Plot; The Cylons herd the Galactica and its fleet near an ice planet where they have built a deadly laser weapon that can destroy ships in space. With no other options, Adama sends down a squad made up mostly of convicts to destroy the weapon.
This is essentially 'The Dirty Dozen' meets 'The Guns of Navarone'. Misfits on a one-way mission. It's a classic formula, and it works very well here in part 1. The production values here are outstanding, first in creating the two crash landings on the snow planet, and then creating the snow planet on a soundstage. It's all first rate stuff, and really helps to narrow that gap between reality and suspension of disbelief. The other aspect that works well here are the guest stars. There are some familiar names and faces--Bond girl Britt Ekland, 'Magnum' co-star Larry Manetti--and a host of colorful character actors who really bring their characters to life.
Being the first of a two-parter, nothing is resolved, but it certainly sets up strong stakes and has me looking forward to its conclusion.
BSG extras - Starbuck's (Dirk Benedict) hair noticeably changes lengths several times throughout the episode.
This is essentially 'The Dirty Dozen' meets 'The Guns of Navarone'. Misfits on a one-way mission. It's a classic formula, and it works very well here in part 1. The production values here are outstanding, first in creating the two crash landings on the snow planet, and then creating the snow planet on a soundstage. It's all first rate stuff, and really helps to narrow that gap between reality and suspension of disbelief. The other aspect that works well here are the guest stars. There are some familiar names and faces--Bond girl Britt Ekland, 'Magnum' co-star Larry Manetti--and a host of colorful character actors who really bring their characters to life.
Being the first of a two-parter, nothing is resolved, but it certainly sets up strong stakes and has me looking forward to its conclusion.
BSG extras - Starbuck's (Dirk Benedict) hair noticeably changes lengths several times throughout the episode.