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== Notes == | == Notes == | ||
* The Miniseries was initially broadcast in 2 two-hour segments. During re-broadcast (such as with the UK's Sky One channel), the two halves were combined into a single 3-hour 56-minute "film". | * The Miniseries was initially broadcast in 2 two-hour segments. During re-broadcast (such as with the UK's Sky One channel), the two halves were combined into a single 3-hour 56-minute "film". | ||
* Initially, there were 12 [[Galactica type battlestar|battlestars]], one representing each colony. ''Galactica'' represented [[Caprica | * Initially, there were 12 [[Galactica type battlestar|battlestars]], one representing each colony. ''Galactica'' represented [[The Twelve Colonies of Kobol#Caprica|Caprica]]. These were built with antiquated technologies, as were their fighter craft, to avoid the Cylon's tactical advantage of disrupting complex electrical and computer equipment. | ||
* Networked computers were susceptible to Cylon infiltration, forcing the Colonials to react by reducing their dependence on technology. | * Networked computers were susceptible to Cylon infiltration, forcing the Colonials to react by reducing their dependence on technology. | ||
* The [[Colonial Fleet (TRS)|Colonial Fleet]] has been greatly expanded since then, with as many as 120 battlestars. Practically all [[Mercury class battlestar|other]] battlestars were more advanced than ''Galactica.'' | * The [[Colonial Fleet (TRS)|Colonial Fleet]] has been greatly expanded since then, with as many as 120 battlestars. Practically all [[Mercury class battlestar|other]] battlestars were more advanced than ''Galactica.'' | ||
* As the Colonials became more confident of their security, integrated systems were re-introduced to their civilian and military craft. | * As the Colonials became more confident of their security, integrated systems were re-introduced to their civilian and military craft. | ||
* The Cylons believe monothestically, in [[God (RDM)|God]], whereas the Colonials believe in a pantheon of gods mirroring the twelve Olympian gods of Greek mythology. | * The Cylons believe monothestically, in [[God (RDM)|God]], whereas the Colonials believe in a pantheon of gods mirroring the twelve Olympian gods of Greek mythology. | ||
* Cylons are also called "[[toaster]]s, | * Cylons are also called "[[toaster]]s", mainly for their original appearance (a nod to the Original Series). | ||
* All pilots have call signs. | * All pilots have call signs. | ||
* Commander [[Nash]] was ''Galactica''{{'|s}} first Commanding Officer. | * Commander [[Nash]] was ''Galactica''{{'|s}} first Commanding Officer. | ||
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* The role of the doctor who offered Roslin the diagnosis of breast cancer was offered to [[Richard Hatch]] as a cameo; Hatch declined the role, later to take the role of [[Tom Zarek]]. | * The role of the doctor who offered Roslin the diagnosis of breast cancer was offered to [[Richard Hatch]] as a cameo; Hatch declined the role, later to take the role of [[Tom Zarek]]. | ||
* Original drafts of the Miniseries referenced {{RDM|Kobol}} as the current homeworld of the humans. This was revised to the [[The Twelve Colonies of Kobol|Twelve Colonies]] in keeping with the original concept. | * Original drafts of the Miniseries referenced {{RDM|Kobol}} as the current homeworld of the humans. This was revised to the [[The Twelve Colonies of Kobol|Twelve Colonies]] in keeping with the original concept. | ||
* The woman portraying [[Ellen Tigh|Ellen]] in the picture Tigh burns with a cigar is executive producer [[David Eick]]'s wife, Jennifer. (Ellen Tigh would later appear in the episode, "[[Tigh Me Up, Tigh Me Down]], | * The woman portraying [[Ellen Tigh|Ellen]] in the picture Tigh burns with a cigar is executive producer [[David Eick]]'s wife, Jennifer. (Ellen Tigh would later appear in the episode, "[[Tigh Me Up, Tigh Me Down]]", played by actress Kate Vernon.) | ||
* The last said line of the Miniseries, "[[By your command]]," was not added until the final draft, after a friend of Ronald D. Moore commented that it wouldn't be ''Battlestar Galactica'' without it being said somewhere. | * The last said line of the Miniseries, "[[By your command]]," was not added until the final draft, after a friend of Ronald D. Moore commented that it wouldn't be ''Battlestar Galactica'' without it being said somewhere. | ||
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** The Cylons were created by Humanity, not by a reptilian race (also called [[Cylons (TOS)|Cylons]]) who hated Humanity. | ** The Cylons were created by Humanity, not by a reptilian race (also called [[Cylons (TOS)|Cylons]]) who hated Humanity. | ||
** Battlestar ''Galactica'' is a 50-year-old relic on the verge of decommission. | ** Battlestar ''Galactica'' is a 50-year-old relic on the verge of decommission. | ||
** The names of "Apollo," " | ** The names of "Apollo", "Boomer", and "Starbuck" are changed to call signs. Most characters have standard first and last names; some first names were not given until later in the series, such as [[Felix Gaeta|Felix Gaeta's]] or [[Anastasia Dualla|Anastasia Dualla's]]. | ||
** The futuristic (and often confusing) terminology used to denote distances, measuring, and time in the original series has been replaced with understandable terminology. For instance, "year" was replaced with "yahren" in the original. | ** The futuristic (and often confusing) terminology used to denote distances, measuring, and time in the original series has been replaced with understandable terminology. For instance, "year" was replaced with "yahren" in the original. | ||
** The ship designs, save for some revisions to the [[Viper (RDM)|Mk. II Viper]] and ''{{RDM|Galactica}}'' and a few noteworthy background ships (such as the [[Gemenon Traveler]] and the [[Botanical Cruiser]]), have been redone. | ** The ship designs, save for some revisions to the [[Viper (RDM)|Mk. II Viper]] and ''{{RDM|Galactica}}'' and a few noteworthy background ships (such as the [[Gemenon Traveler]] and the [[Botanical Cruiser]]), have been redone. | ||
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* The relationships and characters from the original have been changed as well. | * The relationships and characters from the original have been changed as well. | ||
** {{TOS|Boomer}}, who was played as a male character by [[Herb Jefferson Jr.]] in the original, is now the call-sign of a female Lieutenant [[Sharon Valerii]] ([[Grace Park]]). | ** {{TOS|Boomer}}, who was played as a male character by [[Herb Jefferson Jr.]] in the original, is now the call-sign of a female Lieutenant [[Sharon Valerii]] ([[Grace Park]]). | ||
** {{TOS|Starbuck}}, who was played as a male character by [[Dirk Benedict]] in the original, is now the call-sign of a female Lieutenant | ** {{TOS|Starbuck}}, who was played as a male character by [[Dirk Benedict]] in the original, is now the call-sign of a female Lieutenant [[Kara Thrace]] ([[Katee Sackhoff]]) | ||
** "Adama," " | ** "Adama", "Tigh", and "Baltar" are now surnames. | ||
** The character of {{TOS|Adama}}, potrayed by [[Lorne Greene]] in the original, now is known as [[William Adama|William "Husker" Adama]] ([[Edward James Olmos]]). He is a man about to retire, is estranged from his son [[Lee Adama|Lee]]. Adama's beliefs are far more secular than his TOS counterpart. | ** The character of {{TOS|Adama}}, potrayed by [[Lorne Greene]] in the original, now is known as [[William Adama|William "Husker" Adama]] ([[Edward James Olmos]]). He is a man about to retire, is estranged from his son [[Lee Adama|Lee]]. Adama's beliefs are far more secular than his TOS counterpart. | ||
** {{TOS|Apollo}}, portrayed by [[Original Series]] star and continuation activist [[Richard Hatch]], is the call sign of | ** {{TOS|Apollo}}, portrayed by [[Original Series]] star and continuation activist [[Richard Hatch]], is the call sign of [[Lee Adama]] ([[Jamie Bamber]]). He is a flawed character who is estranged from his father, believing him to be ultimately responsible for the death of [[Zak Adama]], and is questioning his life's choices. | ||
** {{TOS|Baltar}}, who was willingly complicit in the destruction of the Colonies due to his thirst for power, is now a scientific genius named [[Gaius Baltar]]. Unlike the imposing, methodical and mischievous Baltar (portrayed by the late [[John Colicos]]), Gaius ([[James Callis]]) is a cowardly, narcissistic, egotistical man whose womanizing is his Achilles' heel. His betrayal of the human race was due mostly to his lust, or perhaps love, for a woman who turns out to be (unknowingly to him) a [[Number Six|Cylon agent]], whom he allowed unfettered access to the [[Colonial Defense Mainframe]] prior to the attacks. In the last minutes of last episode of the reimagined series, [[Daybreak, Part II]], it was learned that he deliberately gave access to the Defense Mainframe to the Six agent knowing that she was working for "Employers, | ** {{TOS|Baltar}}, who was willingly complicit in the destruction of the Colonies due to his thirst for power, is now a scientific genius named [[Gaius Baltar]]. Unlike the imposing, methodical and mischievous Baltar (portrayed by the late [[John Colicos]]), Gaius ([[James Callis]]) is a cowardly, narcissistic, egotistical man whose womanizing is his Achilles' heel. His betrayal of the human race was due mostly to his lust, or perhaps love, for a woman who turns out to be (unknowingly to him) a [[Number Six|Cylon agent]], whom he allowed unfettered access to the [[Colonial Defense Mainframe]] prior to the attacks. In the last minutes of last episode of the reimagined series, [[Daybreak, Part II]], it was learned that he deliberately gave access to the Defense Mainframe to the Six agent knowing that she was working for "Employers", who he took to be of a corporate nature therefore being at least a willing participant in corporate espionage. Prior to this it was implied and/or inferred that he did it for the egotistic desire to demonstrate his trusted position in the Colonial defense establishment to his lover. | ||
** The character of Colonel {{TOS|Tigh}}, portrayed by [[Terry Carter]], is now separated from his wife and seeing out the rest of his career from inside a bottle in the form of Colonel [[Saul Tigh]] ([[Michael Hogan]]) who hasn't seen military action in a long while. | ** The character of Colonel {{TOS|Tigh}}, portrayed by [[Terry Carter]], is now separated from his wife and seeing out the rest of his career from inside a bottle in the form of Colonel [[Saul Tigh]] ([[Michael Hogan]]) who hasn't seen military action in a long while. | ||
* The show has taken a more realistic turn. [[Naturalistic science fiction|Realistic science]], which was painfully absent in the original series, is applied in this series. | * The show has taken a more realistic turn. [[Naturalistic science fiction|Realistic science]], which was painfully absent in the original series, is applied in this series. | ||
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==== Commander William Adama ==== | ==== Commander William Adama ==== | ||
With ''[[Galactica (TRS)|Galactica's]]'' future being a museum piece with gift shops, Commander Adama is ready to retire, albeit reluctantly. Adama heads to retirement with trepidation, unsure of what he would do with the remainder of his life. His crew will ultimately be disbanded and good-byes abound. There is a sense of a ship seeing its last days, despite some of the joy that some of the crew members have in continuing their military careers. Adama is presented with his reconditioned Viper, found rusting in a junkyard on [[Sagittaron|Sagittaron]], as well as a picture of himself and his two sons when he was younger. This is a touching moment, demonstrating the crew's affection for him as a person. It also establishes Adama's legitimacy as a war-hardened commander in the series. | With ''[[Galactica (TRS)|Galactica's]]'' future being a museum piece with gift shops, Commander Adama is ready to retire, albeit reluctantly. Adama heads to retirement with trepidation, unsure of what he would do with the remainder of his life. His crew will ultimately be disbanded and good-byes abound. There is a sense of a ship seeing its last days, despite some of the joy that some of the crew members have in continuing their military careers. Adama is presented with his reconditioned Viper, found rusting in a junkyard on [[The Twelve Colonies of Kobol#Sagittaron|Sagittaron]], as well as a picture of himself and his two sons when he was younger. This is a touching moment, demonstrating the crew's affection for him as a person. It also establishes Adama's legitimacy as a war-hardened commander in the series. | ||
At [[Ragnar Anchorage]] Adama very quickly deduces that [[Leoben Conoy]] is actually a Cylon, though this is supposedly a novelty for mankind. His apparent knowledge about [[silica pathways]] and the implication that the humans built the anchorage in the storm cloud on purpose because of its radiation, indicates that mankind knew ''something'' about the [[humanoid Cylons]]. Although this seems like a plot hole at that point, it is later explained to a certain extent. The [[Razor Flashbacks|"Razor" webisodes]] shows a young William Adama during the [[First Cylon War]]. He was shot down on the last day of the war and happens upon a facility where the Cylons experimented on humans, which then fell into Colonial hands. From this it seems likely Adama had some classified knowledge about Cylon evolution. Furthermore, Adama's family was involved in the creation of the first Cylons (see ''[[Caprica (series)|Caprica]]'' spin-off series). | At [[Ragnar Anchorage]] Adama very quickly deduces that [[Leoben Conoy]] is actually a Cylon, though this is supposedly a novelty for mankind. His apparent knowledge about [[silica pathways]] and the implication that the humans built the anchorage in the storm cloud on purpose because of its radiation, indicates that mankind knew ''something'' about the [[humanoid Cylons]]. Although this seems like a plot hole at that point, it is later explained to a certain extent. The [[Razor Flashbacks|"Razor" webisodes]] shows a young William Adama during the [[First Cylon War]]. He was shot down on the last day of the war and happens upon a facility where the Cylons experimented on humans, which then fell into Colonial hands. From this it seems likely Adama had some classified knowledge about Cylon evolution. Furthermore, Adama's family was involved in the creation of the first Cylons (see ''[[Caprica (series)|Caprica]]'' spin-off series). | ||
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==== Starbuck & Tigh's Card Fight ==== | ==== Starbuck & Tigh's Card Fight ==== | ||
The "card fight" between Lieutenant | The "card fight" between Lieutenant [[Kara Thrace]] and Colonel [[Saul Tigh]] sparked a bit of controversy in the fan community before it aired. In the original draft, [[Kara Thrace|Starbuck]] got off free without being thrown in the brig. However, given the fan's astute observation of a disturbing lack of disciplinary action against Starbuck for striking a superior, the aftermath was changed. Interestingly, article 90 of the UCMJ may be read as justifying Starbuck's actions as self-defense as Tigh started the fight by tipping over a table. | ||
The scene demonstrates Starbuck's mistrust of authority and the antagonistic relationship between [[Saul Tigh|Tigh]] and herself. The touch of classic Starbuck elements, i.e. the gambling and [[fumarello]] smoking, is a nice homage to the original that fits in nicely. [[Katee Sackhoff]]'s portrayal tells viewers that this isn't the same mischievous Starbuck from the original, as she is clearly unbalanced. (Information on Thrace's past and family comes later in "[[Flesh and Bone]]" and "[[The Farm]]".) | The scene demonstrates Starbuck's mistrust of authority and the antagonistic relationship between [[Saul Tigh|Tigh]] and herself. The touch of classic Starbuck elements, i.e. the gambling and [[fumarello]] smoking, is a nice homage to the original that fits in nicely. [[Katee Sackhoff]]'s portrayal tells viewers that this isn't the same mischievous Starbuck from the original, as she is clearly unbalanced. (Information on Thrace's past and family comes later in "[[Flesh and Bone]]" and "[[The Farm]]".) | ||
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# It is a deliberate act. Cold and ruthless. Nothing more. | # It is a deliberate act. Cold and ruthless. Nothing more. | ||
# Number Six has feelings and is rational. Due to her knowledge of the impending attack and the expectation that the entire human race could be eradicated, could the act be merciful? | # Number Six has feelings and is rational. Due to her knowledge of the impending attack and the expectation that the entire human race could be eradicated, could the act be merciful? | ||
# Could it be an act of spite? In "[[33]], | # Could it be an act of spite? In "[[33]]", her mental image asks [[Gaius Baltar]] if he wants children. Which again brings up the question about human and Cylon compatibility regarding procreation. | ||
# Could it be a simple lack of knowledge? If so, the infanticide is accidental, and Number Six has no way of knowing. | # Could it be a simple lack of knowledge? If so, the infanticide is accidental, and Number Six has no way of knowing. | ||
# She does demonstrate curiosity as to how much the neck could support. Could the death be an unethical experiment on her part? | # She does demonstrate curiosity as to how much the neck could support. Could the death be an unethical experiment on her part? | ||
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=== Nods === | === Nods === | ||
* The ''Firefly''-class ship ''Serenity'' from the sci-fi series ''Firefly'' makes a brief appearance. It can be seen flying above [[Laura Roslin]] when she is about to hear her prognosis of breast cancer on [[Caprica | * The ''Firefly''-class ship ''Serenity'' from the sci-fi series ''Firefly'' makes a brief appearance. It can be seen flying above [[Laura Roslin]] when she is about to hear her prognosis of breast cancer on [[The Twelve Colonies of Kobol#Caprica|Caprica]]. | ||
* The fanfare just prior to [[William Adama|Commander Adama's]] speech is taken from [[Stu Phillips]] | * The fanfare just prior to [[William Adama|Commander Adama's]] speech is taken from [[Stu Phillips]]'s theme for the [[Battlestar Galactica (TOS)|original ''Battlestar Galactica'']] and is actually the Colonial anthem. | ||
* The pilot [["Jolly" Anders|Jolly]] makes a brief (verbal) appearance, just prior to the Cylon's massacre of the squad led by [[Jackson Spencer]], ''Galactica''{{'|s}} previous [[CAG]]. It is not the same actor that played {{TOS|Jolly}} in the original. | * The pilot [["Jolly" Anders|Jolly]] makes a brief (verbal) appearance, just prior to the Cylon's massacre of the squad led by [[Jackson Spencer]], ''Galactica''{{'|s}} previous [[CAG]]. It is not the same actor that played {{TOS|Jolly}} in the original. | ||
* The original [[Cylon Basestar]] and the original [[Cylon Centurion Model 0005]] can be briefly seen in ''Galactica''{{'|s}} museum. | * The original [[Cylon Basestar]] and the original [[Cylon Centurion Model 0005]] can be briefly seen in ''Galactica''{{'|s}} museum. | ||
* A sword carried by the Centurions in the Original Series is one of the weapons in Commander Adama's collection. | * A sword carried by the Centurions in the Original Series is one of the weapons in Commander Adama's collection. | ||
* President [[Laura Roslin]] makes a point of calling | * President [[Laura Roslin]] makes a point of calling [[Lee Adama]] "Captain Apollo", saying that it has a nice ring to it. | ||
* During the attack, ''[[Colonial One|Colonial Heavy 798]]'' assists Gemenon Liner Seventeen-oh-one (1701). This is a nod to [[Ronald D. Moore|Ron Moore's]] work on ''Star Trek''. | * During the attack, ''[[Colonial One|Colonial Heavy 798]]'' assists Gemenon Liner Seventeen-oh-one (1701). This is a nod to [[Ronald D. Moore|Ron Moore's]] work on ''Star Trek''. | ||
* The last lottery number chosen by Sharon Valerii and Helo to rescue a Caprican refugee is "[[Numerology#47|47]], | * The last lottery number chosen by Sharon Valerii and Helo to rescue a Caprican refugee is "[[Numerology#47|47]]", another in-joke to the ''Star Trek'' series. | ||
* The original [[Wikipedia:USS Enterprise (NCC-1701)|USS ''Enterprise'' (NCC-1701)]] is seen in the final shot of the fleet at the end of the Miniseries. This is yet another ''Star Trek'' allusion. | * The original [[Wikipedia:USS Enterprise (NCC-1701)|USS ''Enterprise'' (NCC-1701)]] is seen in the final shot of the fleet at the end of the Miniseries. This is yet another ''Star Trek'' allusion. | ||
* Prior to [[Number Six]]'s meeting with an unknown person in the park, the kids playing in the background wore masks of Cylon Centurions from the original series and were waving mock versions of the swords those same Centurions had. | * Prior to [[Number Six]]'s meeting with an unknown person in the park, the kids playing in the background wore masks of Cylon Centurions from the original series and were waving mock versions of the swords those same Centurions had. | ||
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=== Additional Comments === | === Additional Comments === | ||
* ''"Don't know if this has been addressed elsewhere already: Do [[Lee Adama|Apollo]] and | * ''"Don't know if this has been addressed elsewhere already: Do [[Lee Adama|Apollo]] and [[Karl Agathon|Helo]] already know each other at the start of the show? I recently reviewed the mini and noticed that in the [[Ready Room]] scene where Apollo is introduced and told he will fly [[William Adama|Husker's]] [[Viper (RDM)|Viper]], when first introduced, Helo waves and Lee gives him one of those "oh, hey!" looks of familiarity, then when Lee isn't thrilled about flying his dad's Viper, Helo is the only one who *doesn't* look confused, he just smiles and turns back around."'' | ||
:I don't think they knew each other prior to the pilot. Lee probably had never set foot on the ''{{RDM|Galactica}}'' before then. I think the look was something improvised on the set.—{{from_RDM_blog}} | :I don't think they knew each other prior to the pilot. Lee probably had never set foot on the ''{{RDM|Galactica}}'' before then. I think the look was something improvised on the set.—{{from_RDM_blog}} | ||
:: '''Wikipedian's Note:''' It is likely Helo knew Apollo through | :: '''Wikipedian's Note:''' It is likely Helo knew Apollo through [[Kara Thrace]]. | ||
* ''Regarding ''{{RDM|Galactica}}'' being hit by a [[Cylon]] nuke:'' | * ''Regarding ''{{RDM|Galactica}}'' being hit by a [[Cylon]] nuke:'' | ||