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Post by CRAMBAM on Apr 11, 2009 20:05:17 GMT -5
It's no secret that I'm not really a fan of Ron Moore. I think he's beyond arrogant, and while he has written some good stuff, I can't respect the talent of a man who has never created anything that isn't from someone else. His best stuff came from things that were made successful by others.
BSG is something that always bugged me because of the whole Starbuck is a girl thing. I don't have the attachment to BSG that I did Trek, and given that it was all new and had no connection to the original, and almost as important, I hated the way Sci-Fi ended the last two series I watched. Sliders was a show I really enjoyed. Ended on a cliffhanger. Farscape was one of the best original sci-fi shows of the last 20 years, maybe THE best. Ended on a cliffhanger (though the followup miniseries helped).
So given my disdain for Moore, the arrogance of making Starbuck a girl, and my disgust for Sci-Fi finales, I refused to watch this show.
But all that time, most people gave this show a thumbs up. Given that this wasn't really a RDM original, I could believe that.
That said, the whole Farscape/Sliders shadow loomed. Why invest years and time in a show that is going to end like crap?
I know the series finale aired recently, and one person I know told me it was excellent--a nice wrap to the show.
I decided to watch the opening miniseries today. Obviously, I'm several years behind the pack, and it will take time to catch up, but with a summer looming, might as well work on it a bit unless I get bored with it.
Some thoughts--
1. I was right about the Starbuck being a girl thing. It was stupid. Dumb and arrogant idea from the mind that thought killing Kirk was a GOOD thought. What I saw was an actress trying to be Dirk Benedict. The character was basically written the same way, only no woman can pull that off. Even without the original series, this was a manly character, and it doesn't work watching a woman try to be a man. It's as weak as watching a man try to be a woman. I'm hoping the character develops as I watch more episodes.
2. The reveal at the end when Boomer was a cylon--I could have told you that. You would think they would have realized it. After all, Boomer is a big black guy.
3. I felt that the cylon attack at the beginning could have been done better.
4. Overall, I think in episodic format, I'll find it more watchable. It's not easy to sit through 3 hours of a miniseries. 42 minutes at a shot will be easier.
So far, with the miniseries done, and the season 1 first episode on deck, the show is watchable, worth continuing, but not the ass kicking show that I was led to believe. But then again, some shows take awhile to get going.
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Post by Gary Seven on Apr 12, 2009 2:57:15 GMT -5
Overall, I think in episodic format, I'll find it more watchable. It's not easy to sit through 3 hours of a miniseries. 42 minutes at a shot will be easier. So far, with the miniseries done, and the season 1 first episode on deck, the show is watchable, worth continuing, but not the ass kicking show that I was led to believe. But then again, some shows take awhile to get going.
This is a series that had many opportunities but blew most of them by not exploring or expanding on areas that it could have explored easily and expanded on. That said, there are some exceptions along the way that you'll probably enjoy. I think "Razor" was likely their best work (although you'll likely consider some of what is done there to be 'sacrilegious' in comparison to the original show), along with the series finale, which was, for the most part, done pretty well. Could have been better also, but it really does round everything out and give you a real sense of completion finally ...of finality, in a word.
Mel is perhaps the biggest BSG fan of the people here (meaning this latest incarnation), and she'd no doubt take issue with most of what I just said, but it is how I feel and I came to realize, particularly near the end, that I was by no means alone in my overall view of the show.
Anyway, I don't want to give anything away, so that's all I'll say for right now. |
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Post by CRAMBAM on Apr 13, 2009 6:30:50 GMT -5
That's fair. Mel probably will be very useful in this thread if she is a big fan because odds are, she may have watched the early seasons more recently than when they aired. I'll try to get to another episode soon.
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Post by CRAMBAM on Apr 13, 2009 19:54:32 GMT -5
So I watched the first episode, 33 today. I thought it was better than the miniseries. They set up some interesting plots. It's not must see TV by any means, but it's watchable. Worth continuing.
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Post by Mel on Apr 15, 2009 16:55:27 GMT -5
< I watched the first episode, 33 today. I thought it was better than the miniseries. They set up some interesting plots. It's not must see TV by any means, but it's watchable. Worth continuing. >  |
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Post by CRAMBAM on Apr 15, 2009 16:58:08 GMT -5
I thought 33 was interesting in that they went back to Caprica to follow up on the guy Boomer abandoned. I didn't think they would do that. I'm sure that will be a cool story once they get him in space and reunited.
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Post by CRAMBAM on Apr 17, 2009 9:24:37 GMT -5
Watched the second episode, where Cylon Boomer sabotages the water supply. Another very interesting episode. The plotline works well. This show might have been much better had it not had that 1970s run. But then again, that would have required Ron Moore to actually create something, and he's clearly not capable of that.
I look forward to seeing them resolve the whole guy left behind on Caprica/Boomer issue.
I don't know where they're going with it, given that there is a Boomer, and it's kind of hard to find the fleet. I also doubt that guy is the only survivor on Caprica, which means there are more than 45000 humans left.
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Post by mxxpwr on Apr 17, 2009 12:31:42 GMT -5
Man, it's hard to reply without spoiling anything.
Let's just say that I'm finding your thoughts interesting. If nothing else it's because you're mirroring my thoughts as I watched it years ago.
I'm interested to see when your WTH thoughts occur.
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Post by CRAMBAM on Apr 18, 2009 12:29:55 GMT -5
Just finished Season 1, Episode 3.
I knew Richard Hatch was going to be on the show. I didn't realize it was the 3rd episode of the 1st season. I always thought it was the 2nd season, or something like that.
I like his character, though of course, would have preferred to see him as Apollo in a continuation.
The episode itself was pretty good, and I liked the ending. I agreed with Apollo's decision, and he proved to be smarter than both Adama and the president. Obviously, this sets up a pretty good role for Hatch.
The scene in Caprica seemed to just be a filler scene. Obviously, this is a cylon setup. It's possible the other Boomer doesn't realize she's a cylon, but I don't think that's the case.
I'm not a big fan of the whole "hot cylon in Baltar's head" thing. It is basically a ripoff of Farscape's Harvey.
Anyone else think Baltar is a lot like Bashir from DS9?
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Post by Gary Seven on Apr 18, 2009 12:40:58 GMT -5
The episode itself was pretty good, and I liked the ending. I agreed with Apollo's decision, and he proved to be smarter than both Adama and the president. Obviously, this sets up a pretty good role for Hatch. Anyone else think Baltar is a lot like Bashir from DS9?
By the way --there is a BSG Board on AOL. |
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Post by CRAMBAM on Apr 18, 2009 23:14:01 GMT -5
I don't think the character so much is like Bashir, but the actor is. I could see Alexander Siddig stepping into the role and no one noticing the difference.
I wouldn't bother with a BSG board without having seen the entire series. It's better to go through it here. Good chance of good conversation, with less chance of spoilers.
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Post by CRAMBAM on Apr 19, 2009 10:35:04 GMT -5
Season 1, Episode 4 in the books. This is the first of at least a 2 parter. Good character development here, and the episode moved at a very good pace. I'm not a fan of the Starbuck character, but it was a decent story, which made up for it.
Finally getting some background with Zack.
We got another token Caprica scene. I'm beginning to wonder if they will find more humans and somehow find a way to join the fleet. I have a feeling that at minimum, the human guy is going to be returned, because without that, this subplot has no purpose.
It's weird how the Cylons can ever find these people.
One problem I have is with the similarities to Earth culture. I realize we're all supposed to be the same species, but the evolution of the gods, measurement system, timing, and even some music, seems a bit much.
The original show was better at reminding us that these aren't Earth people.
And the music on the original show was so much better.
But this was a very good episode. I will try to actually watch part 2 later today.
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Post by CRAMBAM on Apr 20, 2009 6:22:44 GMT -5
Saw part 2, which was season 1, episode 5. Not as strong as part 1, but the episode/2 parter fulfilled its clear goal which was to explain and established the bond between Starbuck and the Adama family.
Why do they feel the need to show important clips from the episode during the opening credits? Was that a source of complaint during the show's run?
I still don't like Starbuck, but it was a decent 2 parter.
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Post by Gary Seven on Apr 20, 2009 10:26:03 GMT -5
I wouldn't bother with a BSG board without having seen the entire series. It's better to go through it here. Good chance of good conversation, with less chance of spoilers.
By the way --how are you seeing the entire series at present? Did you buy the DVDs, or were they loaned to you by the friend you mentioned? |
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Post by Gary Seven on Apr 20, 2009 10:27:45 GMT -5
Why do they feel the need to show important clips from the episode during the opening credits? Was that a source of complaint during the show's run? |
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Post by Gary Seven on Apr 20, 2009 10:45:27 GMT -5
Ron Moore's BSG is listed Number 12 in the New AOL "50 Best TV Dramas Ever" List, edging out "The X-Files" which came in at Number 14 in contrast.
I think it's bull --this version of BSG has been highly overrated by the critics in my view. There have been plenty of SF "Drama" shows that were better, such as The X-Files, and TNG, which came in at a distant Number 37 by comparison on this List, which is ridiculous.12. 'Battlestar Galactica'(2004-09) Starbuck (Katee Sackhoff) became a girl and the camp factor became a thing of the past in this re-do of the '70s series, which became one of the best written and produced sci-fi dramas on the tube. Producers put a darker, deeper, more modern spin on humans' attempts to find Earth and save their race from extinction after the Cylon war. The mission proved heartbreaking, but always fascinating, by the bleak finale. television.aol.com/insidetv/2009/03/11/50-best-tv-dramas-ever/
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Post by CRAMBAM on Apr 20, 2009 11:48:06 GMT -5
This isn't limited to Sci-Fi?
I'm 5 episodes in. It's a solid show. But it wouldn't make top anything.
There are plenty of dramas I would place ahead of this show.
Just going on their list here are a few shows that are easily better, and can say that without a doubt. There are some shows that, assuming BSG is as good as the hype, I may be able to say it will surpass. But there are some, it will NEVER surpass.
1. Little House
2. 24
3. TNG
4. Perry Mason
5. Mission Impossible
6. Dallas
7. Bonanza
8. The Shield
The fact that TOS doesn't make their list and My So Called Life does, pretty much seals the deal on how ridiculous that list is.
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Post by Mel on May 2, 2009 8:49:37 GMT -5
I don't recall BSG pre-airing important clips from the episode during the opening credits. All I recall seeing was a brief recap to set the stage. I wonder if things were changed on the DVDs. I have some of the DVDs (years 1 and 2) but I no longer have a DVD player! Everything is a DVR now.
My laptop won't play DVDs. I get some windows message that I've inserted the wrong kind of DVD for the country. Obviously I haven't. They're all region 1. I've googled it and read that I can't see DVDs on here unless I upgrade from Vista Home Basic. And if that's the right answer, then MS and Gate's greed knows no bounds, and I hate it.
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Post by Wahrheit on May 2, 2009 9:46:37 GMT -5
My laptop won't play DVDs. I get some windows message that I've inserted the wrong kind of DVD for the country. Obviously I haven't. They're all region 1. I've googled it and read that I can't see DVDs on here unless I upgrade from Vista Home Basic. And if that's the right answer, then MS and Gate's greed knows no bounds, and I hate it. Mel, that seems odd. I have Vista home basic with no problems. Are you using the WMP? I will say that the Windows media player does suck. if that's you're problem you could most likely use a different media player. my laptop came with HP Quickplay, which works much better, and without problems. But I do agree, I hate all the Microsoft bundled junk like IE and WMP. |
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Post by StarFuryG7 on May 2, 2009 12:32:45 GMT -5
I don't recall BSG pre-airing important clips from the episode during the opening credits. All I recall seeing was a brief recap to set the stage. My laptop won't play DVDs. I get some windows message that I've inserted the wrong kind of DVD for the country. Obviously I haven't. They're all region 1. I've googled it and read that I can't see DVDs on here unless I upgrade from Vista Home Basic. And if that's the right answer, then MS and Gate's greed knows no bounds, and I hate it. [/color][/quote] No, that can't be right. It sounds as though you have a driver problem and need to update that driver. Are you using Windows XP on that laptop as your Operating System? Because Vista Home Basic would therefore be the next step up from that, which makes no sense no matter how you cut it, because that machine should have come loaded with the necessary driver for the DVD Player that's installed in that machine. If you want I can try and help you out with that--just e-mail me your machine Specs and I'll try and track down the right driver for you and will direct you to it once I find it. But it sounds like you screwed up the correct driver that was on that machine somehow, perhaps when you installed something else. I just had to overcome a problem since I upgraded my Security App the night before last, and it knocked out the drivers for my Printer and MP3 Player, along with a driver for something else that I haven't bothered to figure out yet because it doesn't look like it's anything imperative. But whatever the problem is with your machine, I'm pretty sure it can be figured out and resolved.
At any rate, you can pick up a decent DVD Player very cheap almost anywhere, so why not do that also? At least then you'll be able to play the DVDs you already own. |
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Post by CRAMBAM on May 3, 2009 12:20:43 GMT -5
One thing I find amusing about this show is the attention the president gets. Ok, if she were the leader of a group of hundreds of millions of people, I could see the protocol and treament.
But why are there like 20 reporters following her around when she's only the leader of 50000 people. With all that's going on, are that many reporters that necessary?
And could she truly hold on to power like that?
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Post by mxxpwr on May 4, 2009 12:31:35 GMT -5
One thing I find amusing about this show is the attention the president gets. Ok, if she were the leader of a group of hundreds of millions of people, I could see the protocol and treament. But why are there like 20 reporters following her around when she's only the leader of 50000 people. With all that's going on, are that many reporters that necessary? I see this happen all too often in post-apoc stories/shows (Jericho, Space: 1999). They always have this let's-get-back-to-normal phase, which is bull, because nothing's normal. You're hurtling through space on the moon, or you're nuked with few necessities, etc. I'll let you get further along because I discuss this. |
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Post by StarFuryG7 on May 4, 2009 15:52:46 GMT -5
One thing I find amusing about this show is the attention the president gets. Ok, if she were the leader of a group of hundreds of millions of people, I could see the protocol and treament. But why are there like 20 reporters following her around when she's only the leader of 50000 people. With all that's going on, are that many reporters that necessary? |
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Post by Mel on May 6, 2009 15:35:02 GMT -5
If I were a civilian in the BSG fleet, I would appreciate the appearance of normality while all hell breaks loose. I would find the attempt to return aspects of our lives to normal very reassuring. (I can't say more than that now.)
As for why so many reporters, my take was that there was one for each ship. Other than that, people needed to stay busy. Reporters need to report.
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Post by Mel on May 6, 2009 15:41:08 GMT -5
Thanks to you and others who commented about this. Yes, Gary, I have Windows Vista Home Basic. This laptop is less than a year old. I'll check for a new driver, and if that doesn't work, I'll call customer service. I forgot about it being under warranty.  Yes, I could get a decent DVD player, but we're on a budget (roof needs fixing; we need a front fence and landscaping). Besides, I don't want another electronic box in my bedroom. The DVR is plenty.
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Post by CRAMBAM on May 7, 2009 12:15:55 GMT -5
It just doesn't seem that necessary to have that much press for someone who is essentially a mayor.
Hatch's character makes some very interesting points, as I've seen in his second appearance. When everything ends, what's the use of money, and sticking to your old jobs?
I'm at the point in the first season where the episode ended with Helo discovering Boomer was a cylon and Hatch ran for VP only to lose to Baltar (who really reminds me of Bashir).
Lots of set up for the final 2 episodes of season 1, which I'm sure will be solid.
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Post by TrekBeatTK on Feb 15, 2012 11:44:14 GMT -5
Well, this is an old thread, but did you ever finish BSG, Cram?
I did the same thing, hating the idea of it so I ignored it, then finally watched it all. I believe I mentioned this before, but all my initial reactions were blogged at frackgalactica.blogspot.com
Also, I reviewed classic galactica and Galactica 1980 there as well if anyone is inclined to read it.
I'm curious what you think of the last couple years of the series, which I thought took the halfway-decent parts of the show and killed them dead.
-TK
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Post by CRAMBAM on Feb 15, 2012 15:08:14 GMT -5
Feel free to revive any old thread.
At this point, yes, I did finish the series, but it's been a few years since I watched the show. I saw each episode only one time, so naturally I don't remember much specifics--only the major plot points.
Since you're asking about the end seasons, I can remember how annoyed I was with the final four cylons. I thought it was the dumbest plot twist, thrown in there for shock value.
As for the ending, I was amazed because if you saw the finale, and you saw RDM, you could actually SEE the smugness that surrounded him. But that said, the finale as a whole was ok.
Obviously, I was interested in learning more about their future ON Earth. I liked the twist of ending up on Earth, but 150000 years in our past. I thought the whole Starbuck stuff was just dumb.
I watched Caprica and thought it sucked. Wasn't surprised it got canceled.
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Post by gavin1701 on Apr 24, 2012 13:02:36 GMT -5
I'm currently rewatching the show on BluRay, and although I enjoyed it the first time around, I believe I'm enjoying it a lot more the second viewing. Interestingly, I am at the exact same place Crambam was when he last reported his progress in this thread, just before the final 2-parter of season 1.
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Post by gavin1701 on Apr 27, 2012 14:12:56 GMT -5
Oh and starbuck being a girl never bothered me. All Starbuck is, is a callsign. It wasn't the same character at all. Bennidicts character was cool and charming. Sackhoff's is quite unlikable at times and arrogant.
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