Battlestar Galactica’s Secret Ending Is So Much Better Than The TV Finale

It’s undeniable that Battlestar Galactica gained a hugely dedicated fanbase, and most of them have agreed to avoid discussing the show’s divisive finale. However, once fans discover the details of the original, earlier ending that was considered, many will likely wish the show had concluded that way instead.

Battlestar Galactica’s TV Show Ending Left Viewers Deeply Disappointed

Controversial Twists, Resolutions, And A Cynical Message Turned Many Fans Off

It’s easy to get caught up discussing the divisive decisions and surprising turns of events in the final episode of Battlestar Galactica (2004), but a lot has already been said about its controversial conclusion. Simply put, the show focused on the uncertainty of humanity’s future, its fight for survival, and the personal challenges that created. The finale took some unexpected paths considering this, and didn’t quite deliver a perfect ending. However, those choices weren’t made randomly.

Ronald D. Moore, the creator of Battlestar Galactica, recently admitted he also has second thoughts about how the show ended. Although it might seem good now to have left the door open for future installments, he intentionally aimed for a definitive conclusion. However, this approach not only frustrated viewers who wanted more, but it also strayed from a more hopeful original vision for the story’s finale.

The Original Battlestar TV Show Was Canceled Before Its Heroes Could Find Earth

The ABC Series Only Aired For One Season, Leaving Its Viewers Without An Ending

Given how quickly the original Battlestar Galactica series from 1978 was canceled, the reboot had plenty of opportunity to create a satisfying conclusion. It’s surprising the original show even gained a fanbase, considering its confusing path – it started as a TV movie, then became a regular series with both ongoing stories and two-part episodes, before ultimately leading to the unsuccessful sequel, Galactica 1980.

After just one season, the show ended without resolving its story, only establishing that the series took place on the same Earth as our own—hinted at through distorted clips of the Apollo 11 moon landing. However, Marvel Comics recognized the strength of the show’s characters and plot. They continued the story in a new format, publishing it as a comic book in Marvel Super Special #8, giving it a chance to reach a wider audience.

The comic book series began with a story based on early versions of a 148-minute pilot episode, written by Roger McKenzie and Ernie Colón. Its initial sales were strong enough for Marvel to approve a continuing series. Because of legal limitations preventing a complete adaptation, writer Roger McKenzie and comic artist Walt Simonson developed the story over two years. They also made sure to give the series a proper conclusion after it ended.

Battlestar Galactica’s Original Ending Gave Fans An Uncertain, But Respectable Story

The Marvel Comic Sequel Ended With A Surprisingly Good ‘Final Episode’

The 23-issue Marvel Comics series of Battlestar Galactica is remarkable because it was planned with a definite conclusion from the start. This is especially noteworthy given the involvement of Walt Simonson, who would soon become a major comic book creator known for his work on titles like The Mighty Thor, Star Wars, and X-Factor. Simonson began as the artist, then transitioned to writing, and ultimately both wrote and illustrated the final issues, ensuring the story had a well-crafted ending.

The ending is straightforward and satisfying. There are no unexpected turns or grand, unbelievable revelations. Instead, the story resolves with a discovery about the shared past of the Lords of Kobol and Earth, giving the fleet a clear path forward. The remaining humans are thrilled to learn they’re heading to Earth, where they’ll reunite with their fellow humans. The final panel shows the fleet, with the Battlestar Galactica leading the way, successfully making the jump to their new home.

The original Battlestar Galactica series started with the last surviving humans fleeing the Cylons, searching for the mythical planet Earth. It felt right that the story concluded once they reached their destination. The show didn’t reveal what they found, leaving the fleet’s struggle with a sense of hope, triumph, and exciting mystery. This is quite different from the 2004 series, which saved most of its answers and final events for after the journey, which feels strange in comparison.

It’s impossible to say how viewers would have felt if Battlestar had ended like the comic book – with a hopeful, though uncertain, success. However, given the reaction to the actual ending and how the show is remembered today, it seems an open-ended finale for Battlestar Galactica might have been a stronger choice.

2025-11-26 08:38