When I sat down to start writing this review, I realized that it was going to be a hard one to do, in part because of how much there is to discuss about the BSG series finale, but also due to the reality that this would be my last time writing about this incredible series. After thinking about the various aspects of this finale that I wanted to write about, I realized that it would be best to divide this up into a multi-part review so that I could really delve into the episode’s various storylines and yet still keep the piece from becoming too weighty a read. To start off this first part of my review of “Daybreak, Part 2”, I want to touch base on two elements of BSG I haven’t mentioned previously, the work of the VFX team and the music score of Bear McCreary.

Gary Hutzel’s VFX Team and Bear McCreary – The magic behind the cameras

One of the common complaints about the last few episodes of BSG has been the minimal presence of its hallmark CG animation from the team lead by visual effects supervisor Gary Hutzel. In “Daybreak, Part 2”, it’s clear that Ron Moore and David Eick wanted to save the CG effects budget so as to create the visual feast seen in this two hour finale. Indeed, there were times where the CG sequences had more Click here to continue reading »”BSG “Daybreak, Part 2” – My Final BSG Review, Part 1″

As the penultimate episode of the BSG series, “Islanded in a Stream of Stars” is unlikely to be remembered as one of the series most dramatic or memorable episodes in terms of specific moments or events. However, as we’ve seen in the previous episodes following the discovery of Earth, the focus of the series in this last leg has been an internal examination of how the principal characters are dealing with the new reality of there being no real collective goal for them to rally around. This particular episode continues on that approach and in doing so, shines a light on the very heart of the series – how will these characters find their new home.

The scene in sickbay between Adama and Roslyn sums up this episode’s message best when Roslyn starts discussing the idea of home, that perhaps it’s not so much a specific physical space but more a state of mind and the individuals who populate your life. Looking out from that lens, it becomes apparent that Roslyn is one step closer to her proverbial death bed because she’s realized that, for her at least, she has come to the end of her search for a home. In some ways, her journey is like Gaeta’s in that it’s only when she is nearing the end of her life that she is finally able to free herself of all the burdens – of tending to the fleet as a sheepherder does to his flock – and is now able to take out her emotions from whatever internal box she’s kept them in all these years and at last experience genuine peace. Her admission that it’s only been in the last few months that she has been able to feel this sense of contentment replacing that feeling of longing is a stark contrast to the Click here to continue reading »”BSG “Islanded in a Stream of Stars” – Finding One’s Place To Call Home”

After watching last night’s BSG episode “Deadlock”, I found myself caught between enjoying some wonderful, philosophical character arcs and despising the overly simplistic, if not downright perplexing, portrayal of others. Sure, we could argue that some events were meant to set up those that are to come in the remaining episodes; but effective storytelling shouldn’t sacrifice telling a proper story in one episode for the sake of another. As you’ll see, my subtitle for this episode relates as much to the episode’s theme as it does to my own impressions of it.

In that vein, I’m going to start off picking away at those elements of this story that just didn’t work or which demonstrated a clear glossing over of some significant points in terms of the series and certain character arcs. First off, the arrival of Boomer and Ellen. I’m certain their arrival came as no surprise to any of us watching, but for me that’s still a really big issue. Why? Simple – how come Boomer was able to find the fleet so easily? Now, I’m certain we’re all anticipating the return of the Cylon fleet under the control of John/Cavil, considering his thirst for punishing his creators, all of whom are now once again in the fleet, if not also his needing the Final Five to help him rebuild the resurrection ship. Given the ease with which Boomer found the fleet, it’s not hard to imagine John/Cavil also having no issues in tracking them down. Add to this plotline they’ve created that Galactica at present can’t jump without putting the ship’s integrity at risk and yeah, this isn’t exactly a hard equation to calculate. And I’ll be honest here – if this indeed turns out to be the plot for what’s to come, I’ll be extremely disappointed. One of the hallmarks of what makes BSG such a compelling show is its unconventional approach to series television. We’ve all become used to getting a healthy dose of mind fraks simply because Moore and Eick would lead us down one path only to suddenly bank a hard right into another direction. So if John/Cavil is to return, I hope it’ll be under less obvious circumstances than what I wrote above.

Regardless, the simple fact is that when Adama et al find out that it’s one of the Sharon Cylon models aboard the Raptor, Click here to continue reading »”BSG “Deadlock” – Between Hate and Love”

First off, I have to say that it took me some time before I could sit down to write this review of the latest episode of BSG “Blood on the Scales”. There was just so many powerful, emotional moments that it was hard to sit and process all the myriad of thoughts and sentiments swirling inside my mind. It was as if the roller-coaster was finally coming into the station and I was still reeling from the last drop in the ride, in need of a few moments to regain my bearings. It’s storytelling at its best – causing a tangible reaction or impact on the viewer of the work instead of allowing them to be a passive audience looking in from the outside. So, let’s get back inside and poke around.

One thing I’m appreciating with every episode is how they are attempting to make this an ensemble effort and for the most part, doing that by being honest with regards to the strengths of the characters that they’ve established so far. Starbuck, for example, has been a major pain in the side for many BSG viewers lately because of her portrayal as this sulking, broody child whose not getting the desired (not to be confused with required) attention from Mommy and Daddy. In the last two episodes, it’s like a switch went off and we’re back to seeing the ballsy, frak-collecting-prisoners that ultimately is what suits the character best. Helo has been reduced to a half-conscious man lying on the floor – as opposed to a half-conscious man walking around without much purpose. And the list goes on. Sure, it’d be nice to see more dimensionality with these characters, but they tried and it didn’t work. So, it’s nice to see them move on and use them more as facilitators for the plot instead of trying to make them central to the storyline, especially with the clock rapidly ticking down.

However, once again, I’m wishing we’d get more time with Baltar. Yet again, we get this great scene demonstrating Click here to continue reading »”BSG “Blood on the Scales” – Off Bloody Spot, Off”