In this section:
On
September 17, 1978, a new sci-fi epic from Glen A. Larson,
Leslie Stevens and Donald P. Bellisario was broadcast
on ABC-TV (U.S.). Titled Battlestar Galactica,
the three hour television pilot (and movie picture release)
starred Richard Hatch as Apollo, Lorne Greene as Adama
and Dirk Benedict as Starbuck. A large supporting cast,
incredible special effects and dramatic adventures made
the show the most expensive ever of its day -- and one
of the most beloved in the science fiction television
genre. Over twenty episodes (with some being two-hour
telemovies) were produced during the show's run. (An
episode
guide to Battlestar Galactica is available
for viewing on this site.)
As Richard comments, "In my
case, Battlestar Galactica was a milestone. It
afforded me the opportunity to live out my childhood
dreams and fantasies. Hurtling through space with reckless
abandon, playing the dashing hero, battling Cylons,
monsters and super-villains - what more could a man
want? During the almost one year filming, the cast and
crew became very good friends. When you consider the
fact that we worked six days a week and up to almost
16 hours a day, I find it amazing that there were no
major fights or disagreements between anyone."
"All in all, I feel proud
and honored to have been a part of such a fun and highly
entertaining show. Glen Larson is to be commended for
his visionary story of a rag-tag fleet in search of
a mythical planet called Earth. I still feel that our
story is no more a rip-off of Star Wars than
a western film is derivative of every other western
film. Our show was inspired by Star Wars, but
it definitely had its own unique characters' flavor
and point of view."
"I
personally love the story. Star Wars blew me
away, the universal theme of good vs. evil is always
compelling, but the story of humankind's search of its
ancient heritage struck an even more powerful chord
within me. I believe down deep inside us all we are
asking the universal question of who we are;
where did we come from; how did we evolve?"
Sadly, the show lasted a mere
one season (1978-79). Executive
producer Glen A. Larson stated in Starlog #36
that, "[Galactica] had either the good fortune
or the bad fortune to be on the most successful schedule
in the history of television. In the ABC schedule last
year, literally every show was in the 40's. That was
just phenomenal. Galactica was canceled with
a position of 24th in the top 100 shows, according to
Cashbox's annual sweepstakes lineup. We happened to
be on a network that misinterpreted how competitive,
how tough the eight o'clock time slot was on Sunday
night."
A "sequel" series,
Galactica 1980 (which Richard declined to participate
in), aired in 1980 and lasted a mere six episodes. Most
fans do not consider the show as "canon" to
the Battlestar Galactica universe.
However, Battlestar Galactica
continued to live in the hearts and minds of
fans worldwide. Between reruns, videotapes,
fan fiction, fan clubs, fan conventions, Internet
web sites and word of mouth, the Battlestar
Galactica universe remains a strong
presence with sci-fi/adventure fans. And the
series is poised for a major comeback to continue
the adventures of the wayward Colonials, courtesy
of Vivendi Universal and Studios USA.
The science fiction entertainment
classic, Battlestar Galactica, remains
a fan favorite worldwide after twenty+ yahrens. We're
proud to have brought you news, information and updates
on the planned revival of this show by Richard. And
we truly appreciate all of the continued support.
Thank you!!
- At
the time of this writing, Tom DeSanto was
slated to bring back the show as a new television
series by StudiosUSA. Richard shared his thoughts
in a 23.June.2001
update.
- Richard's
fifth Battlestar Galactica novel, "Paradise,"
is being released in mid-2003. Autographed
editions are available for purchase! Richard's
other Battlestar novels, "Armageddon,"
"Warhawk," "Resurrection"
and "Rebellion" are also
available for purchase.
The Trailer
Richard starred as Captain Apollo in the original series,
and has authored numerous Battlestar Galactica
comic books and novels. In 1999, he finished a professional
film trailer as a part of his business presentations
to bring back Battlestar Galactica.
Titled Battlestar Galactica:
The Second Coming, the trailer has also been shown
at various personal appearances. We regret we are unable
to show the trailer online, or sell it, due to Screen
Actor Guild (S.A.G.) considerations. It is an adrenalin-pumping,
nostalgia-inducing production which taps deeply into
the Galactica universe, twenty yahrens since
the series ended. It remains true to the original themes
of the show, and features various cast members whom
were available for the filming. It has championed the
wishes of fans worldwide. And Richard has been recognized
by fans as the heart and soul behind Battlestar Galactica's
return.
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