An Acceptable Trek Substitute

Contrary to the name of this blog, I am a die hard Star Trek fan . However that doesn't mean that I haven't recently begun to harbor a love for the fantastic remake of the sci-fi legend Battlestar Galactica. I arrived late to the boat of Battlestar Galactica with its fourth season starting up in december.

I bought the first season for a modest fee and watched it with a fervor. I ate through the season with a tenacity unseen since I finished Star Trek: The Next Generation. I loved every minute of the depressing, space drama that is Battlestar Galactica.

For those who don't know, back in the late 70's there was a hallmark sci-fi series called Battlestar Galactica. It was created, riding on the coattails of the Original Start Trek, and had a cult fan base. Throughout the years after the shows cancellation, prominent fans have worked on a recreation of the beloved series.

In 2003 the dream was made a reality. A miniseries was put into the works by Fox to act as a sort of pilot for a new series. The miniseries was successful and the folks at paramount decided they wanted the show back on the air. The series started back up with some similar aspects to the original series, but with a whole new storyline.

I love the plot and the characters (some great acting), and pretty much everything about the show. It features all of the science and robots and space ships of Star Trek, but with a grittier, more real feel to it. The creators of BSG aren't afraid to kill large numbers of characters, while it seems the people behind Star Trek shied away from the slaying of prized characters.

Instead of single ship on ship battles, the combatants in BSG are chiefly the Viper attack fighters. These are single manned vessels that are outrageously maneuverable, but rather prone to blowing up under fire. These Vipers are piloted by ace pilots aboard the giant, carrier-like ship the Battlestar Galactica.

A favorite bit of mine is the cinematography in the series. When watching the epic space battles of the series, the view focuses in and out rapidly at first as if someone was filming the fight from another place. Some may find this annoying, but I find that it makes the skirmishes more visceral and real (despite the fact that they are fighting robots in space... more real)

Battlestar Galactica is engrossing and entertaining, and a perfect addition to anyone's sci-fi library. If you liked the exploits of Kirk or Picard (or even Sisko and Janeway), give BSG a chance. You can find it on DVD at book and movie stores (for an inflated price) or on iTunes for a pretty respectable amount.... or you may be able to find it somewhere for free..... **subtle wink**. It may not be Star Trek, but it can fill the science fiction void until the new film comes out.

Until Next Time Live Long and Prosper _\\//,
~Mike