The Cylons Are Coming

Though I am reluctant to admit it, I was a big fan of the original Battlestar Galactica in all of its cheez-tastic splendor (Lorne Green! Dirk Benedict! The Cylons who appeared to be the evolutionary descendants of KITT from Knight Rider!). I can actually name specific episodes, like “The Guns of Ice Planet Zero,” and remember specific plotlines (“Watch out, it’s the Lupus!”).

Like many fans, I was a bit worried about the buzz from the new Battlestar Galactica miniseries. Starbuck a woman? Cylons that look like humans?

After watching several hours of action, I can say three things:

1. The new miniseries is almost, but not entirely unfaithful to the original.

2. Despite some slow pacing, the miniseries is much better than the original.

3. Edward James Olmos is outstanding in the lead role.