TV Jots

I don’t intend to spoil the flick for those who haven’t seen it already since that wouldn’t be too kind. Let me just say to newcomers and confirm for old-timers that Battlestar Galactica: Razor is essentially all about the women, and the women it’s about are tough and up to their jobs. They’re not necessarily inspiring in a traditional way; but, they do give female sci-fi fans something to get a bit worked up for, as any who’ve been following the series during its first three years already know.

Some of Battlestar Galactica: Razor‘s plot you’ve seen on those special Flash Gordon Razor Flashback featurettes highlighting events in the life of Admiral William Adama (Edward James Olmos) about forty-one years ago, when he was a rookie pilot near the time of the first Cylon war. If you haven’t been paying attention to those indispensable shorts, then check out the Sci Fi Web site right now to catch up.

Other parts of Battlestar Galactica: Razor‘s storyline concern things you’ll know just by being an attentive and/or long-term BSG fan. Most of this type of material involves the what and the why of Admiral Helena Caine (Michelle Forbes) and her loyal crew aboard the ill-fated Battlestar Pegasus, including protégé and new character Kendra Shaw (Stephanie Chaves-Jacobsen).

The rest of the movie is fresh, exciting, loud (very, very loud—things go boom and bang all over the place), and totally entertaining, so much so that if the Sci Fi Channel had charged for admission, most of the audience probably would have gladly paid. At least that’s my perspective after the satisfied response that greeted the film’s end.

Monday’s free screenings represent an excellent marketing strategy by the network, an almost swan song to fans, thanking them for supporting a spectacular series that deserves many times more devotion and viewers than it currently gets. Why so few people watch is beyond me.

Now, I’m as excited as ever to see the movie again on November 24, when it premieres for the masses on television. More importantly, however, I can’t wait to get my hands on the extended, uncut DVD version of Battlestar Galactica: Razor, which will feature previously unseen footage. The release streets on December 4, and during the free screening, Sci Fi smartly followed Razor‘s credits with a mind-blowing promotional spot for what promises to be a worthy and enduring collector’s item.

You’d think that letting people fully taste what’s in store weeks beforehand would destroy their anticipation. The reality is just the opposite, though, given the overall quality of Razor. The film’s final frame was greeted with appreciative clapping, and everyone in the nearly packed theater then remained in their seats until after the credits rolled and the last advertisement completely faded away. Battlestar Galactica: Razor is that good, and the sooner I see it again, the better.

Tags: Battlestar Galactica, Battlestar Galactica: Razor, Flashbacks, Michelle Forbes, Razor, Sci Fi Channel, Stephanie Chaves-Jacobsen, television, tv, William Adama