Battlestar Galactica is a science fiction series that takes the genre to another level, incorporating many themes and questions that we deal with in real life. The show takes on a political slant and includes a great deal of religious and ethical inspection. It deals with many of the issues that are relevant in society today and also has intricate mythology interwoven throughout the series.
The original Battlestar Galactica series was broadcast in 1978. Then in 2003, a reimagined Battlestar Galactica miniseries aired, and due to its success, it continued on to become a weekly show.
The premise of the science fiction series involves robots called Cylons that waged war on the human race, attempting to wipe them out. In the series, a group of human survivors have to navigate the challenges of maintaining a civilization without a planet to call their own. The series is chock full of interesting and well developed characters and full of twists, turns, and surprises.
Listed below are five episodes that encapsulate the series best.
33 (Season 1)
This is one of the earliest episodes of the series, and shows a Colonial fleet in ruins following the Cylon decimation of the 12 Colonies. Cylons consistently show up every 33 minutes and attack, and the entire fleet is forced to jump into hyperspace every 33 minutes as a result. Not only are we introduced to the idea of Cylons in this episode, but we are also shown humanity’s will to survive despite having to risk precious sleep for it.
Kobol’s Last Gleaming: Part 2 (Season 1)
The season finale episode is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. The commander of the fleet, Adama accuses President Roslin of mutiny when she usurps his command. One of the fighter pilots, Starbuck, has to face off against a cylon when she reaches the planet they are searching for and has to locate the Arrow of Apollo. The episode was full of action!
Home: Part 2 (Season 2)
A group of people exploring the planet Caprica finds the legendary Tomb of Athena which solidifies a path to Earth. There is a lot of interesting drama between genius Gaius Baltar and a cylon called Six. Gaius feels guilty about his past decisions and Six attempts to persuade Baltar that he is crazy and hallucinating her presence.
Downloaded (Season 2)
This episode gives the audience a glimpse into how the Cylons live. One of the robots named D’Anna is shown living her best Cylon life. How the Cylon invasion affected another Cylon named Caprica Six is explored. It turns out that she too has an invisible human following her around. And for the first time, a Cylon/human hybrid baby, is born.
Exodus: Part 2 (Season 3)
Adama and the rest of the fleet in space intervenes to rescue those living in captivity on the planet called New Caprica. Fighter pilot and the commander’s son Lee Adama and wife Lieutenant Dualla are Commanders of the Battlestar Pegasus. It has been a year since certain members of the fleet colonized New Caprica, and the Cylons invade again. The episode brings political intrigue to the plate. Gaius fails at being President of the Colonies. Colonel Tigh murders his wife, Ellen, for offering up valuable information to the Cylons. There is a rescue mission, and Starbuck is held captive..
