GALACTICA: 1980

   US tv series (1980). Universal MCA/ABC-TV. Creator, executive prod Glen A. LARSON. Most episodes written by Larson. Regular cast included Lorne Greene, Kent McCord, Barry Van Dyke, Robyn Douglass. 3 pilot 50min episodes followed by 7 50min episodes.The pilot, Galactica Discovers Earth, a three-part made-for-tv film sequel to the tv series BATTLESTARGALACTICA, was successful enough to convince ABC-TV to commission a new series. Rushed into production, aimed at an early-evening time slot where special rules applied about what children can watch, and underrehearsed, it flopped badly and was soon jettisoned. In the pilot, Galactica finds Earth too undeveloped to fight off the Cylons and attempts are made viaTIME TRAVEL to improve the situation. The remaining episodes are all set on Earth and feature Cylon attacks. The pilot, dir Sidney Hayers, with sections of 2 further episodes, was theatrically released as Conquest of the Earth (1980). Generally the series was shown on tv abroad as if part of Battlestar Galactica.

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