode guide. For each episode, they give a plot summary, as well as writing, directing, and guest-starring credits.

Not all the series are given such detailed attention; some only have the episode titles listed, and some don't even get that. In general, shows that get less comprehensive attention are shows that are primarily thought of as representatives of another genre: "Bewitched" (sitcom), "The Six Million Dollar Man" (action/adventure), etc.

Despite its sometimes incomplete nature, this is a wonderfully informative and entertaining book. Sci-fi staples and cult favorites are well represented: "Babylon 5," "Blake's 7," "Quantum Leap," "Star Trek" and its various sequels, "The X-Files," etc. I particularly liked the ample attention given to short-lived shows that were nonetheless loved by devoted circles of viewers.

Of course, a book of this nature is generally out of date by the time it hits the bookshelves, so I am already anticipating a new edition. But until then, this book remains in an honored position in my library.