By Graham Osborne
The introductory sequence is a crucial part of everyday life, otherwise, how would we know where things begin?
Working along these lines, I’m With Geek will be running through the most iconic introduction to Television series. This week, we’ll be looking at the world of Sci-Fi.
The introductory sequence is a crucial part of everyday life, otherwise, how would we know where things begin?
Working along these lines, I’m With Geek will be running through the most iconic introduction to Television series. This week, we’ll be looking at the world of Sci-Fi.
Doctor Who
Possibly the most iconic theme tune in the last fifty years, the theme was written by Ron Grainer in 1963. No matter how many times the BBC rewrites the song, rumour has it that some form of the original audio is added in. If this is true, then it is arguably one of (if not the) longest running “original” TV introduction there is.
The title sequence itself encompasses the viewer flying through the Time Vortex and space and the face of the current incarnation of the Doctor imposed over the top of it. The renewal of the show in 2005 seemed to stop the facial screenings, until Matt Smith’s Doctor. We’re looking to a new Doctor now, and with them a new title sequence. What will be similar? What will be different? Time will tell.
Possibly the most iconic theme tune in the last fifty years, the theme was written by Ron Grainer in 1963. No matter how many times the BBC rewrites the song, rumour has it that some form of the original audio is added in. If this is true, then it is arguably one of (if not the) longest running “original” TV introduction there is.
The title sequence itself encompasses the viewer flying through the Time Vortex and space and the face of the current incarnation of the Doctor imposed over the top of it. The renewal of the show in 2005 seemed to stop the facial screenings, until Matt Smith’s Doctor. We’re looking to a new Doctor now, and with them a new title sequence. What will be similar? What will be different? Time will tell.
Star Trek
Yet another instantly recognisable theme tune. Kirk’s monologue over the opening sequence is fantastic to give the general backstory that’s needed for the entire show, and the gentle synthesisers help embed the futuristic nature of the programme.
Interestingly, neither this series, nor Doctor Who used a theremin during their introductory sequences, though it is a common misconception.
Yet another instantly recognisable theme tune. Kirk’s monologue over the opening sequence is fantastic to give the general backstory that’s needed for the entire show, and the gentle synthesisers help embed the futuristic nature of the programme.
Interestingly, neither this series, nor Doctor Who used a theremin during their introductory sequences, though it is a common misconception.
The X-Files
The Truth Is Out There. The X-Files theme is incredibly minimalistic, featuring only a short repeated riff on a keyboard, and a haunting, reverberating whistling. The music is so engrained with science fiction and the unexplained that it is almost impossible to have aliens or “the unexplainable” without this theme referenced or parodied outright. That being said, the spiritual sequel to the X-Files, doesn’t run with that crowd.
The Truth Is Out There. The X-Files theme is incredibly minimalistic, featuring only a short repeated riff on a keyboard, and a haunting, reverberating whistling. The music is so engrained with science fiction and the unexplained that it is almost impossible to have aliens or “the unexplainable” without this theme referenced or parodied outright. That being said, the spiritual sequel to the X-Files, doesn’t run with that crowd.
Fringe
The opening titles to Fringe are used as a framing device. The music is often used to help set the time period of the show (during the episodes that are set in the 1980s the instruments change to a synthesizer and electric guitars, replacing the piano and strings of the original. The multiple universes that exist within the show are also portrayed during the introductory sequences, blue is used for the original universe, red for the alternate and orange for the two combined.
Finally, during Season five, the opening credits changed once again to reflect the dictatorship that rules over the world. The words which float through the sequence changing to oppressive themes, instead of the scientific words which had appeared previously. The use of this to help frame which characters we will see, and plotlines we’ll be following is a useful method of scene setting before the actual action has started.
The opening titles to Fringe are used as a framing device. The music is often used to help set the time period of the show (during the episodes that are set in the 1980s the instruments change to a synthesizer and electric guitars, replacing the piano and strings of the original. The multiple universes that exist within the show are also portrayed during the introductory sequences, blue is used for the original universe, red for the alternate and orange for the two combined.
Finally, during Season five, the opening credits changed once again to reflect the dictatorship that rules over the world. The words which float through the sequence changing to oppressive themes, instead of the scientific words which had appeared previously. The use of this to help frame which characters we will see, and plotlines we’ll be following is a useful method of scene setting before the actual action has started.
Firefly
A show taken from our screens much too soon. The theme tune is fantastic, and very indicative of the characters themselves. They may be formed of people who would generally rather evade the law. But as long as they’re still flying, then nothing can stop them.
Take my love, take my land,
Take me where I cannot stand,
I don’t care, I’m still free,
You can’t take the sky from me.
A show taken from our screens much too soon. The theme tune is fantastic, and very indicative of the characters themselves. They may be formed of people who would generally rather evade the law. But as long as they’re still flying, then nothing can stop them.
Take my love, take my land,
Take me where I cannot stand,
I don’t care, I’m still free,
You can’t take the sky from me.
The Twilight Zone/The Outer Limits
The introductions to these two shows are combined because of their similarities. Both featured a narrator talking directly to the viewer in a way that could easily be considered unnerving.
The script for The Outer Limits also breaks the fourth wall by claiming to take control of the viewer’s television set, by altering the volume and picture quality. Whilst the jarring, almost atonal, music in the Twilight Zone puts the watcher on edge, and concerned for what they are about to watch.
The philosophical symbolism of the two shows is perfectly encapsulated in the opening narrations, along with the references to popular science fiction works, such as 1984.
The introductions to these two shows are combined because of their similarities. Both featured a narrator talking directly to the viewer in a way that could easily be considered unnerving.
The script for The Outer Limits also breaks the fourth wall by claiming to take control of the viewer’s television set, by altering the volume and picture quality. Whilst the jarring, almost atonal, music in the Twilight Zone puts the watcher on edge, and concerned for what they are about to watch.
The philosophical symbolism of the two shows is perfectly encapsulated in the opening narrations, along with the references to popular science fiction works, such as 1984.
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