Strange Famous

I hear those Xylon dudes look a lot better this time?

I used to have a crush on one of the female fighter pilots, I think her name was Sheeba? She was mad hott.

__________________
"Do not tell lies, and do not do what you hate,
for all things are plain in the sight of Heaven. For nothing
hidden will not become manifest, and nothing covered will remain
without being uncovered."

The Gospel of Thomas

Damnfinn

Having been a fan of the old series, I'm totally in awe of how the new puts an edge and desperation quality in the story line. It seemed to me that these people are truely fighting for survival, not just farting along looking for someplace better to be.

__________________
I was told to get a life, but all the good ones were taken.

runtuff

BG rocks! Can't wait until next week.

Kadath

Okay, I kind of backed myself into a corner, because I told my girlfriend I would stop watching the show if Spoiler: Boomer started "fighting her programming" and trying to help the humans instead of be a Cylon,and it sure does look like that happened.
Because of that issue, I didn't like "Water" as much as "33," but it's still a good show. Of all the character re-imaginings, I like Baltar best.

__________________
it's quiet in here

holtmate

I saw most of the mini-series, and I made a point to watch the first two episodes last weekend. Great stuff! I can't wait for next Friday. I may break down and buy a TIVo, just so I don't have to worry about tapes.
Now to buy the mini-series on DVD...

Rodney

I watched the original show back in the '70s even when my friends laughed at me. I was in my teens, and I liked it, hokey though it was.

I've raised my standards since then, and the new Battlestar Galactica is in all ways a better show than the original, and yet....

It just doesn't grab me. Too grim, too relentless, doesn't ever let up. The miniseries was okay, but I found myself zoning out during the first too regular episodes. They need a character to speak up every five minutes and say "Attention please: EVERYTHING IS GOING TO HELL! Thank you.." Because that's about where the series is at right now.

I'll give it another try, but I wasn't particularly compelled by it.

mrklixx

I miss a couple of things from the OG (Original Galactica). I miss the wooshing sound of the thrusters on the vipers, and I miss the Egyptian/Aztec tie in. Also, JMO, but the "Cylon in Baltar's head" is starting to wear thin after just these few episodes. And I bet Richard Hatch is sporting wood that he gets to be in the new series.

thesupermikey

i had not seen the original show before this past weekend. I have to say that the new show grabbed me in a way a Sci-fi TV show has failed to do since for a long time. Firefly was wonderful, but doomed to the fact that it was on Fox on Friday nights.

Galactica has everything I want in military sci-fi. Cool plans, shit blowing up and massive amounts of human and real tragedy. This show is really about the genocide of the human race. To that end it does wonderful.

When show opens it has been almost 6 days since the last time anyone slept, but everyone carried on. They were doing what was right for their own survival. This is the kind of stuff that gets what it means to be human. Not some dumb reality tv bullshit.

__________________
If you are not outraged than you are not paying attention!

"Reality has a well-known liberal bias" - Steven Colbert

Willravel

I never thought I'd say this but, Starbuck is really hot. At first I was pissed that Starbuck was a woman in the new version, but I think this is actually an interesting way to go with the character. Besides, the cast would be a bit male-heavy.

Zotz

They're doing a great job with the series. I was really impressed by "33" too! I like what they've done with the external ship shots (very little sound).

ICER

I'm kinda on the fence post here. I loved the OG. And so far the new one is ok. I like that fact the Starbuck is a female. As I do with Boomer. I like that fact the Apollo and Adoma have real father son issues (unlike the OG where it was a perfect relationship. that was just spooky) basically. I like the way the characters story lines interact with each other.

Now the reason why I'm on the post:
First off. the lingo; I miss the way said things or told time. you know. sectons, yearns. mircons (or as Mad magazine put it 'Two tacos past a burrito') the names for things we have that they also have.

And the action. I miss the laser pulse blowing up a Cylon (although the machine gun effect is kinda cool)

It seems to me that they took the OG story line. and reversed it. from action to story. Which is OK. But Glen Larson knew what he was doing when he created it that way. He used the same formula in shows like Buck Rogers, The Six Million Dollar Man and Knight Rider. To me. It seems the new series is missing the formula.

__________________
What's the difference between congress and a penitentiary?
One is filled with tax evaders, blackmailers and threats to society.
The other is for housing prisoners.
~~David Letterman

franzelneekburm

I'm really enjoying the show, but I think the special effects could've been a bit better. If I'm not mistaking, it's the same FX house that did Firefly (they even had a shot of Serenity in the first episode of the miniseries), and their work there looked absolutely fantastic, but doesn't quite fit here. The quirky, purposefully off-kilter camera work, lense flares, etc. just really worked better with Firefly's less serious atmosphere.

And a good point about sound in the space shots - Firefly was one of the first shows to have the space scenes be dead silent (kinda like they are supposed to be; they also didn't have crap whizzing by the windshield when they were flying, a la StarTrek), here they are back to having guns rattling, muted as they are. It's like the suits told the FX geeks to "tone it down" a bit with the geekiness.

It's still good, just not as good as we've seen these guys. The one aspect that isn't all that good is the physics - I cringe every time I see one of the "toaster" Cylons running.

franzelneekburm

Yeah I was kinda enjoying that - 'formulaic' isn't really a great compliment when it comes to television.

Anyway, I've never seen the original (from what I've heard it was fairly lame to begin with), but I'm very impressed with this one. It has it's share of cliche (and downright lame) scenes, but their are mixed with some really solid work.

Btw, it seems all your criticisms are of how the new one is not the OG - I'd say they did pretty well if the only bad points about the show are that it's not like the show they said it was not going to be like I believe the creators of the new one have said in interviews that they are not interested in trying to be a continuation of the OG, and that the only thing the two will have in common is the name and some vague correspondances in their "universes". So in other words: branding.

mrklixx

Couldn't be any worse than the hobble/shuffle walk that the Cylons in the OG did. That's one of the things I mused abuot upon watching the OG recently. Why exactly were these slow-ass, dumb as rocks, tin cans the scourge of the galaxy?

Marburg

What's the deal with that photo that all the pilots tap when they enter/exit the briefing room?
*missed the first episode *

__________________
Ask a simple question... get pain.

thesupermikey

I think its a picture of Helo...Boomers co-piolt. They all think he is dead b/c he gave up his seat in thier Raptor so Bothor could be evaculated of the planet.

__________________
If you are not outraged than you are not paying attention!

"Reality has a well-known liberal bias" - Steven Colbert

guthmund

I didn't catch this show until last week (episode 3) so, I didn't want to comment just yet.

However, now that I've sat through the 4 hour mini-series and the first two episodes, I hope I'm not out of line when I say this show is.....really fucking cool

I like it. A lot. I think it looks very, very good. The writing is pretty good and the characters....well, there just doesn't seem to be anybody I dislike all that much. Even Dr. Balthar has me in his corner, despite the sketchy stuff he particpates in.

I can't say enough good things about this show so, I'll end it with the highest compliment I can think of.

Of all the new shows this season, this one is the only one that has me consistently on the edge of my seat when I watch it.

__________________
No signature. None. Seriously.

crossova

i agree w/ you.
on another note, how long do u think before they find out Boomer's a cylon?

Charlatan

I just caught my first episode this weekend (I saw the mini-series last year and couldn't wait for the series)...

It was good to see Richard Hatch playing a role in the new series... I look forward to more of his "terrorist" character...

Olmoa makes an excellent Adama... he is full of flaws and subtext that Lorne Greene's Adama never had... I can't wait for more...

__________________
"My hands are on fire. Hands are on fire. Ain't got no more time for all you charlatans and liars."
- Old Man Luedecke

guthmund

Well, so far, they've only shown two different Boomers, right? The one on Galactica and the one with Helo on Caprica.

The only way I can see them figuring out Boomer is a cylon is if the two Boomer's paths cross. I don't think Galactica Boomer knows she's a cylon. I think she suspects somethings going on with the missing charges and such, but I don't think she suspects she's a cylon. I seem to remember Six (the hot chick in Gaius' mind) mentioning that there are sleeper agents in the fleet that believe they're human.

All that said, I don't think they're going to figure out Galactica Boomer is a cylon unless Helo and Caprica Boomer make they're way back to the fleet. I figure that might take a while as we only seem to be getting bits and pieces of the Caprica story each week. So, I think Boomer's safe for a while.

God, I'm such a geek....

__________________
No signature. None. Seriously.

Willravel

I wonder if they'll keep the Boomer secret for the season ender? I'd like to see them posssibly turn her on the cylons by reprogramming her somehow, but that'd mean the doctor would need to help. Ahh the good doctor. That is a really good role (I'd kill for a role like that; complex, torn, excentric, gets to kiss a beautiful woman pretty often). I'm really looking forward to the episode where he has to choose to give himself away. So many storylines! The president has cancer, and will be lucky to finish her term in office. If she dies, will they have ther election or will the military take over? Will Richard Hatch run republican or democrat? This show really has me on the edge of my seat.

FunkyLamb

How fitting that Ron Moore success would just begin as it is announced that Star Trek light is flickering out.

I watched an old episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation the other day. It was written by Ron Moore. Everything that the new Battlestar has was there.

Congratulations to Mr. Moore for breathing fresh life into both a loved old series and into the Sci-Fi genre...and also also for driving the final nail into Rick Berman's career as head of Trek.

__________________
FunkyLamb

There's a force in the universe that makes things happen.
And all you have to do is get in touch with it, stop thinking, let things happen, and be the ball.

franzelneekburm

Heh, it's kinda funny that their synthetic androids posing as humans are called "Boomers", never occured to me before.

ICER

What I can't figure out is what the Caprica Boomer is up to? Why are the toasters helping Helo surive?

__________________
What's the difference between congress and a penitentiary?
One is filled with tax evaders, blackmailers and threats to society.
The other is for housing prisoners.
~~David Letterman

Willravel

I couldn't have said it better myself. It would be nice to see Moore take an active role in the next Trek movie (which is in talks currently, but don't tell anyone). They are looking to double the budget they used for Nemesis, and are looking for a way to change the trek universe so that it'll attract more fans. I'll keep everyone posted.

thesupermikey

That is what i am wondering as well. So far every week we have got one segment with what is happening there. I guess that is one of the great mysterys we are going to have to watch out for!

__________________
If you are not outraged than you are not paying attention!

"Reality has a well-known liberal bias" - Steven Colbert

franzelneekburm

I'm confused, and I don't want to spoil anything for anyone - I've been borrowing the episodes from my internet friends, and that question was more than answered around episode 10 or so.

Is whatever run most people are watching not up to that yet?

Kadath

"Whatever run" is the US SciFi run. Episode 105 debuted two nights ago. Your internet friends are likely pulling from the UK run.

__________________
it's quiet in here

franzelneekburm

Thanks, will keep my mouth shut then.

NotMVH

I haven't seen the regular episodes yet but I caught the mini series and after reading this post I am going to have to catch up.

guthmund

What I can't figure out, is why the cylons are helping the humans at all?

There have been plenty of instances where the cylons talk of destroying the humans and plenty of instances where Gaius' Six (the one in his head) has gone to great lengths to drop hints that have helped them to survive.

I think, perhaps, that the cylons aren't of one mind in how to deal with the humans. Maybe not out and out disagreement, but maybe Gaius' Six is part of a group who are trying to help keep the humans alive for some reason.

Whatever's going on, the cylon in Dr. Baltar's head doesn't act like all the other cylons. She keeps talking about God, His plan and His will, which is something I haven't seen any of the other cylons talking about.

By the way, episode 5 was pretty frakkin' cool (if I may indulge in the vernacular ) Adama, who typically is fairly in control of himself, just lost it when he was talking to Tigh.

All in all, I have to say the more I watch this show, the more I'm impressed by it.

__________________
No signature. None. Seriously.

thesupermikey

If i were to take a guess i would say that Gaius's Six from before Caprica was blown up fell in love with Gaius. There are at least 2 points when she asks him if he lovers her. She know that Gaius could die so she plants a chip in his head so that she can help him live.

__________________
If you are not outraged than you are not paying attention!

"Reality has a well-known liberal bias" - Steven Colbert

guthmund

Yeah, I thought about that, but here's the thing that keeps sticking in my head.

When the Olympic Carrier came back and Gaius had his little crisis of faith in the back room. Six kept urging him to repent. It seemed like the President's decision to shoot down the Olympic Carrier hinged on Gaius repenting his sins. When he did, the President finally gave the go ahead.

There are a handful of instances like that I can remember in both the mini-series and the 5 episodes thus far. Six forces Dr. Baltar to go against his human programming as a scientist and rely on faith rather than logic before the crisis is averted. Six has said she loves him and that could very well be the reason why she does what she does, but I think there's something else at work.

__________________
No signature. None. Seriously.

wondash

I can't see them ever revealing Boomer as a Cylon, at least not to everyone. She's one of the primary characters, so she can't be killed off and I doubt they (the writers) would change her primary roll in the story (like put her on the prison barge). It is possible that a few select characters could find out her true origin. My guess is that whoever figures out that Boomer is a Cylon won't tell her (Boomer). That way her character can continue to struggle with her 'fuzzy logic' programming.

fallsauce

A quick question for people with the Region 1 DVD of the mini-series: Is the extras (not including 'the Lowdown') worth US$10? Just wondering since the R4 DVDs suck on the extra contents, but on the other hand, at least it's cheaper than the US version.

Arrgh!! Extremely pissed off at TV3 right now, they're showing it on two weekends instead on the next day!! And just when I finally found something I like too! All I can say is that they'd better start showing the TV series...

/Rant over. Sorry about that.

So I've only watched Pt. 1 of the mini-series and I'm already this addicted, just hope the rest'll live up to my expectations, and from what I hear, it's going great!

And the fact that I'm watching this series at all is pretty much a fluke, I saw a banner on Television Without Pity (I think) which usually reviews all the good shows, saw the ad, remembered the banner, thought it was a stand alone, watched just to see what the fuss was about, and here I am, wondering if I should apply for a credit card just to order this one DVD.

Oh yes, never heard of the old series, thought it was a book that got adapted.

__________________
"Hey little kitty with your tail dragging on the floor
You could have a following in every town that you go"
Electric Six - I Invented The Night

guthmund

I can't answer your question, but I think it would be worth the $10 just to have the mini-series on DVD as it really is that good.

I just thought I add a few thoughts....

I just finished watching the last episode and....wow. Just a great piece of storytelling the entire way through. Of course, I am a big fan of Dr. Baltar, so, it was nice to see an entire episode devoted to just him.

It raised some interesting questions though...

For instance, I always assumed that the version of Six in Baltar's head was the result of something she did to Gaius on Caprica. I guess the question is...what exactly is Six? If she's just in Baltar's head, how in the hell did she manifest physically on Galactica? If the physical Six wasn't the same as the Six in Baltar's head but rather working for her, how in the hell did the physical Six disappear so completely? Assuming they are, in fact, one in the same, why does she need Gaius at all? I was operating under the assumption that she was manipulating Baltar because she couldn't do what needed to be done as she wasn't really there. I guess that assumption was wrong as she manages to manifest physically to accuse Baltar of treason and make a move on Adama. So, if she can click in and out at will, what purpose does Baltar serve? Why not just do all the stuff herself?

I think there's something else going on here, but I'll be damned if I can see it. I don't know, maybe I'm not seeing it clearly enough.

__________________
No signature. None. Seriously.

MahlerIsGod

I have noticed one thing whilst watching this series. First, I am amazed that I have never seen or heard of James Callis (Baltar). Not many actors could play a traitorous slash schizophrenic bastard and make him so affable. He steals every scene he is in. Hopefully, he will go on to do more great things

__________________
"But a work of art is a conscious human effort that has to do with communication. It is that or its nothing. When an accident is applauded as a work of art, when a cult grows up around the deliciousness of inadvertent beauty, we are in the presence of the greatest decadence the West has known in its history."

guthmund

Yes, he's very, very good.

Some more thoughts to add....

Another pretty good show.

How come the same picture the pilots tap before leaving is on the wall of the President's ship? It looked like the same picture. So, maybe the picture in the pilots' ready room isn't of Helo? So, what is it of?

Leoben, the captured cylon, kept spouting the God stuff as well. Maybe the 'human' cylons, who seem bent on helping humanity, aren't really with the toaster cylons, who seem bent on destorying humanity. Maybe it's something to do with just Six and Leoben, or maybe it has something to do with the fact that they've been 'humanized.'

Adama? A cylon?? Say it isn't so. This should set up some pretty good stuff between the President, who I really don't like, and Adama.

__________________
No signature. None. Seriously.

guthmund

By the way...

I ran across an article at slashdot.org...

Seems the sci-fi channel has put up the entire first episode "33" in an effort to expand the viewing base.

Here's the link to Slashdot.

It's crappy streaming video via realplayer, but my realplayer alternative played it just fine. Not to mention there are several deleted scenes available to look at. One even explains the picture that hangs on the President's wall, which, I believe is the same picture that hangs in the pilots' ready room

__________________
No signature. None. Seriously.

crossova

you are correct. it is the same photo.