Zeitgeist Galactica

The past several months I’ve been vindicated several times over.

I’ve recommended the show to practically everyone, with the same familiar spiel: “Yes, it’s a remake of that chintzy 1970s show, but it’s been transformed into a totally compelling grown-up story about post-9/11 society with three dimensional characters and jaw-dropping performances from the likes of Edward James Olmos and Mary McDonnell.” Still there are some people who won’t watch Battlestar Galactica – either because they can’t accept the association with the schlock of the original series, or they can’t believe science fiction could ever tell serious stories.

But I’ve been vindicated because most of these folks have bought the DVDs, caught up on the series, apologized profusely, and now openly declare themselves addicts of the show. Long email debates ensue about some of the themes presented in the series – notably the relationship between a civilian government and the military in times of crises, and the limits of democracy and our fragile notions of “human rights”.

The series is filled with characters and story that doesn’t cleave predictably into familiar political territory. The portrayal of military culture doesn’t always veer into the same shopworn model we have seen since Vietnam – where every general wants a destructive solution. And the civilian leaders, such as the teacher- turned-president played so powerfully by Ms. McConnell, are capable of steely determination in defense of the fictional endangered society. The ideas are familiar, but the ideology won’t match cleanly with any preconceptions. Liberals and conservatives alike will be entertained and simultaneously provoked by the story.

And the women on this show are just plain insanely hot.

The series returns for it’s third season this Friday at 9PM Eastern on SciFi. Last season ended with a Vichy France “occupation” theme in the works, and we can expect some overtones of the Iraq conflict. By all accounts the story will be very dark; this is a series that isn’t afraid to kick people, kill people, and see them ripped apart by their internal demons. But this only elevates those rare moments of heroism and harmony when they do take place. BSG goes to the zeitgeist: The decisions we make, rightly or wrongly in the hallowed name of liberty have real and often frighteningly painful consequences, intended and otherwise.

UPDATE: For those that can't wait until Friday, according to Ron Moore, executive producer, the first act of the first show of the third season is available online at the SciFi website.

Tags: Battlestar Galactica, Ronald D. Moore