As some of you may know, the Sci-Fi channel's 'Sci-Fi Friday' line-up has me brimming with joy. Back-to-back, brand new episodes of "Stargate Sg-1," "Stargate Atlantis," and "Battlestar Galactica" comprise the three greatest, consecutive hours on television.

I am proud to introduce to you, "Khyron's Sci-Fi Showdown." Every Saturday, I will be decide which of the three episodes, played the night before, was the best. At the end of the season, I will then declare the Friday Night Champion--the king among kings of the Sci-fi world.

So far, there have been 2 episodes for each show. Therefore, it is necessary for me to backtrack and declare my favorite for week 1 and 2.

Week 1 (Season Premiers) - July 15

Winner: Battlestar Galactica ("Scattered")

Of all the season finales I have witnessed, the end to Battlestar Galactica season 1 was by far the most shocking. The surprise ending left me in such a state of shock that the prospect of waiting for a new season seemed impossible. The season 2 premier had big shoes to fill, and although less shocking, it made up for it in pure emotion and acting prowess. Noted performances include Jamie Bamber (Lee Adama), and Michael Hogan (Col. Tigh). If the rest of the episodes are even half as good as the premier, Battlestar Galactica is shaping out to be my favorite sci-fi show, ever.

notable Scene: Lee Adama's emotional breakdown in his prison cell.

Week 2 - July 22

Winner: Stargate Atlantis ("Intruder")

If required to put them in order, I would rank "Stargate Atlantis" as the weakest of last seasons Sci-Fi Friday. Not that it was bad--far from it--but when compared to veteran "Sg-1" and the explosive "Galactica" episodes, season 1 of "Atlantis" didn't quite match up. Determined not to fall behind, "Atlantis" is back, and better than ever. In episode 2.1, a Wraith computer virus threatens to destroy the Daedalus. The premise, action, complications, and acting all made for a very memorable episode.

notable Scene: Sheppard and Hermoid exchange uneasy expressions. Sheppard asks if the alien should be naked, to which Hermoid mutters something under his breath.

Standings:

Stargate Sg-1: 0
Stargate Atlantis: 1
Battlestar Galactica: 1