Before the Fall (Caprica (DVD))

Member Name: adambrown400

Product:	Caprica (DVD)
Date:	29/09/09 (62 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great writing, direction and acting

Disadvantages: none - totally faultless

This is a review of the pilot episode of 'Caprica' - a separate release, not the series.
First off let me say that I am a massive fan of the recent new updated version of Battlestar Galactica, whether that hinders my opinion of this new spin-off show or not - I'll let you decide! For anyone that doesn't know anything about the updated series, here it is in a nutshell:

Humans have existed peacefully on the planet Caprica for around fifty years or so, ever since 'The Cylons' waged war against mankind. The Cylons were evil robots that humans created that eventually rebelled against their masters. Battlestar Galactica tells the tale of a fleet of human spaceships that are left after Caprica was nuked back to the stoneage. This new show 'Caprica' is set at the beginning of the invention of the Cylons, a time when robotics and technology are rife in society.

Imagine Caprica to be like our planet, only a few years in the future. Technology rules our lives and many teenagers as well as adults enjoy the benefits of virtual reality. None more so than Daniel Graystone (Eric Stoltz) and his dysfunctional family unit. Graystone is one of the pioneers of the new robotic craze and wants to expand the limits of the robots military potential.

Thrown into the mix is lawyer Joseph Adama who loses his wife and daughter to an act of supposed terrorism at the beginning of the pilot show. Both men are similar in their own way and are bonded together through the loss of their daughters.

Caprica is a fantastic pilot thats shaping up to be a great series. It neatly introduces us to the characters, without being reliant on previous knowledge of Battlestar. In fact, it's much less 'spacey' than the previous show, meaning it may be a lot more accessible to people uninterested in sci-fi. It's a show that will probably appeal a lot more to fans of the X-Files and Fringe to say, Star Trek. Its also based in a world very similar to our own - just with a few more robots!

The pilot also looks fantastic. It appears to have had a massive budget and comes very close to that of a feature film and while heavily reliant on CGI this doesn't ever detract from the quality of the programme in any way. Some CGI can appear very ropey in other shows - here its quite seamless.

Eric Stoltz and Esai Morales are excellent in their roles and I hope they manage to develop these characters as the series goes on. With someone like Ronald D Moore in charge, you know that this is going to be great. With all the intricate plot twists and political intrigue that Battlestar threw up it'll be fun watching how this one develops over time.
Paula Malcomson is also very effective in her role as Graystone's daughter who goes through many interesting changes throughout the pilot show. Polly Walker is also an interesting character as 'Sister' Clarice Willow.
When the show comes onto Sky early next year you really need to watch it and enjoy quality sci-fi at its best. Highly recommended.

Summary: Go see!