For now we see through a glass, darkly. The greatest virtue of science fiction is its ability to comment on the life and times of its particular era. Like no other genre sci-fi can show us our greatest strengths or the error of our ways, without being overbearing or preaching. No sci-fi show was a stronger reflection of its time and place in history than Battlestar Galactica. And it all started with its very first episode, 33. The series issued a clarion call with 33, making it abundantly clear that Battlestar Galactica would be unlike any other sci-fi show ever. The audience is plunged into the midst of a battle-worn, sleep-deprived group of people, already reaching their breaking point, forced to flee from Cylon attacks every thirty-three minutes. Instantly the viewer is invested in the well-being of the characters. In that single episode, everything the audience needs to know about the circumstances is laid out. The stakes are simple and yet never have been graver: the survival of the human race. The episode culminates with a horrific decision: whether or not to shoot down a civilian ship that is how the Cylons are tracking them, killing hundreds, for the safety of the fleet. When President Roslin makes the choice to have it shot down, the viewer feels her horror and sorrow. Even at this early stage in the series, the characters souls have begun to darken and rot from within. With 33, Battlestar Galactica had found a unique voice which it used to speak to us about the recklessness of the human condition and the propensity we have as a species to divide along ethnic, cultural, and religious lines. It was with that very first episode that the series threw the gauntlet down, informing the audience that what was to unfold would never fail to turn away from the greatest heights nor the deepest fears which drive humanity. The series had held a mirror up to the audience with 33, and its message was clear: this is who we are. So what do you think? Post a comment below and let the discussion begin.
I've been a huge sci-fi fan ever since going to see "Star Wars" at the tender age of 3 (and yes I actually do remember it! I love pretty much any intelligent and entertaining film and television series (some of my all time favorites are 2001, Lawrence of Arabia, Battlestar Galactica [SyFy], and The West Wing). Must thank the stars above for such things as HBOGO and Netflix (Am thoroughly enjoying Ripper Street btw). I've also been an avid comic book collector since childhood. I earned a bachelor's degree in creative writing with a second emphasis in film studies from Florida State University (Go Noles!) and definitely enjoy sitting back and watching pretty much any sports. I wish I had a joke to end with, but I don't so I'll simply say "The End."
For now we see through a glass, darkly. The greatest virtue of science fiction is its ability to comment on the life and times of its particular era. Like no other genre sci-fi can show us our greatest strengths or the error of our ways, without being overbearing or preaching. No sci-fi show was a stronger reflection of its time and place in history than Battlestar Galactica. And it all started with its very first episode, 33. The series issued a clarion call with 33, making it abundantly clear that Battlestar Galactica would be unlike any other sci-fi show ever. The audience is plunged into the midst of a battle-worn, sleep-deprived group of people, already reaching their breaking point, forced to flee from Cylon attacks every thirty-three minutes. Instantly the viewer is invested in the well-being of the characters. In that single episode, everything the audience needs to know about the circumstances is laid out. The stakes are simple and yet never have been graver: the survival of the human race. The episode culminates with a horrific decision: whether or not to shoot down a civilian ship that is how the Cylons are tracking them, killing hundreds, for the safety of the fleet. When President Roslin makes the choice to have it shot down, the viewer feels her horror and sorrow. Even at this early stage in the series, the characters souls have begun to darken and rot from within. With 33, Battlestar Galactica had found a unique voice which it used to speak to us about the recklessness of the human condition and the propensity we have as a species to divide along ethnic, cultural, and religious lines. It was with that very first episode that the series threw the gauntlet down, informing the audience that what was to unfold would never fail to turn away from the greatest heights nor the deepest fears which drive humanity. The series had held a mirror up to the audience with 33, and its message was clear: this is who we are. So what do you think? Post a comment below and let the discussion begin.