Battlestar Galactica

Featuring a strong ensemble cast and a unique perspective on the science-fiction genre, Battlestar Galactica is considered to be one of the most enjoyable and thought-provoking series in the history of television. The show, which was developed by Ronald D. Moore, was a so-called re imagining of the original program of the same name which aired in the 1970s. Even though some of the names, places and even actors remain from the original version of the program, the modern Battlestar Galactica takes on a life of its own by exploring societal themes and conflicts through the prism of a drama set in outer space.

Battlestar Galactica is centered on the conflict between humans and Cylons - artificial beings who have gained sentience and are on a mission to destroy humanity. The show begins with a major attack on the human race by the Cylons in which the majority of the population is wiped out. Fortunately, a number of space ships were in flight during the time of the attack, ensuring that a small group of survivors could be kept alive to fight the Cylon threat.

Among the human survivors are Commander William Adama of the military space ship known as the Battlestar Galactica, and Laura Roslin - a politician who, through the process of elimination, becomes president of the remaining human survivors. Much of the program's drama is centered on these two characters and their conflicts, but other important characters play crucial roles, as well. Even the Cylons, who are able to take on forms that are indistinguishable from humans, are represented by some well-drawn and complex characters such as Number 6.

The basic concept of the program seems simple, but the show explores much more than just the conflict between humans and machines. Themes of war and oppression are examined, and the show features more than its share of humor. Throughout the program's run, the relationships between the characters underwent many interesting changes. Alliances formed and disintegrated, and many characters were revealed to have stunning secrets.

Watching Battlestar Galactica takes viewers on a journey into another universe, but the appeal of the show lies largely in its ability to describe life on Earth through the eyes of the humans and Cylons in the world of the television program. The show features some of the finest television writing of the 21st century, and the performances by the actors are uniformly outstanding. Watching Battlestar Galactica requires an investment of time, but viewers are usually hooked on the program from the moment they watch the mini series that started it all.