Absolutely brilliant beginning of the second half of season two of Battlestar Galactica! They brought in a vicious militaristic, powerhouse in Admiral Cain and totally shook the show up. You know, I initially had my doubts about Battlestar Galactica when the mini-series came out a few years ago. I felt there was just too much sex in it (not that I'm against sex!) that was misplaced, but throughout the two years that the show has been on, it has toned down to just enough sex appeal -- that's not over the top -- and the story-lines are just simply incredible. They did stick that stupid basketball type game in there in season 2, but it's only on for a couple minutes, so I guess I can live with it.

This part of the season starts out with a power struggle between Adama and Cain, each with their own Battlestar capable of destroying each other. Each agrees to cease hostilities and work together to take out a Cylon major ship while at the same time plotting against the other. It seems fairly realistic in the sense that throughout history similar events have happened.

I'll run down some of the things I'm loving about this show. The characters seem more believable than not, although sometimes the acting is a little strained and over the top.

My initial complaints about Starbuck have been put to rest. She has turned from a stupid chick that they tried to make look tough, into a character with... well some character. Starbuck's been beaten down, shot, put in a baby farm, stabbed some dude in the neck with some object, whacked a Cylon in the head with a fire extinguisher and now been assigned a suicide assassin mission. They've really turned a character that could have ruined the whole show into a real force of character.

Same about the President. She has turned from a lame duck President into a central part of a lot of the story-lines. Though I still don't really like her character -- or her being some sort of prophet -- she fits in. The only good thing is that she will eventually die off. I'd rather see there be a constant civil war type thing going on than the babbling the President does all the time. But that's just me.

Boomer, ahh what to say. I liked her from the start. The fact that she turned out to have multiple Cylon clones of her was even better. I just wish I could go land on that one ship she was on where there were hundred of her walking around. The whole love triangle/pregnancy thing is kinda cool with guys willing to die for her. The end of the first half of the season was a little rough with her almost being gang raped in a holding cell, but to be honest that's what makes this series so great. They don't seem to shy away from making you look up and go "Holy shit I can't believe they actually went that far!" Love her character. More Boomer! I only wish they had made her the voice in Gaius' head that way she could wear some kinky outfits!

My favorite character is still Gaius Baltar, the frustrated doctor/scientist who has strained loyalties and a sexy Cylon chick living in his head. There's something about a character who is confused that I like. He seems geeky, yet suave, intellectual, but non political. He seems to just go with the flow, but has problems choosing the right thing over the wrong thing because a hot chick is telling it to him. He seems to be playing both sides at some times and at others he seems to have totally sided with the humans -- and then they nail you by having him do something totally anti-human. Great character.

Then we have his counterpart. The sexy chick in his head. I'm not even sure what her name is, let me look it up...ahh, Number 6 or something. Sure she's hot sometimes. She sure has the sex appeal and I think I've seen the side of her breasts from behind enough to know she turns me on from that angle. I could stare at her from that angle all day. I have a particular hate for women who use sex as a weapon though and that's probably because it works! I hate that it works. She plays her character well though. Sometimes she doesn't look sexy though to me. There's something about a woman bigger than I am with size 12 feet that I don't like, but I have an affinity for small women, so I can understand guys who do love her.

Colonel Tigh I still like. An alcoholic asshole type who declares martial-law and seems to do what has to be done. I liked him before and I still like him. I think he just needs to smack his power-hungry wife a bit more, she's annoying.

Apollo I still find somewhat annoying. His character is great though. He has changed a bit throughout the show and grown to a point where he's not just some clean cut "goody two shoes". He's even revolted several times. He still always does the right thing though, even if it's against orders. A little too "goody two shoes" for me. I like the rebels.

Admiral Cain is clearly one of my favorites right from the get go. She's the stereotypical military leader who is willing to go so far as executing women and children in order to get the husband to do her bidding. She'll sacrifice the lives of others in a heartbeat for the cause in general. She definitely leans towards a total dictatorship more than a democracy. The reason I like her is that she added a lot of complexity and plot to the show and made it more interesting. This season ought to play out well unless she gets her just rewards at the end of Starbucks weapon next episode. They picked a brilliant actress for this part. She doesn't seem to be acting at all and her angst and anger seem true. For those of you who were wondering where you've seen her before -- like I was -- she played Ensign Ro in Star Trek: The Next Generation.

Commander Adama I don't like much. He's kind of tough when he's cornered, but he seems weak otherwise and just plays things by the numbers. I suppose he would make a good leader in real life, but for a TV show you have to have someone flawed. The only flaws in Adama are that he has a little problem with his son and that kind of mixes things up a bit.

There's some minor characters in there. One is in love with Boomer... (I looked him up Chief Tyrol) ... who stopped her rape and killed the lead interrogator guy. He's OK. You have the little cherub looking girl Cally who pulled a Jack Ruby on one of the Boomer Cylons and shot her while she was being walked -- flanked by guards -- down a corridor. I saw that coming from a mile away. She's walking down the corridor and I'm thinking "this would be a good time for a Lee Harvey Oswald, Jack Ruby moment" and there it was.

OK, I've spent entirely much time on this entry. While I like Battlestar Galactica, I'd have to say I like Lost better. Why? Because I like the characters. I'm a character kind of guy and when you can set up great believable characters you can make them stand around talking to each other with nothing going on and still have me hooked.

Battlestar Galactica has to be in my top 5 favorite shows list though.

On to the the next episode, which looks to be a doozy! As does the rest of the season.

See also my ranking of all the Star Trek series and movies. Talk about geek overload!

If you've missed Battlestar Galactica you can always buy it on DVD and support my coffee habit at the same time! Here's the links on Amazon.

Mini-Series

Season 1

Season 2.0

Other Commentary
Darleen's Place
The Owners' Manual who has more on Ensign Ro.
SayUncle

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