Sliders is one of my favorite science fiction shows of all time even in my childhood. Tracy Tormé and Robert K. Weiss created possibly the best sci-fi show of all time if the studio didn't stick their noses into it. about 4 individuals sliding to parallel earths to discover "what if" worlds, like what if USSR taken over USA, or a world were male population are almost extinct, just great stuff for a weekly episodes. the cast are all terrific: Jerry O'Connell (Quinn Mallory), Sabrina Lloyd (Wade Wells), Cleavant Derricks (Rembrandt Brown) and the awesome John-Rhys Davis (Professor Arturo) all share such a great chemistry, sense of humor and character development.
'Seasons 1 & 2' are simply amazing, thanks to good writing, the worlds themselves were creative and at times very clever, great chemistry between all characters and just pure fun entertainment.
'Season 3' was a huh... well a very mixed-bag season. it's around that season, the series saw some major changes. FOX network took creative control away from the creator/show-runner Tracy Tormé due to creative differences and being replaced with the executive producer David Peckinpah as the show runner, he is partially responsible for the series jumping-the-shark and the drop in quality. first problem i notice was the change in tone, it's more going for action packed season that falls between serious and silly at the same time, Quinn Mallory's personality changes so frequently and dramatically in this season. from a likable misfit to a cold self-centered jerk, helping other people is more important then he's friends which is so out-of-character for him. Wade also changed a bit, she's a little preachier, but has really great subtle moments. Rembrandt and Arturo are the only ones that are consistent with their personalities.
first couple episodes are as good as the first two seasons, but then there are the painful "monster/movie rip-offs of the week" episodes. few of the movie rip-off episodes are watchable despite the poor writing, but unfortunately most of them are predictable, boring and borderline terrible, even by sliders standers. due to decline in quality John-Rhys Davis had enough and wanted the leave half-way through season 3. his departure (killed-off) was one of the saddest moments in television history for the original cast members and the fans. then we are introduce to Kari Wuhrer as Maggie Beckett replacing John-Rhys Davis for the second half of third season. Wuhrer's character at first was terrible replacement for Arturo, her wooden acting and her bitchy military personality always irritate me. the fact she become Quinn new love interest, always tags along with him, pushing Wade a side with Rembrandt feels just wrong on so many levels. Kari Wuhrer was clearly in the show to attract younger-male viewers (boost the ratings) but thankfully by season 4 she's more likable and fleshed-out character. i feel bad for Sabrina Lloyd who left the series after season 3 with a bad taste, because of the idiotic decision from the producer and not getting along with Kari Wuhrer's ego.
since FOX practically ruined the series, they give it to the "sci-fi channel" for the last two seasons.
'Season 4' is an improvement in terms of writing and quality after the jumbled mess of season 3. it's faithful to the original concept, but darker and serious then the previous seasons and not as great as first two seasons but overall a good season. it involves "The Kromaggs" from season 2 as the main villains of season 4. Jerry O'Connell's brother Charlie O'Connell join the cast as Quinn's lost brother Collin Mallory. Collin is very enjoyable character for the most part. with the issues i addressed, i love this series so much, and i collected all four seasons of sliders.
the reason i said all four is because that speck so-called 'season 5' doesn't exist to me, not only the worst season but complete chore to sit-through. with nothing left but a shadow of it's former self.
without Jerry O'Connell there is no point continuing the series. jerry and his brother left the series, after a dispute with the network (sci-fi channel) but a fifth season was made without them anyway. almost the entire original cast gone, smaller budget then previous seasons, re-using the same location, poorly-written episodes and no closure. how sad when a series started out so great and promising and ended up derailed by idiots.
'Seasons 1 & 2' are simply amazing, thanks to good writing, the worlds themselves were creative and at times very clever, great chemistry between all characters and just pure fun entertainment.
'Season 3' was a huh... well a very mixed-bag season. it's around that season, the series saw some major changes. FOX network took creative control away from the creator/show-runner Tracy Tormé due to creative differences and being replaced with the executive producer David Peckinpah as the show runner, he is partially responsible for the series jumping-the-shark and the drop in quality. first problem i notice was the change in tone, it's more going for action packed season that falls between serious and silly at the same time, Quinn Mallory's personality changes so frequently and dramatically in this season. from a likable misfit to a cold self-centered jerk, helping other people is more important then he's friends which is so out-of-character for him. Wade also changed a bit, she's a little preachier, but has really great subtle moments. Rembrandt and Arturo are the only ones that are consistent with their personalities.
first couple episodes are as good as the first two seasons, but then there are the painful "monster/movie rip-offs of the week" episodes. few of the movie rip-off episodes are watchable despite the poor writing, but unfortunately most of them are predictable, boring and borderline terrible, even by sliders standers. due to decline in quality John-Rhys Davis had enough and wanted the leave half-way through season 3. his departure (killed-off) was one of the saddest moments in television history for the original cast members and the fans. then we are introduce to Kari Wuhrer as Maggie Beckett replacing John-Rhys Davis for the second half of third season. Wuhrer's character at first was terrible replacement for Arturo, her wooden acting and her bitchy military personality always irritate me. the fact she become Quinn new love interest, always tags along with him, pushing Wade a side with Rembrandt feels just wrong on so many levels. Kari Wuhrer was clearly in the show to attract younger-male viewers (boost the ratings) but thankfully by season 4 she's more likable and fleshed-out character. i feel bad for Sabrina Lloyd who left the series after season 3 with a bad taste, because of the idiotic decision from the producer and not getting along with Kari Wuhrer's ego.
since FOX practically ruined the series, they give it to the "sci-fi channel" for the last two seasons.
'Season 4' is an improvement in terms of writing and quality after the jumbled mess of season 3. it's faithful to the original concept, but darker and serious then the previous seasons and not as great as first two seasons but overall a good season. it involves "The Kromaggs" from season 2 as the main villains of season 4. Jerry O'Connell's brother Charlie O'Connell join the cast as Quinn's lost brother Collin Mallory. Collin is very enjoyable character for the most part. with the issues i addressed, i love this series so much, and i collected all four seasons of sliders.
the reason i said all four is because that speck so-called 'season 5' doesn't exist to me, not only the worst season but complete chore to sit-through. with nothing left but a shadow of it's former self.
without Jerry O'Connell there is no point continuing the series. jerry and his brother left the series, after a dispute with the network (sci-fi channel) but a fifth season was made without them anyway. almost the entire original cast gone, smaller budget then previous seasons, re-using the same location, poorly-written episodes and no closure. how sad when a series started out so great and promising and ended up derailed by idiots.