Battlestar Galactica (2003)

Despite voluminous protest and nitpicking criticism from loyal fans of the original 1978-80 TV series, the 2003 version of Battlestar Galactica turned out surprisingly well for viewers with a tolerance for change. Originally broadcast on the Sci-Fi Channel in December 2003 and conceived by Star Trek: The Next Generation alumnus Ronald D. Moore as the pilot episode for a "reimagined" TV series, this four-hour "miniseries" reprises the basic premise of the original show while giving a major overhaul (including some changes in gender) to several characters and plot elements. Gone are the flowing robes, disco-era hairstyles, and mock-Egyptian fighter helmets, and thankfully there's not a fluffy "daggit" in sight... at least, not yet. Also missing are the "chrome toaster" Cylons, replaced by new, more formidable varieties of the invading Cylon enemy, including "Number Six" in hot red skirts and ample cleavage, who tricks the human genius Baltar into a scenario that nearly annihilates the human inhabitants of 12 colonial worlds.

Thus begins the epic battle and eventual retreat of a "ragtag fleet" of humans, searching for the mythical planet Earth under the military command of Adama (Edward James Olmos) and the political leadership of Laura Roslin (Mary McDonnell), a former secretary of education, 43rd in line of succession and rising to the occasion of her unexpected Presidency. As directed by Michael Rymer (Queen of the Damned), Moore's ambitious teleplay also includes newfangled CGI space battles (featuring "handheld" camera moves and subdued sound effects for "enhanced realism"), a dysfunctional Col. Tigh (Michael Hogan) who's provoked into action by the insubordinate Starbuck (Katee Sackhoff), and a father-son reunion steeped in familial tragedy. To fans of the original BG series, many of these changes are blasphemous, but for the most part they work--including an ominous cliffhanger ending. The remade Galactica is brimming with smart, well-drawn characters ripe with dramatic potential, and it readily qualifies as serious-minded science fiction, even as it gives BG loyalists ample fuel for lively debate. --Jeff Shannon Amazon.com

 BSG Miniseries ... only the BEGINNING ...
I've seen each and every episode on the Sci-Fi channel, plus the extras online. I bought seasons 1 thru 3, plus the "Razor" and the "Miniseries".

WOW! Can't leave the couch! Watching this series WITHOUT commercials is a true gift! Already into the 4th (and final) season, and can't wait for the DVD set!!!!

BTW - did you know that BSG won a "Peabody" award for their writing? W2G BSG!!!!

If you're a sci fi fan, then WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?

If you're NOT a sci-fi fan, then GET ON THE BANDWAGON and watch the BEST dramatic (sci-fi) series EVER on TV. I kid you NOT. This show ROCKS!!!! April 12, 2008

 It's sci-fi, Jim, but not as we know it., 2 Oct 2007
Most people would be slightly weary of the idea of a new and re-invigorated version of the spectacle Science Fiction Drama series Battlestar Galactica (1978-1980) being up to the year in which the series became 'Galactica 1980', which lead to its thoroughly trashed downfall, was a bit of a surprise that a network had decided to re-fashion the show with a more updated and far more interesting story. Many fans would, should insist that this is a re-imagining not an intrinsic remake of a cheesy lovable, and to use a pun for a modern show, "That 70's Show". Many of the sci-fi fan-boys, and girls, were in need of a successful sci-fi drama series that had the ability to keep fresh interest and action, drama.

The legacy of this show happens to be the principal point, machines made by man, they evolved, rebelled, and so on and so forth.

People who claim through their noses that they never watch or read science fiction are missing some great work, be it rough, symbolic or even sardonic. One key point is it's not juvenile, asinine and cheesy sci-fi; it's adult allegory.

Battlestar Galactica is the best character drama, perhaps the only drama that daringly and boldly engages the big issues currently on TV. It's about the good, bad, and ugly. American stereotypes, family melodrama, love and personal betrayal mingles with dark, post-9/11 parable, plots rife with socio-political and ethical conflict, heroes and visionaries to profiteering gangsters and religious extremists. With hate, power, desire and being human, evident in stories inspired by recent history and current events. In addition, unremittingly keeps putting forth the notion of what is exactly human. It's about Genocide, war and the abyss after the precipice. Current concepts and futurism see them with faster-than-light space travel, but stuck and firmly rooted by laws of Newtonian physics. Range of human experience and emotion that can be only compared to dramatics of Shakespearean theatre.

Excellent characters include Edward James Almos' brilliant depiction of Commander/Admiral Adama; easily being a favourite. His slightly depressed attitude yet experience make him capable, if not slightly down heartened. His display as a commander of the pride of the fleet does show why he is the best person to have control of a superior vessel. He is quick to think, act and knowing what the cost is. His own life is confounded like the other characters, two being handed as female, where the predecessor had two male characters, (when fans should not complain) Katee Sackhoof as Kara 'Starbuck' Thrace, is born into the role of a hard-headed female Viper pilot. As well as the other female candidate played by Grace Park nicknamed 'Boomer'.

It is sci-fi enough to offer space battles with spiffy CGI and digital FX, 'in the mind of the pilot/documentary' shot sequences, new, improved, scary Cylon centurions and human-looking Cylon infiltrators who are more brutal because they have found a god to kill for. Sound familiar? Moreover, what you have been waiting for, yes it does have graphic scenes of a sexual nature.

Verdict:

The re-imagined Battlestar Galactica is light-years beyond Glen A. Larson's 70's adventure series, which introduced bad robots and the remnants of humanity on a biblical, cosmic exodus. Real dexterity of life in space is freshly depicted, through war and personal losses. 10/10. February 23, 2008

 Well done!
Very well done. Like a good book it keeps the viewer wanting to watch to see what happens next. Highly recommended. February 8, 2008

 Don't Buy Mini-Series if also Buying Season 1 DVD
DON'T BUY the mini series DVD if you are also planning on buying the season 1 DVD set. I made that mistake and wasted $$$. The mini series is the first DVD in the Season 1 set. February 7, 2008

 *Buy* Your Command
Battlestar Galactica (2003 Miniseries) is just under three hours long making it an epic film, let alone groundbreaking television. It is available as part of Battlestar Galactica season one, so maybe you might get better value if you consider a broader purchase of the series. Battlestar Galactica (2003 Miniseries) is not the pilot. The pilot show is actually episode one of season one, but contains an opening `previously on...' to the Miniseries, so the Miniseries is mandatory Battlestar Galactica viewing. Essentially for the new Battlestar Galactica, start here.

Battlestar Galactica (2003 Miniseries) is barely recognizable from the 1970s original series. Such is the scope of the makeover and development of the original storyline that all previous Battlestar Galactica series history has been declared void by the writers and the story has gone through a creative renewal. This reimagining was done to enhance the concept... and the reboot has paid off in aces.

The Cylons were created by man. They evolved. There are many copies. And they have a plan. In the past, there was a war. The Cylons left Earth. Now they are back and they want revenge. They chase and try to kill the fleet across the galaxy.

Battlestar Galactica has a lot of surprises in store. The story itself is kept tightly under wraps because there is a huge twist concerning the Cylons. Even the box covers are illusive.

There is lots of powerhouse acting. Commander William Adama (Edward James Olmos) quickly becomes one of the most memorable characters in television history (you can rank him up there with the likes of Captain Picard). Laura Roslin (Mary McDonnell) slowly transcends into a pivotal character as catastrophes unfold. Starbuck is somebody very new and the role will amaze fans. Captain Lee 'Apollo' Adama (Jamie Bamber) brings a new breed of hero to the table and Dr. Gaius Baltar (James Callis) is the science geek with a secret to hide. Number Six (Tricia Helfer) will stun everybody with her looks and cold-blooded cruelty. Leoben Conoy (Callum Keith Rennie) is the con on the loose. Colonel Saul Tigh (Michael Hogan) is the second in command with a drinking problem and who has no qualms about venting his staff into space. Lt. Sharon 'Boomer' Valerii (Grace Park) is a pilot with a heart of gold dating Chief Petty Officer Galen Tyrol (Aaron Douglas) who does his best to make sure the ships are ready for launch and not blowing up in the service area. This is but a small section of the enormous cast that Battlestar Galactica has to offer. Expect lots of high-voltage drama in with the rapid paced action scenes.

The CGI is impeccable with some of the biggest, fastest, more furious space battles since George Lucas. The fleet lead by the Galactica looks beautiful as they cruise through green glowing star clusters avoiding detection by the ever searching Cylons. The real stars of the show are the screenwriters. It is their boat and they are taking us on what appears to be a voyage unparallel to anything else you have seen before. When it comes to SF on TV, the makers of Battlestar Galactica are trying to actually match the superiority of Star Trek... and they are doing just that! January 25, 2008

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