The Shadow War arc was amazingly planned. It's a shame JMS had to mess with the timeline since he wasn't sure they'd get a fifth season. The rush at the end of the fourth season wasn't good.

I completely agree with you! (oh gosh, finally someone who thinks BSG strayed when I do!) For the rest of the show, it had good moments (particularly the Cylon moments), but it just didn't have the same passion as the first season. I remember when the first season ended, I was in top fangirl mode.