My BSG club turns 1 year old

It was one year ago today that I screwed up my courage and started a sci-fi fan club. I’ve been a die-hard science fiction fan since I was very young. I watched Star Trek re-runs on our black & white TV every day they were on. I was enthralled by Star Wars right from that summer in 1977. I read every Asimov book I could find. In the early 90s, I was on the executive of a Star Trek club, holding the post of XO. I’m a Browncoat. But until this date one year ago, I didn’t consider myself truly hard core. But I knew there had to be other fans of Battlestar Galactica in Vancouver (this is where they make the show, for frak’s sake!) and if I was going to find them, I had to start my own club. The 13th Colony was born.

In the last year, the club has accumulated 95 members in 5 countries. We’ve had 14 events. We’ve shot and almost finished editing one “mini-movie.” Through the club and our blog, I’ve met lots of other fans, from all over the world. My little cylon mini-mates (and a couple of ringers) have travelled through Canada, the US, the UK, Europe and Mexico.

Kinda glad I was feeling brave that day one year ago. It’s been a blast. Can’t wait to see what new adventures lie ahead.

Inauspicous Timing?

The very day I launch the official blog of The 13th Colony, Vancouver’s Battlestar Galactica Fan Club, the producers of the new BSG finally make it official, there is only one season left of my favourite show.

I’m glad they put an end to the speculation.  I agree it is wise to go out on your own terms.   Knowing the end is coming means I will savour this last season even more.

But why did they have to do it today?

Shamelessly Promoting Our Little BSG Club

The 13th Colony is gaining some notoriety. We’ve had our first “media” coverage. The May issue of Vancouver magazine features an article titled “Geek Like Me” and it’s all about us. Writer Laurel Wellman joined us for our first event in February, and the result is the article on Page 30 of their current issue. You can find it on local bookstores, or get more info at their website http://www.vanmag.com/

And behind the cut is the text of an article I wrote for the April issue of BCSFAzine. Check out their site at http://www.bcsfa.net/

Battlestar Galactica Season 3 Finale Viewing Party

Unaware of imminent danger, two new friends catch up on old times….

OK, so I’m a little bit excited about this weekend’s Season 3 finale of Battlestar Galactica. Enough to spend half an hour trying to create a photographic diorama of my favourite toys. The cylon on the left has been mine for awhile, the other just since yesterday, and the daggit in the background, well, he’s been part of my collection for almost thirty years.

Rumours abound.  Shocks and twists are promised.  No matter what, we can bet the last hour will be entertaining. It better be, since it will have to tide us over until next year!

The 13th Colony is hosting a finale viewing party at 80s Restaurant in North Vancouver for this Sunday. For more information, please check out the event page here.

BSG’s Third Act

Finally listened yesterday to the Official Battlestar Galactica podcast for “Maelstrom.” What struck me the most was when Ronald D. Moore indicated that particular episode marked the start of “the third act” in the series’ development. If you are familiar with the structure of a teleplay, it usually features a teaser and four acts. The third act is the when all the elements come together and the characters face their tough choices. It sets up the final conflict. For the end. My guess is that if Galactica’s fourth season is not its last, then the fifth definitely will be. And that makes me sad.

A) Because I just started a frakkin’ BSG Fan Club here in Vancouver and we are growing like crazy! I know that the end of a show doesn’t mean the end of a club. After all, look at what happened with Vancouver’s Firefly fan club . I was just looking forward to more. Fans are greedy like that.

B) Because this is damn good television. And that is still a rare commodity.

But, it does mean we are in for some very intense drama and I am really looking forward to that. I’m just going to savour it a little more now. With a fine glass of wine and excellent chocolate rather than scotch and smokes, but a nod all the same.

Gone, but probably not for good (Spoiler!)

Starbuck is dead. Battlestar Galactica killed off one of its main characters last night and it had to have been one of the worst kept secrets in sci-fi fandom. Actress Katee Sackhoff was widely reported to have told fans she finished her work on the season as of last night’s episode. She didn’t say she had left the show, though. One of our 13th Colony club members reported that she was much more recently seen in Vancouver, so I would be willing to bet that the actress is not done with the show.

With the Season Four green light, there was also a deal for a TV movie to air before the end of the year. Also, word is expected later this month as to the fate of Caprica, the rumoured spin-off.

I think Starbuck will be back. I think she could be back as early as the season finale. And I don’t think she will be a Cylon.

What scares me is that another actor, Jamie Bamber, who plays Apollo, has recently relocated to Los Angeles. Since there are rumours of major cast changes at the end of this season, I certainly hope they don’t involve him. His performances are always interesting, and he has brought more depth to the character than the writing alone allows him. He’s also got a damn fine American accent.

I am so hooked.