The following review contains MAJOR SPOILERS of "Battlestar Galactica."

The Cylons were created by man. They rebelled. They evolved. They look and feel human. Some are programmed to think they are human. There are many copies. And they have a plan.

The first episode of the series was a bitter disappointment, turning what was an interesting four-hour spin on a classic science-fiction series into yet another lackluster science-fiction drama series intent on drawing in an audience based on a lemming-like devotion for the original 1970s series which captured the imaginations of millions. But despite all its flaws, the final act of the episode was a powerful statement of the kinds of moral dilemmas this series could potentially tackle in a fashion comparable only to the philosophical works of the late Gene Roddenberry.

With this in mind, I had high hopes for the latest "Battlestar Galactica" episode Water, but once again I was disappointed. The decision to include a prologue to the episode is most likely an attempt to bring more viewers aboard the Galactica as possible, stating the plot of the series whilst also showing some of the best scenes of the miniseries, and the episodes to come on the full series. As you might have guessed, it was the miniseries which filled up most of the minute.

Water" is essentially a character episode, with an extremely weak plot intended to let everyone see just how interesting these characters can be if given half a chance. But the main problem is, there are just so many people to go around, making it impossible to gain any real insight. There is Cmdr. Lee Adama (Edward James Olmos) who really doesnt do much except potter around what is now a very claustrophobic ship having a chit-chat with his number one officer and President Roslin (Mary McDonnell) is still searching for a way to make this convoy work. As for the pilots, Starbuck (Katee Sackhoff) is in desperate need of a plot other than flying about and gambling, and Apollo (Jamie Bamber) whose internal morale debate over the destruction of the Olympic Carrier in last weeks installment culminates into a full 30 seconds of the episode. Even the antics of Gaius Baltar (Jim Callis) and Number Six (Tricia Helfer) were greatly downplayed in this episode in a disappointing daydream sequence which was very similar to those Crichton-Scorpious moments in Farscape (minus the insane surrealism of course).

The episode was notably focused on Boomer (Grace Park), and basically sees the convoy seeking out new sources of water after an act of sabotage leaves them with virtually nothing, forcing several of the convoy ships apparently begin turning on each other. Although none of the actual internal fighting is ever explored on screen, instead it is relegated to a short dialogue scene. During the crisis, Boomer confides in her closet-lover Chief Tyrol (Aaron Douglas) that she has been waking up in strange places with no memory of how she got there. Tyrol assumes someone on the Galactica has drugged her in order to implicate her -- little does he know that he is very literally sleeping with the enemy. It was Boomer, a human-form Cylon, who blew a hole in the ship, and she came very close to blowing up her own craft once a replacement source of water was discovered. After a successful mission to locate a new water supply, she returned to the Galactica, with an explosive still attached to her console. Once again, it was left to Tyrol to clean up her mess by disposing of the bomb.

You would think that Tyrol would figure out that Boomer was responsible since she seems to be explosive-central, but there is no such luck. Which in retrospect is actually a good thing, since it means we get to watch her systematically try to eliminate the Galactica on a weekly basis. It was, however, interesting to see how the show dealt with the limitation of several supplies, something with is forgotten in most science-fiction series.

Continuing on from last week, there were a few short scenes on Cylon Occupied Caprica, where Helo (Tahmoh Penikett) talks with Cylon-Boomer. Boomer subtly begins to seduce him, and they quickly discover a military code originating from Caprica -- meaning there is a military resistance on the planet. So after two full episodes, the Cylons plan for Helo were revealed. What could have been an ongoing mystery was instead force-fed onto the screen without much of an impact. Another wasted opportunity.

As for the special effects, they also were dialed down for this episode, featuring only one memorable scene at the beginning as the Galactica leaks water into space. The explosion wasnt featured on screen, and even the Cylons on Caprica were only shown from a distance. Even then it was through a distorted military-issue viewfinder.

But perhaps the worst part of the episode of all was the directing. Unlike many other space dramas, this series is going for realism by having every single shot done in a documentary style with the camera bobbing about the place as if the camera man has just returned from a drunken weekend. It does increase the realism a great deal, but after 10 minutes, it does become increasingly exasperating to watch. Better keep some Dramamine handy.

There were, however, a few good scenes. Baltar challenging Starbuck to a game of cards was interesting, especially the reaction he received from Number Six. Then later, toward the end, President Roslin offers Apollo an advisory job, during which they have a short discussion about the Olympic Carrier. Finally, some emotional bleed back from the last episode. It was short-lived, but it does promise some expansion into both Roslin and Apollo in the future ... if there is enough screen time after the other 14 cast members are dealt with.

And finally there is the opening theme music. No matter how many times you watch it, it just will not get any better. Believe me, Ive tried. There was nothing wrong with the original tune from the 1970s. If it aint broken, dont fix it.

Alan Stanley Blair is a writer for Airlock Alpha, contributing from his home country of Scotland. He can be reached at ablair@airlockalpha.com.

EDITOR'S NOTE: "Battlestar Galactica" currently is airing in the United Kingdom on Sky One, as part of that satellite company's agreement with Sci-Fi Channel to produce the series. It premieres in the United States in January on the Sci-Fi Channel.

Water
Battlestar Galactica

Writing: C+
Story: C
Acting: C
Directing: C-

Overall: C

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