The plot thickens in the thoroughly engaging third season of "Battlestar Galactica."

The beginning of the 20 episode season three picks up where season two left off. The survivors have taken up residence on New Caprica only to be found and ruled by the Cylons. Wanting to break free from their control, the survivors attack the Cylons and eventually wind up back on board the various spaceships. On board the ships, tensions begin to flare when a series of events (a food shortage, deaths, a worker strike, and Baltar’s controversial trial) cause major problems amongst the crew members. Among the other major events that take place are the people finding food (and the Eye Of Jupiter) on the algae planet and the viewers finally discovering who four of the final five Cylons are.

While not quite as exhilarating as the first two seasons, the third season offers plenty of treats for fans. For instance, the first four episodes of the season will literally blow your mind. In addition to seeing the characters change and grow, some truly shocking events take place that will have you on the edge of your seat. Once the people get back on board the ships, however, the show stumbles a bit with dull as nails episodes like the Saggitaron/Helo centric episode “The Woman King” and the Kat/food shortage snooze fest “Passage.” Thankfully, the show quickly picks up steam again with story arcs revolving around the intriguing Cylon model D’Anna, Baltar’s riveting trial, the infamous Starbuck “event,” and the season-ending cliffhanger to end all cliffhangers.

Conclusion: A few miss-steps aside, “BSG’ is still one of the best shows of all time. I can’t wait to see what is in the store for the fourth and final season.

Note: An extended Director’s Cut version of the episode “Unfinished Business” is also included on this set. The episode is 25 minutes longer and includes lengthier (and superior) flashbacks of Starbuck, Apollo, Adama, Roslin, Chief and Nikki back on New Caprica.

The 1.78:1 widescreen picture quality is grainy at times, but that was intentional on the director's part.

The Dolby Digital 5.1 audio track rocks. From the sounds of "All Along The Watchtower" to the Vipers whizzing by, it all sounds sharp to this reviewer.

Disc 1:
* Trailers for “Battlestar Galactica” season 4, “The Incredible Hulk,” “Heroes,” “The Rockford Files,” “SNL,” “Quantum Leap,” “Monk,” “House,” “Miami Vice,” ‘Knight Rider,” “The A-Team,” “Magnum P.I.,” and an HD-DVD ad.
* Ronald Moore commentary podcasts on episodes on “Occupation,” “Precipice,” and “Exodus 1 and 2.” Mrs. Moore also joins Ron on all of the tracks her husband does.
* Deleted scenes for three of the episodes (“Exodus Part 1” is excluded). (9:10)

Disc 2:
* The fantastic 10 part webisode series (“The Resistance”) that takes place before “Occupation” and revolves around Nora, Duck, the Colonel, Chief, Nikki, and Jammer. By far the best bonus feature. (25 mins.)
* Deleted scenes for “Collaborators,” “Torn,” and “A Measure Of Salvation” that adds some insight into the Cylons. (15:36).
* Ronald Moore commentary podcasts on all 3 episodes.
* “David Eick’s Video Blogs”- This set of blogs talk about the Peabody awards, the Bulldog character, Lucy Lawless, Jamie’s fatsuit, etc. (15:36).

Disc 3:
* Deleted scenes for “Hero” (5:37).
* “David Eick’s Video Blogs” (20:51) that touch upon Edward James Olmos, Cylon/Human comparisons, and the Director of Photography.
* Ronald Moore commentary podcasts on “Hero” and “Unfinished Business: The Ron Moore Version.” Also included are a “Hero” podcast commentary by David Eick and a tinny sounding “Unfinished Business” podcast commentary by actors Grace Park and Tahmoh Penikett.

Disc 4:
* Deleted scenes for “The Passage,” “The Eye Of Jupiter,” “Rapture,” and “Taking A Break From All Your Worries” (16:23).
* Ronald Moore podcasts for the above four episodes.

Disc 5:
* Deleted scenes for “The Woman King,” “A Day In The Life,” “Dirty Hands,” and “Malestrom.” (15:49).
* Ronald Moore podcast commentaries on the above four episodes. On the “Malestrom” commentary, Moore discusses the character of Starbuck in great length.

Disc 6:
* Deleted scenes for “The Son Also Rises,” and “Crossroads 1 and 2.” The one notable scene includes a slightly different cliffhanger ending to “Crossroads Part 2.” (8:38).
* “David Eick’s Video Blogs” (39:40) contain discussions (and footage) of location shootings, stunt work, Katee Sackhoff’s scrapbook, and keeping the season finale ending a secret.
* Ronald Moore podcast commentaries on all 3 episodes. On “Crossroads Part 2,” Ron reveals reasons behind the ending and other tidbits that will please hardcore fans. Mark Sherppard also has podcast commentaries on all 3 episodes (Michael Angeli joins him on “Son Also Rises). Mark’s commentary tracks are fairly quiet as he seems to just talk about obvious things and praise everyone involved.