5 stars
This is the Commander...
January 14, 2007
...and this is not your fathers' Battlestar Galactica. As a fan of the original I was apprehensive about what Ron Moore would do with his "re-imagining" and after seeing and interview with him about the show at it's inception I was ready to throw in the towel.
Now I'm hooked. It was smart to go with a producer that had no ties or emotional investment in the original show. If Bryan Singer and his crew had done their version, I probably wouldn't be writing this. I don't think a continuance of the old series would have held my attention at thirty-something, the same way Ron Moore's vision wouldn't have captivated me as an eight year old.
The show is sexy, sophisticated, and yes, has a dark streak a mile wide. The characters have depth. Some you like, some you don't, but they pull you in. Edward James Olmos's Adama and Mary McDonnell's President Roslyn are the prime example. Two people with wisdom, experience, and demons that we have watched grow in the last two and a half seasons to share a touching relationship I can't begin to explain.
In the first season Baltar and Number Six showed us that it's all in your head, and made us question the dynamics of our own romantic relationships...at least it should have.
Now in the third season even the insipid female Starbuck and her relationship with Apollo offer something you won't find in any other show on television. The ending of the season three episode "Unfinished Business" left me slack-jawed and broken hearted about two characters that certainly aren't my favorites.
Battlestar Galactica uses none of the Sci-Fi devices many people might expect. There isn't an alien to be found on the show, very little technology that doesn’t serve the greater story. It's that title that has held the show back from mainstream acceptance. When I tried to turn a friend on to it with an impassioned plea to give it's richness a chance, she responded with "I don't know...sounds kind of hokey." Yet she liked "Heroes" a show that is not fit to kiss BSG's fracking keyster.
If it had any other title, this show would be on Universal's flagship network, NBC in a heartbeat. To their credit, NBC did air the miniseries over a weekend back in 2004. This show is such a hit it's going on after "Desperate Housewives" starting January 21st 2007. After you check out the hot and scandalous ladies of Wisteria Lane, flip over to Sci-Fi.
I sincerely hope Sci-Fi allows this show to continue unfettered. Ron Moore is saying something with this show and I hope that vision is seen through. Battlestar Galactica mirrors our current culture and says a lot about our present state of being. No where is this more apparent than the New Caprica story arc. If the show is considered dark, what does that say about us? People of depth will love this show...the rest...well...who cares about them!
Must see episodes include the miniseries so you know what's going on, any of the first season focusing on Six and Baltar especially "Tigh Me Up, Tigh Me Down." The season two Pegasus/Resurrection Ship story arc, and the New Caprica season two cliffhanger and season three resolution including "Unfinished Business." But really you should see it all from the beginning!
Another incredible thing about this show is the soundtrack. Bear McCreary's scoring has elements of Middle Eastern music, classical composition, Celtic Music ("Wander My Friends") and I absolutely love his use of Taiko Drums to drive home a dramatic story point or battle scene. His talent will be in mainstream movies and he will be up there with John Williams someday, I have no doubt.
Battlestar Galactica is the BEST show on television, and I don't like much on television these days. If you're a fan of the original and closed minded, don't bother. If you're concerned about what people will think if you tell them your favorite show is Battlestar Galactica, again, don't bother. If however you're not a fan of Sci-FI and have your reservations, give it a chance. Everyone really should give it a shot, you won't be disappointed, it will be back on January 21st 2007 10ET. Kiss Bree and the girls, then flip over and help make BSG #1...in spite of the title.
So Say We All.
