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.