Is "The Black Hole" a 1970's reboot of "Lost in Space"?

The crew of the Jupiter 2 - Lost in Space

The crew of the U.S.S. Cygnus
- The Black Hole

The hit TV series Lost in Space aired on CBS for 3 seasons (1965 - 68).  For the first two seasons, the Robinson family remained mostly planet-bound.  For the third and final season, the crew of the Jupiter 2 journeyed throughout the stars having various adventures on different planets and space stations.  After the series was cancelled and went into perpetual reruns, a number of die-hard fans (including series star Billy Mumy) lobbied the studios, TV networks and producer Irwin Allen for a revival.  Thirty years after the cancellation, fans were rewarded when Lost in Space hit the big screen in 1998 with an entirely new cast and a darker spin on the concept.

But...is it possible that Lost in Space was rebooted in 1979...as The Black Hole?  I rewatched The Black Hole awhile back (not having seen it in years) and thoughts of Lost in Space began to creep into my mind...!

I'm a huge fan of The Black Hole (1979).  I saw this wonderfully imaginative movie in the theater with my family the first week that it came out so many decades ago.  It's no secret that many aspects of the film borrow elements from many diverse sources - too numerous to fully mention here, but a few of the influences appear to be: Forbidden Planet, 2001: A Space Odyssey, Star Wars, Doctor Who ("The Ark" and "The Ark in Space"), numerous episodes of The Starlost, The Poseidon Adventure, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Night of the Living Dead (the "zombie-fied" Cygnus crew-members!), Dante's Inferno...and even The Bible!

Yet, my most recent viewing of the film leads me to believe that several...but by no means all - elements of The Black Hole might possibly (I'll say that again...**possibly**) have been at least partially influenced by the characters and even several episodes of Irwin Allen's Lost in Space TV series, most notably "The Reluctant Stowaway", "The Derelict", "War of the Robots", "The Ghost Planet" and "Condemned of Space".

First the characters: Captain Dan Holland (Robert Forster) - a strong, heroic middle-aged man not unlike Lost in Space's Professor John Robinson.  1st Officer - Lt. Charles Pizer (Joseph Bottoms) is a brash, impetuous younger man, not unlike LIS' Major Don West.  Dr. Kate McCrae (Yvette Mimieux) is the "mother-figure" of the crew, not unlike LIS' Dr. Maureen Robinson.  Harry Booth (Ernest Borgnine) shares many character traits with LIS' Dr. Smith - mainly cowardice and an eager willingness to deceive - even the names of  both characters are somewhat similar - Smith / Booth.  Also, Dr. Hans Reinhardt (Maximillian Schell) is **very** similar to the initial (pre-humorous) characterization of Dr. Smith in the first 6 episodes of LIS!  Check out various scenes in the movie where Reinhardt commands the Red Robot Maximillian to do his bidding and / or act as his protector - this is very similar - almost identical to the early episodes of LIS where Dr. Smith had complete command of the Robot (B-9) and used him to terrorize (and in fact attempt to murder) the Robinson family on more than one occasion!  Lastly, V.I.N.C.E.N.T. (voiced by Roddy McDowall), the heroic Robot of The Black Hole is not unlike the Robot on LIS - the robots in both productions have distinctive, friendly personalities - both robots quote "the classics" as well as spout literary cliches - and both even have similarly designed round heads that have the ability to "rise and fall" at will.  Both robots also have the unusual ability to spin their bodies around and travel forwards, while facing backwards!  I haven't mentioned Dr. Alex Durant (Anthony Perkins) or Old B.O.B. (voiced by Slim Pickens) - as far as I can determine, neither character has a Lost in Space counterpart.

Several scenes in The Black Hole have counterparts to various Lost in Space episodes.  For instance, in "The Derelict", after avoiding a collision with a comet, the Jupiter 2 is drawn inside a mysterious derelict spaceship.  A similar scene occurs in the opening minutes of The Black Hole.

The Jupiter 2 encounters a derelict spaceship
- Lost in Space ("The Derelict")

The Palomino encounters the U.S.S. Cygnus, a derelict spaceship
- The Black Hole

In the 3rd Season Lost in Space episode, "Condemned of Space" the Jupiter 2 is damaged by a comet and the Robot is drawn outside the ship and almost becomes "lost" in the void of space.  A similar scene occurs in The Black Hole when V.I.N.C.E.N.T. is cut adrift from the Palomino and is almost drawn into the black hole.

The Robot adrift - Lost in Space - ("Condemned of Space")

V.I.N.C.E.N.T. adrift - The Black Hole

Dr. Smith, The Robot and Robby the Robot
in Lost in Space - ("Condemned of Space")

Shortly thereafter, the Jupiter 2 avoids both a comet and a super-nova and encounter a mysterious derelict(!) space ship.  Since the Jupiter 2 has been damaged, they have no choice but to board the derelict in order to make repairs. Once inside the ship, they learn that it is Lorded over by an Evil Robot [Robby the Robot] (not unlike The Black Hole's Maximillian) who is in charge of hundreds of prisoners who have been frozen. Another scene in the episode features a now-thawed out prisoner attempting to freeze Don West (who is subsequently rescued by John Robinson) - this is *somewhat* similar to a suspenseful scene in The Black Hole when Dr. McCrae is *almost* turned into a mindless / faceless zombie but is rescued by Captain Holland at the last second.

V.I.N.C.E.N.T. and Captain S.T.A.R. - The Black Hole

The Robot and Robby the Robot
 in Lost in Space - ("War of the Robots")

Other memorable scenes in The Black Hole feature V.I.N.C.E.N.T. outdrawing the "quick-draw" robot, Captain S.T.A.R. and later his battle with the evil Maximillian at the climax of the film - both of these scenes are **somewhat** similar to scenes in the 1st season Lost in Space episode "War of the Robots" [which, like "Condemned of Space" also features Robby the Robot].  Also worth noting - the "faceless zombies" - who wear opaque masks and cloaks look **very** similar to the automated robots in the 2nd Season Lost in Space episode "The Ghost Planet" (and "The Ghost Planet" also features a "haunted house" type plot featuring an Evil Robot who dominates the slave robots on his planet)!

Maximillian and Dr. Rheinhardt - The Black Hole

The "zombie-fied" crew of the Cygnus - The Black Hole

The "faceless" aliens of Lost in Space - ("The Ghost Planet")

Several scenes near the climax of The Black Hole, practically scream "Dr. Smith!" - Harry Booth (Ernest Borgnine) at first plots to take over the Cygnus and pilot it back to Earth.  When this proves unfeasible, he feigns an injury (a broken leg) and then hijacks the Palomino - this is reminiscent of numerous scenes from various Lost in Space episodes where Dr. Smith would feign an injury or illness ("Oh, the pain!" or "My back is a disaster area!") and then later commit one heinous act after another.  There were also numerous episodes in which Dr. Smith would plot to take over the Jupiter 2 for his own ends - his main goal is (of course) to return to Earth by any means necessary. Another similar plot point - in the Lost in Space pilot episode, "The Reluctant Stowaway", the Jupiter 2 is heavily damaged / crippled by a meteor storm - caused by the stowaway Dr. Smith's excess weight which causes the ship's navigational controls to malfunction.  This is not unlike the meteor storm at the climax of The Black Hole that damages / cripples the Cygnus - damage which is the direct result of Harry Booth's failed attempt to hijack the Palomino - but instead he crashes the ship into the Cygnus - damaging its gravity / navigational controls - allowing the meteor storm to badly damage the ship. So, in both productions, the meteor damage to both ships was the direct result of the actions of Harry Booth and Dr. Smith!

Harry Booth and V.I.N.C.E.N.T.  - The Black Hole

Dr. Smith and the Robot (B-9) - Lost in Space

To summarize, The Black Hole shares plot points, story arcs and character traits with many, MANY previous movies (as well as books and myths).  The creators of this amazing film may have been influenced by some elements of Lost in Space...but then again, they may not have had Lost in Space in mind at all when the film was written and produced.  The next time you watch The Black Hole, keep an eye out for the above (and perhaps other) perceived similarities to Lost in Space...kudos to the immensely talented creators of The Black Hole and Lost in Space!  :-)

The Black Hole and all images, characters and logos are copyright (c) and trademark Walt Disney Productions.  All photos are used for illustrative purposes only.

Lost in Space and all images, characters and logos are copyright (c) and trademark 20th Century Fox and Irwin Allen Productions.  All photos are used for illustrative purposes only.

"Battlestar Galactica" Audio & Video Remix by Spaceman - YouTube

This fan-made YouTube video "remixing" Stu Phillips' classic Battlestar Galactica theme music is FANTASTIC!  A "must-see"!

View it HERE:

FASHION DEJA VU: Phineas Bogg ("Voyagers!") vs. Dr. Alexander Hartdegen ("The Time Machine")!

Phineas Bogg (Jon-Erik Hexum)
in Voyagers! (1982 - 83)

Dr. Alexander Hartdegen (Guy Pierce)
in The Time Machine (2002)

FASHION DEJA VU: Wilma Deering ("Buck Rogers") vs. Padme Amidala ("Star Wars")!

Colonel Wilma Deering (Erin Gray)
 - Buck Rogers in the 25th Century (1979 - 81)

Queen Padme Amidala (Natalie Portman)
- Star Wars: Attack of the Clones (2002)

("That's no moon - it's a space station!") - Moonbase Alpha vs. The Death Star

It's the Fall of 1975.  Space: 1999 premieres in U.S. syndication with an incredible opening episode, "Breakaway" that (literally) breaks all the rules of sci-fi (and physics!).  Following a nuclear explosion on the lunar surface, the moon - and Moonbase Alpha along with it - breaks away from Earth orbit and is hurtled uncontrollably into deep space. Sci-Fi fans (including quite a few Star Trek fans) and TV critics worldwide quickly attacked the nascent series - decrying the total absurdity of the concept of a "wandering moon".  The cat-calls continue to this day...!

The "wandering moon" of Moonbase Alpha -
Space: 1999 (1975 - 1977)

Space: 1999 ("Breakaway"); premiered in the U.S. in the Fall of 1975.

Fast forward roughly 19 months to May 25, 1977.  Star Wars premieres - a film that - like Space: 1999 before it - broke all the rules.  Sci-Fi fans (including quite a few Star Trek fans) and movie critics world-wide embrace this imaginative universe with an ardor that continues to this day.  In the case of Star Wars, virtually every fan and critic absolutely **loves** the "novel" idea of  The Death Star - a "traveling moon"!

("That's no moon - it's a space station!") - was this famous line by Ben Kenobi meant to be an homage / acknowledgement to Space: 1999?  George Lucas may have popularized it, but Gerry and Sylvia Anderson came up with the idea of a traveling / wandering moon **first**!

"That's no moon - it's a space station!" -
 The Death Star - a "traveling moon".
in Star Wars (1977).

The Death Star attacks! - Star Wars (1977)

So - according to the majority of fans and critics - if Space: 1999 features a "wandering moon" (Moonbase Alpha) - it sucks eggs.  Two years later, Star Wars features a "traveling moon" (The Death Star) - and it's the Greatest Idea Ever.

Years after the cancellation of Space: 1999, a number of books and magazines devoted to sci-fi began being published (largely fueled by the popularity of Star Wars).  Most of these publications inevitably began featuring "best of" and "worst of" lists devoted to various sci-fi TV shows.  Even before the end of the 1980's, Space: 1999 had (somehow) garnered an undeserved ranking in the "worst of" lists!  And almost every rational for the dislike for the series always seemed to boil down to the "wandering moon" aspect of the premise.  I just don't understand the perpetual dislike for the "wandering moon" element of Space: 1999, I really don't.  Is it really *that* much different from The Death Star from Star Wars?  I can't recall even one fan or critic bashing The Death Star due to scientific impossibilities...!

BTW, I give the absolutely brilliant first season of Space: 1999 a solid 5 Star rating.  I give the (radically changed) second season a 3 Star rating (for nostalgic reasons if nothing else).

Over and out!

Space: 1999 (1975 - 1977) - created by Gerry and Sylvia Anderson.
Star Wars (1977) - created, written and directed by George Lucas.

Space: 1999 is copyright (c) ITC.
Star Wars is copyright (c) Lucasfilm.

All photos are used for illustrative purposes only and are copyright (c) the respective copyright holders.

Did BATTLESTAR GALACTICA influence certain elements of THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK and RETURN OF THE JEDI?

The Battle of Galactica at Universal Studios!

Star Wars (1977) was the main influence / inspiration for Battlestar Galactica (1978 - 79) - no doubt about it.  Without Star Wars, Battlestar Galactica would never have seen the light of day.  Star Wars changed the sci-fi genre forever!  Every space-themed sci-fi TV show or movie produced after 1977 was influenced in large and small ways by the epic events of "...a Galaxy far, far away...."  Battlestar Galactica was the first sci-fi TV series produced in the post-Star Wars era.  Love it or loathe it, Battlestar Galactica stepped up to the plate and swung the bat...!  The series aired on ABC-TV on Sunday evenings during the 1978 - 79 season with a total of 24 episodes produced.  The short-lived sequel series Galactica: 1980 aired the following year with a total of 10 episodes produced.

Battlestar Galactica very rarely (let's face it - never) gets credit for the numerous times it "scooped" the Star Wars sequels in various plot details.  Disney recently announced that they will feature a Star Wars Land at their various theme parks.  More than 30 years ago, Universal Studios beat them to the punch with their popular "Battle of Galactica" theme park attraction which entertained studio visitors from 1979 to 1992.

I feel that it's worth mentioning that - **if you squint** - you might notice several plot points from various episodes of Battlestar Galactica that had counterparts in the Star Wars sequels, notably The Empire Strikes Back (1980) and Return of the Jedi (1983).

Were these parallel plot lines coincidental or merely a case of great minds thinking alike?  Who knows?

Just for fun, I've made a comparison (in no particular order) of a number of similar plot points from these epic sci-fi productions (please keep in mind that I'm a tremendous fan of **BOTH** Star Wars and Battlestar Galactica - I'm not slamming either production!) -  Please read and enjoy!  :-)

1).  Ice Planets!
In the 2-part Battlestar Galactica story "The Gun on Ice Planet Zero", the Colonials encountered the ice planet Arcta with freezing temperatures and deadly Cylons.  Two years later, The Empire Strikes Back featured the ice planet Hoth which served as the rebel's hidden base.  In the interest of full disclosure, it's also worth mentioning that ice planets appeared on both Star Trek ("All Our Yesterdays") and Space: 1999 ("Death's Other Dominion") years before the creation of either Battlestar Galactica or The Empire Strikes Back.  Still, "The Gun on Ice Planet Zero" was the most recent instance of an ice planet in the sci-fi genre, prior to The Empire Strikes Back.

Starbuck and Apollo on the ice planet Arcta
 in Battlestar Galactica ("The Gun on Ice Planet Zero", part 1);
aired on Oct. 22, 1978

Han Solo and Luke Skywalker on the ice planet Hoth
in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

2).  Zac = Dak?
In the opening minutes of the Battlestar Galactica premiere episode "Saga of a Starworld", Zac - Apollo's younger brother and wingman - is killed by the Cylons on his first patrol.  Two years later, in The Empire Strikes Back, Dak - Luke's close friend / co-pilot / tailgunner - dies battling the Imperial Walkers.  Both characters are portrayed as being very naive and eager to prove themselves.  Zac is **very** eager to go on his first patrol, ("I've studied the co-ordinates from here to the Cylon capitol - my ship's ready to go!").  Dak is also **very** eager to engage the enemy, ("I feel like I could take on the Empire single-handed!") - Was Dak inspired by Zac?

The doomed Zac in Battlestar Galactica ("Saga of a Star World");
aired on Sept. 17, 1978

The doomed Dak in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

3).  Rag-Tag Fugitive Space Fleets!

The spaceships of the rag-tag fugitive fleet -
Battlestar Galactica ("Saga of a Star World");
aired on Sept. 17, 1978

The rag-tag fugitive space fleet concept of The Empire Strikes Back is **remarkably** similar to elements from Battlestar Galactica (which premiered two years earlier).  Like Battlestar Galactica, The Empire Strikes Back **also** features a rag-tag fugitive space fleet on the run from hostile forces determined to destroy them!  After the events of Star Wars, the rebels flee Yavin's 4th moon and establish a new base on Hoth.  When the Empire invades Hoth, the rebels are forced to flee the planet using whatever spacecrafts they can salvage.  For the rest of the movie (and continuing into Return of the Jedi), the rebel fleet is pursued by the Empire.

The Livestock Ship -
  Battlestar Galactica ("Saga of a Star World");
aired on Sept. 17, 1978

The Colonial Movers -
  Battlestar Galactica ("Saga of a Star World");
aired on Sept. 17, 1978

"...Imperial troops have DRIVEN the Rebel forces from their hidden base and PURSUED them across the galaxy."
- the opening crawl of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

The fugitive space fleet of the Rebel Alliance
- Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

4).  Masters of the Universe!
When Star Wars premiered in 1977, the "Big Bads" of the Star Wars universe were Darth Vader and Grand Moff Tarkin.  Emperor Palpatine wasn't introduced until The Empire Strikes Back (1980) - and in his original depiction (pre-Special Edition) he appeared far more alien than human (check out those bulging eyes!) and his face was cloaked in shadow and difficult to see.  Is it worth mentioning, that the "Big Bad" of Battlestar Galactica - The Imperious Leader came first?  He was introduced in the Battlestar Galactica premiere movie ("Saga of a Star World").  Like Emperor Palpatine, The Imperious Leader was alien in appearance and his face was obscured by shadows (and distance shots).  Also, both characters are only seen inside a darkened chamber / throne room.  Both characters look completely different from each other - I'm **definitely** not suggesting that the depiction of Emperor Palpatine was inspired by The Imperious Leader - just that as far as Star Wars and Battlestar Galactica chronology is concerned - The Imperious Leader was introduced first.

The Imperious Leader atop his throne from
Battlestar Galactica ("Saga of a Star World");
aired on Sept. 17, 1978

  

The "alien" Emperor Palpatine from
Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back
 (1980)

Something else that is well worth noting - there is a Deleted Scene from Battlestar Galactica ("Saga of  a Star World") featuring a Cylon communicating with The Imperious Leader via Hologram.  Watch this Deleted Scene in Color on the Battlestar Galactica - The Complete Epic Series DVD set (this scene also appears in issue #3 (May 1979) of Marvel's Battlestar Galactica comic book).  Two years later in The Empire Strikes Back (1980), Darth Vader and Emperor Palpatine have a conversation via Hologram!  The Empire Strikes Back did it better, but Battlestar Galactica did it first!  Photos below:

A Cylon communicates with The Imperious Leader
(via Hologram!) in a Deleted Scene (filmed in 1978) from
Battlestar Galactica ("Saga of a Star World")

Darth Vader communicates with Emperor Palpatine
(via Hologram!) in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back
(1980)

5).  Swamp Planets!
In the Battlestar Galactica episode "The Young Lords", Starbuck crash-landed on a swamp-like planet called Attila.  Two years later, Luke Skywalker traveled to the swamp-like planet Dagobah in The Empire Strikes Back - and crash-landed in the swamp!  Two swamp planets!  Two crash-landings!

Starbuck crash-lands on the swamp planet Attila on
Battlestar Galactica
 ("The Young Lords");
aired on Nov. 19, 1978

Luke Skywalker and R2-D2 crash-land on the
swamp planet Dagobah in
Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

Yoda teaches Luke Skywalker the ways of The Force
 on the swamp planet Dagobah
 in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

6).  Infiltration!
In the Battlestar Galactica episode "The Hand of God", Apollo and Starbuck infiltrate a Cylon basestar by piloting a captured Cylon fighter.  Four years later, in Return of the Jedi, Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Chewbacca, C-3PO and R2-D2 infiltrate the Imperial base on Endor by piloting one of the Empire's captured command ships.  Both instances of infiltration even feature humorous tag lines - on Battlestar Galactica, the warriors "waggle their wings" and in Return of the Jedi, the rebels "fly casual".

Starbuck and Apollo "waggle their wings" as they pilot
a Cylon fighter on a mission to infiltrate a basestar
in Battlestar Galactica ("The Hand of God");
aired on April 29, 1979

Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Princess Leia, Chewbacca, C-3P0 and R2-D2
"fly casual" as they pilot an Imperial command ship
on a mission to infiltrate the Empire's base on Endor
 in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (1983)

7).  Use the Force!
In the Battlestar Galactica episode "War of the Gods", part 2, Commander Adama is shown using his long dormant telekinetic abilities to move a small metal statue on his desk.  Apollo enters the room and is astonished - he had no idea that his father possessed such an incredible power!  Two years later, telekinesis is introduced into the Star Wars Universe in The Empire Strikes Back when Luke uses Force-driven telekinesis in the Wampa's cave on Hoth in order to retrieve his dropped light saber.  Later in the film, Luke attempts to use The Force to free his x-wing fighter from the swamp - he fails, so Yoda moves it for him effortlessly .  The use of The Force to move small and large objects has since become a crucial element of the Star Wars Universe - but Battlestar Galactica did it first!

Adama uses telekinesis to move a small metal statue on his desk -
Battlestar Galactica ("War of the Gods", part 2);
aired on Jan. 21, 1979

Luke Skywalker uses Force-driven telekinesis to retrieve his light-saber -
Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back
 (1980)

Luke Skywalker tries (but fails!) to use Force-driven telekinesis
to raise his downed x-wing fighter from the swamp on Dagobah -
Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back
 (1980)

8).  Space Rockers!
One of the highlights of Battlestar Galactica's premiere movie, "Saga of a Star World", was the musical performance of the alien rock group The Tucana Sisters (a.k.a. The Android Singers) in the casino on Carillon.  Five years later in Return of the Jedi, Jabba the Hutt's palace featured several singing aliens!  In the interest of full disclosure, the alien Mr. Spock sang in an episode of Star Trek ("Plato's Stepchildren") years before Battlestar Galactica or Return of the Jedi.

One of the alilen Tucana Sisters (a.k.a. The Android Singers)
in Battlestar Galactica
 ("Saga of a Star World");
aired on Sept. 17, 1978

It's "Love, Love, Love!"
 with the alien Tucana Sisters (a.k.a. The Android Singers)
in Battlestar Galactica
 ("Saga of a Star World");
aired on Sept. 17, 1978

A singing female alien in Jabba's Palace
in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi
 (1983)

The female singing alien trio in Jabba's Palace
in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi: The Special Edition
 (1983 / 1997)

9).  Ewoks = the children of "The Young Lords"?
This thought has been bouncing around in the back of my mind for a couple of decades.  In a round-about way, is the Battlestar Galactica episode "The Young Lords" something of a prototype for the Ewoks in Return of the Jedi?  In "The Young Lords", the children of Attila - using only primitive weaponry and ingenuity - manage to run rings around the Cylons!  Later, (with Starbuck's help) they rescue their kidnapped father and destroy the Cylons that have overrun their planet.  At one point, Kyle (the oldest boy) even blows his battle horn, much like the Ewoks do in Return of the Jedi!  In Return of the Jedi, the primitive Ewoks (implausibly) are able to run rings around Imperial Stormtroopers and help the Rebellion defeat the Empire - a scenario not unlike "The Young Lords" which aired five years earlier!  The next time you watch the improbable shenanigans of "The Young Lords", see if thoughts of the Ewoks come to mind...

Using only primitive weapons and ingenuity, the children
of the planet Attila (implausibly!) defeat the Cylons
and help Starbuck rescue their kidnapped father in
Battlestar Galactica ("The Young Lords");
aired on Nov. 19, 1978

Kyle blows his battle horn in
Battlestar Galactica
("The Young Lords");
aired on Nov. 19, 1978

Slingshots take down Cylons!  Why bother with blasters or Vipers?!?
Battlestar Galactica
("The Young Lords");
aired on Nov. 19, 1978

A primitive Ewok in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi
(1983)

An Ewok blows his horn in
Star Wars: Return of the Jedi
 (1983)

The primitive Ewoks (implausibly!) defeat Stormtroopers!
- Star Wars: Return of the Jedi
 (1983)

10).  The Art of the Deal!
I think that it's worth mentioning that both Battlestar Galactica and The Empire Strikes Back feature characters who make "deals" that end up going bad.  In Battlestar Galactica ("Saga of a Star World") Baltar makes a deal with the Cylon Imperious Leader - assuming (wrongly!) that his colony / planet will not be destroyed and he will be allowed to rule the colony.  The Imperious Leader alters the deal and sentences Baltar to death!  His death sentence is commuted and instead he leads the Cylons in pursuit of the Colonial Fleet across the universe.

Battlestar Galactica
 ("Saga of a Star World");
aired on Sept. 17, 1978

Two year later, in The Empire Strikes Back (1980), Lando Calrissian makes a deal with Darth Vader in order to prevent the Empire from occupying Cloud City.  Lando bargains for Han Solo, Princess Leia and Chewbacca to remain on Cloud City in his custody.  Darth Vader alters the deal and gives Han to Boba Fett.

Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

The motivations of both characters are certainly very different; but I feel the similarity of both productions featuring "deals with the devil" that go bad are worth a mention.

11).  Identical Endings!
Most episodes of Battlestar Galactica end with the clip of the Galactica leading the rag-tag fleet accompanied by the famous "Fleeing from the Cylon tyranny..." voice-over narration by Lorne Greene. This now iconic end clip was shown for the first time at the close of "Saga of a Star World" on Sept. 17, 1978. Two years later, The Empire Strikes Back ended with the Rebel Fleet flying to an unspecified "rendezvous point" (this clip doesn't feature voice over narration, though).

The famous ending of most episodes
 of Battlestar Galactica
features a clip of the fleet with
voice-over narration by Lorne Greene
- ("Fleeing from the Cylon tyranny,
 the last battlestar - Galactica,
leads a rag-tag fugitive fleet on a lonely quest
  - a shining planet known as Earth.")

The Rebel Fleet continues to flee from the Empire - the last scene
 of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

12).  A Terrible Truth is REVEALED!
Apollo's (losing) mano o mano battle against the supremely powerful Count Iblis in the Battlestar Galactica episode "War of the Gods", part 2, isn't terribly dissimilar to Luke Skywalker's (losing) battle with Darth Vader in The Empire Strikes Back.  Apollo lost his life...Luke lost his hand.  It's also interesting to note that during both of these dramatic confrontations, a terrible "truth" is revealed - in Battlestar Galactica - "War of the Gods", the warriors learn that Count Iblis is the Devil!  In The Empire Strikes Back, Luke learns the terrible "truth" - that the evil Darth Vader is his father!

Apollo loses his life in battle with Count Iblis
 - Battlestar Galactica ("War of the Gods", part 2);
aired on Jan. 21, 1979

Luke Skywalker loses his hand in battle with Darth Vader
- Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

The terrible "truth" is revealed - Count Iblis is The Devil! -
Battlestar Galactica ("War of the Gods", part 2)

The terrible "truth" is revealed -
Darth Vader is Luke's father! -
Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back

13). "Super" Motorcycles!
Remember the Turbo Cycles?  Probably the most memorable images from Galactica: 1980 feature Troy and Dillon riding those futuristic machines along (and above!) the freeways of Los Angeles.  In the premiere episode ("Galactica Discovers Earth", part 1) the duo outwit a biker gang!  Three years later in Return of the Jedi (1983); the fantastic Speeder Bikes are introduced.  Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia outrace a Storm Trooper "biker gang" (of sorts!) in the forests of Endor.  The fast moving vehicles in both productions are by no means identical; but is it remotely possible that the Turbo Cycles influenced the creation of the Speeder Bikes?  [In the interest of full disclosure, Megaforce (1982) and Tron (1982) also feature "super" motorcycles.]

Troy and Dillon ride their Turbo Cycles
 on the L.A. freeway and encounter a biker gang in
 Galactica: 1980 ("Galactica Discovers Earth", part 1);
aired on Jan. 27, 1980

Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia ride their Speeder Bikes
in the forests of Endor and outrace a Storm Trooper
 "biker gang" in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (1983)

14). My Enemy...My Friend!
This might be something of a stretch, but I feel that it's worth noting.  After 24 episodes of Battlestar Galactica and 10 episodes of Galactica: 1980, in the Galactica: 1980 episode "The Return of Starbuck" - the final episode of the series (aired on May 4, 1980) one Cylon (nicknamed "Cy") - after who-knows-how-many years (Decades?  Centuries?) of being evil - finds redemption and befriends Lt. Starbuck.  After saving Starbuck's life, Cy dies valiantly in Starbuck's arms.

The Death of Cy.
Galactica: 1980 ("The Return of Starbuck");
aired on May 4, 1980

Three years later at the climax of Return of the Jedi (1983) in a similar scene, Darth Vader - after many decades of evil deeds - saves the life of his son, Luke Skywalker.  He finds redemption and dies as Luke watches helplessly.

The Death of Darth Vader.
Star Wars: Return of the Jedi
(1983)

Are there any other instances of parallel plot points between Battlestar Galactica and the Star Wars sequels (or prequels)?  Waitaminute - the prequels?!?  I'm sorry, but I can't...I just can't go there...!
:-)

15). A Boy and his Drone / Droid!

Boxey and Muffet - a boy and his Drone -
in Battlestar Galactica ("Saga of a Star World");
aired on Sept. 17, 1978

Anakin and C-3PO - a boy and his Droid -
in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace (1999)

16).  Super Kids!

The super-powered children of the Galactica.
Galactica: 1980 ("The Super Scouts", part 1);
aired on March 16, 1980

The Force-powered Jedi Younglings in
Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith
(2005)

Battlestar Galactica is copyright (c) NBC / Universal.
Galactica: 1980 is copyright (c) NBC / Universal.
Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi , The Phantom Menace and Revenge of the Sith are copyright (c) Lucasfilm.

Battlestar Galactica - created by Glen A. Larson.
Galactica: 1980 - created by Glen A. Larson.
Star Wars - created by George Lucas.

Star Wars (1977) - written and directed by George Lucas.
Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (1980) - written by Leigh Brackett and Lawrence Kasdan, story by George Lucas; directed by Irvin Kershner.
Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (1983) - written by Lawrence Kasdan and George Lucas, story by George Lucas; directed by Richard Marquand.
Star Wars: The Phantom Menace (1999) - written and directed by George Lucas.
Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith (2005) - written and directed by George Lucas.

All photos are used for illustrative purposes only and are copyright (c) and trademark the respective copyright holders.  Any quoted dialogue is copyright (c) the respective copyright holders.