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How Science Fiction Should Be This mini-series was something else! Forget the campy 1970s one-season wonder, this drama -- and it is as much that as sci-fi -- totally reinvents the series and firmly places it into 21st century world events. As you watch the story unfold it's hard not to draw parallels between the film's plot and the attacks of September 11, 2001, but it's not disrespectful or judgemental in any way shape or form. As with most great science fiction, the reader/viewer is left to form their own opinions, make their own judgements (as it should be). The casting of the characters to play the classic roles was also top-notch. At first, I wasn't sure if Edward James Olmos was the right pick to play Commander Adama, but I turned out to be wrong. His performances is spectacular and he serves as a dramtic center for the entire production, and the father-son dynamic between him and Apollo borders on Shakespearean. Also great is Mary McDonnell as President Laura Roslin, the former Secretary of Education who is forced into the position of President. Her character could easily be dismissed as the liberal foil to Adama's conservative militaristic style, but both characters surprise you in their willingness to change roles. The rest of the cast is also great: Jamie Bamber as Apollo, Katee Sackhoff as the "reimagined" Starbuck, Tricia Helfer as the seductive and menacing cylon in human form, the tough-as-nails, but tortured performance of Michael Hogan as Col. Tigh, and James Callas as Dr. Baltar -- the man who unwittingly helped bring about the downfall of mankind. Also worth a mention are the great CGI effects. The space battles are the best I've seen (either movies or television) and the "reimagined" cylons are very well done. This movie will definately rankle purists who thought the campy 1970s TV show was sacrosanct, but if you're willing to give the show a try, Battlestar Galactica will win you over. Moreover, if you haven't had a chance to watch the TV series, do so. The drama and excitement has only improved.