BATTLESTAR GALACTICA. One of the best science fiction series ever

The original Battlestar Galactica emerged in the wave of Star Wars‘ record-breaking popularity. The series premiered on ABC in 1978. Although it lasted only one season, it gained a fan base overseas. Attempts were made to revive it, but fans prefer to forget about Galactica: 1980. Despite all its flaws, Battlestar Galactica was a breakthrough, at least in terms of television productions. It was a completely different series than the memorable Star Trek; more serious, with an interesting concept and a relatively dark atmosphere. Unfortunately, the producers miscalculated – each episode cost about a million dollars, so the brutal laws of economics determined Galactica’s fate.

Only at the end of 2001, the topic was seriously revisited. The SciFi Channel took on the task of restoring the title to its deserved place. Ronald D. Moore, an already recognized screenwriter and producer, was invited to work on the project. He was previously known for his work on the Star Trek series, where he wrote the script for the excellent final episode of the iconic The Next Generation and the movie First Contact. He also had a hand in producing the popular series Roswell and then Carnivale, created for HBO. Along with executive producer David Eick (Hercules series), they prepared a mini-series project that was soon to capture the hearts of viewers. The war with the Cylons ended 40 years ago. At that time, the machines created by humans flew off in search of their own world, and news of them disappeared. The inhabitants of the twelve colonies believed that dark times were in the past. However, the Cylons did not leave forever. They waited. They prepared. To finally annihilate all of humanity with a single, swift attack… The few who survived the attack, fleeing from ruthless machines, set out in search of the mythical world, the lost thirteenth colony… Earth. The last hope of humanity turns out to be the last ship from a series of giant star cruisers, BATTLESTAR GALACTICA.

Battlestar Galactica is, quite uncommonly, not only an excellent remake but, moreover, the new version turns out to be decidedly better than the original! Moore created an almost brilliant work precisely because he retained elements from the original that fit his own concept, while changing or omitting the rest completely.

Of course, this became the target of attacks from ardent fans of the original, who often pointed out that these changes went too far. At this point, the example most often cited is one of the main characters, Lieutenant Starbuck. In the 70s series, this role was played by Dirk Benedict (better known as Templeton ‘Faceman’ Peck from The A-Team). In the new version, Starbuck… is a woman! However, regardless of this, it must be admitted that all the changes Moore made are as well thought out as they are necessary. And they decidedly work in favor of the series.

But what makes Battlestar Galactica a unique and essential position not only for SF fans? There are many reasons, but the most important is a simple fact – practically from the first minute, the viewer is almost hypnotized… The series captivates with its atmosphere, story, and execution. Throughout, there is a sense of interacting with something extraordinary, unconventional. And perhaps this atmosphere is what determines the way this production is perceived. It is amazing – dark… very dark, apocalyptic. Here, the remnants of the human race must constantly flee from demonic machines. One can feel their fear, excitement, and at the same time, determination.

Battlestar Galactica is also a rich gallery of human characters. Characters, not just figures. They are wonderfully drawn – multidimensional, full of life, and decidedly ambiguous, as often happens. For example, Commander William Adama is not the perfect commander type. Yes, he excels in this role, but at the same time, he is aware that he failed as a husband and father, which affects his relationship with his son, Captain Lee ‘Apollo’ Adama, assigned to Galactica shortly before the attack, with whom he will initially find it difficult to communicate. On the other hand, his first officer, Colonel Saul Tigh, is an alcoholic. The series would not be complete without mentioning Dr. Gaius Baltar, a brilliant scientist who is unwittingly responsible for facilitating the Cylon attack on the Colonies. He is perhaps the most tragic character in the series; cowardly and arrogant, though placed in a difficult situation. It turns out that his assistant and lover is a Cylon, and later, after the attack, somehow manipulates him still, as a kind of creation of his imagination. Baltar, however, cannot, or rather does not want to, find a way out of this very difficult situation. The list is practically endless, as almost every crew member at some point reveals their darker side.

One cannot forget about the Cylons themselves. In the original, they were created by an alien race called – appropriately – Cylons. In Moore’s version, humans turn out to be their creators. They were mainly used as a workforce. However, at some point, the machines rebelled against their creators, leading to a devastating war. The idea is certainly not new, as associations with Terminator immediately come to mind. However, this thread was handled excellently here. Unlike Cameron’s portrayal, not all Cylons are soulless robots. After losing the war, they flew to a new world, where they evolved… into humans! There are copies so perfect that it is almost impossible to distinguish them from their creators. And here arises another fundamental question of what makes us human? In this regard, Battlestar Galactica is closer to Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner. Cylons feel and think just like us. The irony lies in the fact that it is the robot, Number Six, who tries to make Baltar aware of the existence of God (not gods – the Lords of Kobol)! What’s more, some are unaware that they are mere machines. One of such models, created in the likeness of Lieutenant Sharon Valerii, cannot come to terms with the truth. The end of the first series brings more surprises in this matter…

Another thing worth mentioning is the world presented in the series. It is incredibly cohesive, well-developed, and thoughtful. Everything is in its place. There is no talk of simple solutions like in Star Trek, where a ‘minor deflector modification’ seems to be a cure for every problem. Battlestar Galactica is in no way reminiscent of the iconic series by Gene Roddenberry. It is closer to somewhat forgotten Babylon 5 or Starship Troopers. Although the series is set in space, the world in it is a reflection of ours. Galactica itself, in its own way, resembles contemporary aircraft carriers – the most powerful conventional weapon. It is impossible not to notice that the specific hierarchy, customs, and even ranks are modeled on the U.S. Navy. There is even a Marine detachment stationed on board! The same goes for the command system. Commander Adama is the overall commander of the armed forces, but formally, he is subject to the orders of President Roslin, who, at the time of the attack, held the position of Minister of Education. This collaboration does not always go smoothly – both must learn to trust each other. As it will eventually turn out, this won’t be easy.

Finally, it is impossible not to mention technical matters. Firstly, good acting immediately catches the eye. The leading roles are, of course, played by Edward James Olmos, who portrayed Commander William Adama, and Mary McDonnell, known for Dances with Wolves, in the role of President Laura Roslin. James Callis, playing Gaius Baltar, is also outstanding. There is nothing to criticize about the rest of the cast. The technical side is similarly praiseworthy. While special effects may not match Hollywood productions, the computer tricks used in the series deserve recognition. The music is good too. It is not overly emphasized but is rather focused on skillfully building the atmosphere, fitting perfectly into the formula adopted by the creators.

In the end, Battlestar Galactica somewhat unexpectedly became one of the most important works of science fiction in recent years. And one of the best. It is a must-watch for genre fans, and others may pleasantly surprise themselves. Highly recommended!

The author of the text is Marcin Tadera.