Herb and Laurette in Desanto?

[larocque6689]

Michael announced some time in 2001 that both Herb and Dirk signed on the project. I was only able to confirm the presence of Dirk through his interview last year and what has been previously reported in the various Galacticon threads.

Was Herb Jefferson Jr. going to be in the pilot?

Cassie had previously been reported as dead in the pilot in some VERY old threads. Now I read that she was alive and "married with children". Was she in the Desanto pilot, or was this merely a story element that would have wound its way into dialogue?

Michael?

[michaelfaries]

Boomer: One of the Viper squadron leaders. During Tom DeSanto's panel session, we got to see a sketch of the new Viper pilot pressure suit (which, to me, looked like the original uniform colors). The face on the sketch? Boomer. ;)

Cassiopeia: Not in the pilot episode. Cassie's return would have likely been towards the end of the first season as she and Starbuck reunite, although she is happily married and raising children. From my understanding beforehand, Tom didn't plan to have Cassiopeia as a regular character. At one point, it had been discussed that she had died, fueling Starbuck's angst and growing loner status (esp. after Apollo went missing, Adama passed away, Sheba was lost in action with the Pegasus, etc.). Instead, this was Tom's way of bringing Cassiopeia back and adding to the depth of the Starbuck character: Starbuck's true regrets, his late wake-up call, and perhaps a new start for the character to stop being so self-centered. As Tom would likely say, "an old dog doesn't learn new tricks" and that includes Starbuck. But you Starbuck/Dirk fans (myself included) would have found it profoundly moving to actually see a tear (or more) from the space ace at the end of that episode as he really does say 'goodbye' to Cassiopeia.

For me, that ranks among the things which we won't see, like Jane Seymour returning as Serina in angelic, Seraph form aboard the Ship of Lights as the Cylonized Apollo turns back to the side of good. (AAUGGHHHH!!!!! How I wanted to see that!! Make it happen!!!!!!!!!)

Michael
:colwar:

[kingfish]

I remember that one of the conditions of surrender was that the Cylons were going to experiment on humans and possibly turn them into Cylons. I also remember how Talen turns into Serina. Seems like Tom borrowed alot of Richard's ideas. :D

[michaelfaries]

By the way, something I should add, which changed a bit since Tom and Dirk both last discussed Starbuck's character with me.

I've mentioned over the past couple of years that Tom REALLY enjoyed "The Return of Starbuck." One time, he had just gotten through watching it for the fourth time since the Universal archivist had dug it up for him.

Originally, Starbuck has a daughter. She's a Viper pilot like her Dad. (Shades of Richard Hatch's novels.) Her daughter (in Tom's production) was likely the product of Starbucking fling.

Tom announced during his panel session that much of "The Return of Starbuck" happened... and that offspring which Starbuck and Angela sent into space is actually Starbuck's daughter. (What special abilities she possessed aren't akin to Dr. Zee, although she is a gifted individual who can outfly her dad.)

Insofar as offspring go, you ought to hear what Tom had planned for "The Son of Iblis." Yes, Tom wanted Patrick Macnee back as Count Iblis, and yes, the son would assume his father's mantle in the mythological way: By killing him. :devil:

Michael
:colwar:

[michaelfaries]

Originally posted by kingfish
I remember that one of the conditions of surrender was that the Cylons were going to experiment on humans and possibly turn them into Cylons. I also remember how Talen turns into Serina. Seems like Tom borrowed alot of Richard's ideas. :D

Tom swears he hasn't read any of Richard's books. He joked aloud about who had the idea during 2001 (when Jane Seymour called/Tom's team formed the idea).

There's other aspects of the production which mirror developments from both Tom and Richard which they've discussed together (and Richard walked away, saying, "I had that idea!") including how some Cylon warriors would board Colonial fleet ships from the outside by ripping into them.

Michael
:colwar:

[larocque6689]

Originally posted by michaelfaries
Insofar as offspring go, you ought to hear what Tom had planned for "The Son of Iblis." Yes, Tom wanted Patrick Macnee back as Count Iblis, and yes, the son would assume his father's mantle in the mythological way: By killing him. :devil:
:colwar: [/B]

How can you kill a transcended immortal being? That's what Iblis was, wasn't he? A fallen angel?

To take these metaphysics even further: that leads to another point, can you kill a demon?

Besides, Michael, i like my Avatar and may Patrick Macnee's Iblis never die!

[larocque6689]

Michael

Another question. Sheba lost in action with the Pegasus? Did I miss something?

[thomas7g]

awesome stuff there!!!

GOD this is so dmn FUN to hear it!

[michaelfaries]

Originally posted by larocque6689
Michael
Another question. Sheba lost in action with the Pegasus? Did I miss something?
Now the tale can be told... Some of this was revealed at Tom's panel, some of it in my prior talks with the man. Since Tom broached the subject at Galacticon, I'm going to presume it's now fair game to discuss. And it's a subject which is VERY near and dear to me, as "The Living Legend, Parts I and II" are my favorite episodes.

The set-up:
23 years ago , the Galactica and the Pegasus had reunited briefly... and for the last time.

The biggest battle since the destruction of the Twelve Colonies was fought against the encroaching Cylon forces... and the Colonials miraculously won. Unfortunately, Apollo and other warriors were "lost" (presumed dead) during the battle, as was Commander Cain, the battlestar Pegasus and Sheba, who had returned to fight alongside her father.

The Pegasus was never heard from again. The Galactica had moved the rag tag fleet forward to safety as the Pegasus had sacrificed herself. The term "living legend" would no longer apply to Cain who perished in the firefight. But he and the Pegasus crew who be forever enshrined in the annuals of Colonial history for their sacrifices.

And as the yahrens (years) progressed, those who fail to follow history are doomed to repeat it. With the Cylon threat seemingly gone (ie. no signs of pursuit), and the passing of Commander Adama, the Quorum of the Twelve would vote to end the search for the Thirteenth Tribe and Earth and settle the rag tag fleet in an resource-rich asteroid belt. In truth, the Cylons would continue to look for the Colonials. And they would find them.

But that's part of the two-hour pilot. A story for another time. :)

Flash-forward 23 years later (closer to 24 years later).

It's the end of the first season of the new Tom DeSanto-produced "Battlestar Galactica" series. The Colonials are on the run from the Cylons and seemingly doomed to destruction by Cylon forces. The Cylons have terrorized the fleet from time to time, demonstrating advanced technologies which the Colonials have barely overcome. All seems lost, especially with a Cylonized Apollo (devoid of "free will") in the background as one of the Cylon antagonists...

Enter: The Pegasus.

And Commander Sheba. :colwar:

This would have been the cliffhanger first season episode. (The last episode of season one.) And the Pegasus would have remained with the fleet either briefly in season two, or have been lost again, but not destroyed. As others have mentioned here, Tom had episode arcs mapped out, ranging from a few episodes, to 1 year to 3 year to 5 year arcs. That included the Pegasus.

What Tom planned will hopefully see the light someday. That's why I won't discuss further details. You see, Tom is focused on his motion picture projects, but he's also loosely attached to Glen Larson. It's not my place to discuss anything on that front for two main reasons: 1.) I'm not getting back into the information delivery business; and 2.) I'm not getting back into the information delivery business (did I say that twice? Yes, I did.)

I PRAY that Tom has a chance to participate in future developments. There's room for more than the original 1978-79 ABC-TV series and the current SCI-FI Channel mini-series and regular series (which has been a done deal, imho). I think Richard Hatch is the idea man with incredible insights on what would be embraced by fans and non-fans alike. Tom possesses those special gifts, too... and with a stronger ability (given his production credentials) to make it happen. You will rarely meet a nicer man, too. (Both Richard and Tom.)

So, let's touch upon the Sheba/Pegasus thing again for a moment. (Cue Jewels, whom I was so dang happy to have alongside me to witness this. Julie, please add whatever you want to this.)

During the Women of Galactica panel, Anne Lockhart mentioned that she wasn't sure about Sheba returning in Tom's production. (I thought to myself, "Anne! You were supposed to be onboard! I know Tom talked with you about this!")

I made a point of going up to see Anne after the panel.

I told her candidly that she was indeed a part of Tom's production and discussed some of the developments. (It felt damn good considering I was telling the actress herself after remaining bottled-up online about everything.) She smiled at Julie and myself: [I]She'd known. She was avoiding specifics; she was following the Hollywood standard: Don't discuss business when you're in the business. (I think some of you will understand that; I apologize as I'm not going to explain that further.)

I did have a chance at that point to discuss how Tom (as with Dirk) had taken the time to discuss with the actors what they wanted from their characters. Anne hadn't realized this, especially since Tom had originally called her during a time where one of her aunts was critically ill (around September 2001).

On a final note: It was incredible earlier in the day when Sarah Rush and I finally met in the hotel lower level and were talking -- and Anne actually came over and introduced herself to me. Then I find out that Laurette (who arrived minutes later) didn't want to interrupt us. (She mentioned it the next day when we met.) God, I was there to meet these people and some of them are introducing themselves!! Frackin' cool!

Then again, introducing Tom DeSanto to Anne Lockhart (since neither of them had met yet) that evening was very cool, too.

Sheba Lives! (And may yet again!) :colwar:

Michael
:colwar:

[michaelfaries]

Originally posted by larocque6689
How can you kill a transcended immortal being? That's what Iblis was, wasn't he? A fallen angel?

To take these metaphysics even further: that leads to another point, can you kill a demon?

Besides, Michael, i like my Avatar and may Patrick Macnee's Iblis never die!
Agreed. I think Tom faced the reality of wanting Patrick Macnee back in his role, although Mr. Macnee was VERY feeble in-person and would unable to hold regular appearances. (I thought it was wonderful to watch Herb escort Mr. Macnee down the platform ramp at the event while the crowd gave a standing ovation.) This may have been Tom's idea to give closure to Patrick while acknowledging him and not forcing a new Iblis actor upon us while we asked ourselves, "WHERE is Patrick?!"

Iblis immortal, yes. Iblis killed, yes... or should I say, possibly absorbed?

:devil: Absolute power corrupts absolutely. (And, in one scenario, grows stronger, too, within the offspring by acquiring his father's powers. The final script was never written, so who knows how it might have been handled.)

Michael
:colwar:

[michaelfaries]

Btw, I found it interesting that Glen Larson wants to recast Commander Cain (and alluded to it during his Galacticon appearance) while Tom DeSanto made a point of saying Cain (Lloyd Bridges) was gone. Anne Lockhart echoed the same sentiments, saying Lloyd Bridges had passed and no one could replace him.

Michael
:colwar:

[kingfish]

Originally posted by michaelfaries
Btw, I found it interesting that Glen Larson wants to recast Commander Cain (and alluded to it during his Galacticon appearance) while Tom DeSanto made a point of saying Cain (Lloyd Bridges) was gone. Anne Lockhart echoed the same sentiments, saying Lloyd Bridges had passed and no one could replace him.

Michael
:colwar:


The sad part is if there hadn't been so much procrastinating Lloyd could have returned as Cain. Cain could have become the leader of the Colonials after Adama's passing.

[kingfish]

I was at my local Walmart where they were playing it. We see Gandalf fighting the dragon. Sir Ian at his best. IMHO Sir Ian is the only one who could have played Adama if the role needed recasting.

Gandalf: You shall not pass.

[Apollo]

I hope that Galactica does indeed come back and that Tom gets his chance!! As far as recasting Adama there was only ONE Adama!

[larocque6689]

Ian McLelland confirmed on his website that he did not find out about the Battlestar project until it was dead. This contradicts early rumors that he had agreed to take on the role of Adama. Details on this can be found in the Cylon Alliance database.

In fact, that is a legitimate question. What were the discussions on the role of Adama? Recasting or letting him stay dead? Again, straight from the horse's mouth.

All the plot descriptions I've seen revolve around Orrin and none around Adama. Was Adama ever in the script?

[KJ]

Agreed. I think Tom faced the reality of wanting Patrick Macnee back in his role, although Mr. Macnee was VERY feeble in-person and would unable to hold regular appearances. (I thought it was wonderful to watch Herb escort Mr. Macnee down the platform ramp at the event while the crowd gave a standing ovation.) This may have been Tom's idea to give closure to Patrick while acknowledging him and not forcing a new Iblis actor upon us while we asked ourselves, "WHERE is Patrick?!"

Iblis immortal, yes. Iblis killed, yes... or should I say, possibly absorbed?

Absolute power corrupts absolutely. (And, in one scenario, grows stronger, too, within the offspring by acquiring his father's powers. The final script was never written, so who knows how it might have been handled.)

Michael


Like Cain, i don't see anybody else in Macnee shoes! Unless he handed it over to another actor during a new series.

As you know, i did my season by season BG outline. if i manage to sell i and the studio adapted my concepts. I would have Macnee reprise his Iblis role in the first season of a continuation of Galactica and let him hand it over after he played it out to his fullest in the first series of a brand new Battlestar Galactica (Iblis did say he would return!)

The set-up:
23 years ago [in Tom DeSanto's BG universe, technically the second (unseen) season of the original series], the Galactica and the Pegasus had reunited briefly... and for the last time.

The biggest battle since the destruction of the Twelve Colonies was fought against the encroaching Cylon forces... and the Colonials miraculously won. Unfortunately, Apollo and other warriors were "lost" (presumed dead) during the battle, as was Commander Cain, the battlestar Pegasus and Sheba, who had returned to fight alongside her father.

The Pegasus was never heard from again. The Galactica had moved the rag tag fleet forward to safety as the Pegasus had sacrificed herself. The term "living legend" would no longer apply to Cain who perished in the firefight. But he and the Pegasus crew who be forever enshrined in the annuals of Colonial history for their sacrifices.

And as the yahrens (years) progressed, those who fail to follow history are doomed to repeat it. With the Cylon threat seemingly gone (ie. no signs of pursuit), and the passing of Commander Adama, the Quorum of the Twelve would vote to end the search for the Thirteenth Tribe and Earth and settle the rag tag fleet in an resource-rich asteroid belt. In truth, the Cylons would continue to look for the Colonials. And they would find them.

But that's part of the two-hour pilot. A story for another time.

Flash-forward 23 years later (closer to 24 years later).

It's the end of the first season of the new Tom DeSanto-produced "Battlestar Galactica" series. The Colonials are on the run from the Cylons and seemingly doomed to destruction by Cylon forces. The Cylons have terrorized the fleet from time to time, demonstrating advanced technologies which the Colonials have barely overcome. All seems lost, especially with a Cylonized Apollo (devoid of "free will") in the background as one of the Cylon antagonists...

Enter: The Pegasus.

And Commander Sheba.

This would have been the cliffhanger first season episode. (The last episode of season one.) And the Pegasus would have remained with the fleet either briefly in season two, or have been lost again, but not destroyed. As others have mentioned here, Tom had episode arcs mapped out, ranging from a few episodes, to 1 year to 3 year to 5 year arcs. That included the Pegasus.

What Tom planned will hopefully see the light someday. That's why I won't discuss further details. You see, Tom is focused on his motion picture projects, but he's also loosely attached to Glen Larson. It's not my place to discuss anything on that front for two main reasons: 1.) I'm not getting back into the information delivery business; and 2.) I'm not getting back into the information delivery business (did I say that twice? Yes, I did.)

I PRAY that Tom has a chance to participate in future developments. There's room for more than the original 1978-79 ABC-TV series and the current SCI-FI Channel mini-series and regular series (which has been a done deal, imho). I think Richard Hatch is the idea man with incredible insights on what would be embraced by fans and non-fans alike. Tom possesses those special gifts, too... and with a stronger ability (given his production credentials) to make it happen. You will rarely meet a nicer man, too. (Both Richard and Tom.)

So, let's touch upon the Sheba/Pegasus thing again for a moment. (Cue Jewels, whom I was so dang happy to have alongside me to witness this. Julie, please add whatever you want to this.)

During the Women of Galactica panel, Anne Lockhart mentioned that she wasn't sure about Sheba returning in Tom's production. (I thought to myself, "Anne! You were supposed to be onboard! I know Tom talked with you about this!")

I made a point of going up to see Anne after the panel.

I told her candidly that she was indeed a part of Tom's production and discussed some of the developments. (It felt damn good considering I was telling the actress herself after remaining bottled-up online about everything.) She smiled at Julie and myself: She'd known. She was avoiding specifics; she was following the Hollywood standard: Don't discuss business when you're in the business. (I think some of you will understand that; I apologize as I'm not going to explain that further.)

I did have a chance at that point to discuss how Tom (as with Dirk) had taken the time to discuss with the actors what they wanted from their characters. Anne hadn't realized this, especially since Tom had originally called her during a time where one of her aunts was critically ill (around September 2001).

On a final note: It was incredible earlier in the day when Sarah Rush and I finally met in the hotel lower level and were talking -- and Anne actually came over and introduced herself to me. Then I find out that Laurette (who arrived minutes later) didn't want to interrupt us. (She mentioned it the next day when we met.) God, I was there to meet these people and some of them are introducing themselves!! Frackin' cool!

Then again, introducing Tom DeSanto to Anne Lockhart (since neither of them had met yet) that evening was very cool, too.

Sheba Lives! (And may yet again!)

I feel happy for you that you really enjoyed yourself Michael. But as much as i would love to see DeSanto's conceptual design work on his Galactica and hear him talk in person. But like i said on CA. I disagree with half of this?

Destroying the rogue Battlestar

Commander Sheba

Commander Orin/Boxey ??? (excuse me?)

A Borgfied Apollo

Some of this just doesn't work out at all.

KJ

[jewels]

The way Tom talked through it, Adama may have been only a story element and not pictured: though he was giving a general outline and not specifics (other than Boomer was a flight instructor and kept his old (TOS) battle jacket when the uniforms were updated.)

[KJ]

Hope DeSanto does a convention in future like DragonCon, Wizardworld or ComicCon next year. So other BG fans can go to one of these huge conventions and see him at a panel, and hear him talk about his ideas and vision of doing revival in person.

I sure would be more one on one and accessable for other fans who missed Galacticon 2003. To engage him and bandie back and forth questions and answers listening to his comments live and in person. *Sigh*

KJ

[michaelfaries]

Originally posted by larocque6689
Ian McLelland confirmed on his website that he did not find out about the Battlestar project until it was dead. This contradicts early rumors that he had agreed to take on the role of Adama. Details on this can be found in the Cylon Alliance database.

In fact, that is a legitimate question. What were the discussions on the role of Adama? Recasting or letting him stay dead? Again, straight from the horse's mouth.

All the plot descriptions I've seen revolve around Orrin and none around Adama. Was Adama ever in the script?
Sir Ian seems to have rewritten history as Bryan Singer had mentioned a discussion with him about being Adama back in mid-2001.

Also, one script featured Adama while another didn't. Based on Tom DeSanto's talk, it appears that the script without Adama (or changed to leave out Adama) was used.

Worth consideration: Once the FOX deal collapsed, Tom was free to make changes and retool his efforts as he wanted, sans FOX Network involvement. Ultimately, what he presented at Galacticon 2003 MIGHT have been a combination of the FOX Network show along with new plans. I don't know, though. (I got the impression he was only presenting the details for the FOX Network BG series, especially with the slides indicating a "2001" copyright date.)

Michael
:colwar:

[kingfish]

You stated that Glen made mention of recasting the Cain role. I am wondering if he was going to get another great Captain for the role, one by the name of James Tiberius Kirk(William Shatner).