Caprica Season 1.0

Yup, SciFi (oops I mean SyFy...) did it again. They're splitting up the seasons of a Ron Moore series simply because they're a cheap network. Although what would else you expect from a channel owned by NBC? Anyway, I've finally been able to re-watch each episode on my handy-dandy DVR and I feel prepared to offer my first half season review of Caprica.

I have to admit, this show has wildly exceeded my expectations. I know that I'm in a definite minority with this opinion, but I can't help it. Caprica may not have the wild actions scenes that Battlestar did, but that doesn't make it any less of a show. The show resembles a sort of "Soprano's in the Colonies" style, with character driven stories and no shortage of tension. Sure, there aren't Cylons running around causing all kinds of problems for the humans, as I've heard so many people complain, but isn't that kind of the point? This show is examining the excesses, hypocrisies, and mistakes which led to the fall of the Colonies.

The best part about this show has to be the characters. I'm especially fond of Sam Adama, but I don't think the show has delved deep enough into his character. There is clearly a lot of conflict in the Ha'la'tha enforcer, but we only glanced off of that. It was especially obvious in the episode where he ::SPOILER ALERT:: was preparing to kill Amanda Graystone. I also would love to see more of the V-World version of Tamara Adama. "There is Another Sky" was probably the second best episode of this season and that was solely because of Tamara. So Mr. Moore, give us more Tammy and more V-World!

The only gripe that I have with this series is that we don't really have anybody to hate. BSG had Cavil for the final 2 and a half seasons, and I really think he made the series better. I think Barnabas might be able to fill that role, and I've heard some people think that Tomas Vergis may be that guy. I don't really see it in Vergis though. He's looking for revenge for a misdeed that was brought upon him by Daniel Graystone. He may be looking for revenge, but he's not a real bastard like Cavil was.

In all, this series looks very very promising. However, with how the ratings look we may not get to see that promise realized. I would suggest that anybody who hasn't seen this show should try to watch it (sadly, most of the episodes are now off of Hulu). If this show only makes it one season, I'll be very disappointed. Caprica has the potential to be as good as BSG.

Season review:

4.25 out of 5.

Top 10 Battlestar Galactica (RDM version) Episodes

Well, you all seemed to enjoy the first ever Geek Top 10 list, so I've decided to make these a more regular feature of the blog. This week, with the premier of Caprica nearing ever closer, I decided to do my Top 10 Battlestar Galactica episodes:

10. Maelstrom, Season 3

A great "what was real, and what was in her head" episode. Starbuck is a complex character, and this episode is where the knot starts to untangle. I'm not going to spoil the ending, but I really didn't see it coming. Granted, the end wasn't what it appeared to be, but to say I was shocked would be an extreme understatement.

9. Blood on the Scales, Season 4

I was shocked it took the producers as long as it did to use mutiny as a plot. When they did though, they certainly didn't disappoint. Watching Adama and his followers attempt to retake the ship was fantastic. The ending was shot perfectly too, leaving the audience questioning whether the mutineers were truly power-hungry or simply misguided. My vote is for both.

8. Sometimes a Great Notion, Season 4

Talk about a depressing start to a season. ::SPOILERS:: Earth is an irradiated wasteland, and the humans elation has turned to abject sorrow. Not only that, the Thirteenth Tribe weren't human at all, they were frakking Cylons! ::END SPOILERS:: Wow, I was exhausted after this episode, and I mean that in the best way possible.

7. Exodus (Parts I and II), Season 3

Wow, the action in this episode is absolutely epic for a television show. Again, I won't give any spoilers away, but when a certain ship jumps into the middle of a battle to save the day, I got chills. This episode is really a coming-out party for Lee Adama. The character really steps to another level of complexity, and became one of the most compelling characters from that point forward.

6. Fragged, Season 2

I am a huge Gaius Baltar fan. This episode is perhaps James Callis's best performance as the self absorbed doctor. The dynamic between the stranded crewmen in this episode is fascinating to watch. This cemented Baltar as the deepest character in the show, and left me wanting to learn more about Gaius each episode.

5. The Hand of God, Season 1

The first true victory for the humans. This episode is truly highlighted by Bear McCreary's score. The Celtic victory march (Wander My Friends) became somewhat of a running theme throughout the rest of the series, and deservedly so. As an aficionado of Celtic music myself, I can tell you that it is a fantastic song. During the victory celebration on Galactica the audience truly feels a part of the crew, as if they had just struck a blow to the Cylons themselves.

4. Crossroads (Parts I and II), Season 3

Final Five. That's all that needs to be said. Really, I'm not going to say anything else.

3. 33, Season 1

I swear I didn't try to have 33 at number 3, it just worked out that way. This was the first true "episode" of the show after the Miniseries. The tension was absolutely palpable, as Galactica's crew began to wear down from the stress of the pursuing Cylons, who show up on the Humans' tail every 33 minutes. Every jump in this episode was incredibly tense, wondering what ships will make it and what ones will be left to the pursuing Basestars.

2. Someone to Watch Over Me, Season 4

This is Katee Sackhoff's finest performance. Kara Thrace was always the most compelling character on the show for me, and this episode really showed why. The mental torment Starbuck faced each episode was evident, and Sackhoff really brought that all home this time around. This episode also sprung the most shocking revelation of the show on the audience. With how good this episode was, its almost a shame to have it as number 2.

1. Daybreak (Parts I and II), Season 4

As far as I'm concerned there was no other choice than this one. Daybreak is by far the best season finale of any series since Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. The producers played their hand perfectly with the finale, revealing some secrets to us, while leaving some still shrouded in mystery to give the fans something to debate for years to come. I'm not going to spoil the ending for anyone who is still living under a rock, but it is one of the greatest twists of all time. This is a perfect episode and was a fitting end for not only a great show, but one of the best pieces of sci-fi ever crafted.