An Analytical Guide to Television's Battlestar Galactica

When the space drama Battlestar Galactica debuted on ABC in 1978, it was expected to be the most popular new program of the year. Instead, it was attacked as a Star Wars rip-off and canceled after a mere 17 stories. The author acknowledges the show was full of dramatic cliches and scientific inaccuracies, but despite these shortcomings, Battlestar Galactica was a dramatically resonant series full of unique and individual characters, such as Commander Adama (Lorne Greene) and ace warrior Captain Apollo (Richard Hatch). The author contends that Battlestar Galactica was a memorable attempt to make science fiction accessible to mainstream television audiences. The brilliant work of artist John Dykstra brought a new world of special effects to network television. Battlestar Galactica also skillfully exploited legends and names from both the Bible and ancient mythology, which added a layer of depth and maturity to the weekly drama.

Author: John Kenneth Muir
Publisher: McFarland and Company, Inc.
Published: 10/31/2005
Pages: 244
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.75lbs
Size: 8.98h x 6.46w x 0.55d
ISBN13: 9780786424559
ISBN10: 0786424559
BISAC Categories:
- Performing Arts | Television | History & Criticism
- Performing Arts | Reference

About the Author
John Kenneth Muir is an American literary critic and award-winning author. As of 2022, he has written 30 reference books in the fields of film and television, with a particular focus on the horror and science fiction genres.