How Battlestar Galactica makes me want to be a better writer:

There’s never been a story, a program, a film that has affected me as much as Battlestar Galactica.  I’m not talking the old series from the 80’s, I’m talking the new reimagined brilliance by Ron Moore and David Eick.

From the moment I first watched a blond bombshell named Six walk down a crowded street on a planet called Caprica, I have been completely and utterly enthralled with the storyline and the characters.

Every week when I’ve watched, I have been captivated and moved.  I am completely invested in these characters lives, good or bad, I want to go on the ride with them.  It humbles me to hear the dialogue and see the character’s arcs played out before my eyes.  I am in awe of the writing, acting and directing.  Everything about it makes me ache and makes me want to be a better writer in every way.

And I’m extremely saddened that this glorious ride is coming to the end.  There are only two more episodes and then there will be no more new visions of brilliance.  I am so sad, that I do actually want to cry.

And yes, I am a total geek.  J  But this show has been pivotal in my growth as a writer, as a creator.  I aspire to be as great as those that worked on this amazing series.

TOP TEN REASONS I LOVE BATTLESTAR GALATICA

1. Kara “Starbuck” Thrace – the kickinest, toughest, ballsiest female character I’ve ever seen created for TV, and Katee Sackhoff plays her so well, its scary, I want to be Starbuck
2. Number Six – the blond bombshell cylon who corrupted a brilliant scientist into unwittingly destroying the human race almost to extinction – played to perfection by the lovely Tricia Helfer
3. Dr. Gaius Baltar – the corrupted brilliant scientist - funny as hell, and so self absorbed, adore him, James Callis is divine in this role, when he is on screen its like magic, he steals every scene he’s in
4. Colonel Saul Tigh – so deliciously tortured and conflicted, and Michael Hogan can act more with his one eye (the other is covered by a patch) than most other actors can do with their entire bodies – brilliant
5. Admiral William Adama and President Laura Roslin – the relationship between these two is both caustic and beautiful, I’ve loved watching them come together, their love seems so pure but born out of chaos
6. Hot dudes – Jamie Bamber as Apollo, Tahmoh Penikett as Helo, and Michael Trucco as Sam Anders, and I don’t know but there is something sexy about both Callum Keith Rennie as Leoben, and Mark Sheppard as Romo Lampkin

7. Fabulous tough female characters – Grace Park as Athena/Boomer, Lucy Lawless as D’Anna, Kate Vernon as Ellen Tigh, and Rekha Sharma as Tory Foster

8. The fact that I NEVER know what’s going to happen – every episode is a surprise for me, I’m never comfortable watching this show, I am always tense and unnerved, because I can never be sure that one of my favorite characters won’t die, there is no safety net when watching

9. The music – has always been a big part of the show, and it’s by turns moving and haunting, some pieces give me shivers especially the opening credits song…funny thing, my mom can’t be in the same room as the TV when the theme music is playing, it unnerves her so much she feels like crying every time – big time kudos to Bear McCreary for such amazing sounds

10. The writing – I am humbled by the writing on this show, also jealous as hell that these wonderful talented people got to create something so amazing and timeless.   BRAVO writers.  BRAVO.  I am indebted to you for bringing to me week after week of utter brilliance.  I want to create something as magical as you have.  There’s nothing more I can say about that.

Has there been anything you’ve seen, heard, or read that has made you want to be better, to do better?