`BATTLESTAR' AS GOOD AS IT GETS.

Byline: David Kronke Television Critic

If ``Battlestar Galactica's'' current story line was any more bald a metaphor for the ongoing travails in Iraq, it would probably have to be retitled ``Over There,'' the short-lived series about the war.

Last season, the Cylons -- robots who can assume human form who had turned on their human creators and eradicated most of Earth's population -- located New Caprica, the new home planet for surviving members of the human race, and summarily conquered it. As season three begins tonight, the ``Cylon occupation'' is ongoing, with a few characters engaging in an insurgency against their captors. Suicide bombers, curfews and torture are part of the package, as well.

Meanwhile, Adama (Edward James Olmos) frets fitfully aboard the beleaguered Galactica, trying to rig a workable plan to rescue those enslaved on New Caprica, while his once-heroic son Lee (Jamie Barber) has gone soft. And uber-weasel Gaius Baltar (James Callis), president of the humans in name only, continues with his craven ways, cooperating with the Cylons, while former president Laura Roslin (Mary McDonnell) is targeted for execution.

Meanwhile, other echoes of our current culture can be found in Brother Cavil (Dean Stockwell), a Cylon who suggests a propaganda campaign with sinister overtones: ``If we're bringing the word of God, then it follows that we should employ any means necessary,'' he declares, adding, ``Perhaps it's time to instill a little more fear in the people's hearts and minds.''

In coming episodes, the rescue operation is carried out, but the ship is riddled with dissent over the handling of the occupation, with secret trials being conducted for traitors. Galactica is left as bitterly divided as America has become.

Given its roots, there's no way ``Battlestar Galactica'' should be as good as it is. A fairly cheesy '70s series that attempted to cash in on the ``Star Wars'' phenomenon, the original had little use for such allegory or the textured characterizations this new incarnation boasts. And to think that fans of the original were initially fearing the changes that executive producers Ronald D. Moore and David Eick had in mind. Now, of course, they -- and we -- are grateful the two divined such a compelling vision from such froth.

David Kronke, [phone]

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BATTLESTAR GALACTICA - Three and one half stars

What: Third-season premiere of the politically charged sci-fi story of Earth's survivors in a battle with the Cylons.

Where: Sci Fi Channel.

When: 9 tonight.

In a nutshell: A compelling allegory.