Battlestar Galactica (2003): Season 2

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Universal acclaim based on 6 Critic Reviews

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Universal acclaim based on 170 Ratings

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Battlestar Galactica

Now Playing: Battlestar Galactica

Season Details & Credits

SyFy | Season Premiere Date: July 15, 2005

Starring: Mary McDonnell, Edward James Olmos, Katee Sackhoff

Summary: The Best Show on Television? Yes, according to Time Magazine, The National Review, Rolling Stone and New York Newsday. Praised by The New York Times, The New Yorker, The San Francisco Chronicle, The Chicago Tribune and many other publications, Battlestar Galactica won a prestigious Peabody Award in the spring of 2006.

Ronald D. Moore,The Best Show on Television? Yes, according to Time Magazine, The National Review, Rolling Stone and New York Newsday. Praised by The New York Times, The New Yorker, The San Francisco Chronicle, The Chicago Tribune and many other publications, Battlestar Galactica won a prestigious Peabody Award in the spring of 2006.

Ronald D. Moore, the producer of Carnivale and writer for Star Trek: The Next Generation and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, boldly re-imagined the original 1978 space opera of humans versus the robotic Cylons. He teamed up with fellow executive producer David Eick on a powerful and dramatic update of the Galactica story.

Gone are the technobabble, disco-themed costumes and Egyptian helmets of the original series. The modern show introduces new elements to the Galactica story. The Cylons have developed human-form models that are indistinguishable from real humans. The Cylons have a monotheistic religion in contrast to the polytheistic religion of the human Colonies. The approach is serious and intense, with a focus on tough political, philosophical and religious issues set in a tale that manages to keep the focus on realistic and not always perfect characters.In the miniseries, the Cylons launch a massive attack against the humans and wipe out the Twelve Colonies, sending the 47,000 survivors on a desperate search for the fabled 13th colony -- Earth.

Season One Overview

The Cylons declare war on humanity, wiping out billions in an unprovoked first strike. The Colonial fleet is all but eliminated leaving just a handful of ships, including the soon to be decommissioned battlestar Galactica. Galactica is manned by a crew that never expected to be involved in real duty. With the president gone and the government all but eliminated, Laura Roslin, the Education Minister, takes on the mantle of President of the 12 Colonies.

Gaius Baltar, a top researcher in Artificial Intelligence, inadvertently betrayed humanity by allowing a Cylon agent into the defense network, rendering it and all of the Colonial military forces impotent in the face of the Cylon attacks. He sees her everywhere when no one else can. He initially attributes this to stress-induced hallucinations. She tells him that she implanted a chip in his brain during their time on Caprica, which enables her to talk to him. Over the season Baltar falls in love with the Cylon, Number Six, eventually betraying humanity again and again.

A lone soldier is trapped on Cylon-occupied Caprica, having given up his seat on a transport for Baltar, as he believes that his own life is not as important as one of the greatest minds of their time. He struggles against the odds, trying to stay alive amid the hostile Cylons. He is surprised to learn that Sharon Valerii, the pilot of the transport, returned for him. However, the truth is that she is actually another human-form Cylon. Sharon and Helo spend the season trying to escape Caprica. Sharon also finds herself falling in love with her human target. The season ends with her pregnant and fighting to save his life.

Meanwhile, the copy of Sharon onboard Galactica (known as "Boomer") has set off several bombs and engaged in other acts of sabotage. The season ends with a stunning turn of events after a successful mission to disable a Cylon base ship.

For a more detailed overview of the first three seasons, visit the pinned thread titled "Battlestar Galactica in Just Ten Minutes" located in the forum.

Awards and critical praise

The 2003 miniseries was the highest-rated miniseries on the Sci Fi Channel (soon to be known as Syfy) at the time. It was also the most successful cable miniseries that TV season.The first regular season premiered to excellent viewer numbers and critical acclaim. After the midseason break in Season Two, the show received widespread recognition from the mainstream media, including several outlets not always known for their interest in science fiction. As mentioned above, Time Magazine named BSG the best show on television for 2005. Rolling Stone Magazine and New York Newsday also named BSG the best show of the year. Many other publications like the New York Times and the Chicago Tribune lavished praise on the series.The American Film Institute added the show to its list of the ten best television shows of 2005. The show won Emmy Awards in the usual sci-fi categories of special visual effects but it also received Emmy nominations for writing and directing. It also won a prestigious Peabody award for its general excellence in creativity in the television medium.

The Sci Fi Channel has used creative means to promote the series, including the release of certain episodes as free streaming video on the official website. In the month leading up to the start of Season Three, the Sci Fi Channel aired a Web-only series titled Battlestar Galactica: The Resistance. The brief, 2 to 3 minute episodes revealed key events from the time period between the Season Two finale and the Season Three premiere episode. Another Web-only series was shown on the official website in the lead-up to the Season 4.5 "final" episodes.

A Battlestar Galactica television movie, "Razor", was broadcast in late 2007, followed soon after with a release on DVD. The story followed the struggles of Admiral Cain and young Kendra Shaw as they tried to survive the Cylon attack on the Colonies. The hard-hitting movie was well received by fans and critics.

Even though the series "ended" on March 20, 2009, with the two-hour broadcast of "Daybreak, Part 2", the Sci Fi Channel (Syfy) will broadcast one final Battlestar Galactica television movie. "The Plan" is scheduled to air in the fall of 2009.

The Galactica franchise will live on, even after the final movie and DVD. A prequel series, Caprica, began production even before Battlestar Galactica ended. The pilot movie will be released as a stand-alone DVD in April 2009. The movie will later air on Syfy along with regular episodes of the new series in 2010. For more information about this look at the early days of the development of the Cylons on Caprica, please consult the separate guide for that series.

Original Broadcast History: Season One
October 18, 2004 - January 24, 2005 - 8:00 PM SKY One (UK)
January 14, 2005 - April 1, 2005 - Fridays @ 10:00 PM Sci Fi Channel (USA)… Expand

Genre(s): Drama, Action & Adventure, Fantasy, Science Fiction

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Season 2 Episodes

tbd
S2:E20. Lay Down Your Burdens, Part 2
Air Date: March 10, 2006
tbd
S2:E19. Lay Down Your Burdens, Part 1
Air Date: March 3, 2006
tbd
S2:E18. Downloaded
Air Date: February 24, 2006

See all Seasons and Episodes

Metascore

Positive:

Mixed:

Negative:

Critic Reviews

100

Empire Angie Errigo

Aug 24, 2022

This show is about war. Its about genocide. Its about Ugly America. Its about love, hate, power, desire, and being human. Read full review

Neil Drumming

Aug 24, 2022

The blood-thirsty admiral (Michelle Forbes) lit a much-needed fire under Adama’s relationship with President Roslin. Now, Roslin gets downright cutthroat over her man. Read full review

Rob Owen

Aug 24, 2022

It's a slam-bang hour that also serves up some "Battlestar" touchstones -- religion, politics -- while advancing the story a half-step and introducing another Cylon threat to the Galactica crew. Read full review

Maureen Ryan

Aug 24, 2022

As Gaius Baltar, the scientist who got humanity into this mess by consorting with a hot blond Cylon, James Callis is a twitchy, lustful delight. [15 July 2005, p.C1]

Robert Bianco

Aug 24, 2022

You don't have to love sci-fi to love Battlestar Galactica... a great TV series. [15 July 2005]

John Ruch

Aug 24, 2022

But this is certainly a flat beginning, appropriately titled ``Scattered,'' with its multiple plotlines stretched awfully thin. [15 July 2005, p.e24]

User Score

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9.1

User Reviews

hyperioncable3

Mar 11, 2016

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I read every single review - negative and positive - several times before buying this set. I was doubtful whether I could like the new BSG. I watched the old one as a child and enjoyed the whole series on the Space Channel maybe 3 times as an adult. But I gave it a try, and - to be honest - there's no going back to the old one.

There are hundreds of reviews, so let me try to save you some time. Most of the negative criticism focuses on a handful of points: 1) it isn't exactly like the original, 2) women shouldn't be warriors, cylons, and politicians, 3) there's too much current or even old technology in the props, and 4) so-called "shaky" camera style,.

First, it really isn't the same as the original. It has the same premise, and hits the same major plot events, but manages to surprise even those familiar with the original. In the end, the original can't be re-made. Lorne Greene is dead and Richard Hatch and Dirk Benedict (original Apollo and Starbuck) are much too old to pick up where they left off. And you know, it shouldn't be re-done. I loved the original, but it was lame. It was campy, and over-idealistic. The good guys were excessively good, which is why we love them, but they're only a fantasy. The original Baltar was inexplicable, and the women merely constituted a parade of, I must concede totally gorgeous, 70s babes with 70s hair. I notice that only my male friends like the original. My female friends and girlfriend just can't sit through a single episode because its social values, while fun for boys, are simply out of date for women.

Which brings us to number two: a few have expressed anger that women are suddenly pilots and leaders. There are still men out there who believe women shouldn't be in the military, but rather should stay home and look like pretty 70s babes from the original show. But, having spent a few years in the military myself, I can tell those who don't know better that women have been in the military for years. It's a dead issue, so get over it. In countries like Russia and Israel, for example, women do mandatory combat duty. They're not just cooks and secretaries. Anyway, this is a show about the last 47,000 humans from a civilization of 12 planets. They under constant attack. How could they afford not to have women in their military and leadership? Let's put this argument to bed permanently, shall we?

The third criticism is that there's too much "un-futuristic" technology in the show. Well, the show does explain that advanced networks and computers are susceptible to Cylon virus attacks. It should be blatantly obvious that this is credible. As anti-virus software improves, so do viruses. But the show does use a lot of present-day firearms and vehicles. At first, I wondered why they were "skimping" out on the future-gear. But I realized that this is not just a show about futuristic props, but a show that attempts to be as relevant to the viewer as possible. It really doesn't matter whether four-wheeled vehicles are Hummers or something more futuristic-looking. The endless props don't drive the show: the plot and characters do. There's more than enough technology in the show when it's needed. You'll see, unless you only care about seeing a constant display of nothing but futuristic-looking equipment. But I need more from a good show than cool gear ad nauseam.

Speaking of nausea, the fourth major complaint is the shaky or "reality" camera style, as if the action is being shot live. It is indeed reminiscient of NYPD Blue, and some people who are easily vulnerable to motion sickness don't like it. It's a style I appreciate, so that the show doesn't feel as "staged" as it would be with more contrived camera work, but I understand people's problem here. It works as well here as it does on NYPD Blue.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

ForReals13

Nov 14, 2022

Scattered B+. Valley Of Darkness B+.
Fragged B+. Resistance B+. The Farm B.
Home Part 1 B+. Home Part 2 A-. Final Cut B. Flight Of The Phoenix B+. Pegasus A. Resurrection Ship Part 1 A. Resurrection Ship Part 2 A. Epiphanies B-. Black Market C-. Scar B-. Sacrifice C+. The Captain's Hand B.Scattered B+. Valley Of Darkness B+.
Fragged B+. Resistance B+. The Farm B.
Home Part 1 B+. Home Part 2 A-. Final Cut B.
Flight Of The Phoenix B+. Pegasus A.
Resurrection Ship Part 1 A.
Resurrection Ship Part 2 A. Epiphanies B-.
Black Market C-. Scar B-. Sacrifice C+.
The Captain's Hand B. Downloaded A-.
Lay Down Your Burdens Part 1 B+.
Lay Down Your Burdens Part 2 A.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

sascha4nite

Mar 11, 2016

As a fan of the original Battlestar Galactica, I had my doubts about this "re-imagining" as did many others. The old saying goes: "Don't knock it till you try it." Therefore, I did. Picking up the US Season One set (which includes the miniseries) I popped in disc one.

Three hours later, IAs a fan of the original Battlestar Galactica, I had my doubts about this "re-imagining" as did many others. The old saying goes: "Don't knock it till you try it." Therefore, I did. Picking up the US Season One set (which includes the miniseries) I popped in disc one.

Three hours later, I was completely hooked. I popped in disc two and watched the first four episodes, then the next four on the following disc.

I am totally addicted to this show. The conflicts between and within the characters themselves, the fantastic visual effects, and the writing and direction totally immerse the viewer into their universe.

Olmos is brilliant as William Adama, and I truly believe he is a worthy successor to the role of Adama, originally played by the late Lorne Greene. It was good to see Richard Hatch (the original series' Apollo) back in action. He does a great job playing the reformed terrorist Tom Zarek. I was a little leery about having a female portray Starbuck at first, but I'm very glad they cast Katee Sackhoff. She really pulls off the part well. Jamie Bamber is a great new Apollo, and Mary McDonnell (no stranger to human disaster flicks--"Independence Day") does an admirable job playing the tormented President Roslin.

I have to say my personal favorite character here is Gaius Baltar, played to perfection by James Callis. He is both genius in his brilliance and extremely looney, and his interactions with the mysterious Number Six (Tricia Helfer, WOW) are funny and well-performed.

I'm just now wrapping up Season One. I have not seen any episodes of Season Two yet. Looking forward to it.

One thing about this series: Don't skip ANY episodes. These are not standalone episodes, to be sure. It's one continuous storyline, and missed eps can result in a degree of confusion.

My recommendation? If you are a fan of Sci-fi in any way, and enjoy a good, briskly paced dramatic storyline, look no further than the new Battlestar Galactica. Pick this one up NOW.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

drlowdon

May 25, 2013

Following on from the well received mini-series the first full season of the re-imagined Battlestar Galactica makes for fantastic viewing from start to finish. Opening with the superb '33' the survivors of the Cylon attack continue to find themselves under constant threat of extinction. OfFollowing on from the well received mini-series the first full season of the re-imagined Battlestar Galactica makes for fantastic viewing from start to finish. Opening with the superb '33' the survivors of the Cylon attack continue to find themselves under constant threat of extinction. Of course Battlestar makes use of its setting with epic space battles and huge robots but, as with all the best sci-fi shows, it also deals with real issues and relationships to build the tension to boiling point. Add to this a number of truly shocking and unexpected plot twists and you have one of the best opening series to a television programme in a long time.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

Kara

Dec 1, 2010

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The second season of Battlestar Galactica is crammed full of action and adventure. These episodes continue the saga of the dislocated members of the 13 Colonies. Twisting and turning, the plot will often leave your head spinning as you try to catch up with the startling, space-bound events. Interestingly, most of these events pose questions of right and wrong, as the show attempts to grapple with some controversial ethical issues. President Roslin and Commander Adama struggle to define social morality, individual responsibility in reference to their present situation. Topics such as torture, abortion, patriotism and betrayal, punishment and forgiveness, honesty and deception are common place. Lurking behind this discussion is a very Mormonesque concept of deity. As the characters struggle to find a moral foundation, you will find yourself investigating your own conscience and ethical orientation. For myself, I agree with many of the final decisions, but disagree with the motivation behind them. For instance, President Roslin outlaws abortion, but only because the survival of the human race is at stake. I do not support abortion, but itâ… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

Ecclesiastes

Apr 23, 2013

"Scar" and "Black Market" are probably the worst episode of the show; entirely pointless and nonsensical. I guess the writers didn't have their episode quota filled, so they decided to take an unused plot from some unrelated project they had worked on and cram it uncomfortably into the"Scar" and "Black Market" are probably the worst episode of the show; entirely pointless and nonsensical. I guess the writers didn't have their episode quota filled, so they decided to take an unused plot from some unrelated project they had worked on and cram it uncomfortably into the series. Aside from that, though, an good season of an excellent show.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

Swati

Feb 1, 2013

Episodes 1 to 7, and 10 to 12, were riveting and had me on the edge of my seat. They were so awesome that if the season had ended here, as it did previously, I would have given it a perfect score. However, some lame ass filler episodes followed. But then it got better again from 17 to 20.

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

SEE ALL 9 REVIEWS

Seasons & Episodes

89

Series Overview
Season 5

tbd
- Season 5 Overview
  Air Date: January 16, 2009
Season 4

85
- Season 4 Overview
  Air Date: April 4, 2008
Season 3

94
- Season 3 Overview
  Air Date: October 6, 2006
Season 2

89
- Season 2 Overview
  Air Date: July 15, 2005
- tbd
  S2:E20. Lay Down Your Burdens, Part 2
  Air Date: March 10, 2006
- tbd
  S2:E19. Lay Down Your Burdens, Part 1
  Air Date: March 3, 2006
- tbd
  S2:E18. Downloaded
  Air Date: February 24, 2006
- tbd
  S2:E17. The Captain's Hand
  Air Date: February 17, 2006
- tbd
  S2:E16. Sacrifice
  Air Date: February 10, 2006
- tbd
  S2:E15. Scar
  Air Date: February 3, 2006
- tbd
  S2:E14. Black Market
  Air Date: January 27, 2006
- tbd
  S2:E13. Epiphanies
  Air Date: January 20, 2006
- tbd
  S2:E12. Resurrection Ship, Part 2
  Air Date: January 13, 2006
- tbd
  S2:E11. Resurrection Ship, Part 1
  Air Date: January 6, 2006
- tbd
  S2:E10. Pegasus
  Air Date: September 23, 2005
- tbd
  S2:E9. Flight of the Phoenix
  Air Date: September 16, 2005
- tbd
  S2:E8. Final Cut
  Air Date: September 9, 2005
- tbd
  S2:E7. Home, Part 2
  Air Date: August 26, 2005
- tbd
  S2:E6. Home, Part 1
  Air Date: August 19, 2005
- tbd
  S2:E5. The Farm
  Air Date: August 12, 2005
- tbd
  S2:E4. Resistance
  Air Date: August 5, 2005
- tbd
  S2:E3. Fragged
  Air Date: July 29, 2005
- tbd
  S2:E2. Valley of Darkness (2)
  Air Date: July 22, 2005
- tbd
  S2:E1. Scattered (1)
  Air Date: July 15, 2005
Season 1

89
- Season 1 Overview
  Air Date: January 14, 2005