In 1978, ‘Battlestar Galactica’ first appeared, tapping into the growing popularity of space-themed sci-fi stories. It stood out with its focus on the dangers of relying too much on technology in those years but ended its run after only one season in 1979.
Fast forward to the early 2000s, and the show was remade by Ronald D. Moore and David Eick, offering a fresh take on Glen A. Larson’s original concept. But while centered around similar themes, both versions have different aspects to consider before starting to watch.
The Storyline
The 2000s version of ‘Battlestar Galactica’ introduced a new storyline, maintaining only a few connections to the original. For example, the classic show had Baltar aligning with the Cylons, while the new series portrayed him as being tricked. The remake also took its time to set the main story with a miniseries in 2003, unlike the original, which directly appeared in a scene supporting many sci-fi-themed projects.
A Shift In Tone
The remake of ‘Battlestar Galactica’ took on a darker and more mature tone compared to the original. It aimed for a realistic portrayal of characters and their reactions to catastrophic events. The original series, while having its serious moments, often leaned towards a lighter, space adventure style.
Characters Reimagined
Character development is a key area where the original and the remake differ. The original series had characters whose actions were closely tied to the plot, sometimes lacking depth. The remake, however, presented more complex and relatable characters. For instance, the character of Starbuck was reinterpreted as a woman, and Baltar’s role was significantly altered from a typical villain to a more complex character.
Thematic Depth
In the remake, political and religious themes played a more significant role. The storyline involved complex elements like elections and coups, adding depth to the narrative. The original series had a different approach to politics, with the story incorporating elements like martial law. The new version also adopted a religion closer to Roman and Greek mythologies, while the original stood closer to Mormon elements due to the creator’s religious beliefs.
