Where is the future of science fiction television heading?

SyFy Channels has cancelled "Stargate Universe". Which is not only the end of a series, but the end of a franchise.

Joe Flanigan, star of "Stargate: Atlantis" said it best. I don't remember it word for word when I attended the Stargate Convention in Los Angeles last month. But it was something along the lines of how he was afraid that for the first time in over ten years, television will be without "Stargate".

When it comes to television, this simple fact depresses me more than remembering the end of "Battlestar Galactica" a few years ago.

When we look at science fiction television as a whole for the last generation, "Stargate" has always been present, defining what it means to create a successful science fiction series that can be both a great drama and a great comedy.

When I speak to other fans about the last few years of the franchise, there is more disappointment than happiness with the ending of "Stargate: Atlantis" and the beginning of "Universe." Even some of the actors have expressed their concerns for the future of the franchise. When all of us were promised a third movie for "SG-1" and a first for "Atlantis" nothing but scripts have been written, and all other plans to move forward have been halted. At least for now.

Now, with "Universe" at an end, what will happen to these promises? Will they finally be rewarded, or thrown into the abyss of the unknown future of the genre?

As a science fiction fan overall, I must comment on the many disappointments that have overtaken the new series that have been introduced in the absence of great series like "Stargate" and "Battlestar Galactica". After the final ten episodes of "Universe" air next spring, what will become of science fiction television? What is left to marvel over with the ending of "Smallville" after this season, and an talked about impending end for "Supernatural" that may come sooner than any fans like?

The sad fact is, the genre has a lot to make up for when it comes to what will be on television from now on. "LOST" has ended. "Heroes" dug itself into a hole. "Caprica" and "Universe" failed to marvel its audience. What remains other than a few vampires?

Not that I'm saying "The Vampire Diaries" doesn't live up to the great writing has is held in other science fiction and fantasy series, it's just that the genre as a whole can't be taken seriously if that is all that will remain as quality entertainment.

So, I repeat myself: What will be left for science fiction fans to marvel over? It's true that BBC has a few worthy series, including the very underestimated "Merlin", which I am a huge fan of. However, that's not everyone's cup of tea. HBO's "Game of Thrones", based on one of the best adult fantasy series that I have ever read, is a very anticipated series and begins next spring. The CW also has a couple new series in the works, one of them based on another L.J. Smith series and the other a companion series to "The Vampire Diaries".

But is this really all we will have left?

The simple fact is, is that science fiction television is lacking in the quality we had in the last decade.

So...as fans, what exactly are we supposed to do about it?