Caprica

Good show.

The basic background is that humanity is at a crossroads. There is a set of moral dilemmas that are being faced. Mankind has made a number of technological breakthroughs, but is mankind mature enough to deal with the its new toys? There is moral decadence in a virtual world. There are religious fanatics who are willing to kill to get attention. I predict (based on the BSG background) that there will be an issue with Cylons and slavery. In addition to this, there are all the other problems that we humans bring upon ourselves.

This show is not BSG -- at least not as far as mankind being on the run from a ruthless problem that was ultimately of their own making. There are not a lot of shoot-em-up or space-based special effects either - at least not in the first few episodes I have seen so far.

What it does have are very good stories, characters, and themes. It also has good performances from the actors. They can make a culture which is similar to modern-day society, but alien at the same time be completely believable. Like BSG, this show is about humanity - our strengths, weaknesses, potential, and flaws. It may seem a little odd that a human society on a different set of worlds has neckties, antique cars, and chicken. But those things are really more to create a semi-familiar background than anything else. Anyone who gets stuck on those details is really missing the point. Whether you are from a mafia-style culture or an affluent and high-tech culture, humans and human nature aren't that different 150,000 years ago in a high-tech past than what we see in the world today. Wonder if the writers are trying to tell us something.

To all the haters out there: condemning a TV series with one episode is like judging an entire book after reading the first few pages. That being said, I was a huge fan of BSG, thought it was some of the best TV drama (not just sci-fi) on the air. But it was time for it to end and the story to move on. I liked the BSG epilogue "The Plan", but it raised as many new questions as it answered, so I eagerly anticipated "Caprica" and I was not disappointed.

I was hoping it would not try to be another BSG, and I was pleased that "Caprica" is something different, and I personally found the story exciting, in a different way than blazing space battles, explosions and sci-fi special effects (don't get me wrong, I like that stuff too). Eric Stolz and Esai Morales give solid performances, and Alessandra was just wonderful. I can't wait until next week.

I must admit, I was one of the skeptics who prematurely judged this show before relatively any information was disseminated about it. I determined that it was going to be a cheap spin-off guided by Ronald D. Moore wielding the retcon-wand.

I was wrong!

The pilot leaves an excellent impression upon the viewers. The accessibility is marvelous! Of course, seasoned BSG veterans will find themselves immersed in the plot, which is focused on the development of the Cylons before the first War. (58 years before the events of the BSG pilot). The pilot also allows for newcomers, clearly presenting its plot and ideas in the first part of the episode.

Don't be mistaken: "Caprica" is not BSG. We are presented with an immersive, cerebral drama dotted by provocative, daring, and controversial ideas.

The casting maintains BSG's standards; Stoltz and Morales are simply astounding. Morales' portrayal of Joseph Adama, inspired by Olmos' portrayal of William, gives a wonderful glimpse of William's heroic father. Stoltz's portrayal of Dr. Graystone provokes a lot of thinking and questions.

If the quality of the pilot is any indication of what's yet to come, RDM and the creative team are set to continue BSG's legacy of first-rate television programming with another masterfully created television masterpiece.

A CEO computer expert's daughter is killed in a terrorist attack however he finds that she has found a way to live on in a virtual world which in turn assists him with his military defence contract. In addition, the bombing causes a string of events which impacts on the terrorist organisation and its victims.

Carpica is a fairly complex series, part drama, part sci-fi with many threads and subtext. Those expecting Battlestar Glactica (BSG) with its struggle for survival may be disappointed, it's grounded in an urban environments rather than in space and although a prequel spin-off and in the same universe it covers mainly a society that's running out of control, intoxicated by success. It's a good production with spats of action. For BSG fans it does give an insight and link into some BSG history.

Carpica's themes focus on social observations, mirroring contemporary issues, culture, beliefs and so on. It includes adolescent issues, corruption, misspent youth, time spent in virtual reality's, technological advancements, its benefits and pitfalls to name a few.

Like BSG it creates a rich plausible environment, in this case Caprica City which immerses the viewer. In places it's reminiscent of The Thirteenth Floor (1999) and The Matrix (1999). There's mergers and accusations. On display are conglomerates, corporations, chat shows, the media's impact and control- naturally this comes hand in hand with 30s style mobsters and shady dealings. There's bombing and assassinations, Carpica City reflects our own world.

The ethereal music compliments the series perfectly, the effects however are a mixed bag but serve their purpose. There are many meaty characters, interesting dynamics, arcs and thought provoking issues. The relationship with Joseph Adama played excellently by Esai Morales and his son are reminiscent of Goodfellas. The Bladrunner-like aspects of love relationships with the virtual Zoe Graystone are interesting. The acting is excellent from the leads, Eric Stoltz as Daniel Graystone is partially notable.

It's a treat to see the original Cylon unit from both the original BSG and the re-imagining in action. While the closing episode feels slightly rushed (possibly to it not being renewed) plots are all tied up and it nestles nicely as a prequel to both Blood and Chrome and BSG the series.

Overall a cracking yet sadly short live series which offers plenty food for thought.

This series took a while to develop - I didn't know what the framework was for several episodes. Other BSG fans I know got bored and quit watching. That's unfortunate - there's a brilliant sci-fi idea and storyline here.

However, the series goes way overboard on all the religion and cultural stuff. It's interesting to a point - but then we need to get back to sci-fi material and/or sci-fi related plot development. This is probably the biggest problem with the show.

The characters, on the other hand, are very well acted. If they had right scripts, the combo would easily reach the heights that BattleStar Galactica did.

All in all, this is pretty good series with a lot of potential. If it picks up the pace and focuses more on it's sci-fi underpinnings, it would gain a bigger and more satisfied audience.