When Battlestar Galactica went off the air in 2009, the majority of televised science fiction became overwhelmingly earthbound.

Space operas became a rare breed, replaced by science fiction series placed in mundane, recognizable settings, like small towns.

What was missing was the sense of wonder truly memorable space operas like Star Trek, Firefly, and Farscape inspire.

Science fiction on TV felt restrained, restricted … smaller somehow.

That all changed with the recent debut of two new promising series on the SyFy Channel — Killjoys and Dark Matter.

My immediate feelings after watching the premiere episodes of these two new space operas were relief and joy.

We’re back in space again, and it feels damn good!

Plus, the icing on the cake is both series are wildly entertaining.

First is Killjoys, a show about a group of bounty hunters who are bound by no external allegiances - except to fulfilling their contracts. However, their impartiality is tested as their galaxy threatens to descend into civil war.

Starring Hannah John-Kamen as enigmatic leader Dutch, Aaron Ashmore as John, and Luke Macfarlane as John’s estranged brother D’avin, Killjoys is a satisfying mix of high-octane action, witty banter, and the hint of deeper mysteries to be revealed.

It also helps that the cast has terrific chemistry, which adds even more dynamism to the show.

Next is Dark Matter.

Based on the Darkhorse Comics title by the same name, the series is about six strangers on a derelict spaceship, who awaken from suspended animation with no memory of who they are, or how they got on board.

Soon they must deal with corrupt mega-corporations, unknown hostiles, and the dark secrets hidden in their pasts — all while determining whether or not they can trust each other.

The characters name each other based on the order in which they awoke from stasis:

One (Marc Bendavid) The first to awaken, he seems to be the moral compass of the crew

Two (Melissa O’Neil) She is an accomplished fighter and strategist with a no-nonsense attitude. She also becomes the crew’s leader

Three (Anthony Lemke) He is the epitome of a true mercenary. A master of firearms (the bigger the gun the better), he lives for combat — and payday

Four (Alex Mallari, Jr) Observant and introspective, this man speaks little, walks softly, and carries a big … sword. A master swordsman, he is possibly the most lethal of this deadly crew

Five (Jodelle Ferland) She’s the youngest — though most mysterious — of the crew. She also is a mechanical and engineering prodigy

Six ( Roger Cross) Big and imposing, this is a man of many layers. While he seems intimidating, he also possesses integrity, honor, deep intelligence, and a willingness to throw down if necessary

The Android (Zoie Palmer) The ship’s artificial major domo, the android has been programmed to serve — and protect

Dark Matter not only features explosive action and whiplash-inducing plot twists, but it also promises to explore deeper themes involving identity, destiny, and self-determination.

Not too dark or too light, the show strikes an impressive tonal balance between the two, resulting in a compelling and enjoyable viewing experience.

It’s also important to point out both shows share another distinct trait — the inclusion of complex, charismatic, powerful women in leading roles.

Laudable depictions that, hopefully, will soon become a genre standard.

With Killjoys and Dark Matter, space opera has returned in spectacular fashion to television.

Hallelujah!