great special effects

So-so.

Above-average miniseries, difficult to score on its own, as it is designed to set up a subsequent television series. Highlight: the commander eating noodles on the floor. UPDATE ON THE OVERALL SERIES, FEBRUARY 24, 2012: works hard to supply interesting and complex characters, narrative and ideas. Unfortunately it does not sustain this high level quite to the conclusion, with some questionable narrative choices and explanatory devices, but certainly an admirable attempt. Overall score: 75.

A work of television for the age of Guantanamo and car bombs. Yet the subtext never comes to that awkward level where all the characters become thinly veiled avatars of current public figures. The universe is ours and yet it's own, and the first two seasons are easily two of the best in television history. Yet like many of the great 00 Television sagas it loses focus and steam towards it's conclusion, which thusly becomes something out of a half-hearted Gainax dream.

Great beginning to a good series, which nevertheless becomes less and less gripping after the first season, before completely loosing track of what made it interesting in the first place. I really had to force myself through season 3 and haven't been able to finish season 4.

excellent precursor to the series. the critics are right though, the miniseries somewhat rushes the story, where as regular seasons do a better job. still, taking the opera out of space opera is a huge accomplishment in itself.

A solid launch pilot for what eventually became a groundbreaking series. The series episodes (for the mostpart) eventually become better than the pilot that launched it. Fans of the originally often fail to adjust to this new interpretation- it is truly their loss for the spirit is here (only grittier and smarter).