Caprica

Another new show, this one from Syfy, Caprica is the spin off of Battlestar Galactica, one of the best TV series I ever saw and one of the best sci-fi shows ever produced.  After such a premise, I had to at least check it out, but I’m still not completely sold.

Caprica looks at the 12 colonies that were devastated by the Cylons in Battlestar Galactica some 50 years earlier, when Admiral Adama is still a young kid and the Cylons are nothing more then a prototype.

The producers stressed from the very beginning that this was not going to resemble its predecessor, and it doesn’t.  It’s a completely different kind of show.  There are several elements of sci-fi, but there are no sequences in space or epic battles, at least not so far.  On the other hand, while the show is based on the planet Caprica, other worlds are explored, although they have been virtual up to this point.

The acting is quite solid, especially from Eric Stoltz, Esai Morales, Paula Malcomson, and Polly Walker.  The scripts are good, the music by Bear McCreary is nice, and the art direction is absolutely great.  And yet, something doesn’t always click.

The thing I liked the least was the obviously conscious decision to switch between the Cylon and Zoe whenever other characters interact with it/her.  I can sort of understand the reasoning behind it, but I still feel jolted out of the story stream every time it happens.

The season 1 finale wasn’t as explosive and gripping as I had expected it either, so I think I will come back for season 2, but I don’t know for how long I’ll stick around.

Bonus points: one of the main characters, the uncle of future Admiral Adama, is gay, has a husband, and they are presented and treated just like any other character on the show.  A refreshing take for sure.

Season 1 – Grade: 7