Escape to CAPRICA Tonight on Syfy

Tonight marks the long awaited premiere of CAPRICA (9pm on SyFy). The BATTLESTAR GALACTICA prequel series is set in the ‘vibrant world of Caprica, a planet that resembles an optimistic view of what Earth might be like in the very near future, where an act of terrorism in the name of religion helps usher in the rise of the metallic antagonists known as Cylons.’

The story explores how religious and political martyrdom, deep rooted family issues, the irresponsible exploration of technology, and the fallout of agonizing grief all led to the creation of the first robotic Cylons. Beings that would later come of consciousness and revolt against the human world that enslaved them

Set over 50 years before the events of Battlestar Galactica, Caprica follows the stories of two families – the Greystones and the Adamas and how their worlds come together after being rocked by tragedy. How do these very different men exist in a world at the peak of its power, while grappling with new science and technologies and the issues they create?

If you’re already a Sci Fi fan then CAPRICA is probably already on your radar. But for those who of you who aren’t typically a fan of the genre, I ask that you keep an open mind and watch tonight’s pilot episode. As much as you might not consider yourself a Sci Fi geek, just by being a passionate fan of television you qualify yourself as someone who appreciates compelling and intelligent storytelling.

For years I had heard nothing but praise for BATTLESTAR GALACTICA from the most respected of TV critics and fans. But I resisted watching. I wasn’t a Sci Fi kind of girl, why would I watch BSG? My knowledge and appreciation for outer space mumbo jumbo didn’t extend past ‘Star Wars’ and ‘Spaceballs’. But then I watched an episode, and then two, and then three and five, and soon I discovered for myself why there was such a deep-rooted appreciation for this brilliant show. The “science fiction” label was only the window dressing for some of the most thought provoking and risky storytelling TV has ever seen.

It’s important to point out that you don’t have to have watched a single BATTLESTAR GALACTICA episode to understand and appreciate CAPRICA. Although there are connections between the two stories, any nods to BSG are more like Easter Eggs to BSG fans. You need zero knowledge of BATTLESTAR before watching CAPRICA tonight.

While I’ve only see tonight’s pilot episode of CAPRICA and the one that follows, all indications are that the creative team behind BSG are following suit with CAPRICA in terms of exploring human issues through the lens of a specific world and genre.

CAPRICA is one the shows I am most excited about this winter TV season, and I hope that you will step out of your comfort zone and give it an honest look.

The series stars Golden Globe nominee Eric Stoltz (Mask, Pulp Fiction), Esai Morales (“Jericho,” “NYPD Blue”), Paula Malcomson (“Deadwood” “ER”) and Golden Globe® nominee Polly Walker (“Cane,” “Rome”).

Dan and I shared out thoughts on CAPRICA in The TV Talk Podcast Winter TV Preview. We both think it’s well worth your time. Don’t you trust us?

Watch the show tonight and then come back to this post to share your thoughts. Let us know if you’ll be watching. We know that we’ll be covering CAPRICA during The TV Talk Podcast but I’d love to have a weekly discussion on GMMR if others are watching too.

Here are few promos and trailers to get you all a flutter for tonight’s episode.