It’s been a little over 20 years since Battlestar Galactica debuted on ABC, and there is now talk that the Sci-Fi Channel is going to be resurrecting the series. “Reboot Fever” seems to be sweeping the land, and it’s a shame that such a stalwart series is part of that regrettable trend. So regrettable, in fact, that I’ve compiled a short list of 3 reasons why we don’t need another Battlestar:
1. The Sci-Fi Channel
The Sci-Fi Channel seems like a natural fit for a Battlestar reboot, but this is a channel known for some truly horrible TV movies. Dinocroc? Frankenfish? Dog Soldiers? (Actually, Dog Soldiers wasn’t that bad). It seems unbelievable that they would be given the reins to make something as serious and epic as another BSG.
2. Women
This is probably the most egregious of all of the rumors for Sci-Fi’s BSG reboot is that the character made famous by Dirk Benedict — Lt. Starbuck — will now be played by a woman. Frankly, that change flies in the face of the everything BSG. What about the bonds of brotherhood?
There’s also a rumor that Boomer (Herbert Jefferson, Jr.) will now be played by a female as well. What is Sci-Fi thinking? Is this an all-female reboot? Nothing about this makes sense. Next thing you know, they’ll be trying to bring Richard Hatch back for some bit-part as stunt casting, just to disrespect the franchise further.
3. Visual Effects
I don’t really have anything more to say than just look at the effects below. The radar is so clearly rendered that it might even be real. Further, the Cylons are unbelievably life-like. It has been reported that in the reboot, Cylons will now be humanoid. Good luck making them look this real, Sci-Fi. This show was ahead of its time, and it won’t easily be bested:
For now, we can just remember a great series for what it was, and hope that the Sci-Fi Channel doesn’t ruin our enjoyment of the original.
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