5 Best Sci-Fi Episodes of Superhero TV Shows (#2 Is Hated)

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Superhero stories are surprisingly flexible and can easily adapt to fit different kinds of narratives. The Marvel Cinematic Universe is a great example – movies like Captain America: The Winter Soldier feel like classic spy thrillers, similar to All the President’s Men, while Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness deliberately uses horror elements, even bringing in horror director Sam Raimi. However, superhero projects generally avoid being labeled as science fiction, as the two genres share a lot of common ground.

Superhero movies rarely fit neatly into the science fiction genre, but TV shows featuring superheroes often explore sci-fi concepts more freely. The weekly episode format gives showrunners the chance to try out unusual and imaginative ideas. Here are five of the best science fiction episodes from superhero TV series, including one that almost everyone hates.

5) “Invasion!” (Arrowverse Crossover)

Any discussion of superhero TV shows inevitably includes the Arrowverse, given its massive number of episodes. Several of those episodes, at least three, dive into science fiction, specifically an alien invasion of Earth-One. The Flash, or Barry Allen, is the first hero to respond and quickly realizes these aliens aren’t friendly visitors.

As a longtime follower of the Arrowverse, I have to say the ‘Invasion!’ crossover was a real turning point. It was the first time we saw Green Arrow, The Flash, and Supergirl team up, which is a big deal in itself! But it wasn’t just a fun team-up; the story threw some serious challenges at our heroes – time travel and, even worse, mind control. The Dominators were particularly clever, managing to trap some of our favorites in fabricated realities where they got to live out their perfect lives. It was a genuinely compelling and ambitious storyline that really raised the stakes.

4) “4,722 Hours” (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.)

The first season of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. felt like a standard police procedural within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, focusing on the agents who dealt with the aftermath of the Avengers’ adventures. Later seasons allowed the show to explore more creative ideas, but many fans consider Season 3 to be the strongest, with a storyline unlike anything else in the MCU.

In “4,722 Hours,” S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Jemma Simmons vanishes while examining a mysterious alien object and finds herself stranded on another world. She teams up with an astronaut who’s been stuck there for years, and together they try to find a way home, all while developing a close bond. But they soon discover they’re not the only ones on the planet, as a sinister presence is constantly monitoring them.

3) “Space Patrol” (Doom Patrol)

Doom Patrol isn’t afraid to get really strange and quirky, staying true to the spirit of the original comics. It features bizarre elements like a living street and a man with his brain inside a robot. But even with all that, the show’s most unexpected moment happens when a group of astronauts shows up at the Doom Patrol’s headquarters.

In “Space Patrol,” we meet Larry Trainor, also known as Negative Man. He encounters The Pioneers of the Uncharted – a group sent into space by the Chief back in the 1950s, but never contacted again. Larry connects with Valentina Vostok, who shares a similar ‘Negative Spirit’ with him, and begins to learn their story. However, Larry has a nagging feeling that something isn’t right, and he soon discovers a surprising truth about the Pioneers.

2) “Beebo the God of War” (Legends of Tomorrow)

I truly believe that out of all the superhero shows out there, Legends of Tomorrow really stands out as a proper sci-fi series. It’s all about a team traveling through time in a spaceship, trying to protect history. And let’s be real, they mess things up a lot! But, thankfully, they usually manage to fix whatever they break in the end.

I have to say, when Legends of Tomorrow really shines, it’s when it doesn’t take itself too seriously. Take ‘Beebo the God of War’ – it’s about a toy bear who ends up being worshipped by Vikings after traveling through time! A lot of Arrowverse fans try to block it from their memory, but honestly, it’s a really fun episode, especially because it came after a really emotional one where a character we all loved passed away. It just worked, you know?

1) “Science/Fiction” (Loki)

Alternate universes are common in science fiction, but the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) explores the concept in a unique way in the series Loki. After discovering the Time Variance Authority (TVA), Loki decides to help his friend Mobius uncover the truth about the organization. Their investigation leads to unexpected consequences, including Loki’s alternate version, Sylvie, eliminating He Who Remains and unleashing a vast multiverse.

In Season 2 of Loki, he’s desperately trying to stabilize the Temporal Loom, but keeps uncontrollably jumping through time. The next-to-last episode, “Science/Fiction,” shows Loki making a final, heartfelt attempt to master his abilities before losing everyone he cares about. It’s a moving story filled with impressive science fiction ideas.

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2025-11-25 20:44