Battlestar Galactica

4.5 stars out of 5

Recently the series of Battlestar Galactica concluded, after 4 years. It was a good run. I believe I have commented on the series previously, but I thought I would do so in conclusion.

For those not familiar with the story line, humans on distant worlds create artificial intelligence, which eventually rebels (like the Matrix), calls a truce, then comes back 40 years later with improved technology - so much so that the robots (called the Cylons) now look exactly like humans. They obliterate most of mankind, but several space ships full of people survive and band together to try to fight and/or eke out an existence. Their ultimate goal is to find "Earth" which is reported to be home planet of one of their lost tribes.

It's a great story on many levels. There is the conflict between wanting to maintain a democracy and needing to get things done and make command decisions. Race relations are explored as people try to figure out how to treat Cylons (which are essentially human). Religion is examined as people struggle with their beliefs when everything is crumbling around them.

The series reinvented itself every year, which major plot twists that turned the show on its head. It was very fun to watch and had great subplots and themes.

It would get five stars but I can't quite recommend it to everybody. It is pretty gritty - as in, there is quite a lot of language, violence and sexual innuendo. I wonder if they could have made the story without it or whether it was integral to the plot. I don't know, but the story was pretty good, but definitely not for all viewers.