The last episode of the original Battlestar Galactica, titled “The Hand of God,” aired on April 29, 1979. This episode marked the premature conclusion of the series, ending its initial run after only one season despite its high production values and promising premise.
The Final Stand: Plot Synopsis of “The Hand of God”
“The Hand of God” finds the Galactica critically low on fuel, a recurring threat throughout the series. Commander Adama, played by Lorne Greene, receives a faint, almost unbelievable signal – a lone Cylon outpost broadcasting across the void. This station, surprisingly, lacks the heavily armed battlestars usually associated with the Cylons. It’s a gambling opportunity – a chance to replenish their fuel reserves, but also a potential trap orchestrated by the relentless enemy.
Adama, ever cautious, sends out a scouting party led by Starbuck (Dirk Benedict) and Apollo (Richard Hatch) in their Vipers. Their mission: to confirm the existence of the outpost and, if possible, assess its defenses. What they discover is a lightly guarded, seemingly obsolete Cylon command station. However, its very existence raises questions. Why is it there? Why is it so vulnerable? And what is the “Hand of God?”
The episode then delves into a tense cat-and-mouse game as the Vipers execute a daring raid, exploiting the Cylon’s apparent weakness. The Colonial warriors manage to disable the outpost and seize its precious fuel reserves. The operation is not without its casualties, and the threat of a larger Cylon fleet remains ever-present.
The “Hand of God” itself turns out to be a navigational reference point – a star formation that, when properly aligned, allows for safer jumps through hyperspace. Recovering this information is crucial for the Galactica’s continued journey to Earth. The episode concludes with the Galactica replenishing its fuel and plotting a new course, still pursued by the Cylons, but with a renewed sense of hope and the vital knowledge gleaned from the captured outpost.
Why Was Battlestar Galactica Canceled?
The cancellation of Battlestar Galactica after a single season remains a point of contention and debate among fans. While the show enjoyed high ratings initially, several factors contributed to its demise.
Costly Production
The primary reason cited was the exorbitant production cost. Battlestar Galactica was one of the most expensive television shows of its time. Its groundbreaking special effects, intricate set designs, and large ensemble cast placed a significant strain on ABC’s budget. Despite its popularity, the network struggled to justify the financial investment.
Creative Differences
Another contributing factor was rumored creative differences between the show’s creator, Glen A. Larson, and the network executives. ABC reportedly wanted to shift the show’s focus towards more standalone, episodic adventures, rather than continuing the overarching narrative of the Colonials’ journey to Earth. This tension ultimately led to the show’s demise.
Sunday Night Competition
The show faced fierce competition in its Sunday night timeslot. Competing against established shows like 60 Minutes, All in the Family, and Walt Disney, Battlestar Galactica struggled to maintain its initial viewership.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the final episode and the overall cancellation of the original Battlestar Galactica:
FAQ 1: Was “The Hand of God” intended to be the series finale?
No, “The Hand of God” was not explicitly written as a series finale. The writers and producers were likely aware of the show’s precarious position with the network, but they didn’t craft a conclusive ending. It simply became the final episode due to the show’s cancellation.
FAQ 2: What happened to the Cylons after the outpost was destroyed?
The episode does not explicitly reveal the fate of the larger Cylon fleet. The implication is that they remain a constant threat, relentlessly pursuing the Galactica and the Colonial fleet. The outpost’s destruction is a tactical victory, not a decisive one.
FAQ 3: Did Starbuck and Apollo survive the raid on the Cylon outpost?
Yes, both Starbuck and Apollo survive the raid. They both play crucial roles in disabling the outpost and securing the fuel and navigational data. Their daring actions are central to the episode’s success.
FAQ 4: What was the significance of the “Hand of God” as a navigational tool?
The “Hand of God” referred to a specific star constellation that served as a reliable reference point for making precise jumps through hyperspace. Without such a reference, navigation became increasingly risky, increasing the chance of misjumps and potentially catastrophic consequences.
FAQ 5: How did the Cylons manage to broadcast a signal that the Colonials could detect?
The Cylons, despite being the enemy, utilize a complex network of communication relays. The signal from the outpost, though faint, was likely a deliberate attempt to lure the Galactica into a trap, which underscores the inherent danger Adama perceived.
FAQ 6: Was there any attempt to revive the series after its cancellation?
Yes, ABC attempted to revive Battlestar Galactica with a shorter, lower-budget sequel series titled Galactica 1980. However, this series was met with negative reviews and quickly canceled after only ten episodes.
FAQ 7: How does “The Hand of God” compare to other episodes in the series?
“The Hand of God” is generally considered a strong episode, showcasing the series’ strengths: compelling action sequences, moral dilemmas, and the constant struggle for survival. However, some argue it lacked the emotional depth and philosophical themes explored in other episodes.
FAQ 8: Was the fuel shortage a common plot device throughout the series?
Yes, the fuel shortage was a recurring plot element in Battlestar Galactica. It served as a constant reminder of the Colonials’ precarious situation and their limited resources while relentlessly pursued.
FAQ 9: Were there any deleted scenes or alternate endings for “The Hand of God?”
There are no publicly known deleted scenes or alternate endings for “The Hand of God.” Given the hasty cancellation, it’s unlikely that significant changes were made during post-production.
FAQ 10: How did the original Battlestar Galactica influence the later reboot?
The original Battlestar Galactica served as the foundation for the critically acclaimed 2004 reboot. While the reboot took significant liberties with the original story, it retained the core themes of survival, hope, and the fight against a technologically superior enemy.
FAQ 11: Is “The Hand of God” available to stream or purchase?
Yes, “The Hand of God,” along with the entire original Battlestar Galactica series, is available on various streaming platforms (subject to regional availability) and can be purchased on DVD and Blu-ray.
FAQ 12: What is the legacy of the original Battlestar Galactica despite its short run?
Despite its brief run, the original Battlestar Galactica left an indelible mark on science fiction television. Its high production values, compelling characters, and thought-provoking themes paved the way for future sci-fi series and cemented its place in pop culture history. Its influence can still be seen in contemporary shows, demonstrating the lasting impact of the series.