GOODBYE, TERRY CARTER...

Any loss to the Classic Galactica main cast 'family' is rotten to report, and Terry Carter's passing, though he enjoyed life up to the impressive age of 95, hurts a lot. The distinguished veteran actor brought great strength of character, heart and sometimes scene-stealing humour to the role of the often stern but always loyal Colonel Tigh, pretty much a figurehead of impressive authority on the Battlestar's bridge during its all too brief series duration. As the leader of the fleet and protector of the last remnants of humanity, Commander Adama (and his on-set portrayer in Lorne Greene) couldn't have had a better friend, comrade or experienced Colonial Warrior alongside him in the quest to find Earth.

Reunited with old friends in this terrific convention-related photo.

Well liked by his acting comrades, especially in the many Universal productions he was involved in (from his regular role in McCloud, to appearances in the likes of The Six Million Dollar Man and The Fall Guy, amongst other Glen A. Larson productions), Carter was also a member of the comedy crusaders that were a firm part of the iconic Phil Silvers show, and leaves behind a fine legacy. RIP, and our sincere condolences to his family and friends at this time... 

Terry Carter Dead: 'Battlestar Galactica,' 'McCloud' Actor Was 95

CLASSIC ART: THE CYLON MASTER PLAN!

The Cylon's Imperious Leader has hatched his most diabolical plan yet to destroy the Galactica and her human fugitive fleet from the inside out, with the help of a conditioned human traitor, in another fine entry from the classic Look-In magazine in the UK. I sure wish someone could do a special compilation of all the strips one day. The series deserves it.

Superb art, as always, from British comics great Martin Asbury, during November 1979.

CLASSIC IMAGE: THE PASSING OF SERINA...

Truly one of the series saddest moments, the tenderly written and played finale scenes to Lost Planet of the Gods, as a tearful Boxey and Apollo say their final goodbyes to the fatally wounded Serina (Jane Seymour, getting the finale she wanted and deserved onscreen) in a private area aboard the Galactica. 

CLASSIC MERCHANDISE: A VHS TOUCHDOWN IN OZ!

Outside the UK and US, we've not had the chance to cover the series popularity in other territories, so its great to see these Australian VHS releases from back in the day (circa early 2000's, as the format was starting to die out), released there by Universal Playback. Though it's sadly more than clear, however, that the company had no idea (or were that too bothered) about getting the right photography for the represented episodes, showcased by their using an image from Galactica: 1980 for the original series two-parter War of the Gods.

It would be great to hear back from any Australian fans about what has been fully released there over the years on VHS, Beta and other formats...

CLASSIC ART: TROUBLE ON THE FLIGHT DECK!

A rampaging animal is on the loose within the environs of the Galactica, but all is not what it seems after a prior Colonial expedition to an alien world. Memorable cover art, in the best action-packed Marvel tradition, by Bill Sienkiewicz and Klaus Janson, for the series' all-too brief US comic run - issue 17, from 1980.

CLASSIC IMAGE: MAKING A STAND!

Tracking the mystery foe that has commandeered Starbuck's special recon viper to a far off moon, and with their friend possibly slain, Captain Apollo and Lt. Boomer spring to resolute action when ambushed in an abandoned village. A memorable scene from The Long Patrol.

CLASSIC MEDIA: GETTING WEIRD WITH 'WEIRD WORLDS'!

The arrival of the trailblazing Star Wars and Battlestar Galactica States-side saw the debut of many all-new cash-in magazines celebrating their impact in cinema and on TV, alongside articles on other classics of the genre like the original Star Trek, The Outer Limits, and many Gerry Anderson productions. Weird Worlds made Galactica their launch launch cover (with a rare image) back in 1978, but did it ever make it to a second issue?

CLASSIC IMAGE: SHUTTLE ARRIVAL!

In deep space, one of the Galactica's many vital shuttles prepares to return to its mothership. A terrific effects shot establishing a sense of scale to the mighty Battlestar for audiences, during the opening of Saga of a Star World.

GETTING THE 'STARLOG' SPECIAL TREATMENT!

The mysterious 'Ship of Lights', so important to Galactica's later episodes, graces the cover of Starlog magazine's then hugely detailed 1979 coverage of the classic series, featuring some fine articles and photography covering the show's effects and its overall making, plus an episode guide which was a genuine god send, especially to UK TV viewers who were then starting to see the series and eagerly awaited the ongoing adventures beyond the pilot.

BEHIND THE SCENES: THE ORIGINAL CYLONS

Looking more like the Ovions later seen in the pilot episode, and with origins here that see them resemble the alien humanoid race descendants referred to in often deleted dialogue during the series genesis, this early Cylon trio seen in storyboard form are piloting their raider vessel into attack, during the early events of Saga of a Star World. 

CLASSIC IMAGE: A LOVE REVEALED!

As Apollo and Starbuck embark on their most dangerous mission yet - into the heart of a Cylon Basestar no less, Cassiopeia and Sheba watch their departure, as the latter soon reveals her true feelings for the departed Apollo, in a touching moment, beautifully played by Anne Lockhart, from the ever-popular series finale: The Hand of God.

CLASSIC IMAGE: IN ALLIANCE CONTROL!

Those vicious space Nazis, the Eastern Alliance, and their sneery leader Commandant Leiter, have taken control of the Prison Barge environs to which they were once captive, thanks to the assistance of Baltar and the formidable Borellian Noman. Things certainly won't be great for the soon arriving Colonial warriors Sheba and Boomer, in this ominous moment from the memorable Baltar's Escape.

'GALACTICA:1980': INTRODUCING THE NEW SERIES...

Despite the huge loss of Apollo and Starbuck, Galactica fans must surely have been excited for the then upcoming new series that was Galactica 1980, of which this US TV Guide magazine publicity looked intriguing enough to get viewers watching its opening installments. But such potential promise wasn't to last, as the series became too restricted and noticeably too budget strapped in its soon family audience format.

CLASSIC ART: COLONIAL AMBUSH!

One of my all-time favourite Ralph McQuarrie concept/production paintings for Galactica, as the Cylon sneak attack begins on the Colonial Fleet. It feels like a realistic scene of war, full of depth, detail and incident. I wish this evocative painting could have been filmed for real in the pilot episode, Saga of a Star World.

BEHIND THE SCENES: A HELPING HAND...

It certainly was difficult for the extras and stunt men inhabiting the bulky and impressive Cylon Centurion costumes during filming of the original series. Thankfully, the long and sweaty days can improve when someone like the lovely Laurette Spang comes to assist, as seen in this behind the scenes shot from the filming/publicity for Saga of a Star World at Universal Studios, during the Summer of 1978.

WEARING 'GALACTICA'!

I don't know if this terrific item of clothing was actually available beyond the UK, but I was a proud owner of one of these terrific Galactica jackets during 1980/81, which was a birthday present from my mum back in the day, ordered from this actual advert that was in Look-In magazine (in fact, I looked a lot like the kid in the advert!). The back of the jacket showed the terrific movie poster art, and I even remember wearing it when the family went to Los Angeles and saw The Battle of Galactica theme park adventure at Universal Studios, in early April 1980. Such great nostalgic days they were...

BEHIND THE SCENES: THE FANTASY LEGACY!

We've come a long way since the days of blue screen filming and optical compositing of our popular classic series models. So far, in fact, that CGI/animation effects can be created at home showcasing the iconic Vipers, Cylons and Battlestars at a heaper price than ever before. Fan films celebrating the ever-cool series have become more popular than ever as they take advantage of such advances. Take, for instance, the below labour of fan love called Perseverance. Enjoy!