Happy Mothers Day!

So this isn't exactly a Mothers Day post--since I have the pleasure of [attempting to] perform as Mother and Father, I've always given myself the liberty to celebrate Mothers Day as well as Fathers Day.
So, for part of my Mothers Day indulgence, I just finished watching the last three episodes of the third (latest) season of Battlestar Galactica, the new series, and I'm still humming in dork-out mode!

If you haven't had the pleasure of watching this incredible show, I highly recommend and greatly urge you to do so. It's related to the original, '70s series, in name only, though it's not necessary to be familiar with the old show--but it is interesting to compare the two and note the differences, one the biggies being that Starbuck, originally played by Dirk Benedict (aka "Face" on The A-Team), is Kara "Starbuck" Thrace, played by Katie Sackhoff. Still the cigar-smoking, gambling, hot-dog Viper pilot, having a female Starbuck is only one facet in this gem of a show that differentiates itself from the earlier, less serious version.

See, in the original series, the plot's story arc was influenced by the almost whimsical notions of spirituality that brought us such delights as Logan's Run, Buck Rogers (the disco version, bien sur!), and Xanadu (ok, so that one was from 1980, but you get what I mean). The new series, however, is very much of the times, which is seen in the contemporary themes and issues it tackles.

Pictured above, for example, is Grace Park, playing the part of "Boomer" (who, in the original was also a man; and for those of you keeping track, she later sheds the handle "Boomer" to become "Athena")--a pilot who turns out to actually be a Cylon (the human-exterminating bad guys). When she gets romantically involved with another officer and gets pregnant (hence her image being feature on Mothers Day), the story has all the main characters deal with issues of racism/speciesism and abortion.

A major point of relevance often referred to is what appears to be reflections of America's involvement in Iraq. While it is a rather simplistic comparison, it is an easy one to make--especially when the story involves an occupying force and an insurgency. Ronald Moore, executive producer, remarks that it isn't a direct commentary on the current conflict so much as it is on war in general. (Although he does make a point of declaring his own opposition to the war).

While it is a science fiction show, the plot lines are drawn through very real and engaging human experiences. Plus the acting is superb, anchored by experienced actors like Mary MacDonnell (*sigh*), Edward James Olmos, and Michael Hogan who no doubt bring out the best from the younger cast members like Jamie Bamber, James Callus, and Tricia Helfer (*shudder*).

Season Four isn't happening until 2008 (I think), but you can get the first two on DVD and on iTunes.