Battlestar Galactica, Another Reason To Love SciFi
Well, I last wrote about Lost, one of the greatest shows to have ever graced the small screen. So, next up on my "Love of SciFi" series is Battlestar Galactica (or BSG as it is commonly referred to online). BSG first aired as a show in the 1970s. Given the times, the cast, the shallow plots, and cheesy storylines and effects, it should have been called "Bonanza In Space". It did have a majestic feel at first, but in short order, it stooped to become standard 1970s TV. However, in 2001, a daring writer from the Star Trek: The Next Generation series (a great group of very talented writers by the way) named Ronald Moore, pitched a "re-imagined" version of the show.
This would not be Bonanza In Space, but more along the lines of Survival Skills and Dilemmas While Facing Extermination. It would not feature a cute kid with a robot dog; it would have characters seriously questioning their morality, and mankind's too. Even the sets would be darker, grittier, not the bright sparking bridge of the Enterprise or even the Brady living room.
Plots and storylines where people frequently questioned not only the decisions and conscience of those in charge, but even their own. Without giving too much away, let me propose this: If humanity is being exterminated to the point of extinction, by a relentless and seemingly inhuman foe, how far would you go to save not only yourself, but your species' right to exist? If mankind went from billions of souls to under 50,000 would government still exist? Would personal wealth matter? How valuable would dwindling food, water and medical supplies be?
During the run of the show, the war in Iraq started, and the writers dared to incorporate some of the themes of the war into the plot, showing both sides points of view over rebellion and fighting for survival and freedom.
BSG even tackled the issue of faith in an interesting fashion. At the start of the show, the "12 Colonies" of humanity, each live on a world named after one of their 12 gods. Their government is a UN-like structure with each of the colonies sharing power. However, in their hubris they create machines to do the menial tasks and eventually to fight their wars for them. However, at some point in the past, the machines rebelled against their masters and after a bloody conflict, leave to find their own way in the universe. The "re-imagined" BSG begins with humanity's creation returning home after they decide humanity is beyond redemption. The machines even have a monotheistic faith which drives them.
The show does a great job of showing zealots, radicals, pacifists, exploiters, the selfish, the power hungry, the self-absorbed, patriots, and those just trying to get by. A great and rich cross section of complex characters, a central element to any good series in my humble opinion.
Now, the show is taking place in space, across the universe and features Terminator-like cyborg enemies. So, there is no doubt it is a work of Science Fiction. But the real treasure of the show is in the stories and the choices of the characters.
SPOILERS
As with Lost, the ending in which faith plays a huge role, some loved it and some hated it. Probably the same sorts of groups that liked or disliked Lost. Personally, I liked the ending. Where else on TV does one see prophets, angels, and the harsh bitter reality of making decisions for one's preservation so wonderfully played out?
Some felt the finale was a cop-out, too heavy on religion. I felt like religion had been in the show all along. From the decision in the pilot to look for the "long forgotten" 13th colony, to the many moral choices which had to be made, to the idea of following your faith. The "angel" didn't bother me at all. And I liked the fact not everyone chose to live together in the end. Some had done enough and just wanted to live on their own terms for whatever time they had left. No, hand-holding love fest at the end. More real to me.
Favorite Characters: This is the toughest one for me. I loved the Starbuck and the Saul Tigh characters. The actors really made those characters so rich. But ultimately, Admiral Adama and President Roslin provided the moral anchors to the series. Being forced to make the many difficult and gut wrenching decisions over and over again, where survival and sacrifice are necessary, is a tough tightrope to walk.
Best Episode: The Exodus, Parts 1 & 2, Season 3. The best action of the series, pivotal plot and story elements, and some of the best acting of the series. The scene between Saul and Ellen Tigh is one of the best scenes I have ever witnessed on television.
Least Favorites: Any of the episodes which dealt with the trial of Baltar. Truthfully, I never cared for the Baltar character at all. None of his storylines after the original ones ever pulled me in. He was necessary, but I just didn't care for the character. James Callis though did a great job in the role, I just didn't like the role.
The Final Five: I loved Saul, I did not like Ellen. Loved the Chief, didn't like Anders. Tory? Didn't care. I would have liked to see maybe a final 3. I did like their importance to the story, just not all those who were "outed."
This would not be Bonanza In Space, but more along the lines of Survival Skills and Dilemmas While Facing Extermination. It would not feature a cute kid with a robot dog; it would have characters seriously questioning their morality, and mankind's too. Even the sets would be darker, grittier, not the bright sparking bridge of the Enterprise or even the Brady living room.
Plots and storylines where people frequently questioned not only the decisions and conscience of those in charge, but even their own. Without giving too much away, let me propose this: If humanity is being exterminated to the point of extinction, by a relentless and seemingly inhuman foe, how far would you go to save not only yourself, but your species' right to exist? If mankind went from billions of souls to under 50,000 would government still exist? Would personal wealth matter? How valuable would dwindling food, water and medical supplies be?
During the run of the show, the war in Iraq started, and the writers dared to incorporate some of the themes of the war into the plot, showing both sides points of view over rebellion and fighting for survival and freedom.
BSG even tackled the issue of faith in an interesting fashion. At the start of the show, the "12 Colonies" of humanity, each live on a world named after one of their 12 gods. Their government is a UN-like structure with each of the colonies sharing power. However, in their hubris they create machines to do the menial tasks and eventually to fight their wars for them. However, at some point in the past, the machines rebelled against their masters and after a bloody conflict, leave to find their own way in the universe. The "re-imagined" BSG begins with humanity's creation returning home after they decide humanity is beyond redemption. The machines even have a monotheistic faith which drives them.
The show does a great job of showing zealots, radicals, pacifists, exploiters, the selfish, the power hungry, the self-absorbed, patriots, and those just trying to get by. A great and rich cross section of complex characters, a central element to any good series in my humble opinion.
Now, the show is taking place in space, across the universe and features Terminator-like cyborg enemies. So, there is no doubt it is a work of Science Fiction. But the real treasure of the show is in the stories and the choices of the characters.
SPOILERS
As with Lost, the ending in which faith plays a huge role, some loved it and some hated it. Probably the same sorts of groups that liked or disliked Lost. Personally, I liked the ending. Where else on TV does one see prophets, angels, and the harsh bitter reality of making decisions for one's preservation so wonderfully played out?
Some felt the finale was a cop-out, too heavy on religion. I felt like religion had been in the show all along. From the decision in the pilot to look for the "long forgotten" 13th colony, to the many moral choices which had to be made, to the idea of following your faith. The "angel" didn't bother me at all. And I liked the fact not everyone chose to live together in the end. Some had done enough and just wanted to live on their own terms for whatever time they had left. No, hand-holding love fest at the end. More real to me.
Favorite Characters: This is the toughest one for me. I loved the Starbuck and the Saul Tigh characters. The actors really made those characters so rich. But ultimately, Admiral Adama and President Roslin provided the moral anchors to the series. Being forced to make the many difficult and gut wrenching decisions over and over again, where survival and sacrifice are necessary, is a tough tightrope to walk.
Best Episode: The Exodus, Parts 1 & 2, Season 3. The best action of the series, pivotal plot and story elements, and some of the best acting of the series. The scene between Saul and Ellen Tigh is one of the best scenes I have ever witnessed on television.
Least Favorites: Any of the episodes which dealt with the trial of Baltar. Truthfully, I never cared for the Baltar character at all. None of his storylines after the original ones ever pulled me in. He was necessary, but I just didn't care for the character. James Callis though did a great job in the role, I just didn't like the role.
The Final Five: I loved Saul, I did not like Ellen. Loved the Chief, didn't like Anders. Tory? Didn't care. I would have liked to see maybe a final 3. I did like their importance to the story, just not all those who were "outed."
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