'Caprica' review: Before 'Galactica': ‘Caprica’ offers glimpse of the Cylons’ origin
By Lee Rosenberg
Special to amNewYork
3 Stars
For fans of the reimagined “Battlestar Galactica,” “Caprica” is a very different type of show, almost completely lacking in any of the action or science-fiction aspects of “Galactica.”
In many ways, the world of “Caprica” ($26.98) feels like it could be our world in 10 or 20 years.
“Caprica,” the new direct-to-DVD pilot from “Battlestar Galatica” producers David Eick and Ronald D. Moore, is set 58 years before the fall of the 12 Colonies.
It tells the story of two families, the Graystones and the Adamas, the creation of the Cylons and the events that would lead to the first Cylon War.
Despite its ties to “Galactica,” “Caprica” is a very different series, featuring a much heavier dose of politics, racisim, religion and corporate intrigue.
While the show does have potential, with its large cast of characters and number of subplots, the show can initially be difficult to follow.
But as the story unfolds, the characters — including Eric Stoltz as Daniel Graystone and Esai Morales as Joseph Adama — are better introduced and the world begins to come together and make sense. Given time, this could be a very interesting look at the “Battlestar Galactica” world and life on the Colonies before the Cylon War.
However it also has the potential to become too preachy and little more than a social commentary.
Hopefully the writers will focus on the characters who have great potential, and, through them, explore the issues of religion, racism, terrorism and our basic humanity, rather than putting the issues at the forefront and forcing the characters to come along for the ride.
