MASTER AND SERVANT!

Within his vast throne area located deep within a Cylon Basestar, the all-powerful machine creature that is the Imperious Leader (played by actor/stuntman Dick Durock) sits atop his mighty pedestal to issue the latest orders to destroy the pest that is mankind, in another classic image from Saga of a Star World that was so effectively used for worldwide publicity.

CLASSIC IMAGE: THE ORIGINAL 'SAGA' VILLAINS!

A true image gathering of the terrifying creatures encountered by our Colonial Heroes from the original pilot episode, Saga of a Star World, where the Cylons (and their Imperious Leader) were genuinely scary in their intent to destroy humanity, and the Ovions strikingly creepy as they attempted to eat the Twelve Colonies survivors within the underground depths of their Carillon-based casino.

CLASSIC IMAGE: TRULY THE IMPERIOUS LEADER!

The Imperious Leader looms large over his minions in his immense domain deep inside his Cylon Basestar, receiving all the news whilst hatching plans towards the destruction of humanity. A great image, presumably taken during filming of Saga of a Star World.

'GALACTICA' AT 40: THE CALCULATING IMPERIOUS LEADER!

His sworn adversary in human leader Adama may have anticipated the huge Cylon starforce waiting to ensnare the last remnants of mankind at Borallus, but the Imperious Leader is not the cruel and clever leader of the Cylons for nothing- his three brains working as one in preparing an even deadlier strategy awaiting their enemies with the Ovions, via the far-off mining world flytrap lure of Carillon.

CLASSIC IMAGE: A REPTILE AND ITS PET!

Rare behind the scenes footage and close-up of actor/stuntman Dick Durock inside the Imperious Leader costume, from the 1978 filming of Saga of a Star World. Always loved that little pet lizard alongside him!

CLASSIC IMAGE: THE IMPERIOUS LEADER COMMANDS...

From atop his high tower of command and control, the reptilian/cyborg Imperious Leader is given the latest news on the Cylon annihilation plans against humanity, in this scene from Saga of a Star World.

CLASSIC IMAGE: ORDERS FROM ABOVE

A Cylon Centurion prepares to receive orders from his majesty, the Imperious Leader, to hunt the last remnants of humanity, from Saga of a Star World. As an interesting side note, before Patrick Macnee's commanding voice became the role, Ted Cassidy, best known as Lurch from THE ADDAMS FAMILY, was the original voice-which was allegedly changed because it was considered too scary.

Cassidy's voice can be heard in this early trailer for the pilot's theatrical release, also featuring other intriguing rare footage: ▶ GALACTICA TRAILER - YouTube

CLASSIC IMAGE: REPTILE SCHEMER!

High atop his throne perch, the evil machinations of the multi-brained Imperious Leader (played by actor/stuntman Dick Durock, voiced by Patrick Macnee) against his human enemies continue. Intriguingly, many of the close-ups of the creature filmed for the pilot episode were apparently deemed too scary looking for viewers-hence the often long shots seen. Other behind the scenes legends reveal that Glen A. Larson was unhappy with its final look and asked for their to be no close-ups of the creature in the series. The Imperious Leader is certainly a reptilian cyborg hybrid of long-standing rule, and even has a pet lizard on his arm if you look close enough in early shots.