Comments on: The future begins now: first Caprica reviews

By: Sean Williams

Sean Williams — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 08:57:27 +0000

io9 reported today that Caprica started off as a non-BSG project (on the themes you mention) that was, perhaps unfortunately, shoehorned into the BSG franchise. I haven’t seen it yet either, but I suspect it’s probably too late to be its own thing now, no matter how irrelevant the Adamas might be. Still, maybe it’ll pave the way to something else in the non-splosion vein. (Much as I love the whole infernokrusher, one does need a varied diet.) One can hope.

By: tezby

tezby — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 00:42:38 +0000

Have you guys seen the second half of season 4 yet? There is a ton of action in BSG. It’s not Star Wars, but they’re really ramping it up as the series comes to an end.

By: James Bradley

James Bradley — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 00:16:44 +0000

I think you’re making a really interesting point about the confusion of action and quality sci-fi. Lots of the best and most thought-provoking SF movies are the quietest – think of Gattaca for instance. But there’s always that drive towards violence and space battles. One of the really interesting things about BG was the way it dumped all of that for a focus on the political and theological questions, and it was the better for it.
And you’re also making me even more eager to see it – I’m still waiting for my copy to wing its way across the Pacific (no doubt on a plane seething with swine flu) – but I’m hoping it will be here this week, and I’ll write something more substantial then.

By: Anomar

Anomar — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 00:11:09 +0000

Well, the Salon review linked above was about as fraked as possible.

If you want bust it up action, go to slick and fake scifi, if you want to think, tune into Caprica.

Honestly, the reviewer, Thomas Rogers, seemed morally deficient as the ruling class on Caprica. He was actually salivating for the decadence the opening scenes were critiquing. Neither does he have the least idea what good science fiction is about. He actually writes, “In fact, robot subplot and holographic excursions aside, there really isn’t much that’s science fiction-y about ‘Caprica.’”

The series obviously means to help us confront the very real questions humanity must as we embark on the path of creation of ‘humanoid’ life.

This is serious business and it sure ain’t about glorifying gore and perversion. I’m sure open to showing those realities but pining for them.

Rogers has so long ago gone over to the dark side, he can’t even imagine being asked to think about its implications. He needs a midi-chlorian injection. His review is an EPIC FAIL.

I found the DVD version of the pilot much better than expected. And the idea of delivering a more adult version via direct DVD sales is just what we have been all waiting for. Kudos all around.

By: James Bradley

James Bradley — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 10:06:32 +0000

I was glad about the same thing. Then I saw this:

http://www.salon.com/ent/tv/review/2009/04/21/caprica/index.html

Hmm.

By: Melissa

Melissa — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 07:48:49 +0000

I’m excited – and glad to hear it hasn’t been panned. One can’t help but have reasonably high expectations.

By: James Bradley

James Bradley — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 00:23:15 +0000

I know, it’s a cheap shot, but I took against him years ago. I’m sure there was a reason but I now can’t remember what it was. But I have to admit from what I’ve seen he looks like he’s good in Caprica, so I may have to revise my opinion.
Have you seen it? What’s it like?
And thanks for the kind words re the BSG piece.

By: tezby

tezby — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 00:16:14 +0000

He may have a charisma bypass but Stoltz is a good actor.

On another BSG point, I just read your piece in Meanjin last night. Excellent job sir!