Battlestar Galactica: Why the 1978 Version Shines with Hope Over the 2004 Reboot

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I’m really into the modern version of “Battlestar Galactica” that came out in the 2000s, featuring Edward James Olmos and Mary McConnell. The miniseries and first two seasons from this show are some of the finest examples of science fiction available. While it’s not without its flaws, the rich narrative and hard science fiction elements make it a dream come true for any enthusiast.

Many works of fiction, such as “The Terminator,” “The Matrix,” “Star Trek: Picard,” and even “Colossus: The Forbin Project,” share a common theme: Human technology surpassed human control, leading to its domination.

In the 1978 Battlestar Galactica series, a detail that is sometimes missed is that the Cylons were actually robotic counterparts of a dwindling race of lizard-like aliens. These aliens, too, bore the name “Cylons” (I’m not sure why). The Supreme Leader, as you’ll see later, donned an exterior that mimicked the appearance of the original reptilian Cylons.

In the 1978 television show, the Cylons saw humans as an annoying inconvenience and a hindrance to their imperial growth. They secretly plotted against humans while proposing peace, much like in the 2004 adaptation. The outcome was the near-extinction of humans from the Twelve Colonies. After this catastrophe, the starship Galactica took command of a motley fleet and embarked on a quest to find the legendary lost tribe, rumored to reside on Earth.

In the original storyline, humans were portrayed as the noble characters. There was no room for doubt. You found yourself supporting the crew of Galactica and their companions not just because they were up against tough odds, but because they were righteous and on a quest to find us.

This solitary season showcased tales with a religious undertone of good versus evil, such as the two-part series titled “War of the Deities“. These stories were cleverly veiled comparisons for angels and the Devil. The conclusion of these narratives was inspiring and optimistic. Dirk Benedict, who played the original character Starbuck, expressed disappointment with the reboot, stating it as “discouraging, gloomy, filled with despair, anger, and confusion.

Benedict referred to it as ‘re-imagining,’ but he thought it was more like ‘un-imagining.’ He argued that instead of preserving the original intent, they’re turning something uplifting – like a TV series centered around hope, spirituality, and family – into something darker, filled with despair, sexual violence, and family dysfunction.

Indeed, the initial Battlestar Galactica (BSG) series was primarily designed as a family program with its primary audience being the Star Wars demographic. However, the 2004 remake was geared towards adult viewers. Despite this, Benedict’s observation holds merit.

In another example, the final episode of 1978’s BSG, titled “The Hand of God,” depicts Starbuck and Apollo (Richard Hatch, who has passed away) narrowly missing the broadcast from the first manned moon landing in 1969. Yet, hope and accomplishment are present. Conversely, when the Galactica from 2004 reaches “Earth,” it is a desolate, radioactive wasteland. Even the planet that the fleet’s inhabitants eventually call home, referred to as “real Earth,” results in a morally complex conclusion.

I find the 1978 Battlestar Galactica series appealing for similar reasons that I admire the early versions of “Star Trek.” The Federation, contrasted with its neighbors, clearly represents the good side. When instances of suspicious or questionable behavior arise within the Federation, it triggers a moral dilemma, as exemplified by Picard reprimanding Riker for secrecy in “The Pegasus,” and Sisko’s introspection in “In the Pale Moonlight.” These moments serve to remind us of the moral complexities inherent in any decision-making process.

Could such a state of unwavering commitment to righteous ideals really be achieved by humanity?

We can hope.

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2025-03-01 19:00