Hoodwinked

The television show Battlestar Galactica (2004) is a great example of how main stream home viewers can be hoodwinked or trapped into watching a SciFi television show. Once in a while a network or a team of producers can pull this off so seamlessly that a viewer can watch an entire series without categorizing a show as Science Fiction. Lost is another example of this.
Webster dictionary defines Science Fiction as fiction dealing principally with the impact of actual or imagined science on society or individuals or having a scientific factor as an essential orienting component. In the television world this means that there are a group of people or a niche that are interested specifically in Science Fiction media. Many people, not having a true understanding of what science fiction entails, simply imagining dorky people with no friends deeply engraved in imaginary worlds, so they tend to shun anything openly claiming to be SciFi oriented. 
Then you have a show like Battlestar Galactica that was so well made that people who never had an interest in science fiction were hooked. Part of the reason for this phenomenon was that Battlestar not only showed on the Sci Fi channel but also aired on NBC, a major network and during prime time hours. NBC hardcore marathoned the show from season start to season end. They showed back to back episodes leaving people nothing else to watch during prime time. Some people turned on their TV to their favorite channel and had no clue what they were watching. But as the drama of Battlestar unfolded they were hooked and wanted to know what would happen next.
The beauty that surrounds Battlestar is that it was intelligently done. The show does not focus on technology or fancy gadgets. The show focuses on people, creating characters that everyone can relate to and root for. There is an underlying darkness to the show that fans appreciate also. The majority of television is very light hearted, bright and happy go lucky. In Battlestar you have to work for those happy moments and they mean so much more to you. 

Most people don't realize that Battlestar Galactica is a remake of a television show from the 70's that also had a great following.Starbuck, played by Katee Sackhoff, was originally written as a man. Shocking I know. Battlestar Galactica (1978) can be found on Netflix if you would like to take a peek. It is pretty hilarious to me.

Essentially this show bases itself on a concept that everyone can relate to even if they are not a "SciFi" fan. People's genuine struggle to survive and deal with the consequences of their actions. Yes this show can be thought of as dark and dreary. Teainacan likes to say its like watching a puppy get kicked over and over again. I disagree, its more like watching someone heal after a bad trauma or accident. It ain't pretty but it is amazing.


Can you tell that Starbuck is my favorite character? So because I am way too in love with this show i tend to ramble and gush with no real point in sight. If you take anything away from this it is this: give every show a chance, you might like it when you get hoodwinked.


-SardonicQueen