Another One Bites the Dust...The Re-Imagination of Battlestar Galactica

[Micheleh]

Richard just sent me this- check it out.

"Another One Bites the Dust...The Re-Imagination of Battlestar Galactica
By John Kenneth Muir
http://www.farsector.com/media/7_2003.htm

Photographs of the "re-imagined" Battlestar Galactica miniseries, due to air on the Sci-Fi Channel in December of 2003, mysteriously surfaced on the net this week. Oddly, especially considering the specifics that have already been reported about the project, some of those leaked photographs are downright perplexing. For instance, in the online spread there were a couple of shots of the imposing chrome robots, the famous Cylon Warriors from the original 1978-1979 ABC TV series. Of course, the new miniseries will not actually feature this classic robot design, a trademark of the first series, but instead spotlight a new brand of humanoid-type Cylon, more like Arnie's Terminator, allegedly.

So what's the deal? Why no illustrations of the new Cylons, the ones that will actually populate the miniseries? Could it be because the creators of the new production don't wish to reveal this far in advance that they have discarded this impressive and much revered design? Instead of releasing photographs of the miniseries' new featured villains and at the same time reveal a major change in the Galactica universe, these photos of the classic Cylons appeared online instead, ostensibly to placate the faithful. What fans may not realize is that this sturdy old Cylon Centurian reportedly appears only briefly as a museum relic in the new miniseries, at least according to rumors! You wouldn't know that from the photo spread, that's for sure.

From online script reviews and interviews with writers and creators, we already know that the universe is drastically altered as "re-imagined" by the creators of the new Galactica. The gambling, womanizing character named Starbuck, once played by the macho Dirk Benedict, is actually a blond woman this time around...and already cast. Also, the mythological-sounding names such as Apollo, which formed so much of Galactica's background gestalt, have been ditched, transformed into pilot CB radio handles like "Maverick" in Top Gun. Captain Apollo's new name is "Lee." Now there's a courageous, heroic sounding moniker! One wonders if he'll be joined by daredevils Stan, Jimmy and Bob. And what's this, Edward James Olmos has been cast as Commander Adama? That's great - he's a terrific actor and will do a wonderful job, but no cast members have been retained from the original series! Not a one! Why?

As a longtime admirer of Battlestar Galactica, I don't necessarily object to the idea of an updating or a remake. What does concern me, however, is the fact that this re-imagination co-opts the Galactica brand name and apparently shows little respect for the original drama. Where's the original cast? (Come on folks, why wasn't Richard Hatch cast as Adama?) Why the change in the nature of the Cylons? Why remove the mythological names and allegedly the spiritual and mythic overtones that made the original show something unique? Why replace the series' Pearl Harbor surprise attack with a faddish September 11th scenario instead?

Again, I haven't seen the miniseries. It may be the best thing to happen to science fiction TV in 2003, but no matter how good it proves to be, it doesn't deserve the name Battlestar Galactica. And
that's simply because, like all myths, Battlestar Galactica boasts a history, style, and legacy all its own. Yes, even baggage too, including flaky science and a presumed status as a Star Wars
rip-off. The creators of the new miniseries - enterprising and talented individuals all, no doubt, have raided the series' name, some of its production design (like the Colonial vipers, which appear relatively faithful), but shredded the original characters and scenarios in favor of their own original ideas. That, my friends, is nothing less than hubris - to believe that something you come up with will be better than what millions of fans enjoyed the last time around.

It's also a really stupid tactic from a marketing angle. Name recognition may bring in a lot of curiosity viewing, but there are going to be many disappointed and angry fans, no matter how brilliant this version turns out to be, when they discover that this miniseries is an "alternate" take on Galactica, not a continuation or faithful remake. The miniseries may be heartfelt entertainment, intellectually stimulating and exciting drama, but it just won't be Battlestar Galactica.

Of course, Battlestar Galactica isn't Scripture. It has faults. All genre series do. I've enraged the militant faction of Galactica fans myself by pointing out some of the series' shortcomings, and to this day I half-expect to find a Cylon burning on my front lawn. Fine. I'm on board with the notion that Battlestar Galactica can be improved and re-built. I wholeheartedly buy that argument, and so do, I suspect, most rational fans. But can this mission not be accomplished in a manner that pays tribute to the original series? After all, the series lasted for only twenty four episodes and yet millions of fans remember it twenty-five years later! Wouldn't it be better to build on that solid foundation, rather than cast aside tradition for totally new, untested ideas?

A question to the makers of the miniseries: Why name your effort Battlestar Galactica at all? By doing so, you set yourself up for failure. No matter how brilliant your updates and re-imagination, it will be judged against fan nostalgia and admiration for the original. So why push your ideas at the expense of a show that already carries its own vision and legend? Like the deceptive Cylon photographs on the net, it smacks of a gimmick or trick. Star Wars and Star Trek have both survived by demonstrating at least a measure of respect for their original source material. Various movies, prequels and spin-offs in those franchises at least appear to exist in the same universe, so that old episodes and movies aren't ignored and shunted aside for something new.

This new Galactica actively negates the old Galactica, and that's nothing short of a slap in the face to fans. Let me ask you, clever producers, which version do you think fans will have more allegiance to? A version they've grown up with and cherished for twenty five years? Or your spanking new production, no matter how smart and updated?

We all remember just how well this "re-imagination" approach has worked before, don't we? That's why we've had so many sequels to 1998's Godzilla and Lost in Space, 1999's The Wild, Wild
West, and 2001's Planet of the Apes, right?"

Lol.... I like this guy.

[Last Battlestar]

Thanks for the interesting article Micheleh, Richard too! Where was this printed/ posted?

Surely after all the well-meaning (and not so well-meaning near the end) warnings from fandom, the producers couldn't be 100% confident about this project could they? I'm sure somewhere dep inside the black tower, some people very high up in the chain of command must be shuddering at the mention of Godzilla, LIS, WWW and POTA?

I sleep well at night knowing that heads will roll....

You don't have to be a rocket scientist to see where this will end up once the initial curiosity factor is over. I don't have high hopes for a continuing series in this format.

Mike

[Senmut]

Yup, heads will roll...AND rot on poles!!!!

[Micheleh]

Here's the link.

http://www.farsector.com/media/7_2003.htm

[oldwardaggit]

I'm still shocked that Ron's production got this far. Especially when all you have to do is serf the net to see what the fans are looking for or go to one of the many cons.

I find it hard to believe that no one at Universal serfs the net for some sort of research.

The problem is that they took the (We know better then you) approach.

I feel as a Galactica fan, we had to fight tooth and nail just for what should have been common sense and all the while we have others calling us close minded die hards just because we have a favorite show (just like any one else) but don't like a new version of it that has nothing to do with the name it's taking. How bout that. LMAO

To me, this is all becoming very laughable.
OWD

[Titon]

Finally someone sees the light.

[PlaidSquadron]

It dawned on me recently, that the new series has repeated boated of the "human looking Cylons" Yet the Sci Fi advertisements (from the early teasers and web site" all featured the classic roving "red eye"

It amazes me that they would pick something that so defines BSG to advertise the show, yet not actually use that item in the product.

[Charybdis]

Trickery, that's how they are selling this new travesty. John Muir said it best with this snippet:

"It's also a really stupid tactic from a marketing angle. Name recognition may bring in a lot of curiosity viewing, but there are going to be many disappointed and angry fans, no matter how brilliant this version turns out to be, when they discover that this miniseries is an "alternate" take on Galactica, not a continuation or faithful remake. The miniseries may be heartfelt entertainment, intellectually stimulating and exciting drama, but it just won't be Battlestar Galactica."

I have always felt this way exactly. MOstly, the uninitiated fans who are rather casual about BSG, they remember it from their childhoods but probably forgot all about it over the years. they are the ones who the producers are trying to trick with all these sight gimmicks relating to the original series. They will get excited, remember the original series, tune in in December and then get the shock of their lives when they see what MooreRon has done to BSG.

It's sickening...

[shiningstar]

I'm glad "SOMEONE" did TITON ..........Now everyone ......
take the link and post it ON all the BSG and the REMAKE
boards!

[BSG_Sci_FiPulse]

Well said.

[shiningstar]

Welcome to the club Ian!

[goldcenturian]

Actually, every third person (ok so I exaggerate) is named William in the new mini! I counted three: William "husker" Adama, Billy, Laura's Aide, and William and Paul (that's Adama and Tigh to TOS fans) mention an old war buddy named Bill or Will! I've only known 3 Williams personally in my whole 36 years and here are three in four hours of mini. Can you say fixation? Can you say weird? Can you say no imagination? Yep, Stan and Bob don't stand a chance, they're all Willys!
Carolyn

[repcisg]

Well its true then where there's a Will there's a way.

[Dawg]

Well its true then where there's a Will there's a way.

Ugh.



Boooooo. Hisssssssss.



I am
Dawg

[repcisg]

I know, it's Monday. What else can I say!

[Charybdis]

The fact there are so many Willie's in the BS2003 gives me the WILLY's!!!!!

[Sept17th]

Originally posted by Micheleh

"Another One Bites the Dust...The Re-Imagination of Battlestar Galactica
By John Kenneth Muir

Of course, Battlestar Galactica isn't Scripture. It has faults. All genre series do. I've enraged the militant faction of Galactica fans myself by pointing out some of the series' shortcomings, and to this day I half-expect to find a Cylon burning on my front lawn.

I never understood that, this guy wrote the only fair and balanced in depth look I’ve ever seen on the subject. His chapter on what a new production would need to be successful was right on target. Unfortunately MooreRon ignored nearly everything in that chapter.

A few months ago I asked about his opinion concerning the mini-series, I’m not surprised…I am thrilled to see it!

[goldcenturian]

repcisg, Dawg, Charybdis, you guys are GREAT!!! LOL!
Couldn't help myself. I had to mention the BILLs. The changes that have been made irks me to no end.
WHY MY SHOW???
Carolyn

[vmnjn]

Since I first heard of the "BGRedo" and its content one other SciFi show came to mind.

Lexx

Soft Porn for the masses. A, not to terribly bad, series of movies turned into nothing more than a poorrrnnnn iiinnn spaaacceee series.

I had long hoped for an Stargate SG1 style series. In fact this series is the "proof of concept" for a BG continuation that could be marketable and successful in syndication without needing the Star Trek brandname.

Some said that SciFi would not go so far to make a Lexx style show. Well they did it with Lexx so I am not surprised they are doing it again.

I have also seen the advertisements. Watching the slutty cleavage shot over and over again has soured me completely.

I have finally come to the conclusion that I will not watch this miniseries. I would rather search the internet for naughtiness instead of seeing the same done on BG.

Unfortunately, it appears the money budgeted has already been spent. No matter how horrible it is it will be released so liscences, trademarks, and copywrites can be maintained.

Hopefully those who have twisted the possibilities and hopes for a BG faithful to what originally inspired its fan base will suffer the consequences.

[Artemis]

As bad as Lexx was it was at least better than Scare Tatics or Tremors.

[shiningstar]

OWD ........I'm sure that SOMEONE at UNIVERSAL
"SURFS" the net ........"THEY" however just aren't
SMART ENOUGH to CARE about what the FANS think!