More Galactica
June 23rd, 2006
I spotted the miniseries-cum-pilot for the new series of Battlestar Galactica going dirt cheap (£6.99) so I picked up a copy to watch in preparation for tomorrow night's debut on a free-to-air channel of the first season proper.
Now I must point out that I was never a fan of the original show. It looked like a cheap, cheesy attempt to cash in on the post-Star Wars craze and none of the characters grabbed me, so I made no effort to keep up with it. I can safely say that I will definitely be moving heaven and earth to keep up with the new show: the pilot was much, much better than I'd expected: effects-wise, acting-wise, story-wise … in every way imaginable. (Oh yes, and that was a nasty little kick they threw in at the very end of the pilot. I most definitely want to see how that pays off down the line.) I'd go so far as to suggest that if the show continues as strongly as it started it might just give Firefly and Farscape a run for their money in the 'Best Post-Babylon 5 TV space opera' stakes.
I meant to watch just the first hour of the show tonight but found myself too gripped to turn off the DVD at the 60 minute mark. (Hence my lack of actual links to post today.) I do believe I'm hooked.
June 24th, 2006 at 07:40
great review
June 25th, 2006 at 08:38
"Now I must point out that I was never a fan of the original show. It looked like a cheap, cheesy attempt to cash in on the post-Star Wars craze and none of the characters grabbed me, so I made no effort to keep up with it."
Some didn't — that is, they made an effort to keep up with the original program — but those I know of were mostly under age 14 or so.
It mostly took that.
"I meant to watch just the first hour of the show tonight but found myself too gripped to turn off the DVD at the 60 minute mark."
Welcome to the rest of us.
I'm still waiting for the second half of Season 2, via DVD, having no more access to the American cable than you.
There was apparently a lull in the part of that season, but everyone seems to also agree that it again picked up towards the end.
Meanwhile: many hours of greatness.
Starbuck is a fascinating character, because she's… well, not easily describable in a few adjectives. One can start tossing "tough" and "energetic" and a few others, but then, after a few episodes, they're not enough.
Ditto Six.
Ditto Commander Adama (Edwards James Olmos). Ditto Mary McDonnell (the President).
And people die.
Cue ominous music.
June 25th, 2006 at 09:12
I might also mention that all the "little" characters we are briefly introduced to in the neo-BSG pilot: the Chief, Callie, Lt., Gaeta, and so on, all become huge characters very rapidly, as the first and second season unroll.
It's a fantastic show. Kinda the Hill St. Blues of sf space operas.
All I can do is recommend picking up the rest ASAP. It's worth it. It doesn't disappoint.
June 25th, 2006 at 13:20
Of course, the big thing happens when there's the need to jump.
"Is there something you wanted to say to me?"
That look on Laura's face.
Other stuff happened.
But that look was what done me.
June 26th, 2006 at 00:03
McDonnell's face in that scene was a picture, but for me it was actually being shown the cute little girl playing with her dolly while the fleet ran away as the missiles rained down and the STL ships begged Colonial 1 not to leave them.
Your comparison of the show to Hill Street Blues is a good sign, since HSB is one of my favourite shows. I'm particularly pleased to hear that we get to see more of the Chief, because I really liked him from what I've seen so far.
I'm seriously tempted to go out and buy the season 1 DVD set right now and feed my addiction…
June 29th, 2006 at 10:09
"I’m particularly pleased to hear that we get to see more of the Chief, because I really liked him from what I’ve seen so far."
Oh, the Chief is major.
"I’m seriously tempted to go out and buy the season 1 DVD set right now and feed my addiction…"
If you can at all even close to reasonably afford it, I promise that it's worth it. Scout's honor.
June 30th, 2006 at 01:41
I believe you, I really do. I see much loitering in the vicinity of DVD racks in supermarkets and branches of HMV and the like in my future, with me making mental notes of the prices on offer for the season 1 box set and weighing the cost of the DVDs against the number of episodes I've seen on Sky Three.
(The choice for this month's discretionary splurge is probably going to come down to a choice between the DVDs and a much-needed RAM upgrade for my computer. Decisions, decisions…)
June 30th, 2006 at 22:28
Amazon.uk currently says, for Season 1:
"Battlestar Galactica: Season 1 — (DVD – March 28, 2005)
Our Price: £15.97 Used & New from £13.99"
He noted helpfully. (Prosletyze? Moi?)
June 30th, 2006 at 23:24
For a variety of reasons I prefer not to order online unless I have no other choice, so I'll have to see if any local bricks-and-mortar establishments can match that price. (That said, if I can find it that cheaply locally then I most certainly will be picking up the DVD set.)