Unveiling the Revamped Characters of Battlestar Galactica: Spot the Striking Differences from the Original Show

Ronald D Moore's reimagining of Battlestar Galactica in 2004 brought back some of the beloved characters from the original show, but also made significant changes to their backgrounds and relationships. This darker version of Glen A Larson's sci-fi series, which had Mormon influences, explored the complex dynamic between humanity and technology. Even after almost a decade, Battlestar Galactica remains relevant today as the boundaries between humans and artificial intelligence become increasingly blurred. The continued relevancy of the show presents a challenge for anyone attempting to follow in Moore's footsteps and potentially reboot the series.

Another obstacle that a new Battlestar Galactica would face is how to approach the core characters from the original series. Moore's 2004 reboot went beyond the sci-fi stereotypes of Larson's BSG and delved deeper into the backstories of the original characters. It's difficult to envision the direction a second reboot could take, considering the thorough exploration of these key figures in Moore's version. While not every character from the original series was brought back, Moore's reboot introduced new layers to their narratives.

7 Starbuck

In Ronald D Moore's reimagining of Battlestar Galactica, one of the notable changes was the transformation of character names like Starbuck and Apollo into callsigns. Starbuck, portrayed by Katee Sackhoff, was the female counterpart of Dirk Benedict's character in the original series. Both versions of Starbuck shared similar traits such as their affinity for cigars, gambling, and an undeniable charm towards the opposite sex. However, the rebooted Starbuck, known as Kara Thrace, had a more intricate background. Coming from a broken family, she had endured domestic abuse inflicted by her mother. Additionally, Kara's journey in the BSG reboot delved deeper into theological aspects compared to the subtle hints in the previous incarnation. As Moore's narrative unfolded, Starbuck ultimately embraced her role as a divine messenger, leading the Fleet to their ancestral home on ancient Earth.

6 Adama

In the original Battlestar Galactica series, Commander Bill Adama, portrayed by Lorne Greene, held the position of head of BSG's governing body, the Quorum of Twelve, which operated under martial law. However, in Moore's BSG reboot, Edward James Olmos' Adama had a different political role. Moore introduced the character of President Laura Roslin, played by Mary McDonnell, who sought Adama's guidance on military matters. Additionally, the Quorum in Moore's reboot was more inclusive, consisting of representatives from each of the 12 Colonies. This expanded portrayal of government allowed Moore to delve into relevant political themes during the War on Terror.

Adama's family dynamic also underwent some changes in the reboot. While his son Apollo remained a central character, portrayed by Jamie Bamber as Lee "Apollo" Adama, the reboot did not include a daughter for Adama like the original series did. Instead, Kara Thrace, played by Katee Sackhoff, became a surrogate daughter figure for Adama throughout the Battlestar Galactica series. Kara's engagement to Bill's other son, Zak, who tragically died in a flight accident, served as a catalyst for the close bond between Kara, Lee, and Bill Adama throughout the show. This portrayal of Adama's family differed from the original series, where his son Zac Adama was killed while attempting to warn the Colonies about the Cylon threat.

5 Apollo

In the reboot of Battlestar Galactica, Richard Hatch, who originally played Apollo, returned to the series as political activist Tom Zarek. However, the character of Lee Adama, who took on the role of Apollo in the reboot, had a different relationship with Starbuck compared to the original series. While Apollo and Starbuck were close friends and allies in the original, their connection in the reboot evolved into a romantic one. Despite being married to other people, their marriages eventually fell apart as they could no longer deny their feelings for each other.

Interestingly, the fate of Apollo in the original Battlestar Galactica mirrors that of Starbuck in the reboot. Both characters were believed to be dead but were resurrected by beings of light for a mysterious purpose. In Glen A Larson's proposed second season of BSG, Apollo would have resigned from his position due to his disillusionment with losing other pilots. This decision aligns with Lee's storyline in the final season of Battlestar Galactica, where he also resigns from the Fleet to pursue a career in law.

4 Saul Tigh

In the two iterations of Battlestar Galactica, Colonel Saul Tigh served as a close ally to Adama, imposing strict discipline upon the young pilots under his command. However, the rebooted version of Saul Tigh faced significantly more adversity compared to his original series counterpart. He endured brutal torture at the hands of the Cylons while on New Caprica, resulting in the tragic loss of his wife Ellen (portrayed by Kate Vernon) and one of his eyes. The most striking deviation from the original Saul Tigh was the revelation in the season 3 finale of the rebooted series that he was, in fact, one of the Final Five Humanoid Cylons.

3 Boomer

Sharon "Boomer" Valerii (Grace Park) served as a Viper pilot alongside Starbuck and Apollo, mirroring her counterpart from the original series. However, Boomer's character arc in Battlestar Galactica was far more captivating than her namesake. In a shocking season 1 cliffhanger, it was revealed that Boomer was actually a Cylon sleeper, as she made an attempt to assassinate Adama. Throughout the series, Sharon experienced multiple deaths and resurrections, ultimately being unveiled as the mother of Hera, a half-Human, half-Cylon child who played a crucial role in the genetic origins of prehistoric humanity in the controversial finale of BSG. In contrast, the original Boomer primarily served as a sidekick to Apollo and Starbuck, eventually gaining the position of Executive Officer in Battlestar Galactica: 1980.

2 Cain

In the BSG reboot, Michelle Forbes' portrayal of Helena Cain differed from Lloyd Bridges' original character mainly in terms of their ranks. Unlike Bridges' Commander Cain, Forbes' Helena Cain rose to the position of Admiral in the reboot. This change in rank caused tensions within the Fleet when her Battlestar Pegasus returned.

Similar to her namesake, Cain's strong animosity towards the Cylons clouded her judgment, leading her to prioritize gaining a military advantage over the well-being of the civilians in the Fleet. Tragically, Cain was murdered by her Cylon lover, prompting Adama to regain control of the Fleet. Despite her questionable decisions, Adama chose not to condemn Cain's actions, recognizing the psychological impact of the Pegasus' isolation on its crew.

1 Baltar

In Ronald D Moore's reboot of Battlestar Galactica, the character of Count Baltar undergoes the most significant transformation compared to the original series. While both versions of Baltar eventually betray their own species to the Cylons, their motivations diverge greatly. John Colicos' portrayal of Baltar portrays him as a power-hungry tyrant driven by the belief that aligning with the Cylons would grant him political control over the Quorum of the Twelve. However, the Cylons exploit Baltar's desire for power, manipulating him as a pawn to bring about the destruction of the Colonies.

In the Battlestar Galactica reboot, the character Gaius Baltar, portrayed by James Callis, also falls victim to his own lust. The humanoid Cylon Number Six, played by Tricia Helfer, seduces Baltar in order to gain access to the Command Navigation Program and facilitate the devastating Cylon attack on the Colonial Fleet. Baltar's desires ultimately result in a catastrophic event, yet he persists in his amoral behavior. This depiction of Baltar in the reboot is far more intricate and captivating compared to the original series, as he becomes a multi-dimensional and conflicted character.

In both the original series and the Battlestar Galactica reboot, the two Baltars played crucial roles in aiding the Fleet. The original version of Baltar provided vital information that led to the destruction of a Cylon basestar. On the other hand, Gaius Baltar in the reboot led an ill-fated mission to colonize New Caprica and opposed President Laura Roslin. However, he later redeemed himself by joining forces with both Cylons and Colonists to rescue Hera Agathon, a pivotal figure in humanity's survival. Ultimately, in the Battlestar Galactica finale, the paths of the two Baltars converged as they both made the right choices to ensure the Fleet's continued existence.