The Sci-Fi Showdown - Winter Season Awards

Welcome back to Khyron's Sci-Fi Showdown. It's been a couple weeks since the explosive night of season finales, which I think is enough time to have let it all sink in and to prepare for this, Khyron's First Annual Sci-Fi Showdown Winter Season Awards Spectacular!

For newcomers to the Showdown, here's how it works. Over the 10 weeks that comprised the Sci Fi Channel's Sci Fi Friday line-up, I have been rating each of the three shows--Stargate Sg-1, Stargate Atlantis, and Battlestar Galactica--in order of entertainment value. Each week, I awarded the show that I felt was the most entertaining. Take note that I was not rating the show that was the 'best'--it was merely a preference as to which of the three accomplished what it set out to do most successfully.

For Battlestar Galactica, that accomplishment was usually sock-knocking character drama coupled with top-notch special effects. For the Stargates, on the other hand, success was usually measured in how they blended fantasy action with tongue-in-cheek comedy.

It was a close race there in the opening weeks, but in a near repeat of last season, Battlestar Galactica soon took the lead as Showdown champ. Here's how the final numbers break down:

Stargate Sg-1: 3
Stargate Atlantis: 1
Battlestar Galactica: 6

Thus the raining champion Battlestar Galactica continues its science fiction dominance.

But the Showdown ain't over yet. No good award post would be complete without some high-class awards to give out. So, without further adieu, here are Khyron's picks for excellence in the Winter Season of Sci Fi Friday...

(Note: SG1 = Stargate Sg-1, SGA = Stargate Atlantis, BSG = Battlestar Galactica)

Best Actor (Leading Role) - James Callis (BSG)

In the Summer Season Awards, I debated as to wether or not James Callis' role as the neurotic Dr. Gaius Baltar could be considered a leading role. In the end, I chose to give the top honors to Jamie 'Apollo' Bamber. However, and especially due to his performance in the 'Lay Down Your Burdens' finale, one simply cannot deny that Callis is a driving force on the testosterone side of things. Even more so, in my mind, James Callis' Gaius Baltar makes Battlestar Galactica.

Kudos to you, Mr. President. Take a bow.

Runner-ups: Ben Browder (SG1), Jamie Bamber (BSG), Joe Flanigan (SGA)

Best Actor (Supporting Role) - David Hewlett (SGA)

Although Stargate Atlantis didn't recieve many Showdown points, that doesn't mean that its a poor show. Far from it. One of its finest aspects is the tremendously witty (if not cowardly) Dr. Rodney McKay, played by English-native David Hewlett. Of all the Atlantis team, McKay is probably the most developed, interesting, and down-right entertaining of the bunch. Hewlett's performance is definatley one of the main aspects keeping me interested in the show.

Runner-ups: Tahmoh Penikett (BSG), Aaron Douglas (BSG), Michael Hogan (BSG)

Best Actress (Leading Role) - Tricia Helfer (BSG)

What really can be said of Tricia Helfer that isn't already blatently obvious to anyone that watches Battlestar Galactica? To gain proof of her talent, one need only consider that she is in fact playing 2 seperate, and very troubled characters--and that she slam-dunks the both of them. Season highlights include the Cylon-centric 'Downloaded' as well as her emotional (and explosive) farewell in 'Lay Down Your Burdens'. The look in her eyes when she finds Gaius alive on New Caprica has me shivering with anticipation for season 3.

This was a tough call between Tricia and Mary McDonnell. I'm sure Mary will be recognized when the Emmy's roll around (she had better at least, or else I will lose total hope in humanity), but ultimately it was Tricia's versatility that put her on top in my book.

Runner-ups: Torri Higginson (SGA), Grace Park (BSG), Mary McDonnell (BSG).

Best Actress (Supporting Role) - Nicki Clyne (BSG)

This was actually a tough choice. Though its not that I had several candidates, but rather a lack of them. It would be a shame to consider any of the top-notch female cast members of Battlestar Galactica having anything less than a leading role. The only character that could be readily described as 'supporting' would be Specialist Cally, played by the ever-charming Nicki Clyne. We hadn't seen much from Galactica's favorite greese-monkey dentist-to-be, but things really started to pick up for her in the closing episodes. Her performance during and after her savage beating at the hands of Aaron Douglas scores Nicki a place in Showdown history.

Runner-ups: Kandyse McClure (BSG)

Best Guest Appearance - Dean Stockwell (BSG)

This one was a no-brainer. When it comes to guest-stars, Battlestar Galactica dominated the lineup by far. From genre favorites Lucy Lawless and Michelle Forbes to Bill Duke and Dean Stockwell, what's not to like about BSG's guest appearances?

My original plan was to go with Michelle Forbes, as her portrayal as the strict yet sensible Helena Cain dominated early season discussion. But Dean Stockwell's performance in the 'Lay Down Your Burdens' finale was unforgettable. Imagine for a moment what that finale would have been like without him. Yep, that's why he gets the award.

Runner-ups: Michelle Forbes (BSG), Bill Duke (BSG), Lucy Lawless (BSG)

Best Single Episode - Lay Down Your Burdens Part 2 (BSG)

Love it or hate it (there doesn't seem to be much middle ground here), "One Year Later" was the biggest thing to hit Battlestar since the original nukes that took out mankind. This 90 minute rollercoaster pulled out all the stops and broke all expectations. I thought I knew where this show was going, but boy, oh boy...I sure didn't see this coming.

Kudos to the cast, crew, writers, and everyone else that contributed to BSG's season 2 finale. You guys had big shoes to fill, but you left this fan satisfied, horrified, and completely addicted to your show. Congrats.
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Well, so there we have it. Thus concludes Khyron's Winter Season Awards Spectacular. I would like to give special thanks to all that supported the Sci Fi Showdown over the past weeks. To all of you SciFi.com BBoard members, USofE citizens, Coast Rider's, and of course my ever loyal (if not small) fanbase, thank you for the inspiration to keep the Showdown going.

Stay tuned in the coming months for a few big changes to the Showdown format. Thank you, and good night.

~Khyron, 2006