Now that the fifth season of "Stargate: Atlantis" has come to an end, the future of that particular show lies in DVDs.

This continues the trend begun by the program?s predecessor, "Stargate SG-1." After sales for two "SG-1" films stunned MGM by how much they could take in, I guess it was no surprise that "Atlantis" would follow suit.

After the 2008 writers strike, television ratings have been in quite a slump. And that?s bad news for science-fiction fans.

Genre shows tend to be expensive, with all the unique make-up and special effects. It?s going to be much more difficult for networks to want to invest that kind of money into a show that is likely to only get a certain audience. It is show business, after all, and it makes more sense to keep the costs down so the profits are as high as possible.

I know that some folks think that science-fiction, like other forms of art, should be made just for the love of it. If that would work in the real world, I?d be all for it. But especially in the current economic environment, I don?t see that happening any time soon.

I think that MGM may be on to something here with direct-to-DVD productions.

Science-fiction fans will save their hard-earned money to buy things they want to support. Look at all the action figures, costumes, statues and video games we?ve bought over the years. Perhaps it is time to put our money where our mouths are and buy DVDs instead of expecting the networks to provide programming for us.

The head of the department I work in walked into a store and saw the new Star Trek Pez dispensers. He immediately bought one for me because he knew I?d want it. (He was surprised that I knew they existed, but he was happy that I hadn?t purchased it yet.)

I think this is the way we'll have to support science-fiction in the future. We'll have to communicate with each other so we can let people know what is good and what isn?t. We?ll have to use the Internet to do this as well as local friends. We may have to host viewing parties to show others about DVDs we really like so we can turn them on to it. It may be harder than simply turning on the television, but I think it will be worth it.

Right now, we?re dependent on people who don't enjoy science-fiction to join us so a show can survive. For example, a lot of people who wouldn't dream of turning on a "starship" show will watch "Eureka" on the SciFi Channel. Another example was "The 4400" on the USA Network. So many people who despised science-fiction where I work loved that show.

When I asked these people if the shows are science-fiction, they always said, "No, it is just a drama or comedy about people."

I remember the producers of ABC?s "Invasion" telling reporters that it wasn't science-fiction, not at all. Aliens landed on Earth and are replacing human beings -- nah, that's not science-fiction!

Honestly, if a pay-per-view channel with science-fiction started, I'd support it whole-heartedly. We need new ways to offer new freedoms in programming.

I'm tired of shows that masquerade as "action drama" and expect science-fiction fans to automatically step in line.

Where has all the real science-fiction gone? You know, the programs that dealt with the human condition or what the future might bring? There are precious few of those around any more, and I want them to come back.

It's been a long time since I watched a show and said, "Wow, that?s really daring! I'm glad they challenged my thinking that way!" "Battlestar Galactica" has been the closest thing to that in years.

I say it is time to abandon hope for the broadcast networks. If we want science-fiction, the kind that we really enjoy, we need to explore new avenues. I don?t want any more "Knight Rider" or "Bionic Woman"-level shows. It's insulting, really. I?ll likely still watch what the networks offer if they come close, but not with a lot of enthusiasm.

And I don?t think cable will able to fill the void, either. They are now just as ratings-hungry as the Big Five. It wasn't long ago one cable channel wanted to be the "Action Network."

Also, the networks are infamous for tinkering with successful shows so they can "attract a larger audience.? "I?d much rather see creators fulfill their dreams.

Will every project be a success? Of course not! But it is time we had more than just a few science-fiction fans making genre shows.

Wayne Hall is the news editor of Airlock Alpha, writing out of the Washington, D.C., area. He can be reached at whall@airlockalpha.com.