Battlestar Galactica

I just finished watching the remainder of season two of Battlestar Galactica. I believe that this television series is one of the best (if not the best) on television. In the two seasons of the "reimagined series (RIS)," they have covered a variety of
political, ethical, and interpersonal issues that resonate with us today. The reason I mention this is that I've been to many sites that denigrate the RIS in favor of the original.

I am old enough to have watched the original series on television and compared to the RIS, it is quite unimpressive. I liken fans' love of the old series to our evangelicals who want to take us back to a "more simple time." While entertaining, the original series is campy, innocent, and a little shortsighted. Nothing of substance was ever really discussed, in my opinion, although they did have a token black guy and a couple of token female warriors. They weren't the primary characters, of course, and were put in (in my opinion) to show that that civilization was "advanced." Yeah, right.

The issues that the RIS discusses, such as the woman's right to an abortion against the backdrop of a potentially dying human race, the treatment of prisoners of war, and election fraud (even though it was the right thing to do) go far beyond anything that the old series ever came close to (or could come close to). The new Battlestar Galactica provides insightful and provoking coverage of subjects that affect us today and that have always affected us and that makes it relevant; just as relevant as The West Wing, or Law and Order. It is certainly better than Desperate Housewives, or Lost, but because it is "sci-fi," I don't think it will ever get the full respect that it is due.

That being said, if you haven't seen it and you are looking for a provocative, insightful, and thought provoking, you should tune in. The series premiere for season three is Friday, October 6. Enjoy!