Thread by @MollyMcKew

I'm rewatching Battlestar Galactica because man vs machine vs the unexplainable is pretty much the philosophy we need right now.

The exchange at the beginning between the military and civilian leaders re: the inherent evil vs benefit of networked computers/AI = 2018

Adama, as if speaking to 2018 tech companies: "When we fought the cylons, we did it to save ourselves from extinction. But we never answered the question why. Why are we as a people worth saving? ... We refuse to accept the responsibility for anything that we've done...

... We decided to play God, create life. And when that life turned against us, we comforted ourselves in the knowledge that it wasn't our fault -- not really. You cannot play God and then wash your hands of the things that you've created...

...Sooner or later the day comes when you cannot hide from the things that you've done anymore."

"Why are you telling me this now?"

"It's the end of the world, Lee. I thought I should confess my sins"

I know there are people who aren't scifi people, because they don't understand why it is brilliant and modern philosophy -- but Battlestar is just the best TV. Every actor in this, it's the best thing they ever did, because the storytelling of the show required powerhouse acting

But of course, since award people never appreciate scifi or fantasy shows/movies, all of this goes unrecognized.

I mean, Return of the King winning best picture was basically acknowledgment that every actor in it was screwed over on recognition.

-You're right. There's no Earth. It's all a legend.

-Then why?

-It's not enough to just live. You have to have something to live for. Let it be Earth.

-They'll never forgive you.

-Maybe. But in the meantime, I've given all of us a fighting chance to survive.

The relationship between Adama and Laura Roslin is one of the finest ever portrayed. Edward James Olmos & Mary McDonnell -- could watch their scenes forever. So many layers.

XO: If the crew doesn't hate the XO, he isn't doing his job. Besides, I have to make the old man look good.

Captain: I always look good.

President: I think I'm going to get tired of this outfit, seeing as I only have three for the rest of my life.
[sigh]
Let's go be presidential.

-Every man has to decide for themselves which side they are on.

-I didn't know we were picking sides.

-That's why you haven't picked one yet.

Now there's the "one man's freedom fighter is another man's terrorist"/terrorism is caused by oppression va ideology debate.

I totally missed until just now, in my approx 7th viewing of the series, that in the very next ep, Tom Zarek the terrorist/tea party-like leader asks:

"Have you picked a side, Apollo?"

The centrists def end up in the worst spot.

The prison ship episode is so good.

But it ends up making a really, really good argument for not negotiating with terrorists.

Now there's the independent tribunal to investigate conspiracy and collusion with the cylons.
"That's what the cylons want -- for us to turn on each other."
2018

"Somewhere in this there's truth -- you care to take me to it?"

Every version of Sharon is the worst cylon.

And that says a lot, given [dont want to spoil but you know the secret cylon I mean]

-Sorry, we're weaning you off the magic pills starting today. Besides, I need them for myself.

-You son of a bitch.

"If you're a cylon, I'd like to know."

"If I'm a cylon, you're really screwed."

"Everyone I know is fighting to get back what they had. I'm fighting because I don't know how to do anything else."

"It's not for you. It's for them. Give them what they need -- a hero. That will be your penance. Even if it kills you."

"If there's one thing that we should have learned, it's that our brains have always outraced our hearts -- our science charges ahead and our souls lag behind."

Very 2019.

And whoever called "will finish whole series of BSG by Friday" -- you were right.