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From SCIFIPEDIA
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From SCI FI: Battlestar Galactica is a science-fiction franchise that has had numerous incarnations in a range of media, including film, television, books, and video games. A new Battlestar Galactica series is currently in production for broadcast on the SCI FI Channel. It is a part of the channel's SCI FI Friday schedule line-up.
The Classic Series
In 1979, producer Glen A. Larson created the original Battlestar Galactica series for the ABC network. Its premise was simple: When the 12 Colonies of Man are wiped out by a cybernetic race called the Cylons, Commander Adama (Lorne Greene) and the crew of the battlestar Galactica lead a ragtag human fleet of survivors in search of a "mythical planet" called Earth.
Cancelled after only one season, the series had a short-lived revival in the form of Galactica 1980, whose premise was that the Galactica and her crew arrived at contemporary Earth, which is woefully unprepared to defend itself against a Cylon attack. The crew of the Galactica takes on the task of secretly protecting Earth. Lasting only 10 episodes, Galactica 1980 was the last anyone would see of this classic science-fiction series for more than two decades.
The SCI FI Original Miniseries (2003)
After numerous individuals and creative teams had made a number of attempts to revive Battlestar Galactica, the project that finally was greenlit was a bold "reimagining" of the series by veteran writer-producer Ronald D. Moore. Moore's take on "BSG" was that its premise was intrinsically dark and foreboding, making it especially timely in the sociopolitical climate of post–9/11 America.
One key change in the concept was the relationship between humanity and the Cylons. Whereas in the original series the Cylons were an alien race, in the new series they are the synthetic creations of mankind, and they have evolved new models that are perfect simulacra of human beings. Used as soldier-slaves, the Cylons rebelled against their creators and fought a bloody war for independence, followed by a 40-year truce. That fragile peace is shattered in the opening moments of the miniseries by a sneak attack that serves as a harbinger of the genocidal attack about to be unleashed on the 12 Colonies of Kobol.
Many changes made by the producers of the new miniseries were seen at the time as being highly controversial—in particular, the recasting of such formerly male roles as Starbuck and Boomer as women. Colonel Tigh became an embittered alcoholic; Adama a war-weary old soldier at odds with his son; Gaius Baltar a narcissist plagued by seemingly psychotic hallucinations.
Produced as a four-hour SCI FI Channel Original miniseries, the new Battlestar Galactica debuted in December 2003 to momentous critical acclaim and stellar ratings. Based on its unqualified success, it was quickly fast-tracked by the channel to become its newest original series, joining Stargate SG-1 and Stargate Atlantis as a key component in the channel's SCI FI Friday lineup.
Miniseries: Part 1 Synopsis
Forty years after the Cylon Wars, humanity's deadliest enemies have re-emerged with a vengeance. In a sudden, devastating nuclear attack, the Cylon robots—which have now taken human form—wipe out billions of people. Only a ragtag fleet of Colonial forces is left to shepherd humanity's few survivors to safety.
Commander William Adama (Edward James Olmos), a veteran of the Cylon Wars and the highest-ranking military officer left alive, reactivates the Battlestar Galactica to once again face his greatest nemeses. His son, Lee (Jamie Bamber), callsign "Apollo," joins the fight alongside the fleet's best pilot, Kara Thrace (Katee Sackhoff), callsign "Starbuck."
With the president and most of his senior cabinet killed in the attack, Secretary of Education Laura Roslin (Mary McDonnell) is sworn in as the new President of the Twelve Colonies of Kobol. As Adama and Roslin debate whether to fight or flee, the Cylons launch a sneak attack on the new president's ship.
Miniseries: Part 2 Synopsis
Forced into an uneasy alliance, President Roslin (Mary McDonnell) and Commander Adama (Edward James Olmos) do their best to lead the military into battle and the civilians to safety.
Gaius Baltar (James Callis), the corrupt genius who inadvertently helped the Cylons infiltrate the government's defense systems, has been rescued, treasured as one of humanity's last great intellectuals. No one has yet discovered Baltar's involvement in the Cylon attack—or that he is still haunted, and possibly controlled, by visions of the seductive Cylon "Number Six" (Tricia Helfer).
Aboard the Galactica, Baltar's superior intellect ironically leads to his designation as the authority on all things Cylon. Outnumbered and outarmed, Adama reluctantly concedes that President Roslin was correct—this battle was lost before it had begun.
With no choice but to flee, humanity's survivors set out in search of the mythic 13th Colony of Kobol . . . a legendary planet known as Earth.
The "Reimagined" Battlestar Galactica
A co-production between Sky One in the United Kingdom and the SCI FI Channel in the United States, the new Battlestar Galactica premiered in the U.K. in January 2005. The new series quickly became a hit with fans, creating anticipation that fueled its highly rated U.S. debut that summer.
Show Concept
Picking up almost immediately from where the miniseries left off, the new series follows the harrowing flight and fight for survival of the battlestar Galactica and its fleet of desperate human survivors. From week to week, the approximately 49,000 remaining members of the human race struggle to defend themselves from their Cylon pursuers, from Cylon infiltrators in their midst, and from the darker impulses of their own flawed natures.
Constantly changing and growing with its characters, the new Battlestar Galactica routinely alters the status quo from episode to episode. This trait was best evidenced by the developments in the final half-hour of the second-season finale, which advanced the series' timeframe by an entire year and embarked upon a radical departure in the series' concept and relationships.
Principal Cast (Spoilers for End of Season 2)
Note: The following character descriptions from the SCIFI.COM official site contain spoilers for the end of the series' second season.
ADMIRAL WILLIAM ADAMA (Edward James Olmos)
Commanding officer of the battlestar Galactica. Weathered and lean, he does not stand on ceremony, preferring a simple day uniform with a minimum of insignia. Loyal to a fault, he treats his crew like his family—sometimes more so than he treats his own son, Lee, with whom he is struggling to bridge a lingering rift that began with Lee's blaming Adama for the death of Lee's younger brother, Zak, in a flight accident.
LAURA ROSLIN (Mary McDonnell)
As Secretary of Education, she was 43rd in the line of succession when she assumed the presidency. Projecting class and confidence, she possesses great innate intelligence and stoicism. Cured of a fast-spreading breast cancer by a stem-cell treatment from the human-Cylon hybrid child, she continues to believe that she is the leader prophesied in the Scrolls of Pythia, the one who will lead the people to salvation—and to refuge on Earth. Now, having lost the presidency to Gaius Baltar, she has returned to teaching on the new human colony of New Caprica.
PRESIDENT GAIUS BALTAR (James Callis)
World-famous winner of three Magnate Prizes, and best known for his controversial views on computer technology. Stylish, handsome, and idiosyncratic, he offers the affected humility of the truly arrogant. Plagued by visions of a beautiful Cylon known as Number Six, he might be an unwitting Cylon collaborator . . . or he might be insane. During his tenure as the vice president of the Twelve Colonies, he challenged President Laura Roslin for the office—and won.
NUMBER SIX (Tricia Helfer)
A humanoid model of Cylon. With drop-dead looks and a perfect body, her every move and gesture is smooth and precise, her eyes keenly intelligent. She claims that God talks to her . . . and she, in turn, talks to Gaius Baltar.
COMMANDER LEE ADAMA (Jamie Bamber)
Former Viper pilot, callsign "Apollo," and surviving son of Admiral Adama, who has promoted him to commanding officer of the battlestar Pegasus. Ruggedly handsome, lean and rangy, he controls his anger and pain as if it were a fighter craft. Forced to choose between his duty as a soldier and his duty as a citizen, he looks to the law as his touchstone.
CAPTAIN KARA THRACE (Katee Sackhoff)
Viper pilot, callsign "Starbuck." Currently serving as Galactica's CAG (Commander—Air Group). A loner, as undisciplined and rebellious out of the cockpit as she is calculating and precise in it, she's maybe the fleet's best pilot—and constantly in trouble because she doesn't suffer fools.
SHARON VALERII (Grace Park)
Raptor pilot, callsign "Boomer." Not long out of flight school, she was the squadron's rookie. Was romantically involved with Chief Tyrol. She's also a Cylon; in addition to the Sharon on the Galactica, there are more on Caprica and others on base ships throughout the Cylon fleet. One of her avatars became romantically involved on Caprica with Helo and gave birth to his child.
LIEUTENANT KARL C. AGATHON (Tahmoh Penikett)
Raptor pilot, callsign "Helo." He was Sharon Valerii's former ECO. Gave up his seat on the Raptor so Dr. Baltar could be evacuated to the Galactica. Left to fend for himself on Cylon-occupied Caprica, he took up with another Cylon avatar of Sharon, with whom he has fallen in love and sired a child.
COLONEL SAUL TIGH (Michael Hogan)
Executive Officer of the Galactica. He's the best man to have at your side—even if he is too tightly wound, moody, prone to outbursts of temper, and a highly functional alcoholic. Constantly goaded by his wife, Ellen, to seize the reins of power, he struggles to resist—because the last thing he wants is to be in command.
CHIEF PETTY OFFICER GALEN TYROL (Aaron Douglas)
Chief Petty Officer of the Galactica. Rugged, with the worn look of someone who has spent a lifetime working around big machines, he's the kind of man for whom his deck crew would do anything.
LIEUTENANT FELIX GAETA (Alessandro Juliani)
Senior Officer of the Watch in the Galactica CIC (Combat Information Center). He monitors the long-range sensors in case of Cylon attack and serves as Admiral Adama's "jack of all trades."
BILLY KEIKEYA (Paul Campbell)
Foremer assistant to President Roslin. Young, eager to please, smart and polite, he was one of those people who's usually smarter than everyone else in the room but never let anyone know it. He'd have made a great diplomat someday, but his life was tragically cut short when he sacrificed his life to help Colonial forces end a hostage crisis.
PETTY OFFICER 2ND CLASS ANASTASIA DUALLA (Kandyse McClure)
A petty officer (2nd class) currently on CIC duty. She is no-nonsense, tough and pragmatic—even when falling in love with Commander Lee Adama, C.O. of the battlestar Pegasus.
COUNCILLOR TOM ZAREK (Richard Hatch)
A political prisoner who spent 20 years in jail for the terrorist bombing of a government building and inciting civil unrest against the government of the 12 Colonies of Kobol. An outspoken critic of former President Roslin, he now sits on the Quorum of Twelve as the representative of Sagittaron, and he served as the campaign manager and strategist for the new president, Gaius Baltar.
Episodes
The first season comprised 13 episodes, and featured a number of promotional innovations, such as the first-ever dissemination (via podcast) of producers' commentary about episodes during their initial broadcast. (The practice was almost immediately imitated throughout the industry.)
On the strength of Season 1's ratings and critical reception, the second-season order was increased to 20 episodes.
The SCI FI Channel has ordered 20 new episodes for the series' third season, which is currently scheduled to premiere in October 2006.
Season 1 Episode Guide
"33"
As the ragtag fleet plays cat-and-mouse with the Cylons, Roslin and Adama face the possibility that one of their ships has been infiltrated by the enemy.
"Water"
When the Galactica loses more than half its water in a mysterious explosion, Sharon is worried that she is somehow responsible.
"Bastille Day"
Lee Adama is taken hostage on a prisoner ship by a group of convicts led by Tom Zarek (Richard Hatch), a freedom fighter convicted of terrorism.
"Act of Contrition"
Assigned to train a group of rookie pilots, Kara is forced to admit to Adama her role in the death of his son Zak.
"You Can't Go Home Again"
When Kara goes missing after a battle with a Cylon patrol, Commander Adama and Lee put the fleet at risk to find her.
"Litmus"
When a Cylon suicide-bomber infiltrates the Galactica, Adama must reveal a terrifying secret: Cylons now look like humans.
"Six Degrees of Separation"
Baltar faces death and dishonor when Number Six appears in person on the Galactica and accuses him of being a traitor.
"Flesh and Bone"
When a Cylon is discovered on one of the ships, Adama sends Kara to interrogate the machine.
"Tigh Me Up, Tigh Me Down"
President Roslin's fear that Commander Adama is a Cylon is stoked when he makes secret calls and a Cylon Raider buzzes the Galactica.
"The Hand of God"
When fuel supplies dwindle, the fleet must make a daring attack on a Cylon-controlled tylium mine.
"Colonial Day"
The return of democracy to the fleet brings with it both hardball politics and potentially deadly intrigue.
"Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part 1"
A patrol finds a hospitable planet, while on Galactica, Baltar, Lee, and Kara end up in an awkward triangle.
"Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part 2"
As the fleet prepares to battle the Cylons for control of Kobol, the conflict between Adama and Roslin explodes.
Season 2
"Scattered"
With Adama mortally wounded and President Roslin in the brig, Colonel Tigh must endure the crucible of command.
"Valley of Darkness"
Tigh must work with Lee to defeat a Cylon boarding party that attempts to take over the Galactica and destroy the fleet.
"Fragged"
As political tensions escalate on the Galactica, the personnel stranded on Kobol cope with their own leadership crisis.
"Resistance"
After Colonel Tigh imposes martial law, Lee conspires to free President Roslin and organize a democratic resistance.
"The Farm"
Adama returns to duty to find his son a fugitive; on Caprica, Kara makes a chilling discovery about the Cylon agenda.
"Home, Part 1"
Back on Kobol, President Roslin must trust a Cylon to show her the way to Earth. On the Galactica, Adama struggles with his son's betrayal.
"Home, Part 2"
Adama leads a mission to Kobol to find President Roslin and her team of tomb-hunters, reconcile with his son, and reunite the divided fleet.
"Final Cut"
A reporter (special guest star Lucy Lawless) is invited aboard the Galactica to document the stressful reality of military life during wartime.
"Flight of the Phoenix"
Sharon's loyalties will decide humanity's fate when a Cylon computer virus cripples the Galactica.
"Pegasus"
Galactica's reunion with the Pegasus is cause for joy . . . until it sparks a showdown between Adama and Admiral Cain (Michelle Forbes).
"Resurrection Ship, Part 1"
Commander Adama and Admiral Cain (Michelle Forbes) face off to decide the futures of Helo and Tyrol, and also the rest of the fleet.
"Resurrection Ship, Part 2"
While the crews of the Galactica and the Pegasus attack a Cylon resurrection ship, Adama and Cain plot against each other.
"Epiphanies"
The dying President Roslin orders the abortion of Sharon's human-Cylon fetus, and an anti-war faction begins a campaign of sabotage against the fleet.
"Black Market"
An attempt to halt rampant black-market trading within the fleet leads to violence, scandal, and tragedy.
"Scar"
To protect a vital mining operation, overworked Viper pilots must contend with a cunning and lethal Cylon Raider they call "Scar."
"Sacrifice"
When civilians learn that the Galactica crew is harboring a Cylon spy, they take hostages and demand Sharon's life in exchange for Apollo's.
"The Captain's Hand"
A political struggle threatens to tear the fleet apart, while an untested commander leads the Pegasus and its crew into peril.
"Downloaded"
The conquerors of occupied Caprica hail two "heroes of the Cylon," who both resist their new celebrity.
"Lay Down Your Burdens, Part 1"
The accidental discovery of a habitable planet sparks debate in the fleet: Colonize? Or keep seeking Earth?
"Lay Down Your Burdens, Part 2"
When Baltar wins the vote, Roslin considers stealing the election because she believes he is a Cylon collaborator.
Links to Additional Media and Information
[Ronald D. Moore's BSG Blog]
[David Eick's Video Blog]
[SCI FI Magazine Interview Transcripts]
[Podcasts: Episode Commentaries]
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