OK, anyone whose even casually watched the reimagined BSG knows that this show is not particularly subtle in its’ allegories to current events: stories are typically based on fundamentalis religious terrorism, suicide bombers, the invasion & occupation of both Caprica and New Caprica, and the insurrection against the second invasion. This show has more stories “ripped from the headlines” than Law & Order. But one particular storyline is surprising in the way that it anticipated a big news event.
I’m a relative newbie to the show, still catching up to it on DVD. Last night, I watched through the end of the second season (coincidentally the point in the storyline that I started casually watching the show). Just as a reminder, this is what was occurring (spoilers of course):
Gaius Baltar entered the race for election to president of the twelve colonies against Roslin, and quickly became the populist favorite. Baltar was telegenic and outspoken, and didn’t hesitate to wag his finger at Roslin & Adama, accusing them of being morally compromised. A handsome, young, energetic, outspoken figure, he won the election largely by promising an end to Roslin’s ‘defeatist, fear-mongering.’ What nobody knows however is that Baltar has been consorting with some, shall we say, strumpets of morally questionable character (sexy Cylon babes, all of them identical.) Flash-forward one year, and Baltar’s presidency appears to be a disaster. While the ‘New Capricans’ are practically wallowing in the mud, Baltar is holed up in his office/landed ship partying it up with more strumpets (at least they weren’t Cylons.)
This episode occured almost two years ago, but watching it I couldn’t help but be struck by the amazing parrallel:
GAIUS BALTAR IS ELIOT SPITZER! AHAHAHAHAHAHA.
Now if Hillary gets caught trying to rig the presidential election in November…that’ll be just plain weird.
Oh, I’m thinking Roslin as the establishment candidate - not great at connecting with common people, counting on people’s perception of her experience to put her ahead.
Baltar, a highly charismatic figure, preaching a message of hope (for settlement on New Caprica) that people in the know regard as a hollow promise for a foolish action. And he has a funny name.
Roslin is also a security hawk with close ties to the military-industrial complex (AKA Bill Adama), who’s willing to torture suspected enemy agents and pander to the religious base on the subect of abortion. I’d say she’s very much the Republican.
I agree. In fact, that proves my point - that the show’s *reality * essentially espouses a right-wing view.
(I know it’s more complex than that - this is a show with more than one subtext. I just think it’s interesting how it doesn’t toe the supposed liberal line).
I would argue the opposite. Historically, in our world, the “liberals/left” are the more pragmatic segment while the “conservatives/right” are more willing to continue to pursue an idealistically pure course even when it’s not working…