Battlestar Galactica - The Mini Series [2003] [2004]

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 dramati! c potential, and it readily qualifies as serious-minded science fiction, even as it gives BG loyalists ample fuel for lively debate. --Jeff Shannon

Galactica is made by people who seem to be as jaded by sci-fi cliches as its prospective audience. Given that one of the brains behind it is Ron Moore of long Star Trek association I'm probably not far wrong in that assesment. It has a giant space ship, but it's not filled with top notch officers and high tech gismos. In fact, most of the crew members are (realisitically) sqauddies and NCOs and the rest are either fighter pilots, comissioned officers who weren't quite up to being posted elsewhere or both. Yet never once to you feel as if you are watching the token screwed-up kid, feminist or dipsomanaic. These characters are far too well written for that. The ship is a technological antique from a war in which networks and computerisation meant vulnerability to the enemy. It's a giant aircraft carrier in space, complete with cramped quarters, cabin fever and the most impressive dog-fight sequences I have ever watched.

The action is immediate and the CGI is naturalistic - at one point a piece of shrapnel hits the 'camera', terminating a frame. The focus moves in and out as the shot zooms from huge mothership to tiny one-man fighter ships. These 'Vipers' flip and handle in a totally new way, complete with visable thrusters and unprecedently full use of the 360 degree axis. And the music - none of your full orchestra melodrama but tense, understated drum tattoos and vocal chants lend an air of urgency and otherness.

The background culture of the series is thoroughly thought through, down to the religions, architectural and design themes (they use pentagons like we use quadrangles) and social history of the 'Twelve Colonies'. Furthermore the production and costume designers have outdone themselves in giving clothing and archetectural styles that we recognise from our culture a fresh twist then consistenly applying it across the board.

The scripting of this pilot works excellently, exploiting the episodic nature of television expertly, setting up at least 5 sub-plots that will develop troughout the course of the series and, best of all, doing it all with great slickness. I won't throw out any plot spoilers except to add that the interaction between the military and the civilian government is refreshingly unusual and realistic. Our guys aboard Galactica are accountable for their actions, if grudgingly. Furthermore, although the civilian characters are outnumbered by the military they are just as well thought out and the acting is universally of high quality. The understated talent of Mary McDonnell and Edward James Olmos shines and James Callis and Katee Sackhoff in particular make what could potentially be two very flat characters totally convincing.

In terms of extras, the DVD features only a short teaser movie - presumably aired before the mini-series to hook potential audiences. Given the quality of the three hours worth (it's amazing how short these things become when you take out the ads) of film however, don't let this put you off.I cannot praise this pilot highly enough - there is something for everyone, whether they think they like sci-fi or not. Although some fans of the earlier series are unhappy with the (rather extensive) changes I would urge them to look at this as something new and be inspired by the justice it has done to the concept - because it takes everything that has gone before it to new heights. Well worth 5 stars and certinly worth spending a few quid on.


Sci Fi at its very best   April 8, 2007
D. I. Shipley (Gravesend, KENT United Kingdom)
44 out of 52 found this review helpful

I can remember watching the original series when I was young, on both the cinema screen and on tv. It was camp and fun to watch but nothing more than that. The remake though is not so much worlds better than entire constellations better... The Mini Series, Series One and Two brought us a superbly realised Sci Fi drama. Gone completely is the campness of the original series. Instead we have a gritty and at times breathtaking social drama, with strong characters and compelling interaction. Plots are superb and are at times breakneck and harrowing. Each of the subsequent series has maintained these very high standards, and Season Three is no exception.

Season Three kicks off at where the previous season ended and sees the Cylons ruling the majority of the surviving humanity, after the disastrous decision to land and set up home on New Caprica. President Boltar enjoys a decadent lifestyle and is a complete stooge of the Cylons who use him to control their human subjects.
Before long a wide scale insurgency starts with attacks on Cylons and humans who are collaborating with them. As the fighting becomes increasingly vicious, tactics become ever more extreme, and suicide bombers are used against the oppressors.
In the meanwhile the military fleet still in space can only watch and wait while this is going on, all the while planning a strike to free humanity from its enslavement on New Caprica...
Edward James Olmos reprises his role as the humane but tough Admiral Adama, having to deal with probably the greatest threat to his command since the Cylon attack on the colonies. Olmos' Adama is a complex individual, a tough military officer but governed and influenced by family ties, and loyalty and compassion for his men. Olmos reprises this role with the same brilliance that he achieved in the earlier seasons.
Mary McDonnell is former President Roslin who once again has to take up the mantle of leadership. Mcdonnell excels in this role as the former school teacher turned politician who carries out her role in accordance with her own highly moral stance.
James Callis resumes his role as the wretched Baltar, weaker and more uncertain than ever. His interaction with the Cylons though is a genuine point of interest in this new series, particularly with Cylon N06.
Jamie Bamber returns as Adama's son Lee and continues his uneasy relationship with the brilliant but insubordinate Starbuck played by Katee Sackhoff....

The Cylons have evolved into a far more menacing, sinister, and yet profound foe. As the various series have progressed, we the viewer have got to know more about them. Mindless machines they are not, instead they are an evolving life form which is in the process of changing its view of things. Unlike the old series, some Cylons are made to look like humans, and some even think they are human. From an initial view of wanting to totally exterminate Mankind, we have seen a change to wanting to subjugate them instead. Going even further some Cylons have formed relationships with people. Now instead of wanting to destroy Earth, it would seem that the Cylons are actually keen on going there to make it into a home....

Battlestar Galactica Season Three continues the same excellent standards of what has gone before. Sure it is more character focused than previous seasons but it remains superb Sci Fi, enriched by excellent plots and that superb characterisation. In my opinion it is not just the best Sci Fi series currently around, it is also one of the very best TV series full stop. It has plugged into the post 9/11 psyche which is brilliantly depicted with rawness and grittiness on screen.
At this moment in time, I cannot think of much if anything else to touch it. Simply brilliant and I cannot wait for Season Four.


Subversive SF for mature viewers   June 19, 2007
Ray Blake (Hemel Hempstead, UK)
39 out of 45 found this review helpful

Season 3 is where Battlestar Galactica came of age. Alone among contemporary dramas of ANY genre, this season tackles pressing issues of our times. Suicide bombing, torture, psychological abuse, identity and reality are all given a thoughtful, non-patronising treatment and the drama wrapped around them is utterly compelling.

The end of season cliffhanger episode is perhaps the most memorable TV event of this year.


Perfectly Toasted   June 10, 2007
Conor M. Hamill
33 out of 42 found this review helpful

I think they should finish this next series.

It is the best science fiction series on TV-bar none. Dr Who is great but patchy (and camp, really, really camp), Heroes is a superb "utopian" story but thereby self-limiting. BSG, on the other hand, is dystopian (realistic), cynical, applies an adult world-view and psychology and addresses political issues in a manner that counterbalances the usual right-wing (24) agenda.

THE most amazing thing is that it manages to do all this while remaining thrilling from start to finish, I mean breathlessly exciting, funny and scary throughout.

Its' wonderful -and that's why the writers should finish it. Every great story has an ending, the audience needs them, if they don't finish we lose interest (LOST) and if they delay too long they undermine what made them special in the first place (MATRIX).

DO watch this, even if you don't like sci-fi, it is an amazing piece of work (apart from the way they say "frak" instead of f...




One word sums it up Amazing!!!   June 9, 2006
KSV (East London)
24 out of 28 found this review helpful

I missed Battlestar Galactica - The Mini Series, when it was shown on TV. I even heard Starbuck's character would be played by a female actress (not that I have anything against strong female leads). It's just that I had grown up on the original series and don't like things being changed. I started to hear some good reviews from friends. I was unsure with this purchase, but decided to take the risk. I'm so glad I did, one word sums it up Amazing!!!

Firstly the show has got a brilliant story, which has been updated but it keeps you interested. The run time is a little under 3 hours, but you do not feel it. All the main characters are really well cast, and they stir enough genuine human emotion. I have to say that casting Starbuck as a woman is a great idea. Katee Sackoff who plays Starbuck is awesome. The role really suits her, I'm so glad she's playing Starbuck. Tricia Helfer, who plays Number Six, is also really good in her role.

There's a nice musical score during certain scenes and they really mix well. The way the series is filmed is also refreshing, a break away from other Sci Fi shows. This is not all about space ships blasting one another, there's more to the story than just that. You can tell careful consideration has been put into the storyline and I'm really really impressed.

I'm going to start watching the first season now, as I really want to know what happens to the survivors of the 12 colonies.

If you have not watched this show and want some great Sci Fi, please give this a go you won't regret it.