Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Daily Geek

Okay, I did it. I finally started watching Battlestar Galactica. And I have to tell you, it is awesome. I've only just begun season 2 (and I hear it just gets even better from here) and I already am completely obsessed with it. I don't really understand why people think it's such a geeky show - it really is seriously good drama. Plus, already by the end of season 1 it has everything you could ever want in a TV show:

- Back in the day, the humans created Cylons (robots), who not only turned against the humans but also evolved to look like them. They took over the humans' planet, Caprica, forcing the remaining members of the civilization to flee. And because the Cylons look like humans, they don't know who's a Cylon and who's not... even aboard the Galactica. (The premise is the most geeky thing about this show - it gets way less geeky from here.)

- The Galactica and its fleet are *lost* in space trying to find some place called Earth (and they're not sure if it exists or where it is located).

- The newly appointed president (who thinks she's been fulfilling prophecies in her reign and thus turns into a religious zealot) and the head of the military are in a constant power struggle not only between military and civil decisions but also murky ethical ground.

- A government terrorist who has been jailed aboard the ship garners massive amounts of followers and challenges the authority of those in power.

- There is a genius on board who sees dead people. Well, not dead people as much as his former (Cylon) girlfriend who he left behind when he escaped Caprica during the takeover. Nobody else can see her, but she gives him all the answers aboard the ship to help catch the Cylons. Or does she?

- Because Cylons look like humans, many people are accused of being Cylons, which leads to confusion, suspicion, and widespread oppression aboard the fleet.

- The Cylons are monotheistic and the humans are polytheistic. Fascinating choice that leads to some interesting dialogue ("Oh, thank gods.") and debates.

- Romances and sexy scenes abound, between the lovable and spunky "Starbuck" (Kara) and several men on board, as well as between several different Cylons and some of our favorite male crew members.

- Battles and action also abound. Who doesn't love chase scenes and explosions now and then?

All this is to say that the plotlines above sound like any other show to me. Yes, it's set in space, and yes they have some cute geeky lingo - they say "frack" instead of... well... you know. But you do not have to be a geek to enjoy this show.

So get your inner geek on and tune in. I promise it's worth your while, geek or not.

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