thinking about watching the show

[Compass]

I'm thinking about renting the original BSG series. I've seen neo-BSG, but not the original.

For someone who's never seen the series before...

1. Is it important to watch the episodes in sequence?
2. Is there any unusual lexicon that I should know ahead of time?
3. Is there any character / reference / hidden meaning that I should pay special attention to?

Thanks.

[Centurion Draco]

Don't rent it Compass!
It's just $2 more on the eventual cost of buying the dvd box set

Seriously though.
Yes rent it immediately!
Yes, watch them in sequence because even though there are a few 'stand alone' episodes that have no real bearing on the flow of the series, for the most part there is a continuous arc.
There are the usual 70s continuity errors and you'll doubtless notice that a couple of things are shown in a sequence that they originally weren't intended for etc.
There are so many little 'touches' to enjoy that I couldn't begin to start. Enjoy the units of time and measurement. You'll be wondering to the last episode if even they actually know the difference between a 'micron' and a 'centon'.
The are literally billions of words written on dozens of sites from the over active imaginations of thousands of fans trying to over-analyse every possible meaning of every aspect of the show.
If the bug catches you, you'll doubtless reinvigorate dozens of discussions here, that we'll all happily take part in with you.

But you must know all this already, look how high your post count is!
Get thee hence!
Watch thee the gospel!
Return and discuss (Preferably inbetween episodes)

[Sept17th]

I concur watch them in order even some of the lesser quality episodes contribute to the whole story. I look forward to your thoughts.

[Dawg]

And remember that this was created in 1978, so don't expect 2005 CGI.

But it's wonderful. I own them. It's worth it.

I am
Dawg

[BST]

Echoing what was said above.

It does help to watch the shows in order. There are 17 episodes totalling 24 hours.

Keep in mind especially what Dawg mentioned -- this was made in 1978 and aired on network television. Some of what you will see may seem a bit 'child-like' by today's standards and much of that was due to the strict nature of the network censors. (Not much passed under their radar.)

The main element that I could offer is to view the show from an optimist standpoint. Specifically, that these people were worthy of survival and they were sustained by hope, that someday they would realize their goal of finding Earth.


Hopefully, you will find enjoyable or meaningful, the same elements which have kept our passion for the show alive these many years.


Enjoy!

[Damocles]

Originally Posted by Compass

I'm thinking about renting the original BSG series. I've seen neo-BSG, but not the original.

For someone who's never seen the series before...

1. Is it important to watch the episodes in sequence?
2. Is there any unusual lexicon that I should know ahead of time?
3. Is there any character / reference / hidden meaning that I should pay special attention to?

Thanks.

I. Yes.
2. Try to get the time units straight. (I never could, and it was the one item I would wish that Larsen had not attempted. I would have liked it just as immensely, if it had been seconds; instead of centons.)
3. Study JCoLDS(Mormon) history. You will catch many allusions and parallels. The optimism that the Colonials have is justified. They are a people of faith and honor.(It is a reason that I believe there is only ONE GALACTICA.) That faith plays as well in 2006 as it did in 1978.

As to characters?
Pay attention to Apollo, Starbuck, Adama, and when you come across him, Commander Cain.

In particular reference to Cain; GOOGLE John Doyle Lee.

I mean no disrespect, but I found some allusions in Living Legend to be significant as it explained Cain's sacrificial act in a context that I appreciated.

As always;

[Darrell Lawrence]

I recommend watching them in order, starting with Saga and ending with Hand ofGod (with another viewing of Saga after HoG, which means you'd need to watch them all again.... Do this repeatedly until you *get it* )














P.S. - the "get it" thing is a joke referring to something else

[Eric Paddon]

Watch in sequence. Galactica was in point of fact, the first Sci-Fi series since the opening episodes of "Lost In Space" in which there was a forward momentum in the series building off of previous episodes (though not yet to the level of full fledged story arcs) and in which it was important to recall what had happened before (this was a total change from the days of Star Trek, which can be watched in any order you choose).

Pay attention to (1) the development of Starbuck as a character over the course of the series, especially in how his emerging relationship with Cassiopeia makes him a more mature, thoughtful person than the Starbuck at the beginning of the season. (2) Pay very close attention to the two references surrounding the origins of the human-Cylon war since this is the thing that sets the original series apart from another end product.

The first key reference is in the first episode "Saga Of A Star World" where the little boy Boxey asks Apollo to explain where the Cylons came from and why there is a war between humanity and them.

Remembering that point, then pay close attention to an exchange at the beginning of Part 2 of the episode "War Of The Gods" later in the season between the characters of Baltar and Count Iblis, which based on what we heard in Saga in the Apollo-Boxey exchange and in light of who Iblis is revealed to be in the episode, explains much about the matter of (1) the absolute Good-Evil of the Human-Cylon struggle and (2) the deeper matter of the religious overtones in Galactica.

[Sept17th]

Another thing to keep in mind this was done just pre-VCR. The machines where just starting to get into the average home. You where not expected to "remember" seeing some of the same FX again and again.

Also keep in mind it was intended to be a mini-series seven hours I believe. It was rushed into production with some episodes not as well executed.

If you come to like Battlestar Galactica TOS it’s because the rich universe, the noble characters and great music out shine the flaws.

[Lara]

In order is essential, at l;east for the first time

If you've ever watched other late 70s shows, like Quincy, you'll get the feel of the format of TV shows at the time, if not it may all seem a little obvious.
Also note that many of the guest stars in episode roles were important stars to many viewers..guest stars like Fred Astair, or the actors who played Hector and Vector were often making allusions to other things they were famous for, so if something seems off, come to the board and ask the question

Different people find different things in TOS. It can be approached as everything from a fun bit of lightweight storytelling through religous, political or social threads, to an allegory on the essence of human nature and its ability to choose between right and wrong. Different eps give different messages. Even what your mood is when you watch it can affect the message recieved, so unless you find totally detest it , I would recommend several viewings.

Cheers,
Lara

[Centurion Draco]

Originally Posted by Warrior

I recommend watching them in order, starting with Saga and ending with Hand ofGod (with another viewing of Saga after HoG, which means you'd need to watch them all again.... Do this repeatedly until you *get it* )













P.S. - the "get it" thing is a joke referring to something else

*wipes tear from eye*

[KamikazeAthena]

Just a few things to remember if you are a first time viewer:

1. TOS aired during "family hour" and hence Cassie becomes a Med Tech. For the first few episodes, change references to her from Med Tech to Socialator and they will make more sense.

2. The effects were cutting edge at the time. The guy who did them, John Dykstra, basically invented the techniques. He did the effects for Star Wars as well.

3. Think of hope and not doom and gloom. It enriches the show.

4. No matter what your personal spiritual beliefs, pay attention to that of the characters. Do look for the religious references and apply them to the know religions of earth. They really add to the meaning of the show and help tie you to the people of the fleet in a profound way.

5. Feel free to ask us if something seems odd. We may know of stuff that was cut or altered and help you make sense of it.

And please, let us know what you think. Even if you hate it!

Happy Viewing!
Dy

[Compass]

Thanks for your thoughts, each of you. I will put the series on reserve at the library. (Yes, my library does have the entire series available). As you can imagine, there are a few dozen people who have put the series on hold before I did, but I'll let you know when my turn comes.

[Centurion Draco]

And the moral of this story is?
Use your local library!

[Compass]

My turn has come; I've just watched the first couple of episodes. While I appreciated some of the story, the show's style of dialogue generally just isn't my cup of tea. However, I did greatly enjoy the scene with Colonel Tigh's "flash inspection" of uniforms.

Also, I'm glad that I finally know what a daggit and a Muffit are.

[jewels]

cool! We all hope you enjoy it. And do bring your questions and comments, we'd love to hear them.

[Lara]

Originally Posted by Compass

While I appreciated some of the story, the show's style of dialogue generally just isn't my cup of tea.

All things are ultimately of their era... people will be feeling the same about Lost or CSI in a couple of decades!!

I hope you can stick with it..even just to give you an understanding of some of the things we say around here (Think of it as learning the cultural history of the Fleets' tribe)

Cheers,
Lara

[Compass]

I've watched through part of episode 4 or so, and I think that I've had enough, both because of the dialogue and because the plots' pacing seems stop-and-go to me. But I'm glad that I now have a bit of a feel for the series.

I don't think that the style of the dialogue can be attributed mostly to the time in which it was written. Star Wars had a very different style, as did the original Star Trek, and I liked both of those. I think that Galactica's style of dialgogue just isn't to my personal taste. *sad*

I do like how the show had a significant dose of religious themes. Doing this in a science fiction context was interesting. I also like the premise of the show.

[Lara]

Originally Posted by Compass

I've watched through part of episode 4 or so, and I think that I've had enough, both because of the dialogue and because the plots' pacing seems stop-and-go to me. But I'm glad that I now have a bit of a feel for the series.
.

Fair enough. I really appreciate you being honest enough to say so..

Please don't take the following suggestion as a push, as I'm not into pushing someone who has given it a go but doesn't find its their thing, but I strongly suggest you at least skim-watch the Living Legend (Pegasus) and War of the Gods Eps just to see the 'big' stories before you send the DVDs back to the library, particularly since you had to wait so long for them and are not going to be re borrowing or buying the set.

And a 'wot part of no don't you understand, Lara.." doesn't offend


Cheers,
Lara

[Damocles]

Originally Posted by Compass

I've watched through part of episode 4 or so, and I think that I've had enough, {both because of the dialogue and because the plots' pacing seems stop-and-go to me. F.} But I'm glad that I now have a bit of a feel for the series.

I don't think that the style of the dialogue can be attributed mostly to the time in which it was written. {Star Wars had a very different style, F}, as did the original Star Trek, and I liked both of those. I think that Galactica's style of dialgogue just isn't to my personal taste. *sad*

I do like how the show had a significant dose of religious themes. Doing this in a science fiction context was interesting. I also like the premise of the show.

I see that you have trouble with the CBSG dialogue. That is understandable.


As for Gene Roddenberry and George Lucas?

I must point out, that Gene Roddenberry could write and produce well, and that he had a very good stable of writers[Robert Bloch, Norman Spinrad, Harlan Ellison, Theodore Sturgeon, D.C. Fontana leap to mind....)

With the exception of Leigh Brackett who wrote the best Star Wars film ever made (The Empire Strikes Back) George Lucas is a horrible writer and an even lousier film director and producer who produced a good film (Star Wars; A New Hope) by accident and nothing but hackwork thereafter.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fan_cri...f_George_Lucas

http://www.salon.com/ent/movies/feat...ide/print.html

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/...in695450.shtml

For this alone, I excoriate George;



That one gaffe was enough evidence for me to lump George into the NTB category along with the killer B's Rick Berman and Brannon Bragga who destroyed Star Trek.

By comparison, CBSG stands up very well indeed compared to such tripe as Revenge of the Sith.

As always;

[Compass]

Originally Posted by Lara

Fair enough. I really appreciate you being honest enough to say so..

Please don't take the following suggestion as a push, as I'm not into pushing someone who has given it a go but doesn't find its their thing, but I strongly suggest you at least skim-watch the Living Legend (Pegasus) and War of the Gods Eps just to see the 'big' stories before you send the DVDs back to the library, particularly since you had to wait so long for them and are not going to be re borrowing or buying the set.

And a 'wot part of no don't you understand, Lara.." doesn't offend


Cheers,
Lara

Thanks for the suggestions, Lara. I watched both of those episodes and appreciated them a bit more than the others... and now I understand what a "ship of lights" is.

I'm sorry that I don't enjoy the series as much as others seem to. The style of the dialogue continues to feel awkward to me.

My favorite scene remains that of Colonel Tigh and his uniform inspection. *chuckle*

[JSC1]

Yeah, the uniforms bit is one of the most fun scenes in TOS Galactica.

Sorry you feel the dialogue is not your cup of tea, but I find it enjoyable and gives the impression of a distant world that we could be related to. Which is part of the magic of TOS BSG.

And the Ship of Lights, well I find it nice to see a group of omnipotent entities that aren't trying to judge or 'play' with you. But genuinely care about the lesser races because they were just like them once.

[JSC1]

Originally Posted by Damocles

For this alone, I excoriate George;



That one gaffe was enough evidence for me to lump George into the NTB category along with the killer B's Rick Berman and Brannon Bragga who destroyed Star Trek.

By comparison, CBSG stands up very well indeed compared to such tripe as Revenge of the Sith.

As always;

Does this mean you're letting him off for Howard the Duck?

[KamikazeAthena]

Originally Posted by Compass

I'm sorry that I don't enjoy the series as much as others seem to. The style of the dialogue continues to feel awkward to me.

Please don't feel sorry. You have an opinion that you are expressing in a nice way. There is nothing ever wrong with that.

On the plus side, all of this is reminding me why I love TOS so much.

Keep up with posting stuff to us Compass. You are a good egg.

[skippercollecto]

What an interesting perspective! We haven't had any discussions about the dialogue before. Could you elaborate on what bothered you? I know that sometimes some of the speakers were pretty pompous, but that was part of the role of the characters and not the way that everyone spoke.
Mary

[Compass]

Originally Posted by KamikazeAthena

Please don't feel sorry. You have an opinion that you are expressing in a nice way. There is nothing ever wrong with that.

On the plus side, all of this is reminding me why I love TOS so much.

Keep up with posting stuff to us Compass. You are a good egg.

Thank you, Athena.

Originally Posted by skippercollecto

What an interesting perspective! We haven't had any discussions about the dialogue before. Could you elaborate on what bothered you? I know that sometimes some of the speakers were pretty pompous, but that was part of the role of the characters and not the way that everyone spoke.
Mary

The characters often repeated themselves or other characters. In my opinion, this implied that the scriptwriters didn't think much of their audience's intelligence. This style draws out conversations unnecessarily, making the pacing of conversations feel unnatural to me, and slowing down the plot and character development.

Also, many of the characters shared a rather abrupt style of communicating. The dialog reminded me of the dialog of some other shows such as JAG and Stargate. Apparently, many people enjoy those shows immensely, but I'm not one of them.

By contrast, in Star Trek TNG, Picard was at the far other extreme. He made unbelievably sophisticated speeches with no forethought. However, I was usually able to suspend disbelief and enjoy Shakespeare-Picard's dialog.

So, Galactica's dialog and plot pacing just aren't for me. *sad*