MovieChat Forums > Sanctuary (2007) Discussion > Is this a science-fiction show only, or ...

Is this a science-fiction show only, or is fantasy and sci-fi combined?

posted 15 years ago by priorityoverride
3 replies | jump to latest

I'm a little bit confused. Is Sanctuary about super-human beings and super-human mutants that resemble true supernatural monsters, such as the demons of myth and the vampires of legend, or are there actual monsters in the show just as well?

I see that there are a lot of both extremely advanced sciences and highly powerful technologies, but I'm not quite sure if there are any extremely powerful wizards of Master level in the show. I'm expecting to see magical spells being cast but I can't tell if there is even any black and white magic energies present.

I do like the various extremely scientifically advanced weapons and other highly technologically powerful paraphernalia that is shown in the story, but there are apparently no enchanted weapons and/or objects.

This show is on Syfy (formerly the Sci-Fi Channel) and that means that it must pertain to science-fiction(although I hate the stupid change of the spelling).

But for some strange reason I keep feeling that Sanctuary should have some real magic in it. It would make sense considering the fantasy elements of demons and vampires. Why not? Aliens, mutants, werewolves, zombies, etc. Bring them all on.

I like'em all. ;^)

[–] sethness 14 years ago

There's ZERO science in this show. It really shouldn't be on the Sci-Fi channel at all.

If there's ever a Halloween channel, this is what THEY should serve at suppertime.

[–] Skyggepudser 14 years ago

There is plenty of science in this show. But it's all fake.. Oh noes, that means... Fictional science!

Some might find that the lack of spaceships and lasers detract from it, and they are entirely entitled to such opinions, but the show would not be much different if set in space and the "abnormals" hunted were aliens instead.

This show deals mainly with biological science (abnormals, vira and related phenomena), but I hope we can still agree that biology is a science even though it entails a lot less bells and whistles than gadget-related science. This show has a more Huxleyan take on the genre than, lets say, Star Wars.

To answer the original question, my opinion is that this show is a mix of fantasy and sci-fi, but I for one have never really understood the difference between the two, other than setting. IMO sci-fi is fantasy with technology, and there is enough of that in this show to satisfy my expectations (examples: laboratory, shields, tesla guns, computers everywhere, bio-engineering).

“Nudge, nudge, wink, wink. Know what I mean?”
- Monty Python

[–] ameilius 12 years ago

Sci fi is speculative fiction based on actual scientific principles and/or theories. Whereas the term "fantasy" refers to fiction springing wholly from the author's imagination. Going by those two definitions I'd say that Sanctuary is 100% a fantasy show. Sure, Magnus is SUPPOSED to be a scientist, but the writers pretty much make up the "science" as they go along. It has little or nothing to do with anything real.