Will Galactica Split Season 4?

Source: TV Guide

Galactica freaks: by now you've probably heard that the Sci-Fi Channel is considering splitting the final season of Battlestar Galactica into two parts, which isn't unusual for television or the show itself. What is a bit perturbing is the rumor that the back end of the season won't air until 2009.

However, there is a new sentiment around Hollywood that breaking a season into two parts--whether it is a few months or a year--is a death sentence. Apparently the execs at the Sci-Fi Channel are still trying to figure out which direction to take.

According to TVWeek.com, the suits are still discussing their options with Battlestar, and at least one exec is "firmly against the idea" of splitting the series into two 10-episode halves.

"It doesn't affect my job either way since we're shooting it straight through," creator Ronald Moore told TVWeek. "It might be better to get it all done [in the same year] for the fans so they don't have to wait." And if Moore's sentiments are correct and the show is split, Sci-Fi might have a riot on its hands. "When people see the ending of the 10th episode, they're going to freak out," he said.

TVWeek says the final decision to split or not to split may not be made until January, a few months after the premiere of the two-hour Battlestar telefilm, Razor. Budget is a big factor in the decision, and Battlestar uses a larger portion of Sci-Fi's cash than others.

However, there may be life after Battlestar runs its course. The rumored spinoff Caprica (named after the home planet of some members of the Galactica crew) was once thought to be dead, but is now back in the thoughts of the network.

The idea is simple: retain some of the Battlestar audience by launching a two-hour telefilm, and if it does well, turn it into a series. Sound familiar? It's the same way Sci-Fi handled Battlestar Galactica.

So say we all!