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Reviews
Battlestar Galactica: Scar (2006)
Stands on its Own: Baa, Baa Blacksheep in Space
I am surprised by the negative comments on "Scar." Battlestar Galactica wasn't trying to be "Lost." It thrived on building the story around the characters lives and character flaws ... like real-life. Too many shows today are all about driving towards a conclusion with twists and turns that make you care more about getting to the end then appreciating the levels of the journey. I really enjoyed how much this episode reminded me of "Baa Baa Black Sheep" where the pilots (and show) were only living to get through the day. I think some people have trouble with how much Kat and Kara fill traditionally masculine roles without any trouble pulling it off. Finally, the way the story time unfolded was brilliant. They used probably thirty minutes of footage to fill forty minutes of show and it works so well.
Battlestar Galactica: Daybreak: Part 2 (2009)
No loss is ever forgotten - but some are forgiven and some are learned from
Life needs a purpose. People need to know their purpose or they are bitter and confused. Ronald Moore, et al, transcended the typical idealized "human" purposes of "we need to struggle" and "we need to explore" to get use back to "each individual needs to find our use to others." I didn't expect all of the back-story, but I am so glad it was done. It helped me understand many of the characters much better as their journey ended. I struggled with liking Laura Roslin after the exodus from New Caprica. The finale helped me appreciate that her coldness stemmed from much more than her cancer. It helped me reconnect with that character before she passed. BSG is one sci-fi series that I recommend to sci-fi haters, because like the best dramas and tragedies struggles with every aspect of existing as human beings (not just abstract humanity). The story arc needed to go to old-Earth so the characters could understand that humans (or cylons) create technology faster than they can mature to use it. (Think of the War to End All Wars-WWI-for instance.) It takes a lot to get to the point where you want a "clean slate." But one you get there, you really are willing to do anything to keep the slate clean. BEAUTIFUL.
Battlestar Galactica: Blood on the Scales (2009)
Disquiet
I took a look back at the mini-series again after "Blood on the Scales." I felt compelled to because I wanted to remember what the characters were like in the start.
All I want to say is war, flight, occupation, the end of hope, and forming an alliance with one's former (genocidal) enemies might have a less than positive impact on some people's characters. LT. Gaeta's transformation is somewhat illuminated in the webisode series, but it is hardly required viewing to understand why Admiral Adama's plans to give Cylons access to every ship in the fleet might send him over the edge. And lest we forget that Tom Zarek was a terrorist on a prison barge in season one. He was always a megalomaniac and Gaeta finally gave him the opportunity to do what he always wanted to do - overturn the government by force.
The only thing surprising about the mutiny and the coup was that they didn't happen earlier. Adama himself essentially attempted a "temporary" coup in season two. Mutinies are rare, but I doubt if the people that carry them out are necessarily evil or even "abnormal" most of the time. Just very scared, weary and lost. But I suspect they always believe they are in the right when the whole frakin' world is upside down in their eyes. Anyway, I greatly enjoy how these characters have transformed over four years. I'd have turned it off in season two if they didn't change dramatically in response to the challenges they faced... some for the better and some for the worse.