Battlestar Galactica‘s finale, “Daybreak,” has long been a topic of heated debate among fans. The series, which ran for four seasons, built up numerous philosophical questions, mysteries, and complex characters. When it all culminated in the three-part finale, it was designed to tie up every loose end and give the audience a definitive conclusion. However, in hindsight, co-creator Ronald D. Moore has one big regret about the series’ ending: its finality.
Let’s dive into Battlestar Galactica’s ending and explore why Moore feels that perhaps the show should’ve left a little more room for future stories.
The Definite End of Battlestar Galactica
The series finale of Battlestar Galactica was bold and decisive, leaving no room for ambiguity. In “Daybreak,” the final episodes provide answers to long-running mysteries — Earth is found, the God whispered about throughout the show is confirmed, and the final fates of the humans and humanoid Cylons are revealed. The characters, having gone through years of turmoil, find themselves living a quiet existence on Earth, far removed from the high-stakes battles they had once endured.
The show ends with the titular spaceship, the Galactica, flying into the sun, symbolizing the conclusion of the journey and the closure of the saga. President Laura Roslin succumbs to her cancer, while Kara “Starbuck” Thrace vanishes, having fulfilled her prophetic destiny. The characters’ journeys come to an end as they settle on Earth, leaving the audience with a sense of finality.
But that definitive ending, while satisfying for many, came with a cost.
Ronald D. Moore’s Regret
While Battlestar Galactica‘s conclusion was designed to be conclusive, Ronald D. Moore — the show’s co-creator — has expressed some regret about ending the series so thoroughly. In a 2024 interview with Screen Rant, Moore admitted that part of him wishes he hadn’t closed the door so completely on a potential return to the world of Galactica.
At the time, Moore felt strongly about providing a definitive ending. He didn’t want the story to be revisited or extended later, which made sense in the context of the show’s themes. But over the years, as time passed and Moore reflected on his work, the thought of reuniting with the beloved Galactica cast became tempting.
“I feel like we said everything we wanted to say, and we’ve gone off stage at the right point,” Moore explained. “But there’s a part of me that wishes I hadn’t done that because how much fun would it be to work with (Edward James Olmos) again? How much fun would it be with Mary (McDonnell), James (Callis), Katee (Sackhoff), and Tricia (Helfer)?”
The Unforgettable Ending
Despite his regrets, Moore recognizes that a potential Galactica reunion would be difficult to execute without undermining the carefully constructed ending of the show. The final scene of Daybreak jumps ahead to modern times, where the main characters have passed away and been forgotten. The cycle of man vs. machine is hinted at, but the Galactica crew’s journey is completely resolved.
This conclusion ensures that the show doesn’t leave any lingering questions about its characters or plotlines. The ending, while definitive, represents the idea that this chapter of the Galactica saga has come to a close.
Why Moore Chose to End It So Definitively
Moore’s decision to wrap up Battlestar Galactica in a manner that allowed no room for a continuation stems from his experience working on other shows, such as Star Trek: The Next Generation and Deep Space Nine. He always felt that Galactica provided the opportunity to address deeper, more complex issues than the optimistic universe of Star Trek allowed. The resource shortages, religious disputes, and political tensions were all elements he wanted to explore in a meaningful way, which would eventually lead to the show’s darker and more definitive conclusion.
“I wanted Galactica to have a definitive ending,” Moore explained. “I didn’t want to try to put the gang back together later. But absence makes the heart grow fonder. Over the years, that reunion show seems more and more tempting.”
Trailer: Revisiting Galactica’s Final Moments
Fans can relive the tense, emotional finale through the official Battlestar Galactica Daybreak trailer. The trailer showcases dramatic confrontations, pivotal moments between humans and Cylons, and the final scenes that have sparked debate for years. From Starbuck’s mysterious disappearance to the Galactica’s final flight into the sun, the trailer perfectly captures the series’ blend of action, philosophy, and heart.
Watch the official trailer.
Fans’ Reactions
Social media continues to buzz with opinions on Daybreak:
‘Battlestar Galactica’ Is Now a Classic — 15 Years Ago, Fans Thought It Was a Mistake
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FAQs: Battlestar Galactica Finale
1. When did Battlestar Galactica end?
The series concluded with the three-part finale Daybreak, which aired in 2009.
2. Why does Ronald D. Moore regret the ending?
Moore wishes he hadn’t closed the door completely, as he misses working with the cast and exploring more stories.
3. What happens to Starbuck in the finale?
Kara “Starbuck” Thrace fulfills her prophetic destiny and mysteriously vanishes.
4. Does Galactica crash at the end?
Yes, the Galactica ultimately flies into the sun, symbolizing the end of its journey.
5. Are there any spin-offs or continuations?
No official continuation exists, though fans and Moore have expressed interest in potential reunions.
The Final Legacy of Battlestar Galactica
While Moore might feel regret about how Galactica ended, it’s clear that Battlestar Galactica holds a special place in both the hearts of fans and the minds of its creators. The series’ bold approach to storytelling, its exploration of existential and philosophical questions, and its unforgettable characters have solidified it as one of the most iconic sci-fi series of the 21st century.
The finality of Daybreak makes it a rare genre show that actually got to say its piece and rest — without any need for additional spin-offs or reboots. And while the door is closed on a Galactica reunion, the show’s legacy remains a testament to the power of definitive storytelling.
What do you think of Battlestar Galactica‘s ending? Was it the right choice to wrap up the story so definitively, or would you have preferred a more open ending? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below on investrecords.com.