Edward James Olmos, Jamie Bamber, Katee Sackhoff and Grace Park in "Battlestar Galactica"
courtesy of Sci Fi
"Battlestar Galactica" (Sci Fi)

The Sci Fi Channel's original series "Battlestar Galactica" has proven to be one of the most popular shows on cable. It has a solid cast that includes Edward James Olmos, Mary McDonnell, Jamie Bamber and Katee Sackhoff; plus it has intriguing scripts that hold the viewers' interest. If you have ever wondered why it is so popular, tune in to the new season's kickoff show "Battlestar Galactica: Razor" and you will see. It combines all the show's assets into a smashing two hour episode.

The premiere show focuses on the plight of "The Pegasus" at the present time and also ten months before. In the present time Lee Adama (Bamber) has been presented with the command of the ship by his father, Admiral William Adama (Olmos). As one of his first acts Lee selects Kendra Shaw (Stephanie Jacobsen) as his executive officer.

In flashback scenes we get to see Shaw's arrival on "The Pegasus" and her initial meeting with the then Commander Helena Cain (Michelle Forbes). Her tutelage under Cain has great ramifications when she is selected by Adama to be his XO.

The show is full of twists and turns, all of them compelling and interesting. It also deals with controversial subjects and shows the answers to these problems are not all black and white but must also be tempered with compassion and reality.

In this show the guest stars are the ones who shine. Jacobsen is amazing as Shaw. She fully portrays her complexities and nuances. Shaw is the featured player in the events of the day and she holds center court without a moment's hesitation.

Providing her with outstanding support is Forbes. She is also playing a complex and potentially unlikable character but she manages to make her believable and totally human. When Cain and Shaw go head to head the acting and the action are phenomenal.

Whether you have ever watched "Battlestar Galactica" or not, this is a chance to see a totally entertaining movie. It is virtually a story that is complete within its two hours and that provides satisfaction for the viewer. But it also portends a great season for the series in the episodes to come.

"Battlestar Galactica: Razor" premieres on the Sci Fi Channel, Saturday, November 24 at 9PM. Don't miss it!
 

 

 

 

 

©2007 Jackie K. Cooper

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