Battlestar! Galactica!

I’m choosing to review Battlestar Galactica’s series finale for a few reasons. It’s made an extraordinary impact on the way television and stories will be told from now on. It’s perhaps one of the best stories I’ve ever been able to hear, or watch, or whatever you want to call it, it’s also one of my biggest inspirations for Soundtrack. I admit I’ve hit a bit of a roadblock, a writer’s roadblock so to say – Battlestar Galactica’s finale has caused me to rethink everything I’ve done so far. To have it be done is just not enough – it needs to be done right. You’ve set the bar, Battlestar. I swear I didn’t mean to rhyme right there. Oh my gods that’s contagious.

I suppose the first issue is Kara Thrace. Disappearing in the middle of a field may not have been closure, but we're left with the fact that Kara came back as something else after the explosion. Whether that was an angel, or a dying leader, or a cylon-hybrid, it doesn't really matter. We always knew she had a destiny - and that calling brought her back to complete it. To not put a name and logic to something as profoundly personal as resurrection was a brilliant choice. What we saw was how people would deal with resurrection if it happened to them - and it worked. Baltar said it best when he said Kara exemplified life after death. Her mere existence was a beacon of hope in otherwise bleak times. We saw Kara come back as sharp, determined in her mission - we saw her as fragile when her identity issues came up on Earth. I thought they did a wonderful job of staying committed to the characters. As far as her being the Harbringer of Death - well, death is just a metaphor for change. Humanity did end, it's now mixed with Cylon DNA. So far as Earth providing a hope and future for the fleet, Kara was no longer needed.

I had read spoilers here and there about Helo ending the unpredictable way and I understand that now. I liked that. It would have been cliché for Helo or Athena to go out as the cost for Hera. That shot of Helo walking on Earth with his family was a perfect resolution to their story.

The flashbacks were perfect in de-mythifying these characters (besides Kara). Their origins told stories of real people who seemingly guided their own lives, but somehow fell into a small group of some of the most important roles in humanity’s history. The moment Adama puked and looked up at the stars – he knew that’s where he belonged. Kara’s relationship with Zak is what laid the foundations for her relationships with William and Lee. One, a futile, but loving relationship between brother and sister-in-law and the other a surrogate father-daughter present from day one.

I had trouble with Adama and Roslin leaving Kara and Lee on their own, considering their own losses, but of anyone in this entire series that's earned some rest, is it not these two? Their mission was to guide humanity to a home and against all odds, they did it. I'd let those two do whatever they wanted. It's a shame Lee is left alone, but how could Adama know Kara would disappear? Besides, Lee does alright. I'm sure he'll find some babe who wants to go rock climbing with the former President of the Colonies. Without Roslin, what would Adama get out of life? Sine Qua Non. That last scene with Adama talking to Roslin’s grave was just tremendous, and the emotional highpoint of the episode for me. I would have been happy if it had been the end of the episode – but there was story left to be told.

Like life, things do not just end. It's a very open ended conclusion to the story. The show was called Battlestar Galactica, and in the first episode we were promised humanity's salvation. I'd say the show completely told that story. On the note of salvation - maybe the concept of abandoning technology doesn't seem appropriate in the context of the finale itself, but as a series - it was such a logical ending. Of course we as the audience can't understand the allure of a tribal lifestyle - that's the point. There is a lot of credible material to suggest that our obsession with blaming modernity for denying us the lifestyle we desire is what leads to some of the most important milestones in history. Four years locked in metal boxes on the run from cutthroat machines they had invented - well those are situations we can only imagine. Would the whole population of the 12 Colonies been able to do that prior to the attack? Probably not.

Baltar references Pythia in 4x09 "The Hub" as humanity's salvation is found in the wake of a flood. By the end of Battlestar Galactica, humanity has found salvation. A cycle which had repeated itself at least four times over 6000 years was broken for over 150, 000. Furthermore the MSNBC broadcast (which I took as a confirmation as their Earth being 'our' Earth, besides, you know, Africa) wasn't highlighting the fact that our curiosity with machines will lead to our downfall – it’s what we have those machines do. All the machines on television were providing some form of service, whether its was entertainment or something more. Our minds racing ahead while our souls lag behind. Is it right to create machines to make life funner, or easier on this planet? I think that's a question we have to ask ourselves at the end of the series.

Battlestar Galactica has always been a modern myth. That was clear from the season one episode "Hand of God". Hera was more than just a girl - she was a symbol of a the possible future between cylon and humanity. If Athena and Helo could fall in love, than so could any human and cylon. The fight was not just for Hera - it was for a bonded future. Of course the show wasn't going to satisfy every note. For one, some questions aren't worth answering, and two, some answers are better left to interpretation. Ronald D. Moore may not have had an end in sight from Day 1, but he certainly knows how to tell the modern myth. I thought the series was an overall groundbreaking contribution to modern story telling - from its narrative to its production value. I hope this show influences the way television is produced in some way from now on. I thought it was a terrific finale - a small movie, and a great end to a great series.

To cap it off, my top ten list of Battlestar Galactica episodes.

10. The Miniseries
9. Pegasus (Cut)
8. Unfinished Business (Uncut)
7. A Disquiet Follows My Soul
6. Daybreak (I, II)
5. Flesh and Bone
4. Exodus (II)
3. Blood on the Scales
2. 33
1. Someone to Watch Over Me

March 26 2009

It’s my birthday. That means it’s getting close to Soundtrack’s first birthday. With that, I announce a major change in the series. Riley Baxter, is now Riley Evans, and she’s a she! By she I mean girl. There’s not even a lot of changes to be made. It was done to balance the genders in the series, to provide another female lead and to sweeten the dynamic between Eddie and Riley. There’s no romance in the first 6 episodes, but there will definitely be a relationship or maybe even a triangle by the end of the longer vision.

Getting back to birthdays. 23. I told Patrick tonight I want to be casting in one year. One year ago Soundtrack was an idea. Now, it’s two and a half scripts, directing notes, some serious ambition about a production company, including a business model and production costs. The news today was that the CBC was cutting back huge, and selling assets to make up $170 million or something. Now that means that that stuff will be up for grabs! Lots of stuff to be buying – or leasing! Just enough to shoot a pilot. I’ve been semi-looking forward to auditions, now that Riley is a girl.

I’m going to be posting my review of the Battlestar Galactica finale. Stay tuned.

March 12, 2009

Alright, so I began directing notes for Episode 1. Why? Brendan keeps pressing the idea that I start my own production company and with that thought in mind, I began to think about the bigger picture. I see these images in my mind, but it would be nice to be able to communicate it to others. I got five pages into the directing notes for Episode 1 and it took about an hour. I’m fortunate to have had the teachings of Jose Gonzales and Rudy Schoenngen for my mediocre knowledge in camera shots.

I also found my first actor. Kyle Eyer. Eddie or Riley. Both musicians, both fighters. We talked about it last night. He hasn’t read the script but he could do well for both. I sent him the scripts and a more detailed description of the two characters, so here for your reading pleasure is Eddie and Riley uncut.

I always imagined riley as a skinhead, not a nazi, but shaved. probably pierced, maybe even those gross ear plug things. obviously he wouldn't have to get any of those for real. he can get away with this look at the mechanic shop he works at. he likes it. he’s liked cars all his life. he’s good with them too. he's kind of sarcastic, but at the same time, he's the only real optimistic of the main trio. kind of along for the ride - because he wants to be there. he's bored with his every day life and this unique situation comes upon him so he just rolls with it

Eddie i'm not really sure. he's a smart guy. he just doesn't have much initiative. he went to school, got good grades, but nowhere near what he could have. he's a technical genius, he really has an aptitude for electronics and mechanical engineering. because of that he has a very rational mind. he can't really accept the things that unfold in front of him. his friendship with riley, plus a desire to put a logical explanation to inexplicable events motivate him to participate in these events he'd otherwise discard as nonsense

It’s really important to develop where these characters came from. I had someone ask me today why Davis became a cop with his intellect, and the last post had his backstory. Bam, I already had a satisfying answer within a smaller story. It’s encouraged me to go back and write detailed histories for each character, so expect those soon!

Aside from those bits, I started Episode 3 ‘401’. I liked that title. It’s a clue as to what might happen this episode. I’ll give you a hint “RESCUE ON THE 401” will not be the headline. More like… “POLICE HAVE NO SUSPECTS IN ATTACK ON 401”. Hope every one has a great day!

Good Night and Good Luck!

MARCH 8 2009:

Episode 2 is finished! Tentative title CHASING RABBITS. A bit of an allure to Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, but I feel like that’s getting to be way too cliché. That and C.S. Lewis. I think it’s a bit more literal than Episode 1’s title, it refers really to the fact that everyone in this episode is really chasing their own tail.

I introduced a few new characters this episode. Paul Brandt the mercenary got a name, Cain has a bodyguard/chef named Vilo Monrae, a information source known as Trust, and a key conspiracy figure, Simon Trusseau. With the exception of Brandt, who’s dead now, I think we’re going to see all of these characters again at least once.

I found this episode to be a struggle to write. I had always intended that the Davis rescue would go down in Episode 3, and I had to find a way to reach that moment but delay it at the same time. I mean the whole episode is literally find one clue to find another. In one way, I regret that, but in another, the episode’s called chasing rabbits for a reason. How would one track someone down without forensic evidence? Derek and crew would have been on the right track had they followed the Trusseau lead – but Davis’ plea for help at the end, setting in motion a very different episode was essential.

By about half way into Episode 3, I’d like the rescue to be under way. Riley and Derek find an opportunity to track down Davis that can’t wait for regrouping, but Eddie and Cain stumble upon Davis’ secret cache of high-tech weapons. This will include the high powered magnet hands, the mounted zip-line and the combat-suit. That last item will be the foundation of Derek’s costume by season 2.

You may never get an opportunity to see Nathan Davis’ back story so here it is. Davis grew up the son of an alcoholic and a mother who stood by it. With high spirits he made it through high school with fantastic grades, which led him to McGill University on a full scholarship. Pursuing studies in psychology, law and sociology he eventually graduated on top of the Dean’s List with a Masters in Criminology. Having deduced his intelligence was on the superhuman level, Davis struggled with what to do with his intellect. He entered law school, but soon discovered the courtroom wasn’t where he belonged. Through his studies, he was introduced to the case of JEREMY RYER, a man being tried on several different charges of fraud. Following the case, Davis identified Ryer as a super human capable of changing his appearance. Ryer disappeared shortly after his sentencing, and Davis began a short journey to track down and bring the suspect to justice. Davis was left was a renewed passion for the law on the side of the police, and soon found himself with a detective’s badge. His escalating war on crime has been fought with advanced-weaponary developed in his secret basement laboratory.

I still haven’t decided if Davis lives or dies. He’ll find out that Derek isn’t the target – Eve is, only Danielle doesn’t know who Eve is yet – just that it’s who Derek loves. Derek gets to Eve first, and is able to protect her for a short time – but is eventually captured at the end of Episode 4. While Danielle’s plans involve a nuclear attack – Derek only cares about getting his girl back. Frankly, Davis doesn’t fit into that picture – and obviously must die at some point. Characters with answers are bad. Maybe we can put him in a coma. Comas are good.

Anyway, expect status updates as I go through a second draft with Episode 2. Then I hopefully I can get everyone together for a good reading. You will be the second audience to know how it goes.

Ciao for now everyone!