Unveiling the Untold Secrets: Battlestar Galactica's Reboot Gambles with Fan Favorite Character, but Can Star Trek Outshine It?
Battlestar Galactica's Reboot Failed to Utilize Dr Cottle's Full Potential, While Star Trek Highlights the Character's Untapped Brilliance
The 2000s-era reimagining of Battlestar Galactica garnered positive comparisons to Star Trek, but it fell short in utilizing one of its ensemble characters, in contrast to Star Trek's trajectory. Originally debuting in 1978, Ronald D. Moore's reboot breathed new life into the military sci-fi show when it premiered in 2004. Across its four-season run, Battlestar Galactica developed a captivating mythology centered around the fictional 12 Colonies of Kobol and the titular spacecraft's crew's quest for the legendary 13th Colony of Earth.
While many of the characters in the Battlestar Galactica reboot, from commanding officer William Adama to viper pilot Starbuck, proved to be worthy successors to their original counterparts, there was one aspect where the reboot had a distinct advantage. Unlike the first series, which only lasted one season, the reboot had ample time to introduce and integrate new characters into the Battlestar Galactica universe. This led to frequent comparisons between the Battlestar Galactica reboot and the established Star Trek canon, as most sci-fi series revolving around space exploration followed Star Trek's footsteps. Notably, Dr. McCoy from Star Trek exemplified how Battlestar Galactica failed to fully utilize its equivalent character, Dr. Cottle.
Battlestar Galactica's Dr. Cottle Was The Reboot's Biggest Missed Character Opportunity
Dr. Sherman Cottle, a major in the military, served as the chief surgeon on Galactica. Despite his initial brashness, he gradually revealed a more empathetic side. His commitment to saving lives was showcased when he stood by Cylon Sharon and her unborn hybrid child, despite the skepticism of the rest of the crew. Additionally, Dr. Cottle performed abortions on young women, such as the 17-year-old Gemenon native Rya Kibby, without passing moral judgment. His dedication to providing exceptional medical care overshadowed all other concerns.
While Dr. Cottle's strong adherence to medical ethics and unwavering approach would have greatly benefited Battlestar Galactica, the show failed to develop his character fully. Instead, he was primarily used as a plot device, appearing only when another character was sick or in danger of dying. By portraying him as the ultimate savior, the show missed the opportunity to explore the complex situations he faced. For instance, when he was forced to lie about the survival of Sharon's child in order to save the infant's life, it could have provided deeper insight into Dr. Cottle's psyche, motivations, and overall character. Regrettably, Battlestar Galactica never delved further into this storyline.
Star Trek: The Original Series Proves BSG Wasted Dr. Cottle
Dr. Cottle's professional and personal traits were greatly influenced by the character of Dr. Leonard "Bones" McCoy from Star Trek. Like McCoy, who displayed a short temper, high level of professionalism, and deep respect for all lifeforms as a member of the main cast, Cottle also embodied these characteristics. Similarly, both doctors coped with the stress and emotional toll of their work in their own ways - McCoy turned to alcohol, while Cottle found solace in smoking.
However, the exploration of McCoy's moral dilemmas throughout Star Trek's storyline went much further than what was seen with Dr. Cottle in Battlestar Galactica. Unlike Cottle, who was mainly portrayed as a medical professional attending to the emergencies of other characters, McCoy served as a significant voice of humanity, grappling with matters of faith and emotion. This stark contrast to Spock's logical and Vulcan philosophy showcased the untapped potential of Dr. Cottle as a truly complex character.
