>>If she's pretty and strong and mature, then they have to make her seriously flawed somehow--like totally insane.<<

Or she will become a victim of her own success - as John has pointed out so appropriately. But to save the script authors' honor: I really think they wouldn't have written Sam out of the series if "Sanctuary" hadn't interfered with their schedule and I actually liked the idea that, when they got rid of one female leader they substituted her with another woman of strong caliber and of an age that actually makes experience *possible*. But regarding sci-fi in general: yeah, it happens more often than not that I have to shake my head about a casting decision for a female character, let alone a female *leader*.

Honor Harrington, yes, I think that could be a character after my own heart from what you've told me. :-)