Battlestar Galactica (1978) - A Timewarp TV Retrospective

[@evertonporter7887]

Battlestar Galactica is the first sci-fi show where I saw black actors in prominent genre roles. As a young black man, I felt proud. Very proud.

[@flybeep1661]

You were late to the party then, Star Trek preceded that by about 10 years, and it was a black woman.

[@WmTRiker]

@@raindogs The black actor in _Mission: Impossible_ was Greg Morris. Bill Cosby starred in _I Spy_ alongside Robert Culp. And all three shows ( _Star Trek,_ _Mission: Impossible_ and _I Spy_ ) were produced by Desilu Studios.

[@WmTRiker]

@daniellekingdjk3 Uhura did more than "get the thumbs up" from MLK, he's the one who kept Nichelle Nichols from quitting the show.

[@rogerlynch5279]

@@WmTRiker Yes the authobiography of Nichelle Nichols: BEYOND UHURA is also very interesting to read in this respect.

[@kacornish1]

PAY ATTENTION... He said this was the first show where HE "saw black actors in prominent genre roles". I Spy and Star Trek were mid to late 60s. Mission Impossible was over by the early 70s. Maybe he was too young for those and/or he did not see the reruns for whatever reason. He came along just in time for BSG in 1978. Good for him. No need to try to diminish how he feels about the show...

[@robbleeker4777]

This is the Galactica I grew up with and watched, every week

[@davemarx7856]

Huge part of my earliest childhood. This and Buck Rogers

[@Nomadistar]

My people! Ermmm, person! Same.

[@sail2byzantium]

And made by the same people--another Glen Larson thing. The Buck Rogers starfighter was the original Galactica viper design . . .

[@SagaofaCrew]

If you're here than you are obviously a bit more than a just a "Major Big Box Office Franchise Only Fan of Science Fiction" in other words YOU know that the Genre was NOT invented in 1977, you have not pigeon holed your taste, and you may just be what I like to call a 'Comprehensive Science Fiction Fan' rather than a 'mainstream only' Fan! I'm glad you are! I therefore submit for your discovery an introduction to my 1984 production - correct 1984 (of this date fewer than 7000 persons have viewed it's 'Official Trailer') which like BSG, dared to have the audacity to even exist on the same planet as Big Box Office (as far as mainstream fans were concerned) Here's a recent Documentary about it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oWioi3Vme7Vgn8k

[@karlsmith2570]

@@sail2byzantium yup, there was a lot of props from the original Battlestar Galactica series that was used in Buck Rogers, for example: The power lock that Buck used against the title character in the episode "Space Vampire" was the pendant that Adama used as a key while they're searching the tombs on Kobol for the 13th tribe's journey to Earth The Star pins that all of the Viper pilots have on their uniforms were used as rank pins for the Zikarian officers in the episode, "Journey To Babel", the 2nd Buck Rogers episode after Hawk was added to the series The Dorian ship in the series finale of Buck Rogers, "The Dorian Secret" was used in Battlestar Galactica as a Cylon Tanker

[@plymouth491]

After BSG was canceled, Buck Rogers picked up the mantle. Also, Glen Larson, being a Mormon, put a few LDS themes into the story.

[@ChivalryPro]

That scene with the Pegasus is my all time favorite. "No, the Other Battlestar."

[@annoyed707]

You can imagine the "Frak!"

[@tonynewman9835]

That's impossible. No it's a Battlestar

[@swinglowsweetchariot2068]

Me too. Take that Baltar!

[@billc5378]

Well him in the Raider wearing a Cylon helmet before then, lol. A close second is when Baltar misreads/falls for the Pegasus strategy several times and finally figures out Cain is in the Battlestar heading directly for him and he just flips out. "What does he care about the Galactica or the fleet, he wants ME!" Classic!

[@les4767]

Yep, great cliffhanger... "What?!...Turn, you fool, TURN!!!!!" To be continued....

[@wilfredodiaz8743]

It was a great show back in the days. I was very young when they first aired but I remember seeing some of the episodes. I used to love the voices of the Cylons it was freaking awesome

[@juicebirdmedia1406]

I love Classic Battlestar Galactica so much!!

[@jimsquire9048]

A viper model sits proudly three feet from where I type this.Battlestar Galactica was awesome.

[@billc5378]

I had the Viper Launch Station with flying rubber vipers! My dad was too good to me!

[@wayne3302264]

I had a viper and cylon raider model back then but sold them to a friend many years ago.

[@classicgalactica5879]

I have a Viper model and a model of the Galactica herself.

[@1badsteed]

Full size?

[@charlesballard5251]

@@wayne3302264 The Monogram models of the Viper and Raider hit the shelves a week or two (at least) before the show premiered. I bought them together and built them in the same night.

[@robertthomas5736]

The Greatest Space Spectacular Ever Filmed

[@mose717]

I still want one of those flight jackets.

[@johnmagill9496]

They haven't made those since The Great Velour Shortage of '79.

[@MU-rx1tc]

I have one !

[@MrGlock509]

You can have a complete warrior uniform made that is show correct

[@bbb462cid]

@@johnmagill9496 you mean suede

[@patrickbrennan1317]

This original version was clearly influenced by world war 2 and the Cold War but overall it more enjoyable than the new version which although better with the effects, was depressing and hopeless.

[@SicilianStealth]

I love how Caprica at one point plays the original Battlestar Galactica theme song. I was with the 7th Colonials on Battlestar Galactica Online. Thank you also for mentioning Space 1999 as for me it was UFO also produced by Gerry Anderson. Anne Lockhart of Lost In Space June Lockhart was in a Star Trek Continues episode. Thank you for a wonderful presentation.

[@michaelhorning6014]

I was 11 when this came out in 1978. I loved it unreservedly. My Halloween costume that year was a Viper pilot.

[@davidsapir3764]

Nope, I never had to grow up first to appreciate Battlestar Galactica. I was 9 when it debuted and freaked out over it, thought it was the greatest show ever and never missed it.

[@HexNottingham]

My biggest (and only) crush on that show was Flight Corporal Rigel!! Damn, I wish they would have done an episode dedicated to her. "Launch when ready."

[@rbrtck]

Yes, she was an underrated cutie! I would have loved to see her making a kill in a Viper.

[@str.77]

When I was a kid, this was more of a presence than Star Wars. Star Wars was something that had run in the cinema before I entered primary school and was now only present by merchandise and collectables. But Galactica was shown on TV. Actually, the very first piece of music I recorded unto my first music cassette was the Galactica theme. However, The Galactica I knew back then wasn't the entirety of the series but three longer movies: the pilot, the one involving the Pegasus and a "best of" of Galactica 1980 (mosty "The Night the Cylons" landed) - back then, we didn't know that this was a separate show. Of course, these movies created continuity issues as Baltar was executed in the first movie and then commanded a basestar in the 2nd movie.

[@camdflage]

I named my son Apollo - that's how much this show affected me :)

[@charlesballard5251]

I'll name my dogs Chani and Stilgar. The Spice must flow....

[@camdflage]

@Wyeil Arbukle that’s your opinion.

[@bradthurkle7217]

Wow that’s awesome. Him and Starbuck were by favorite characters.

[@mattphillips538]

Ann Lockheart is the daughter of June Lockheart of Lost in Space. Here's to you Mrs Robinson.

[@nicholasr6381]

Matt Phillips wow I never knew that

[@lynninpain]

Ann looks so much like her mother!

[@user-oh9nh6zl2c]

Woe, Woe Woe , here's to you Mrs. Robinson ............ Etc. Etc for those in the know ...

[@mattphillips538]

@@user-oh9nh6zl2c Heaven holds a place for those who pray...

[@pjgathergood6987]

@Matt Phillips - This is true. In fact, there's a first season episode of 'Magnum, p.i.' ('Lest We Forget') where she and her mother play the same character set 40 years apart. I've also mentioned it in my own comments I've just posted on the video, but she also came close to co-starring as Bonnie in 'Knight Rider', just loosing out to Patricia McPherson (though she played several different guest characters within that series).

[@samuraikitty18]

My favorite scene..."I think you should look at the OTHER Battlestar...." I was eight when this show came out and I adored it, especially Starbuck. DB had charisma to spare. My brothers and I also had a few Vipers and Cylon ships. It was awesome that the Vipers were close enough scale to Star Wars figures to use to make alternate characters.

[@rbrtck]

There weren't many, but I love those moments, like this one, when the centurions would hilariously point out the obvious or have a human-like reaction. A couple of other instances off the top of my head are when "Red-eye" says "Uh oh" upon seeing Apollo's laser pistol (instead of a weak pneumatic "numo" gun as used by the locals), and when one centurion pointed out to Baltar or Lucifer that the element of surprise wasn't was effective as expected. They may seem simple, but they had some common sense when their superiors had their heads in the clouds. ;)

[@vitoaugello1677]

Everyone forgets poor Athena....absolutely gorgeous.

[@VectrexForever]

When I finally saw BSG again after many years, I found out kid me had good taste :D

[@raymondjamesrivera]

@@VectrexForever Her and Erin Gray set the standard for my taste in women! Kid us had great taste lol

[@docsavage-8616]

Sheba was played by Ann Lockhart, The Daughter of June Lockhart from Lost In Space.

[@alvarolozano711]

I AGREE. SHE WAS AWESOME.

[@Loreman72]

I will never forget the 'By your command!' And 'Of coursssse!'

[@ACGreviews]

Very well done

[@DOCTOR_SONG]

Dude! I loved this so much that I cried a bit because I remember when I was little watching it feeling so hopeful and strong about the future . and today my friend with this video you reminded me who I am and what I stand for . thank you for your video!

[@epb0205]

Just a quick note, John Colicos (Baltar) played the Klingon Kor in Star Trek: The Original Series, and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.

[@serpentsepia6638]

Yeah, I thought he looked familiar on Deep Space Nine.

[@annoyed707]

Lorne Green and John Colicos: two Canadian actors in the show. There are probably others but I can't recall who.

[@Wolffen51]

@@annoyed707 they were the only two and they were also close friends off screen as well...

[@michaelmcfarland1716]

Also had a part in an episode of War of The Worlds tv series

[@joelb2297]

I met John Colicos at a Trek Convention here in Toronto, many years ago. He was nice and loved his fans. I remember he sat in the audience WITH the fans at various other stage events even though he was 'a guest,' he liked to mingle with the fans...

[@KevinSmith-qn8fn]

when i was a little kid i used to tape the shows audio on an old tape recorder and listen to them late at night when i was supposed to be asleep lol

[@davidarmitage4132]

Kevin Smith me too lol

[@DCGuy1997]

Ditto!

[@model101t800]

Finding out later it blew my mind that Chameleon, the father of Starbuck, was Fred Astaire

[@timbaker6428]

Battlestar Galactica wasn't originally made to be a weekly series. It was suppose to be either a monthly or bi-monthly movie event. Also, the Cylons were a race of reptile like creatures, who when facing extinction and losing the war with humans, built the centurians to continue the battle. Lastly, Sheba came from the Battlestar Pegasus..

[@patrickmckown5996]

Interesting side note: Lucifer was voiced by Jonathan Harris (Dr. Smith-original Lost in Space series). And Sheba (Anne Lockhart) mother June Lockhart was in the original Lost in Space series.

[@muznick]

I knew his voice was familiar but never could place it.

[@UltraKryptonian]

I really wanted Lucifer to say, "Silence, ninny!"

[@billc5378]

Oh the pain, the pain!

[@bernardoconnor1502]

Sheba was definitely a favorite during my developing teenage years watching BSG. I thought the Galactica Flight Control Officer was cute too. I loved hearing her say "Launch when ready".

[@pjskywalker2457]

This was a favorite of mine after I saw the 1977 Star Wars and I grew to love Battlestar more than StarTrek, which I never thought would be possible. I thank you for making this video as this series seems to be forgotten unfortunately. I hope you will continue to bring back the gang from the “rag tag fleet” trying to make their way to Earth.😍

[@rjkral]

Great video, fantastic summary of the classic series. I was a big fan but could recognize that even the first half of the first 2 hours was FAR superior than anything that came after. You make a gazillion great points, well done!! And thanks for the upload.

[@edh9999]

This is the very first tv show I can remember watching on tv. Wouldn't miss an episode for anything or anyone. I still love it so much that I couldn't bring myself to like the remake, even though I tried really hard for about half the pilot episode. I can still recite the entire intro narration from memory, and it's been about 25 years since I've seen any full episode. Aaah, the memories...

[@lamarravery4094]

Yeah the original Battlestar Galactica was far superior to the reboot. For one thing, they had lasers. And the soundtrack and narration was great. I could never watch all of the new reboot, while I have seen the original complete episodes many o many times.

[@SkyFireDrone2022]

I absolutely loved the original as a kid and had many battles in my room with my toy viper and Cylon fighters. Fast forward a couple decades to the intense drama of the re-boot with a female Starbuck and it was obvious we had a much grittier story. I absolutely loved it. And I had to smile when Adama picked up the same style radio handset I used in my early days in the Army. They even busted out Adama’s old Viper in an episode that was definitely a blast from the past and a nod to the old series. The “new” series was definitely overly sexualized but the social issues and stories were far superior than the majority of crap that passes as reality television to this day. If you have never watched more than a couple of episodes (I was hooked after three) then you’ve missed the whole point. The original was the foundation, and one that was mimicked in video games like Homeworld (that even had a BSG mod), Eve Online, and just about anything else set in space. I will always love these old shows but I also appreciate what they evolved into. 🤓

[@marlonvanwijland1428]

Maybe the best sci-fi space jock uniforms from any sci-fi series...

[@Chanticlair47]

I was totally mesmerized by the Ship of Lights, the advanced beings and of course John who was played by Edward Mulhare..... that episode or the idea of that episode laid the groundwork for Quantum Leap.

[@jamiesloan5902]

I was born in '72, so of course I absolutely loved this show, and Buck Rogers. I even remember getting the action figures, and spaceships for Christmas!! I just stumbled on an episode of Buck Rogers tonight, while watching TV. That's what brought me here! Brings back some great, early childhood memories. I took these shows very serious! lol

[@MarkSW]

I agree, Serina was a lovely character. And Jane Seymour is a great actress.

[@ronaldboers8061]

Pitty she did not want to stay on.

[@infindebula]

And drop-dead gorgeous.

[@billc5378]

Well considering she got her own series, I'm not surprised

[@robertthomas5736]

Laurette Spang as Cassiopeia

[@bryanmccauley7913]

I remember being stuck in traffic in Houston thinking we were going to miss the premiere. I was eight. I also had a Space 1999 lunchbox.

[@lunacouer]

I was 6 when this was on TV, and I loved Muffit. I didn't have any strong feelings either way about Boxey, but I wanted Muffit to come live with us. 😂 I have such warm feelings towards this series. The futuristic sci-fi space adventure was cool, but it was the religious/mystical aspects that were so compelling to my little mind. It added to the mystery of their quest to find home, a combination of fantasy and sci-fi I've not experienced since. I'm sure I've just never heard of something similar, and a lot of this is from the experience of a child's mind. Still, it's a special series, and I wish we'd had more episodes.

[@MTB214]

The creator was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, is why there were some religious themes. I am watching the series from 2004 on. I will watch the original after.

[@blazel462]

I was 10 when it was on, and that’s how I felt about Athena, Serina and Cassiopeia.

[@scottphillips5901]

I grew up on these shows in the 70's. At the time this stuff was fantastic. Thanks to Star Wars there were a number of good sifi shows to watch. The only down side ... having to wait for the shows each week. And just having VHS to record them (Edit: I think my parents got one around the mid 80's). Sometimes the local station would miss an episode too. That was rare, but super annoying. PS: Athena was super hot. Always had a crush on her.

[@mikewoodman2872]

VHS?? If you asked my 7-year old self at the time what that was, you'd get a blank stare. You grew up in luxury! My generation had to make ourselves present & accounted for when our fave shows graced the TV screen. Hard times, I tell ya! ...all joking aside, having to watch TV shows "live" without any opportunity to record them actually added to the anticipation. Fun times!

[@scottphillips5901]

@@mikewoodman2872 Lol Well I think it was the mid to late 80's before we had a VHS. I think it was a Betamax actually. :)

[@mikewoodman2872]

@@scottphillips5901 Betamax! I remember those format wars. Did you ever see the Simpsons where Snake is seen running from a B&E with a VCR and he looks and to his dismay, he says "ohn noe, beta"?

[@scottphillips5901]

@@mikewoodman2872 yep lol

[@craiga.glesner424]

Kinda still have thing for Athena. :)

[@rbrtck]

I have to say that the original _Battlestar Galactica_ enthralled me from the first moment. I didn't like the kid stuff (as a kid--you're right about that) or the cheesy bits, but there was enough substance in its premise, some real moments of human drama, and many characters that I actually cared about and rooted for that made me look forward to every episode. Over the years I think I've only grown to love it more, given my sense of nostalgia of course, and even the kid stuff and cheesy bits seem more amusing now than annoying. I've changed surprisingly little as a person since that time, but if anything I've mellowed out slightly on things like that. This is definitely one of my all-time favorite TV shows, whatever its faults. By the way, although this is more obvious to me now as an adult who is familiar with various theories about the extraterrestrial origin of humans, I remember back in the day as a kid knowing none of this how it was so cool when I made the connection between the Colonial helmet design, architecture (complete with pyramids), and ancient Egypt. This was confirmed when the ragtag fleet made their way to the planet of humanity's origin, Kobol. I was so excited that I had to point it out and explain it to my mom, who was watching while doing something else and not paying close attention. She was just like "Huh, their imagination!" but I thought it was the coolest thing about the most awesome show on television. :)

[@erics8757]

Rbrtck: you're so right!! Me and my best friend would talk on the phone right after each episode to discuss the show. I remember how excited we were after the Kobol episode, and talked about it for over an hour. Considering the limitations of science fiction television at the time, special effects and all that, the show was incredibly good, and holds it's own even today.

[@docholiday8308]

The episode was"The Lords Of Kobal"

[@norbypohl413]

I still clearly remember at 11 years old, after watching the first 30 minutes of the 3 hour first episode in my room, running downstairs all fired up telling my parents how good it was. Yes, the show was such a big deal for the network, they took the entire primetime block for it's debut and no commercial break for the 1st 30 min. That was a unprecedented for that era. BTW, Athena was the hottest chick in the history of TV....Ok, Sheba and Serina were up there too. What a show!

[@Dude_Slick]

Yeah, I was 16 at the time, and I was all in. That being said Cassiopeia was pretty smoking hot too. All four of them got my teenage motor running .

[@KaitainCPS]

Maren Jensen was almost supernaturally attractive. One thing I'd say watching the show now is that Herb Jefferson Jr is often the glue that holds certain scenes together when it's the trio of Apollo, Starbuck and Boomer. His comic timing is excellent. He's usually the straight man sighing slightly at the latest crackpot scheme being proposed.

[@conroypaw]

Seriously, who didn't develop a crush on Sheba?

[@PungiFungi]

I remember how when Sheba was introduced, she kind of steamrolled the other characters out of the way and she became a trio of sorts with Starbucks and Apollo.

[@thomasmccullough7233]

Conroy Paw I know I did!

[@fasteddie406]

Me. her eyes sort of weird me out. Plus I had a crush on Wilma Deering.. but at age 11 only had place enuff for 1 mature lass.

[@ixon4330]

Conroy Paw who?

[@jackdull5699]

My crush as Cassiopeia, but Sheba was pretty too.

[@AALavdas]

Great video! Only objection: Why is the fact that "the production, design and overall look of the thing is very much of the 1970s" a flaw? All TV series and movies are products of their time. For me, this adds to their charm.

[@HepCatJack]

Like the mini-skirts in Star Trek being a product of the 1960's. Perhaps they should have kept this aspect in Star Trek strange new world.

[@lamarravery4094]

You preferred Space 1999 over Battlestar? Battlestar Galactica was brilliant, I remember loving it when I was a kid. I wish it kept going for another 5 yrs. And Buck Rogers was another one of my favorites, that ended too soon as well.

[@TheDutchGhost]

Regarding Buck Rogers, while Hawk would make a good additional character to the cast I found the premise or theme of Season 1 better than that of Season 2. I also did not like how Wilma Deering's role was reduced from kickass female to communications officer. As was suggested in another video's comment section, it would have been cool if the characters of Buck Rogers met the characters of Battlestar Galactica in crossover after both respective series' season 1.

[@studinthemaking]

Lamarr Avery Same here.

[@sunsetvlogs5500]

I’m 16 and after rewatching Star Wars for the first time in about 10 years I had a sudden urge for more and arrived at battlestar galactiga and my view on bsg is that it’s definitely limited by its era and budget but it has moments which are genuinely thrilling so it’s not just nostalgia it’s good

[@TheDutchGhost]

@@sunsetvlogs5500 There is something about the atmosphere of the original Star Wars movies that could also be found in Battlestar Galactica (and Buck Rogers), the later Star Wars movies never exactly managed to recreate. I am probably speaking from nostalgia but there is a form of innocence, optimism, or wide eyed curiosity in these 70s/80s sci fi that has become rather lost.

[@sunsetvlogs5500]

TheDutchGhost I think the problem is that sci fi is seen as this academic topic and you need to know everything about it however in the 70s and 80s this didn’t really exist and people just wanted to make good interesting films but in space

[@DrQuizzler]

Now THAT'S how to make a brilliant tribute video!! Beautifully done!!

[@09rja]

Actually Baltar did say why he betrayed the colonies. He wanted his colony spared and it to be under his rule. (Obviously some sort of inter-colonial rivalry/conflict.) Good review btw.

[@armastat]

yep and hey expanded on that in the remake series as well as the Caprica series

[@RCAvhstape]

@@armastat In the remake series Baltar was tricked into giving away the defense secrets by Cylon Model Six, because she was hot and slept with him and he thinks with his little head.

[@countzero1136]

@Peter A. The remake was OK as its own thing, but VERY hard to swallow for us that grew up with the original. Don't mention Galactica 1980 though - that was just embarassing.

[@countzero1136]

@Peter A. Wow. I knew it was released on bluray as part of the boxed set but didn't realise that it had a dvd release too. I still have the original show on VHS but never bothered getting G1980

[@sjng68]

@Peter A. Me too, although I didn't end up watching all the episodes. Whoever thought flying motorbikes were a good idea needed a good talking to. There was one episode about the Galactica kids that was pure nonsense.

[@ZaidDesignsTV]

Great review... this was one of our favorite saturday night shows to watch.

[@thereallantesh]

I loved this show when I was a kid. I was 7 years old when it came out, and was absolutely glued to the TV every week. I also had a huge crush on Jane Seymour. I thought she was the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen, and still do.

[@michaelhorning6014]

Ancient astronauts was a big thing in the 70's. Erik Von Daniken's Chariots of The Gods? was very well known.

[@annoyed707]

It was and still is nonsense, but fun for speculation.

[@TommygunNG]

Glen Larson is LDS, and Mormon theology fits into all that.

[@alessandroaprile181]

@@TommygunNG the fact mormon theology fit in is another evidence of nonsense.

[@davedave6650]

Glen A. Larson: Science Fiction Genius.

[@karlsmith2570]

He also created "Buck Rogers In The 24th Century", which reused a lot of the props and sets from BSG (in Fact: the Earth Defense Directorate fighter ships were recycled models for the colonial Vipers)

[@jgoodman75]

Loved this show so much. Cool characters and design. Also there were babes! So many beauties on this show.

[@matsamuel5655]

The pilot film was released in U.K. cinemas before the series was shown on TV. Also the 2 parter 'The Living Legend' was released in U.K. cinemas under the title 'Mission Galactica, The Cylon Attack'. Both films had a limited release in the 'Sensurround' sound format.

[@robertleeluben]

They had it in Sensurround in Miami too the following summer, it was part of a kids summer movie club thing where you saw a couple of flicks for like 2 dollars when the theaters had no business, I had a blast seeing it on the big screen.

[@thereallantesh]

I have 'Mission Galactica, The Cylon Attack' on laserdisc. I actually only picked this up recently. I remember it being titled 'The Living Legend' when I was a kid, and finding the laserdisc with the alternate title was really interesting.

[@thereallantesh]

I have 'Mission Galactica, The Cylon Attack' on laserdisc. I actually only picked this up recently. I remember it being titled 'The Living Legend' when I was a kid, and finding the laserdisc with the alternate title was really interesting.

[@andrewdrabble8939]

Mission Galactica: The Cylon Attack was an amalgamation of the episodes The Living Legend and Fire in Space

[@MrCoors68]

John Williams has made the best orchestral renditions of every great screen play come to life for all of mankind ..... one of the greatest men on planet earth.

[@MrCoors68]

dare i say he is better than any classical music composer.......in comparison.... i dare.

[@johngrow]

Actually, Space 1999 preceded Galactica by three years or so. I remember seeing ads for it in 1975.

[@michaelbergman1708]

You are right, but he was watching the two shows as reruns.

[@davidcopplestone6266]

Space 1999 was an ITV show; not BBC; and replaced UFO. The Moonbase set was originally going to be a new set for UFO until it got cancelled.

[@junior602002]

@@davidcopplestone6266 The BBC did show Space 1999 as reruns in the late nineties. This is what Chris was referring to.

[@countzero1136]

Yeah 1975 is when it first aired though production started in 1973 and was originally intended to be a sequel show to 1968's UFO but then evolved into its own thing during the development cycle

[@BDM4972]

As soon as you mentioned watching on BBC2 in the early 90s, you gained a subscriber. I used to love that 6-7pm slot. Battlestar Galactica, Buck Rogers, Star Trek. My escape from the real world of school, homework etc. 👍

[@angelnazario5370]

I remember when it came to theaters, Galactica Sensoround, super loud & awesome.

[@docsavage-8616]

The Movie Version of Battlestar Galactica has a Scene where Baltar gets killed.

[@Nebula37]

I still miss this show. Good memories from childhood.

[@Auror37]

Jane Seymour....and Ann Lockhart....first Sci fi crushes..

[@TheSpritz0]

I LOVED watching Space 1999 with my Grandmother, she was ahead of her time she loved Sci-Fi and got me watching it!!

[@davidwoodward9528]

James Colicos was, much like Shatner (but probably so much more fun to work with) - was a Stratford-trained Canadian actor. I really love the quality of his work and would measure it favourably against Greene's gravitas for giving the show a good moral compass.

[@jaybee9269]

david woodward >> I think it was John Colicos.

[@BIGTONEonline]

I enjoyed watching this retrospective. Thanks, Chris!

[@jacksonheathen2092]

I love young Jane Seymour. Too bad her character only lasted a few episodes.

[@GeneralG1810]

Dude who didn't what a babe

[@jamiebraswell5520]

I never understood why she didn't want to stick around. It was always the plan to kill off Serena. Even the pilot movie had a deleted plot line about her being sick and dying because the Cylons had poisoned the food during their assault on the colonies.

[@michaelmcfarland1716]

She didn't want to get "stuck" in one role like a lot of actors do/did

[@cliffkyle945]

Instead of killing serrena off.just have ann lockheart play hér.

[@robwalsh9843]

Jane was......like....offensively good looking. It almost hurts to look at her.

[@richscary]

Grew up watching and LOVING the original BSG! You retrospective was extremely good.... But the best part was the last part on Galactica 1980. I literally laughed out loud at how you presented that! Too funny!!! Thanks for doing this!!

[@MrWackyfunster]

I just remember it being on right after Project UFO. I loved Galactica!

[@georgeecheveste6545]

I was too young to fully appreciate BSG . Now that I'm much older, I have a new appreciation for this series

[@DH-3on_sAm]

Rick Springfield was Zac in the pilot ep

[@tiandao8503]

"What was that?" "That was my son."

[@joelb2297]

Rick Springfield was also the main character Nick Knight in the made-for-tv movie of the same name. The movie became the series "Forever Knight" with a different sets of actors. Gerraint Wyn-Daves as Nick Knight, and Nigel Bennett, as Lucien LaCroix -both vampires. I met both of these actors, -met Nigel several times in my volunteering at conventions. Nigel was amazing and truly a fan of sci-fi. He even attended the conventions when not 'a guest' and we recognized him just moving around with the fans in the crowds...

[@davidvanniekerk3813]

Dankie/ Thanx Chris Dalek. I wish I could see the Battelstar Galactica movies again. In 1998-2000 AD I was in England and I recalled seen this TV series for the second time. The first time was in late 1970's/ early '80's in South Africa. The school bus will stop and we have to walk the 3km back to the farm up in the mountain at Paarl/ Franschhoek. I was so very glad to see this wonderful world of space. School was so terrible. So Galactica was a great escape for my world. In England I had a work and no time... Now in Africa I have time and but no work.... ... You said a person can buy the TV program and the movie on ... the Internet. I'll have to ask same one at a video shop. Thanx.

[@dunkydog1676]

i seen it when i was a kid in 78-79 was a great show

[@stevekillgore9272]

Loved it, great concept. The opening sequence, music, narration and visuals remain outstanding.

[@jackmormon7555]

Loved Sheba. Smart, tough as well as beautiful and vulnerable. The most interesting of the female characters

[@PumaPete]

I remember this like it was yesterday. Star Wars had just come out the year before and a young 8 year old me loved this show. Memories!

[@charlesballard5251]

Personally my crush was on Maren Jensen as Athena. She was just TOO FRACKING HOT!!!!!

[@cathyskywalker77]

Mine was Apollo😍 I was 16 when Battlestar Galactica first aired...omg what a crush I had on him, it lasted for decades....RIP Richard Hatch 💖💔❤

[@777Outrigger]

She had such a beautiful exotic look. Part Norwegian and part Hawaiian.

[@ericn1450]

Disco era female hairstyles were awesome and they really helped to make the actresses look fantastic on the show.

[@michaelmcfarland1716]

She only got the boot cause it was her first acting job and the powers that be didn't think she was up to it.

[@charlesballard5251]

@@michaelmcfarland1716 Uh... I don't know what you are talking about. Maren Jensen was in all 21 episodes of the original Battlestar.

[@MikeRuh01]

I never missed an episode as a kid back in 78 - 79. If it' on tv today, I still tune in

[@dixondark2231]

Battlestar Galactica was my favorite show when I was 5 and it was new. Looking at it now, it is obviously 1970s quality TV but nice in a nostalgic way. The remake in the early 2000s was incredible. It is my favorite show now… I wonder if that means I have kind of come around full circle somehow or if I have not advanced much since then?

[@lonewolfcub2417]

I first watched it in the 80s rerun. Was brilliant and that theme is unforgettable. Bought the complete series on DVD about 15 years ago.! ❤

[@kingscorpion7346]

Space: 1999 was one of my favorite TV shows before Star Wars, and BSG after. (Star Trek was the first, and then UFO before Space: 1999.) Boxy was the first child in a show like this that I saw, and I always thought: what a lucky kid to be him.

[@GeorgeMcPierce]

Gallactica was my favorite show amongst space series. The Cylons, the motorcycles, the action, the music, everything was amazing! Just awesome!

[@SGlitz]

1980!! Oh god no! The horror!!!! (Except the last episode)

[@JK-Visions]

i liked their fight against pollution. Is still relevant;)

[@merlinathrawes6191]

Some things are never mentioned........................

[@simplysteve68]

Ah Galactica 1980, the sorta sequel series, where the children of the Galactica, try to adjust to life on earth. I kinda liked the flying motorbike scenes, bad background screen and all. Lol

[@richarddavies9032]

Very nice critical review of the show, and a great balance between objective and personal comments. Will be watching more of your stuff. Well done!

[@ukmediawarrior]

Love this series from the first time I saw it as a kid. I would even rate it above the newer version, but thats probably just sentiment talking, lol. One thing though, I thought Iblis was always fully in command of his powers and memories, only making out he had amnesia to fool Adama and co

[@GlassTopRX7]

See I can't even sit through a full episode of the reboot.

[@ukmediawarrior]

@@GlassTopRX7 It is very dark and 'gritty' which I think was the theme they were going for. Toward the end it also seemed to lose it's way somewhat becoming overly religious to a degree and with high brow topics such as who or what is a God and so forth. I prefer laser blasters and dog fights. I guess I'm easily pleased which was why the classic Battlestar always wins out for me.

[@armastat]

The newer version was more to the what the original was Supposed to be like, the man who created the 1st was advising/consulting on the 2nd to make sure.

[@sail2byzantium]

This was good! Thanks for the look back!

[@alexrodriguez9441]

little known fact: the show's writers based the characters of Apollo and Starbuck on Hermann Hesse's 1930 novel "Narcissus un Goldmund"

[@psterud]

That was really well done. Loved the editing.

[@TheDoltonboy]

This show is worth watching just to see Maren Jensen. The most beautiful woman that there ever was!

[@Exotic3000]

That was so awesome! Yes, I was a major fan, circa 1978!

[@ChristopherSloane]

Humm I watch Space 1999 when I was a little kid yet cannot remember anything about it as for BSG I remember almost everything.

[@hydrolito]

Space 1999 had colonies set up on the moon and the moon was blown out of orbit they it somehow went through a warm hole to be near other planets they flew spaces ships between them they also met a space alien woman that could turn into different forms.

[@dbohnenberger]

I have watched both series in the past year. Space 1999 had good sets and production design, but was inferior to BSG in this and in every other way.

[@DS-pk4eh]

One of my favorite TV show from my childhood. I was always Starbuck when we were playing it. Great one, that should have been lasted for more years for sure.

[@danielwilliamson6180]

Battlestar Galactica is a classic series.

[@darkhighwayman1757]

I was 7 or 8 when it came out and I flipping loved this show. If I'm feeling down, just hearing the shows into always cheers me up.

[@SaturnCanuck]

I agree with pretty much everything you said. Living in Canada, I saw the two-hour premier when it was released theatrically and was actually very excited (I was 14 at the time). Oh, and when released was the forth movie (and last) released in Sensurround!

[@dougplace895]

I ALWAYS LOVED TO SEE THE TWO MOTHERSHIPS GOING AT IT!

[@DeltaElites]

A little trivia...Ray Bolger (Scarecrow from Wizard of Oz) played one of those dancing Androids (Vector) shown in "Greetings From Earth". Loved the whole series when it aired.

[@LisaMAltemose]

I was wondering if anyone would mention that! I'm surprised no one recognized him, if by voice alone.

[@TommygunNG]

And Bobby Van was Hector, the other robot. Add in Fred Astaire in "The Man With Nine Lives," with the last on-screen dancing scene of his life, and you have three great hoofers of a bygone era.

[@cardphins68]

I remember this used to air on Sunday Nights from 1978-79. I loved this show!

[@MrNealSalo]

Nicely done retrospective. I liked the reboot series but have a sentimental love of the original; it was part of my boyhood. In the original, it was cool to see Fred Astaire guest-starring as Starbuck's father. I had a bit of a crush on Sarah Rush as Flight Corporal Rigel, also liked her voice. One of the other comments said you'd be good as a narrator; I agree.

[@lamarravery4094]

The reboot wasn't as good as the original. Gotta have lasers. And Starbuck's gotta be a dude.

[@WouterCloetens]

My wife and I, both huge Sci-Fi fans, grew up on BSG. We named our dog Muffit.

[@kiltworm]

You had me at "Frack!"

[@peterpayne2219]

Dude you are my God right now. Loved this show and loved your coverage of it.

[@ZenGeekDad]

Wait! 11:00 we learn the "actor" in the robot dog suit was an actual real live CHIMP?! I agree that really changes the feel of the whole thing. I feel bad for the chimp, but then, maybe he was having a good time? Could be. Anyway, really wild.

[@humbertojimmy]

This show, along with Buck Rogers, made my Saturday nights very entertaining, when i was a kid. One episode that always stood with me in memory was the one where Apollo lands on a desert planet and befriends a cylon, who actually goes on to save him from other cylons. But, of course, things only started to get good when they find Earth. I will always remember this series for its fond memories.

[@erics8757]

I agree. And Buck Rogers was a favorite of mine also!

[@MrIrrepressible]

no mention of Boomer???

[@jimfrazzitta4218]

Herb Jefferson Jr.'s Boomer was another seriously great and iconic character.

[@jackmormon7555]

Yeah. Boomer was awesome. The best scenes were with him, Starbuck snd Apollo. The three musketeers...

[@mamatmag]

Hot wired hovermobiles(?) as a kid and handled the "burillian noman" when everyone else was clueless. The guy was the stalwart in the background.

[@CJ-rf9jm]

I liked him too and the only 1 of the main pilots who was still around for season 2 though mysteriously no longer a pilot.

[@dalethelander3781]

@@mamatmag * Borellian

[@Anomalocaris42]

An excellent commentary. I think you summed up the series, its strengths and weakness, very well indeed. You encapsulated my feelings better than I could ever have done. I do wish it could have run for just a few more episodes. Hey ho.

[@aaronerickson2734]

Am I wrong for liking this version over the reboot SyFy version?

[@ThePathStrider]

I like both shows for different reasons.

[@erics8757]

@Peter A. I'm sure he meant dickhead, and I was just teasing him for misspelling it :)

[@alexhenderson1312]

I only recognize this version - the Classic Original. I never got into GINO, and never will. Ron Moore made a big mistake in reimagining Galactica. In some ways a forerunner to what Kathleen Kennedy and her lot did to Star Wars! ☹️👎

[@docsavage-8616]

The Human Beings in the Battlestar Galactica Remake were More Treacherous and Evil than the Actual Cylons.