SCIOGRAPHY

By: Anna L. Kaplan
Date: Monday, July 24, 2000

The Sci-Fi Channel added a new original program to its lineup on Sunday July 16th. SCIOGRAPHY, a behind-the-scenes look at classic science fiction television shows aired its first installment, an examination of BATTLESTAR GALACTICA. This hour of programming, a cross between an episode of BIOGRAPHY and a POP-UP VIDEO, boasts original music, unique graphics, and access to both the creators and stars of the shows, as well as interviews with and pictures from fans and experts. The next segment, airing in August, will examine QUANTUM LEAP, followed by BABYLON 5 in September, to coincide with the show's airing on Sci-Fi Channel. (All of the sci-fi shows under the SCIOGRAPHY microscope are or will be broadcast on Sci-Fi Channel

BATTLESTAR GALACTICA aired for one season on ABC, between 1978 and 1979. Created by Glen Larson, who is interviewed extensively, the show became a reality only after the popularity of STAR WARS (1977) convinced network executives that it would be a hit. This first hour of SCIOGRAPHY begins with a clip of the 1978 Emmy Awards show, hosted by Norman Lear. As Lear himself joked, no one was watching, because 65 million viewers turned on the three-hour premiere of BATTLESTAR. The segment goes on to feature surviving cast members, including Richard Hatch (Apollo), Dirk Benedict (Starbuck), and Ann Lockhart (Sheba), as well as visual effects guru John Dykstra and various experts and fans. Viewers are treated to footage of cast members being interviewed by Dinah Shore, convention videos, magazine covers and old photos. The narration, by Joe Frank, is clear; the speakers are identified; and the whole show is light in tone, but thorough and informative. Of course, the late Lorne Greene (Adama) appears only in historical footage, but surprisingly absent is any commentary about the late John Colicos, who played the evil Baltar. The producers did have time to let both Richard Hatch and Glen Larson discuss their ideas for a future GALACTICA movie, competing projects which are still up in the air.

The next segment, on QUANTUM LEAP will air in August on the 13th at 6PM and 9:30 PM, August 18th at 4PM and 11PM, and Saturday August 19th at 8AM. Other programs scheduled for 'dissection' include THE TWILIGHT ZONE, THE BIONIC WOMAN, and THE INCREDIBLE HULK. Fans of these shows are asked to contribute any information or videotapes to the producers.