View Full Version : Battlestar Galactica: Questions for a newbie
I've noticed that the Sci-Fi channel are showing Battlestar Galactica from the very beginning and decided to give it a go.
After watching part one of the mini-series that led to the series, I'm already hooked and giving series consideration to buying the entire series box set on Bluray - just from watching the first part of the mini-series!
But, as a newbie to the series I'd like some info about the series and the mini-movies that are on the BD set.
For example, from what I can see there are several feature-length episodes in the set - like Razor - but where does this feature in the series?
There seems to be as many direct-to-DVD feature-length episodes as there are seasons. There's Razor, The Plan - which I understand is a prequel to the series telling the story from the point of view of the Cylons - and another one called Caprica, which if I've understand is a spin-off series that's due to air in America early next year.
So if The Plan is a prequel to the series and Caprica is a special to a spin-off series, what's Razor?
And where do these feature within the series? Do I need to watch them first, or watch the entire series and then the films. I would assume that the BD box-set will be in episode order anyway, but just want to double check.
Please don't tell me anything about what happens within the show or anything about the story or plots because I want to see it for myself, so please no spoilers.
Thanks for the help.
If you buy the box set then everything is in order (apart from the series three webisodes which are bizarrely on the wrong disc).
The Plan is a stand alone movie that tells the story of the first two series from the point of view of the cylons. It is spoilertastic and should not be viewed (and will probably make no sense) until you have watched the first two seasons.
Caprica is a spin off series - completely seperate but rooted in the same mythos.
So buy the box set and work your way through each disc in order - you'll be fine.
Terribly_Mauled
05-11-2009, 21:41
And Razor is part of season 4 production wise, but chronologically slots between episodes 17 and 18 of season 2.
The Plan should definately not been watched until you have seen the entire show to completion.
Caprica... we'll have to see. Leave it alone for the time being.
sleepy67
05-11-2009, 22:01
ohh and don't bother with S3 and 4
What??????
You hated the occupation and insurgency storyline???????????
OP - ignore him. The first half of season three is some of the best TV you will EVER see (although the last few episodes ARE weak)
sleepy67
05-11-2009, 22:16
Alright I'll give you that part of S3 but the second half was when the rot set in and by S4 it was obvious that there was absolutely no coherent logical framework to the show as a whole and it just sucked.
There were a few good moments [in S3.5/4] after all there are some v. good actors well grounded in their characters after 4 years of playing them but if you want to go out on a high stop half way through S3
OK, well I've just ordered the BD Box-set. Cost £110, but I've worked out that's about £5 a disc - which soothes the pain a little!
So, from what advise you've been giving me, the whole series works like this:
The Mini-series, season 1, season 2, Razor, season 3, season 4 and The Plan. That right? Or does Razor fit between episodes 17 & 18 of season 2?
Like I said, I'm sure the box-set will all be in chronological order anyway, but just want to check I've got that right.
Terribly_Mauled
06-11-2009, 06:49
Chronologically, the events of Razor fit between episode 17 'The Captain's Hand' and episode 18 'Downloaded' in season 2. Thats the place I would recommend viewing it. It retcons some thematic material that is dealt with in season 4, but having it introduced to you this early should make the show more interesting as you go through season 3. :thumbs:
And I loved the show to the bitter end. For the record.
Thank you Mauled. These endless - it was crap after halfway through season three comments are getting tiresome. Everyone's entitled to their opinion of course.
But they're wrong ;). It somehow suddenly became trendy to criticize and hate the series, so everyone jumped on the bandwagon. I just dont get it.
sleepy67
06-11-2009, 07:06
http://i33.tinypic.com/2hfqern.jpg
Terribly_Mauled
06-11-2009, 08:21
:lol:
Thank you Mauled. These endless - it was crap after halfway through season three comments are getting tiresome. Everyone's entitled to their opinion of course.
But they're wrong ;). It somehow suddenly became trendy to criticize and hate the series, so everyone jumped on the bandwagon. I just dont get it.
Viewed at a week by week basis i could understand, the show slowed down a lot at that point and seemed to lose direction for a few epsiodes, still better than a lot of crap out there. But picked up again at the end of season 3.
Watching it back to back will be different as probably be better
Fatbloke
06-11-2009, 12:47
Chronologically, the events of Razor fit between episode 17 'The Captain's Hand' and episode 18 'Downloaded' in season 2. Thats the place I would recommend viewing it. It retcons some thematic material that is dealt with in season 4, but having it introduced to you this early should make the show more interesting as you go through season 3. :thumbs:
And I loved the show to the bitter end. For the record.
That may be the logical place for Razor, but doesn't it sort of spoiler a big surprise in the later series? I'd watch it after that as a sort of big flashback!
Terribly_Mauled
06-11-2009, 12:50
Best PM what the big surprise is. If its what I think you're thinking, I'd interpret it as ominous foreboding
Fatbloke
06-11-2009, 13:42
:doh: Just looked up on the wiki the timeline for BSG. Ignore me - I got the wrong end of the stick. :brickwall
Shoudn't the OP watch Razor at the same point as those who watched the series as it aired ? i.e. before the start of season 4.
Terribly_Mauled
06-11-2009, 14:14
Well yeah, but Razor is designed with an element of retconning to add elements into the chronology of where the characters are in season 2 that propel the show forward later on in the later half of season 3 and all of season 4.
I'd say watch it in season 2 so you have these elements brought to your attention and are in the back of your mind as you keep going. Makes the series more interesting.
None of the stuff in Razor is spoiler material for later on, unlike The Plan. It just adds a layer of mystery to some of the characters.
I'm trying to be as cagey as I can when describing this :lol:
http://i33.tinypic.com/2hfqern.jpg
Apostrophe fail. :| ;)
Boozyuzi
06-11-2009, 15:58
I've noticed that the Sci-Fi channel are showing Battlestar Galactica from the very beginning and decided to give it a go.
Are they showing the whole thing from the beginning ? Look's like it's the just the mini series that they are showing ?
Are they showing the whole thing from the beginning ? Look's like it's the just the mini series that they are showing ?
According to Radio Times, it's the entire series, but they're starting with with mini-series or obvious reasons.
Got it this morning, and looks impressive - won't be starting on it till Sunday because I'm going to a firework display tonight.
I know I've asked this a few times now, but need to double check the place of "Razor". I only ask because in the box-set it's been sandwiched between the end of season 3 and the start of season 4.
Is this OK to watch it here or does it HAVE to be viewed between episodes 17 & 18 of season 2?
GAmbrose
07-11-2009, 09:37
Doesn't really matter, though I would probably watch it between Seasons 3 and 4.
LeftHandedGuitarist
07-11-2009, 10:10
It's a strange one. It was designed to be watched at the start of season 4, but I found the jump back to the previous time to be quite a jolt and would have preferred to watch it after season 2 episode 17. Of course, that's in part because there was such a large time gap for me between being able to see season 2 and Razor.
The only reason for watching it at the start of season 4 is for the shock value of one line of dialogue which places something you see at the end of season 3 in a different context. I'm currently watching the show through with my friend who hasn't seen it before, and I am still unsure about where to place Razor.
IndianaJones00
07-11-2009, 10:54
Got it this morning, and looks impressive - won't be starting on it till Sunday because I'm going to a firework display tonight.
I know I've asked this a few times now, but need to double check the place of "Razor". I only ask because in the box-set it's been sandwiched between the end of season 3 and the start of season 4.
Is this OK to watch it here or does it HAVE to be viewed between episodes 17 & 18 of season 2?
If it had to be watched between those episodes it wouldnt have been released nearly 2 years after they aired.
When I went through my BSG boxset I watched each disc in the order they were in the case so didnt watch Razor until after I had finished Season 3 and I enjoyed it all the same.
Finished watching the 1st season and already started on the 2nd. Very impressive so far. The 2-parter that ended the 1st season was amazing - was afraid to blink in case I missed something. Fave episode of the 1st season is a tough one because they're are so many good ones, but I would have to say it's "Six Degrees Of Separation".
Fave character so far is Starbuck - she's so feisty. Love that in a woman, and she's got great eyes and a sexy smile.
If there is anything I have a problem with this show it's these two;
1) Cylon "Sharon" getting pregnant - seems like the sort of thing a cheesy soap opera would do... Not to mention a bit unoriginal.
2) The constant hand-held and shaky camera work. It's all very well saying it has a "documentary feel", but even a TV documentary would at least make the effort to keep the freakin' camera still as much as possible. I find it a bit off-putting.
But other than that, I'm very impressed with it so far and really hooked. It's like a grown-up Star Trek.
davey1970
27-12-2009, 22:23
me and the oh are obsessed with this after watching the mini series thing recently - am currently half way through season 3 - very odd season, somehow subdued and surreal, but I still like it.
I am confused though - what is "the final season" which is mentioned on the box set but not really given much space? Have looked at this thread but doesn't really clear it up for me.
Thanks
d
sleepy67
27-12-2009, 22:26
S4 was the last. Though they've made a TV film sowing the events of the 4 seasons from the viewpoint of the cylons.
davey1970
27-12-2009, 22:28
so is that what the boxset refers to as "the final season"? because it is listed as in addition to s4.
ta
AndyWilson
28-12-2009, 09:26
S4 was shown over 2 years, although to all intents and purposes the "final season" is S5, people get very upset if you call it that and wave their toy cylons at you stamping their feet and shouting "S4.5!!!"
andybhoy
28-12-2009, 10:36
What??????
You hated the occupation and insurgency storyline???????????
OP - ignore him. The first half of season three is some of the best TV you will EVER see (although the last few episodes ARE weak)
I hated the first half of s3 and loved the second half - so it's no guarentee that everyone will enjoy the same eps. Personally I got bored during s4 and for the very last ep of the showi just read the synopsis.
Sheepking
09-01-2010, 11:44
Thank you Mauled. These endless - it was crap after halfway through season three comments are getting tiresome. Everyone's entitled to their opinion of course.
But they're wrong ;). It somehow suddenly became trendy to criticize and hate the series, so everyone jumped on the bandwagon. I just dont get it.
Sorry mate you're wrong.
We are up to "a day in the life" which is near the end of season 3. Was really enjoying it up until about 7 episodes ago and now its just awful. There is a huge increase in filler and very little story progression.
I blind bought the boxset having only seen the miniseries.
davey1970
09-01-2010, 12:33
s3 seems to go quite surreal and dreamlike, but just a tad too much I thought, though the oh loved it. Then near the end there is a flurry of episodes that seem to try to make it exciting again and for the most part succeed, but it doesnt feel as authentic, to use an odd word, as s1 and 2.
It is still brilliant though I think. It strikes me when watching parts like the presidents illness how you just wouldnt get this depth of dialogue in other programmes, sci fi or not.
Sorry mate you're wrong.
We are up to "a day in the life" which is near the end of season 3. Was really enjoying it up until about 7 episodes ago and now its just awful. There is a huge increase in filler and very little story progression.
I blind bought the boxset having only seen the miniseries.
I think my point might have been misunderstood. Loads say it stays crap into season 4 but I disagree. the second half of season three is terrbible but season 4 is back up to standard.
my Bluray boxset arrived the other day so I'll start ploughing through BSG again. I'm hoping I will enjoy the later episodes more without the burden of hope that some the big questions in show will be answered, and try to remember it's all about the characters dammit rather than some coherent story telling and good plot resolutions :)
I just need to get several million pounds now so I can fund WB to redo all of the sfx for Babylon5 and re-release it in high def :D
Sheepking
09-01-2010, 16:24
I think my point might have been misunderstood. Loads say it stays crap into season 4 but I disagree. the second half of season three is terrbible but season 4 is back up to standard.
Ok. I'm going to finish it anyway and i'll let you know what we make of it.
Terribly_Mauled
09-01-2010, 19:11
During the later half of S3 the producers were having a bit of a battle with the Sci Fi Channel, as the show had constant low ratings over it's entire life and the higher ups figured it was due to the serialised nature of the series. So they asked for standalone episodes, which didnt further the main arc.
Thing is Moore and co had planned out an arc involving the Saggitaron refugees that spread over the entire half the season, they had to cut it and it was shrunk into the seasons weakest episode - 'The Woman King.'
That said, NOTHING can excuse the love quandrangle schnanigans. :lol:
Nothing can excuse the waste of the licence/source material. :(
Despite brief moments it desended into crossroads in space.
Am baffled as to what's happened to "The Plan" TV movie. Wasnt this out on DVD ages ago - its totally unavailable in the UK either on DVD or on TV ? When is the air date for it ?
Terribly_Mauled
12-01-2010, 18:47
Same with Caprica, and that has been out in the states far longer
goonerforever
12-01-2010, 21:19
Seeing as Caprica is due to be on Sky1 soon, well according to the Sky Mag anyway, I was wondering how important it was to watch that after BSG or is it completely stand-alone? I've only just started going through series one of BSG so will I have to wait for Caprica or can I watch it from the start considering it is set before BSG even starts.
sleepy67
12-01-2010, 21:33
Stand alone though as a prequel there are lots of references that fans of BSG will pick up on.
goonerforever
13-01-2010, 10:10
Stand alone though as a prequel there are lots of references that fans of BSG will pick up on.
Thanks. I figured it'd have little nods to the series for the fans so I might wait in order to actually get the references!
davey1970
22-01-2010, 10:29
finished the whole 4.5 seasons last night - whan an absolutely amazing series it is.
the character depth and writing are better than almost anything on tv, and especially compared to most sci fi.
loved it.
Just "the plan" now and maybe Caprica.
V depressed its finished.
Well, I finally got though the 3rd season. It wasn't easy because I personally thought the 3rd season was down-right terrible. There was only two episodes from then entire 3rd season I really liked and they were the final two of the season.
Those of you that have seen the final 2 episodes of the season will know what I'm talking about, but I won't spoil it for those that haven't. But I didn't see any of it coming. Who knew THEY were the five!
Thought season 3 was a bit preachy, but it did redeem itself with the final two. Will be re-watching them tonight and hopefully, if time allows, will be starting season4 tomorrow.
goonerforever
09-03-2010, 15:46
Just a quick question:
Should I watch the first set of webisodes before I start watching series 3? I've read that they fill in the gaps between the end of series 2 and the start of series 3, just wanted to make sure that was right and I'm not going to walk into a massive spoiler.
IndianaJones00
09-03-2010, 20:41
Just a quick question:
Should I watch the first set of webisodes before I start watching series 3? I've read that they fill in the gaps between the end of series 2 and the start of series 3, just wanted to make sure that was right and I'm not going to walk into a massive spoiler.
They do provide some backstory to the actions of certain individuals in the first few S3 episodes so yea watch them first.
goonerforever
09-03-2010, 22:22
They do provide some backstory to the actions of certain individuals in the first few S3 episodes so yea watch them first.
Cool. Cheers :thumbs:
goonerforever
28-07-2010, 21:39
Another webisodes query:
Should I watch The Face Of The Enemy after 'Revelations' as that was when they were released originally or after 'Sometimes A Great Notion' which they're set after I do believe?
IndianaJones00
29-07-2010, 11:27
Another webisodes query:
Should I watch The Face Of The Enemy after 'Revelations' as that was when they were released originally or after 'Sometimes A Great Notion' which they're set after I do believe?
The events in them take place after episode 11 and before episode 12 so that is when to watch them.
goonerforever
29-07-2010, 11:30
Cheers :)
As a long-time stargate fan, a few weeks ago I thought I should check out this BSG malarky.
So far seen up to S03E13 - think it's great so far, with a few filler episodes.
Got last quarter of S3, Razor, S4 and The Plan to watch: looking forward to the conclusion :)
neilalford
30-07-2010, 07:11
looking forward to the conclusion :)
That's unfortunate ;)
nooooooooooo :)
But they have 'a plan'. And the final part is called 'the plan'.
I want to know their plan (and hoping much of the plot stuff that I find a bit odd come together)
LeftHandedGuitarist
30-07-2010, 10:09
Don't worry, the ending is brilliant.
Terribly_Mauled
30-07-2010, 10:14
Cant tell who is being sarky or not, but I genuinely loved the ending of the show.
alsemail
30-07-2010, 14:16
I enjoyed the finale, although I was looking forward to it by then as it had dragged out a bit.
IMO The Plan was complete gash though.
Who knew THEY were the five!
Certainly not the writers.
IMO The Plan was complete gash though.
Quite enjoyed it myself. It's not a 'must watch', but it's a fun little addition to the series.
& anything that gives Dean Stockwell more screentime is alright with me. :)
I donno, the whole perving over Grace Park kinda killed the character for me a little.
After devouring the entirety of BSG in about two months, I watched half an hour of the Plan, got bored and haven't gone near it since...
Should give it another go sometime, but it didn't feel like it was adding anything rather than just overexplaining things that could easily be surmised.
I hope any future movies go the Razor route. That was just pure fun.
Niceguygeoff
31-07-2010, 22:33
The Plan is a curio rather than an essential addition to the BSG story, but I likes it. Caught it on Sky Movies while channel-hopping t'other day, and I had to stay with it 'til the end.
After devouring the entirety of BSG in about two months, I watched half an hour of the Plan, got bored and haven't gone near it since...
Should give it another go sometime, but it didn't feel like it was adding anything rather than just overexplaining things that could easily be surmised.
I felt the same way and stuck with it, although I watched it in blocks. I don't think it added anything of significance and felt cheap with previous footage spliced into it all over the place.
One of the strongest aspects of the series was when you didn't know what the Cylons' plan was, other than that they wanted to wipe out humanity.
Liked Razor though.
I also really tried to watch the plan. But found it a complete snoozefest.
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