Created by Glen Larson and beginning in 1978, Battlestar Galactica keeps on coming back. There have been films, television series, books comics and games all based around a science fiction world thought up by Larson. All productions begin with the same basic idea – a group of 12 human colonies engage in a war with the alien Cylons who want to wipe out the humans. They attack all of the colonies and most of the humans are killed, meaning the survivors flee. One large spaceship, named Battlestar Galactica has survived the attack and they go off in search of a mythical thirteenth colony, Earth.
Over the years, the franchise has maintained a cult following which has created numerous revivals. In 2001, the BBC reported on a probable return to television screens, for the series. Although some years ago, the article was published 23 years after the original series was shown; presentating its refusal to become a dying idea. The article tells of the brand having a lot of ‘staying power’ and ‘international appeal’. As one of the original Sci-Fi series, Battlestar Galactica has influenced a lot of progression and change in the genre, as well as maintaining a strong following – one large enough for there to be talks of a feature film.
In 2009, The Guardian published an article likening the newest season to other great seasons, such as The Wire and Breaking Bad. The review shows how an older franchise can adapt and change, to become something for the modern audience. Since 2000, a number of books have been published, in fiction and comic book form and a number of games have been released. Video gaming as a form of media has really evolved in recent years, and Battlestar Galactica has not been left behind in the development.
Beginning with a board game in the early years, there are now a few different games available for everyone. In 2003, a full video game was released for the Playstation 2 and Xbox and was released just before a new series aired on television, signalling a revival in interest for the brand. The same year there was an updated board game released with different expansions being released until 2013. There is also an online multiplayer game based on the series, launched in 2011. Other brands have also done their own spin offs based on the series, for example, fans can play Battlestar Galactica online casino games at Betway.
It seems as if the revival for the franchise comes in waves, and with talks of a movie – we are set to see another one very soon. But it is possible to say that the brand will never die as it comes back time and time again. Larson surely created something great that will inspire for generations.
