Battlestar Galactica so far? Any opinions?

[NewJeffCT]

It seems to get good reviews online that I've seen, but how do folks really feel about the series so far? I'm going to keep watching, but it seems a bit slow so far. I'm not too impressed, but I can see that it has good potential for some good stuff in upcoming episodes.

[Ravenseye]

1. Long time BSG fan

I have the whole original series on tape I recorded off television recently. I had to do this cause the older tapes I had were degraded by time since they were recorded about 15-20 years ago.

I like it. It's slow and character driven. I think it's a good build up. It's sort of in the same camp as the show 'Lost'. Not alot happens week to week because time isn't really flying by either. Some shows days or weeks go by between shows.

So far in the miniseries and the 4 episodes so far shown (in the US) they've gone through what...a week? Tops? The cylons attacked, they regrouped at the anchorage and resupplied, a day or two, then escape. Then the whole '33' thing. A few more days. Then they lose the water, and in the last 2 episodes they're getting people to mine the water, and then a training accident while they're working at getting the water.

In the old BSG they'd lose the water, get people to mine the water, encounter some cylons on the surface who are harrasing the human 'ice miners' who live there for some god knows why reason, they'd defeat the cylons, get the water, and then continue fleeing the cylon tyranny. All in one episode.

I like the slower way so far, I just hope that we get more in the future about 'looking for earth' or maybe finding kobol or some evidence that makes everyone excited, and gives Adama some sort of weird twinge wondering whether there really is an earth and maybe it's not really BS.

So far it's quality enough that unless it nose dives HARD i'll keep watching at least for this and a second season. Probably more.

[YankeyMCC]

2. I'm enjoying it very much

I was skeptical when they announced the "re-imagining" of BSG but the mini-series hooked me and each episode has not disappointed me yet.

The acting and writing seem very strong to me. The overall plot concept is taken to much more interesting heights than ever the original was, but that is because this is a completely different show with completely different goals I think.

The characters are strong, complex, and diverse. Their problems seem all the more real for the "slowness" of the story lines. Problems aren't fixed neatly in most people's lives and that is reflected in the character development and stories.

One scene in particular comes to mine in the episode "Water".

Two of the characters are in a relationship. Both are loyal, strong, competent military professionals. The woman finds herself in an unusual and serious position that will put her in serious trouble. She confides in the other character and the words and acting used convey the panic and self-concern that any human would feel and experience in a similar situation. In to many other science fiction shows like Star Trek (and I am a big Star Trek fan) a similar character would just "do the right thing" and turn themselves in or something like that. This show takes the opportunity to show the human side of otherwise heroic characters - therefore in my mind making their more noble actions all the more heroic - because they have to overcome their human weaknesses.

I'm very picky about adding new shows to my TV time. I haven't added anything new in about 4 years. This year I added the new BSG series and I hope it will be around for years to come.

[Beetwasher]

3. Terrific! It's Deep, Dark, Well Developed

They're definitely looking long term and developing some fantastic character arcs, interactions and dynamics...Very impressed. It's the best thing on TV right now.

I love how it's deep on so many levels. On a micro level; interpersonal relationships, deep character development and dynamics, individual plot intrigues etc.

And on a Macro level; dealing w/ deep fundamental philosophical questions such as the nature of man/machine, survival of humanity etc.

[Touchdown]

4. I hope they start exploring planets soon.

Character/story arc is all great for any TV show, but this is also a spaceship movie. I would like to see them get off the ships and explore once and awhile.

After 4 episodes, I don't think I'm asking too much, am I?:shrug:

[YankeyMCC]

5. I do hope that happens..

But I suspect you wont see much of it this season. The next episode I think will have some planet side scenes though.

I had hoped they would've shown a bit of the ice mining operations in "Water". But the great plot and character development more than makes up for it in my opinion and we are seeing spaceships and other sci-fi tech stuff. :)

[Technowitch]

6. So far? Very, very impressed

There've been a few times when I thought the story dragged a little. But these folks keep behaving in ways that are exceedingly human and realistic.

I also think the writing is top-notch -- and as a writer myself, I am exceedingly critical of anything I perceive to be a cliche or obvious plot-point.

The last SF show I "fell in love with" was Firefly.

Battlestar Galactica is fast approaching similar status for me.

[seasat]

7. The Sci-Fi channel amazes me.

They totally destroy a great story like Earth-Sea then take a campy original Battlestar Galactica and make it into one of the best shows on TV (IMHO). I like the directing. The last episode with the flashbacks from Starbuck as she plunged into the atmosphere of the planet were great. I've been really impressed by it.

[Ready4Change]

9. Episode was "Act of Contrition"

It's the only one of the recent episodes I've watched, and I was very impressed by it as well.

They are playing the first 5 episodes all in one night this Tuesday. I gotta free up some VCR tapes.

[Technowitch]

10. Oh, it'll be worth the tapes or Tivo space or whatever you have available

I'm definitely of the opinion this is the best SF I've seen on television yet.

Character-driven stories (with people who act like real people, up to and including irrational behavior at times), excellent CGI, reasonably plausible tech. And the new Cylons... scarier than hell.

It's got it all.

[Name removed]

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[Ilsa]

11. I love this new show! And more than TOS.

I love how Starbuck is a talented, risk-taking woman and the best pilot. I love the fact that they don't have "replicators" to create new vices or items of convenience for them. Those little tidbits about doing without make the show very intriguing, IMO.

I think they've done a good job creating the characters and giving them depth. We look forward to it every Friday, and I set my vcr just in case I'm busy with the kids.

[Beetwasher]

12. Yup, The Search For Resources is a MAJOR Plot Point!

This show's got more edge than any show I've seen in a loooong time. It's realistic, it's gritty, it's superbly written and developed. Man, I'm loving it!

And yes, Starbuck is an awesome character! But I really think the Edward James Olmos is the anchor on this show. He just brings so much gravitas...

[NewJeffCT]

13. It's definitely getting better

Olmos was very good at the end of the last show with the military tribunal. I don't want to give any more details and/or spoilers.

The final scene between Boomer and her boyfriend was good, too. (Sorry, forgot what the chief's name is...)

[Deja Q]

14. Original = corny but fun; 2-parters fared better. New version?

The miniseries was very good.

The new TV series was blander than the last 3 tng spinoffs combined. I gave up after 4 episodes, I'd rather watch fungus grow between my toes.

[phantom power]

15. But do they still have the robot "dogs"?

[YankeyMCC]

16. That's "Daggets"

or is it Daggats - Daggits ? Something like that.

THe short answer is No they don't.

The better answer would come from this version of Adam, "Not on my Fraking ship!"

:)

[phantom power]

17. I suppose it's for the best.

They were the like the BSG equivalent of Twiki from Buck Rogers.

[Technowitch]

18. Hell, we haven't even seen that obnoxious Boxie character

Not since the premier.

Love it.

[_testify_]

19. so far I love the new series but...

one thing that bothers me (i'm nitpicking i know) is the constant use of american lingo, colloquialisms, etc. The humans that ended up on Earth split off long long ago...there's no way these people would have coincidentally come up with these phrases...

[YankeyMCC]

20. I've had the same thought

but in the Moore's defense he has said (listen to the POD broadcasts on scifi.com for the last episode) that he wants to play up the "this has all happened before, it will all happen again) theme. So the use of colloquialisms may be deliberate and not just laziness, even if you don't like the idea. They are clearly putting careful thought into what they are doing.

[Beetwasher]

21. I Think Of It This Way; They're Not Really Speaking English Either

so the colloquialisms are pithy ways of communicating similar ideas in their culture. While they may not speak English, and therefore wouldn't have an identical colloquialism they most certainly would have a similar concept in their culture, so it's excusable. After all, the show must be made for the audience to be able to understand it easily.

[NewJeffCT]

22. And, as somebody in an inter-racial relationship...

I kind of shake my head that the Asian woman on the show - Grace Park - had an affair with a white man on the Galactica and a white man back on Caprica. What, no Asian males left for her? Or, at least non-white males?

At least they have Dualla (sp?) - a black woman - with the president's assistant - a white man. At least that goes against the stereotypical inter-racial relationships in real life - unlike Boomer's two men.

[Caution]

23. Not on caprica there aren't

not to nit-pick but he is the only human male left on that planet...And umm...asian woman, white male...looks like an inter-racial couple to me...

[Orsino]

24. Saw one the other night...

...and was impressed. It really is nothing like the original series, thank goodness (I almost didn't tune in at all, despite the good reviews). Good acting, good writing, engaging characters, and more plot than I could follow, having jumped into the nest-to-last episode of the season.

Olmost is at least competent, and may still be a great actor, but it's hard to tell from his brief, low-key appearances.

[Cannikin]

25. I'm nuts about the show.