George R.R. Martin's Scathing Review of the Battlestar Galactica Finale The conclusion of Battlestar Galactica's acclaimed revival series in 2009 was a divisive moment for fans of the franchise. While some praised the emotional resonance and thematic depth of the finale, others were left underwhelmed or even outright disappointed. Among the vocal critics was none other than George R.R. Martin, the acclaimed author behind the A Song of Ice and Fire book series that inspired the hit HBO show Game of Thrones. In the years since the Battlestar Galactica finale aired, Martin has not held back in sharing his thoughts on what he saw as the series' unsatisfying conclusion. As a longtime fan of the original 1970s Battlestar Galactica and an ardent supporter of the 2004 reboot, Martin's criticisms carry significant weight within the sci-fi community. The roots of Martin's displeasure can be traced back to the final season of the Battlestar Galactica revival, which aired from 2008 to 2009. Even as the show maintained its gripping central narrative about the last remnants of humanity fleeing the Cylon robots that had decimated their home worlds, many viewers felt that the series began to lose its narrative focus and coherence in the homestretch. Addressing these concerns in a 2013 blog post, Martin did not mince words. "I've got to tell you, I was pretty disappointed in the final season," he wrote. "I thought the first three or four years were terrific. But I just didn't buy the final season at all." Echoing the sentiments of many fans, Martin criticized the finale's reliance on deus ex machina plot devices and its unsatisfying resolution to the show's central mysteries. In particular, Martin took issue with the revelation that the Cylons' origins were tied to humanity's own technological advancements. "I thought the whole God/religion thing was a cop-out, frankly," Martin wrote. "I think the viewers had a right to expect answers, and to be disappointed when the show basically said, 'Well, it's all because of God.'" Martin's frustrations were compounded by what he saw as missed opportunities in the finale's character arcs. "I thought the whole thing with Starbuck just didn't work," he lamented, referring to the fan-favorite pilot's mysterious reappearance and disappearance in the show's final episodes. "I didn't buy it. I didn't like it." The author's criticisms extended beyond the finale itself, as he also expressed disappointment with the series' overall trajectory in its later seasons. "I thought they degenerated into more traditional space opera in the final season," Martin wrote, "with too much running around, too many explosions, and not enough character development." Martin's scathing review of the Battlestar Galactica finale is particularly noteworthy given his status as a titan of modern science fiction and fantasy literature. As the author of the A Song of Ice and Fire series, which has been adapted into the hugely popular Game of Thrones television show, Martin's opinion carries significant weight within the genre. Moreover, Martin's criticisms reflect a broader sentiment among many Battlestar Galactica fans who felt that the show's ambitious storytelling and complex character arcs were ultimately undermined by an unsatisfying conclusion. The series, which had been praised for its gritty realism, moral ambiguity, and exploration of timely political and social themes, left many viewers feeling that the final season had strayed too far from the qualities that had made it so acclaimed in the first place. Despite his disappointment, Martin's critique of the Battlestar Galactica finale was not entirely without nuance. He acknowledged that the show's creative team faced significant challenges in trying to wrap up such a sprawling and intricate narrative, and he praised certain aspects of the finale, such as the emotional farewell between the characters of Adama and Roslin. Ultimately, Martin's scathing review of the Battlestar Galactica finale serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of the series and the high expectations that it had set for its audience. As a respected voice in the world of science fiction, Martin's criticisms have resonated with many fans who have long grappled with the series' divisive conclusion. While the Battlestar Galactica revival may not have ended on a universally satisfying note, Martin's passionate response underscores the series' enduring cultural impact and the deep emotional investment that it fostered in its most devoted followers.