The Appropriate Order To Watch The Battlestar Galactica Franchise

Glen A. Larson’s “Battlestar Galactica” has advanced into a large franchise because the authentic sequence (of the identical identify) aired in 1978. Irrespective of the medium, these tales all the time discover their method again to the Twelve Colonies — a gaggle of planets representing humanity in the course of the Cylon Struggle — because it falls below assault. The attackers in query are the Cylons, who want to exterminate the human race in any respect prices, and to this finish, they destroy the Colonies, save for a small group that manages to flee. Among the many remaining spacecrafts, solely the Battlestar Galactica, which doubles as a battleship and a provider, is ready to supply refuge to the survivors searching for a mysterious new colony: Earth.

Yep, it is a actually cool premise, and “Battlestar Galactica” explores the age-old themes of morality, survival, battle, and religion via an intriguing narrative lens. The techno-jargon employed all through just isn’t decorative, and the awe evoked by such a futuristic setting is consciously undercut by urgent, sensible considerations about survival. The very existence of the human race raises advanced socio-political questions, with the persistent pull of faith making issues much more difficult. How do cybernetic alien races just like the Cylons understand divinity, and the way does their idea of the “self” develop in distinction to that of people? Existential questions of an analogous selection are posed all through the “Battlestar Galactica” franchise, whose wealthy mythology is as compelling as its distinctive addition to the science fiction style.

That mentioned, the watch order for “Battlestar Galactica” may be very complicated if you happen to’re new to the property. There are two main tv sequence, a miniseries, two prequels, and different re-imagined continuities to account for (other than the novels and the video video games). So, let’s attempt to make sense of those entries in a method that can make it easier to get probably the most out of Larson’s attractive, evocative creation.

You can make 1978’s “Battlestar Galactica” your start line, however as the unique sequence just isn’t required viewing, you may skip every thing that precedes the reimagined 2003 miniseries. Though there’s some worth in visiting the present after you are executed with the reimagined and companion entries, you are sure to run into continuity variations that can additional complicate the timeline. Furthermore, the very best start line comes within the type of two prequels: the short-lived 2010 sequence “Caprica” and the online sequence “Battlestar Galactica: Blood & Chrome,” which match completely earlier than the occasions of the 2003 miniseries. With this in thoughts, allow us to take a fast have a look at the definitive watch order for the franchise:

• “Battlestar Galactica” (1978) — Unique sequence [Optional]

• “Galactica 1980” (1980) — Spin-off for the 1978 sequence [Optional]

• “Caprica” (2010) — Prequel to the 2003 miniseries

• “Battlestar Galactica: Blood & Chrome” (2012) — Prequel web-series

• “Battlestar Galactica” (2003) — Reimagined mini-series

• “Battlestar Galactica” (2004) — Season 1

• “Battlestar Galactica” (2005) — Season 2 (up till episode 17)

• “Battlestar Galactica: Razor” (2007) — TV film [Extended Cut + Flashbacks]

• “Battlestar Galactica” (2005) — Season 2 (episode 18 onward)

• “The Resistance” (2006) — Net-series

• “Battlestar Galactica” (2006) — Season 3

• “Battlestar Galactica” (2008) — Season 4 (up till episode 11)

• “Battlestar Galactica: The Face of the Enemy” (2008) — 10-part webisodes

• “Battlestar Galactica” (2008) — Season 4 (episodes 12-15)

• “The Plan” (2009) — TV film

• “Battlestar Galactica” (2008) — Season 4 (episode 16 onward)

Yeah, it is a lot. Nevertheless, the watch order will not really feel as daunting as soon as you are feeling snug with the core premise and lore. If something, it’s going to really feel like an unforgettable journey with thrilling ups and downs.

I will not be spoiling something in regards to the reimagined miniseries or the opposite sequence entries inside this continuity, however listed here are some issues you have to know earlier than committing to this watch order. The primary break comes halfway via season 2, with episode 17 — titled “The Captain’s Hand” — delving into the Pegasus arc. This storyline is sustained in “Battlestar Galactica: Razor,” whose prolonged minimize ought to be adopted up by deleted scenes dubbed “Razor Flashbacks” (which can be found to look at as webisodes). One other mid-season break value explaining is “The Plan,” which tells the story of the primary two seasons from the angle of the Cylons, explaining their motivations in depth whereas including extra context to the lore established to date.

We’re nearly executed right here, however in case you are keen on softcover novelizations written by Larson himself, make sure you examine them out. I would not advocate them for his or her high quality, however they do supply a enjoyable little glimpse into the pre-reimagined conception of the premise. Aside from this, there’s Richard Hatch’s (who performed Captain Apollo Adama within the 1978 “Battlestar Galactica” sequence) guide sequence, which makes an attempt to revive and proceed the unique premise by specializing in a brand new human colony and the specter of one other impending warfare. And earlier than you ask, sure, there are comics too. Marvel Comics printed a 23-issue sequence primarily based on the unique present, with artist Walt Simonson on the helm.

When it comes to video games, the franchise has spawned a number of tabletop board video games, amongst which I like to recommend 2008’s Battlestar Galactica: The Board Recreation (which follows the reimagined 2003 miniseries and requires a minimal of three folks for the technique to work). Shifting on to video video games, there are numerous early Xbox and PlayStation titles that have been launched through the years, however the one entry of be aware right here is 2017’s “Battlestar Galactica Impasse,” which employs turn-based technique to navigate the primary Cylon Struggle. Have enjoyable!