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: <i>This episode guide is in progress.  You may add upon it as you so choose.</i>
{{disline|For other uses of the title of "Saga of a Star World," see: [[Saga of a Star World (disambiguation)]]}}


== Overview ==
{{Episode Data
| image = Capricaattack.jpg
| title= Saga of a Star World
| series= tos
| forumthread=1525
| season=
| episode= 1
| guests=
| writer= [[Glen A. Larson]]
| story=
| director= [[Richard A. Colla]] <br/> [[Alan J. Levi]] (uncredited)
| production= 50280/1/2
| rating=
| extra= Series Premiere
| US airdate= 1978-09-17
| UK airdate=
| dvd= 2004-12-28
| population=
| prev= None
| next=[[Lost Planet of the Gods, Part I]]
| archives=Y
| amazon=Y
}}


: <i>After a sneak attack destroys human civilization as the Colonials know it; under [[Adama (TOS)|Commander Adama]] the survivors set out to find a mythical planet called [[Earth]].</i>
 
:''The [[Cimtar (TOS)|Human-Cylon peace accords]] are a ruse by the genocidal [[Cylons (TOS)|Cylons]], determined to exterminate all humanity. Only the [[battlestar (TOS)|battlestar]] ''{{TOS|Galactica}}'' and a ragtag [[The Fleet (TOS)|Fleet]] survive, journeying across the galaxy in search of a long-lost sister civilization, [[Earth (TOS)|Earth]]. On the first leg of their journey, the Fleet is lured to the planet [[Carillon]] for fuel and relaxation&mdash;and barely survives a trap by the [[Ovions]], an underground, insectoid species in league with the Cylons.''


== Summary ==  
== Summary ==  


The Human-Cylon peace accords turn out to be a ruse by the genocidal Cylons, determined to exterminate all humanity. Only the Galactica and a ragtag fleet survive, journeying across the galaxy in search of long-lost sister civilization Earth. Lured to the planet Carillon for fuel and relaxation, the fleet barely survives a trap by the Ovions, an underground, insectoid species in league with the Cylons.
=== Prelude to Destruction ===
 
* The episode opens with a shot of five [[battlestar (TOS)|battlestars]] that comprise the Colonial Fleet assigned to the Peace Treaty. They are the battlestars ''Galactica'', ''[[Atlantia (TOS)|Atlantia]]'', ''[[Acropolis]]'', ''[[Pacifica]]'' and ''[[Triton (TOS)|Triton]]''.
<b>Episode Breakdown</b>
* As the Seventh Millennium of Time approaches, [[Adar (TOS)|President Adar]] toasts his [[Quorum of Twelve (TOS)|Quorum of Twelve]] on the celebration of peace between humanity and the [[Cylon Empire]]. In the Quorum are {{TOS|Adama}} and {{TOS|Baltar}}.
 
* Aboard ''Galactica'', [[Zac|Lieutenant Zac]], {{TOS|Apollo}}'s younger brother, convinces {{TOS|Starbuck}} to let him take his patrol with Apollo so he can prove that he is a worthy [[Colonial Warrior|warrior]].  Apollo, aware of the deception, agrees and Apollo and Starbuck reminisce of their younger days and Apollo teases Starbuck about his stomach (the "ailiment" that Starbuck uses in front of Zac and Apollo as the excuse to allow Zac to fly).
* The episode opens with a shot of five Battlestars that comprise the Colonial Fleet assigned to the Peace Treaty. They are the Battlestars Galactica, Atlantia, Acropolis, Pacifica and Columbia.
* [[Rigel|Flight Corporal Rigel]] clears Apollo and Zac for launch and the two launch on their patrol of the [[Lianus Vector]].
 
* Aboard ''Atlantia'', Adar congratulates Baltar on his work on the armistice.  Adar later meets with Adama, who gives his misgivings about the peace treaty and the Cylon's hatred of humanity and freedom. Adar assures him that the Cylons have sued for peace.
* As the Seventh Millenium of Time approaches President Adar toasts his [[Quorum of Twelve (TOS)|Quorum of Twelve]] on the celebration of peace between Mankind and The Cylon Empire, on the Quorum are Adama and Baltar.
* On patrol, Zac notices two targets above the old moon of [[Cimtar]]. Apollo flies ahead and [[Warbook|identifies]] one target as an empty [[Cylon freighter (TOS)|Cylon tanker]]. On reaching the second ship, a freighter, Apollo's [[scanner]]s are jammed. Suspicious that the freighter is hiding something, Apollo continues flying through the mist and encounters a huge armada of [[Raider (TOS)|Cylon Raiders]].
 
* On board the Battlestar Galactica Lieutenant Zac, Apollo's younger brother convinces Starbuck to let him take his patrol with Apollo so he can prove to Apollo that he is a worthy warrior.  Apollo aware of the deception agrees and Apollo and Starbuck reminice of their younger days and Apollo tease Starbuck about his stomach.
 
* Flight Corporal Rigel clears Apollo and Zac for launch and the two launch on their patrol and head to the Lemure sector.
 
* Back on board the Atlantia Adar congradulates Baltar on his work on the armistice.  Adar then meets with Adama and Adama gives his mis-givings about this peace treaty and Adar assures him that the Cylons have sued for peace.
 
* Zac notices two targets above the old moon Cimtar and Apollo flies ahead and sees the one of the targets and scans it and reports that it is an empty Cylon Tanker.   When Apollo reaches the the second tanker it jams Apollo's scanning and Apollo suspicious she is hiding something continues through the mist and comes into contact with a huge armada of Cylon fighters.  Apollo and Zac engage the first four pursuing fighters but Zac's top engine is damaged in the attack.  Apollo esures him that they can easily handle four to one odds.  Zac then asks Apollo to look at his scanner and the odds are now a thousand to one. Zac asks what it means and it Apollo informs him that there won't be any peace or much of anything else if the fleet isn't warned.  Zac tells Apollo to go on ahead and warn the fleet of the impending Cylon ambush and that he'll make it make ahead of the Cylons.  Apollo relunctaly leaves his younger brother behind.
 
* As Adama and Athena return to the Galactica Athena informs Adama that the whole ship is on alert.  On reporting to the bridge Colonel Tigh informs Adama that the patrol ran into some trouble but the reports are being jammed.  Adam reports this to the President and asks to launch a patrol to intercept.  Baltar convinces Adar not to launch fighters due to the delicate nature of the peace treaty.  Adama then asks that the fleet be brought to a state of alert.  Adar says he will consider it.


=== [[Battle of Cimtar]] ===
*Apollo and Zac engage four pursuing Raiders, but Zac's top engine is damaged in the attack. Apollo assures him that they can easily handle four to one odds. Zac's scanner soon shows the odds are worsened to a thousand to one. Zac tells Apollo to warn the fleet of the impending Cylon ambush. Apollo reluctantly leaves his younger brother behind.
* Commander Adama and {{TOS|Athena}} return to ''Galactica'' to find the whole ship on alert.  At [[Core command]], [[Tigh (TOS)|Colonel Tigh]] informs Adama that their patrol ran into some trouble but the reports are being jammed.  Adama reports this to the President and asks to launch a patrol to intercept.  Baltar convinces Adar not to launch fighters due to the delicate nature of the peace treaty.  Adama then asks that the fleet be brought to a state of alert.  Adar says he will consider it.
[[Image:Welcome.jpg|thumb|250px|Adama and Tigh survey the situation nervously]]
* Tigh informs Adama that the patrol is under Apollo's command and that Zac is with him.  Adama now realizes the gravity of the situation.
* Tigh informs Adama that the patrol is under Apollo's command and that Zac is with him.  Adama now realizes the gravity of the situation.
* Zac continues his journey home ahead of the Cylon fighter fleet, but his damaged {{TOS|Viper}} is slowly losing ground.
* Ignoring orders, Adama begins a battle station drill to avoid direct violation of the President's orders while allowing him to scramble his fighters for an initial defense.
* Starbuck enjoys a game of [[Pyramid (TOS)|Pyramid]] with some Gemonese warriors. His hand, a full Pyramid, wins. The alert klaxon sounds just as he tries to collect his winnings.
* Zac's Viper is destroyed by the Cylons in sight of the fleet. When Adar asks what that explosion was, Adama sadly answers, "That was my son, Mr. President."
* The Cylons commence their attack on the battlestars. Only ''Galactica'' is in a sufficient state of readiness to fight; none of the other battlestars can launch their fighters.
* Apollo returns to the bridge and reports on the Cylon ambush and asks to go back to escort Zac back in. He is informed of Zac's death.
* Apollo informs Tigh and Adama that he found no [[basestar (TOS)|basestars]] in the area that supported the fighters. They realize that the tankers were used to re-fuel the fighters, allowing the basestars to be elsewhere.
*Adama realizes the basestars are gathering to attack the Colonies themselves.  Adama contacts Adar and requests permission to leave the battle in order to attempt to defend their home planets. During this transmission the Cylons bear down on battlestar ''Atlantia'' and destroy her. 


* Zac continues his journey home ahead of the Cylons.
=== Flight to Caprica ===


* Tigh urges Adama to launch, but Adam can't launch because of orders, but does agree to Battle Station's drill.
* The [[Imperious Leader]], on a basestar near the Colonies, orders the planetary attack to begin.
[[Image:The Lights of Caprica scene.jpg|thumb|right|The infamous Lights of Caprica scene!]]
* Adama orders ''Galactica'' to head for Caprica to defend the colony. Viper pilot [[Greenbean]] and other pilots notice the battlestar leaving the battle zone.
* As ''Galactica'' closes in on the Colonies, the jamming clears to allow them to view a news report from the surface of Caprica from [[Serina]]. As the attack begins, Serina ends her report abruptly to find her son {{TOS|Boxey}}, whose  [[daggit]] is killed.  ''Galactica''{{'|s}} crew watch helplessly as the destruction of the colonies continues.  Even the outer colonies such as Sagitara are not spared.
* Adama elects to go down to the surface of Caprica in his shuttle.  Fearing for his father's safety, Apollo convinces Adama to accompany him in his fighter.
* Rigel informs Tigh that 67 fighters returned from the battle; only 25 belong to ''Galactica''.  [[Omega]] informs Tigh that they are also the only surviving battlestar.
* Starbuck returns with battle damage and crash lands successfully. Angry over ''Galactica'' leaving during the battle, Athena tells him of something more serious: the Colonies are destroyed.
* On Caprica, Adama finds the ruins of his home. His wife, [[Ila]], is presumed dead, and Adama's grief overwhelms him temporarily.
* Apollo is confronted by angry colonists. Adama informs the colonists that only  ''Galactica'' is left to guard the survivors.


* In the warrior lounge Starbuck enjoys a game of Pyramid with some Geminese warriors, he plays his hand, a full Pyaramid and is about to collect his pot when the red alert klaxon sounds.
=== The Exodus Begins ===


* Zac almost reaches the fleet and is fired upon by the Cylons as Adama and the others watch in horrorZac calls out for help but is destroyed by the Cylons.  When the jamming clears Adar asks "what was that" and Adam answers "that was my son Mr. President."
* Adama tells the colonists to assemble the people in every ship that will carry them. In all, 220 ships leave the ruined worlds to gather behind the last battlestar.
* At a ship's representative meeting aboard ''Galactica'', Adama tells them of their destination: The home of the [[Thirteenth Tribe (TOS)|Thirteenth Tribe]] on a planet called [[Earth (TOS)|Earth]].
[[Image:TV Guide Ad.jpg|thumb|right|TV Guide ad for Saga of a Star World]]
* Starbuck apologizes to Athena (who is in the process of taking off her [[pressure suit]]) for his behavior in the landing bayStarbuck realizes they may have only tomorrow to live, for but Athena says she cannot commit to a relationship.
* Boomer and Starbuck are on fleet maintenance on the freighter [[Gemini (TOS)|''Gemini'']] to check for battle damage. Apollo is also there, checking for [[Solium (TOS)|solium]] leaks with [[Beta company]].
* They head below decks to find the sad condition of colonists living there. The warriors are told of food and water shortages.
*As they attend to the wounded, one colonist, [[Cassiopeia]], attempts to help by translating for an ill Geminese man, but is ridiculed for being a [[socialator]].
*The warriors learn that some people on board the liner [[Rising Star (TOS)|''Rising Star'']] are living in luxury with hoards of supplies.
* Apollo re-routes the shuttle to ''Rising Star'' and finds {{TOS|Jolly}}, who indicates most of the food there has [[Pluton poisoning]]. They try to salvage some of the food but are told to keep it quiet in fear of a mutiny.
* The Cylons become aware of ''Galactica'' and her escape with survivors.  Imperious Leader instructs flight leader [[Serpentine]], a Centurion, to inform Count Baltar of his displeasure, ordering Baltar to deliver either ''Galactica'' or his own head.
* Aboard ''Rising Star'', Serina asks Apollo to help cheer up BoxeyApollo gives Boxey one of his rank insignia and promises to find him a daggit. Serina thanks Apollo for his help.
* Boomer and Apollo find [[Uri|Sire Uri]] and his party. They are appalled by Sire Uri's gluttony and celebration. Ignoring Sire Uri's refusal to give up his supply of food, Apollo orders Boomer to instruct Jolly to gather a crew to distribute the food to others. Boomer asks Apollo if he hasn't overplayed his hand since Sire Uri is a newly elected member of the [[Quorum of Twelve (TOS)|Council of the Twelve]].
* Cassiopeia's arm is healed by ''Galactica'' medical staff and Starbuck agrees to help her find somewhere else to go in lieu of the freighter ''Gemini''.
* Rigel reports to Tigh that long range patrols report no signs of Cylon pursuit.
[[Image:Galactica women.jpg|thumb|right|Serina, Athena and Cassiopeia]]


* The Cylons commence their attack and the Galactica lauches her fighters and orders the fire control stations to commence firing.  It is reported that none of the other Battlestars could launch their fighters.
=== The Path to Carillon ===


* Apollo returns to the bridge and reports on the Cylon ambush and asks to go back to escort Zac back in.  He is informed of Zac's death.
* The Council of Twelve debate the Fleet's destination. Believing [[Carillon]] is too far to travel because of the food shortage, Uri suggests the planet [[Borallus]], but Adama believes it too dangerous. Apollo suggests a shortcut to Carillon via the [[Nova of Madagon]]. However, the Cylons had [[Cylon Mine|mined]] the passage, so Vipers are needed to  clear a path for the Fleet. Starbuck and Boomer are "volunteered" for the mission.
* Apollo gathers Serina and Boxey. Apollo and [[Wilker|Doctor Wilker]] surprise Boxey with [[Muffit#The "Muffit II"|Muffit Two]], a mechanical daggit.  Apollo and Serina share an embrace.
* Cassiopeia and Starbuck spend some intimate time on the flight deck before a jealous Athena activates a steam purge in the area and burns Starbuck.
* The Vipers launch with shielded cockpits to protect from the brightness of the nova. They succeed in destroying the [[Cylon Mine|mines]], and the fleet reaches Carillon.
* Adama orders landing operations to begin at once with [[mineral ships]] and [[Landram]]s.  [[Blue Squadron]] is ordered to vector in the landing parties.
* Aboard the main basestar, Baltar appears before the Imperious Leader. The Imperious Leader alters his bargain to spare Baltar's colony and orders Baltar's immediate execution, but stops short and orders him removed for public execution.
* Boomer and Starbuck come upon strange bright lights and startle a [[Blonde Taurus|female Tauran]] coming out of what is apparently a [[chancery]]The woman's excitement over her winnings make it apparent that she is completely unaware of the Colonies' destruction. Starbuck and Boomer enter the casino to investigate.
* Apollo, Jolly, Serina, Boxey and Muffit travel to the old mine.
* Boomer questions the validity of the chancery and is amazed that Starbuck can think about making money in light of their plight.
[[Image:Galactica TV Guide Cover.jpg|thumb|right|TV Guide cover - Sept. 16, 1978]]
* Boxey chases after Muffit when he escapes the landram, with Jolly not far behind.  Serina and Apollo share a tender moment alone.  Muffit and Boxey are "kidnapped" by the [[Ovion]]s.


* The attack on the fleet continues and Apollo informs Tigh and Adama of no base ships and guesses that the fighters used the tankers to re-fuel from coming from whereever the base ships are.  Adama now knows that the basehips are gathering to attack the Colonies.  During this transmission the Cylons bear down on the battlestar Atlantia and she is destroyed to the shock of those watching during the battle and on the bridge of The Galactica. 
=== Refuge? ===


* Not far from the twelve colonies three base stars gather and a Cylon Partol returns from its missionA lone centurion reports to The Imperious Leader that all base ships are in range to attack the colonies.  The Imperious Leader orders the attack on the lifeform known as man.
* Jolly, Apollo and Serina search for Boxey but are also taken captive by the Ovions and brought below the surface to the Ovion's domain.  They are re-united with Boxey, Muffit, Starbuck and Boomer. Apparently the [[Lotay|Ovion Queen]] has offered her friendship and all that Carillon has to offer.
* On hearing of the events on Carillon, Adama questions the Ovion's hospitality and notices that only small amounts of fuel are arriving from the surface.
* Cassiopeia and Athena both attempt to rendezvous with Starbuck on Carillon. They discover each other, and Starbuck is left without a companion.
* Some [[Nanswah|guests]] of the hotel enter an elevator to go their rooms, but the elevator takes them below to Ovions, who capture them.
* Adama and Tigh realize that they have been deceived about the amount of tylium on Carillon, and suspect Cylon involvement.
* Aboard ''Galactica'', the council meets with Adama to discuss the dismantling of armsDuring this meeting the history of the war and the humans involvement with the [[Hasari]] is discussed. Adama balks at the discussion of laying down their arms and leaves the meeting. The council decides to let the colonists decide their fate at a function to award Apollo, Starbuck and Boomer for their heroism in leading the Fleet through the [[Straits of Madagon]].
* Cassiopeia enters an elevator on Carillon and is also captured by the Ovions. She witnesses the three previous colonists being cocooned by The Ovions.
* Aboard ''Galactica'',  Tigh meets with Adama in secret to devise a plan to keep their warriors battle ready while fooling Sire Uri and the Ovions, giving the impression that actual warriors are in attendance. To aid in the ruse, Adama decides to launch routine patrols to appease the Council, but will be used in truth to await a Cylon trap. Tigh is put in charge of gathering uniforms and people to fill them.
* Starbuck, Boomer, and Apollo gather on the surfaceUri is satisfied that most of the warriors are in attendance.  Boomer motions to Starbuck that there are three unknown men wearing the insignia from Blue Squadron.  Starbuck goes to investigate and runs into Apollo.  Starbuck reports the imposters, and all enter an elevator to head below the surface.
* Uri impatiently informs Boomer to find Starbuck and Apollo.
* Starbuck and Apollo continue their search for the imposters while a Cylon Centurion receives a report from [[Seetol|an Ovion]] of the warrior count at the party.
[[Image:Saga Of A Star World - Deleted Scene.jpg|thumb|right|The Anthem scene - A deleted scene occurring after the flight from Carillon in which the entire cast attends a ceremony, and Apollo learns of Serina's illness.]]


* Adam orders the Galactica to head for home.  Meanwhile out in the battle Greenbean notices the Galactica pulling out and asks Boomer where she is going and Boomer just comments that the Commander is calling the shots.
=== The [[Battle of Carillon]] ===


* As the Galactica gets closer to the Colonies all jamming is cleared and they pick up a news report from the surface of Caprica from SerinaSerina reports on the people gathering to celebrate peace and that reports from The Star Colbolt (a satellite ship of some kind) on the peace conference on not coming in as plannedAs her report continues the attack begins and Serina ends her report abruptl and goes to find her son Boxey she finds him and hides his face from seeing the death of his daggit MuffitMeanwhile  The crew on board the Galactica watch in helpless horror as the destruction of the colonies continuesEven the outer planets like Sagitara are not spared.
* Apollo and Starbuck jury rig the elevator to go lower below Carillon. They encounter the Ovions and Cylons.
* Starbuck questions the connection between the surface and the Ovions belowStarbuck suggests that Apollo go back up and gather the colonists while he stays below to set fire to the tylium. Apollo refuses, remembering his abandonment of Zac.
*Boxey comes out of an elevator in pursuit of Muffit. As a Cylon aims his weapon at Boxey, Apollo and Starbuck intervene.
*In the battle, the warriors find the cocoons of the humans that the Ovions are feeding on, as well as Cassiopeia, who they rescue in the nick of time.
* The Imperious Leader orders the springing of the Cylon trap.
* Starbuck and Apollo, with Cassiopeia, Boxey and Muffit in tow, begin their escape, while the Cylons begin their attack run at ''Galactica'' and the Fleet.   
* Boomer joins in with Starbuck and Apollo as they escape back to the surface to warn everyone of the danger. Apollo and the others reach the surface and warn the others to leave. Uri balks at this idea until a Cylon appears, and hastily changes his mind.
* Jolly and a series of Landrams arrive to help in the escape. Apollo and Starbuck find out that the Landrams were ordered in place by Adama.
* Boxey tells Serina that he wishes Apollo could be his dadStarbuck kisses Cassiopeia goodbye.
* The warriors launch from Carillon as the attack on ''Galactica'' begins, engaging the Cylons as ''Galactica'' takes heavy hits.
* Apollo, along with Starbuck, goes after the lone basestar with Imperious Leader hidden behind Carillon.  Adama refuses to authorize the warriors to chase the base ship but Apollo and Starbuck continue their pursuit using the Cylon frequency to give the impression of four squadrons (Blue and Green, Red and Yellow).
*The Imperious Leader receives news of the counterattack and orders the baseship behind Carillon.
*Adama is astonished at the ruse that Starbuck and Apollo are planning.
*The Imperious Leader is given a report of the six squadrons approaching them and the destruction of their entire Raider complement. He orders the basestar lower to the surface but is warned of the temperature reaching critical points.
*Starbuck and Apollo reach the baseshipTigh reports the planet reaching vapor point.
*The Cylons now realize that the plan is a deception and open fire on Apollo and Starbuck.  Starbuck and Apollo escape just as the planet and basestar are destroyed.
* Baltar is brought before another Imperious Leader, who explains he has examined Baltar's epistle and spares his life: Not to serve the Cylon Empire, but to serve his people. Baltar is given the task of extending the hand of truce to the humans. Baltar explains that the humans are not likely to be receptive.
*The Imperious Leader gives Baltar command of a basestar with an IL-Series Drone named [[Lucifer]] to serve at his aide to accomplish this task.


* Apollo tries to assure Adam that there wasn't anything he could do and Adama elects to go down to the surface of Caprica in his shuttle. Apollo fearing for his father's safety tells him he will take Adama in his fighter.
== Adama's Notes ==
''And the word went forth to every outpost of humanity, and they came - the Aries, the Gemons, the Virgos, the Scorpios, the Pisceans and the Sagitarrans. In all, two hundred and twenty ships, representing every colony, color and creed in the star system. The human race might have one more chance, but first it would have to survive the alliance, the elements and the unknown dark and sinister threats that would lie ahead.''


* The remaining warriors return from battle and Rigel informs Tigh that there were 67 fighters returning and out of those 25 are from the Galactica. Omega informs Tigh that they are also the only surviving Battlestar.
''We've come so far, so quickly. There's been little time for reason. What is the secret behind the existence of this outpost on the outer rim of our star system? There are many such oases for intergalactic travelers, but none so far off the known arteries of trade, and none so curiously close a tylium mine. Fuel has begun to arrive from the Ovion mines, but in curiously small quantities. Now I feel the growing need for extraordinary measures of precaution. The ships continue to hover over the planet, supported by maintenance crews whose spirits are depleted as their numbers. Everyone seems to have forgotten our flight from the Cylons. The beauty and wiles of Carillon hold our people spellbound.''


* Starbuck returns with battle damage and runs the check with Athena.  Starbucks thrusters are still wide open and Tigh says to bring him full throttle and they'll shut him down at the outer marker.  Starbuck lands just barely as Athena rushes to his arms.  Starbuck is angry that the Galactica left in the heat of battle and Athena informs him that the Colonies are gone.
== Notes ==


* Apollo and Adama land on the surface of Caprica and Adama returns to their home only to find it destroyed and his Wife, Ilia dead.  Meanwhile Apollo is confronted by angry colonists wondering where the fleet was during the attack.  Adama informs the colonists that only the Galactica is left and tells the colonists to assemble the people in every ship that will carry them.  In all 220 ships representing every creed, colour and race of man gather together and flee the colonies.
=== General ===


* Baltar overlooking the desturciton on Caprica meets with a Cylon Centurion and the Centurion tells him of reports of colinists fleeing in shipsBaltar balks at this and says they neither have fuel nor food for a prolonged journey. When the centurion says the information is offered in exchange for life, Baltar reminds him of the standing order from Imperious Leader. Extermination.
* There are (at least) three different versions of this pilot episode: a theatrical release originally shown in movie theaters around the world, a three-part pilot for television, and the original 1978 home video release (in addition to the original 3 hour television broadcast). The DVD box set includes this episode complete&mdash;with all the parts restored that were deleted, shortened, or altered to some degree.
* The original transmission of this episode was interrupted on the East Coast for more than an hour due to the signing of the [[w:Camp David Peace Accord|Camp David Peace Accord]] between Israel and EgyptPresident [[w:Jimmy Carter|Jimmy Carter]] hosted the signing between Israel's Prime Minister [[w:Menachem Begin|Menachem Begin]] and Egypt's President [[w:Anwar Sadat|Anwar Sadat]]. ABC chose to continue the transmission from the exact point of the interruption since it had heavily promoted the show and was committed to the new series.
* ''Saga of a Star World'' aired as a tv movie in a single installment on September 17th, 1978, and was thereby the only episode of the show which did not have a running time of approximately 50 minutes. With commercial breaks, the episode ran 3 hours. For subsequent television showings, in the USA and overseas, it was re-edited into three 50-minute episodes.
* The 3-hour television movie with which the show premiered has always been known (unofficially) as ''Saga of a Star World'', but this title nowhere appears on screen. The title credits describe the production only as ''Battlestar Galactica''. In the course of production, early in 1978, Glen Larson signed a contract to hire virtually the entire special effects team who, until 1977, had been employed by George Lucas on the movie ''Star Wars''; but Lucas, worried by the similarity of the term ''Star World'' to the title of his hit movie, threatened legal action if Larson used the term in connection with the proposed project, then known as ''The Galactica''. Lucas would later hire back most of his original effects team, to work on his proposed ''Star Wars'' sequel, due out in 1980, making it impossible for them to continue working on ''Galactica'' project after the initial mini-series, and forcing Larson to re-cut the effects footage from the 1978 feature film and re-use it on all of the following 18 episodes, instead of new footage.
* [[Carol Baxter]], who portrayed the talkative woman in the elevator on Carillon, would later portray [[Macy]] in "[[The Lost Warrior]]."


* On board the Galactica Adama gathers a meeting for representives of each ship in the fleet to answer the question, where will they go?  Adama tells them of a thirteenth tribe that went out into deep space and colonized another colony.  A planet called Earth.
=== Behind the Scenes ===


* Starbuck meets with Athena to apologize for how he acted towards he in the landing bay. Starbuck realizes they may have only tomorrow to live for but Athena says she cannot commit to a relationship.
* ''Galactica'''s [[Warrior]] [[Uniforms (TOS)|uniforms]] were still being manufactured during filming of this episode, thus the [[pyramid (TOS)|pyramid]] game scenes featured {{TOS|Boomer}} ([[Herb Jefferson Jr.]]) and {{TOS|Jolly}} ([[Tony Swartz]]) with the creative use of towels. For Jefferson, while he had both pants and boots, his tunic was still being assembled and thus he had a towel around his neck. As for Swartz, he did his first day of shooting with a towel around his waist, as neither tunic nor pants were available.<ref>{{cite book/sswa|73}}</ref>


* Boomer and Starbuck are on fleet maintenace on a Geminese freighter to check for battle damage and meet up with Apollo who is checking for Solium leaks.  They try to retreat from Apollo noting the danger of Solium leaks, and Apollo thretens them if they don't help him.  They go below decks and see the condition the colonists are living in and are informed that there has been no food or water for two days.  As they attend to the wounded Cassiopea is found among the colonists and helps to translate for an ill Geminese Man.  But she is riducled for beign a Socilator.  They also learn that some people on board The Rising Star Liner are living in luxury.  When questioning core control about the food shortage all the response they get is that Core Control is aware of the problem.
=== Changes and Sub-Plots ===


* Starbuck meets with Cassiopea and asks her what all the disturbance on the freigheter was about and she tells him that the Autorese sect among the Geminese does not condone physical contact among people until certain religious times.
* There are two plot threads which were filmed, but [[List of Deleted Scenes (TOS)#Saga of a Star World|later dropped]]:
** All the lines of dialogue pertaining to Serina's "space cancer," and thus a majority of Doctor [[Paye]]'s scenes, were removed. Serina's illness occurs instead because she is affected by the [[pluton poisoning]], which is briefly mentioned by {{TOS|Jolly}} aboard the ''[[Rising Star (TOS)|Rising Star]]''.
** In addition, a subplot revolving around Adama's attempt to resign as fleet commander is dropped. All that remains of this is Adama's conversation with Athena, where he reflects on one event on a colony world concerning a woman with a small child.
* Originally, the "steam purge" scene was shot with a shirtless {{TOS|Starbuck}}. However, because of the Network's concerns over depicting him partly undressed with a woman, the scene was re-shot with a shirted Starbuck. This re-shoot forced [[Laurette Spang]] to return from visiting her family in Michigan.<ref>{{cite book/sswa|69}}</ref>
* In the feature film version (seen in theaters and on the 1978 videotape release of the feature film), Baltar is ''beheaded'' after betraying the Twelve Colonies of Man, on the orders of, and at the feet of, the Imperious Leader. For the series, this was re-edited and his character spared to lead an ongoing pursuit of the remnants of humanity in the televised version of this episode. This change was in part a result of the Cylons becoming a less menacing enemy, due to the Network's Standards and Practices guidelines relating to acts of violence on television, as there could only be a maximum of six "acts of violence" per episode. Thus the need for a more sinister threat portrayed to great dramatic effect by classically trained [[w:Shakespeare|Shakesperian]] actor [[John Colicos]], alongside his foil, [[Lucifer]], voiced by [[Jonathan Harris]].


* Apollo re-routes the shuttle to the Rising Star.  They go see Jolly and are informed that most of the food is contaminated with Pluton Poisoning.  They try to salvage some of the food but are told to keep it quiet in fear of a mutiny.
=== Story Background ===


* Flight leader Cerpentine reports to Imperious Leader on the survival of a handful of ships lead by the Battlestar Galactica. Imperious Leader intructs Cerpentine to go inform Baltar of his dis-pleasure and orders Baltar to deliver the Battlestar Galactica or deliver his head.
* The conflict with the [[Cylons (TOS)|Cylons]] has raged for 1,000 [[yahren]].
* Each Colony of Man has one representative on the [[Quorum of Twelve (TOS)|Quorum of the Twelve]].  After a meeting of the Quorum, each representative returns to "his" battlestar. 
*#Adama represents [[The Twelve Colonies of Man|Caprica]] and commands the ''{{TOS|Galactica}}''.
*#Adar is president and returns to the ''[[Atlantia (TOS)|Atlantia]]''.
* The Cylons have a hierarchical imperial society, ruled by an emperor (never described as such), who is referred to as the [[Imperious Leader]].
* The Cylons seek to exterminate all human life, because the Colonials interfered with Cylon efforts to enslave the [[Hasari]]'s "nation".
* Nuclear weapons are not a technology used by the Cylons in the Original Series, instead "weapons of mass destruction," in the form of [[pluton poisoning|pluton bombs]], were used on the Colonies. These are a "lesser" technology used on [[Terra]] by both the [[Eastern Alliance]] and the [[Nationalists]]. In contrast, the [[Cylons (RDM)|Cylons]] of the [[Battlestar Galactica (RDM)|Re-imagined Series]] ''do'' use these type of weapons against the Colonies, to [[Fall of the Twelve Colonies|devastating effect]] {{TRS|Miniseries|The Plan}}.
* Apollo points out to [[Sire]] [[Uri]] at their first meeting that "some 100 people have died since our deliverance from the Cylons," though not due to starvation. Additional people died whilst on Carillon, however, when the [[Battle of Carillon|Cylons sprang their trap]].


* On board the Rising Star Serina asks Apollo to help boosts her son's Boxey morale because he is distrought over losing his daggit.  Apollo gives Boxey one of his Captain Clusters and promises to find him a daggit and makes Boxey a Colonial warrior first level.  Serina thanks Apollo for his help.  Their intial attraction is felt.
== Analysis ==
 
* On one of the upper levels Boomer tries to get into the club area but his held back by a guard hired by Tran-Stellar to protect Sire Uri.  As Boomer pulls his weapon Apollo joins in and they enter the club area.  Apollo his appaled by Sire Uri's glutony and celebration.  Sire Uri refuses to give up his supply of food and Apollo asks if Sires Uri shares Sire Uri's ideals.  Uri tells Apollo of the fact that she did not make it in time to join the journey.  Apollo then orders Boomer to instruct Jolly to come up with a crew to distribute the food.  Boomer asks Apollo if he hasn't over played his hand since Sire Uri is a newly elected member of the Council of the Twelve.
 
* On board the Galactica medical centre Cassiopea's arm is healed and Starbuck agrees to help her find somewhere else to go other then the Geminese freighter.
 
* Rigel reports to Tigh that long range partols are checking in and report no signs of Cylon pursuit.
 
* The Council of Twelve meets and Uri informs them that Carillon is too far to travel because of the food shortage.  He offers an alternative the planet Borellis.  But Adama informs them that is deadly trap as sure as they one they left.  Apollo interrupts the meeting and says that another way to Carillon is available, through the Nova Amadagon.  But the Nova is mined with Cylons mine and the big ships of the fleet cannot make it through the passage.  Apollo says he will select two warriors to help clear a path so the fleet can move through the nova to Carillon.  Starbuck and Boomer knowing they will be selected try to elude Apollo but Apollo catches them and volunteer thems for the mission.
 
* Later Apollo and Adama disgaree on the mission and of Apollo's volunterring himself for it.  They also discuss Uri's election to the council and Adama continues to nurse wounds from the holocaust and Apollo reminds him of this.
 
* On board the Rising Star Apollo gathers Serina and Boxey and tells them of a surprise.  They meet up with Doctor Wilker and he introduces Muffit Two to them and Boxey is given its care.  Apollo and Serina share and embarce.
 
* Athena enters Adama's quarters and has a heart to heart with her father.  He tells her of the conditions on Carpica and the desperate people asking to come aboard and how he had to give out priorities like tickets to a lottery and how a woman with a child in her arms on Caprica grabbed his arm and was pushed back by a guard who didn't see the child in her arms as Adama left the surface.  The weight of the responisbility taken on by Adama is apparent.
 
* Cassiopea and Starbuck spend some intimate time on the flight deck before his mission.  Athena checking on the flight deck for Starbuck catches him in the arms of Cassiopea and she pushes a Steam Purge button and gives Starbuck a steam burn.
 
* Apollo confers with Boomer and Starbuck on the mission and Apollo notices Starbuck's uncomfort and Boomer politelty tells Apollo that Starbuck got a steam burn the night before.  They launch their vipers with specially shielded cockpits to shield from the brightness of the starfield that is the Nova and proceed with the help of the Galactica's scanners to destroy the mines and clear a path for the fleet.  They are successful and they reach Carillon.
 
* Adama makes his report on Carillon and orders Landing Operations to begin at once with Mineral Ships and Land Ram parties.  Blue Squadron is ordered to vector in the landing parties.
 
* Aboard the main Base Star Baltar appears before Imperious Leader and Imperious Leader altars his bargain to spare Baltar's colony.  Imperious Leader orders Baltar's execution but stops short and orders him removed for Public Execution.
 
* On the surface of Carillon it is reported that there are lifeforms on the surface in great numbers.  Starbuck and Boomer are in one landram and when Starbuck asks what the planet must look like in the daytime Boomer replies that it is the Daytime even though it's dark out.  Boomer and Starbuck come upon strange bright lights and startle a female Tauren coming out of what is apparently a Casino.  She tells Boomer and Starbuck that she booked her trip on a sky bus and that she has one over a 1,000 cubits.  Starbuck and Boomer enter the Casino to investigate.
 
* Meanwhile Apollo and Jolly with Serina, Boxey and Muffit along continue on to the old mine.  Apollo instructs Boxey how to find Tylium, he then explains to Boxey about the Cylons and how they were once a race of reptiles who built machines but the machines took over and exterminated the reptiles thousands of yahrnes ago, but they still call them Cylons and the Cylons only have one purpose to exterminate the human race.
 
* In the Casino Boomer and Starbuck talk and Boomer questions the fact that they are in Gambling Chancelory where you can't lose.  Starbuck watches the singers on stage and sees an opportunity to make money with them on The Star Circuit.  Boomer can't beleive that all Starbuck wants to do is make money while the Cylons are chasing them and they are running for their lives.


* Apollo and his team finally find a rich Tylium deposit and when Jolly opens the door to the Land Ram Muffit runs out and Boxey chases after him with Jolly not far behind. Serina and Apollo share a tender moment alone.  Muffit and Boxey are "kidnapped" by the Ovions.
* Adama asks if any of the other ships could launch their Vipers, to which he receives a report that they didn't. Yet [[Rigel]] reports that out of the 67 Vipers returning to ''Galactica'', 25 fighters belonged to ''Galactica''. Obviously, the other battlestars launched some of their Vipers, but in few numbers and not in time. Additionally, there might have been patrols from other battlestars that were deployed at the time, but returned to the main fight.  


* Jolly, Apollo and Serina begin searching for Boxey and are taken captive by the Ovions and brought below the surface to the Ovion's domain.  They are re-united with Boxey, Muffit, Starbuck and Boomer apparently the Ovions have extended their hand in friendship and extend to the colonists an open invitation to enjoy all that Carillon has to offer.
*Apparently the Ovions have manufactured or acquired human food supplies, but prefer humans to eat over human food, or could not digest human foodstuffs.


* Sire Uri extends this message and Tigh reports this to Adama.  Adama makes his report and questions the Ovions hospitality and notices that only small amounts of fuel are coming up from the surface.
* Baltar's ascension in the Cylon ranks after the [[Battle of Carillon]] occurs after the succeeding [[Imperious Leader]] finds Baltar's ability to think like humans a valuable asset. The Cylons apparently realize that they are not able to outwit humans using logic, as humans were capable of feats of illogic and daring despite statistical odds. Since Baltar had already shown his willingness to destroy humanity for his own gain, the Cylons may have felt that Baltar would garner the Empire a second, final success in ridding them of the last of humanity for good. Perhaps, as well, with the bulk of the Twelve Colonies gone, the Imperious Leader considered the issue of humanity's existence virtually over, leaving Baltar to "mop up" the remaining mess.


* As the colonists enjoy Carillon, Cassiopea goes to meet Starbuck and they agree to get a room together. Cassiopea leaves to find a room and Athena shows up wanting Starbuck's affections. Cassiopea returns and the rivalry between her and Athena begins over Starbuck.
* It is difficult to imagine that only five battlestars would be the only means of defence for a race made of twelve planets or colonies, especially when there is mention of the [[Fifth Fleet]] in "[[The Living Legend, Part I]]". In addition, given the length of the [[Thousand Yahren War]], it is very likely that many battlestars and other warships were built. Over time, attrition left the Colonials with fewer (albeit stronger) battlestars, with fighters that outmatched the Cylons even when the Colonials were outnumbered 10 to 1, according to Apollo.


* Some guests of the hotel and a Colonial Warrior enter an elevator to go their rooms and the elevator takes them below levels instead of going to their suite levels and they are captured by the Ovions.
* The only way to ensure complete destruction is total planetary annilihation. Humanity's destruction is like the ridding of a nest of cockroaches in a home. While it is possible to destroy most of them, a house is so large (with nooks and crevices to hide that cannot be found by pesticides) that complete removal of them is impossible unless the house itself is destroyed. The same is true for the humans scattered in non-urban areas, in shelters, or off-planet. (This is also shown in the Re-imaged Series, as the [[Caprica Buccaneers]] pyramid team was able to survive the planetary bombing in the mountains outside of Delphi.)
 
* Tigh reports to Adama and Adama explains to Tigh that Baltar's people generated the intelligence report on Carillon and they are surprised to find that there is a large Tylium deposit on the planet instead of the small amount reported.  Adama can't explain the connecton between the Ovions and the surface above.  Tigh asks Adama if he suspects the Cylons being involved and Adama says he does.
 
* On Carillon Sire Uri mentions a dis-mantiling of arms. Apollo overhears this and mentions to Uri that he hopes it the Grog.
 
* Back on board the Galactica the council meets with Adama to discuss the dismantling of arms.  During this meeting it is learned that the war began when the Colonists helped the Harsis from the Cylons.  Adam balks at the discussion of laying down their arms and leaves the meeting.  The council decides to let the colonists decide their fate at a function to award Apollo, Starbuck and Boomer for the heroism through the Nova Amadagon.
 
* Cassiopea enters an elevator with a warrior and he tries to make a pass at her and they both begin heading below Carillon.  They are captured by the Ovions and witness the three previous colonists being cocooned by The Ovions.
 
* Starbuck tries to convince the singers to work with him and they decline.  Boomer informs Starbuck of the two of them being awarded the Gold Cluster and they head back to the Galactica.
 
* On the Galactica flight deck Tigh meets with Adama and they talk in two vipers so their conversation can't be heard by the council.  Adama devises a plan to keep their warriors battle ready while filling the party with colonists wearing warrior uniforms to give Sire Uri and the Ovions who are watching the impression that the warriors are in attendance when they really are waiting to engage the Cylons when needed.  Adama decides to launch regular patrols to give the impression to the council that they are routine when they are really being sent to the surface of Carillon to await the Cylon trap.  Tigh is put in charge of gathering uniforms and people to fill them.
 
* Tigh begins to gather the uniforms and is startled by Boomer and Starbuck. Tigh reprimends them for first startling him and then for the condition of the uniforms and after he leaves the two comment on the stresses of being a Colonel and a Bridge Officer.
 
* Later on the bridge of The Galactica Apollo and Adama meet to talk and Adama cannot bring himself to tell Apollo of his plan or go to the surface to witness Apollo's decoration because he knows it's a political ploy by Uri.  Apollo tells Adama of his adoration and respect for his father.  Apollo leaves and Tigh comes to Adama's side an knows that it wasn't easy for Adama not telling Apollo of the plan to spring the Cylon Trap.
 
* On board the shuttle Apollo mentions to Serina of one of the people dressed in Blue Squadrons Insignia and how he didn't recognize him.  Serina just shurgs it off and says that the person in question probably hasn't worn the uniform in years.  They share another tender moment.
 
* Starbuck, Boomer and Apollo gather on the surface.  Uri counts the uniforms and mentions to Starbuck that he figures most of the warriors are in attendance.  Boomer motions to Starbuck that there are three unknown men wearing the insignia from Blue Squadron.  Starbuck goes to investigate and runs into Apollo.  Starbuck reports the imposters to Apollo and he agrees that something is not right on the planet.  They enter an elevator and head below the surface.
 
* Uri impatienly informs Boomer to find Starbuck and Apollo.
 
* Starbuck and Apollo continue their search for the imposters while a Cylon Centurion receives a report from The Ovions of the warrior count at the party.
 
* Apollo and Starbuck jury rig the elevator to go lower below Carillon and come across the Ovion domain.
 
* Meanwhile Sire Uri continue his speech of peace.
 
* Starbuck and Apollo come across the Cylons meeting with the Ovions and Starbuck wishes to find out the connection between the surface and the Ovions below.  Starbuck suggests that Apollo go back up and gather the colonists while he stays below to set of The Tylium.  Apollo won't leave Starbuck like he left Zac.  Boxey comes out of an elevator chasing Muffit and just as a Cylon is about to shoot Boxey Apollo and Starbuck intervene and in the battle come across the cocoons of the humans that the Ovions are feeding on.  They find Cassiopea and rescue her in the nick of time.
 
* Meanwhile the Cylon Trap is sprung and Imperious Leader orders the attack.
 
* Starbuck and Apollo with Cassiopea, Boxey and Muffit in tow begin their escape, while in space the Cylons begin to head towards the Galactica and the fleet.
 
* Boomer joins in with Starbuck and Apollo and they escape back to the surface to warn everyone of the danger.  Meanwhile the attack force closes in on The Galactica.  Apollo and the others reach the surface and warn the others to leave; Uri balks at this until a  Cylons appear and he agrees with Apollo for everyone to leave.
 
* The Cylons continue to approach 50 microns and closing.
 
* The Exodus from the Casino continues.  Muffit helps in destroying a Cylon Centurion.  Jolly and a series of Land Rams appear to help in the escape and Apollo and Starbuck find out that the Land Rams were ordered by Adama.
 
* The Cylons are now 35 microns and closing.
 
* Jolly informs Apollo and Starbuck of Adama's plan.
 
* The Cylons are 30 microns and closing and Adama orders all warriors to return from the surface.
 
* Apollo orders the women aboard the shuttle and the warriors are elated to be heading back into battle.
 
* The Cylons are 15 microns and closing.
 
* Boxey tells Serina that he wishes Apollo could be his dad.  Starbuck kisses Cassiopea goodbye.
 
* The Cylons close in and begin attacking The Galactica.
 
* The warriors ready themselves for launch as the attack on the Galactica continues.  The warriors launch from the surface and engage the Cylons as the Galactica takes heavy hits.  As the squadrons continue their attack Starbuck makes a kill for The Atlantia and Apollo makes one for Zac.  Athena is surprised at the appearance of all the vipers and Adama tells Tigh to make it a point of disussing discipline in the ranks.
 
* Apollo along with Starbuck go after the lone base star with Imperious Leader hidden behind Carillon.  Adama declines the order to chase the base ship but Apollo and Starbuck continue their pursuit using the Cylon Frequency to give the impression of four squadrons (Blue and Green, Red and Yellow).  A Cylon reports to Imperious Leader of the pursuit of four squadrons and Imperious Leader orders the ship behind Carillon.  Starbuck reports that Purple and Orange squadrons are ready to join in the fight as well, but Apollo tells him not to get carried away.  This is reported back to the Galactica and Adama cannot beleive what the two are planning.  Imperious Leader is given a report of the six squadrons approaching them and of the raiders being all destroyed.    He orders the base ship lower to the surface but is warned of the temperature reaching critical points.  But Imperious Leader continues his order.  Starbuck and Apollo reach the base ship.  Tigh reports the planet reaching vapour point.  The Cylons now realize that the plan is a deception and open fire on Apollo and Starbuck.  Starbuck and Apollo escape just as the planet and base ship are destroyed and they head for home aboard the Galactica.  Starbuck metions "some home, a piece of metal in the middle of nowhere.."
 
* Fleeing from the Cylon Tyranny the last Battlestar, Galactica, leads a rag-tag fugitive fleet on a lonely quest.  A shining planet known as Earth.
 
* Epilouge: Baltar is brought before another Imperious Leader.  And Baltar finds out the Leader's predesor was destroyed by Baltar's peers.  Baltar explains he tried to warn him.  Imperious Leader explains he has examined Baltar's epistle to find the humans logical and spares Baltar life; not to serve the Cylon Empire but to serve his people and he is given the task of extending the hand of truce to the humans.  Baltar explains that the humans are not likely to be receptive.  Imperious Leader gives Baltar command of a Base Star with IL Series Drone Lucifer to serve at his aide to accomplish this task.


== Questions ==  
== Questions ==  


* Is each Colony on a planet or are some of them on moons orbiting another Colony's planet?
=== Clerical ===


* Why didn't the Cylons drop nuclear weapons on Colonial cities? Dialouge makes it clear the goal was complete anihilation of the race known as man.
* If Cimtar is a moon, what planet did it orbit?
* What happened to the [[Hasari]]s?
* How large is the Cylon Empire? What is the size and disposition of the Cylon forces?
* How large is the Colonial sphere of influence in the galaxy?
* Is each colony on a planet or are some of them on moons orbiting another colony's planet?
* If the Ovions got their food supply from harvesting the Colonials, what were the humans being fed at the casino, and what was sent to the fleet as supplies?
* From what colony does Baltar originate?


* Why did the survivors so quickly abandon their homeworlds? Although defending the Twelve Colonies with a single battlestar would have been impossible it is unlikely all survivors would be eager to leave quickly.
=== The Fleet ===


* How many civilians were left alive on the Colonies because there were not enough ships to carry them to safety?
* What is the population of the Fleet?
* Are any of the ships in the Fleet capable of defending themselves?
* When did the survivors have time (or the resources) to vote for candidates to the [[Quorum of Twelve]]? How was this process handled? Who or what body decided the candidates?
* What was the strength and disposition of the [[Colonial Fleet (TOS)|Colonial Fleet]]?
* Why weren't the Warriors sent to inspect the ships in their new Fleet not provisioned [[languatron]]s? This would have helped {{TOS|Apollo}}, {{TOS|Starbuck}}, and {{TOS|Boomer}} in understanding the elderly Gemonese woman aboard ''{{TOS|Gemini}}''.


* Are the civilan conditions on the Gemini freighter typical of those on the other ships?
=== The Cylons ===


* If the Ovions got their food supply from harvesting the Colonials what were they feeding them at the casino and what were they sending up to the fleet in supplies?
* How did the Exodus happen?  If the Cylons were instructed to exterminate all of mankind would they not make sure the job was finished and not leave anything behind or any means of escape?
* If the Cylons wanted to kill ''all'' humans, why put one in charge of a basestar? 
* Aside from the Ovions, what other races were part of "the [[Alliance]]" referred to by Commander Adama?


* Were all the civilians and Colonial Warriors able to evacuate Carillon before the the planet was destroyed?
=== Answered Questions ===


* Which Colony was Baltar from? His colony was to have been spared but it was left unnamed.
* Are the civilian conditions on the Gemini freighter typical of those on the other ships? ([[War of the Gods, Part I|Answer #1]], [[Take the Celestra|Answer #2]])
* It is implied that Baltar did not act alone, as the reports regarding Carillon were filed by his people. Who else conspired with Baltar? ([[Murder on the Rising Star|One answer]])
* Did the Colonies have a planetary defense system? ([[Murder on the Rising Star|Answer]])


== Analysis ==
== Official Statements ==


<!-- You can use bullets here, or you can use standard paragraph form. -->
=== Cast ===


* It's difficult to imagine that only five Battlestars would be the only means of defence for a race made of twelve planets or colonies. Especially when there is mention of a Fifth Fleet in The Living Legend Part One. Would there not be other ships or vipers around the colonies doing routine patrols at such a sensitive time?
* ''Richard Hatch discusses reshooting a scene in the episode depicting [[Ovion]]s eating human flesh from a 1978 interview:''
: '''[[Richard Hatch]]:''' "Most companies have to continuously cut corners, settle for less than the best. Not ''Galactica''. We still have to work quick, and there's only so much money, but the producers are determined that everything be the best it possibly can be. They know it's the little places that count. For instance, we have these alien creatures that feed on human flesh. In one shot of them, the lighting wasn't quite right, and their walk was just not convincing. They could have let that go, but they went back and reshot the entire sequence to get the right look, the right texture."<ref name="starlog dec 78">{{cite magazine |quotes= |last=Houston |first=David |authorlink= |coauthors= |year=1978 |month=December |title=Two Crazy Kind of Guys |magazine=Starlog |volume= |issue= |pages=29 |id= |url= |accessdate= }}</ref>


* Adama asked if any of the other ships could launch their vipers and it was reported they didn't.  But yet Rigel reports that out of the 67 vipers returning to The Galactica 25 were actually those belonging to The Galactica.  So obviously the other ships launched some of their vipers.
=== Crew ===


* If only 67 vipers remained after the intial ambush, where did all the vipers come from that made up the Squadrons during the Battle of Carillon?  There must have been a storage area in the colonies during the Exodus that Cylons had overlooked during the holocaust.
* ''[[Richard A. Colla]] discusses what lead to his termination from the production in a 2008 interview:''
: It seemed to be, because...I mean it's just that I don't understand it. When you set something loose like that, you've either got to step in and carry the thing yourself, and finish it yourself, or somebody's got to come in and do it. Well, that's kind of what I did for [[George Santoro|George [Santoro]]]. George had always been very good to me, and when he need help, I was there for him. So it wasn't about [[Glen A. Larson|Glen [Larson]]]. It was about making this thing work for George, and when in the end Glen kept finding little faults, I just told him he was an ungrateful bastard, because everybody was working so hard to pull his ass out of the fire here, and now he's in there pretending like he's the one who has all the ideas here. Well it was his idea originally. Nobody can fault him for that. You know, it's [[Religion in the Twelve Colonies (TOS)|him and the Mormon church]]. So if you say ok, this is mine, well that's just fine, and I applaud his ability for all of the work that he's able to do in television, all of those opportunities that he saw in movies and then made television shows out of, all that stuff that he was able to convert. So I could even understand where he would want to feel like he was back in control of it once the major roaring fire of this thing was out, and some hope was in the air, but I just found him very ungrateful to all the people who worked so hard for him.<ref name="galtv">{{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=2 June 2019|last=Egnor|first=Mike|format=|language=}}</ref>


* How did the Exodus happen? If the Cylons were instructed to exterminate all of mankind would they not make sure the job was finished and not leave anything behind or any means of escape? Maybe their sloppiness is the reason why the Colonists overcame them time and time again during the series intial run.
* ''[[Alan J. Levi]] discusses his first day on the set, after [[Richard Colla]] was terminated:''
: [[Glen Larson|Glen [Larson]]] didn’t like the way the exterior of the casino was shot, just didn’t have any great feeling of murder and escape and such. That was my first night of shooting, and everybody’s looking at me like I’m the new kid on the block and they’re going, ‘you want me to do what?’ And I’m screaming through the megaphone and people are running back and forth and this and that and the cameras are racing from here to there…well, I wore everybody out, but it turned out to be a good sequence. It did kind of put a feeling of respect for me in people’s minds as to what I was after.<ref>{{cite_web|url=http://www.geocities.ws/sjpaxton/ajl.html|title=Battlestar Zone interview with Alan J. Levi|date=|accessdate=30 April 2008|last=Paxton|first=Susan J.|format=|language=}}</ref>


== Notes ==
* ''Story editor [[Terrence McDonnell]] reflects on the pilot at the 30th anniversary screening:''
 
[T]his still holds up, after all this time. Not that I was necessarily surprised by that, but it was nice to see. Because a lot of shows you have fond memories of and then you see them years later and you go: "Oh, geez..."<ref name="galtv-tm">{{cite_web|url=https://www.galactica.tv/battlestar-galactica-1978-interviews/terrence-mcdonnell-galactica.tv-interview.html|title=Terrence McDonnell GALACTICA.TV interview|date=17 September 2009|accessdate=12 June 2019|last=Egnor|first=Mike|format=|language=}}</ref>
* The conflict with the [[Cylons (TOS)|Cylons]] has raged for some 1,000 yahren.
* Each Colony of Man has one representative on the [[Quorum of Twelve (TOS)]], and each member to the Quorum has command of a [[battlestar]], apparently.
 
#Adama represents [[Caprica]] and commands <i>[[Galactica (TOS)|Galactica]]</i>.
#Adar is president and commands the <i>[[Atlantia]]</i>.
 
* The Cylons have an hierarchal imperical society, lead by an emperor ([[Imperious Leader]]).
* The Cylons wish to exterminate human life as Colonials have interfered with Cylon efforts. (see: [[Hasari]])
 
* There are three different versions of this episode. A theatrical release, a three part pilot and video release. The episode contained on the DVD box set is the complete episode with all the parts that were deleted or shortened or altered to some degree restored.
 
<!-- You can use bullets here, or you can use standard paragraph form. -->


== Noteworthy Dialogue ==
== Noteworthy Dialogue ==


<!-- You can use bullets here, or you can use standard paragraph form. -->
* {{video|/Adama's Suspicions|''Adama clings to his suspicions about the Cylons:''}}
<!-- Try to keep to the following format
: '''{{TOS|Adama}}''': Forgive me, [[Adar (TOS)|Mr. President]], but they hate us with every fiber of their existence. We love freedom. We love independence&mdash;to feel, to question, to resist oppression. To them, it's an alien way of existing they will never accept.
    <b>Person 1:</b> Question
    <b>Person 2:</b> Reply
    <b>Person 1:</b> Statement


    and so on, and so on...
* {{video|/Welcoming Committee|''The welcoming committee:''}}
-->
: '''Adama''': Mr. President, a wall of unidentified craft is closing in on the fleet.  
: '''{{TOS|Baltar}}''': Possibly a [[Battle of Cimtar|Cylon welcoming committee]].
: '''Adama''': Sir, may I suggest we launch a welcoming committee of our own?


Imperious Leader: The final anhilation of the life form known as Man, let the attack begin.
* {{video|/Zac's final words|''Zac's final words of desperation:''}}
: '''[[Zac]]''': Patrol to fleet, patrol to fleet!  I need help!


Cylon Centurion: By your command.
* {{video|/Zac's death|''Zac's Viper is destroyed by the Cylons:''}}
:'''President [[Adar (TOS)|Adar]]''': What was that?
:'''Adama (sotto voce)''': That was my son, Mr. President...


Zac: Patrol to fleet, patrol to fleet!  I need help!
* {{video|/Let the Attack Begin|''The Imperious Leader orders the the final strike against the Colonials:''}}
: '''[[Imperious Leader]]''': The final annihilation of the life form known as Man, let the attack begin.


President Adar: What was that?
* {{video|/Adama's fleet|''Adama assembles the rag-tag, fugitive fleet:''}}
: '''[[Serina]]''': We must fight back.
: '''Adama''': Yes, we are going to fight back. But not here. Not now. Not in the Colonies. Not even in this star system. Let the word go forth to every man, woman, and child that survived this holocaust. Tell them to set sail at once in every assorted vehicle that will carry them.


Adama: That was my son Mr. President...
* {{video|/Roadmap to Earth|''Adama lays down the road-map for Earth:''}}
: '''Adama''': Our recorded history tells us that we descended from a mother civilization, a race that went out into space to establish colonies. Those of us here assembled now represent the only known surviving colonies save one—a sister world far out in the universe, remembered to us only through [[Book of the Word|ancient writings]]. It is my intention to seek out that remaining colony, that last outpost of humanity in the whole universe.
: '''Serina''': Commander Adama... This [[Thirteenth Tribe (TOS)|Thirteenth Colony]]&mdash;this other world&mdash;where is it and what is it called?
: '''Adama''': I wish I could tell you that I know precisely where it is, but I can't. However, I do know that it lies beyond our star system, in a galaxy very much like our own, on a planet called... [[Earth (TOS)|Earth]].


== Official Statements ==
* ''After being chastised by Apollo:''
: '''{{TOS|Boomer}}''': Just keep it up, old buddy. You're going to get us into real trouble.
: '''{{TOS|Starbuck}}''': 10,000 light years from nowhere, our planet shot to pieces, people starving, and ''I'm'' going to get us in trouble?
: '''Boomer''': All I'm saying is&mdash;
: '''Starbuck''': What's the matter with you? I tell ya, may as well live for today. We might not have many left.


<!-- Use bullets or standard paragraph formPlease use links to sources!!! -->
* {{video|/The Burden|''Adama reflects on the fall of their civilization to his daughter, Athena:''}}
<!-- If you wish to create the source within the Battlestar Wiki, then do so! -->
: '''Adama''': You didn't see them down thereTheir faces&mdash;the old, the young&mdash;desperate. Begging, ''screaming'' for a chance to come aboard&mdash;a chance to live.  And there I was like God, passing out priorities... as if they were tickets to a lottery. There was one&mdash;one woman... with a child in her arms. She tore at my arm as I was boarding the launch to come back.
: '''{{TOS|Athena}}''': Father, don't&mdash;
: '''Adama''': Guard came up. I saw him out of the corner of my eye and tried to stop him. He shoved her away, pushed her. He didn't see the child. I don't know what happened to that woman. But, God, I don't want it anymore. Let someone else do it.
: '''Athena''': Father?
: '''Adama''': Take this burden from me.


== Novelization ==
* {{video|/All Starting Over|''Apollo and Serina discuss the past:''}}
: '''Serina:''' Thank you.
: '''Apollo:''' For what?
: '''Serina:''' For saving my son's life.
: '''Apollo:''' You're getting things a little out of proportion... In a way, maybe I should be thanking you.
: '''Serina:''' You don't know anything about me, or what happened to Boxey's father, or...
: '''Apollo:''' When you're ready, you'll tell me. In the meantime, nothing that's happened before really counts for much. As far as the human race is concerned, we're all starting over.


*Novelized as ''Battlestar Galactica'' (ISBN 0-425-03958-7), by Glen A. Larson and Robert Thurston, released by Berkeley Publishing in September 1978.
== Guest Stars ==
*[[Jane Seymour]] as [[Serina]]
*[[Ray Milland]] as [[Uri|Sire Uri]]
*[[Lew Ayres]] as [[Adar (TOS)|President Adar]]
*[[Wilfrid Hyde-White]] as [[Anton|Sire Anton]]
*[[John Fink]] as [[Paye|Dr. Paye]]
*[[Ed Begley Jr.]] as [[Greenbean|Ensign Greenbean]] (unseen in final cut)
*[[Rick Springfield]] as [[Zac|Lieutenant Zac]]
*[[Randi Oakes]] as [[Blonde Taurus]]
*[[Norman Stuart]] as [[Statesman]]
*[[David Matthau]] as [[Operative]]
*[[Chip Johnson]] as [[First Warrior]]
*[[Paul Coufos]] as [[038 Pilot|Pilot]]
*[[Geoffrey Binney]] as [[Second Warrior]]
*[[Bruce Wright]] as [[Deck Hand]]


<!-- Please put any differences between book and film in this section. -->
=== Uncredited ===


* In the novel it is mentioned that the Battlestar Pacifica was Galactica's sister ship and that she was destroyed some years ago during a battle with The Cylons.
*[[Diane Jones]] as [[Ila]]
*[[Lois Adams]] as [[Heckler on Gemini Freighter|Heckler on ''Gemini'' Freighter]]
*[[Rene Assa]] as [[Gemon Warrior]]
*[[Carol Baxter]] as [[Woman in Elevator]]
*[[Stoney Bower]] as [[Landing Bay Deckhand]]
*[[Richard Branda]] as [[Rising Star Transplant|''Rising Star'' Transplant]]
*[[Patti Brooks]] as Big Supreme/[[Tucan|Tucana]] Singer
*[[Diane L. Burgdorf]] as [[Lotay]]
*[[David Byrd]] as [[Man on Gemini Freighter|Man on ''Gemini'' Freighter]]
*[[Dick Durock]] as [[Imperious Leader]] (costume performance)
*[[John Dullaghan]] as [[Wilker|Dr. Wilker]]
*[[David Greenan]] as [[Omega]]
*[[Sandy Gimpel]] as [[Seetol]]
*[[Jonathan Harris]] as [[Lucifer]] (voice)
*[[Kathy Lester]] as [[Carillon Dancer]]
*[[Michael J. London]] as [[Sire Uri's Guard]]
*[[Louise Lorimer]] as [[Elderly Gemon Wife]]
*[[Lee McLaughlin]] as [[Angry Caprican Survivor #1]]
*[[Myrna Matthews]] as Little Supreme/[[Tucan|Tucana]] Singer
*[[Marti McCall]] as [[Tucana]] Singer (vocals)
*[[Patrick Macnee]] as [[Imperious Leader]] (voice)
*[[Don Maxwell]] as [[Serina's Samaritan]]
*[[Reggie Nalder]] as [[Chancery Dealer]]
*[[Jim Peck]] as [[Commentator on Caprica]]
*[[Sarah Rush]] as [[Rigel]]
*[[Felix Silla]] as [[Lucifer]] (costume performance)
*[[Stephanie Spruill]] as [[Tucana]] Singer
*[[June Whitley Taylor]] as [[Otori Sect Disparager]]
*[[David Tress]] as [[Angry Caprican Survivor #2]]
*[[John Zenda]] as [[Sleeping Warrior at Flash Inspection]]
*Uncredited as [[Nanswah]]


* The Battlestar Solaria was mentioned as one of the five Battlestars and one of the ones destroyed during the Peace Conference.
== External Links ==
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxV3PmYTA5s&list=FLrIBODxWIieq6zwvGyKozlg&index=10 1978 ABC TV promo for Saga of a Star World]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20180226004255/http://galactica1981.tripod.com/SAGAOFASTARWORLD.htm Saga of a Star World full summary and review at Sheba's Galaxy]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20180221084010/http://galactica1981.tripod.com/BG.htm Overview of Battlestar Galactica including production difficulties]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20180222230532/http://galactica1981.tripod.com/MissingSaga.htm Deleted Scenes from Saga of a Star World]


== Statistics ==
==References==


<!-- All the odds and ends items go here. -->
{{reflist}}
 
=== Guest Stars ===
 
<!-- Please use this format when listing actor/characters. -->
<!-- Also don't forget to link characters through the Wiki by using the brackets: [[ ]] -->
 
* Rick Springfield as Lieutenant Zac
* Lew Ayers as President Adar
* Ray Miland as Sire Uri


{{Episode List (TOS)}}


<!-- Please link people to the Internet Movie DataBase (IMDB). -->
[[Category:A to Z]]
<!-- Example of Link [http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Edward+James+Olomos Edward James Olmos] -->
[[Category:Episode Guide (TOS)]]
[[Category:Episodes written by Glen A. Larson]]
[[Category:Episodes directed by Richard A. Colla]]
[[Category:Episodes directed by Alan J. Levi]]
[[Category:TOS]]


=== Writing & Direction ===
*Written by [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0488991/ Glen A. Larson]
*Directed by [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0171619/ Richard A. Colla]
*Produced by [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0004375/ John Dykstra]
*Executive Producer [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0488991/ Glen A. Larson]
*Supervising Producer [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1625008/ Leslie Stevens]
<!-- Please link people to the Internet Movie DataBase (IMDB). -->
<!-- Example of Link [http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Edward+James+Olmos Edward James Olomos] -->
=== Production Notes ===
*Series 1 (1978 / 1979)
*Production Number: 1.01
*Airdate Order: 1 (of 21)
=== First Run Air Dates & Releases ===
*UK Airdate: Date
*US Airdate: September 17, 1978
*DVD Release: December 28, 2004
{{Episode List (TOS)}}


[[Category: A to Z|Saga of a Star World (TOS)]]
[[de:Kampfstern Galactica (Pilotfilm)]]
[[Category: TOS|Saga of a Star World]]
[[fr:Épisode:Galactica, la bataille de l'espace]]
[[Category: Episode Guide (TOS)|Saga of a Star World]]

Latest revision as of 21:55, 1 December 2024


Saga of a Star World
"Saga of a Star World"
An episode of the Original Series
Episode No. Season 1, Episode 1
Writer(s) Glen A. Larson
Story by
Director Richard A. Colla
Alan J. Levi (uncredited)
Assistant Director
Special guest(s)
Production No. 50280/1/2
Nielsen Rating
US airdate USA 1978-09-17
CAN airdate CAN {{{CAN airdate}}}
UK airdate UK
DVD release 2004-12-28
Population survivors
Additional Info Series Premiere
Full Credits
Episode Chronology
Previous Next
None Saga of a Star World Lost Planet of the Gods, Part I
[[IMDB:tt{{{imdb}}}|IMDb entry]]
Listing of props for this episode
Related Media
Photo Gallery @ BW Media
Promotional Materials
Online Purchasing
Amazon: Standard Definition | High Definition
iTunes: [{{{itunes}}} USA]



The Human-Cylon peace accords are a ruse by the genocidal Cylons, determined to exterminate all humanity. Only the battlestar Galactica and a ragtag Fleet survive, journeying across the galaxy in search of a long-lost sister civilization, Earth. On the first leg of their journey, the Fleet is lured to the planet Carillon for fuel and relaxation—and barely survives a trap by the Ovions, an underground, insectoid species in league with the Cylons.

Summary[edit]

Prelude to Destruction[edit]

  • The episode opens with a shot of five battlestars that comprise the Colonial Fleet assigned to the Peace Treaty. They are the battlestars Galactica, Atlantia, Acropolis, Pacifica and Triton.
  • As the Seventh Millennium of Time approaches, President Adar toasts his Quorum of Twelve on the celebration of peace between humanity and the Cylon Empire. In the Quorum are Adama and Baltar.
  • Aboard Galactica, Lieutenant Zac, Apollo's younger brother, convinces Starbuck to let him take his patrol with Apollo so he can prove that he is a worthy warrior. Apollo, aware of the deception, agrees and Apollo and Starbuck reminisce of their younger days and Apollo teases Starbuck about his stomach (the "ailiment" that Starbuck uses in front of Zac and Apollo as the excuse to allow Zac to fly).
  • Flight Corporal Rigel clears Apollo and Zac for launch and the two launch on their patrol of the Lianus Vector.
  • Aboard Atlantia, Adar congratulates Baltar on his work on the armistice. Adar later meets with Adama, who gives his misgivings about the peace treaty and the Cylon's hatred of humanity and freedom. Adar assures him that the Cylons have sued for peace.
  • On patrol, Zac notices two targets above the old moon of Cimtar. Apollo flies ahead and identifies one target as an empty Cylon tanker. On reaching the second ship, a freighter, Apollo's scanners are jammed. Suspicious that the freighter is hiding something, Apollo continues flying through the mist and encounters a huge armada of Cylon Raiders.

Battle of Cimtar[edit]

  • Apollo and Zac engage four pursuing Raiders, but Zac's top engine is damaged in the attack. Apollo assures him that they can easily handle four to one odds. Zac's scanner soon shows the odds are worsened to a thousand to one. Zac tells Apollo to warn the fleet of the impending Cylon ambush. Apollo reluctantly leaves his younger brother behind.
  • Commander Adama and Athena return to Galactica to find the whole ship on alert. At Core command, Colonel Tigh informs Adama that their patrol ran into some trouble but the reports are being jammed. Adama reports this to the President and asks to launch a patrol to intercept. Baltar convinces Adar not to launch fighters due to the delicate nature of the peace treaty. Adama then asks that the fleet be brought to a state of alert. Adar says he will consider it.
Adama and Tigh survey the situation nervously
  • Tigh informs Adama that the patrol is under Apollo's command and that Zac is with him. Adama now realizes the gravity of the situation.
  • Zac continues his journey home ahead of the Cylon fighter fleet, but his damaged Viper is slowly losing ground.
  • Ignoring orders, Adama begins a battle station drill to avoid direct violation of the President's orders while allowing him to scramble his fighters for an initial defense.
  • Starbuck enjoys a game of Pyramid with some Gemonese warriors. His hand, a full Pyramid, wins. The alert klaxon sounds just as he tries to collect his winnings.
  • Zac's Viper is destroyed by the Cylons in sight of the fleet. When Adar asks what that explosion was, Adama sadly answers, "That was my son, Mr. President."
  • The Cylons commence their attack on the battlestars. Only Galactica is in a sufficient state of readiness to fight; none of the other battlestars can launch their fighters.
  • Apollo returns to the bridge and reports on the Cylon ambush and asks to go back to escort Zac back in. He is informed of Zac's death.
  • Apollo informs Tigh and Adama that he found no basestars in the area that supported the fighters. They realize that the tankers were used to re-fuel the fighters, allowing the basestars to be elsewhere.
  • Adama realizes the basestars are gathering to attack the Colonies themselves. Adama contacts Adar and requests permission to leave the battle in order to attempt to defend their home planets. During this transmission the Cylons bear down on battlestar Atlantia and destroy her.

Flight to Caprica[edit]

  • The Imperious Leader, on a basestar near the Colonies, orders the planetary attack to begin.
The infamous Lights of Caprica scene!
  • Adama orders Galactica to head for Caprica to defend the colony. Viper pilot Greenbean and other pilots notice the battlestar leaving the battle zone.
  • As Galactica closes in on the Colonies, the jamming clears to allow them to view a news report from the surface of Caprica from Serina. As the attack begins, Serina ends her report abruptly to find her son Boxey, whose daggit is killed. Galactica's crew watch helplessly as the destruction of the colonies continues. Even the outer colonies such as Sagitara are not spared.
  • Adama elects to go down to the surface of Caprica in his shuttle. Fearing for his father's safety, Apollo convinces Adama to accompany him in his fighter.
  • Rigel informs Tigh that 67 fighters returned from the battle; only 25 belong to Galactica. Omega informs Tigh that they are also the only surviving battlestar.
  • Starbuck returns with battle damage and crash lands successfully. Angry over Galactica leaving during the battle, Athena tells him of something more serious: the Colonies are destroyed.
  • On Caprica, Adama finds the ruins of his home. His wife, Ila, is presumed dead, and Adama's grief overwhelms him temporarily.
  • Apollo is confronted by angry colonists. Adama informs the colonists that only Galactica is left to guard the survivors.

The Exodus Begins[edit]

  • Adama tells the colonists to assemble the people in every ship that will carry them. In all, 220 ships leave the ruined worlds to gather behind the last battlestar.
  • At a ship's representative meeting aboard Galactica, Adama tells them of their destination: The home of the Thirteenth Tribe on a planet called Earth.
TV Guide ad for Saga of a Star World
  • Starbuck apologizes to Athena (who is in the process of taking off her pressure suit) for his behavior in the landing bay. Starbuck realizes they may have only tomorrow to live, for but Athena says she cannot commit to a relationship.
  • Boomer and Starbuck are on fleet maintenance on the freighter Gemini to check for battle damage. Apollo is also there, checking for solium leaks with Beta company.
  • They head below decks to find the sad condition of colonists living there. The warriors are told of food and water shortages.
  • As they attend to the wounded, one colonist, Cassiopeia, attempts to help by translating for an ill Geminese man, but is ridiculed for being a socialator.
  • The warriors learn that some people on board the liner Rising Star are living in luxury with hoards of supplies.
  • Apollo re-routes the shuttle to Rising Star and finds Jolly, who indicates most of the food there has Pluton poisoning. They try to salvage some of the food but are told to keep it quiet in fear of a mutiny.
  • The Cylons become aware of Galactica and her escape with survivors. Imperious Leader instructs flight leader Serpentine, a Centurion, to inform Count Baltar of his displeasure, ordering Baltar to deliver either Galactica or his own head.
  • Aboard Rising Star, Serina asks Apollo to help cheer up Boxey. Apollo gives Boxey one of his rank insignia and promises to find him a daggit. Serina thanks Apollo for his help.
  • Boomer and Apollo find Sire Uri and his party. They are appalled by Sire Uri's gluttony and celebration. Ignoring Sire Uri's refusal to give up his supply of food, Apollo orders Boomer to instruct Jolly to gather a crew to distribute the food to others. Boomer asks Apollo if he hasn't overplayed his hand since Sire Uri is a newly elected member of the Council of the Twelve.
  • Cassiopeia's arm is healed by Galactica medical staff and Starbuck agrees to help her find somewhere else to go in lieu of the freighter Gemini.
  • Rigel reports to Tigh that long range patrols report no signs of Cylon pursuit.
Serina, Athena and Cassiopeia

The Path to Carillon[edit]

  • The Council of Twelve debate the Fleet's destination. Believing Carillon is too far to travel because of the food shortage, Uri suggests the planet Borallus, but Adama believes it too dangerous. Apollo suggests a shortcut to Carillon via the Nova of Madagon. However, the Cylons had mined the passage, so Vipers are needed to clear a path for the Fleet. Starbuck and Boomer are "volunteered" for the mission.
  • Apollo gathers Serina and Boxey. Apollo and Doctor Wilker surprise Boxey with Muffit Two, a mechanical daggit. Apollo and Serina share an embrace.
  • Cassiopeia and Starbuck spend some intimate time on the flight deck before a jealous Athena activates a steam purge in the area and burns Starbuck.
  • The Vipers launch with shielded cockpits to protect from the brightness of the nova. They succeed in destroying the mines, and the fleet reaches Carillon.
  • Adama orders landing operations to begin at once with mineral ships and Landrams. Blue Squadron is ordered to vector in the landing parties.
  • Aboard the main basestar, Baltar appears before the Imperious Leader. The Imperious Leader alters his bargain to spare Baltar's colony and orders Baltar's immediate execution, but stops short and orders him removed for public execution.
  • Boomer and Starbuck come upon strange bright lights and startle a female Tauran coming out of what is apparently a chancery. The woman's excitement over her winnings make it apparent that she is completely unaware of the Colonies' destruction. Starbuck and Boomer enter the casino to investigate.
  • Apollo, Jolly, Serina, Boxey and Muffit travel to the old mine.
  • Boomer questions the validity of the chancery and is amazed that Starbuck can think about making money in light of their plight.
TV Guide cover - Sept. 16, 1978
  • Boxey chases after Muffit when he escapes the landram, with Jolly not far behind. Serina and Apollo share a tender moment alone. Muffit and Boxey are "kidnapped" by the Ovions.

Refuge?[edit]

  • Jolly, Apollo and Serina search for Boxey but are also taken captive by the Ovions and brought below the surface to the Ovion's domain. They are re-united with Boxey, Muffit, Starbuck and Boomer. Apparently the Ovion Queen has offered her friendship and all that Carillon has to offer.
  • On hearing of the events on Carillon, Adama questions the Ovion's hospitality and notices that only small amounts of fuel are arriving from the surface.
  • Cassiopeia and Athena both attempt to rendezvous with Starbuck on Carillon. They discover each other, and Starbuck is left without a companion.
  • Some guests of the hotel enter an elevator to go their rooms, but the elevator takes them below to Ovions, who capture them.
  • Adama and Tigh realize that they have been deceived about the amount of tylium on Carillon, and suspect Cylon involvement.
  • Aboard Galactica, the council meets with Adama to discuss the dismantling of arms. During this meeting the history of the war and the humans involvement with the Hasari is discussed. Adama balks at the discussion of laying down their arms and leaves the meeting. The council decides to let the colonists decide their fate at a function to award Apollo, Starbuck and Boomer for their heroism in leading the Fleet through the Straits of Madagon.
  • Cassiopeia enters an elevator on Carillon and is also captured by the Ovions. She witnesses the three previous colonists being cocooned by The Ovions.
  • Aboard Galactica, Tigh meets with Adama in secret to devise a plan to keep their warriors battle ready while fooling Sire Uri and the Ovions, giving the impression that actual warriors are in attendance. To aid in the ruse, Adama decides to launch routine patrols to appease the Council, but will be used in truth to await a Cylon trap. Tigh is put in charge of gathering uniforms and people to fill them.
  • Starbuck, Boomer, and Apollo gather on the surface. Uri is satisfied that most of the warriors are in attendance. Boomer motions to Starbuck that there are three unknown men wearing the insignia from Blue Squadron. Starbuck goes to investigate and runs into Apollo. Starbuck reports the imposters, and all enter an elevator to head below the surface.
  • Uri impatiently informs Boomer to find Starbuck and Apollo.
  • Starbuck and Apollo continue their search for the imposters while a Cylon Centurion receives a report from an Ovion of the warrior count at the party.
The Anthem scene - A deleted scene occurring after the flight from Carillon in which the entire cast attends a ceremony, and Apollo learns of Serina's illness.

The Battle of Carillon[edit]

  • Apollo and Starbuck jury rig the elevator to go lower below Carillon. They encounter the Ovions and Cylons.
  • Starbuck questions the connection between the surface and the Ovions below. Starbuck suggests that Apollo go back up and gather the colonists while he stays below to set fire to the tylium. Apollo refuses, remembering his abandonment of Zac.
  • Boxey comes out of an elevator in pursuit of Muffit. As a Cylon aims his weapon at Boxey, Apollo and Starbuck intervene.
  • In the battle, the warriors find the cocoons of the humans that the Ovions are feeding on, as well as Cassiopeia, who they rescue in the nick of time.
  • The Imperious Leader orders the springing of the Cylon trap.
  • Starbuck and Apollo, with Cassiopeia, Boxey and Muffit in tow, begin their escape, while the Cylons begin their attack run at Galactica and the Fleet.
  • Boomer joins in with Starbuck and Apollo as they escape back to the surface to warn everyone of the danger. Apollo and the others reach the surface and warn the others to leave. Uri balks at this idea until a Cylon appears, and hastily changes his mind.
  • Jolly and a series of Landrams arrive to help in the escape. Apollo and Starbuck find out that the Landrams were ordered in place by Adama.
  • Boxey tells Serina that he wishes Apollo could be his dad. Starbuck kisses Cassiopeia goodbye.
  • The warriors launch from Carillon as the attack on Galactica begins, engaging the Cylons as Galactica takes heavy hits.
  • Apollo, along with Starbuck, goes after the lone basestar with Imperious Leader hidden behind Carillon. Adama refuses to authorize the warriors to chase the base ship but Apollo and Starbuck continue their pursuit using the Cylon frequency to give the impression of four squadrons (Blue and Green, Red and Yellow).
  • The Imperious Leader receives news of the counterattack and orders the baseship behind Carillon.
  • Adama is astonished at the ruse that Starbuck and Apollo are planning.
  • The Imperious Leader is given a report of the six squadrons approaching them and the destruction of their entire Raider complement. He orders the basestar lower to the surface but is warned of the temperature reaching critical points.
  • Starbuck and Apollo reach the baseship. Tigh reports the planet reaching vapor point.
  • The Cylons now realize that the plan is a deception and open fire on Apollo and Starbuck. Starbuck and Apollo escape just as the planet and basestar are destroyed.
  • Baltar is brought before another Imperious Leader, who explains he has examined Baltar's epistle and spares his life: Not to serve the Cylon Empire, but to serve his people. Baltar is given the task of extending the hand of truce to the humans. Baltar explains that the humans are not likely to be receptive.
  • The Imperious Leader gives Baltar command of a basestar with an IL-Series Drone named Lucifer to serve at his aide to accomplish this task.

Adama's Notes[edit]

And the word went forth to every outpost of humanity, and they came - the Aries, the Gemons, the Virgos, the Scorpios, the Pisceans and the Sagitarrans. In all, two hundred and twenty ships, representing every colony, color and creed in the star system. The human race might have one more chance, but first it would have to survive the alliance, the elements and the unknown dark and sinister threats that would lie ahead.

We've come so far, so quickly. There's been little time for reason. What is the secret behind the existence of this outpost on the outer rim of our star system? There are many such oases for intergalactic travelers, but none so far off the known arteries of trade, and none so curiously close a tylium mine. Fuel has begun to arrive from the Ovion mines, but in curiously small quantities. Now I feel the growing need for extraordinary measures of precaution. The ships continue to hover over the planet, supported by maintenance crews whose spirits are depleted as their numbers. Everyone seems to have forgotten our flight from the Cylons. The beauty and wiles of Carillon hold our people spellbound.

Notes[edit]

General[edit]

  • There are (at least) three different versions of this pilot episode: a theatrical release originally shown in movie theaters around the world, a three-part pilot for television, and the original 1978 home video release (in addition to the original 3 hour television broadcast). The DVD box set includes this episode complete—with all the parts restored that were deleted, shortened, or altered to some degree.
  • The original transmission of this episode was interrupted on the East Coast for more than an hour due to the signing of the Camp David Peace Accord between Israel and Egypt. President Jimmy Carter hosted the signing between Israel's Prime Minister Menachem Begin and Egypt's President Anwar Sadat. ABC chose to continue the transmission from the exact point of the interruption since it had heavily promoted the show and was committed to the new series.
  • Saga of a Star World aired as a tv movie in a single installment on September 17th, 1978, and was thereby the only episode of the show which did not have a running time of approximately 50 minutes. With commercial breaks, the episode ran 3 hours. For subsequent television showings, in the USA and overseas, it was re-edited into three 50-minute episodes.
  • The 3-hour television movie with which the show premiered has always been known (unofficially) as Saga of a Star World, but this title nowhere appears on screen. The title credits describe the production only as Battlestar Galactica. In the course of production, early in 1978, Glen Larson signed a contract to hire virtually the entire special effects team who, until 1977, had been employed by George Lucas on the movie Star Wars; but Lucas, worried by the similarity of the term Star World to the title of his hit movie, threatened legal action if Larson used the term in connection with the proposed project, then known as The Galactica. Lucas would later hire back most of his original effects team, to work on his proposed Star Wars sequel, due out in 1980, making it impossible for them to continue working on Galactica project after the initial mini-series, and forcing Larson to re-cut the effects footage from the 1978 feature film and re-use it on all of the following 18 episodes, instead of new footage.
  • Carol Baxter, who portrayed the talkative woman in the elevator on Carillon, would later portray Macy in "The Lost Warrior."

Behind the Scenes[edit]

  • Galactica's Warrior uniforms were still being manufactured during filming of this episode, thus the pyramid game scenes featured Boomer (Herb Jefferson Jr.) and Jolly (Tony Swartz) with the creative use of towels. For Jefferson, while he had both pants and boots, his tunic was still being assembled and thus he had a towel around his neck. As for Swartz, he did his first day of shooting with a towel around his waist, as neither tunic nor pants were available.[1]

Changes and Sub-Plots[edit]

  • There are two plot threads which were filmed, but later dropped:
    • All the lines of dialogue pertaining to Serina's "space cancer," and thus a majority of Doctor Paye's scenes, were removed. Serina's illness occurs instead because she is affected by the pluton poisoning, which is briefly mentioned by Jolly aboard the Rising Star.
    • In addition, a subplot revolving around Adama's attempt to resign as fleet commander is dropped. All that remains of this is Adama's conversation with Athena, where he reflects on one event on a colony world concerning a woman with a small child.
  • Originally, the "steam purge" scene was shot with a shirtless Starbuck. However, because of the Network's concerns over depicting him partly undressed with a woman, the scene was re-shot with a shirted Starbuck. This re-shoot forced Laurette Spang to return from visiting her family in Michigan.[2]
  • In the feature film version (seen in theaters and on the 1978 videotape release of the feature film), Baltar is beheaded after betraying the Twelve Colonies of Man, on the orders of, and at the feet of, the Imperious Leader. For the series, this was re-edited and his character spared to lead an ongoing pursuit of the remnants of humanity in the televised version of this episode. This change was in part a result of the Cylons becoming a less menacing enemy, due to the Network's Standards and Practices guidelines relating to acts of violence on television, as there could only be a maximum of six "acts of violence" per episode. Thus the need for a more sinister threat portrayed to great dramatic effect by classically trained Shakesperian actor John Colicos, alongside his foil, Lucifer, voiced by Jonathan Harris.

Story Background[edit]

  • The conflict with the Cylons has raged for 1,000 yahren.
  • Each Colony of Man has one representative on the Quorum of the Twelve. After a meeting of the Quorum, each representative returns to "his" battlestar.
    1. Adama represents Caprica and commands the Galactica.
    2. Adar is president and returns to the Atlantia.
  • The Cylons have a hierarchical imperial society, ruled by an emperor (never described as such), who is referred to as the Imperious Leader.
  • The Cylons seek to exterminate all human life, because the Colonials interfered with Cylon efforts to enslave the Hasari's "nation".
  • Nuclear weapons are not a technology used by the Cylons in the Original Series, instead "weapons of mass destruction," in the form of pluton bombs, were used on the Colonies. These are a "lesser" technology used on Terra by both the Eastern Alliance and the Nationalists. In contrast, the Cylons of the Re-imagined Series do use these type of weapons against the Colonies, to devastating effect (TRS: "Miniseries", "The Plan").
  • Apollo points out to Sire Uri at their first meeting that "some 100 people have died since our deliverance from the Cylons," though not due to starvation. Additional people died whilst on Carillon, however, when the Cylons sprang their trap.

Analysis[edit]

  • Adama asks if any of the other ships could launch their Vipers, to which he receives a report that they didn't. Yet Rigel reports that out of the 67 Vipers returning to Galactica, 25 fighters belonged to Galactica. Obviously, the other battlestars launched some of their Vipers, but in few numbers and not in time. Additionally, there might have been patrols from other battlestars that were deployed at the time, but returned to the main fight.
  • Apparently the Ovions have manufactured or acquired human food supplies, but prefer humans to eat over human food, or could not digest human foodstuffs.
  • Baltar's ascension in the Cylon ranks after the Battle of Carillon occurs after the succeeding Imperious Leader finds Baltar's ability to think like humans a valuable asset. The Cylons apparently realize that they are not able to outwit humans using logic, as humans were capable of feats of illogic and daring despite statistical odds. Since Baltar had already shown his willingness to destroy humanity for his own gain, the Cylons may have felt that Baltar would garner the Empire a second, final success in ridding them of the last of humanity for good. Perhaps, as well, with the bulk of the Twelve Colonies gone, the Imperious Leader considered the issue of humanity's existence virtually over, leaving Baltar to "mop up" the remaining mess.
  • It is difficult to imagine that only five battlestars would be the only means of defence for a race made of twelve planets or colonies, especially when there is mention of the Fifth Fleet in "The Living Legend, Part I". In addition, given the length of the Thousand Yahren War, it is very likely that many battlestars and other warships were built. Over time, attrition left the Colonials with fewer (albeit stronger) battlestars, with fighters that outmatched the Cylons even when the Colonials were outnumbered 10 to 1, according to Apollo.
  • The only way to ensure complete destruction is total planetary annilihation. Humanity's destruction is like the ridding of a nest of cockroaches in a home. While it is possible to destroy most of them, a house is so large (with nooks and crevices to hide that cannot be found by pesticides) that complete removal of them is impossible unless the house itself is destroyed. The same is true for the humans scattered in non-urban areas, in shelters, or off-planet. (This is also shown in the Re-imaged Series, as the Caprica Buccaneers pyramid team was able to survive the planetary bombing in the mountains outside of Delphi.)

Questions[edit]

Clerical[edit]

  • If Cimtar is a moon, what planet did it orbit?
  • What happened to the Hasaris?
  • How large is the Cylon Empire? What is the size and disposition of the Cylon forces?
  • How large is the Colonial sphere of influence in the galaxy?
  • Is each colony on a planet or are some of them on moons orbiting another colony's planet?
  • If the Ovions got their food supply from harvesting the Colonials, what were the humans being fed at the casino, and what was sent to the fleet as supplies?
  • From what colony does Baltar originate?

The Fleet[edit]

  • What is the population of the Fleet?
  • Are any of the ships in the Fleet capable of defending themselves?
  • When did the survivors have time (or the resources) to vote for candidates to the Quorum of Twelve? How was this process handled? Who or what body decided the candidates?
  • What was the strength and disposition of the Colonial Fleet?
  • Why weren't the Warriors sent to inspect the ships in their new Fleet not provisioned languatrons? This would have helped Apollo, Starbuck, and Boomer in understanding the elderly Gemonese woman aboard Gemini.

The Cylons[edit]

  • How did the Exodus happen? If the Cylons were instructed to exterminate all of mankind would they not make sure the job was finished and not leave anything behind or any means of escape?
  • If the Cylons wanted to kill all humans, why put one in charge of a basestar?
  • Aside from the Ovions, what other races were part of "the Alliance" referred to by Commander Adama?

Answered Questions[edit]

  • Are the civilian conditions on the Gemini freighter typical of those on the other ships? (Answer #1, Answer #2)
  • It is implied that Baltar did not act alone, as the reports regarding Carillon were filed by his people. Who else conspired with Baltar? (One answer)
  • Did the Colonies have a planetary defense system? (Answer)

Official Statements[edit]

Cast[edit]

  • Richard Hatch discusses reshooting a scene in the episode depicting Ovions eating human flesh from a 1978 interview:
Richard Hatch: "Most companies have to continuously cut corners, settle for less than the best. Not Galactica. We still have to work quick, and there's only so much money, but the producers are determined that everything be the best it possibly can be. They know it's the little places that count. For instance, we have these alien creatures that feed on human flesh. In one shot of them, the lighting wasn't quite right, and their walk was just not convincing. They could have let that go, but they went back and reshot the entire sequence to get the right look, the right texture."[3]

Crew[edit]

  • Richard A. Colla discusses what lead to his termination from the production in a 2008 interview:
It seemed to be, because...I mean it's just that I don't understand it. When you set something loose like that, you've either got to step in and carry the thing yourself, and finish it yourself, or somebody's got to come in and do it. Well, that's kind of what I did for George [Santoro]. George had always been very good to me, and when he need help, I was there for him. So it wasn't about Glen [Larson]. It was about making this thing work for George, and when in the end Glen kept finding little faults, I just told him he was an ungrateful bastard, because everybody was working so hard to pull his ass out of the fire here, and now he's in there pretending like he's the one who has all the ideas here. Well it was his idea originally. Nobody can fault him for that. You know, it's him and the Mormon church. So if you say ok, this is mine, well that's just fine, and I applaud his ability for all of the work that he's able to do in television, all of those opportunities that he saw in movies and then made television shows out of, all that stuff that he was able to convert. So I could even understand where he would want to feel like he was back in control of it once the major roaring fire of this thing was out, and some hope was in the air, but I just found him very ungrateful to all the people who worked so hard for him.[4]
Glen [Larson] didn’t like the way the exterior of the casino was shot, just didn’t have any great feeling of murder and escape and such. That was my first night of shooting, and everybody’s looking at me like I’m the new kid on the block and they’re going, ‘you want me to do what?’ And I’m screaming through the megaphone and people are running back and forth and this and that and the cameras are racing from here to there…well, I wore everybody out, but it turned out to be a good sequence. It did kind of put a feeling of respect for me in people’s minds as to what I was after.[5]
[T]his still holds up, after all this time. Not that I was necessarily surprised by that, but it was nice to see. Because a lot of shows you have fond memories of and then you see them years later and you go: "Oh, geez..."[6]

Noteworthy Dialogue[edit]

Adama: Forgive me, Mr. President, but they hate us with every fiber of their existence. We love freedom. We love independence—to feel, to question, to resist oppression. To them, it's an alien way of existing they will never accept.
Adama: Mr. President, a wall of unidentified craft is closing in on the fleet.
Baltar: Possibly a Cylon welcoming committee.
Adama: Sir, may I suggest we launch a welcoming committee of our own?
Zac: Patrol to fleet, patrol to fleet! I need help!
President Adar: What was that?
Adama (sotto voce): That was my son, Mr. President...
Imperious Leader: The final annihilation of the life form known as Man, let the attack begin.
Serina: We must fight back.
Adama: Yes, we are going to fight back. But not here. Not now. Not in the Colonies. Not even in this star system. Let the word go forth to every man, woman, and child that survived this holocaust. Tell them to set sail at once in every assorted vehicle that will carry them.
Adama: Our recorded history tells us that we descended from a mother civilization, a race that went out into space to establish colonies. Those of us here assembled now represent the only known surviving colonies save one—a sister world far out in the universe, remembered to us only through ancient writings. It is my intention to seek out that remaining colony, that last outpost of humanity in the whole universe.
Serina: Commander Adama... This Thirteenth Colony—this other world—where is it and what is it called?
Adama: I wish I could tell you that I know precisely where it is, but I can't. However, I do know that it lies beyond our star system, in a galaxy very much like our own, on a planet called... Earth.
  • After being chastised by Apollo:
Boomer: Just keep it up, old buddy. You're going to get us into real trouble.
Starbuck: 10,000 light years from nowhere, our planet shot to pieces, people starving, and I'm going to get us in trouble?
Boomer: All I'm saying is—
Starbuck: What's the matter with you? I tell ya, may as well live for today. We might not have many left.
Adama: You didn't see them down there. Their faces—the old, the young—desperate. Begging, screaming for a chance to come aboard—a chance to live. And there I was like God, passing out priorities... as if they were tickets to a lottery. There was one—one woman... with a child in her arms. She tore at my arm as I was boarding the launch to come back.
Athena: Father, don't—
Adama: Guard came up. I saw him out of the corner of my eye and tried to stop him. He shoved her away, pushed her. He didn't see the child. I don't know what happened to that woman. But, God, I don't want it anymore. Let someone else do it.
Athena: Father?
Adama: Take this burden from me.
Serina: Thank you.
Apollo: For what?
Serina: For saving my son's life.
Apollo: You're getting things a little out of proportion... In a way, maybe I should be thanking you.
Serina: You don't know anything about me, or what happened to Boxey's father, or...
Apollo: When you're ready, you'll tell me. In the meantime, nothing that's happened before really counts for much. As far as the human race is concerned, we're all starting over.

Guest Stars[edit]

Uncredited[edit]

External Links[edit]

References[edit]

  1. Altman, Mark A.; Gross, Edward (2018). So Say We All: The Complete, Uncensored, Unauthorized Oral History of Battlestar Galactica. Tor Books. ISBN 9781250128942, p. 73.
  2. Altman, Mark A.; Gross, Edward (2018). So Say We All: The Complete, Uncensored, Unauthorized Oral History of Battlestar Galactica. Tor Books. ISBN 9781250128942, p. 69.
  3. Houston, David (December 1978). "Two Crazy Kind of Guys". Starlog: 29.
  4. Egnor, Mike (29 April 2008). Richard Colla GALACTICA.TV interview (backup available on Archive.org) (in ). Retrieved on 2 June 2019.
  5. Paxton, Susan J.. Battlestar Zone interview with Alan J. Levi (backup available on Archive.org) (in ). Retrieved on 30 April 2008.
  6. Egnor, Mike (17 September 2009). Terrence McDonnell GALACTICA.TV interview (backup available on Archive.org) (in ). Retrieved on 12 June 2019.