Good science fiction always starts with good characters, which in this genre is a difficult task. And if you have any doubts about that statement, check out The Phantom Menace. Writers must not only speculate on futuristic technology, but also keep the human interaction with that technology and each other cohesive and plausible. Bearing in mind that human behavior has basically remained the same throughout the ages, even science fiction's heroes had to be written to behave in predictable, historically acceptable roles while conquering new horizons and bending the laws of physics. Then, beginning in the mid-1980's, a handful of writers tried a different approach. Suddenly we witnessed the birth of a new type of champion -- or could it be that this breed wasn't so new after all?
A long time ago (1429 to be exact), in a land, far, far away (okay, so it was just France), there lived a woman who would be called a saint, a hero, a warrior, and a witch. In short, the bitch was dangerous. Joan of Arc was her name.
Although illiterate and from peasant stock, she overcame the shortcomings of her birth and heeded the saints. Their voices pushed her forward with a vision of a France freed of the tyranny of an alien enemy presence - the English invaders. A young, humble, pious virgin, her hair shorn like a man's and dressed in armor, Joan of Arc led the French army into battle and victory time and again. Her valor eventually winning a king's crown for the then Dauphin of France.
Despite several movies re-telling the tale of this real-life ass-kicking martyr, in recent years Joan has been all but forgotten by the masses (which will hopefully change after The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc is released in November). That's not to say that her influence has taken a powder. In fact, it has shown up in a very odd place indeed. Whether by design or coincidence, Joan's legend has spawned several science-fiction counterparts who are admired and beloved (and sometimes emulated) by geek males and females alike.
Sarah Connor, Ellen Ripley, Shane Vansen, and Susan Ivanova all belong to that elite sub-category of science fiction chicks who kick ass and take names. And in doing so, they share quite a few attributes with their historical progenitor. For example? Normal attire does not include frilly things, spandex, mini skirts, or "Come Fuck Me" pumps; and the only stiletto they're likely to wear on a daily basis is in a sheath waiting to be plucked out and shoved into the dark hearts of their enemies. Their natural leadership abilities may not arise until adversity knocks, but once released, they comport themselves with honor. Despite past horrors or visions of future desolation that leave them out of contention for the role of poster children for mental stability, they do not lack bravery and are more likely to be the rescuers than the rescued. And, while none of them are virgins, for all their luck in the romance department they might as well be.
While this type of paladin is rooted in historical fact, her first appearance in the visual medium of the science-fiction world was quite recent. Prior to 1986, films and television shows that supposedly dealt with the future had been predominately populated by two types of female characters: "hot chicks in peril" and "plain chicks in peril". Even when these women held military rank they were still decked out in ridiculously form fitting or revealing outfits with equally preposterous footwear. And as anyone who's been chased by a brain-sucking alien can tell you, it's a bitch running in heels.
