Battlestar Galactica (2003)

:

Season 3
  • Network: SyFy
  • Series Premiere Date: Jan 14, 2005
Season #: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
9.1

Universal acclaim- based on 386 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 353 out of 386
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 386
  3. Negative: 19 out of 386
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User Reviews

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  1. AaronF.
    May 28, 2007
    9
    One of the best shows on television. It's true that the second half of season 3 saw a loss in the plot's momentum, but events set into motion in the finale should provide sufficient excitement for impending season 4.
  2. Todd
    Jan 21, 2008
    9
    BSG is amazing, no doubt. Even better then Firefly. It tackles very sensitive social issues, but also is an amazingly entertaining show. BSG was my favorite show of all time, which brings me to the reason why I only blessed it with a 9 out of 10; THE WIRE, the only show that deserves a perfect 10. If you are smart enough to love BSG then do yourself a favor and watch The Wire, you won
  3. LucasD.
    May 3, 2008
    9
    This is one of the best shows out there. The plot is fantastic, incorporating such sc-fi classics as sentient machines, the definition of intelligence and Lovecraftian ancient astronauts. The special effects are excellent on the whole, but whatever company does it needs work on it's smoke effects.
  4. Dangles
    May 23, 2009
    9
    Ignore all the retarded and pretentious critics in this user section. If science fiction is too far-fetched for your style, then do not explore this series. Calling the plot boring and twisted is a mater of taste and imagination. This one of the most emotionally driven dramas out there even though it is often an action show with special effects and the like. The writing is inventive and Ignore all the retarded and pretentious critics in this user section. If science fiction is too far-fetched for your style, then do not explore this series. Calling the plot boring and twisted is a mater of taste and imagination. This one of the most emotionally driven dramas out there even though it is often an action show with special effects and the like. The writing is inventive and the characters are complex and dynamic. I usually get sick of shows that extend past 3 seasons without a conclusion, but this franchise never dulls.… Expand
  5. GBox
    Mar 26, 2007
    9
    The first 1.5 seasons were better than the more recent ones, but it's still the only show I go out of my way to watch every week. It has become somewhat bogged down in its own continuity to the point. Also, the writing for Roslin's personality has been inconsistent (see the mining episode where she does a 180 on her position regarding unionized labor practices).
  6. drlowdon
    May 25, 2013
    9
    With a full twenty episode order Season 2 of Battlestar Galactica is where the writers really began to expand upon the shows mythology as we learnt more about the Cylons as well as the wider universe in which the show is set. All the while the series was able to retain a sense of realism, dealing with controversial issues ranging from terrorism to religion in a thought provoking manner asWith a full twenty episode order Season 2 of Battlestar Galactica is where the writers really began to expand upon the shows mythology as we learnt more about the Cylons as well as the wider universe in which the show is set. All the while the series was able to retain a sense of realism, dealing with controversial issues ranging from terrorism to religion in a thought provoking manner as only the very best sci-fi shows are able to.

    Aside from a couple of slightly dull episodes this was every bit as good as the first season with truly game changing events taking place throughout that affected all the characters from that point onwards. This is a must buy whether you are a sci-fi fan or not.    … Expand
  7. ForReals13
    Nov 23, 2022
    9
    Occupation B+. Precipice B+.
    Exodus Part 1 B+. Exodus Part 2 A.
    Collaborators B+. Torn B.
    A Measure Of Salvation B. Hero B-.
    Unfinished Business B-. The Passage B-.
    The Eye Of Jupiter B+. Rapture B+.
    Taking A Break From All Your Worries B.
    The Woman King C+. A Day In The Life C+.
    Dirty Hands B-. Maelstrom B+.
    The Son Also Rises B. Crossroads Part 1 A-.
    Crossroads Part 2 A.
  8. SimboTheKing
    Apr 28, 2020
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This season explores the cylon-human relationships in the wake of New Caprica whilst still developing the meta-narrative of finding Earth. Many different difficulties of maintaining humanity on this quest are explored this season.

    This was a really great season and I love this show so much. The only thing that prevents it from being a ten is that some mid-season episodes dragged very slightly. Otherwise this is near-perfect; I love the way they are willing to approach difficult and controversial topics like the Iraq War and suicide bombings, addiction, religious beliefs vs. societal safety, the explotation of classes etc. I truly understand why this show is regularly included in the greatest of lists.    … Expand
  9. JH
    Mar 1, 2007
    8
    First season and pilot was great. This is season is good, but it's lost some momentum i think.
  10. rg
    Oct 5, 2006
    8
    Good show. Easily the THIRD best drama on TV after LOST and Rescue Me. You kidding yourself (or simply don't watch those shows) if you think otherwise.
  11. JimmyT
    Feb 18, 2008
    8
    Excellent narrative with unparalleled depth in the context of modern sci fi. The season lost a little steam towards the end but left us with a compelling cliff hanger. The only fundamentally negative aspect of this new series are the female characters. Many either portrayed as chld abuse victims with gender identity disorder +/- various other psychopathies (Kara Thrace), sexually Excellent narrative with unparalleled depth in the context of modern sci fi. The season lost a little steam towards the end but left us with a compelling cliff hanger. The only fundamentally negative aspect of this new series are the female characters. Many either portrayed as chld abuse victims with gender identity disorder +/- various other psychopathies (Kara Thrace), sexually manipulative harlots (six, the XO's wife, Dualla), and of course the president playing the role of school mistress to the rest of the characters in the cheesiest way imaginable.… Expand
  12. EliC
    Nov 30, 2006
    8
    Not as good as first 2 seasons but I expect it to pick up when it returns next year.
  13. DonaldA
    Dec 2, 2006
    8
    Would like to see more of the space battles.
  14. GuilhemC
    Dec 31, 2006
    8
    awsome!! but needs more battles
  15. mustard_tiger
    Sep 22, 2014
    8
    This was a very good show but it still had some major plot holes and speaking of plot, there are so many of them that are pointless and go nowhere.

    Also the reveal of the last 5 cylons was just plain stupid, really really stupid.

    Overall there is more good than bad but its far from a perfect series.
  16. TomasD
    Oct 30, 2006
    7
    This Reevisioned Series Shoots holes all over the original.
  17. DavidP
    Apr 5, 2007
    7
    Might be just under a 7 for this season. First half was great but the second half? Not only was there a huge momentum loss (the lass 2 seasons also have a slight 'pause' after the halfway mark) but it went on for more than 8 episodes... It might be showing the LOST syndrome of a going off in more tangents even though you're there are dozens of unfinished threads Given they Might be just under a 7 for this season. First half was great but the second half? Not only was there a huge momentum loss (the lass 2 seasons also have a slight 'pause' after the halfway mark) but it went on for more than 8 episodes... It might be showing the LOST syndrome of a going off in more tangents even though you're there are dozens of unfinished threads Given they are perhaps trying to flesh characters out a little more....but why spend so much time on some on a couple of characters only to end up where we begun (plus writing in previous were good enough that we GET the character relationships). After delivering a corker of a couple episodes about the eye of jupiter and the standoff did they go STRAIGHT to character backstories....for 8+ episodes!?!? did some of the main writers quit or went on an extended break1?… Expand
  18. CyrilR
    Dec 4, 2006
    7
    Great show but Episode 9 of third season is a mess ! some stupid romantic flash back patchwork. get the frak up and send the real show !
  19. CylonsRule
    Aug 17, 2009
    5
    I am on the second season now. While I am enjoying the chance to revisit the concept that captured my imagination as a child, I do have to poke pins in my legs every time I watch an episode to keep from scoffing at the heavy-handed use of character cliche in this series. The drama seems highly synthetic, and much of the dialog is predictable. But, the show remains enjoyable enough for its I am on the second season now. While I am enjoying the chance to revisit the concept that captured my imagination as a child, I do have to poke pins in my legs every time I watch an episode to keep from scoffing at the heavy-handed use of character cliche in this series. The drama seems highly synthetic, and much of the dialog is predictable. But, the show remains enjoyable enough for its special effects.… Expand
  20. AnnO
    Oct 22, 2006
    5
    Sinsiter and depressing. This is entertainment? Folks call BSG "Science fiction for people who hate science fiction." Hate is the operative word. I love science fiction, but BSG is none of that. It's social commentary on the very bleak side, definitely space opera with all the pew-pew-pew laser gun trappings, AlleGORY with a capital A and a capital GORY, but sci-fi it's not. Sinsiter and depressing. This is entertainment? Folks call BSG "Science fiction for people who hate science fiction." Hate is the operative word. I love science fiction, but BSG is none of that. It's social commentary on the very bleak side, definitely space opera with all the pew-pew-pew laser gun trappings, AlleGORY with a capital A and a capital GORY, but sci-fi it's not. Watch Rome or The Wire instead.… Expand
  21. Swati
    Jun 11, 2013
    5
    What an utter piece of crap. Luckily, I recognized the downward trend and prevented my time and energy to go to waste. The 5 is for the first 5 episodes. I tried to like it but could only go as far as episode 12. The stupid executives ruined a brilliant show by turning it from a serial drama into an episodic villain-of-the-week joke of a narrative. There were more filler episodes than IWhat an utter piece of crap. Luckily, I recognized the downward trend and prevented my time and energy to go to waste. The 5 is for the first 5 episodes. I tried to like it but could only go as far as episode 12. The stupid executives ruined a brilliant show by turning it from a serial drama into an episodic villain-of-the-week joke of a narrative. There were more filler episodes than I was accustomed to. I lost interest about halfway and didn't bother to resume.… Expand
  22. MattA.
    Apr 7, 2008
    4
    More with MonoApe on this one than the critics and most of the users. All of MonoApe's points are valid and even the most devoted can't deny the cheesiness factor here. Yes, a cut above other TV sci-fi dramas, but that isn't saying much.
  23. DW
    Dec 8, 2009
    4
    I really wanted to like this. I really, really did. Even now I know I should give this a 2... but I can't quite.... Realism. Gritty. Believable. Sci-fi (but grown up). Hardcore. Deep. Sophisticated. Not for the faint hearted. This is all that Battlestar Galactica purported to be. Instead, in practice it more resembles Star Trek (albeit with worse lighting and cameras). Oh, it is even I really wanted to like this. I really, really did. Even now I know I should give this a 2... but I can't quite.... Realism. Gritty. Believable. Sci-fi (but grown up). Hardcore. Deep. Sophisticated. Not for the faint hearted. This is all that Battlestar Galactica purported to be. Instead, in practice it more resembles Star Trek (albeit with worse lighting and cameras). Oh, it is even like Star Trek insofar that it throws in a whole load of empty moralisation. Battlestar Galactica. I wish you were good - but all the wishing in the world cannot stop you being fracking rubbish.… Expand
  24. js
    Mar 31, 2009
    4
    If you like this Babylon 5 is better. Not as flashy not as expensive, not as new but not as rubbish and boring. Babylon 5 was so ahead of its time and is an amazing story both of how it struggled by for 5 seasons and the tale itself. This is just to silly, the way artificial intelligence is portrayed is so ridiculous, I often feel the need to spank Sci Fi writers on the butt with If you like this Babylon 5 is better. Not as flashy not as expensive, not as new but not as rubbish and boring. Babylon 5 was so ahead of its time and is an amazing story both of how it struggled by for 5 seasons and the tale itself. This is just to silly, the way artificial intelligence is portrayed is so ridiculous, I often feel the need to spank Sci Fi writers on the butt with Asimov's the complete Robot. The Cylons, being more advance more intelligent killing machines should just kill the damn thing like that. The whole way through the fact that they should all be dead already just makes it unwatchable.… Expand
  25. [Anonymous]
    Apr 6, 2008
    3
    Tedious, ponderous, and way too self important. The original BSG was definitely a joke, but I would still rather watch it compared to this. I just have a great deal of difficulty dutifully accepting all this nonsense about the humanoid cylons as i feel the show's producers would like me to. It is, quite simply, a plot device that is way too convoluted (I've read Kafka novels Tedious, ponderous, and way too self important. The original BSG was definitely a joke, but I would still rather watch it compared to this. I just have a great deal of difficulty dutifully accepting all this nonsense about the humanoid cylons as i feel the show's producers would like me to. It is, quite simply, a plot device that is way too convoluted (I've read Kafka novels that make more sense!). I appreciate that the notion of 'sleeper cells' mirrors our own society's current events nicely, but i feel that the ambiguous, to say the least, nature of the cylons - are they or aren't they? do they know themselves? can they choose to disobey their programming? - effectively ends any similarities with the terrorism we deal with in the real world. I see this less as a clever allegory and more as a rather pathetically manipulative ploy by the shows producers to string the audience along for 'just one more episode, 'when all questions will be answered'. don't bet on it. Also, if Cylons look like humans, act like humans, may or may not BE humans, then aren't they really just humans? Just because the show's producers tell you they are cylons is no reason for you to believe it. Give me the old scanning, red eye and the "By your command" any day over this manipulative drivel.… Expand
  26. OganK.
    Mar 24, 2009
    3
    I totally agree with MonoApe Ape. I loved the ship designs and technology elements in the series, and some philosophical references, but machines having FAITH !?! that is far from SCI-FI machines built to compute and rely on reference logic can never have such pointless faith and stuff. And whats up with all that god mumbo-jumbo. There were too many cliches and the uniforms the space I totally agree with MonoApe Ape. I loved the ship designs and technology elements in the series, and some philosophical references, but machines having FAITH !?! that is far from SCI-FI machines built to compute and rely on reference logic can never have such pointless faith and stuff. And whats up with all that god mumbo-jumbo. There were too many cliches and the uniforms the space marines are wearing are too much alike SWAT teams, the weapons they used are also not compatible with the general texture of the series. I MEAN come on if you are making a sci-fi and if its about a people that has nothing to do with us humans PLEASE give some time to design ORIGINAL uniforms etc at least ! These are very crucial in a sci-fi, the watcher must lose contact with todays human society in order to enter into the atmosphere of what they are watching. In general I couldnt connect to the whole battlestar galactica concept I general found myself bored (except for the first season) watching. This series is a light sci-fi movie directed at general crowd who doesn't pay attention to detail and has little idea about sci-fi and philosophy. Big disappointment for me in general. Look at the real sci-fi works such as star wars and ghost in the shell, that is how sci-fi is made. IMAGINE DEEP. (cylons with ak-47's and 15000 yrs ago yeah right) - its like Scientology.… Expand
  27. Tomas
    Apr 12, 2009
    3
    Lack of logic, gaping mistakes and spec effects. Fleet is commanded by an admiral who has no tactical and strategical knowledge, AI for stupid reasons create ORGANIC fighters (when the rest of their technologies are purely cybernetic) that is bred to be fighting mashines BUT include oxygen, space for passenger(which is not supposed to be there) AND the means to control it when it is Lack of logic, gaping mistakes and spec effects. Fleet is commanded by an admiral who has no tactical and strategical knowledge, AI for stupid reasons create ORGANIC fighters (when the rest of their technologies are purely cybernetic) that is bred to be fighting mashines BUT include oxygen, space for passenger(which is not supposed to be there) AND the means to control it when it is SUPPOSED to be stand alone unmanned fighter, parashutes in a SPACEFIGHTER. If you think this is ok and it should be like this - watch it, if not - do not even bother. You will save valuable time indeed.… Expand
  28. MingOnMongo
    Mar 3, 2007
    2
    Sorry, but the new Battlestar Galactica series just seems way too overwrought and tedious to me. Sort of like watching Edward James Olmos doing "Days of Our Lives - in Outer Space". Or maybe like the 'soaps', the over-acting is the whole attraction. But hey, it's just TV and if it floats your boat, fine. What I'm curious about is why this series seems to attract the Sorry, but the new Battlestar Galactica series just seems way too overwrought and tedious to me. Sort of like watching Edward James Olmos doing "Days of Our Lives - in Outer Space". Or maybe like the 'soaps', the over-acting is the whole attraction. But hey, it's just TV and if it floats your boat, fine. What I'm curious about is why this series seems to attract the kind of fans who have such a spooky, almost religious fervor, and seem especially touchy about any kind of criticism from "unbelievers"? Or perhaps it's simply what happens when you watch too much over-dramatized, forced paranoia every week.… Expand
  29. MonoApeApe
    Jan 18, 2008
    2
    Hmmm. Seems like I may be in a minority here. Rather than write a waffling review, I'll simply suggest some alternative titles for the show: 1. Battlestar Cliche (the writers use every tired soap opera, science fiction mechanism invented) 2. Battlestar LongHardStare (as practiced by all the chracters at each other every 8 minutes, or so - hey, it's cheaper than special effects Hmmm. Seems like I may be in a minority here. Rather than write a waffling review, I'll simply suggest some alternative titles for the show: 1. Battlestar Cliche (the writers use every tired soap opera, science fiction mechanism invented) 2. Battlestar LongHardStare (as practiced by all the chracters at each other every 8 minutes, or so - hey, it's cheaper than special effects and compelling storyline) 3. Battlestar GodNonsense (I was expecting to see Ted Haggard in the script writer credits) 4. Battlestar HammyActing ("ooh, it's my turn for the camera - watch me ACT!") 5. Battlestar WhoopinAndHollerin ("Any time there's a celebration amongst the pilot jocks I half expect them to start chanting "USA! USA! USA!") 6. Battlestar GenderEquality (It's amazing how often women beat up much larger men I could go on, but you get the idea.… Expand
  30. hohum
    Oct 9, 2006
    1
    I am a sci-fi fan and I have tried to get into this show. I just cannot keep from falling asleep when I watch this. If I want drama I will tivo soaps. As far as a sci-fi fix I will continue looking.
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Awards & Rankings

3
#3 Best TV Season of 2006
11
#11 Most Discussed TV Season of 2006
18
#18 Most Shared TV Season of 2006

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
94

Universal acclaim - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    Reviewed by: Ken Tucker
    91
    Any show that can accommodate decadent cruelty, tragic bravery, and political divisiveness is one you ought to be watching, frakkin' spaceships or not.
    Read full review
  2. TV Guide Magazine
    Reviewed by: Matt Roush
    100
    One of TV’s boldest and best dramas.
    Read full review
  3. Chicago Tribune
    Reviewed by: Maureen Ryan
    90
    [The] third season... provides a[n] unpredictable, fascinating take on events dominating real-world headlines.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »