My favorite TV show: the new Battlestar Galactica

My favourite TV show ever is the re-imagined Battlestar Galactica series.

I have to admit I'm partial to science fiction. I was raised on Star Trek: The Next Generation and loved both Deep Space Nine and Voyager. (Ron Moore and David Eick, the creators of BSG, did a lot of work in the Trek franchise.) BSG had some of the great elements of good science fiction: a convincing universe, evil robots, space battles, faster-than-light travel. But that's not why I kept watching, when it comes down to it. (If I was interested in watching just any science fiction, I probably would have been hooked on Stargate: SG-1; but I digress.)

First, the writing is fast-paced, subtle, and intelligent. BSG takes the viewer into the heart of what it might mean for humanity to recover from deep trauma, from the heroism and darkness we all know is in us to economic crisis to warfare and the deepest questions of the spirit. It might be tempting to say that science fiction shines at being a veiled political allegory, but BSG continuously surprises viewers, makes us angry...makes us care.

Second, the acting was most often ridiculously good. When you have a combination of incredible actors from Canada, the US, and the UK, and the writing is top notch, how can you fail to turn in such quality work. Of particular note for me was Mary McDonnell, who plays Colonial President Laura Roslin. I saw her in movies like Donnie Darko and loved her. Almost every time she is on the screen, you have a sense that you are watching an understated master of the craft. Sometimes, she gives exactly what the viewer expects, which is still somehow deeply satisfying. At other times, her reactions are shocking, contradictory--in other words, deeply human.

Third, as I hinted above, BSG isn't afraid to deal with the relationship of faith to daily life, and stir the pot while doing it! Viewers recognize the language and politics of the US religious landscape, certainly, but the series goes beyond stereotypes and asks some intriguing (and disturbing) theological questions. Chocolatey goodness for a Div student's heart.

Last, but perhaps most frivolous and fun: Lots of the men on BSG are handsome, or even hot! For my money, I think Tahmoh Penikett (and his character Helo) is one of yummiest men I have ever seen. I know, I know, I'll behave myself--after all, the actor is married. But considering the quality of the series overall, the eye-candy is the perfect finishing touch!