There have been several versions of Battlestar Gallactica, so it’s probably best to stick to the show that recently ended. Why, exactly, would anyone want to live as a refugee floating through space, constantly hunted by the detested Cylons? Earth is but an unsubstantiated myth and hopelessness and despair are an everyday thing.
Well, for one thing, your leader is Commander William Adama, and for another, you live a life of constant adventure and excitement. You are, in effect, the last hope of humanity, and as such have automatically become more important than you could have ever hoped to become had the Cylons not wiped out most of the human race. Sure, there are less ladies to pick from, but it’s worth the sacrifice to become a hero and savior. You might spend the rest of your existence floating through space on a spaceship, but it beats floating through life in a cubicle.
2. Star Wars
There are so many great things in the world of Star Wars that are better than our world that it’s hard to figure out which ones are the best. Between the Force, lightsabers, and the Dark Side, you’ve pretty much got your pick. Whether you’re looking to be self-righteous or self-indulgent, there’s something in the Jedi or Empire for you.
The most difficult part about living in the Star Wars universe would be figuring out which side to be on: that of the Jedi or the Empire. Both can be a lot of fun, but both also require a lot of discipline. You get really awesome uniforms and armor in the Empire, but you also risk your work place being attacked by terrorists at any point.
On the flip side, working with the Jedi means you have to play by the rules and that you can’t give in to your inner urges whenever you want. It also means it’s highly unlikely you’ll ever be able to shoot lightning out of your hands. But in the end, the lightsabers and tricked-out spaceships are probably worth it. Also: only the Jedi get trained by Yoda. Then again, the Empire has awesome medical benefits. Doesn’t matter how many limbs you use, you’ll still be back at work on Monday.
1. Star Trek
The world of Star Trek is pretty much the end-all be-all of warm and fuzzy sci-fi worlds. If you’re looking for a politically correct, environmentally sustainable, economically egalitarian world, this is it. Oh, and nobody ever goes hungry. When food materializes at the touch of a button, grocery stores are kind of retro at that point.
As far as planet Earth goes, everything is peachy. But even in the depths of space, life is pretty dang fun. Can’t get a girlfriend? That’s what the holodeck is for. Feel like pranking a friend? Shoot him with a phaser – just make sure it’s set to stun. Want to start a raucous bar fight? Tell a Klingon that skinny guy in the red ensign uniform is spreading a rumor that he has no honor. The possibilities for entertainment are literally endless.
But more than any of this, the world of Star Trek is rich with beings that more or less look exactly like us, and yet have different cultures and worldviews. Every day brings a new alien, planet, or adventure, and there’s even the opportunity for time travel every now and then. One of the best part about living in this universe, though, is that few people ever die, no matter how deadly the situation. Sure, you might get in a nasty tangle with a Romulan or have a heated debate with a Vulcan, but at the end of the day the Federation’s got it under control.
If only we could say that about our own government. Someone needs to tell Obama we need more spaceships.
