The story owes far more to ancient stories like "Anabasis" by Xenophon than Star Wars. Although the idea to do a "fighter pilots in space" thing must have been influenced by Lucas, he certainly can't claim that the plot of Battlestar Galactica owes anything to Star Wars. In addition Star Wars leans heavily on sources as diverse as comic books, Zen Buddhism and classic films like The Dambusters.
Anyway, back to Galactica. It IS over-serious and self important but then so is Star Trek TNG, Voyager, DS9, Star Wars, and the rest of the genre. It isn't worth making it if you don't take it seriously. And Galactica is a serious story. If anyone has cause to complain, I would suggest that Voyager might owe more than a passing nod to both Xenophon and Glen A. Larsen.
Anyway, back to Galactica. It IS over-serious and self important but then so is Star Trek TNG, Voyager, DS9, Star Wars, and the rest of the genre. It isn't worth making it if you don't take it seriously. And Galactica is a serious story. If anyone has cause to complain, I would suggest that Voyager might owe more than a passing nod to both Xenophon and Glen A. Larsen.
