Battlestar Returns to Raves

"Battlestar Galactica," the sci-fi show that has gained cult status and critical acclaim by dabbling in morality, physics, and evil robots, embarks on its fourth and final season tonight. Alessandra Stanley of the New York Times calls it "one of the more beguiling series on television," while Tim Goodman of the San Francisco Chronicle calls it the "best drama nobody seems to be watching."

For the uninitiated, the show follows the journey of humans wandering the galaxy—searching for Earth—after a nuclear attack by rebel robots known as Cylons. Critics tend to agree that it transcends the nerdy stereotypes of sci-fi with smart writing and strong acting. The show's makers insist this is the last season for the Sci-Fi network show, but a prequel is in the works. (More Battlestar Galactica stories.)