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. placebo69a
    Jun 16, 2023
    10
    This is what a genuinely serendipitous coincidence of talent, vision, and production looks like. The journey you get to share during this season is marvelously epic in almost every way. You will be serene, scared, joyful, betrayed, and love every minute of it. The massive talents and their chemistry do great justice to the weaving of the fates of the opposing groups and their factions. AtThis is what a genuinely serendipitous coincidence of talent, vision, and production looks like. The journey you get to share during this season is marvelously epic in almost every way. You will be serene, scared, joyful, betrayed, and love every minute of it. The massive talents and their chemistry do great justice to the weaving of the fates of the opposing groups and their factions. At the same time, technically science fiction, this season, more than the others, emphasizes the "opera" part of its space-opera genre.… Expand
  2. 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.
  3. 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
  4. alias_s
    Apr 26, 2019
    10
    For all these years, he was always standing for me. I wanted it to run out. I didn't surprise myself with 4 seasons in a week. Again, I have consumed something very beautiful. both the happiness of watching such a magnificent construction and the sadness of being finished at the same time I live.
  5. 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.
  6. Brett_Baldwin
    Dec 3, 2013
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Battlestar Galactica is a beautifully mastered show, well -balanced, intellectually stimulating, an most of all provocative. It's one of those shows you need to watch the 1st season to get hooked on but, in the end its absolutely worth it. It ended the way it should have and it wasn't dragged on longer than it should have. This show has it all relationships, drama, action, hope, religion, meaning of life kind of things! Deeply thought provoking I only wish my closest friends an family spent the time I did watching the show to have others to elaborate on the ideas it provided well past it's time. The shows mysteries and subliminal messaging through dreams on both sides Human and Cylon created a confusion through the entire show in regards to the nature of another force at work. For those of you with a foot halfway in the door to religion or science this is the perfect show for you.… Expand
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. zoneseek
    Dec 3, 2012
    10
    Battlestar Galactica, in my opinion, is a TV masterpiece. Generally I don't care for sci-fi, it is not a genre that interests me. With that said, BSG is so much more. The storyline, the acting, the characters and character development, the cliff-hangers and suspense...it
  10. shineonsunfish
    Nov 29, 2012
    10
    A truly great work of art isn't afraid to change gears, and that is what this season brings. Everything that makes BSG a great show is back in full in season 3, but with a time jump and location change that makes you gasp at the courage of the writers. Also, I have not mentioned it in other seasons, but since another reviewer complained about it: one of my favorite things about this showA truly great work of art isn't afraid to change gears, and that is what this season brings. Everything that makes BSG a great show is back in full in season 3, but with a time jump and location change that makes you gasp at the courage of the writers. Also, I have not mentioned it in other seasons, but since another reviewer complained about it: one of my favorite things about this show is the portrayal of women. I would be hard pressed to find a show that does not have a romantic focus that has so many women in leading roles, who make major decisions and do not exist as sexually extrapolated stereotypes (The Sci-Fi three: Geek, Dominatrix, Slut).… Expand
  11. Galactican
    Apr 11, 2012
    10
    I have watched the entire series. I am amazed at the effects and the complicated plot to this story. To me this series seems like a triumph and tragedy, because they have lost the world they know as Caprica. But they find a more prosperous world to live on. During the series most of the episodes are how the colonials survive against a rebellious race they created by the name of Cylons, andI have watched the entire series. I am amazed at the effects and the complicated plot to this story. To me this series seems like a triumph and tragedy, because they have lost the world they know as Caprica. But they find a more prosperous world to live on. During the series most of the episodes are how the colonials survive against a rebellious race they created by the name of Cylons, and as they search for a new home which for some to be the Earth. But the best part of this series was the ending. If you have seen every episode the ending to me is sad, yet truly perfect to me because they had found a new home, multiple people are living happily, but several loved ones die which is sad but in a beautiful way.… Expand
  12. Damooch
    Feb 6, 2012
    10
    The television show of a generation! Don't try to compare this to the original series. Doing so would only rob you of the treasures to be found with the revamped series. Quality acting and a story that only gets better and better as the series develops. The only time you'll be disappointed is when you've watched the last episode and realise there's no more.
  13. 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
  14. Adamj
    Oct 16, 2009
    10
    Best ever series, by far, politically, emotionally driven. I cant think of any tv show never mind Sci-fi that compares................
  15. 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
  16. EdwardE.
    Aug 13, 2009
    10
    Amazing. It's a great series. As the story developed it got more and interesting. It's more than just a bunch of people shooting ships. It's a story of love, compassion, polotics and law. It contains history and religion in great depth. I have cried watching this show. I have sworn at characters. I have jumped for joy. Watch this, it's amazing. So say we all.
  17. MichaelB
    Jul 26, 2009
    10
    An extremely interesting take on what would happen if machines fought back against humans and later grew a conscience, followed a religion, and could experience extremely human emotions. This series explores most -if not all- of the aspects of this situation, leaving out the complicated, scientific aspect of space travel and focusing more on the human aspect of these circumstances. An extremely interesting take on what would happen if machines fought back against humans and later grew a conscience, followed a religion, and could experience extremely human emotions. This series explores most -if not all- of the aspects of this situation, leaving out the complicated, scientific aspect of space travel and focusing more on the human aspect of these circumstances. Overall, season 3 is the best yet!… Expand
  18. Brian
    Jun 8, 2009
    10
    This is the best thing I've ever seen on TV or the big screen. It covers the entire scope of history, as well as the future (because history always repeats itself).
  19. 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
  20. TS
    Apr 24, 2009
    10
    Not absolutely flawless. I admit the conceit of having Tricia Helfer inside Baltar's head blah-blahing on a regular basis gets a bit tiresome, and it has the occasional episode that feels like filler. But who cares? These are puny quibbles, given that overall it's easily one of the three best TV dramas of all time, period. And Season 3's "Unfinished Business" is one of the Not absolutely flawless. I admit the conceit of having Tricia Helfer inside Baltar's head blah-blahing on a regular basis gets a bit tiresome, and it has the occasional episode that feels like filler. But who cares? These are puny quibbles, given that overall it's easily one of the three best TV dramas of all time, period. And Season 3's "Unfinished Business" is one of the best TV EPISODES of all time, period.… Expand
  21. MrShark
    Apr 12, 2009
    1
    I am grateful I'm not the only one here that thinks this show deserves way less than a 5. I'll try to make this review short; This show has too much sex scenes to cover up the boring plot and cheap twists in it. Every plot line looks like the writer's were saying something like "Hmm, this character doesn't have enough drama, let's make her/him act dumbly to creat I am grateful I'm not the only one here that thinks this show deserves way less than a 5. I'll try to make this review short; This show has too much sex scenes to cover up the boring plot and cheap twists in it. Every plot line looks like the writer's were saying something like "Hmm, this character doesn't have enough drama, let's make her/him act dumbly to creat cheap drama!" And yes, the drama is so cheap it would barely fit into a soap opera. The characters are unlikeable, unrealistic, full of cliché and as deep as a puddle of pee. They're the main thing why the whole series fall apart. They're not fleshed out, they don't have any actual character (other than "the manly chick" and "the strict captain" etc) because this kind of show needs characters that are easily made into something else. That they can be used as many times as needed and in as many different situations as needed. Everything surrounding the Cylons made me bored to death. The unlikeable blonde (that was trying to appeal to people by wanting ~love~) was I think, the worst character in the series. She appeared way too much, she didn't have any character at all, they basically tried to make her "mysterious" by making her reactions, character, thoughts and ways of thinking completely random and all over the place. The cylons were trapped between "ooh, we're scary machines!" and "boohoo, we just want to be loved"-drama and never really got out of it. I would've given this show a zero if it didn't have it's good sides though. I like the designs of the ships, but they lack actual details and depth. The only detail there is, is that nothing is rectangular. I think that was a cheap way to make things different from ours and I really don't consider it a "detailed environment". I also like the problems they face, for example the lack of water and food and how they cope with that. But the overall Crappiness vs. Good is 10-1 so for me, this show is not worth watching. The whole show lacks depth, interesting plot and characters. I would not call this show a "Sci-Fi Drama" but more like "Sci-Fi-ish Soap Opera". (Also AI that believes in a god? Give me a break.)… Expand
  22. 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
  23. 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
  24. 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
  25. LeeAdama
    Mar 23, 2009
    10
    Best. Show. Ever.
  26. Muldfeld
    Aug 14, 2008
    10
    The most politically insightful show in the history of US pop culture, and the most dramatically realistic show on TV today. It's also a lot of fun.
  27. G
    Jun 20, 2008
    9
    First episode I saw was 2x07 (Home, Part 2). No background information and seeing people in uniforms walking in a forest made me turn it off and forget about it (first impression: a total waste of time). Much later I had a chance to see it from the beginning and really got addicted. As everything in life, it has it´s ups and downs, but overall it is much more than just okay. My First episode I saw was 2x07 (Home, Part 2). No background information and seeing people in uniforms walking in a forest made me turn it off and forget about it (first impression: a total waste of time). Much later I had a chance to see it from the beginning and really got addicted. As everything in life, it has it´s ups and downs, but overall it is much more than just okay. My opinion is based on how far I got till now (Season 3 Ep. 2). Hope it stays this way. And hey, no jokes about Germans. I like that.… Expand
  28. 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.
  29. StevenB.
    Apr 27, 2008
    10
    It is the most awesome show on television. Why is it going away?
  30. 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.
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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 »