Why all the sci-fi?

"TV Gal" Melanie McFarland ponders the reasons behind the surprise explosion of science fiction and horror shows coming to prime time this fall. The easiest explanation is that other networks are hoping to copy the phenomenal success of ABC's "Lost." But there may be deeper issues at play, too:

Look at television schedules and film releases throughout their history, and you'll see this has happened before, usually following periods of culturewide tension and global threats. Director Stuart Gordon ("Re-Animator," "Fortress") pointed this out to the television press a couple of weeks ago during an appearance for [Showtime's] "Masters of Horror."

"My theory is that it's a result of 9/11," he said. "People expected that after 9/11, people were going to want light comedies and so forth, but instead it's been horror. ... There's so much tension in the world that people need a chance to get it out of their systems."

This existential angst draws upon our belief in possibility and the fascination with "other," and the ways in which that concept conjures up images that are benign, frightening or just plain odd.

"We're living in an aftermath world," [Shaun Cassidy, creator of ABC's "Invasion,"] offered. "... And very, very, very terrible tragedies have come and there hasn't been a rulebook for the aftermath. Trying to figure out what to do next, trying to find our way, trying to put the pieces back together in a more productive way, those are the themes of our show."