zkonedog When most TV shows hit the airwaves, they struggle to make it an entire season and hope to find themselves along the way. Battlestar Galactica, however, began with this shiny miniseries, clearly establishing itself as a force to be reckoned with in the sci-fi TV ranks.For a basic plot summary, the BSG miniseries sees the Galactica spaceship set to be decommissioned after many years of service in the Cylon wars. Deemed too "outdated" for the modern era, the creaky ship is pressed into duty when the mysterious Cylons (a rebelling race of machines created by humans) suddenly return to wreak havoc on the galaxy.This is a clear example of a show that knew it would be good from the get-go. The acting is spot-on, the plot is intriguing, and the production values rival the pilot episode of LOST. It might come across as a bit egotistical, but BSG takes itself very seriously. Luckily, it has the gravitas to back it up.As far as the comparisons to the original BSG series, I can't make any, as I haven't watched a single second of it. Suffice it to say, though, that you don't have to have ANY prior knowledge to get sucked into the plot.Overall, this 3-hour miniseries sets the stage for the Sci-Fi Channel TV series, proving that shows ending in "Trek" or beginning with "Star" don't necessarily corner the market on sci-fi fare.

foghorn_clj Disclaimer: The only reason I started watching this series was to stop my friend from constantly badgering me to watch it. Oh I wished I hadn't listened to her and instead listened to my gut.Like I said the miniseries and season 1 were pretty good (except for them dumping 2 characters on another planet as a sub plot (and those characters achieving nothing for 10 episodes or so) & developing other minor characters I didn't give a crap about).And then season 2 happened and I lost my patience. The cyclons having "a plan" but none of this plan being revealed in any form of a timely manner. Gius' continuing hallucination spouting nonsensical fluff about destiny which turned from intriguing to annoying. The unnecessary focus on politics and other random nonsense which in no way added to the plot. And I could just see that it was going to move more towards this whole spiritual-god- religious path storyline of which I have ZERO interest.The only storyline I actually cared about was the romance between Kara and Lee but sitting through all the other crap wasn't worth finding out what happened between these two.Bottom line, I was bored out of my mind. In fact I fell asleep multiple times watching this.It's not sci-fi. It's a dramatic, soap opera which happens to take place in space.Recommendation: Don't walk, run in other direction. Don't waste your time. Put in an episode of Star Trek and go to your sci fi happy place.

benjamin_lappin 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!

Abusimble1 Sad to see Glen A. Larson producing shows like this. The main issue is, what is with the Laura Roslin character? She seems like a man in a woman's body and viewers find this appealing? Also the entire show seems to be about interrogations and more interrogations. The plot seems banal and always week after week the same things are shown. Some conspiracy abounds and this is supposed to be the new great twist every episode. There is hardly any action and the drama is based entirely on having some sort of stale friction between the characters. I highly recommend watching Star Trek: The Next Generation or Star Trek: The Original series if one wants good science fiction episodes. This show isn't science fiction. It's junk.