LOVEFiLM

There are many reasons to watch Battlestar Galactica – here are 12…

1. Not really sci-fi – it’s more about war and genocide; heroism and cowardice; government vs the military.
2. Number Six – she’s pictured below right. She’s a baddie. And wears dresses with lots of material missing.



3. Girls like it too - probably because it’s really well-written. Possibly because there are a few hunky guys in it as well.
4. Excellent writing – cf. 3a. No cringeworthy space stuff (cf 1.), this feels authentic and plausible, with a powder-keg plot.
5. Great acting – across the board, from a couple of experienced veterans to a fresh new ensemble we’ve seldom seen before.
6. No-one’s safe – see 5b. Without much star status for protection, the characters are in an even more perilous situation.
7. Edward James Olmos – him from Dexter, The West Wing, Blade Runner. He’s in charge. All gravitas and nobility.
8. Apollo - played by Jamie Bamber (cf. 3b). You wouldn’t know it, but he’s actually English.
9. Father-son angst – between 7 . and 8. The weary Commander and his square-jawed, shoulder-chipped Captain.
10. It’s a bit saucy – especially between 2. and Baltar (James Callis – him from Bridget Jones). But they’re not alone.
11. Mary McDonnell – her from The Closer and Dances With Wolves, she becomes President. Reluctantly.
12. Fabulous effects – everything looks solid, and the dogfight footage slams us right into the heat of the action.

And – ok, one more – it completes its story in a coherent way. Embark on the two-episode mini-series (which we’ve placed at the top of the Season 1 list), and rest assured that this epic saga will unfold, develop, and ultimately resolve at the end of the fourth and final season.

For thumbnail info on the main characters and more reasons to watch, click here…

A closing thought: I love The West Wing. Probably the greatest TV series ever written/performed/created. I’ve watched it four times through, all 7 seasons, from beginning to end.

I’ve just finished my second pass through Battlestar Galactica. It’s possible I might love it more…

Darren Bignell, Senior Communications Manager