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BOOK
Battlestar Galactica
The Official Companion - Season 2

Author: David Bassom
Titan Books
RRP: £14.99, US $14.95, Cdn $19.95
ISBN-13: 978 1 8457 6221 6
ISBN-10: 1 84576 221 5
Available 22 September 2006


Battlestar Galactica, the 're-imagined' version of the cult 1970s series, has firmly established itself as one of the top sci-fi shows on television, continuing to garner critical acclaim and massive viewing figures in its intense and explosive second season. With its excellent ensemble cast, stunning special effects, superb production design and scripts packed with drama, intrigue and action, Battlestar Galactica continues to be a worthy successor to the classic original, and an impressive piece of television in its own right...

Many a television show has had its collection of companion guides, and Battlestar Galactica is no exception. Aimed squarely at serious fans wanting to know more about this exceptional show, the author David Bassom has produced a book that will easily satisfy that thirst for behind-the-scenes detail.

The book is split into sections, and opens with an excellent foreword by Mary McDonnell (President Laura Roslin). Moving on, Second Chances presents an overview of the pre-production process, as well as the thinking and challenges that made Season Two what is was. The bulk of the book is then made up with a look at each episode. There is a synopsis of the episode itself, followed by fascinating behind-the-scenes information. Occasional Surveillance: Additional boxes can be found lurking at the edge of a page, and impart points of interest regarding the episode under discussion.

After the episode guide comes a section looking at the characters, both major and supporting. Rather than the author scrutinising the characters, the actors who play the roles provide the examination and insight through quotes from interviews.

The final section focuses on the technical side of the show, looking at production and costume design, visual effects and music. The book then closes with thoughts from the production team on the - at the time - forthcoming Season Three.

All in all, this is a superb guide, allowing the people who make the show to speak, rather than the author imposing his own voice on matters, as guides for other shows have done in the past. There are plenty of photographs, and the layout is pleasing. As is often a criticism of books of this nature, there aren't enough colour photographs, but one has to be mindful of the target market and publishing costs.

Fans of the new Battlestar Galactica will not be disappointed.

Jeff Watson

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