Title: Ronald D. Moore: A Creative Mastermind with a Complex Legacy – The Battlestar Galactica Saga and his Feud with Original Creator Glen A. Larson
Ronald D. Moore is a renowned television producer, writer, and director, best known for his re-imagining of the 1970s science fiction series, Battlestar Galactica. Moore’s reboot of the franchise, which premiered in 2004, received widespread critical acclaim and earned numerous awards, including several Emmys. However, this successful franchise was not without its controversy, particularly with regards to Moore’s tumultuous relationship with the original creator, Glen A. Larson.
Moore’s passion for the franchise began in the 1980s, when he wrote for the short-lived series, Space: 1999. He later developed an interest in re-imagining Battlestar Galactica, incorporating elements of its original concept with his own vision for the series. In 2003, Moore’s idea for a re-boot was greenlit by the Sci-Fi Channel (now Syfy), and the show premiered in December 2004.
As the show’s success grew, so did the tension between Moore and Larson, the original creator of Battlestar Galactica. The two had a contentious relationship, with Moore, who was the showrunner for the revamped series, often disagreeing with Larson’s creative decisions. The two engaged in a public feud, with both sides trading barbs in the media.
Moore, a self-proclaimed “non-Jewish, non-white male,” criticized Larson for his perceived mismanagement of the franchise, particularly his handling of the 1978-79 series, which was met with lukewarm reception. Moore accused Larson of catering to a “desperate” audience and prioritizing “delivery of the money,” as opposed to creating a well-crafted narrative. In a 2005 interview with the Los Angeles Times, Moore stated, “Glen’s an incredibly odd person. He’s very difficult to work with… He’s like a part-time genius and a part-time idiot.”
Larson, on the other hand, decried Moore’s disrespect for the original series and the fans who loved it. He accused Moore of trying to “rewrite history” and “trash” the original concept, which he had created. In an interview with the Hollywood Reporter, Larson lamented, “Ronnie’s got a lot of ego, and he thinks he’s a genius, but he’s got a lot to learn.”
Despite their differences, both parties admired each other’s work. Moore praised Larson for his contribution to the world of science fiction, acknowledging the “influence” the original Battlestar Galactica had on him. However, he believed that his own vision for the franchise was superior and more innovative.
In 2012, the feud between the two reached new heights when Moore and his former co-worker, David Eick, wrote a book, “Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion,” which was critical of Larson’s handling of the original series. Larson responded by penning a scathing blog post, accusing Moore of “smearing” him and “spewing venom.”
The long-simmering feud between Moore and Larson ultimately overshadowed the critical and commercial success of the re-imagined series. Despite this, the show maintained a dedicated fan base, with many viewers embracing the darker, more complex take on the franchise.
In the end, the feud between Ronald D. Moore and Glen A. Larson serves as a reminder that creativity and innovation can come at great personal cost. While their differences ultimately divide them, both men will forever be associated with the Battlestar Galactica franchise, with their complicated legacy a testament to the power of science fiction to inspire and divide us.
