Say "Cheese"

Friends and I watched the opening episode of season 2 of "Battlestar Galactica" on Saturday.

I was no fan of the old show, as at the time it was seen by all viewers but 4 year olds as a blatant rip-off of "Star Wars", without the wit and talent.

(my dislike has another reason as well..in 1978, 2 episodes of "Battlestar Galactica" were released theatrically outside of the U.S. as a "movie", to cash in on "Star Wars". Of course audiences weren't told they were paying for a television show, but it became painfully obviously once the "film" rolled. Not in widescreen, with substandard effects, the "movie" conveniently rapped up one storyline mid way, only to begin a new story...just like as if we were watching 2 episodes of a tv show...hummmm)

Well, those 4 year olds are all grown up, they see BG as some classic of American television (where we all know that honor must go to "The Beverly Hillbillies")

Now, to give the show credit, it is the best of the line-up of Sci-fi shows currently on-air. The space battle effects are the best on TV, ever.

But, and it's a big one...it is so damn depressing (no less than a baby and little girl have to die in the series opener...oh yes and most of humanity...).

No one, not one character cracked a smile. No humour, nothing.

It is all dark dark dark. Dark=profound in many people's minds (the latest Batman for example), and this show must be seen by them as Biblical Profound.

It takes itself *so* seriously, but it's message (for all the protestations otherwise) is very simple. Life sucks but we are noble, they are out to get us, trust no one.

No wonder it's a big hit in the U.S.