Battlestar Galactica "The Mini-Series"

I vaguely remember the Original series on TV - shut up Orange.

I watched the 2003 remake of the miniseries last night for the first time because people have mentioned if I liked Firefly/Serenity - I would love BG. Before I go on with my opinion of what I watched last night, first - a little background:

*I am relatively new to the sci-fi genre.
*I never gave Sci-Fi a chance because I was never a fan of Star-Trek (which I systematically lumped in all related movies and series). I saw the Star Trek movies but never got into the series - any of them.
*I liked Stargate alot when it came out at the theatre. I have not had an interest in watching the series.
*I loved Star Wars 4-5-6, liked 1, hated 2 and was remotely satisfied with 3.
*I really enjoyed the movie Serenity, which led me to the series Firefly, which I really enjoyed. It gave me a respect for how the genre could be.
*I think I may have been spoiled.


Potential Spoilers for Battlestar Galactica miniseries below:








Pros:
*I liked the concept with the Cylones.
*A lot of love and gratuitous sex.
*The infiltration and attack of the Cylons was well done.

Cons:
*I noticed the story heavily catered to the audience and practically spoon fed the story line. I'm not a moron (well most of the time) don't treat me like one. Subtlety when done right (and it saves so much time) can be a writers best friend - I don't think enough of these production companies give the viewer credit.
*It took forever for this miniseries to get rolling with the action. Set-up and character development is one thing but I think less time spoon feeding every little detail so bits of the puzzle fit cleaner together later was such a waste of time that could be spent on the actual story.
*I hated the stereotypical toughgirl character of Lieutenant Cara "Starbuck" - mainly because it was so over the top. Yea I get it - she's a toughy. Plus with all of that character development going on...they never even touched on why she is the way she is. It left me not identifying but hating her.
*What the hell was with the girl (she later kissed Pres Laura's assistant for no apparent cheesey reason) on the Captain's deck crying throughout the whole 4 hours. The captain should have told her to get her s*** together.
*Too much sex not enough action. What I listed as a pro earlier on stalemated me later as I thought about it. Too much focus on teh sexeh and not enough with the story.


I am not condeming this series. I will go on to pop season 1 on my netflix and most likely season 2. I am remotely interested in seeing what happens next. Maybe I will "get it" as the series will go on - I'll at least give it a shot.

I do not see though at this point, why this series had such high ratings after this miniseries.

Then again I like quippy one liners, action, heavy sarcasm and bits of comedy thrown into what little Sci-Fi I've seen, so this could be my major issue.

 

I kind of get why Firefly "failed" in Fox's eyes after your points Sentrosi.

I think they were expecting a Battlestar Galactica and Joss Whedon had bigger sights for his Sci-Fi action/drama.

Don't get me wrong Sent, I didn't hate the mini-series and I'm definitely giving it a shot.

I just added the BG Series 1&2 to my netflix so I'll be watching and talking your ear off about what I'll be watching.


**EDIT**
So as not to come across totally pompous...
When I say subtley and giving the viewer more credit I am not trying to come across as a know-it-all or anything.

The first time I actually got to witness how an editor of a movie shapes subtley was in the first "The Xmen" movie.

I knew it was around before but that movie gave a clear indication of the fine line there is and how to go about doing it - and doing it well.
Watch the deleted scenes from that movie. There is one deleted scene in the movie where Wolverine and Jane are talking about their feelings for one another - then they are interrupted by Cyclops. In the actual movie the editor cut out all of the talking but the actors pulled off the scene so well through body language and mood that you "got it" without anyone ever saying a word. In fact the edit explained tons more because it left it up to your imagination - which to me can be a more powerful storyteller.

Also not to derail the thread but my favorite scene in Part II of the Xmen franchise was when Wolverine was in the kitchen and he senses the oncoming enemies. That Hugh Jackman plays a great Wolverine.

 

Great feedback. I am defintely more interested to see what happens next and get caught up with the new season.


Pour a little out for the old BG crew:


How about that sweet rig? eh?

 

Well, I am 4 episodes into the first season...


Just like that, I'm hooked.


I still hate Starbuck's character...she reminds me of Pink (the singer) maybe that's why.

 

That rocks Sentrosi.


I just started Season 2.0. I watched the first episode last night. The writing definitely improved since the last season. That was a great episode and can't wait to finish it up so I can get to 2.5...and finally be caught up with the current episodes.

 

I am waiting (feverishly mind you) for the last disc of the 2.0 season to arrive (the last 4 episodes).

I then have to find the first 5 episodes of this season and I am all caught up.

The series really is fantastic. I never thought I'd say that after watching the miniseries. Like you mentioned Sentrosi, the writing really kicked it up a notch in the second season. The writers made a lot of good decisions since the beginning.

I guess the whole Helo/Sharon on Caprica came to play because after the miniseries fans came with such a response as to wanting to know what happened to Helo (if in fact he really did die). The powers that be I guess also liked the job the actor who played Helo did and "resurrected" his character.

Good stuff...can't wait to get caught up.