I'm a more lenient Battlestar fan than most. I for one loved the final season and I might as well be labeled a freak for enjoying "Daybreak" as much as I do--which is, to say, a lot--but I like what I like. That said, The Plan bordered on disappointment, but thankfully did not cross that unfortunate barrier.
I could be blunt and call it a glorified clip show but that doesn't do it much justice. While Jane Espenson and Edward James Olmos have focused too much on needless exposition, featuring clips that any BSG completionist would be already familiar with, the story elements they have included are beyond satisfying. I was confused to see the Cylon's overturn the year-long truce at the end of the 2nd season and the explanation offered here not only ties up a loose end but gives great insight as to the mindset of everybody's favourite genocidal maniac, John Cavi--if only one particular copy.
When the titular plan is finally revealed--not even a half an hour into the proceedings--it comes as no surprise to anyone who's watched the first two seasons. But, to her credit, Espenson does better by the emphasizing the complications in such a strategy, as emphasized by Rick Worthy's performance as a Simon copy hidden within the fleet. I always felt that the Simon model was underplayed during the series proper, and here it's nice to see some complexity introduced to the character--again, even if it's only with one copy.
The Plan is definitely a completionist's item, rather than something to appreciate in and of itself. But where it doesn't stumble it satisfies.
I could be blunt and call it a glorified clip show but that doesn't do it much justice. While Jane Espenson and Edward James Olmos have focused too much on needless exposition, featuring clips that any BSG completionist would be already familiar with, the story elements they have included are beyond satisfying. I was confused to see the Cylon's overturn the year-long truce at the end of the 2nd season and the explanation offered here not only ties up a loose end but gives great insight as to the mindset of everybody's favourite genocidal maniac, John Cavi--if only one particular copy.
When the titular plan is finally revealed--not even a half an hour into the proceedings--it comes as no surprise to anyone who's watched the first two seasons. But, to her credit, Espenson does better by the emphasizing the complications in such a strategy, as emphasized by Rick Worthy's performance as a Simon copy hidden within the fleet. I always felt that the Simon model was underplayed during the series proper, and here it's nice to see some complexity introduced to the character--again, even if it's only with one copy.
The Plan is definitely a completionist's item, rather than something to appreciate in and of itself. But where it doesn't stumble it satisfies.