Galactica: The Leading Edge By Steven Michael Witt

(The following excerpt of the SFH review of Battlestar Galactica is currently running in the Spring Edition of Scifi Horizons. This is the second time SFH has reviewed BSG. The original BSG article appears in SFH issue three, and was written two weeks after the Battlestar Galactica series debut.)

     As was noted in the original Scifi Horizons review, the strength of this series resides mainly in the three dimensional nature of its characters. Battlestar GalacticaÕs portrayal of its characters goes against the established vein of virtually every science fiction show which has preceded it. These characters are not intellectual giants, invested with limitless reams of scientific knowledge, nor are they epic heroes, that are capable of defeating near impossible odds. They are real people. They are neither all good, nor all bad, but instead are very, very human. The characters of BSG are not shiny role models which the viewer can aspire too; rather, their faults and frailties make them realistic people that the viewer can recognize and identify with. They can be hurt, both physically and emotionally, and their problems cannot be solved in just one hour, but often persist over many episodes, or even seasons. And they can die (unless theyÕre Cylons, of course).

     The grittiness of the situations which the characters are thrust into only serves to give the show a more heightened sense of realism. In the gloomy corridors of the Galactican universe there are no easy answers. Life is hard, sometimes dangerous, and often painful. And it can be deadly, as well. Most surprisingly (and refreshingly) there are no clearly defined choices between right and wrong. In this show the road ahead is always murky, and the consequences of all decisions, both good and bad, have far reaching effects.

     Galactica is truly carving its own niche in the science fiction universe (although it may take years for BSG to receive the recognition that it truly deserves). Still, if there is one element which Battlestar Galactica shares in common with such illustrious predecessors as the original Star Trek, and The Twilight Zone, then that would have to be its approach to the political and social issues of the day. BSG has volumes to say, and it does so with an eloquence which is unmatched by any of its contemporaries. Sliders and Babylon 5 aside, such insightful political and social commentary as this has not graced the airwaves for nearly half a century.

     Battlestar Galactica remains firmly ensconced at the leading edge of the speculative television wave. IÕve said it before and IÕll say it again. This IS 21st century television!

About & Contact Information

Steven Michael Witt has worked in both the film and television industries. He has also done some acting, and even a bit of standup comedy. Steve currently lives in the hills of northeast Tennessee, a region his ancestors have called home since a time prior to the American Revolution. Most of his free time is devoted either to preparing content for the Scifi Horizons' website, or putting the finishing touches on his first novel.

For more of Steve's musings check out Scifihorizons.com.