Caprica

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 is set on the planet Caprica fifty eight years before the events depicted in the opening of 'Battlestar Galactica'; it shows just how the Cylons came to be sentient artificial lifeforms with their own faith.

Over the course of the series several intertwining plot strands are followed; primarily centred of two families; the Graystones and the Adamas. Dr Daniel Graystone is a cyber-engineer; he is responsible for the creation of virtual reality equipment and his latest project is the creation of cybernetic soldiers, cylons, for the Caprican military. He hand his wife Amanda lose their fifteen year old daughter in a terrorist attack carried out by a militant member of a minority monotheistic faith; the Soldiers of the One (STO); they have no idea that she is a believer. Joseph Adama loses his wife and daughter in the same incident. While Zoe may be dead she still exists in the virtual V-World as she created an avatar that is not a mere facsimile but a sentient being.

Over the course of the series we see the lengths Daniel will go to in order to try to get his daughter back, even in virtual form and Joseph seeking revenge. This will involve risking everything they hold dear and compromising their normal morality. Meanwhile Zoe explores her new existence both in the V-World and in the body of one of her father's new Cylons. We are also shown how the STO, under Sister Clarice Willow, are planning something that, using Zoe's creation, will bring on something referred to as 'Apotheosis'.

Having really enjoyed the rebooted 'Battlestar Galactica' I was a little nervous that this wouldn't be as good... I need not have worried. While this is a very different series it is still impressive; so much so that once I'd started the main series I had to watch several episodes each day! The creators did a great job creating a world that is similar to our own in many ways but has its own mythologies and technology. The cast does a great job bringing their characters to life; notably Eric Stoltz, as Daniel Graystone; Esai Morales as Joseph Adama; Polly Walker as Sister Clarice and Alessandra Torresani as Zoe. The special effects, both in the real world and the V-world are impressive. The series built up to a great finale... the only problem was that it was meant to be a season finale; we are even treated to hints at what is to come in a second season which was never made. It is a real shame the series was cancelled without being given a proper ending as there were many questions unanswered. Overall I'd recommend this to fans of hard sci-fi; especially if you enjoyed 'Battlestar Galactica'.

I loved it, having been a fan of the original series, I have always wondered what the back story would be - it didn't fail to delight me. I also love the fact that apart from Eric Stoltz I didn't recognise one person - this is refreshing, much like BSG. It has introduced me to a whole wealth of new talent - can't wait for the series to start airing. Well done to Ronald D. Moore and team - excellent job. The special effects, dialogue and acting were all spot on, and I felt emotionally tied up in the storyline. I know there are purists out there that will probably disagree with my assessment, but I felt that Caprica was far superior to most of the Sci-Fi stuff produced in the last decade.

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.

After watching the rebooted Battlestar Galactica series I looked for something to fill the void and gave the series Caprica a go. Although I really enjoyed BSG, Caprica is also a really engaging story with brilliant acting.

If you are looking for a repeat of BSG then you will be disappointed. This series is completely different in tone, style and approach to the BSG universe. Instead of traveling space and battling Cylons you get a prequel series showing the development of cylons and a lead up to the 1st Cylon War/Apocalypse. This context of the show is set on the earth- like planet of Caprica instead of being set the ship/fleet of Galactica and the series Caprica is stronger as a result of this.

Eric Stoltz's acting is nothing short of superb. He portrays a father facing his demons and balancing the responsibilities of fatherhood and a demanding worklife. The special effects and props are well done, and add to the believability of a living breathing world and culture.

I don't know what else to say other than this show is worth checking out on itunes or DVD/Bluray if you are into well done hard sci-fi TV shows. This show is quite underrated and it is a shame that the show did not last longer than one season.