Battlestar Galactica - Will a non sci-fi fan like it?

jackepstein · 07-27-09, 10:07 PM

With the complete series of Battlestar being released tomorrow, I'm seriously contemplating a blind buy. I've heard nothing but great things about the show, but never took the opportunity to catch it while it was airing on SciFi.

Now, I'm not a big fan of science fiction. I bailed on Firefly after 4 episodes. But, I'm a big fan of well-written, episodic television (The Wire, Shield, Lost, Buffy, Breaking Bad, etc).

The reaction I anticipate most are posters telling me to Netflix the 1st season and see for myself. But without spoiling anything, what particularly would a non sci-fi fan like myself like about the show?

dino88 · 07-27-09, 10:27 PM

I did. I had never been into sci-fi until Battlestar Galactica and I refer to it as one of my favorite shows ever now. I love all the shows you mentioned (except Buffy--just haven't watched it). I would put it above Lost and The Shield, and even with The Wire (and Breaking Bad to a lesser degree only bc it's only been 2 seasons--and I thought the 1st season was a bit weak).

slop101 · 07-27-09, 10:39 PM

I think non-sci fi fans might like it more than the hard-core sci fi fans (though without giving much away, there's some metaphysical bullshit late in the series that might make you groan).

Birrman54 · 07-27-09, 10:58 PM

If you don't like the 1st season you're just not a real fan of television

Double_Oh_7 · 07-28-09, 12:26 AM

I would say the show includes many themes and ideas found in traditional dramatic series, this one just happens to take place in space. It also boasts some of the best writing and acting ever on TV.

On the other hand, as a previous poster pointed out, there is a lot of deep spiritual/metaphysical mumbo jumbo that may not be to your liking.

golden_rod · 07-28-09, 12:50 AM

Yes.

The shows you listed all have one thing in common: they're primarily character driven. BSG takes place in space & it has robots and space battles, but it's primarily about the characters and the journey they all embark on to find a new home & who they are as people. Politics and religion are also two of the most important aspects of the show, and the overall arc is immensely involving. Whether or not you enjoy the outcome of the four seasons is all about personal preference and how emotionally involved you become with the characters. There are as many people who hate the ending as there are who love it. I fall into the latter category.

Heat · 07-28-09, 07:43 AM

Yes. As mentioned, it's a character driven show set in space.

That being said, go ahead and spend $1.99 to download the pilot from iTunes, see if you like it before dropping the big bucks on the show.

Red Dog · 07-28-09, 07:46 AM

I think a non-sci fi fan might enjoy the first half of the series because it really delves into issues relating to politics, morality, religion and ethics. I suggest watching the first 4-5 eps of S1 - if you don't like it at that point, then you can stop watching.

I had no problem with the ending. I just didn't like the season and a half that led up to it.

Giles · 07-28-09, 08:39 AM

man, it's so tempting to drop 210 dollars for the bluray collection, hmmm... [resist the urge]

Ayre · 07-28-09, 09:22 AM

I like the show, but it can be a struggle. Sometimes the dark themes and pacing bring the show to a snails pace, other times it will suck you in and and episode fly by.

The show demands attention, so if you are not willing to work for your enjoyment, you won't last long. This isn't an easy show to pick-up and watch when you have time. If you forget what has happened in previous episodes, then you might get a little lost with interactions and relationships.

It will take a commitment and you will be rewarded, if you stick it out.

TimeandTide · 07-28-09, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ayre

I like the show, but it can be a struggle. Sometimes the dark themes and pacing bring the show to a snails pace, other times it will suck you in and and episode fly by.

The show demands attention, so if you are not willing to work for your enjoyment, you won't last long. This isn't an easy show to pick-up and watch when you have time. If you forget what has happened in previous episodes, then you might get a little lost with interactions and relationships.

It will take a commitment and you will be rewarded, if you stick it out.

Well said.

Would definitely advise against such an expensive blind-buy. I'd recommend renting the mini-series first. If you like that, you'll probably enjoy most of the series.

kakihara1 · 07-28-09, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Birrman54

If you don't like the 1st season you're just not a real fan of television

100% Truth

Timber · 07-28-09, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ayre

I like the show, but it can be a struggle. Sometimes the dark themes and pacing bring the show to a snails pace, other times it will suck you in and and episode fly by.

There is a marathon on 4.5 on SciFi right now and I can't help but watch it. It does suck me right back in.

It's a show that plays sooo much better on DVD then TV just because there is so much going on and not having to wait a week for the next episode or months till the the next part of the season really helps it play better.

outcastja · 07-28-09, 02:51 PM

I never saw the series either, but for $165 on blu-ray I'm taking a chance on it.

starseed1981 · 07-28-09, 02:53 PM

Yes. I hate(d) sci-fi. But I love BSG.

sauce07 · 07-28-09, 03:04 PM

I like sci-fi but never got into a sci-fi show. I picked up the first season after all the hype on here and Howard Stern's glowing praise. I really enjoyed it and moved right onto the second season, another winner in my book. Season 3 I hit my breaking point and wanted to bail out on the series but decided to stick with it because I talked about it with somebody I work with and I knew they were going to wrap it up by the end of season 4. The final season was just a chore, I didn't enjoy the characters, the mystery or story anymore. I say skip the series, its not worth the effort for what you end up with.

Tommy Ceez · 07-28-09, 03:37 PM

God Damn

Exodus Part II on Blu-Ray!

Chew · 07-28-09, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tommy Ceez

Exodus Part II on Blu-Ray!

Just ordered the set today from DD, looking forward to popping that one in first.

starman9000 · 07-28-09, 03:45 PM

I like the show, loved the beginning and have been less interested lately. My wife could never get past the use of "Frak" as a swear word, otherwise I think she could have easily been a non-scifi fan to like it.

SteelWill · 07-28-09, 04:05 PM

If you didn't like Firefly because it was spaceship scifi, then you won't like anything that is spaceship scifi.

slop101 · 07-28-09, 04:13 PM

Some things will bother non sci-fi fans (or heck, anyone). Like the whole thing with paper not having corners - that was just fucking stupid.

starman9000 · 07-28-09, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slop101

Some things will bother non sci-fi fans (or heck, anyone). Like the whole thing with paper not having corners - that was just fucking stupid.

Yeah, that was another one. Not really sci-fi related, just distracting.

EdTheRipper · 07-28-09, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by outcastja

I never saw the series either, but I'm taking a chance on it.

Same here. Except I dropped $128 on the SD version.

Moopher · 07-29-09, 02:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slop101

Some things will bother non sci-fi fans (or heck, anyone). Like the whole thing with paper not having corners - that was just fucking stupid.

I thought I read somewhere that Caprica would tie up that whole issue?

sven · 07-29-09, 04:41 AM

Yeah right up to the Scar episode when everything turns to shit. After that only people with a taste for garbage will enjoy it.

07-27-09, 10:07 PM	#1
jackepstein Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Posts: 736	Battlestar Galactica - Will a non sci-fi fan like it? With the complete series of Battlestar being released tomorrow, I'm seriously contemplating a blind buy. I've heard nothing but great things about the show, but never took the opportunity to catch it while it was airing on SciFi. Now, I'm not a big fan of science fiction. I bailed on Firefly after 4 episodes. But, I'm a big fan of well-written, episodic television (The Wire, Shield, Lost, Buffy, Breaking Bad, etc). The reaction I anticipate most are posters telling me to Netflix the 1st season and see for myself. But without spoiling anything, what particularly would a non sci-fi fan like myself like about the show?

07-27-09, 10:27 PM	#2
dino88 DVD Talk Limited Edition Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: STL Posts: 5,318	Re: Battlestar Galactica - Will a non sci-fi fan like it? I did. I had never been into sci-fi until Battlestar Galactica and I refer to it as one of my favorite shows ever now. I love all the shows you mentioned (except Buffy--just haven't watched it). I would put it above Lost and The Shield, and even with The Wire (and Breaking Bad to a lesser degree only bc it's only been 2 seasons--and I thought the 1st season was a bit weak). __________________ DVD/Blu-ray Collection 2009 Rank'em (Film)/2010 Rank'em (Film)/2011 Rank'em (Film) 2012 Rank'em (Film)

07-27-09, 10:39 PM	#3
slop101 DVD Talk Legend Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: pretty far up my own ass Posts: 15,789	Re: Battlestar Galactica - Will a non sci-fi fan like it? I think non-sci fi fans might like it more than the hard-core sci fi fans (though without giving much away, there's some metaphysical bullshit late in the series that might make you groan).

07-27-09, 10:58 PM	#4
Birrman54 DVD Talk Platinum Edition Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Hoboken, NJ Posts: 3,067	Re: Battlestar Galactica - Will a non sci-fi fan like it? If you don't like the 1st season you're just not a real fan of television __________________ "The great virtue of a free market system is that it does not care what color people are; it does not care what their religion is; it only cares whether they can produce something you want to buy. It is the most effective system we have discovered to enable people who hate one another to deal with one another and help one another." - Milton Friedman

07-28-09, 12:26 AM	#5
Double_Oh_7 DVD Talk Gold Edition Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 2,424	Re: Battlestar Galactica - Will a non sci-fi fan like it? I would say the show includes many themes and ideas found in traditional dramatic series, this one just happens to take place in space. It also boasts some of the best writing and acting ever on TV. On the other hand, as a previous poster pointed out, there is a lot of deep spiritual/metaphysical mumbo jumbo that may not be to your liking.

07-28-09, 12:50 AM	#6
golden_rod Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 238	Re: Battlestar Galactica - Will a non sci-fi fan like it? Yes. The shows you listed all have one thing in common: they're primarily character driven. BSG takes place in space & it has robots and space battles, but it's primarily about the characters and the journey they all embark on to find a new home & who they are as people. Politics and religion are also two of the most important aspects of the show, and the overall arc is immensely involving. Whether or not you enjoy the outcome of the four seasons is all about personal preference and how emotionally involved you become with the characters. There are as many people who hate the ending as there are who love it. I fall into the latter category.

07-28-09, 07:43 AM	#7
Heat DVD Talk Legend Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Central Illinois Posts: 16,088	Re: Battlestar Galactica - Will a non sci-fi fan like it? Yes. As mentioned, it's a character driven show set in space. That being said, go ahead and spend $1.99 to download the pilot from iTunes, see if you like it before dropping the big bucks on the show.

07-28-09, 07:46 AM	#8
Red Dog DVD Talk God Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Directionally Challenged (for DirecTV) Posts: 98,237	Re: Battlestar Galactica - Will a non sci-fi fan like it? I think a non-sci fi fan might enjoy the first half of the series because it really delves into issues relating to politics, morality, religion and ethics. I suggest watching the first 4-5 eps of S1 - if you don't like it at that point, then you can stop watching. I had no problem with the ending. I just didn't like the season and a half that led up to it. __________________ "A question for you. Would you rather Bucknell make the NCAA's once every 20 years or so and get ass raped by teams like Kansas in the first round or have them drop down a rung to a confernce where they can compete for a title?" - Josh Hinkle 1st Round Final Scores: Bucknell 64 Kansas 63 \| Bucknell 59 Arkansas 55

07-28-09, 08:39 AM	#9
Giles DVD Talk Hero Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Washington DC Posts: 28,661	Re: Battlestar Galactica - Will a non sci-fi fan like it? man, it's so tempting to drop 210 dollars for the bluray collection, hmmm... [resist the urge] __________________ Make Your Own Challenge May 2012 - Short Films 2012 Film List / Unrated-Alternate-Director's Cuts: DVD (updates) / My DVD collection Entertainment or Die

07-28-09, 09:22 AM	#10
Ayre DVD Talk Gold Edition Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 2,065	Re: Battlestar Galactica - Will a non sci-fi fan like it? I like the show, but it can be a struggle. Sometimes the dark themes and pacing bring the show to a snails pace, other times it will suck you in and and episode fly by. The show demands attention, so if you are not willing to work for your enjoyment, you won't last long. This isn't an easy show to pick-up and watch when you have time. If you forget what has happened in previous episodes, then you might get a little lost with interactions and relationships. It will take a commitment and you will be rewarded, if you stick it out.

07-28-09, 02:51 PM	#14
outcastja DVD Talk Special Edition Join Date: Mar 2001 Posts: 1,734	Re: Battlestar Galactica - Will a non sci-fi fan like it? I never saw the series either, but for $165 on blu-ray I'm taking a chance on it. __________________ "You think it's healthy to obsessively collect things? You can't relate to other people, so you fill your life with stuff...I'm just like all these other collector losers." - Ghost World Ticking away the moments... I Heart Morgan Webb

07-28-09, 02:53 PM	#15
starseed1981 DVD Talk Ultimate Edition Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Honolulu, Hawaii Posts: 4,754	Re: Battlestar Galactica - Will a non sci-fi fan like it? Yes. I hate(d) sci-fi. But I love BSG.

07-28-09, 03:04 PM	#16
sauce07 DVD Talk Ultimate Edition Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Centreville, VA Posts: 4,772	Re: Battlestar Galactica - Will a non sci-fi fan like it? I like sci-fi but never got into a sci-fi show. I picked up the first season after all the hype on here and Howard Stern's glowing praise. I really enjoyed it and moved right onto the second season, another winner in my book. Season 3 I hit my breaking point and wanted to bail out on the series but decided to stick with it because I talked about it with somebody I work with and I knew they were going to wrap it up by the end of season 4. The final season was just a chore, I didn't enjoy the characters, the mystery or story anymore. I say skip the series, its not worth the effort for what you end up with. __________________ "It's hard to explain why you end up in ERAGON and not GOODFELLAS." - John Malkovich on turning down the role of Jimmy Conway. PSN - sauce07 DVD Aficionado My Countdown Counting down to: April 20th Bubble Bubble Bubble

07-28-09, 03:37 PM	#17
Tommy Ceez DVD Talk Legend Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Capitol of the Empire! Center of all Commerce and Culture! Crossroads of Civilization! NEW ROME!!!...aka New York City Posts: 10,598	Re: Battlestar Galactica - Will a non sci-fi fan like it? God Damn Exodus Part II on Blu-Ray! __________________ Tommy Ceez may or may not be a moron, but he's OUR possible moron - El Scorcho

07-28-09, 03:45 PM	#19
starman9000 DVD Talk Legend Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: MN Posts: 20,317	Re: Battlestar Galactica - Will a non sci-fi fan like it? I like the show, loved the beginning and have been less interested lately. My wife could never get past the use of "Frak" as a swear word, otherwise I think she could have easily been a non-scifi fan to like it.

07-28-09, 04:05 PM	#20
SteelWill Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 475	Re: Battlestar Galactica - Will a non sci-fi fan like it? If you didn't like Firefly because it was spaceship scifi, then you won't like anything that is spaceship scifi.

07-28-09, 04:13 PM	#21
slop101 DVD Talk Legend Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: pretty far up my own ass Posts: 15,789	Re: Battlestar Galactica - Will a non sci-fi fan like it? Some things will bother non sci-fi fans (or heck, anyone). Like the whole thing with paper not having corners - that was just fucking stupid.

07-29-09, 04:41 AM	#25
sven DVD Talk Gold Edition Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Central Illinois Posts: 2,161	Re: Battlestar Galactica - Will a non sci-fi fan like it? Yeah right up to the Scar episode when everything turns to shit. After that only people with a taste for garbage will enjoy it. __________________ http://www.dvdaficionado.com/dvds.html?cat=1&id=sven20