A long time ago, in a television galaxy not too far away, a remake of the ’70s sci-fi classic Battlestar Galactica was created. And it was good and highly successful. Then, it was announced that a prequel titled Caprica was going to be made that highlighted the Adama family 50 years before the current BSG timeline. And it was good and highly anticipated. Then, a promotional trailer was released for Caprica. And it was good, if not a bit confusing. Then, the people waited.
And waited.
And waited.
Then, it was announced that Caprica was finally being picked up by Sci Fi Channel as an ongoing series to begin in early 2010. And it was good, but met with a stifled yawn.
Not because the concept of the series isn’t intriguing: Caprica will tell the story of that earth-like planet before it was wiped out by the Cylons in order to make a galactic bypass. It’s just that fans have had to wait several years for this to come to fruition. Add to that the frustration viewers have had waiting such a long, long time to see the last episodes of BSG. The result: a positive acknowledgment that Caprica is finally happening, followed by a shrug of the shoulders.
With there being such a large gap between the series finale of BSG and the premiere of Caprica, in order to give the writers of the current series a chance to get together for the new one, I have to wonder if there will still be interest for this prequel when it eventually airs, especially since it looks like the show will be heavy on family drama and lacking in the science fiction elements of the current series. Oh, I’m sure avid fans will be counting down until the series airs, but what about the casual viewers — will they stick around until 2010? And, even though there are plenty of “family drama” elements on the current series, will they be interested in seeing this on a network like Sci Fi channel?
I’m sure that Sci Fi will heavily promote Caprica during the final episodes of BSG. But, what about after that? I think that both the network and NBC/Universal are going to have to give a big promotional push to this show in order to keep it in the public’s mind. And, by “big promotional push” I just don’t mean appearances at ComicCon. I mean constant promotion on all of Sci Fi’s media platforms, interviews, sneak peeks, etc. To the point that even the casual viewer will say ‘Damn, I have to watch this show!’
Best thing to do is get the Caprica pilot out on the network not too far after BSG runs its last episode and airs the movie Battlestar Galactica: The Plan in the summer. Have it run a couple of times to get people interested in wanting more. Not doing this, and keeping the promotional train idle, could lead to a lack of audience when the actual series appears. So, now that I’ve said my piece what do you, the BSG fans, think about this news?
Clacked by Richard Keller 
on Dec 02, 2008 @ 13:05 EST5EDT
Once BSG is over, I’ll probably forget the channel number that SCI-FI appears on, and 2010 is a very long way away. Too bad, I was looking forward to it.
Now, I guess I second your shrug.
Honestly, it didn’t sound intriguing to me when it was first announced. That said, by 2010, it could well be one of the last scripted television shows on any network, LOL, so I’ll hold my judgement until I see more.
I was really excited when I found out they were remaking BSG and it was so much better than I expected. On this one, I’m kind of blah. I’ll watch the first few eps before I make up my mind, if I haven’t expired from old age first, but it’s nothing I’m too excited about.
I will give this show a chance, but lets face it….It has an enormous legacy to live up to, being in the shadow of the legendary Battlestar Galactica. And no Grace Park?….doesn’t look hopeful.