Often cited as one of
the best shows on television, "Battlestar Galactica" originally had to throw off
memories of the campy 1970s version of the show in hopes of converting viewers
to its "Alien"-esque world... more of broken-down spacecraft. But it has done
so admirably, thanks in large part to its knack for perfect casting and its
fan-agitating courage in switching the gender of one of its most beloved
characters, Starbuck, originally played by Dirk Benedict. Starbuck is an
inwardly tormented fighter pilot with an odd painting hobby that may foreshadow
her higher importance in the scheme of things. Even more so than Painkiller
Jane, Starbuck is a leading member of the ship's competitive, hard-drinking and
gambling space warriors, and she generally keeps her blond hair short and her
tats on display. She tends to keep her emotions private and pushes away anyone
who might perceive her weaknesses. Close