One of the many things I do with my day is I teach a Stagecraft class to teenagers. They’re always willing to be distracted by movies shown in class and I’m thinking of setting up my section on stage properties by showing an episode of the new BSG. There are always lots of interesting set props (set dressing, for you film folk) and some good hand props as well. Of course I have an ulterior motive in showing BSG, and that is to potentially hook them on it.

So, if you had one opportunity to show an episode of BSG to a group of jaded young people, which one would you pick? I’m thinking something in the first season since it wouldn’t be hard to do a quick catch-up; leaning towards "33" or "Water".

Thoughts/ opinions?

John O.

"33" would be my pick. The sci-fi haters who might be thrown off by too much Cylon stuff can get into it.

^ I'll second that nomination. Still my favorite stand-alone episode of the series.

I'd have to vote for the season opener where Glaactica jumps into the atmosphere of New Caprica, falls like a rock, launches Vipers through the re-entry flames and then jumps away, just before crashing to the ground.

That, and the later Pegasus battle are two of the most visually exciting things I've seen on TV, or anywhere for that matter, in ages.

I hooked a buddy of mine on BSG by sending him YouTube links to those two clips. So the episode's "hook-power" has been field-tested!

Huzz

I'd have to vote for the season opener where Glaactica jumps into the atmosphere of New Caprica...

I know what you're saying, but there is sooooo much set-up I'd have to give that I think I'd lose 'em before I ever got the episode rolling. Imagine all the plot points to be addressed. Oy. I have to go easy on the sci-fi convolutions, 'cuz modern teenagers are NOT going to put up with anything that smells even remotely like Star Trek or Star Wars. Trust me on this.

That said, I was also considering "The Passage", since I think the emotional content is so high. But then I realized HEY, I don't actually have it on disc to show! It's too recent. Funny, how owning some of BSG makes me think I have it all at my finger tips.

John O.

I have a few favorite episodes but was hooked from the first episode of the mini-series. It IS the best Sci-Fi mini-series I've ever seen. So, I suggest you start at the begining. Seems like common sence.

I have a few favorite episodes but was hooked from the first episode of the mini-series. It IS the best Sci-Fi mini-series I've ever seen. So, I suggest you start at the begining. Seems like common sence.

Couple problems:

1) It's too long. I can rationalize one class period for doing this. Two would be a problem.

2) The sex scenes between Baltar and Six. Last marking period I had a sub show Moulin Rouge and I got my butt reamed because of the few seconds of sex in it. I'd forgotten about it. But there are still plenty of prudes on the prowl in public schools - everyone is FREAKED about even the least hint of impropriety, and who can blame them. Certainly teenagers have seen and done worse, but I have to play the game.

John O.

Certainly teenagers have seen and done worse, but I have to play the game.

John O.

But seldom with the style and panache evidenced in Moulin Rouge.

John, whatever episode you choose, keep the set up bare bones and short. The kids will be intrigued about what you don't tell them and more likely to want to go back to the beginning to get those answers.

Huzz

I liked the "Hand of God" episode, you had Apollo's really well-done low level attack on the fuel depot for eye candy, Baltar's crisis of faith, Apollo dealing with his own self doubt,and Olmos was really good in the "of-course-I-got-confidence-in-you-you're-my-son" scenes. Not to mention a happy ending.

Don't remember how much sex was in that one off the top of my head, tho.

Certainly teenagers have seen and done worse, but I have to play the game.

They probably didn't spontaneoulsy break out into song though.... Might have squeaked a bit, but it's not the same. :P

I'll echo either "33" or "The Hand of God." I'll also throw "Litmus" out (what was the Twilight Zone thing, "submitted for your approval"?). It's farther into the season and not much eye candy, there's some powerful dramatic moments in there.

I definitely agree w/"33", "Litmus" and "Hand of God". All had great dramatic moments, some character development and - while mostly stand-alone type stories - furthered the story along, as well. The only problems will likely come w/the whole sex scene thing 'cause I'm pretty certain that they all include some fairly explicit interaction between Baltar and Six.

There is always the old "parental permission slip" trick. My HS freshman year advanced English class watched Zeferelli's "Romeo and Juliet" - uncut. They just let everyone know well in advance and got permission. No one in my class opted out, but it happened a few times in the years before.

Hook Teenagers with Sci-Fi? What planet is this on?

Either you got the Jones for it or you ain't.

Anyway, I always thought the original Star Trek was set up like a stage play. They come in, plant their feet, say their speech, and then stand there and look at the others do their speech.

Reservior Dogs could be done on stage.

"Act of Contrition" is one of my most-watched episodes. I like each act beginning with Starbuck in crisis and then we jump away. The Starbuck/Adama dynamic really hits hard in this one.

ADAMA, "Do your job. And leave this room...while you still can."

Her reaction to that line always gets me. It's like she knew she was going to be punched and was then shocked at how hard he hit.

"33" is also a winner.

Hook Teenagers with Sci-Fi? What planet is this on?

Either you got the Jones for it or you ain't.

Anyway, I always thought the original Star Trek was set up like a stage play. They come in, plant their feet, say their speech, and then stand there and look at the others do their speech.

Reservior Dogs could be done on stage.

One of my friends HATES sci-fi, but a college teacher of his used two episodes of DS9 in class...and he was surprised by how well he liked them. I'm still working on getting him to watch BSG...

My vote is for "33." By far one of the best, if not the best of the entire series. I mean just the scenes with Baltar are reason enough. I love the scene when he freaks out and slams his fist down on Roslin's desk and screams "Wake up....!" And don't even get me started on the briefing scene from "Water".

Anyway, "33" all the way.

Yup, 33. Not only one of the best BSG episodes, it's one of the best TV episodes I've ever seen.

If I had to pick one, one that fit your criteria, I'd pick the one where they torture Leobonen (sp?). That episode is topical, hard hitting and has huge shock value at the end. A very, very good episode.