“The Cost of Heroism: How Edward James Olmos’ $200,000 Misstep Became a Galaxy-Saving Moment”

The Art of Planning: The Making of a Sci-Fi Icon, Battlestar Galactica

When it comes to planning, few shows are as meticulous as Ronald D. Moore’s Battlestar Galactica. The show’s creator had a clear vision for the series’ sci-fi mythology from the beginning, and characters like Commander Adama had to constantly think and plan to outsmart the evil Cylons. However, Adama’s real-life portrayal was a different story.

Actor Edward James Olmos, who played the iconic character, is known for his ability to bring his on-screen character to life. However, his instincts often led to unplanned moments on set, resulting in costly mistakes, such as a $200,000 model’s destruction in the episode “Maelstrom.”

Adama’s Anger

One of the most memorable scenes in Battlestar Galactica’s history features Commander Adama destroying a model of an ancient sailing ship in his compound. This moment was not part of the original script, but Olmos decided to improvise, wrecking the ship in a fit of rage.

While this moment was charged with emotion, it was also a costly mistake. According to Olmos, the show was renting the model from a museum, and it was worth up to $200,000. The show’s budget for such items was usually lower, with most of the time using cheap replicas.

Reasons Behind the Misstep

When asked about the blunder, Olmos seemed nonchalant. He explained that the moment was just one of many impromptu scenes he had done during the show’s run. As for the destroyed model, he simply shrugged, saying, “What did you put that in the scene for? I was just told my daughter is dead; what else do you expect?”

Understanding the Costly Mistake

While it’s easy to see why the show’s producers might view this as an expensive mistake, Olmos saw it as an opportunity to create a memorable moment for his character. With his background in improv, he capitalized on the emotional intensity of the scene and the character’s devastating loss.

Conclusion

The world of Battlestar Galactica is one of planning and strategy, but even the most meticulously planned shows can sometimes go awry. Edward James Olmos’ impromptu actions and his role as Commander Adama helped to create some of the show’s most memorable moments, including that emotionally charged scene in “Maelstrom.” As the Cylons would say, it’s all happened before, and it’ll happen again – not only on the show but also in the lives of those who create it.

FAQs

1. How much was the model ship worth?
The model ship used in the scene was worth up to $200,000.

2. Was the show renting the model or creating their own?
The show was renting the model from a museum, not creating their own.

3. How often did Edward James Olmos do impromptu scenes?
According to the actor, impromptu moments were a regular occurrence during the show’s run.

4. How did the show handle budget constraints?
The show often used cheap replicas of themselves rather than real models.

5. How did Olmos feel about the blunder?
Olmos didn’t seem to be too apologetic about the mistake, viewing it as an opportunity to create a memorable moment for his character.