20 works of upbeat science fiction to brighten your day

16. Babylon 5

Babylon 5 definitely falls within the “complicated” subset of upbeat science fiction. It would have to be, since it’s essentially the United Nations, but in outer space. Other intelligent species are just as fond of political intrigue and interpersonal drama as humans, it seems. Still, underneath all of the fraught diplomacy and occasional ominous rumblings of war, this series is as optimistic as any other.

Think of what us humans would have to do in order to make it to space, for one. Then, there’s the initial relief of realizing that we aren’t alone. No matter what Stephen Hawking says about aggressive aliens, there’s still a part of me that would find a lot of solace in making contact with other intelligent species.

In the first few seasons, the five central species just can’t seem to get an intergalactic agreement going. The Humans, along with the Minbari, Narn, Centauri and Vorlon people, are far too fond of arguing and plotting, it seems. However, soon enough they learn of “The Shadows,” a malevolent force lurking outside of their realm of influence. A cosmic evil is just the thing to make you forget your more-or-less petty arguments, it seems.

There are no easy answers in Babylon 5, but there are good-hearted people who make moral decisions. There is also a pretty cool space station, which gives the show its name. It’s essentially an O’Neill Cylinder, which is a cylindrical habitat. It rotates in order to provide artificial gravity and, in the case of Babylon 5, contains a multitude of different environments and gravities for its inhabitants. For the fans of “hard science fiction,” it’s a cool setting and one that speaks to an optimistic view of engineering development.