Review of Battlestar Galactica: Razor (2007) by Tina M — 01 Jan 2008

The new Battlestar Galactica is not a remake, it is a re-imagining. Whats the difference? A remake takes the original source material, then destroys it and makes us hate not only the remake, but the original. A re-imagining takes the original source materials basic plot, IE the destruction of all mankind by genocidal machines, and makes it better.

Ok, I know thats a cop out, but fuck it, I love the new Galactica. It is the single best show on t.v. right now. And when it is gone, I will cry, for we will NEVER see a show this well scripted, and acted EVER again.

Razor begins with Lee Adama taking command of Battlestar Pegasus. Lee wants to show the crew that he respects the legacy of Admiral Cain, even though he knows in truth that she was borderline psychotic. He chooses Kendra Shaw, an officer who arrived on Pegasus literally minutes before the Cylons attacked. Her character represents us, the viewer, and her decisions mirror those that many of us would be forced to make given the circumstances.

The story shifts back and forth between the present with Lee Adama, and 10 months prior with Admiral Cain. Lees first mission involves the search for a missing raptor crew. The mission becomes more than they expected when Cylons from the first war show up. It is discovered that these toasters not only survived, but are guardians to what they believe to be their "god".

The flashbacks featuring Admiral Cain give a further insight into why she became the way she did. As a child in the first war, she lost her entire family, and was forced to become cold and emotionless when the instinct for survival kicked in. Unlike the elder Adama, Cain is motivated by pure revenge, and does not care who is sacrificed in the process. Events alluded to in the episode "Pegasus" are revealed. The viewer of the series already knows what to expect, but to actually see the events unfold, is shocking. If anyone watches "Razor" and doesn't cringe when LT Thorne shows up, knowing what happens, they have a stronger stomach than me.

"Razor" serves many purposes: to give the viewers something to munch on before the regular series comes back in march, to reveal what happened on Pegasus before she found Galactica, and to give us a preview of what to expect in season 4. The rumor that the classic toasters will play a major part in the coming season has me holding on tight for what will be a hell of a ride. BY YOUR COMMAND!!!!!