TV: Battlestar Galactica

You can tell a lot about a TV series from its intro, and "Battlestar Galactica" is no exception. The original 1978 version had an almost triumphant opening with a rather romantic score:



The re-imagined version of "Battlestar Galactica" ditches the space opera stuff in favor of something a bit more somber - an opening stinger introducing the Cylons and opening credits played over a plaintive lament:





Because that's what the re-imagined series is - a long funeral for humanity. Every ship destroyed, every crew member lost, is one step closer to extinction for the survivors (the exact number of people that are still alive is displayed prominently at the beginning of each episode). It's dark, it's depressing, and it's more fun to watch than the original.

Granted, I don't enjoy the random "hooking up" that characters do, but I guess it's to be expected (sex sells). The remake fares better with the pseudo-religious aspects - the Cylons are monotheistic, but it seems their religion is inextricably intertwined with humanity's. Ironically, like in the original series, the pitched space battles are the most entertaining. Galactica is nearly always against overwhelming odds, but through scrappy maneuvers and brave sacrifices, she hasn't been destroyed...yet.