"Theres no place for humor in science-fiction!" "Science-fiction shouldnt be funny!" "It's serious business." As the highest-rated SciFi Channel original series ever, "Eureka" blows those myths away.

I have to admit -- I was terrified that yet another show that resembled "Tremors: The Series" (freaky distant town with strange happenings and unusual characters) would wreak havoc on the SciFi Channel. I prayed that they wouldnt run "Eureka" on Friday nights, where I was sure it would destroy the ratings of both "Stargate SG-1" and "Stargate: Atlantis."

So I was thrilled when the show was put on Tuesday night. When it crashed and burned, at least it wouldnt take any other programs down with it. Imagine my surprise (and that of the SciFi Channel, I'm sure) when "Eureka" turned out to be a monster hit.

Heres the basic premise of the show: Eureka is a town where geniuses go to work on their experiments away from the general public. Enter Jack Carter and his daughter Zoe, who stumble onto the town. Eventually, they make it their home, dealing with general nuttiness. Carter becomes the town sheriff and brings his big-picture perspective to resolve problems the townspeople arent able to because they are focused so tightly on their own area of expertise.

To call the towns residents "quirky" is quite the understatement. Kids work out elaborate science problems on a sidewalk using chalk. Time and space are things to be tinkered with and experimented on.

Sheriff Carter provides "our" perspective, endlessly translating technobabble into understandable language and concepts for the audience. Carter isnt dumb -- he just sees things differently than the scientists do.

The part in the show that makes me laugh out loud every time I see it is "SARAH," the home of the future where the Carter family lives. Developed by Fargo, a young scientist on the rise, the underground building was intended to have the voice of Sarah Michelle Gellar of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" fame. However, until she actually signs a contract to do that, the house has Fargos voice as he obviously attempts to sound like Gellar. The effect is hysterical to me, constantly reminding the viewer that things arent quite as they seem in the little town of Eureka.

Another character I enjoy is Jim Taggart, portrayed by former "Max Headroom" star Matt Frewer. Someday, that actor may tire of playing an over-the-top crazy person, but until then, Im going to enjoy it because he does it so very well -- a little too well, actually.

Like Robert Hawkins on "Jericho," Henry Deacon is enigmatic and interesting, probably the most fascinating character in the cast. His subplot of trying to regain the love of his life has been one of the most engaging aspects of the show.

The ladies of Eureka dont get short shrift. From the exotic and intelligent beauty of Allison Blake to the talented weapons expert of Deputy Jo Lupo, the women have intriguing things to do.

The woman Id like to see more of is Beverly Barlowe, who has an agenda we have yet to understand fully. She has more secrets than most of the towns residents, and also has influence that reaches far beyond the citys limits. I hope we get to uncover more of just why shes in Eureka.

The first season ended last fall, and those episodes are now available on DVD.

When the second season began in July, I was concerned that the show would experience a sophomore slump, which often plagues seriesthat get renewed after a high-octane first year. Fortunately, that hasnt happened. If anything, "Eureka" is funnier and more engaging than ever.

And the show isnt maintaining the status quo or playing it safe. Shaking up the leadership at Global Dynamics, the corporation that is the central hub of scientific nuttiness, is leading to new and fascinating character interactions.

Im happy to see the Zoe character begin to blossom (shes a genius, and I'm OK with that), but Im concerned about Jack being portrayed more and more along the lines of "dumb." Recently, he showed a lack of knowledge about IQ tests in a way that made him seem somewhat stupid. I hope they dont keep that up. Its such a cliche to show intelligence in black or white terms, where one is either a high IQ or a dunce. What I believe has been one of "Eurekas" strengths is that Jack had a different kinds of "smarts," which gives the show balance. And I know that he gets uneasy around Allison, but please -- not too much of that!

"Eureka" airs on the SciFi Channel each Tuesday night at 9 ET.

Wayne Hall is news editor for Airlock Alpha, and is a member of the U.S.S. Chesapeake, an independent science-fiction and Star Trek club in the Washington, D.C., area. He can be reached at whall@airlockalpha.com.

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