Battlestar Galactica: Blood & Chrome

I was happy with the prequel web-miniseries "Battlestar Galactica: Blood and Chrome" (2012) – it really seemed like a return to form to the immensely popular first two seasons of the TV show. I'd give it an 8 out of 10. Gone are the weird and confusing plot lines involving divine intervention and … (sigh) angels. Instead we're treated to a decent, escapist and gratifying sci-fi war-adventure story, with a few gritty horror elements thrown in to remind us that this is still Ron Moore's unique Battlestar Galactica universe. It seemed to consciously emulate "Aliens" (1986), which is a direction I think a lot of BSG fans would have been thrilled with. (I'm a little confused about whether the SyFy Channel intended this as a possible pilot for a regular TV series … it seems that way, from how it's written.)

There are also nice nods to the series, its followup prequel series, "Caprica," and even the original 1970's TV show. I loved how one key actor/actress appeared to lend his/her voice to really nail a nice surprise in the finale. That's some damn fun continuity right there, and awesome fan service.

It's a shaky pilot (?) in some ways. Young William Adama is a two- dimensional clone of "Starship Troopers'" Johnny Rico, though he does grow a bit by the end of the story. There are also other clichés – at one point a commander states something along the lines of "the fate of the entire war hinging on this battle!!" Ugh. Another flaw was its inclusion of actors from the series – in different roles. It was probably cool for Moore to keep it in the family and give these talented people additional high-profile work. (My personal favorite is the great, underused character actor Ty Olsson.) But it's jarring, and takes you right out of the story – sometimes you're too busy saying, "Hey! It's THAT guy!" to get immersed in the show.

Still, this was cool and exciting and fun. What a shame it's (apparently) not turning into a regular series.

First of all i want to say how thrilled i am that they got lift off with this show.

As a fan i am prejudged of course, but the first episode promises very much. It has a good atmosphere around it.

With David Eick and Bear McCreary mixed in the soup in this show, it will be without a question of a doubt very top notch.

The acting is solid, the CGI is staggering. It was a little getting used to, to the new William Adama. That's just personal, because i liked the small role of the old actor who played in the minisodes very much. His eyes in the cockpit of that viper, that one moment(the fans know what scene i mean), they where so very alike those of Edward James Olmos . But after seeing this spin off it's long forgotten.

I am hooked again.

Just one thing. Please don.t cancel this one!!

Still saw the new Battlestar Galactica series approx. 4 times. And still impressed! Perfect actors, good cgi and a terrific story.

So. Now i was waiting for this new episodes and read all about it. Yesterday i saw now the first 6 episodes. And guess what? Fantastic. Breathtaking. Perfect.

I love the new story. The actors are great and also storyline is very good for a first episode. CGI are a little bit too much. Lensflare as its best. But who cares.

All in all. I would recommend this new series for every Battlestar Galctica Fan.

I've you loved the new Battlestar series you will also love Blood & Chrome.

So say we all....

Battlestar Galactica is a great series and Blood and Chrome is a worthy prequel to it. I won't go as far to say that it's perfect, the dialogue while mostly fine could have done with more polish, it did have some cheesiness, the story does drag a little towards the end and Lili Bordon shows little charisma. However, it is well made, the special effects are generally well-crafted and not too overused, the photography is solid and the interiors are striking. Credit must be made for the attempt to make it true to the series. The music is rousing and atmospheric, while the story is fun, doesn't take itself too seriously and maintains attention throughout(again doing a good job trying to respect the series) and the characters are written into the story well and are interesting. The acting I was very impressed by, Ben Cotton is the best of the lot, very charismatic and successfully bringing maturity to the story. Luke Pasquallino is likable in the lead role. John Pyper-Ferguson is under-utilised but not enough to still make an impression.

All in all, not on the same level as the series but still quite good. 7/10 Bethany Cox

For something that was made to air over the internet and be released on disc a few months later, Battlestar Galactica: Blood and Chrome is a spectacular and valiant effort that comes out on top. There isn't much for me to say about the series, besides its great music, astounding visuals, and intense action, but that fans of the series MUST see this! Purchase the full extended cut when it's released in February; it'll be worth it, especially since the series is getting better with every segment released on Machinima.

P.S. To anyone that is or is going to watch this, try to get more viewers to see it because if there are more, then they might greenlight the full series