December 10, 2003

I tried to watch the original Battlestar Galactica TV series in re-runs, but without nostalgia value there really wasn't much to like. The DVD box set has a nifty case, though, and I can't help but be a little curious about the 1978 TV movie.

The apparent negative reaction of the BG fan-base to the new SciFi channel Battlestar Galactica mini-series makes me pleased I was never a fan of the original, or I wouldn't be enjoying this new version as much as I am. The story seems especially suited to the mini-series format, with a definite beginning, a definite end, and the opportunity to throw the full weight of the story into the work. And I'm digging the panicked space battle camerawork.

Richard Hatch's own BattlestarGalactica.com appears to be a tad upset that the SciFi Channel shelved a revival project from a few years ago that involved more of the original cast (including Richard Hatch) in favor of this mini-series. Hatch has been keeping the dream alive with BG novels, and was set to produce and star in the 1999 project. I'm not sure if we should be interested in an original cast 20 years later (though it sounds like the story takes place 20 years later, similar to the mini-series), but I'd be curious to see this trailer. The site, naturally, has about as much information about The Second Coming as there is without actually having the trailer for download. Series creator Glen A. Larson was behind the SciFi mini-series, so it isn't clear what claim Hatch ought to have to a revival effort, but Hatch's self-funded proof-of-concept trailer sounds pretty heroic and worth a look. I can imagine if I were a follower, perhaps I'd be upset with SciFi as well.

comments...

bda, December 10, 2003 6:56 AM:

I'm a fan of the original, and I enjoyed the mini-series. It wasn't super great, but it wasn't horrible, either.



I full expected to dislike it a great deal, too. :-)



Of course, it could just be Edward James Olmos. I love that guy.

Dan Sanderson, December 12, 2003 8:55 AM:

Aw. I posted this having only seen three hours of the mini-series. If I knew there were only a total of four, I wouldn't have been so excited.



My final thought on the matter is if the full series, or sequel mini-series, implied by the blatant and gratuitous cliffhanger is in the works, it better be at least this good. Enough effort obviously went into the art and sound direction that I would hope that future episodes would stay on model. Alas, the writing will probably be the first to go...

bda, December 12, 2003 10:01 AM:

I was pretty happy with the art design. Some of the writing was kludegy, but you got to see stuff you generally don't see in sci-fi. Like abandoning a flotilla of civilian ships, and watching as they get nuked by the bad guys.



The thing with the little girl was overdone, but probably a nice mindjack for the majority of viewers.



I'd watch a series.

Jerry Kindall, December 15, 2003 9:36 AM:

I finally got a chance to watch this over the weekend. Edward James Olmos certainly does a nice impression of Captain Sheridan (Bruce Boxleitner) from Babylon 5.



Some of the science was a bit wonky, and some of the scenes that required urgency didn't really convey it well, but overall I liked it and would probably give a series a chance. It got good enough ratings that I'm pretty sure there'll be one.