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Free On iTMS - Battlestar Galactica

Hankering for some new video and music to stuff in your iPod, but your wallet is running a bit light these days? Don't let a little thing like the lack of funds keep you from having digital fun. All you need to do is check out what's free on iTunes. There's some really good stuff available this week.

Those of you who think that good writing in a TV drama can only be had if the characters are doctors, lawyers, or cops really need to take a look at SciFi Channel's hit show Battlestar Galactica (iTunes link for Season 1 and Season 2 of the show).

I was a huge fan of the original series that appeared in the late 70's; it started off well with groundbreaking special effects and a likable cast lead by veteran Bonanza dad, Lorne Greene. Soon, however, the writing deteriorated and the show lost its way and its audience. The show was cancelled, but was revived as Galactica 1980.

Galactica 1980 suffered from the same poor scripting and other production problems as when the first series ended, and so could not keep viewers watching. (The last episode I watched, which featured the famous radio dee-jay, Wolfman Jack, was so bad I couldn't finish watching. I never watched the show again, even in re-runs.)

After many failed attempts by fans and cast members, particularly attempts by Richard Hatch, who was the Colonial Viper pilot "Apollo" in the original series, the show was resurrected once again by The SciFi Channel. This time it's been completely revamped with tight writing and directing, stellar special effects, and a great cast lead by Edward James Olmos as Commander Adama, Mary McDonnell as Laura Roslin, and James Callis as the ever-so-slimy Baltar.

The free download is a 43 minute long narration of what has happened in the series so far. Mary McDonnell does the narration over selected footage from the past season. It's a great way to get caught up if you're a fan and missed a few episodes, or if you are new to the series.

Don't let the space ships and robots fool you; this is great drama folks. Check out the free episode. You'll be glad you did. You should also stay tuned here at iPodObserver.com for an ongoing review of the series by veteran TV and pop culture writer Sarah Kuhn. She'll start her Battlestar Galactica coverage on Monday, October 2nd with a recap of the first two seasons.

Other free stuff at the iTunes Store:

Title Network/
Album
Free Episode/Artist Genre Description (according to iTunes)
Desperate Housewives
ABC "Remember"

"Time to Come Clean"
Drama
Comedy
"Time to Come Clean" is a half-hour special that takes a revealing look back, and an exclusive look forward at the lives of the world's most famous housewives. Housewives Creator Marc Cherry, his staff, and the experts at People Magazine give us the inside scoop on where the show's been and where its going, plus special access to sneak previews from the upcoming season including a behind-the-scenes look at Wisteria Lane's upcoming Wedding of the Year. It's everything you need to know about the show that's back with more compelling surprises than ever. Desperate Housewives returns for season three on Sunday, September 24th at 9/8c on ABC.

"Remember:" A series of flashbacks take us back to moving-in day on Wisteria lane for Bree, Susan, Gaby and Lynette, and to how Mary Alice Young brought them all together. Meanwhile Bree gets some frightening news, Susan moves into a trailer, Lynette faces a crisis in her marriage and Gaby and Carlos learn more about Xiao-Mei.

Lost ABC "Live Together, Die Alone"

"The Lost Survival Guide"
Drama "Live Together, Die Alone:" After discovering something odd just offshore, Jack and Sayid come up with a plan to confront "The Others" and hopefully get Walt back. Meanwhile, Eko and Locke come to blows as Locke makes a potentially cataclysmic decision regarding the "button" and the hatch, on the season finale.

The Lost Survival Guide is an absolute must-see if you're feeling a little -- well, lost -- when it comes to one of the hottest shows on television. The Lost authorities at Entertainment Weekly, along with Lost creators Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse, get audiences up to speed on this extraordinary show just in time for the season three premiere Wednesday, October 4th at 9/8c on ABC.

The Survival Guide begins by introducing our experts and underscoring the phenomenon that has fans around the world in a tailspin over LOST. We look at the basic premise behind Lost and then delve deeper into the backstories of our key survivors. And Lost superfan Jimmy Kimmel stops by with his helpful Lost Glossary. Are Damon & Carlton giving up the goods on what's in store for season three? Watch and see on The LOST Survival Guide!

Grey's Anatomy ABC "Deterioration of the Flight or Flight Response"

"Getting into Grey's Anatomy"
Drama "Deterioration of the Flight or Flight Response:" Izzie and George attend to Denny as the pressure increases to find him a new heart, Cristina suddenly finds herself in charge of an ER, and Derek grapples with the realization that the life of a friend is in his hands. In the second hour, Richard goes into interrogation mode about a patient's condition, Callie confronts George about his feelings for her, and Meredith and Derek meet about Doc.

"Getting Into Grey's Anatomy" is your guide to everything you need to know about the enormously popular ABC medical drama that's on the move to Thursday nights. The experts at Entertainment Weekly join in with insight and predictions on the characters and relationships at Seattle Grace Hospital, all in anticipation of the exciting season premiere on Thursday, September 21, 9/8c on ABC. It also includes a "spotlight" on Dr. Miranda Bailey, the Entertainment Weekly "Must List" - five things you must know about Grey's Anatomy, these sexy surgeons' favorite hangouts, and memorable medical cases - including Jimmy Kimmel's first-hand experience with Seattle Grace.

Nothing to Prove Nothing To Prove Niyorah Reggae

NiyoRah (Nigel Olivacce) - Spectacular member of the Star Lion Family and native son of Dominica. NiyoRah is one of brilliant character and ability and is son to the much sought healer and herbsman Ras Bobby. Niyo-Rah was raised in the ghetto area of St. Thomas known as Savan. An area where concrete hearts and turf dominate the landscape and one must be very rootical to come through in the positive.

PowerMac G4 Update

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A guest said: (hide)

Amen on the kudos to the new Battlestar Galactica. I was suprised at just how good it was when I first caught the opening miniseries in 2003. LIGHT YEARS better than the cheesy original I caught as a teen in the late '70s.

Honestly, its so good that you do not even have to like sci fi at all to get into it- it stands on its own as a drama, a character study, a political think piece, and much more. Can't recommend it more highly.

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