Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion - Revision history

Joe Beaudoin Jr.: /* Part 1: Introduction and The Miniseries */

2025-08-17T18:02:51Z

Part 1: Introduction and The Miniseries

Joe Beaudoin Jr. at 17:57, 17 August 2025

2025-08-17T17:57:30Z

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-'''''Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion''''' ([http://www.titanbooks.com/ Titan Books], June 2005, ISBN 1845760972), by David Bassom, details the making of the 2003 [[Miniseries]] and [[Season 1 (2004-05)|Season 1]] of the [[Battlestar Galactica (RDM)|Re-imagined Series]] that debuted in 2004 in the United States.
+'''''Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion''''' ([http://www.titanbooks.com/ Titan Books], August 2005, ISBN 1845760972), by David Bassom, details the making of the 2003 [[Miniseries]] and [[Season 1 (2004-05)|Season 1]] of the [[Battlestar Galactica (RDM)|Re-imagined Series]].
 ''The Official Companion'' details the events that lead up to the creation of the Miniseries and the regular series from the eyes of the show's co-creators, [[David Eick]] and [[Ronald D. Moore|Ron D. Moore]], as well as its cast and crew.
 While ''The Official Companion'' gives readers a few technical insights into Colonial and Cylon technology in the series, the book is largely a reference into the cast's thoughts about their characters, combined with behind-the-scenes information and trivia.
 ==External links==

Mars: Titan's site and Amazon say June

2007-09-17T06:02:53Z

Titan's site and Amazon say June

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:02, 17 September 2007
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	\| episode=		\| episode=
	\| author= David Bassom		\| author= David Bassom
	\| published= ~~August~~ 2005		\| published= June 2005
	\| isbn= 1845760972		\| isbn= 1845760972
	\| prev= ''none''		\| prev= ''none''
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	}}		}}

	'''''Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion''''' ([http://www.titanbooks.com/ Titan Books], ~~August~~ 2005, ISBN 1845760972), by David Bassom, details the making of the 2003 [[Miniseries]] and [[Season 1 (2004-05)\|Season 1]] of the [[Battlestar Galactica (RDM)\|Re-imagined Series]] that debuted in 2004 in the United States.		'''''Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion''''' ([http://www.titanbooks.com/ Titan Books], June 2005, ISBN 1845760972), by David Bassom, details the making of the 2003 [[Miniseries]] and [[Season 1 (2004-05)\|Season 1]] of the [[Battlestar Galactica (RDM)\|Re-imagined Series]] that debuted in 2004 in the United States.

	''The Official Companion'' details the events that lead up to the creation of the Miniseries and the regular series from the eyes of the show's co-creators, [[David Eick]] and [[Ronald D. Moore\|Ron D. Moore]], as well as its cast and crew.		''The Official Companion'' details the events that lead up to the creation of the Miniseries and the regular series from the eyes of the show's co-creators, [[David Eick]] and [[Ronald D. Moore\|Ron D. Moore]], as well as its cast and crew.

Serenity at 16:57, 18 August 2007

2007-08-18T16:57:52Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:57, 18 August 2007
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	'''''Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion''''' ([http://www.titanbooks.com/ Titan Books], August 2005, ISBN 1845760972), by David Bassom, details the making of the 2003 [[Miniseries]] and [[Season 1 (2004-05)\|Season 1]] of the [[Battlestar Galactica (RDM)\|Re-imagined Series]] that debuted in 2004 in the United States.		'''''Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion''''' ([http://www.titanbooks.com/ Titan Books], August 2005, ISBN 1845760972), by David Bassom, details the making of the 2003 [[Miniseries]] and [[Season 1 (2004-05)\|Season 1]] of the [[Battlestar Galactica (RDM)\|Re-imagined Series]] that debuted in 2004 in the United States.

	''The Official Companion'' details the events that lead up to the creation of the ~~miniseries~~ and the regular series from the eyes of the show's co-creators, [[David Eick]] and [[Ronald D. Moore\|Ron D. Moore]], as well as its cast and crew.		''The Official Companion'' details the events that lead up to the creation of the Miniseries and the regular series from the eyes of the show's co-creators, [[David Eick]] and [[Ronald D. Moore\|Ron D. Moore]], as well as its cast and crew.

	While ''The Official Companion'' gives readers a few technical insights into Colonial and Cylon technology ~~seen~~ in the series, the book is largely a reference into the cast's thoughts about their characters.		While ''The Official Companion'' gives readers a few technical insights into Colonial and Cylon technology in the series, the book is largely a reference into the cast's thoughts about their characters, combined with behind-the-scenes information and trivia.

	==External links==		==External links==

Mars: italicise title

2006-12-17T17:33:04Z

italicise title

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:33, 17 December 2006
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	}}		}}

	'''Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion''' ([http://www.titanbooks.com/ Titan Books], August 2005, ISBN 1845760972), by David Bassom, details the making of the 2003 [[Miniseries]] and [[Season 1 (2004-05)\|Season 1]] of the [[Battlestar Galactica (RDM)\|Re-imagined Series]] that debuted in 2004 in the United States.		'''''Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion''''' ([http://www.titanbooks.com/ Titan Books], August 2005, ISBN 1845760972), by David Bassom, details the making of the 2003 [[Miniseries]] and [[Season 1 (2004-05)\|Season 1]] of the [[Battlestar Galactica (RDM)\|Re-imagined Series]] that debuted in 2004 in the United States.

	''The Official Companion'' details the events that lead up to the creation of the miniseries and the regular series from the eyes of the show's co-creators, [[David Eick]] and [[Ronald D. Moore\|Ron D. Moore]], as well as its cast and crew.		''The Official Companion'' details the events that lead up to the creation of the miniseries and the regular series from the eyes of the show's co-creators, [[David Eick]] and [[Ronald D. Moore\|Ron D. Moore]], as well as its cast and crew.

Mercifull at 14:38, 13 November 2006

2006-11-13T14:38:11Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:38, 13 November 2006
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	While ''The Official Companion'' gives readers a few technical insights into Colonial and Cylon technology seen in the series, the book is largely a reference into the cast's thoughts about their characters.		While ''The Official Companion'' gives readers a few technical insights into Colonial and Cylon technology seen in the series, the book is largely a reference into the cast's thoughts about their characters.

			==External links==
			* [http://astore.amazon.com/battlestarwik-20/detail/1845760972/ ''Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion'' at Amazon.com]
			* [http://www.amazon.co.uk/Battlestar-Galactica-Companion-David-Bassom/dp/1845760972/ ''Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion'' at Amazon.co.uk]

	[[Category:A to Z]]		[[Category:A to Z]]

Astfgl at 22:44, 25 August 2006

2006-08-25T22:44:26Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:44, 25 August 2006
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	[[Category: Books]]		[[Category: Books]]
	[[Category: Merchandise]]		[[Category: Merchandise]]

			[[de:Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion]]

Shane: updated book data

2006-08-12T16:50:34Z

updated book data

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:50, 12 August 2006
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	{{Book Data\|		{{Book Data
	~~Image~~ = ~~[[Image:~~Officialcompcover.jpg~~\|200px]]~~		\| image = Officialcompcover.jpg
	\| ~~Title~~= Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion		\| title= Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion
	\| ~~Series~~= [http://www.titanbooks.com/ Titan Books]		\| series= [http://www.titanbooks.com/ Titan Books]
	\| ~~Bookno~~= 1		\| bookno= 1
	\| ~~Episode~~=		\| episode=
	\| ~~Author~~= David Bassom		\| author= David Bassom
	\| ~~Published~~= August 2005		\| published= August 2005
	\| ~~ISBN~~= 1845760972		\| isbn= 1845760972
	\| ~~Prev~~= ''none''		\| prev= ''none''
	\| ~~Next~~= [[Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion Season Two]]		\| next= [[Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion Season Two]]
	}}		}}

Mercifull: Book layout

2006-03-30T11:23:20Z

Book layout

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:23, 30 March 2006
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	[[Image:Officialcompcover.jpg\|~~right~~\|~~200px~~]]		{{Book Data\|
	'''Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion''' ([http://www.titanbooks.com/ Titan Books], August 2005, ISBN ~~1-84576-097-2~~), by David Bassom, details the making of the 2003 [[Miniseries]] and [[Season 1 (2004-05)\|Season 1]] of the [[Battlestar Galactica (RDM)\|Re-imagined Series]] that debuted in 2004 in the United States.		Image = [[Image:Officialcompcover.jpg\|200px]]
			\| Title= Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion
			\| Series= [http://www.titanbooks.com/ Titan Books]
			\| Bookno= 1
			\| Episode=
			\| Author= David Bassom
			\| Published= August 2005
			\| ISBN= 1845760972
			\| Prev= ''none''
			\| Next= [[Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion Season Two]]
			}}

			'''Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion''' ([http://www.titanbooks.com/ Titan Books], August 2005, ISBN 1845760972), by David Bassom, details the making of the 2003 [[Miniseries]] and [[Season 1 (2004-05)\|Season 1]] of the [[Battlestar Galactica (RDM)\|Re-imagined Series]] that debuted in 2004 in the United States.

	''The Official Companion'' details the events that lead up to the creation of the miniseries and the regular series from the eyes of the show's co-creators, [[David Eick]] and [[Ronald D. Moore\|Ron D. Moore]], as well as its cast and crew.		''The Official Companion'' details the events that lead up to the creation of the miniseries and the regular series from the eyes of the show's co-creators, [[David Eick]] and [[Ronald D. Moore\|Ron D. Moore]], as well as its cast and crew.

	While ''The Official Companion'' gives readers a few technical insights into Colonial and Cylon technology seen in the series, the book is largely a reference into the cast's thoughts about their characters.		While ''The Official Companion'' gives readers a few technical insights into Colonial and Cylon technology seen in the series, the book is largely a reference into the cast's thoughts about their characters.


	[[Category:A to Z]]		[[Category:A to Z]]

Mercifull at 10:10, 28 March 2006

2006-03-28T10:10:24Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:10, 28 March 2006
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	[[Category:Behind the Scenes]]		[[Category:Behind the Scenes]]
	[[Category:RDM]]		[[Category:RDM]]
			[[Category: Books]]
	[[Category: Merchandise]]		[[Category: Merchandise]]

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:02, 17 August 2025
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	*'''Foreword by Ronald D. Moore (P. 6-7):''' Moore states that a companion book is a tangible sign of a show's success and thanks his creative team for supporting their daring and creatively risky vision for the series.		*'''Foreword by Ronald D. Moore (P. 6-7):''' Moore states that a companion book is a tangible sign of a show's success and thanks his creative team for supporting their daring and creatively risky vision for the series.
	*'''"Battle Plan" - The Re-imagining (P. 8-23):''' This section details the conceptual overhaul of the original series.		*'''"Battle Plan" - The Re-imagining (P. 8-23):''' This section details the conceptual overhaul of the original series.
	** The core goal was to '''reinvent the science fiction genre''' by introducing a gritty realism, moving away from traditional space opera tropes (P. 8).		** The core goal was to '''[[Naturalistic science fiction\|reinvent the science fiction genre]]''' by introducing a gritty realism, moving away from traditional space opera tropes (P. 8).
	** Moore was hired specifically for his deep knowledge of ''Star Trek'', as producer David Eick believed he would know exactly how to create something fundamentally different (P. 10).		** Moore was hired specifically for his deep knowledge of ''Star Trek'', as producer David Eick believed he would know exactly how to create something fundamentally different (P. 10).
	** The decision was made to do a '''remake, not a sequel''', because Moore felt the dark premise of [[Fall of the Twelve Colonies\|humanity's near-annihilation]] would resonate more powerfully with a ~~[[Connection to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks\|~~post-9/11 audience]] (P. 12).		** The decision was made to do a '''remake, not a sequel''', because Moore felt the dark premise of [[Fall of the Twelve Colonies\|humanity's near-annihilation]] would resonate more powerfully with a post-9/11 audience (P. 12).
	** Key changes were made to improve story logic, including making the '''[[Cylons (RDM)#~~Origins~~\|Cylons a creation of humanity]]''', which introduced the concept of [[Humanoid Cylon\|humanoid Cylons]] and a more complex relationship. Main characters were also made more flawed and realistic, such as [[Kara Thrace#Notes\|Starbuck's gender-swap]] and [[Saul Tigh#Notes\|Tigh's alcoholism]] (P. 13-17).		** Key changes were made to improve story logic, including making the '''[[Cylons (RDM)#The Cylons Were Created By Man\|Cylons a creation of humanity]]''', which introduced the concept of [[Humanoid Cylon\|humanoid Cylons]] and a more complex relationship. Main characters were also made more flawed and realistic, such as [[Kara Thrace#Notes\|Starbuck's gender-swap]] and [[Saul Tigh#Notes\|Tigh's alcoholism]] (P. 13-17).
	** The character of '''[[Laura Roslin]]''' was created to introduce a civilian/political conflict with the military leadership, a dynamic Moore felt was missing from the original (P. 15).		** The character of '''[[Laura Roslin]]''' was created to introduce a civilian/political conflict with the military leadership, a dynamic Moore felt was missing from the original (P. 15).
	** '''[[Edward James Olmos]]''' and '''[[Mary McDonnell]]''' were the first choices for [[William Adama\|Adama]] and Roslin. Their casting was seen as a crucial step that legitimized the project as a serious drama (P. 22-23).		** '''[[Edward James Olmos]]''' and '''[[Mary McDonnell]]''' were the first choices for [[William Adama\|Adama]] and Roslin. Their casting was seen as a crucial step that legitimized the project as a serious drama (P. 22-23).
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	*'''From Miniseries to Series (P. 38-43):''' This section covers the show's transition to a full series.		*'''From Miniseries to Series (P. 38-43):''' This section covers the show's transition to a full series.
	** The miniseries was a major critical and commercial success, becoming the [[Sci Fi Channel\|Sci Fi channel's]] most-watched original program of 2003 (P. 40).		** The miniseries was a major critical and commercial success, becoming the [[Sci Fi Channel\|Sci Fi channel's]] most-watched original program of 2003 (P. 40).
	** Despite the ratings, the series was initially deemed too expensive and was only green-lit after securing a '''co-production deal with Britain's Sky TV''' network (P. 41).		** Despite the ratings, the series was initially deemed too expensive and was only green-lit after securing a '''co-production deal with Britain's [[Sky1\|Sky TV]]''' network (P. 41).
	*'''The Episodes (P. 44-95):''' A detailed guide to each episode of the first season.		*'''The Episodes (P. 44-95):''' A detailed guide to each episode of the first season.
	** '''"[[33]]":''' The cast researched sleep deprivation and limited their own sleep to realistically portray the crew's exhaustion (P. 46).		** '''"[[33]]":''' The cast researched sleep deprivation and limited their own sleep to realistically portray the crew's exhaustion (P. 46).
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	** '''"[[Tigh Me Up, Tigh Me Down]]":''' The arrival of [[Ellen Tigh]], a potential Cylon, creates paranoia and suspicion, leading to a comedic "comedy of errors" as Roslin and Adama suspect each other (P. 76).		** '''"[[Tigh Me Up, Tigh Me Down]]":''' The arrival of [[Ellen Tigh]], a potential Cylon, creates paranoia and suspicion, leading to a comedic "comedy of errors" as Roslin and Adama suspect each other (P. 76).
	** '''"[[The Hand of God]]":''' With the fleet low on fuel, Lee Adama must step out of Starbuck's shadow to lead a daring raid on a Cylon [[Tylium\|tylium]] refinery (P. 80).		** '''"[[The Hand of God]]":''' With the fleet low on fuel, Lee Adama must step out of Starbuck's shadow to lead a daring raid on a Cylon [[Tylium\|tylium]] refinery (P. 80).
	** '''"[[Colonial Day]]":''' Politics take center stage as Tom Zarek challenges Roslin's authority, leading her to strategically elevate Baltar to the ~~[[Vice President of the Twelve Colonies\|~~vice presidency]] (P. 84).		** '''"[[Colonial Day]]":''' Politics take center stage as Tom Zarek challenges Roslin's authority, leading her to strategically elevate Baltar to the vice presidency (P. 84).
	** '''"[[Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part II\|Kobol's Last Gleaming]]":''' The two-part finale ends on a shocking ~~[[Cliffhanger (RDM)#Season 1\|~~cliffhanger—Sharon shooting ~~Adama]]—which~~ was written before the writers knew for certain if the show would be renewed for a second season (P. 95).		** '''"[[Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part II\|Kobol's Last Gleaming]]":''' The two-part finale ends on a shocking cliffhanger—Sharon shooting Adama—which was written before the writers knew for certain if the show would be renewed for a [[Season 2 (2005-06)\|second season]] (P. 95).

	===Part 3: The Characters and Behind the Scenes===		===Part 3: The Characters and Behind the Scenes===
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	** '''Supporting Characters (P. 126-135):''' Features interviews with [[Michael Hogan]] (Saul Tigh), [[Aaron Douglas]] (Galen Tyrol), [[Tahmoh Penikett]] (Karl "Helo" Agathon), and others about their roles.		** '''Supporting Characters (P. 126-135):''' Features interviews with [[Michael Hogan]] (Saul Tigh), [[Aaron Douglas]] (Galen Tyrol), [[Tahmoh Penikett]] (Karl "Helo" Agathon), and others about their roles.
	*'''Production Design (P. 136-143):''' This section details the show's unique visual style.		*'''Production Design (P. 136-143):''' This section details the show's unique visual style.
	** ~~The interior of the~~ ''[[Galactica (RDM)\|Galactica]]'' was designed to feel like a cramped, realistic World War II submarine, described as '''"Das Boot in space"''' (P. 136).		** ''[[Galactica (RDM)\|Galactica]]'''s interior was designed to feel like a cramped, realistic World War II submarine, described as '''"''[[w:Das_Boot\|Das Boot]]'' in space"''' (P. 136).
	** The technology is intentionally a mix of new and old (e.g., 1940s-style telephones alongside computer screens) to ground the show in a recognizable reality.		** The technology is intentionally a mix of new and old (e.g., 1940s-style telephones alongside computer screens) to ground the show in a recognizable reality.
	*'''Visual Effects (P. 144-151):''' This section explains the groundbreaking effects.		*'''Visual Effects (P. 144-151):''' This section explains the groundbreaking effects.
	** The visual effects were designed with a '''handheld, documentary-style feel''' to make space battles seem immediate and real, avoiding the polished "beauty shots" common in other sci-fi (P. 144).		** The visual effects were designed with a '''handheld, documentary-style feel''' to make space battles seem immediate and real, avoiding the polished "beauty shots" common in other sci-fi (P. 144).
	** A crucial decision was to render the [[Cylon Centurion (RDM)\|Cylon Centurions]] entirely with '''[[~~Computer-generated imagery~~\|CGI]]''', rather than using actors in suits, to make them appear more authentically robotic (P. 146).		** A crucial decision was to render the [[Cylon Centurion (RDM)\|Cylon Centurions]] entirely with '''[[VFX\|CGI]]''', rather than using actors in suits, to make them appear more authentically robotic (P. 146).
	*'''Music (P. 152-153):''' This section covers the show's distinctive score.		*'''Music (P. 152-153):''' This section covers the show's distinctive score.
	** The [[Music of Battlestar Galactica (RDM)\|music]] intentionally avoided the "orchestral bombast" of typical sci-fi, instead using a minimalist approach with a mix of global instruments (like Japanese [[Music of Battlestar Galactica (RDM)#Percussion\|taiko drums]]) and odd time signatures to create an "other-worldly" feel (P. 152).		** The [[Music of Battlestar Galactica (RDM)\|music]] intentionally avoided the "orchestral bombast" of typical sci-fi, instead using a minimalist approach with a mix of global instruments (like Japanese [[Music of Battlestar Galactica (RDM)#Percussion\|taiko drums]]) and odd time signatures to create an "other-worldly" feel (P. 152).

	===Part 4: Conclusion===		===Part 4: Conclusion===
	*'''"The Battle Continues" (P. 154-155):''' This section discusses the show's overwhelming critical success after its first season, with publications like ''Time'' magazine calling it one of the best dramas on television. It notes the show's renewal for a 20-episode [[Season 2 (~~RDM~~)\|second season]] and Moore's belief that the new show successfully embraces the core premise of the original.		*'''"The Battle Continues" (P. 154-155):''' This section discusses the show's overwhelming critical success after its first season, with publications like ''Time'' magazine calling it one of the best dramas on television. It notes the show's renewal for a 20-episode [[Season 2 (2005-06)\|second season]] and Moore's belief that the new show successfully embraces the core premise of the [[Battlestar Galactica (TOS)\|original]].
	*'''Afterword by David Eick (P. 156-157):''' Eick reflects on the show's improbable success, particularly in overcoming the "quaint title" to become a critical darling. He reiterates that the primary goal was always to create an epic, compelling, and deeply emotional drama that just happened to take place in a science fiction realm, and thanks the fans for their open-mindedness.		*'''Afterword by David Eick (P. 156-157):''' Eick reflects on the show's improbable success, particularly in overcoming the "quaint title" to become a critical darling. He reiterates that the primary goal was always to create an epic, compelling, and deeply emotional drama that just happened to take place in a science fiction realm, and thanks the fans for their open-mindedness.