Uncharted Waters: Battlestar Galactica 1978’s Extended Story Arc

What would Battlestar Galactica 1978 have looked like if it had extended past its initial single season?

Origins and Cancellation

Battlestar Galactica 1978, a classic 1970s science fiction series, was canceled after its first and only main season, leaving behind a narrative thread of unresolved plot points and unanswered questions. The series would have been entirely different if it had continued for five seasons, potentially reshaping the complexities and trajectories of various storylines, particularly the Mothership Connection.

The Cylons' Occupation of New Caprica

The Mothership Connection was a significant subplot in the series that introduced an extra layer of intrigue and complexity to the narrative. Its impact on New Caprica, a pivotal planet in the storyline, would have been amplified in an extended series. Consider the following:

The Nexus of All Will: If the show had lasted five seasons, the Mothership, representing the Cylons’ central command, could have played a more prominent and ongoing role in the storyline. This would have shifted the power dynamics of the conflict and deepened the mystery surrounding the Cylons. The Lost Colony and Mankind's Future: The occupation of New Caprica would have been explored more deeply, with extended discussions on how New Caprica represented a new beginning or end for humanity. The experience and fate of the intégrale (the exiled fleet) on this colony could have altered the course of human survival and evolution. Moral and Ethical Questioning: An extended series would have allowed for more moral and ethical dilemmas to be explored, such as the Cylons' use of human technology and their changing methods of colonization. The subplot of the Nexus of All Will could have been developed into a central theme, providing a deeper analysis of the Cylons' motivations and the consequences of their actions.

Would Glen A. Larson Be More Content?

The main question is whether Glen A. Larson, the creator of Battlestar Galactica 1978, would have been more content with alternative plot developments had the show continued. From the perspective of a fan, the original series had a mix of compelling elements, such as the shiny chrome of the Cylons, which were prominently featured with flying motorcycles (a reference to the 2003 reimagined series).

Linas Yuspayev and Count Iblis Subplots

Subplots involving characters like Linas Yuspayev and Count Iblis were initially introduced but ultimately did not receive the development that fans might have desired. If the show had lasted five seasons, these elements could have been fleshed out in ways that enhanced the overall narrative:

Linas Yuspayev: His role as a Cylon assassin and the first known sleeper agent would have provided more insights into the Cylons' tactics and strategy. His eventual conflict with Auxiliary Squadron Viper Veteran (AvV) could have been a central point of tension and intrigue throughout the series. Count Iblis: As a mysterious figure who turned out to be a Cylon, his involvement in the Loch Nova Massacre and his role in creating the ...

The Future of Kobol

The original series raised numerous questions about Kobol, including the nature of the Imperious Leader and the Lords of Kobol. If the show had continued for five seasons, these questions could have been explored in detail, potentially leading to a revelation of the true nature of the Lords. This could have involved:

Morphic Vibrations and Transformations: The series could have delved into the idea of the Cylons being a manifestation of Kobol's collective consciousness. A five-season run might have allowed for more episodes dedicated to this mystery, ultimately leading to a grand revelation about the essence of the Lords of Kobol and the Link to the Machine Monsters. Symbolism and Mythology: Extended storytelling would have provided more time to explore the symbolism and mythology behind the various elements of the show, such as the Centauri and Galactica's connection to the stars. The reimagined series, with its focus on the Final Five, introduced a new layer of mystery, and a five-season run might have allowed for the resolution of these elements in a more cohesive manner.

The Question of Edward Seidel

The cancellation of the show left a lingering question about the fate of Edward Seidel, who was killed in the series finale. Had the series continued, Seidel's character could have played a more significant role in the ongoing conflict. His background and history with the Cylons could have been further developed, providing more depth to his character and narrative:

Seidel's Involvement with the Cylons: His past with the Centurions could have been explored, revealing a history that was unknown to the other characters and significantly impacting the dynamics of the series. This could have led to more complex character interactions and a deeper understanding of the Cylon-human conflict. New Alliances and Betrayals: Had Seidel survived, his survival might have led to new alliances and betrayals, reshaping the alliances and enmities within the Galactica and the intégrale. This could have provided a fresh perspective on the ongoing struggle for survival and the morality of the war.

Conclusion

The cancellation of Battlestar Galactica 1978 after its first season left many fans craving more of this rich and complex universe. An extended series with five seasons would have opened up numerous possibilities for exploration, from the intrigue of the Mothership Connection to the ongoing mysteries surrounding the Lords of Kobol. While we cannot know for certain how the story would have developed within these parameters, the potential for further development of characters and storylines is undeniable. Fans can only speculate about how the narrative would have evolved, but the legacy of Battlestar Galactica 1978 remains a compelling and enduring piece of science fiction that continues to inspire new interpretations and theories to this day.