Mar
20
In 2003 I saw a commercial for the Battlestar Galactica miniseries to air on the Sci-Fi channel. At the time, the Sci Fi channel to me meant the Stargate and Farscape series, which I could never get into, and those god-awful made-for-television movies that always seemed geared more towards horror fans than science fiction fans, and I hate when DVD sections in stores combine their science fiction and horror genres. The commercials for the miniseries didn’t do much to whet my appetite either. They focused a lot of the publicity material on the character Six and her sexiness and I remember thinking how lame it was to have a show about sexbots. It struck me as keeping with the retro vibe of the original 1970’s Battlestar Galactica series and was not something I wanted to watch. So I didn’t.
I didn’t start watching Battlestar Galactica until the end of the first season when I began hearing all the great buzz from friends and critics. My first episode was Colonial Day, followed by Kobol’s Last Gleaming, one of the best episodes of the series, and the first of several season (and mid-season) finale cliffhangers that help make the show so damn good. I caught up with the miniseries and first season on DVD before season two began airing, which I was able to begin watching live.
Season two continued to be amazing and never failed to keep me entertained. Yes, there was the occasional misfire (Blackmarket anyone?), but that was an episode, not an entire season, like season two of Lost (enough with the damn Hatch already) or Heroes (Hiro in Japan couldn’t have been more awful) which you just have to pretend never existed. Then of course came season three, and I truly believe that the four episodes on New Caprica are some of the best episodes of television ever. After season three came the movie Razor, which I completely underestimated and felt was totally unnecessary. Who cares about the Pegasus anyway? Those people were asses. But then I saw it in the theater with our TV Group and was completely blown away. “Kara Thrace will lead the human race to its end. She is the herald of the apocalypse, the harbinger of death. They must not follow her.” I remember leaving the theater in chills.
And now here we are, in season four, the final season. The producers made the wise decision to mark an end date and to work towards that end date, similar to what they’re doing with Lost. But unlike Lost (sorry to keep hating on Lost, you know I still love it) individual episodes of Battlestar Galactica had a plot, with a theme and resolution, not just a shapeless inch closer towards the finish line as Lost does, but a story that helps push the series to its conclusion. As it draws to a close tonight, I look back and see that the series has always stayed true to itself. Even through the less than savory storylines, such as Baltar’s crazy lady cult, the characters stayed true to themselves. Of course Baltar would have a crazy lady cult! And of course Caprica Six would hate him for it. Roslin and Adama were a bit frustrating at times this season, but they have led these people unwaveringly for years, so we can grant them some slack in these final days as they struggle with their leaderships. But as we saw last week they still have the strength to pull themselves together for a final act of valor.
I cannot wait to see how everything comes together tonight, and hopefully have most — if not all — of our questions answered. To find out if Roslin truly is the dying leader, or perhaps it’s Adama, or even the Galactica herself. To see if Helo and Athena will be allowed to live a life happily ever after. To hold my breath waiting for Apollo and Starbuck to share a kiss and wonder if it will be their last. To see if I am right in thinking that Starbuck will be the true hero of this series. So here’s to you Battlestar Galactica. It’s been a fun ride, and I’m glad I was able to tag along. Just don’t tell anyone you’re not on anymore, I’d still like to use you as an excuse not to go out on Fridays.
So say we all.
March 20th, 2009 at 6:51 am
I had to stop watching the show partway through the second season due to a schedule conflict when they changed airtimes on me and with no DVR, it was a lost cause to try to keep up.
I want to collect the DVDs though and have a week or two of nothing but Battlestar Galactica!
And that Last Supper BG photo is classic.
March 20th, 2009 at 7:30 am
My sincerest condolences Craig. Luckily I have my Supernatural boys on Friday night to keep me company. Sigh. Hopefully you too can find a new true TV love on Friday nights to curl up with.
March 20th, 2009 at 7:32 am
Oh and I heard its not Sci Fi now, its the SyFy channel. How trendy. Who ever thought that up probably called their kids Mychael and Cyndy.
We call ours Space, more difficult to misspell that.
March 20th, 2009 at 7:33 am
Thank you for these BSG posts Craig. Even though I haven’t watched the show I love the posts due to that red dress…I think I am in love.
March 20th, 2009 at 7:36 am
Dave S: You must catch up immediately!
Tam: Yeah, I heard about SyFy. I think that’s ridiculous. The only thing I could think to do to Space would be Spyce, but that’s more like Spice, which is a totally different kind of channel.
Hayden: I think they’re auctioning off the red dress. Sadly I believe the actress does not come along with it.
March 20th, 2009 at 8:12 am
I’d watch Spyce…
March 20th, 2009 at 8:15 am
I am so sad. But I’m so sure this episode will be t0tallyie amazinger then lief and that I will love it, even if it marks the end. And of course, then there’s Caprica and The Plan.
March 20th, 2009 at 8:28 am
Tam: With a name like Space, aren’t you worried that your kid will get picked on?
March 20th, 2009 at 8:30 am
LOL! @ TwoPi
Kari: I’m excited about The Plan, but am only cautiously optimistic about Caprica. I have my doubts but hope it’s great!
March 20th, 2009 at 8:58 am
Ya know, Craiggers, once this thing is over, just because of all your posts and obvious enthusiasm, I think I’m gonna start getting it on Netflix, just to check it out and see what I’ve missed. (Better to watch each episode right after the other than wait for a WHOLE WEEK to see the next one anyway).
And I’d only watch Spyce if it was men…would be Old Spyce? Nah, that would be for seniors, right? Maybe Spyce Guys? Anyone? Anyone?
HUGS…
March 20th, 2009 at 9:34 am
Polt: Old Spyce…LOL They could feature us!
March 20th, 2009 at 9:40 am
Oh, Craig. I’m feeling sad today! I know it needs to end, but still. Sad.
March 20th, 2009 at 10:15 am
Sporty Spyce = ESPN
Ginger Spyce = The Food Network
Baby Spyce = Nickelodeon?
Scary Spyce = Chiller, or perhaps SciFi Network
Posh Spyce = Style Network ?
[not having cable or broadcast tv at home, I'm guessing on some of these.]
March 20th, 2009 at 10:34 am
Oh wait, I just figgered out what the “spice” network is. [I live a sheltered life.] So that throws out most of those previous attempts.
Baby Spyce is clearly the Disney Channel, though (esp with their marketing of Miley and the JoBros).
March 20th, 2009 at 11:44 am
So say we all
March 20th, 2009 at 11:53 am
When I think about Battlestar Galactica I think about Richard Hatch. No, not the creepy guy from Survivor, but the original Apollo. Beautiful! And who’s idea was it to immasculate Starbuck!
March 20th, 2009 at 12:00 pm
But I would love to see Apollo and Starbuck kiss! At least on the old series.
March 20th, 2009 at 1:58 pm
“Viewing snacks” is all you’re planning! What about your outfit??? And your color scheme???
March 20th, 2009 at 2:27 pm
I’m still in the middle of season 2.5 and I usually avoid BSG posts because of spoilers. My only *plea* is not put anything too revealing in a BSG finale followup post.
March 20th, 2009 at 6:23 pm
Well, we don’t have Spice or Spyce but we do have Slice. But Slice is lame.
TwoPi: Your Spice Girl channels were great.
Craig: Enjoy your snacks tonight. I am ticked though that BSG is forced Supernatural to air tomorrow afternoon when I can’t watch it. Grrrr. Is it REALLY necessary to replay the whole bloody season? If you missed it watch it on-line. Ummm, sorry.
March 20th, 2009 at 6:42 pm
I pulled a Dave S. (get your minds out of the gutter) and bailed on the series a while ago. I stopped after season 2, but don’t remember exactly when. I may do what Polt suggested and watch it all at once at some point.
March 20th, 2009 at 7:40 pm
John: “I pulled a Dave S.” Who cares where my mind is, at least I’ll sleep peacefully tonight.
March 20th, 2009 at 7:42 pm
Unfortunately, Dave S. may suffer some nightmares.
March 20th, 2009 at 7:59 pm
I’ll shut up and go to bed now….Goodnight Tam, wherever you are! Luv everyone.
March 20th, 2009 at 8:49 pm
Night Mark. Sweet dreams. (Toronto)
March 20th, 2009 at 8:59 pm
Night Mark, hope things are going well.
March 20th, 2009 at 9:29 pm
I hope you and BSG had a fond farewell. I still remember the finally of Forever Knight, one of my favorite Canadian Vampire shows. I missed it, but it was a great ending.
March 20th, 2009 at 11:33 pm
Night Mark. Night john. Night Tam (who can sleep in Toronto??? There’s so MUCH to see, so many people to do!). Night Mary Ellen. Night John-Boy.
HUGS…
March 21st, 2009 at 10:54 pm
Best TV show ever. I feel like I have just finished a good book; I want to go back to the start and relive the characters all over again. I think I’ll start the miniseries again tonight.
March 22nd, 2009 at 10:08 pm
So…what did you think?
March 23rd, 2009 at 1:20 am
Watched the last episode tonight with my BSG friends. Could there have been a more fitting, perfect ending? I think not. I look forward to the BSG made-for-tv film coming out in June and the new Caprica series starting in April. No worries Craiggers. BSG is not lost, just in a different format. We will survive.
So say we all.
March 24th, 2009 at 11:50 am
OKAY CRAIG! I’ve been waiting patiently for your response to the finale! WHERE IS IT!? (Sorry to shout, but really–it’s been FOUR days!)
March 24th, 2009 at 11:54 am
LOL. Sorry Tracy! I’m gonna post my review tomorrow. Just needed a few days to piece together my thoughts