Battlestar Galactica (TOS) - Revision history

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2026-03-05T03:53:55Z

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2026-03-05T01:12:12Z

Vandal moved page Battlestar Galactica (TOS) to We are on the Battlestar Galactica (TOS) Question: Why does “(TOS)” mean?

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Joe Beaudoin Jr.: Joe Beaudoin Jr. moved page We are on the Battlestar to fight Galactica, who is humming (TOS) the words in parentheses. to Battlestar Galactica (TOS) over redirect: Revert

2026-02-05T19:38:09Z

Joe Beaudoin Jr. moved page We are on the Battlestar to fight Galactica, who is humming (TOS) the words in parentheses. to Battlestar Galactica (TOS) over redirect: Revert

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PawPatroler: PawPatroler moved page Battlestar Galactica (TOS) to We are on the Battlestar to fight Galactica, who is humming (TOS) the words in parentheses.

2026-02-05T18:51:45Z

PawPatroler moved page Battlestar Galactica (TOS) to We are on the Battlestar to fight Galactica, who is humming (TOS) the words in parentheses.

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Joe Beaudoin Jr.: /* Cast and Characters */

2025-08-31T20:44:51Z

Cast and Characters

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:44, 31 August 2025
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	: ''"Fleeing from the Cylon tyranny, the last Battlestar, ''Galactica'', leads a ragtag, fugitive fleet, on a lonely quest—for a shining planet known as Earth."''		: ''"Fleeing from the Cylon tyranny, the last Battlestar, ''Galactica'', leads a ragtag, fugitive fleet, on a lonely quest—for a shining planet known as Earth."''

	~~==Cast and Characters==~~

	The series featured several prominent cast members whose production experiences provided insight into the show's development. [[Maren Jensen]], who portrayed [[Athena]], served as the primary female lead in the predominantly male-centered space adventure. Jensen described the evolution of her character during the series' development: "Athena is about my age and very much like me in certain ways," Jensen observed. "She's smart, courageous, emotional, sensitive but still young. Athena ''today'' isn't that dissimilar to the way I first thought about her months ago. I do think that she's a little more sassy now. I first thought of her as being a bit straight, but as the show got going and she interacted with some of the other characters, she got spunkier. She's more willing to take chances now. And if someone does something nasty to her, she's willing to pay them back."<ref group="commentary" name="naha_starlog_maren_jensen_athena_interview"/>

	Jensen also discussed the series' balance between visual spectacle and character development: "The show is still establishing itself," she noted. "But I think that the series is going to have to appeal to viewers because of both its special effects ''and'' its characterizations. It's right now that it's the special effects that dominate it and people are watching primarily for that great look. Eventually, I feel that the accent will have to be put on human relationships... and viewers will start identifying with the regular characters."<ref group="commentary" name="naha_starlog_maren_jensen_athena_interview"/> Regarding the potential for character exploration, Jensen commented: "There's a lot of potential there. I think the show's characters, for the bum that he is, is very interesting. There usually aren't good guys on TV that are such philanderers. I tend to like that, as well as his being so serious and just a tad on the pompous side. And what makes Athena so interesting for me is that she does have a few faults. She is, at times, daddy's little girl and yet she chases around after this guy who really is a bum. There are interesting areas that could be explored in that."<ref group="commentary" name="naha_starlog_maren_jensen_athena_interview"/>

	== Year Two ==		== Year Two ==

Joe Beaudoin Jr.: /* Cast and Characters */

2025-08-31T19:35:48Z

Cast and Characters

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:35, 31 August 2025
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	Jensen also discussed the series' balance between visual spectacle and character development: "The show is still establishing itself," she noted. "But I think that the series is going to have to appeal to viewers because of both its special effects ''and'' its characterizations. It's right now that it's the special effects that dominate it and people are watching primarily for that great look. Eventually, I feel that the accent will have to be put on human relationships... and viewers will start identifying with the regular characters."<ref group="commentary" name="naha_starlog_maren_jensen_athena_interview"/> Regarding the potential for character exploration, Jensen commented: "There's a lot of potential there. I think the show's characters, for the bum that he is, is very interesting. There usually aren't good guys on TV that are such philanderers. I tend to like that, as well as his being so serious and just a tad on the pompous side. And what makes Athena so interesting for me is that she does have a few faults. She is, at times, daddy's little girl and yet she chases around after this guy who really is a bum. There are interesting areas that could be explored in that."<ref group="commentary" name="naha_starlog_maren_jensen_athena_interview"/>		Jensen also discussed the series' balance between visual spectacle and character development: "The show is still establishing itself," she noted. "But I think that the series is going to have to appeal to viewers because of both its special effects ''and'' its characterizations. It's right now that it's the special effects that dominate it and people are watching primarily for that great look. Eventually, I feel that the accent will have to be put on human relationships... and viewers will start identifying with the regular characters."<ref group="commentary" name="naha_starlog_maren_jensen_athena_interview"/> Regarding the potential for character exploration, Jensen commented: "There's a lot of potential there. I think the show's characters, for the bum that he is, is very interesting. There usually aren't good guys on TV that are such philanderers. I tend to like that, as well as his being so serious and just a tad on the pompous side. And what makes Athena so interesting for me is that she does have a few faults. She is, at times, daddy's little girl and yet she chases around after this guy who really is a bum. There are interesting areas that could be explored in that."<ref group="commentary" name="naha_starlog_maren_jensen_athena_interview"/>

			== Year Two ==

	{{mainarticle\|Battlestar Galactica: Year Two proposal}}		{{mainarticle\|Battlestar Galactica: Year Two proposal}}

	In recent years, Glen Larson's son, Chris, discovered various memorabilia from his father's personal collection. In addition to packets for the official Battlestar Galactica Fan Club, he also came across [[Battlestar Galactica: Year Two proposal\|a treatment]] for the second season of ''Battlestar Galactica''. In the treatment, many changes were proposed, including the reduction of the cast size, the addition of [[w:Issac Asimov\|Issac Asimov]] as a story and science consultant, and massive character changes.		In recent years, Glen Larson's son, Chris, discovered various memorabilia from his father's personal collection. In addition to packets for the official Battlestar Galactica Fan Club, he also came across [[Battlestar Galactica: Year Two proposal\|a treatment]] for the second season of ''Battlestar Galactica''. In the treatment, many changes were proposed, including the reduction of the cast size, the addition of [[w:Issac Asimov\|Issac Asimov]] as a story and science consultant, and massive character changes.

	While it is uncertain as to whether this document ever made it to Universal Studios, the document does shed light on the origin of various concepts introduced in ''[[Galactica 1980]]''. These concepts included the human android Cylons, the concept of Boomer being ''Galactica''{{'\|s}} executive officer, and the character of "Troy".		While it is uncertain as to whether this document ever made it to Universal Studios, the document does shed light on the origin of various concepts introduced in ''[[Galactica 1980]]''. These concepts included the human android Cylons, the concept of Boomer being ''Galactica''{{'\|s}} executive officer, and the character of "Troy."

	==Cancellation and Rebirths (of a sort)==		==Cancellation and Rebirths (of a sort)==

Joe Beaudoin Jr.: /* Production History */

2025-08-31T19:34:56Z

Production History

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:34, 31 August 2025
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	Initially envisioned as a series of TV movies for ABC, consisting of a three hour premiere and two additional movies of two hours in length<ref group="production" name="meyers_starlog_battlestar_galactica_august_1978">{{cite magazine\|author=Richard Meyers\|title=Get Ready For... BATTLE STAR "GALACTICA"\|magazine=Starlog\|issue=19\|pages=52-53\|date=August 1978}}</ref>, ''Battlestar Galactica'' was ultimately developed into a regular television series. The "first seven hours" of the series, consisting of "[[Saga of a Star World]]," "[[Lost Planet of the Gods]]," and "[[The Gun on Ice Planet Zero]]," was reported to have cost–"at over one million dollars an hour," according to ''Galactica'''s publicist, Joe Santley–over $7 million dollars<ref group="production" name="meyers_starlog_battlestar_galactica_august_1978"/>. However, this figure is contradicted by [[Richard Colla]], who revealed that the budgets for the three-hour pilot were nine million dollars alone, despite the fact that it was sold to ABC for 1.8 million.<ref group="commentary" name="colla_galactica_tv_interview_2008">{{cite_web\|url=http://www.galactica.tv/battlestar-galactica-1978---interviews/richard-colla-galactica.tv-interview.html\|title=Richard Colla GALACTICA.TV Interview\|date=29 April 2008\|accessdate=30 April 2008\|last=Egnor\|first=Mike\|archive=Y}}</ref>		Initially envisioned as a series of TV movies for ABC, consisting of a three hour premiere and two additional movies of two hours in length<ref group="production" name="meyers_starlog_battlestar_galactica_august_1978">{{cite magazine\|author=Richard Meyers\|title=Get Ready For... BATTLE STAR "GALACTICA"\|magazine=Starlog\|issue=19\|pages=52-53\|date=August 1978}}</ref>, ''Battlestar Galactica'' was ultimately developed into a regular television series. The "first seven hours" of the series, consisting of "[[Saga of a Star World]]," "[[Lost Planet of the Gods]]," and "[[The Gun on Ice Planet Zero]]," was reported to have cost–"at over one million dollars an hour," according to ''Galactica'''s publicist, Joe Santley–over $7 million dollars<ref group="production" name="meyers_starlog_battlestar_galactica_august_1978"/>. However, this figure is contradicted by [[Richard Colla]], who revealed that the budgets for the three-hour pilot were nine million dollars alone, despite the fact that it was sold to ABC for 1.8 million.<ref group="commentary" name="colla_galactica_tv_interview_2008">{{cite_web\|url=http://www.galactica.tv/battlestar-galactica-1978---interviews/richard-colla-galactica.tv-interview.html\|title=Richard Colla GALACTICA.TV Interview\|date=29 April 2008\|accessdate=30 April 2008\|last=Egnor\|first=Mike\|archive=Y}}</ref>

	Academy Award-winning special effects supervisor [[John Dykstra]] served as both the show's visual effects director and line producer.<ref group="production" name="meyers_starlog_battlestar_galactica_august_1978"/> [[Dykstra]], working with his Industrial Light & Magic crew, oversaw the series' extensive special effects sequences. The initial seven hours of programming were structured as three television movies—one three-hour premiere followed by two two-hour productions. Each installment was designed as a self-contained story written and directed by Larson, whose previous television work included creating ''The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew'' series.<ref group="production" name="meyers_starlog_battlestar_galactica_august_1978"/>		Academy Award-winning special effects supervisor [[John Dykstra]] served as both the show's visual effects director and line producer.<ref group="production" name="meyers_starlog_battlestar_galactica_august_1978"/> Dykstra, working with his Industrial Light & Magic crew, oversaw the series' extensive special effects sequences. The initial seven hours of programming were structured as three television movies—one three-hour premiere followed by two two-hour productions. Each installment was designed as a self-contained story written and directed by Larson, whose previous television work included creating ''The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew'' series.<ref group="production" name="meyers_starlog_battlestar_galactica_august_1978"/>

	[[Maren Jensen]], who portrays [[Athena]] in the series, discussed the challenges of her role as the only daughter of Commander [[Adama]] ([[Lorne Greene]]). In a contemporary interview, Jensen noted that "Athena has her work cut out for her, stressing her feminine persona aboard a starshipful of blatantly macho types."<ref group="commentary" name="naha_starlog_maren_jensen_athena_interview">{{cite magazine\|author=Ed Naha\|title=Adama's Daughter Grows Up\|magazine=Starlog\|issue=19\|date=February 1979\|pages=28}}</ref> Jensen also revealed insights into her character development process: "The show is still establishing itself," she stresses. "But I think that the series is going to have to appeal to viewers because of both its special effects ''and'' its characterizations. It's right now that it's the special effects that dominate it and people are watching primarily for that great look. Eventually, I feel that the accent will have to be put on human relationships... and viewers will start identifying with the regular characters."<ref group="commentary" name="naha_starlog_maren_jensen_athena_interview"/>		[[Maren Jensen]], who portrays [[Athena]] in the series, discussed the challenges of her role as the only daughter of Commander [[Adama]] ([[Lorne Greene]]). In a contemporary interview, Jensen noted that "Athena has her work cut out for her, stressing her feminine persona aboard a starshipful of blatantly macho types."<ref group="commentary" name="naha_starlog_maren_jensen_athena_interview">{{cite magazine\|author=Ed Naha\|title=Adama's Daughter Grows Up\|magazine=Starlog\|issue=19\|date=February 1979\|pages=28}}</ref> Jensen also revealed insights into her character development process: "The show is still establishing itself," she stresses. "But I think that the series is going to have to appeal to viewers because of both its special effects ''and'' its characterizations. It's right now that it's the special effects that dominate it and people are watching primarily for that great look. Eventually, I feel that the accent will have to be put on human relationships... and viewers will start identifying with the regular characters."<ref group="commentary" name="naha_starlog_maren_jensen_athena_interview"/>

Joe Beaudoin Jr. at 19:33, 31 August 2025

2025-08-31T19:33:28Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:33, 31 August 2025
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	==Production History==		==Production History==

	Initially envisioned as a series of TV movies for ABC, consisting of a three hour premiere and two additional movies of two hours in length<ref name="~~starlog aug 78~~">{{cite magazine\|~~quotes= \|last~~= Meyers ~~\|first= Richard \|authorlink= \|coauthors= \|year= 1978 \|month= August~~ \|title= Get Ready For... BATTLE STAR "GALACTICA" \|magazine=Starlog ~~\|volume=~~ \|issue= \|pages=52-53 \|~~id= \|url= \|accessdate~~= }}</ref>, ''Battlestar Galactica'' was ultimately developed into a regular television series. The "first seven hours" of the series, consisting of "[[Saga of a Star World]]," "[[Lost Planet of the Gods]]," and "[[The Gun on Ice Planet Zero]]," was reported to have cost–"at over one million dollars an hour," according to ''Galactica'''s publicist, Joe Santley–over $7 million dollars<ref name="~~starlog aug 78~~"/>. However, this figure is contradicted by [[Richard Colla]], who revealed that the budgets for the three-hour pilot were nine million dollars alone, despite the fact that it was sold to ABC for 1.8 million.<ref>{{cite_web\|url=http://www.galactica.tv/battlestar-galactica-1978---interviews/richard-colla-galactica.tv-interview.html\|title=Richard Colla GALACTICA.TV Interview\|date=29 April 2008\|accessdate=30 April 2008\|last=Egnor\|first=Mike\|~~format~~=\|~~language~~=}}</ref>		Initially envisioned as a series of TV movies for ABC, consisting of a three hour premiere and two additional movies of two hours in length<ref group="production" name="meyers_starlog_battlestar_galactica_august_1978">{{cite magazine\|author=Richard Meyers\|title=Get Ready For... BATTLE STAR "GALACTICA"\|magazine=Starlog\|issue=19\|pages=52-53\|date=August 1978}}</ref>, ''Battlestar Galactica'' was ultimately developed into a regular television series. The "first seven hours" of the series, consisting of "[[Saga of a Star World]]," "[[Lost Planet of the Gods]]," and "[[The Gun on Ice Planet Zero]]," was reported to have cost–"at over one million dollars an hour," according to ''Galactica'''s publicist, Joe Santley–over $7 million dollars<ref group="production" name="meyers_starlog_battlestar_galactica_august_1978"/>. However, this figure is contradicted by [[Richard Colla]], who revealed that the budgets for the three-hour pilot were nine million dollars alone, despite the fact that it was sold to ABC for 1.8 million.<ref group="commentary" name="colla_galactica_tv_interview_2008">{{cite_web\|url=http://www.galactica.tv/battlestar-galactica-1978---interviews/richard-colla-galactica.tv-interview.html\|title=Richard Colla GALACTICA.TV Interview\|date=29 April 2008\|accessdate=30 April 2008\|last=Egnor\|first=Mike\|archive=Y}}</ref>

			Academy Award-winning special effects supervisor [[John Dykstra]] served as both the show's visual effects director and line producer.<ref group="production" name="meyers_starlog_battlestar_galactica_august_1978"/> [[Dykstra]], working with his Industrial Light & Magic crew, oversaw the series' extensive special effects sequences. The initial seven hours of programming were structured as three television movies—one three-hour premiere followed by two two-hour productions. Each installment was designed as a self-contained story written and directed by Larson, whose previous television work included creating ''The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew'' series.<ref group="production" name="meyers_starlog_battlestar_galactica_august_1978"/>

			[[Maren Jensen]], who portrays [[Athena]] in the series, discussed the challenges of her role as the only daughter of Commander [[Adama]] ([[Lorne Greene]]). In a contemporary interview, Jensen noted that "Athena has her work cut out for her, stressing her feminine persona aboard a starshipful of blatantly macho types."<ref group="commentary" name="naha_starlog_maren_jensen_athena_interview">{{cite magazine\|author=Ed Naha\|title=Adama's Daughter Grows Up\|magazine=Starlog\|issue=19\|date=February 1979\|pages=28}}</ref> Jensen also revealed insights into her character development process: "The show is still establishing itself," she stresses. "But I think that the series is going to have to appeal to viewers because of both its special effects ''and'' its characterizations. It's right now that it's the special effects that dominate it and people are watching primarily for that great look. Eventually, I feel that the accent will have to be put on human relationships... and viewers will start identifying with the regular characters."<ref group="commentary" name="naha_starlog_maren_jensen_athena_interview"/>

	To defray costs, the three hour premiere was re-cut as a theatrical release. Several weeks before the TV series premiered in America, the series pilot appeared as a two hour film in Canada, Europe and Japan. Opening on July 7, 1978, the theatrical release did quite well, given modest expectations.		To defray costs, the three hour premiere was re-cut as a theatrical release. Several weeks before the TV series premiered in America, the series pilot appeared as a two hour film in Canada, Europe and Japan. Opening on July 7, 1978, the theatrical release did quite well, given modest expectations.
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	: ''"Fleeing from the Cylon tyranny, the last Battlestar, ''Galactica'', leads a ragtag, fugitive fleet, on a lonely quest—for a shining planet known as Earth."''		: ''"Fleeing from the Cylon tyranny, the last Battlestar, ''Galactica'', leads a ragtag, fugitive fleet, on a lonely quest—for a shining planet known as Earth."''

	== "~~Year Two~~" ==		==Cast and Characters==

			The series featured several prominent cast members whose production experiences provided insight into the show's development. [[Maren Jensen]], who portrayed [[Athena]], served as the primary female lead in the predominantly male-centered space adventure. Jensen described the evolution of her character during the series' development: "Athena is about my age and very much like me in certain ways," Jensen observed. "She's smart, courageous, emotional, sensitive but still young. Athena ''today'' isn't that dissimilar to the way I first thought about her months ago. I do think that she's a little more sassy now. I first thought of her as being a bit straight, but as the show got going and she interacted with some of the other characters, she got spunkier. She's more willing to take chances now. And if someone does something nasty to her, she's willing to pay them back."<ref group="commentary" name="naha_starlog_maren_jensen_athena_interview"/>

			Jensen also discussed the series' balance between visual spectacle and character development: "The show is still establishing itself," she noted. "But I think that the series is going to have to appeal to viewers because of both its special effects ''and'' its characterizations. It's right now that it's the special effects that dominate it and people are watching primarily for that great look. Eventually, I feel that the accent will have to be put on human relationships... and viewers will start identifying with the regular characters."<ref group="commentary" name="naha_starlog_maren_jensen_athena_interview"/> Regarding the potential for character exploration, Jensen commented: "There's a lot of potential there. I think the show's characters, for the bum that he is, is very interesting. There usually aren't good guys on TV that are such philanderers. I tend to like that, as well as his being so serious and just a tad on the pompous side. And what makes Athena so interesting for me is that she does have a few faults. She is, at times, daddy's little girl and yet she chases around after this guy who really is a bum. There are interesting areas that could be explored in that."<ref group="commentary" name="naha_starlog_maren_jensen_athena_interview"/>



	{{mainarticle\|Battlestar Galactica: Year Two proposal}}		{{mainarticle\|Battlestar Galactica: Year Two proposal}}
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	Citing declining ratings and cost overruns, ABC canceled ''Battlestar Galactica'' in April 1979. Its last episode, "{{TOS\|The Hand of God\|The Hand of God}}," was broadcast on April 29. The cancellation was a shock to fans, as viewership was robust and the series was, by many metrics, a major success.		Citing declining ratings and cost overruns, ABC canceled ''Battlestar Galactica'' in April 1979. Its last episode, "{{TOS\|The Hand of God\|The Hand of God}}," was broadcast on April 29. The cancellation was a shock to fans, as viewership was robust and the series was, by many metrics, a major success.

	An in-depth analysis of the cancellation published in [[Imadb:Fantastic Films Issue 29\|''Fantastic Films'' magazine argued]] that the network's official reasons were misleading. According to the article, ''Galactica'' was one of the top 25 series on television, with an average rating of 20.4 and an audience share of 32, both well above the average for a successful new show. Demographically, it was highly popular with adults, teenagers, and men, refuting the claim that it was merely a "kiddy show." The central argument of the article is that ABC deliberately "killed" the series for financial reasons. Because of its high production costs, ''Galactica'' could not generate the same profit margins as cheaper programs, even with its strong ratings. The network allegedly engaged in "manipulation," frequently preempting the show for specials or reruns, which artificially drove its ratings down and created a public justification for its cancellation.<ref name="~~ff29~~">{{Cite magazine\|author=William J. Adams\|date=June 1982\|title=Who Killed Galactica?\|magazine=Fantastic Films\|issue=[[imadb:Fantastic Films Issue 29\|29]]\|pages=66-69, 45\|publisher=Fantastic Films, Inc.\|issn=0273-7043\|quote=In the face of manipulation that should have driven the ratings down a minimum of 10 points, Battlestar's dropped only three. It held among the top 25 programs in the nation... In other words, in spite of everything, Battlestar refused to fail. ABC canceled it anyway.}}</ref>		An in-depth analysis of the cancellation published in [[Imadb:Fantastic Films Issue 29\|''Fantastic Films'' magazine argued]] that the network's official reasons were misleading. According to the article, ''Galactica'' was one of the top 25 series on television, with an average rating of 20.4 and an audience share of 32, both well above the average for a successful new show. Demographically, it was highly popular with adults, teenagers, and men, refuting the claim that it was merely a "kiddy show." The central argument of the article is that ABC deliberately "killed" the series for financial reasons. Because of its high production costs, ''Galactica'' could not generate the same profit margins as cheaper programs, even with its strong ratings. The network allegedly engaged in "manipulation," frequently preempting the show for specials or reruns, which artificially drove its ratings down and created a public justification for its cancellation.<ref group="external" name="adams_fantastic_films_who_killed_galactica_1982">{{Cite magazine\|author=William J. Adams\|date=June 1982\|title=Who Killed Galactica?\|magazine=Fantastic Films\|issue=[[imadb:Fantastic Films Issue 29\|29]]\|pages=66-69, 45\|publisher=Fantastic Films, Inc.\|issn=0273-7043\|quote=In the face of manipulation that should have driven the ratings down a minimum of 10 points, Battlestar's dropped only three. It held among the top 25 programs in the nation... In other words, in spite of everything, Battlestar refused to fail. ABC canceled it anyway.}}</ref>

	After the series's cancellation, the pilot was edited together into a new theatrical release, with certain scenes trimmed or edited out completely. This release is notable for the incorporation of the [[w:Sensurround\|Sensurround]] enhancement system first introduced in the film [[Wikipedia:Earthquake (film)\|''Earthquake'']] in 1974, and is considered by most critics as perhaps the only film where the technology was used properly. It was, in fact, the last of only four films ever released in the US to feature Sensurround.		After the series's cancellation, the pilot was edited together into a new theatrical release, with certain scenes trimmed or edited out completely. This release is notable for the incorporation of the [[w:Sensurround\|Sensurround]] enhancement system first introduced in the film [[Wikipedia:Earthquake (film)\|''Earthquake'']] in 1974, and is considered by most critics as perhaps the only film where the technology was used properly. It was, in fact, the last of only four films ever released in the US to feature Sensurround.
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	Special effects shots from the series were reused in the low-budget 1988 film ''Space Mutiny'', which later had the dubious honor of being mocked on ''[[w:Mystery Science Theater 3000\|Mystery Science Theater 3000]]''.		Special effects shots from the series were reused in the low-budget 1988 film ''Space Mutiny'', which later had the dubious honor of being mocked on ''[[w:Mystery Science Theater 3000\|Mystery Science Theater 3000]]''.

	A news story in fandom was reported on the suicide of a 15-year-old boy named Eddie Seidel, Jr., who jumped 200 feet from a bridge out of despair of the series' cancellation.<ref>[http://www.kobol.com/archives/suicide.html "TV Death," Associated Press, August 25, 1979~~. Reprinted on website Kobol.com.]~~</ref>		A news story in fandom was reported on the suicide of a 15-year-old boy named Eddie Seidel, Jr., who jumped 200 feet from a bridge out of despair of the series' cancellation.<ref group="external" name="associated_press_tv_death_kobol_1979">{{cite_web\|url=http://www.kobol.com/archives/suicide.html\|title="TV Death"\|publisher=Associated Press\|date=August 25, 1979\|accessdate=\|archive=Y}}</ref>

	A series [[spin-off]] did appear some months later in the form of ''[[Galactica 1980]]''. Despite initially promising ratings, the show became victim to questionable writing that was heavily influenced by science fiction clichés. The show was generally panned by critics and fans alike (with the exception of its [[The Return of Starbuck\|last episode]]). ''Galactica 1980'' was canceled after only 10 episodes.		A series [[spin-off]] did appear some months later in the form of ''[[Galactica 1980]]''. Despite initially promising ratings, the show became victim to questionable writing that was heavily influenced by science fiction clichés. The show was generally panned by critics and fans alike (with the exception of its [[The Return of Starbuck\|last episode]]). ''Galactica 1980'' was canceled after only 10 episodes.
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	== Legacy and Retrospective ==		== Legacy and Retrospective ==
	The Original Series has been described by [[Ronald D. Moore]], creator of the [[Battlestar Galactica (RDM)\|Re-imagined Series]], as a "noble failure." Moore praised its ambitious visuals and dark premise, but noted that it was ultimately a "show of its time," created in the wake of ''Star Wars''. He elaborated: "It was made just after ''Star Wars'', which was the ultimate in escapist popcorn fun, so there was no way it was going to be a dark and brooding science fiction series. Ultimately, the show attempted to tell the story of these people after the destruction of their entire civilization and be escapist fun at the same time, and it just couldn't square that circle."<ref group="~~Book~~">{{Cite book\|author=David Bassom\|title=[[Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion]]\|year=2005\|publisher=Titan Books\|isbn=1845760972\|page=12}}</ref>		The Original Series has been described by [[Ronald D. Moore]], creator of the [[Battlestar Galactica (RDM)\|Re-imagined Series]], as a "noble failure." Moore praised its ambitious visuals and dark premise, but noted that it was ultimately a "show of its time," created in the wake of ''Star Wars''. He elaborated: "It was made just after ''Star Wars'', which was the ultimate in escapist popcorn fun, so there was no way it was going to be a dark and brooding science fiction series. Ultimately, the show attempted to tell the story of these people after the destruction of their entire civilization and be escapist fun at the same time, and it just couldn't square that circle."<ref group="commentary" name="bassom_official_companion_moore_assessment">{{Cite book\|author=David Bassom\|title=[[Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion]]\|year=2005\|publisher=Titan Books\|isbn=1845760972\|page=12}}</ref>

	[[Jamie Bamber]], who portrayed [[Lee Adama]] in the Re-imagined Series, shared a similar view, stating that while the original "still has a lot of charm today... it is a product of its time and it would be a naive piece of television if you made it now. The world has changed, and television has changed."<ref group="~~Book~~">{{Cite book\|author=David Bassom\|title=[[Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion]]\|year=2005\|publisher=Titan Books\|isbn=1845760972\|page=109}}</ref>		[[Jamie Bamber]], who portrayed [[Lee Adama]] in the Re-imagined Series, shared a similar view, stating that while the original "still has a lot of charm today... it is a product of its time and it would be a naive piece of television if you made it now. The world has changed, and television has changed."<ref group="commentary" name="bassom_official_companion_bamber_perspective">{{Cite book\|author=David Bassom\|title=[[Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion]]\|year=2005\|publisher=Titan Books\|isbn=1845760972\|page=109}}</ref>

	==References==		==References==
	{{reflist\|group=~~"Book"~~}}
	{{reflist}}		=== Production History ===
			{{reflist\|group=production}}

			=== Commentary and Interviews ===
			{{reflist\|group=commentary}}

			=== External Sources and Reviews ===
			{{reflist\|group=external}}

	==External Links==		==External Links==

Joe Beaudoin Jr. at 20:45, 18 August 2025

2025-08-18T20:45:34Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:45, 18 August 2025
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	Next, there were a series of episodes where the Colonials visited lost colonies such as [[Equellus]], [[Proteus]] and [[Attila]].		Next, there were a series of episodes where the Colonials visited lost colonies such as [[Equellus]], [[Proteus]] and [[Attila]].

	In the middle of the season were some two part episodes that established foils for Commander Adama with the introduction of [[Commander Cain]] and [[Count Iblis]].		In the middle of the season were some two part episodes that established foils for Commander Adama with the introduction of [[Commander Cain]] and [[Count Iblis]].

	Then, there were some episodes that focused on the life of the Fleet, focusing on characters such as [[Chameleon]]. This was followed by a series of episodes based around the [[Terra]] arc.		Then, there were some episodes that focused on the life of the Fleet, focusing on characters such as [[Chameleon]]. This was followed by a series of episodes based around the [[Terra]] arc.

	Lastly, the Cylons, who had been absent for awhile, were reintroduced in the {{TOS\|The Hand of God\|final episode}} of the series.		Lastly, the Cylons, who had been absent for awhile, were reintroduced in the {{TOS\|The Hand of God\|final episode}} of the series.
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	There are two different [[opening credits\|opening narrations]], both narrated by [[Patrick Macnee]], who portrayed Count [[Iblis]] and was the voice for the [[Imperious Leader]] during the series' run.		There are two different [[opening credits\|opening narrations]], both narrated by [[Patrick Macnee]], who portrayed Count [[Iblis]] and was the voice for the [[Imperious Leader]] during the series' run.

	The opening narration to "[[Saga of a Star World]]":		The opening narration to "[[Saga of a Star World]]":

	{{#widget:Video\|id=CC1G1vivg}}		{{#widget:Video\|id=CC1G1vivg}}

	: ''"There are those who believe that life here began out there, far across the universe, with {{TOS\|The Twelve Colonies\|tribes of humans}} who may have been the forefathers of the [[w:Ancient Egypt\|Egyptians]], or the [[w:Toltec\|Toltecs]], or the [[w:Maya civilization\|Mayans]]. They may have been the architects of the great pyramids, or the lost civilizations of [[w:Lemuria (continent)\|Lemuria]] or [[w:Atlantis\|Atlantis]]. Some believe that there may yet be brothers of man who even now fight to survive far, far away, amongst the stars.''"		: ''"There are those who believe that life here began out there, far across the universe, with {{TOS\|The Twelve Colonies\|tribes of humans}} who may have been the forefathers of the [[w:Ancient Egypt\|Egyptians]], or the [[w:Toltec\|Toltecs]], or the [[w:Maya civilization\|Mayans]]. They may have been the architects of the great pyramids, or the lost civilizations of [[w:Lemuria (continent)\|Lemuria]] or [[w:Atlantis\|Atlantis]]. Some believe that there may yet be brothers of man who even now fight to survive far, far away, amongst the stars.''"

	The opening narration used starting from "[[Lost Planet of the Gods, Part I]]":		The opening narration used starting from "[[Lost Planet of the Gods, Part I]]":
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	In recent years, Glen Larson's son, Chris, discovered various memorabilia from his father's personal collection. In addition to packets for the official Battlestar Galactica Fan Club, he also came across [[Battlestar Galactica: Year Two proposal\|a treatment]] for the second season of ''Battlestar Galactica''. In the treatment, many changes were proposed, including the reduction of the cast size, the addition of [[w:Issac Asimov\|Issac Asimov]] as a story and science consultant, and massive character changes.		In recent years, Glen Larson's son, Chris, discovered various memorabilia from his father's personal collection. In addition to packets for the official Battlestar Galactica Fan Club, he also came across [[Battlestar Galactica: Year Two proposal\|a treatment]] for the second season of ''Battlestar Galactica''. In the treatment, many changes were proposed, including the reduction of the cast size, the addition of [[w:Issac Asimov\|Issac Asimov]] as a story and science consultant, and massive character changes.

	While it is uncertain as to whether this document ever made it to Universal Studios, the document does shed light on the origin of various concepts introduced in ''[[Galactica 1980]]''. These concepts included the human android Cylons, the concept of Boomer being ''Galactica''{{'\|s}} executive officer, and the character of "Troy".		While it is uncertain as to whether this document ever made it to Universal Studios, the document does shed light on the origin of various concepts introduced in ''[[Galactica 1980]]''. These concepts included the human android Cylons, the concept of Boomer being ''Galactica''{{'\|s}} executive officer, and the character of "Troy".

	==Cancellation and Rebirths (of a sort)==		==Cancellation and Rebirths (of a sort)==
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	The [[Battlestar Galactica (2003 game)]] was created to encompass elements of both the original series and the re-imagined series, but, as such, is in a [[Battlestar Wiki:Separate continuity\|separate continuity]].		The [[Battlestar Galactica (2003 game)]] was created to encompass elements of both the original series and the re-imagined series, but, as such, is in a [[Battlestar Wiki:Separate continuity\|separate continuity]].

			== Legacy and Retrospective ==
			The Original Series has been described by [[Ronald D. Moore]], creator of the [[Battlestar Galactica (RDM)\|Re-imagined Series]], as a "noble failure." Moore praised its ambitious visuals and dark premise, but noted that it was ultimately a "show of its time," created in the wake of ''Star Wars''. He elaborated: "It was made just after ''Star Wars'', which was the ultimate in escapist popcorn fun, so there was no way it was going to be a dark and brooding science fiction series. Ultimately, the show attempted to tell the story of these people after the destruction of their entire civilization and be escapist fun at the same time, and it just couldn't square that circle."<ref group="Book">{{Cite book\|author=David Bassom\|title=[[Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion]]\|year=2005\|publisher=Titan Books\|isbn=1845760972\|page=12}}</ref>

			[[Jamie Bamber]], who portrayed [[Lee Adama]] in the Re-imagined Series, shared a similar view, stating that while the original "still has a lot of charm today... it is a product of its time and it would be a naive piece of television if you made it now. The world has changed, and television has changed."<ref group="Book">{{Cite book\|author=David Bassom\|title=[[Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion]]\|year=2005\|publisher=Titan Books\|isbn=1845760972\|page=109}}</ref>

	==References==		==References==
			{{reflist\|group="Book"}}
	{{reflist}}		{{reflist}}

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	}}		}}
	*{{archivelink		*{{archivelink
	\| url = http://galactica1981.tripod.com/StarWars.htm		\| url = http://galactica1981.tripod.com/StarWars.htm
	\| title = Article - Star Wars Made Many of the Same Mistakes as Galactica		\| title = Article - Star Wars Made Many of the Same Mistakes as Galactica
	\| live = No		\| live = No

Joe Beaudoin Jr.: /* Cancellation and Rebirths (of a sort) */

2025-08-14T20:58:29Z

Cancellation and Rebirths (of a sort)

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:58, 14 August 2025
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	Citing declining ratings and cost overruns, ABC canceled ''Battlestar Galactica'' in April 1979. Its last episode, "{{TOS\|The Hand of God\|The Hand of God}}," was broadcast on April 29. The cancellation was a shock to fans, as viewership was robust and the series was, by many metrics, a major success.		Citing declining ratings and cost overruns, ABC canceled ''Battlestar Galactica'' in April 1979. Its last episode, "{{TOS\|The Hand of God\|The Hand of God}}," was broadcast on April 29. The cancellation was a shock to fans, as viewership was robust and the series was, by many metrics, a major success.

	An in-depth analysis of the cancellation published in ''Fantastic Films'' magazine argued that the network's official reasons were misleading. According to the article, ''Galactica'' was one of the top 25 series on television, with an average rating of 20.4 and an audience share of 32, both well above the average for a successful new show. Demographically, it was highly popular with adults, teenagers, and men, refuting the claim that it was merely a "kiddy show." The central argument of the article is that ABC deliberately "killed" the series for financial reasons. Because of its high production costs, ''Galactica'' could not generate the same profit margins as cheaper programs, even with its strong ratings. The network allegedly engaged in "manipulation," frequently preempting the show for specials or reruns, which artificially drove its ratings down and created a public justification for its cancellation.<ref name="ff29">{{Cite magazine		An in-depth analysis of the cancellation published in [[Imadb:Fantastic Films Issue 29\|''Fantastic Films'' magazine argued]] that the network's official reasons were misleading. According to the article, ''Galactica'' was one of the top 25 series on television, with an average rating of 20.4 and an audience share of 32, both well above the average for a successful new show. Demographically, it was highly popular with adults, teenagers, and men, refuting the claim that it was merely a "kiddy show." The central argument of the article is that ABC deliberately "killed" the series for financial reasons. Because of its high production costs, ''Galactica'' could not generate the same profit margins as cheaper programs, even with its strong ratings. The network allegedly engaged in "manipulation," frequently preempting the show for specials or reruns, which artificially drove its ratings down and created a public justification for its cancellation.<ref name="ff29">{{Cite magazine\|author=William J. Adams\|date=June 1982\|title=Who Killed Galactica?\|magazine=Fantastic Films\|issue=[[imadb:Fantastic Films Issue 29\|29]]\|pages=66-69, 45\|publisher=Fantastic Films, Inc.\|issn=0273-7043\|quote=In the face of manipulation that should have driven the ratings down a minimum of 10 points, Battlestar's dropped only three. It held among the top 25 programs in the nation... In other words, in spite of everything, Battlestar refused to fail. ABC canceled it anyway.}}</ref>
	\| author = William J. Adams
	\| date = June 1982
	\| title = Who Killed Galactica?
	\| ~~file~~ = Fantastic Films ~~29 1982-jun vol. 4 iss. 5.pdf~~
	\| ~~magazine~~ = Fantastic Films
	\| ~~issue =~~ 29
	\| pages = 66-69, 45
	\| publisher = Fantastic Films, Inc.
	\| issn = 0273-7043
	\| quote = In the face of manipulation that should have driven the ratings down a minimum of 10 points, Battlestar's dropped only three. It held among the top 25 programs in the nation... In other words, in spite of everything, Battlestar refused to fail. ABC canceled it anyway.
	}}</ref>

	After the series's cancellation, the pilot was edited together into a new theatrical release, with certain scenes trimmed or edited out completely. This release is notable for the incorporation of the [[w:Sensurround\|Sensurround]] enhancement system first introduced in the film [[Wikipedia:Earthquake (film)\|''Earthquake'']] in 1974, and is considered by most critics as perhaps the only film where the technology was used properly. It was, in fact, the last of only four films ever released in the US to feature Sensurround.		After the series's cancellation, the pilot was edited together into a new theatrical release, with certain scenes trimmed or edited out completely. This release is notable for the incorporation of the [[w:Sensurround\|Sensurround]] enhancement system first introduced in the film [[Wikipedia:Earthquake (film)\|''Earthquake'']] in 1974, and is considered by most critics as perhaps the only film where the technology was used properly. It was, in fact, the last of only four films ever released in the US to feature Sensurround.