Remaking a Classic
The Mini-Series Galactica Fans Don't Want You to See

This week was the premiere of the SciFi Channel's new Battlestar Galactica mini-series. The show itself is nothing compared to the firestorm of controversy that has surrounded its production. The broadcast was merely prelude to what will undoubtedly be a continuing debate among science fiction fans for decades to come.

The purists, those dedicated to the old 1978 series, want nothing to do with the "re-imagining" provided by writer Ronald D. Moore and director Michael Rymer. They don't believe that the classic science fiction series about a "rag-tag fugitive fleet" running from robotic Cylons needs to be updated. It is what it is, they argue, and they like it.

Those associated with the production of the SciFi Channel mini-series see the old series as a gem of an idea. Reinventing that idea in light of 21st century ideas and with fantastic new special effects is merely doing tribute to the old great series. They say they want to give Galactica a fresh look and a fresh start because, in many ways, the old series was really rather silly.

So, who is right? I've wanted to weigh in on the debate for a while now, but I thought it would be best to wait until the show had debuted and I could make an informed opinion rather than allowing my sentimental nostalgia for the 1978 series to cloud my objectivity. I loved the original show, and I have both the feature film and the complete boxed set of television episodes in my DVD collection. I love the old clunky Cylons with their metallic voices. I love the Egyptian overtones in the sand-colored uniforms and pharaoh-like helmets the Viper pilots wear. I love the obscure references to the Lords of Kobol (whatever they may be). And, dang it, I like Dirk Benedict as Starbuck.

Watching the new mini-series, however, showed me just how good Battlestar Galactica can be. The new, two-night, four-hour feature gives dimension to the characters and the story that the old one failed to have. While there is still a certain amount of cliché in the plot, the new Galactica offers a more realistic world, a more diverse cast and a more frightening enemy.

The Galactica in the new feature is first and foremost an aircraft carrier. It does an excellent job of appearing like one. The large hangers and runways seem like a launch deck of the USS Nimitz and this ship has some guns with REAL firepower. This is a ship that can stand toe-to-toe with a Cylon basestar. More importantly, there is a lot of activity on the command deck that seems to serve a purpose. Commander Adama (Edward James Olmos) and Col. Tigh (Michael Hogan) actually seem to be commanding the crew.

True, some of the changes are irksome at first and smack of the political correctness of our age. Changing Starbuck to a woman (Katee Sackhoff) is a pointless change that does nothing to make the character more or less compelling. In truth, this Starbuck is much less interesting than the one immortalized by Benedict. His wisecracking, womanizing, and penchant for gambling and cigars made him a rogue, and a good laugh when things got too serious. The new Starbuck, however, is merely a cliché fighter pilot with an ego and a bad attitude. On the other hand, the introduction of Mary McDonnell as the de facto president of the twelve colonies makes for an interesting counterpoint to the machismo of Olmos' Commander Adama.

Nevertheless, the Cylons are the biggest change in the new feature. Having shed their cumbersome "walking toaster" image, the new Cylons have rebuilt themselves in the form of their masters. Unlike the old series, which never really explored the Cylons' origin, the new series pits humanity in the role of their creator. To begin, we only meet Number Six (Tricia Helfer), but she is ruthless and methodical in each encounter. She makes small talk with an ambassador as the station they are on is destroyed. Without a thought, she snaps a baby's neck. The new Cylons are cold, merciless machines, and they pose a serious threat that the old Cylons never could. Because they appear human, there is the added threat of not recognizing the enemy, a throwback to the Cold War against Communism. The implications are chilling.

Of course, there are some nice bits of homage to the original series, such as the red oscillating eye that the Cylon ships have. There is even a flourish of the old music score as Viper ships fly in formation above the Galactica.

This is not an space western, filled with action and heroism. The feeling of loss is more profound, as we learn of the millions who have died on Caprica and the other colonies. Our stomachs wrench to see those who are left behind because there is no other choice. There is war, there is death, and there are those who survive and carry on. The new Battlestar Galactica is sad, nearly to the point of being depressing, but it is damn good and a worthy successor to the original series.

MY RATING: 8 out of 10.

RATED: Not Rated
RUN TIME: 240 min.