Galactica Quorum - a Battlestar Galactica fan podcast

The BSG and sci-fi community lost a great one on February 7 with the passing of Richard Hatch. Richard was an engaging and friendly advocate for the show. I was fortunate to have met him a few times over the years, and he appeared as a guest on our podcast a couple times. He was always a wonderful spirit, and so passionate about what made Battlestar Galactica great. As a tribute, here we replay an interview we did from 2009. He will be missed…So say we all.

It’s our 2016 Geek Gift Guide! We have suggestions for all the geeks in your life—or maybe just yourself! From kids items to cutting-edge high tech gadgets, there’s something for everyone. What are the things you are hoping to get this year?

Join us as we reminisce about some of the earliest PC games, including Zork and Star Flight. Remember those charming CGA graphics? We also look at some of the biggest board games to be introduced at GenCon this year, like SeaFall, Mansions of Madness (2nd Edition), Star Trek: Ascendency, and RuneWars. What games are you looking forward to?

We review and discuss Captain America: Civil War (aka Avengers 2.5). What makes the Captain America movies stand out from the other Marvel movies? And does the MCU have a villain problem? We also dish about the level of privacy we forfeit when using our phones and devices. And for our gaming segment we praise the work of Naughty Dog and their masterful Uncharted series.

We love playing the X-Wing Tabletop Game from Fantasy Flight Games. In this episode we give an overview of the game’s appeal and the mechanics of how it's played. With the announcement of new ships in Wave 9 we give our thoughts on the state of the game and what we’d like to see added.

Our review and discussion of The Force Awakens rolls on, as we take a critical look at the overabundant similarities to A New Hope. On the gaming side, we also share strategies for playing Star Wars Battlefront. We cover the gamut from tabletop games to a mini review of the Oculus Rift VR headset. Check out our online conversation on the new Talkshow app!

After last episode’s prelude, we begin our full review of The Force Awakens, touching on characters new and old, and appreciating the balanced tone of the movie. Also we discuss news of a new Indiana Jones movie with an even older Harrison Ford, and breaking down the Rogue One trailer.

The legendary franchise returns! Yes, after a long hiatus The Quorum is back to discuss Star Wars: The Force Awakens! In this episode we begin our SW:TFA coverage by recounting when we first became Star Wars fans, the level of our fandom, and whether we had faith in the new movie. We also dish about the upcoming “Superhero fights other Superhero” movies.

The "Blood and Chrome" web series had languished in uncertainty for months, but it's suddenly upon us and we're delighted to be able to enjoy new Battlestar Galactica content. And so far, it's been a treat. At the point of this episode, we've seen the first four webisodes. We discuss the actors, the varying effectiveness of the green screen, and the mix of BSG and Caprica lore.

After a long hiatus, we shake off the rust with a quick episode to recap the BSG news from the past several months. What's up with Blood & Chrome, or the Bryan Singer movie? And what are Ron Moore and David Eick up to? Thanks to all who has stuck around in the five years that we’ve been doing this podcast! It’s my sincere hope to start doing a regular podcast again, covering all that’s worth covering in sci-fi and fantasy.

Caprica will not be getting a second season. We look at some of the reasons that the show failed to attract viewers, ranging from scheduling miscues to its soap opera foundation. Looking ahead to Blood and Chrome, is the BSG franchise played out?

In "Retribution" we learn two things: Caprica has a brief monsoon season, and Clarice takes no prisoners. We bemoan the fact that Barnabus went from badass to blabbering, and that Joseph is reduced to a note-taker.

Caprica returns with "Unvanquished." Unfortunately it failed more than once to take the necessary step forward, always backing down from what could have been a game-changing event. We scratch our heads over Clarice and her plan, Geminon's virtual sets, and the focus on the STO. But the biggest WTF came from the last scene. The show took a turn there, but we're not sure it was a good one.

Caprica returns for the second half of Season One. Will these ten episodes be a departure from the first ten? Will the fans return, and what level of success does it need for it to be renewed by Syfy? We make a couple predictions and cross our fingers.

We interview director Michael Nankin about some of the great episodes he's done on BSG and Caprica. He discusses how he approached filming the deaths of notable characters, as well as bringing new characters and locales to life (Vergis, Barnabus, New Cap City...). He also provides a behind-the-scenes look at some of the production decisions for several key episodes, including some scenes that didn't make the final cut.

"End Of Line" finally moves some key story points forward. The progression is nice, but there's still a long way to go. Was it an effective mid-season cliffhanger? Does anyone care whether Amanda lives or dies? Or believe that the U-87 is toast? The call to Daniel--from whom? And is he relevant now that his company royally frakked up the robot project?

Daniel was putting Zoe through tests in "Ghosts In The Machine," but we're the one feeling tortured--whether it was the abundance of screentime for bratty Zoe or the head-scratching misadventures of Joseph in New Cap City, it was a trying viewing experience. New Cap City has turned into a disappointment, but we still would like to know--where's Tamara?

Amanda's character continues her bizarre descent in "The Imperfections Of Memory." We ponder over her strange visions and the unusual relationships she has with Clarice and Daniel. News of a new BSG spinoff has us undeniably excited. Meanwhile we try to forecast what changes may be in store for Caprica, now that the show has supposedly taken a new, firmer direction.

"Know Thy Enemy" was a typical "setup" episode--but setup for what? Not a lot happened, but the introduction of Vergis and Barnabus seems to signal a shift in the story. But what of the other storylines, especially the most interesting one: Tamara? Instead, we are left to roll our eyes over the creepy tech guy, and Clarice's slapstick spywork.

It's not the show BSG fans expected, but with "There Is Another Sky," Caprica may have finally found its footing. We were very intrigued by Tamara and her storyline in New Cap City. Her dad, however, is a mess--on the show and as a character. The virtual world seems completely at odds with the hard-wired BSG universe, but we're hopeful for story potential. Still, we can't help but muse about some of the missed turns that the show has taken.

Perhaps the most charming part of "Gravedancing" was the dancing Cylon. While the issue of the Holoband's effects on youth was interesting, watching the Graystones squirm on a studio set was hardly gripping. And did you really think there were going to kill off Amanda? At this point, what characters are drawing you in? Do you mind seeing actors from BSG in different roles on Caprica?

"Reins Of A Waterfall" showed a little improvement and story potential, but we're still waiting for the show to elevate to the next level. This week, listeners weigh in with early reviews of the series so far, mostly negative. We ask what's missing--is it the lack of sci-fi? And how do you define sci-fi? We also question what the producers were thinking when they first conceived the show's tone being "ironic." They acknowledge that they've made some changes...what would you change?

We knew "Rebirth" couldn't match the amazing "33" as a series opener, but we still had hopes for more. It's a character show, and we examine the various choices they make. We look ahead to what this type of show will be, and whether it has mass appeal--all the while, still pining for the show we wish they had made, about the first Cylon war.

"...and they have a plan." Unfortunately "The Plan" doesn't deliver a satisfactory answer to the question that has been facing us at the start of every episode. We discuss the actual plan (or lack thereof), Hera's absence, and Cavil's role as the mastermind. Among the bright spots, we examine Boomer's struggle and Simon's better-late-than-never characterization. We also ponder the climate into which Caprica will be emerging. Has the passion among the BSG fanbase dimmed?

We interview Doug McLean, the Art Director for BSG and Caprica. Doug tells us what goes into making the Battlestar universe look so believable, from sets to CG. He also gives a preview of what the design style of Caprica will be like. Thanks for talking with us, Doug!

Here is our LIVE podcast from Dragon*Con 2009, with special guest Richard Hatch! We opine about the new BSG movie project and discuss what makes Battlestar Galactica appealing as a franchise. We ask what other viable BSG spinoffs there could be, and what fans would like to see in the Caprica series. We had a great audience that brought terrific viewpoints to the discussion. Thanks to everyone who came out to see us!

Dragon*Con 2008 - Part 1: BSG at D*C. As we get ready for this year's Dragon*Con, here's a look back at last year's event with a series of video podcasts. In this first segment, we cover the BSG presence at D*C 2008: the Q&As, the autograph signings, and the Colonial Fleet party.

We review Dollhouse Season One, from the pilot script all the way to the unaired (but fabulous) "Epitaph One." We take both a closeup and wide angle look at the season, summarizing each episode and examining the main story arcs and mysteries. We lament some of the character and story choices that led to the rocky start of the first several episodes, but the momentum leading up to the season finale gives us confidence that the series has found its footing.

The post-mortem on the BSG finale continues. We grapple with the nature of the Angels and the Lords of Kobol connection. To aid the analysis we revisit a conversation with Katee Sackhoff. We ask, where does BSG fit in the SciFi pantheon, finale and all? We then switch gears to Caprica.

This is our live panel discussion at Balticon 2009. We're joined by best-selling horror/scifi author Scott Sigler to discuss the BSG finale and gauge people's reactions to the show's ending. We had several participants from the audience give their opinions, and we also polled them about whether they had interest in "Caprica" or "The Plan." The results were surprising!

We delve into the Caprica movie and ponder how well it fits in the Battlestar Galactica universe, from production design to technology to story continuity. We scrutinize the hedonistic Virtual Club and the teen angst genesis of the Cylons--do the Cylons truly have Artificial Intelligence? We consider where the series could go, and reveal some potential future storylines from key scenes that were only in the script.

We talk again with Alec Peters from Propworx, who gives us a preview of what's happening at the second BSG prop auction, occurring May 7-10. If you are in Southern California, check it out! And if not, be sure to visit battlestarprops.com for details. Don't miss out on your chance to score some BSG memorabilia!

After taking some time to contemplate the final episode, we convene for a full discussion of some of the major (and controversial) developments. Was it a satisfying conclusion? There are many elements to discuss, and for this episode we begin with the main points of contention: Starbuck's angelic destiny, "God," and Cavil's suicide.

We begin our post-BSG coverage with interviews with some of the talented people involved in the show's production. Recorded at the first prop auction in January, we talked to Glenne Campbell (Costume Designer), Ken Hawryliw (Prop Master), and Kevin Grazier (Science Advisor). We find out some of the design cues that differentiated the wardrobe of the Eight models, what became of the original Colonial Blaster (Sidearm), and the scientific vetting that goes on once the writers submit a story. Thanks to Glenne, Ken, and Kevin for talking with us!

BSG is finished....and here are our immediate, live reactions after viewing the series finale, "Daybreak, Part 2." More in-depth analysis and coverage are to come, including feedback and opinion from listeners. What did you think?

The beginning of the end starts slowly in "Daybreak, Part 1." Although we lament another episode treading familiar ground, we still remain faithful that the final two hours will deliver. Did the flashbacks serve a purpose? And can they still wrap things up in time? Will some mysteries, like Starbuck's past and the nature of the Head characters, remain unresolved?

There were few new developments in "Islanded In A Stream Of Stars," leading us to wonder if everything was being saved up for the finale--and if that was a wise choice. Fresh clues were scarce, but we discuss Anders, Angels, and the Cylon Colony. We also offer final theories and pose the question: will you really be satisfied if the show ends darkly, knowing there will never be another episode to make amends?

After a slow build-up, "Someone To Watch Over Me" ended with a powerful crescendo. We discuss Boomer's dark nature and whether she was ever redeemable. Next we delve into the implications of Starbuck's piano-playing father and the song they play. With only two episodes remaining we revisit the rapidly approaching finale and the possible fates for Galactica and the key characters.

"Deadlock" was a disappointment, no other way to say it. The episode had questionable characterizations and head-scratching scenes, but amid the mess we unpack Ellen's behavior and the state of the Cylon-Human blended ship. With little worthwhile to chew on from this episode, we turn to predictions and conjecture. Have we been given the key clue to Starbuck's legacy? What role has Daniel played so far? And how does Baltar fit in?

We interview Michael Hogan at the BSG Prop Auction! Michael talks about playing Col. Tigh, the iconic eye patch, and whether he (the actor) has finally come to grips with his character being a Cylon. Thanks to Michael for the interview, and the beer!

In "No Exit" long-awaited answers are finally delivered in a flurry of reveals. We scrutinize how well the mysteries fit into the past, and find them to be a more than satisfactory fit. We turn our attention to the remaining puzzles: Starbuck, and the Head characters. Were the revelations too much too fast? And what of the previously unknown Model Seven?

We interview Richard Hatch, who gives unique insight into the character of Tom Zarek. Whatever you thought of the character before, you may have a different impression once you hear his motivation and perspective, directly from the actor that played him. Thank you, Richard, for talking with us!

The mutiny story arc comes to a gripping conclusion with "Blood On The Scales." Not just the outcome of the coup storyline, but the resolution of Gaeta's character. If the heart-quickening mutiny wasn't enough, we also examine other storylines tucked in the episode: What happened to Anders? Was Romo's appearance worthwhile? And what is happening to Galactica?

The bloody mutiny in "The Oath" made for a taut, tension-filled episode. Besides cheering the return of Starbuck's ass-kicking ways, we appreciated Gaeta's orchestrations while lamenting his lost morality. We wonder, who left is redeemable?

After the powerful, moving brilliance of the last episode, "A Disquiet Follows My Soul" was a letdown, although we had varying reasons why we felt that way. For one in the Quorum, it hinted at an all-too familiar plot path. For another, it was another setup episode. And the Nicky resolution? Cop out! Plus, why Gaeta's role is a bad thing on a couple levels.

The final episodes begin impressively with "Sometimes A Great Notion." Among the many bombshells, we discuss Cylon Earth, Starbuck's eerie discovery and Leoben's reaction, Dee's suicide, and oh yeah... the identity of the Fifth Cylon. What an episode! We also tell about our trip to Los Angeles for the BSG Prop Auction and all the activities that we saw and participated in. A few L.A. podcasts are in the production pipeline--watch for those in the coming weeks. It was also great meeting online friends in person for the first time!

We ventured to sunny L.A. for the BSG Prop Auction and the Frak Party Premiere, and recorded a co-podcast with Matt and Nat from BSGCast about the shocking new BSG episode. This is the audio from the video podcast. Richard Hatch makes an appearance, too! We got a ton of interviews and material from the weekend, and have also recorded our own discussion the episode with the usual Quorum. That will be following shortly.

In our second Townhall podcast we discuss the conclusion of the Gaeta webisodes. We then revisit Fifth Cylon theories one final time before stating our predictions, hopes, and expectations for BSG's last ten episodes.

We continue our discussion of the pre-Season 5 webisodes and gripe about spoilers in the writer commentary. While seemingly a standalone story, we wonder if this event gives us insight into the Eight's character, and what it could mean for Athena. Unintended spoilers aside, how do you think this story will end? Will its resolution have any effect in Season 5? How does this webisode compare to previous webisode series?

We discuss the first three parts of the new "The Face Of The Enemy" webisodes. We break apart the individual segments and discuss the reveal about Gaeta's character. This is our first glimpse of the Rag Tag Fleet since the cliffhanger on the devastated Earth, so we attempt to interpret what it could mean for Season Five.

We talk with Alec Peters from Propworx, who is putting together the massive collection of actual BSG props that are going up for auction next month. The webisodes and Season 5 premiere have official dates, and aren't far off! Until then, sci-fi TV pickings are slim. We discuss the dearth of quality sci-fi shows and postulate what is to come in the era of tight television budgets and copycat reality shows.