Alright. I guess it’s time. I’m about to reveal to you a bit of my inner dorkiness. My inner sci-fi geek is about to come out. For the record, let me state the following. I am NOT a huge sci-fi fan. Yes, I loved Star Wars – it was part of my childhood. I remember standing in line on opening night to see “Return of The Jedi.” And later tuned in weekly for episodes of “Quantum Leap,” which I thought ended just when it was getting really good. And OK, I loved “The Lord of The Rings” trilogy, but really, who didn’t. Ok, and on occasion I would watch an episode of “Next Generation” but that was only to bug my brother who liked the original “Star Trek” better. For a while I would ask him to do stuff and follow it with, “Make it so number one!” It drove him crazy, which is what little sisters are for in my estimation. If acting is not a requirement, I guess he can like whatever he wants. But other than that, I really am not much of a sci-fi fan. Seriously.
So now I must reveal to you that one of my favorite TV shows and I think the best written show on television is “Battlestar Galactica.” Yes, it’s sci-fi. I can’t get around that. It’s aired on the sci-fi channel. But really it’s more than that. And since I have received quite a bit of teasing from friends who laugh and mock the show without ever having seen it (I think they are afraid they will like it), I figured I would offer my defense.
Yes, it’s true the show has a sci-fi premise. Humans created Cylons, who once were just freaky robots but now have evolved to look and feel human (they can even reproduce and bear children with humans). The Cylons rebelled and have annihilated most of the human race and the 12 colonies the humans lived on. So the remaining humans, numbering around 50,000 and trying to avoid complete genocide, are out there trying to find the mythical 13th colony – earth. And while they search, they of course have to fight off the Cylons, who are also looking for earth. That’s the premise, more or less.
But that is not what makes this show great. What makes the show great is that it is really about life and humanity. The choices we make and their consequences. The flaws we have. Our ambitions, goals, dreams, hurts, pains, etc. You get the point. And real life, controversial topics are covered and covered well. Questions arise such as, should a president lead according to his/her faith? Or, when the survival of the human race depends upon procreation, should abortion be allowed? Is genocide an available, viable tactic in war (you’ll be surprised how much you think so)? Is revenge or pardon necessary for healing? According to one article, “In just a few short years, the new version has become one of the most talked-about series on TV, mainly for it's ability to tackle controversial current issues, such as terrorism, war and politics skillfully disguised as science fiction.” And Grace Park, one of the actors on the show says, "Whatever you want to see or whatever you're struggling with in life, you can see there, whether it be politics or terrorism or war, hope, faith, struggle, love. It's all in there. Or if you just want plain action and neck-snapping plot twists, you've got that too."
That is what makes it great. It is a good story, disguised as sci-fi. And the show is brilliantly written. It has even won a prestigious Peabody Award for writing.
The show is now in it’s 3rd season, which I believe is usually a critical season. Look at some former favorites like Lost and Alias. By the 3rd season they both were/are declining. Don’t misunderstand, I’m still a fan of Lost. But Battlestar Galactica, as goofy as it may sound, is by far better and has never disappointed.
So tune in if you dare. But I do recommend starting at the beginning. The mini series that began it all and the first 2 seasons are available on Netflix and Itunes. Or bravely jump in the middle of things and tune in Sunday nights on the Sci-fi channel (channel 58 for Time Warner cable folks in the Austin area – I had to look it up). And in so doing embrace your inner sci-fi geek. It’s OK. I would, except that I really don’t like sci-fi.
For another review, check out what my friend Randy says at: his blog
Last note - I am inclined to add the following warning - because it is on cable, and cable can get away with more, the show can be raunchy at times. Be careful and have the fast forward button ready.
