Defying Gravity? Really? Is Elphaba the Payload Specialist?

So I really like sci fi and just spotted something on ABC called Defying Gravity, which was toting itself as a space exploration show. Sounded pretty cool, so I watched the first episode. Privately, I was pretty pleased that the impact of 'geek' movies was suddenly allowing shows like this to premiere on big time networks like ABC.

It seemed really hollow to me. I know the pilot episode of a series can be difficult. Everything is new for the actors and they haven't meshed as a team yet. It was even more awkward here. Other pilots I've watched have been much smoother than this: Firefly, Spaced. The team of Defying Gravity is supposed to be at least a little close. When two of their own are found to have heart murmurs and are sent off the ship to be replaced, there's a lot of sad expressions and background music filled with mournful singing women. It's not very subtle at all. The viewer doesn't feel any sadness because the viewer has not been acquainted with these people and shall not miss them. Of course, this is the pilot episode, so how can this really happen? 

( the shit continues... )