The Battlestar Galactica mini-series is a two hour and a half extravaganza that sets itself up as an introduction to the forth coming full series, detailing the Cylon's attack on the twelve human colonies, that leaves the 'Galactica' and her rag tag fleet of civilian vehicles as the only thing between their robotic nemeses and total eradication of the human race. It pays homage to the original series and indeed as well as re-imagining its predecessor, attempts in its own way to gift them both existence in the same plane. More importantly, however, the mini- series sets out to stamp its own authority on the highly lacking sci-fi series universe using its brand of sublime special effects, intense action, gripping storyline and absorbing characters (even if one in particular is, thankfully, never seen again) to hook you from the get go so that you go further and search for its subsequent seasons.
However, and unfortunately there is a however, the very first episode of the first season is an incredibly difficult place to start for those that have not watched the mini-series. Personally half way through the lengthy introduction I went out to purchase both seasons 1 and 2 on DVD as I was hooked, but the seasons do not lend themselves to watching without the introduction. So much happens and takes place and is set up in the preceding film that any one who you have recommended the new look "Battlestar" to simply must view this first, otherwise subtle nuances and plot points will be lost. Why is this such an issue? Simply because the "Mini-Series", while an enjoyable entertaining affair, does not prepare you for how good episode one is, and how you are then catapulted into a world which will eat away hours of your life. This first instalment is unrefined: certain quotations and characters are unnecessarily placed within it to cater to the original fan base (I'm also aware the director and producer are seeing what works within their construct) one of which is so far removed from needed that it almost spoils the experience. The dialogue is also in a rough stage of development, whereby the outlines of characters must be forged so the conversations and interactions don't flow as smoothly as they should, and can provide for a partially cringe worthy affair.
However, I will maintain (as I have to many friends I have recommended it to) that perseverance is the key. You will not appreciate the greatness of the subsequent seasons without ploughing through the mini-series. Not that the mini-series isn't an enjoyable watch, but for those who are still undecided about the concept or not immensely avid science fiction fans, it can come across as turgid and clichéd, which is why I would suggest watching the first episode of the series immediately thereafter. If that doesn't capture your imagination then Battlestar Galactica is not for you. It is a great deal of time to invest in what is nothing more, for the cynics, than a dirge-fest of a 70s show transported into the noughties equipped with blonde bombshells and everything that any prepubescent needs in its sci-fi, but BSG is so much more than that, and to be frank, the quality of the show means that there are not many cynics about. Countless times, before I began watching, I read and read in various television supplements that this was and is the best thing on television, and to be frank they are right, for once you are involved it's a sterling whirlwind, but this two and a half hour affair is a must if you are to fully appreciate the series. If you enjoy or have enjoyed this instalment you will adore the series, for those still undecided I would recommend watching the first episode and judge from there whether you wish to continue, and for those that found this tedious and science fiction twaddle...well...you can just frak off!
However, and unfortunately there is a however, the very first episode of the first season is an incredibly difficult place to start for those that have not watched the mini-series. Personally half way through the lengthy introduction I went out to purchase both seasons 1 and 2 on DVD as I was hooked, but the seasons do not lend themselves to watching without the introduction. So much happens and takes place and is set up in the preceding film that any one who you have recommended the new look "Battlestar" to simply must view this first, otherwise subtle nuances and plot points will be lost. Why is this such an issue? Simply because the "Mini-Series", while an enjoyable entertaining affair, does not prepare you for how good episode one is, and how you are then catapulted into a world which will eat away hours of your life. This first instalment is unrefined: certain quotations and characters are unnecessarily placed within it to cater to the original fan base (I'm also aware the director and producer are seeing what works within their construct) one of which is so far removed from needed that it almost spoils the experience. The dialogue is also in a rough stage of development, whereby the outlines of characters must be forged so the conversations and interactions don't flow as smoothly as they should, and can provide for a partially cringe worthy affair.
However, I will maintain (as I have to many friends I have recommended it to) that perseverance is the key. You will not appreciate the greatness of the subsequent seasons without ploughing through the mini-series. Not that the mini-series isn't an enjoyable watch, but for those who are still undecided about the concept or not immensely avid science fiction fans, it can come across as turgid and clichéd, which is why I would suggest watching the first episode of the series immediately thereafter. If that doesn't capture your imagination then Battlestar Galactica is not for you. It is a great deal of time to invest in what is nothing more, for the cynics, than a dirge-fest of a 70s show transported into the noughties equipped with blonde bombshells and everything that any prepubescent needs in its sci-fi, but BSG is so much more than that, and to be frank, the quality of the show means that there are not many cynics about. Countless times, before I began watching, I read and read in various television supplements that this was and is the best thing on television, and to be frank they are right, for once you are involved it's a sterling whirlwind, but this two and a half hour affair is a must if you are to fully appreciate the series. If you enjoy or have enjoyed this instalment you will adore the series, for those still undecided I would recommend watching the first episode and judge from there whether you wish to continue, and for those that found this tedious and science fiction twaddle...well...you can just frak off!