Joanna Mantz AKA: Captain Joey of Black Squadron aboard the Battlestar Callisto. Email: jfmantz@yahoo.com Location: Smithfield, UT

The Battlestar Galactica Fan Club Co-President Shawn O'Donnell "BGR" (bgresurrection_1999@yahoo.com) recently spoke with Joanna Mantz, Captain Joey of the Battlestar Callisto. She is active in the efforts to revive the show.

BGR: What got you interested in Battlestar Galactica in the first place?

JM: I was enamored with the show the first time I saw it at the ripe old age of seven. The episode we were watching was "War of the Gods." Since at that time, my television repertoire was still pretty limited, I don't recall seeing it again until it was shown in syndication on a local channel, the next year. What held my interests at that time were, I'll confess, the men. I think Dirk and Richard were my first crushes. I also loved the excitement and thrills of space battles. My interest held for a few years after that and then went into remission until about two years ago when it was broadcast on the Sci-Fi Channel and I became acquainted with the Internet resources

BGR: Was there a favorite episode?

JM: I think "War of the Gods" would have to be considered my favorite

BGR: Any particular reason that the episode was your favorite?

JM: There are elements of that episode that are very real and very personal to me. The inner conflicts that Apollo and Sheba felt were tangible. The dilemmas that Adama faced are not unlike dilemmas that leaders of a God fearing group face in the "real" world. Also, being the incurable romantic that I am, I enjoyed seeing Apollo and Sheba's relationship develop.

BGR: How about favorite characters?

JM: That would be a difficult one. I love all the characters minus a couple of minor ones. But if I had to narrow it down a bit, I would have to say, Starbuck, Apollo, and Adama.

BGR: Why were they your favorites?

JM: I loved the character Starbuck because of the complexity of his character. He was wild and irresponsible one second, and the next moment he was dedicated and focused.

Apollo was another favorite because he was not easily manipulated into doing the wrong thing. He always wanted to make the correct choice even if it meant sacrificing himself to accomplish the goal.

I would consider Adama another of my favorites because he was a strong yet humble leader. He worked along with his subordinates. He was able to keep the ultimate goal in mind while trying to attend to the needs of the community.

BGR: What is it about the show that makes you want to see it back?

JM: I think the show deserves the opportunity to develop the themes that were left unresolved, like the romantic relationships, the difficulties of living in space, the inner societal conflicts, and the spirituality that was predominant in the first season. I also think that the viewers need a more wholesome option to choose from, in comparison to some of the present options available.

BGR: Do you think Battlestar Galactica has an inspirational impact?

JM: Yes I do. The spiritual themes are applicable to everyone.

BGR: What do you want to see in a new production?

JM: Personally I would like to see the original cast. They ARE the characters. They each brought their own personalities to the characters and no one else will ever be able to completely re-create that. Also, I would like to see the spiritual points that the original series contained elaborated.

BGR: What are your thoughts about the competing "productions"?

JM: I think that it is sad. I think that Mr. Larson and Mr. Hatch should get together and continue the series. There will always be something missing if one continues without the other. I do, however, support Mr. Hatch's project wholeheartedly.

BGR: What is it about Richard Hatch's effort's that really captures your support?

JM: The fact that he is willing to listen to what the "fans" want. Also his determination to see this through, one way or another, has truly impressed me. I still haven't seen the trailer, but I am putting my faith in those who have.

BGR: You are a member of Black Squadron ...tell us about this.

JM: Actually I am a member of Black Squadron on the Online Battlestar, the Callisto. When I discovered the group on the Sci-Fi Channel bboard, I was impressed with the quality of their discussions and what they were trying to accomplish. I became eager to join, but at that time, they were attempting to achieve Battlestar status within the fan club, and I wasn't a member. Once they created the Black Squadron, I quickly joined and was eventually voted Captain. The great thing about this group is, in my opinion, they try to make each person, member or not, feel included. If an individual is not trying to make trouble or offend other members, the Battlestar Callisto crew is willing to listen to your suggestions.

JM: Do you really want me to answer this? (hehehe) I would like to see the original actors along with new characters. I would also like to see what could have logically happened in the past twenty "yahren." I would like to see better special effects without them overshadowing the essence of the story. Finally, I would also like to see the characters of the show, while still being human, maintain their standards and morals, basically being the type of show I could let my three children watch without having to cringe with embarrassment.

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