Caprica is the only new show my wife and I watch every week – and if we miss it, you can bet we’ll be watching it on demand the following evening. This Battlestar Galactica spin-off is as notable for its design as it is for its acting. The Caprican society is technologically advanced, with their virtual reality clubs and robot butlers. But this high-tech look is cleverly balanced with some inspired prop choices.
A stroll on the streets of Caprica City is like a visiting a museum — some of the most unique products in automotive history are here. Daniel Graystone (played brilliantly by Eric Stoltz) is chauffeured about in a Jaguar Mk2. Joseph Adama, a lawyer for the mob, drives a cat-eyed Citroën DS. In one scene, he even parks it next to a DS wagon! Other Caprican rides include Peugeots, Renaults and even the occasional Smart car. Of course, this sort of juxtaposition is not unprecedented. Science fiction often uses classic cars and/or foreign market cars to reinforce an otherworldly feel. Ethan Hawke drove an Avanti in Gattaca; Dark City featured Citroëns, old Chryslers and even an Edsel. So with this in mind, I have some ideas for future automotive cameos on Caprica (feel free to chime in with your own).
1948 Tucker Torpedo – Admittedly, this selection might bounce a few people out of the show because of the 1988 biopic. But it has such a great blend of future and past.
1962 Plymouth Belvedere – This car has a vaguely spacey feel about it — probably the spear shapes in the bodyside — but it also has an undeniably classic feel.
1934 Chrysler Imperial – One of the first cars designed and developed in the wind tunnel. I think Daniel Graystone should trade in his Jag for this model.
1968 Citroën Ami 6 – I’m not sure if it snows on Caprica, but if it does, then this is the car to drive; no need to clean off the back window.
1967 Toyota Century – This JDM luxury car definitely has some sci-fi appeal, what with its CRT screen headlamps and insect mirrors.
To be honest, after watching BSG and loving it, the spin-off seems dreadful and cheesy. And to be fair – it was in BSG that they first introduced the old cars (for example the DS parked in the underground parking lot on occupied Caprica) ; )
But I definitely agree, that a Torpedo should be used! : )
I haven’t seen Caprica, but here’s a couple I’d add to the list:
1965 Panhard 24CT, in the rain with the wipers on, and trunk open.
1937 Tatra T97, looking at the rear side, with the front suicide door open.
Yes, the Tatra would be an excellent choice.