I felt like writing a fun little blog post this evening, so I thought what better to do than honor my favourite Sci-Fi TV Captains. So here they are, the top 5, and one honorable mention.
I’ll start with my honorable mention – Captain Hammer. There’s only one reason this only ranks as an honorable mention on this list – Dr Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog wasn’t on television. But Nathan Fillion’s character from the infamous web musical is definitely worth recognizing! Who doesn’t love a superhero, even if he’s arrogant, self-centred, and well, a bit of dick.
#5 – Captain John Hart, Torchwood. Although he was only in a few episodes of this hit BBC series, every moment on the screen was memorable. Not to mention that kiss between him and Captain Jack! James Marsters is great, no matter what role he takes on, but he injected wit and sarcasm, as well as some healthy competition with Ianto Jones for Captain Jack’s affections.
#4 – Captain Kara “Starbuck” Thrace, Battlestar Galactica. One of television’s most compelling, iconic characters EVER, Katee Sackhoff’s Starbuck is one complicated gal. She’s got the skills that make her a good captain, but her attitude, inability to respect most authority, instability, and the distractions caused by her “special destiny” have kept her from achieving greatness.
#3 – Captain Malcolm “Mal” Reynolds, Firefly. Known affectionately as “Captain Tightpants” to his legions of fans, Nathan Fillion’s Captain Mal is a fine leader on his ship, Serenity. His mission – to keep his ship in the air, his crew safe, and to take a stand agains the corrupt Alliance forces. Oh, and try to make some coin along the way.
#2 – Captain Jack Harkness, Torchwood and Doctor Who. He’s sexy, suave, passionately dedicated to his mission of intercepting whatever may slip through The Rift, and fiercely protective of his team at Torchwood. He’s a fantastic leader shrouded in the mystery surrounding his origins. He’s saved Cardiff and the world a few times over. John Barrowman may be known by some for his work in musical theatre, but he’s truly made his mark on the TV landscape as this fantastic character.
#1 – Captain Lee Adama, Battlestar Galactica. Jamie Bamber’s Lee Adama is a born leader, although he needed some coaxing. As a captain, he helped save humanity from a Cylon holocaust on New Caprica, among other things. And now he’s taken on another leadership role – as President of the Twelve Colonies. His passion, insight, pursuit of justice, and ability to see most situations objectively make him tops on my list of captains.
Now that I’ve shared my faves, I’d like to know yours. Share your picks for TV Captains in the comments below.
Definitly agree on Capt. Mal and Starbuck. I don’t disagree about the others. I just like those two a lot.
‘Gotta add Admiral Adama from Battlestar. Leadership just oozes out of him. He takes advice and changes his mind, but at the same time never gives up leadership. When he thinks differently of people’s advice, he doesn’t say anything. He just does what he always knows is right. For being the old man, he takes a beating in a fight and gives it back harder. He always knows what to do and whom to trust.
Jerry
No list of the best Captains in television is complete without THE captain…..
Jean Luc Picard of the USS Enterprise.
I agree Jean Luc Picard is the captain I think of when you are talking captains on television and while I like Captain Hammer I dont know if he really sits on my best of list, funny list maybe but not best of
I just wanted to say that this list is highly subjective – these are my favourite Sci Fi TV Captains. I know there’s a lot of love for Jean Luc Picard, but I didn’t include him because I’ve never really watched much Star Trek, TNG, or any other incarnation.
If I ever do a list that’s reader pics, I’m sure he’d be on it!
Captain James T. Kirk is the quintessential star ship captain. But while Star Trek started Sci Fi as we know it today, and while Kirk was dashing, rash, lucky, commanding, kind, and overwhelmingly competent, he was a “cartoon.” He was the standard by which star ship captains are measured, so I can’t count him.
I understand people’s affection for Picard. But for me he is far too much by the book to have the essential elements of a great captain. A great captain writes the book but never follows it.
Jerry