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Character changes were dramatic. Starbuck switched genders, for example. So incensed were fans of the first show that Edward James Olmos, star of the second series, actually told fans not to watch. It was pretty intense there for a while. The latest Battlestar Galactica is being followed by a prequel called Caprica.

As I consider it, a revival to me just must have the same stars, or at least some of the stars. Dragnet is a true revival. In fact, depending on how you look at it, it's either a tri- or quad-revival. The original series with Jack Webb aired from 1951-1959. In 1966, Webb made a movie referred to both as Dragnet and Dragnet 1966. I can't say for sure it that was a pilot or not, but a year later, Dragnet 1967 hit television screens. It remained on the air for four seasons. In 1987, a theatrical film starring Dan Aykroyd was made, and then, NBC tried it again in 2004 with a series that starred Ed O'Neill as Joe Friday.

The Avengers starring Patrick Macnee revived itself as well. The original show aired from 1961 to 1969, with Macnee as the stylish John Steed. In 1976, Macnee returned to the role in The New Avengers, which lasted for two seasons. Later, in 1998, Ralph Fiennes brought the role to the big screen.

The western Maverick starred James Garner and aired from 1957 to 1962. In 1978, The New Maverick was made. Garner returned to work with Charles Frank as yet another member of the Maverick clan. This led to The Young Maverick, which led to Bret Maverick, the movie and the series in 1981. Finally, in 1994, Mel Gibson and Garner were on the big screen in the theatrical movie called Maverick. Each of these series versions focused on different family members. Garner appeared in most to some extent.

Perry Mason starring Raymond Burr was stellar when it aired from 1957-1966. Later, in the early seventies, it was revived as The New Perry Mason, starring Monte Markham. It flopped, though I must admit that I liked it. Then, in 1985, Burr and Barbara Hale filmed Perry Mason Returns. This set off a slew of made-for-TV films that continued through 1993 when Burr died.

Just one more thing. I can't forget Columbo, starring Peter Falk. It began with the movie Prescription: Murder in 1968. For the next ten years, as part of NBC's revolving schedule, the trench coat wearing detective appeared in movies. After another decade had passed, in 1989, Falk put on the coat again for a TV-movie that led to more movies. He continued making new adventures

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