Battlestar Galactica Season 1 Review
I would have to be a mighty brave critic to claim that the remake of Battlestar Galactica is better than Star Wars – because it is. I now fear the possibility of an angry mob of fan boys burning photos of me along with Battlestar Galactica DVD’s in the street. Where Star Wars Episode 1 failed to grow with the fans Battlestar Gallactica has introduced myriad adult themes. With no kids (or a cute robotic dog!), we now get some sex and violence that help make it better than the original TV series that inspired it. I was a fan of the original, and like many others was initially put off by casting female actors to replace two of the key characters from the original. I mean Star Buck was originally played by the suave Dirk Benedict (Face in the A-Team)… The irony that in this incarnation he’s transgressed gender too!
The casting couldn’t be better as all the main characters are superb unknown actors who are capable of pulling this off. James Callis has to be praised for playing the superb Gaius Baltar a character of which I have never seen the likes of on TV or screen.
What helped make the remake of Battlestar Galactica stand out from similar series like Star Trek is the depth of all the main characters. Most characters are not identifiable as all evil bad guys or stiff upper lip good guys. They all had real problems to deal with, be it drinking problems, cancer, death of loved ones, addictions to sex, religious beliefs, and problems with rules and authority.
Battlestar Galactica makes for a transcendent viewing experience; its’ talk of religion is both fascinating and relevant. This mixed up with constant battle scenes accelerates the pacing of Season 1.
With the Season 1 DVD taking off shortly after where the Mini-Series ended, you will need to watch the superb Mini-Series to keep abreast of things. I for one am looking forward to finishing of the second season that appears to be a mixed bag. Season 1 however is the best science fiction I have ever seen, and also up there with similar high production series’ such as 24.
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