There are two primary threads woven throughout the narrative, both of them centering on new character Kendra Shaw (Stephanie Jacobsen). The first, set in the film's present, follows the Pegasus arc in season two, which culminated with Lee Adama taking command of the Pegasus. It follows Kendra Shaw's promotion to XO under Adama. The second is set in flashback to the second Cylon war and Kendra's initial arrival on Pegasus and what they go through after the destruction of the Colonial fleet. The tales are intricately woven together by screenwriter Michael Taylor and director Felix Alcala.
The past story follows Kendra Shaw as she arrives on Pegasus and her interactions with Admiral Cain (the fantastic Michelle Forbes). We learn how the Pegasus survived the initial Cylon attack that began the series, and how they survivied for the months between the attack and their meeting up with Galactica. Let me just say that it was not an easy road.
This thread allows us to see the changes that Cain goes through, and the tough decisions she has to make and why she feels the need to be such a cold-blooded leader. We see the effects that her command style has on the development of Shaw and the effects it has on the present day story.
Back in the present, Lee and the Pegasus are sent on a search and rescue mission that causes Kendra to look back on her experiences. It also sets up some impressive space battles and the first appearance of the old school toasters, inspired by the original series.
In the big scheme of things, this movie is not necessary at all. Where Battlestar Galactica began and where it will end is not going to be changed by anything that happens here. Why not? Well, it all takes place considerably before the most recent episode. Still, Razor is a great opportunity to look back at where it all began. It fills in bits of continuity that are a lot of fun to reflect upon, seeing just where all of the pieces fit.
Razor could also be looked at as a teaser movie for the final season. While it is not set in the present (as far as the seasons go), it reintroduces the old-style Cylons, which are said to play a part in season four. It also reveals something about one of the main characters that throws even more questions upon the finale of season three and where the fourth season is heading.
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