Review: Battlestar Galactica Razor

When first they announced a 2 hour Battlestar Galactica mini movie, I must say that I wasn't all that surprised. With every normal season episode produced with a movie-like quality, I reckoned Razor would feel more like an extended cut episode (similar to what was done with season 2's 'Pegasus') than anything else.

Sure enough, Razor expertly upholds Battlestar Galactica's TV-transcending quality while filling in the backstory for everyone's favorite doomed Battlestar.

Although season 4 is only a few months away, Razor takes us back to season 2's second half, just after Lee (Jamie Bamber) is given command of the Battlestar Pegasus. Tasked with choosing his XO, Apollo decides on the tough as nails Major Shaw (Stephanie Jacobsen). The spiritual successor to Admiral Cain, Shaw is a ruthless leader who soon finds her disciplinary eye set on Starbuck.

These scenes help to fill in the gaps left open in the main series when Lee takes command of the Pegasus, but the real depth in Razor comes from the flashbacks--mostly recounted through the perspective of Shaw--to the Pegasus after the initial Cylon attack. These stories were already covered in dialog form in the 'Pegasus' and 'Resurrection Ship' episodes, but it was great to finally see them fleshed out visually.

In these flashbacks, it is also revealed that Cain and the 6 model Cylon, Gina, were in fact lovers. Stupid fan-fic "shippers" and geek fantasy aside, their lesbo love affair also serves to add that much more power to Cain's death back in season 2.

In fact, I'd say Razor's most endearing quality isn't so much that it adds anything new to the story, but rather that it increases your appreciation of past episodes. So much backstory has been added to the crew of the Pegasus that re-watching the Pegasus themed episodes is like a whole new experience.

All in all, a very cool experience for the die-hard Battlestar Galactica fan. Never before have I seen a sci-fi story integrate flashback sequences retroactively with such success. Kudos to Taylor and Moore on that.

Also sure to please fans of the original show, Razor includes a couple of action sequences involving the old Cylon Centurion models. I've only seen a few episodes of TOS, but for long-time fans, the nostalgia factor should bring a smile or two.

The final bit of goodness in Razor is the implications it will have on the 4th season. In the closing minutes, there's a huge reveal about Starbuck in relation to the season 3 finale. Not only does it add to the ongoing debate about the spirituality presented in Battlestar, but also to the mystery of the final 5 Cylon models.

Ultimately Razor works both as an elaboration to previous episodes and a preview of things to come. Action packed, heartfelt, and featuring excellent editing and visuals, Battlestar Galactica Razor is everything a BSG fan could have hoped for...

...Now bring on season 4.

Rating: 10 / 10