Caprica

I loved it, having been a fan of the original series, I have always wondered what the back story would be - it didn't fail to delight me. I also love the fact that apart from Eric Stoltz I didn't recognise one person - this is refreshing, much like BSG. It has introduced me to a whole wealth of new talent - can't wait for the series to start airing. Well done to Ronald D. Moore and team - excellent job. The special effects, dialogue and acting were all spot on, and I felt emotionally tied up in the storyline. I know there are purists out there that will probably disagree with my assessment, but I felt that Caprica was far superior to most of the Sci-Fi stuff produced in the last decade.

Caprica, pronounced with a small i sound and not an e sound like Paprika (or have I been saying Paprika wrong my whole life?), loosely takes place in the home planet of the Battlestar Galactica crew, 50ish years before the cylons demanded retribution for decades of suffering from verbal abuse, constantly referred to as the "N" word for Robots, and I'm not sure if I'm allowed to use this word on IMDB: toasters.

Perhaps I would have scored this higher if they had a second season, so they could better connect how we get from point A to the world of BG. I was rarely bored with the engaging acting and artistic shots, but I was frequently hoping for more.

The overall plot was slow moving as the show instead mostly focused on the examination of a few families. The main character (Zoe) is often ignored and becomes less important as the show goes on, and there is not enough to care too much about many of the other character arcs which are less arcs and more circular, obviously, since their world is doomed as we know. So, even the weird preaching in the final episode, where it seems the writers are speaking to the viewers about the importance of big government (eyeroll), doesn't hold meat since that system collapsed in a generation or two and also sounded weird coming from a teenage robot girl.

Other issues include an unsolved death and lack of resolution for several characters including one who has a nickname and is pretty important but ignored in the finale.

Overall, this feels more like a CW show at times and not the precursor to a powerful sci-fi show, but I would have tuned into a second season since a successful framework was firmly in place - they just needed to do more with it.

A CEO computer expert's daughter is killed in a terrorist attack however he finds that she has found a way to live on in a virtual world which in turn assists him with his military defence contract. In addition, the bombing causes a string of events which impacts on the terrorist organisation and its victims.

Carpica is a fairly complex series, part drama, part sci-fi with many threads and subtext. Those expecting Battlestar Glactica (BSG) with its struggle for survival may be disappointed, it's grounded in an urban environments rather than in space and although a prequel spin-off and in the same universe it covers mainly a society that's running out of control, intoxicated by success. It's a good production with spats of action. For BSG fans it does give an insight and link into some BSG history.

Carpica's themes focus on social observations, mirroring contemporary issues, culture, beliefs and so on. It includes adolescent issues, corruption, misspent youth, time spent in virtual reality's, technological advancements, its benefits and pitfalls to name a few.

Like BSG it creates a rich plausible environment, in this case Caprica City which immerses the viewer. In places it's reminiscent of The Thirteenth Floor (1999) and The Matrix (1999). There's mergers and accusations. On display are conglomerates, corporations, chat shows, the media's impact and control- naturally this comes hand in hand with 30s style mobsters and shady dealings. There's bombing and assassinations, Carpica City reflects our own world.

The ethereal music compliments the series perfectly, the effects however are a mixed bag but serve their purpose. There are many meaty characters, interesting dynamics, arcs and thought provoking issues. The relationship with Joseph Adama played excellently by Esai Morales and his son are reminiscent of Goodfellas. The Bladrunner-like aspects of love relationships with the virtual Zoe Graystone are interesting. The acting is excellent from the leads, Eric Stoltz as Daniel Graystone is partially notable.

It's a treat to see the original Cylon unit from both the original BSG and the re-imagining in action. While the closing episode feels slightly rushed (possibly to it not being renewed) plots are all tied up and it nestles nicely as a prequel to both Blood and Chrome and BSG the series.

Overall a cracking yet sadly short live series which offers plenty food for thought.

This series took a while to develop - I didn't know what the framework was for several episodes. Other BSG fans I know got bored and quit watching. That's unfortunate - there's a brilliant sci-fi idea and storyline here.

However, the series goes way overboard on all the religion and cultural stuff. It's interesting to a point - but then we need to get back to sci-fi material and/or sci-fi related plot development. This is probably the biggest problem with the show.

The characters, on the other hand, are very well acted. If they had right scripts, the combo would easily reach the heights that BattleStar Galactica did.

All in all, this is pretty good series with a lot of potential. If it picks up the pace and focuses more on it's sci-fi underpinnings, it would gain a bigger and more satisfied audience.

After watching the rebooted Battlestar Galactica series I looked for something to fill the void and gave the series Caprica a go. Although I really enjoyed BSG, Caprica is also a really engaging story with brilliant acting.

If you are looking for a repeat of BSG then you will be disappointed. This series is completely different in tone, style and approach to the BSG universe. Instead of traveling space and battling Cylons you get a prequel series showing the development of cylons and a lead up to the 1st Cylon War/Apocalypse. This context of the show is set on the earth- like planet of Caprica instead of being set the ship/fleet of Galactica and the series Caprica is stronger as a result of this.

Eric Stoltz's acting is nothing short of superb. He portrays a father facing his demons and balancing the responsibilities of fatherhood and a demanding worklife. The special effects and props are well done, and add to the believability of a living breathing world and culture.

I don't know what else to say other than this show is worth checking out on itunes or DVD/Bluray if you are into well done hard sci-fi TV shows. This show is quite underrated and it is a shame that the show did not last longer than one season.