Battlestar Galactica: Watchable?

So we're about halfway through Battlestar Galactica and here are our initial thoughts.

First, the intro a credits are second to none in the world of TV scifi. Do we really need a reminder of this? I guess we do:

This opener combines Star Wars and Star Trek and the effect is awesome. What a score.

Glen Larson and ABC really outdid themselves on the production values. The sets are first rate. Galactica's bridge looks very military and realistic. The costumes are fantastic. The tan uniform with a brown waistcoat sounds like 70's hell, but the look really works. The higher echelon officers wear a sharp, deep blue uniform. For special occasions they don a fancy cloak, which is a nice touch.
If one is curious here is an interesting website, Kobol.com that has costumes and props.

The actual space combat sequences are quite good, and stand up to Star Wars. That said these became stock footage and whenever necessary they'd just que these up and remix the same 25 shots or so as needed. We also like the Galactica's AA guns the look feel and the sound of them firing. Listen closely and one will here a great bang as every laser fires. We have always enjoyed the act of activating the lasers turrets, with a bridge tech flipping one switch after another.

There are some good performances in this show. We're surprised to see that Richard Hatch (Apollo) can act. So can Dirk Benedict (Starbuck) at least within the parameters of his part. We also enjoy Terry Carter (as ship's XO Col Tigh) and Herbert Jefferson (as strait-man to Starbuck). There are some excellent cameos.

Now as to the actual show. The individual writing and dialogue is pretty good, but some of the episode ideas are lame. In one episode Apollo crashes on a Wild West planet. That said we love the episode, The Young Lords, where Starbuck crashes on a planet stuck in the Middle Ages. This show has some cringe-worthy tropes; look a cute kid and his electronic dog...

Overall Battlestar Galactica is basically World War II in space. Younger reader(s) note, in 1978 it was impossible for BSG to not be World War II in space.

As far as a science fiction show goes, how did producer Glen A. Larson do? Well, he took the time to create a canon, here it is.  The background and concept are solid and based on Larson's own Mormon faith. Science, what science? Oh well.

Overall, how do we rate this show? Look folks, it ain't Game of Thrones. It is an often predictable and formulaic science fiction drama from 1978, and it feels like 1978. But in the context of 1978 it was a good show and good drama. If one keeps these things in mind Battlestar Galactica watchable.