The Unlikely Star of Battlestar Galactica: When a Chimp Stole the Show
If you’ve ever watched the original Battlestar Galactica, you might remember Boxey’s robotic dog, Muffit II. What you probably didn’t know—and what I find utterly fascinating—is that Muffit II wasn’t a prop, a puppet, or even a trained dog. It was a chimpanzee. Yes, you read that right. A chimp. Personally, I think this is one of those behind-the-scenes stories that makes you appreciate the sheer creativity (and desperation) of 1970s television.
The Chimp Behind the Costume
Muffit II, with its bubble eyes, pivoting ears, and metal-banded fur, was brought to life by a three-year-old chimpanzee named Evolution, or Evie. What makes this particularly fascinating is how Evie’s role was kept under wraps for so long. In an era before social media and obsessive fandoms, the showrunners could get away with such an odd casting choice without anyone batting an eye. But if you take a step back and think about it, it’s a testament to the lengths producers would go to in order to bring their vision to life—even if that vision involved dressing a chimp in a furry robot suit.
One thing that immediately stands out is the sheer impracticality of it all. Evie wasn’t just a passive performer; she was a living, breathing animal with her own whims and moods. Director Richard A. Colla’s frustration is palpable when he recalls days when Evie simply refused to work. How do you direct a chimpanzee? You can’t. And that’s the beauty—and chaos—of it. It raises a deeper question: Why not just use a puppet or a trained dog? The answer, I suspect, lies in the uncanny valley. Evie’s movements, despite the costume, had a lifelike quality that no animatronic could replicate in 1978.
The Challenges of Working with a Primate
Working with Evie wasn’t all fun and games. Herbert Jefferson, Jr., who played Boomer, recalled the challenges of filming with a chimp who was afraid of explosions. Imagine trying to shoot a battle scene only to have your co-star bolt for the rafters. What many people don’t realize is that animals on set are often the wildcard no one can fully control. Evie’s trainers, like Boone Narr, worked tirelessly to keep her on track, but even they couldn’t predict when she’d decide to remove her mask mid-scene or bite a child actor (sorry, Noah Hathaway).
From my perspective, this is where the story gets truly compelling. It’s not just about the gimmick of a chimp in a costume; it’s about the human effort to make it work. The trainers, the directors, the actors—everyone had to adapt to Evie’s quirks. It’s a reminder that filmmaking is as much about problem-solving as it is about storytelling.
The Legacy of Evie
Evie’s time on Battlestar Galactica was short-lived, but her impact is lasting. The costume she wore was auctioned off years ago, and I can’t help but wonder where it is now. Is it in a fan’s basement, a museum, or gathering dust in a storage unit? What this really suggests is that even the most bizarre elements of pop culture can become relics of history.
What’s even more intriguing is how Evie’s story reflects broader trends in entertainment. In the 1970s, using animals in unconventional ways was almost expected. Today, we’d likely use CGI or animatronics, but back then, practicality often trumped ethics. Evie’s story is a time capsule of an era when the line between ingenuity and exploitation was blurrier.
Why This Matters
Personally, I think Evie’s story is more than just a trivia nugget. It’s a reminder of the lengths creators go to in pursuit of their vision. It’s also a commentary on our relationship with animals in entertainment. Evie was trained, costume-clad, and thrust into a world she didn’t understand—all for our amusement. If you take a step back and think about it, it’s both impressive and unsettling.
A detail that I find especially interesting is how Evie’s story humanizes the show. Behind the sci-fi spectacle were real people (and one chimp) grappling with the absurdity of their jobs. It’s a behind-the-scenes tale that adds depth to a series often remembered for its campiness.
Final Thoughts
Evie’s role as Muffit II is a footnote in Battlestar Galactica’s history, but it’s one worth revisiting. It’s a story about creativity, chaos, and the unpredictable nature of both animals and art. In my opinion, it’s these quirky details that make television history so rich. So, the next time you rewatch the series, remember: that robot dog wasn’t just a prop—it was a chimp named Evie, doing her best in a very strange suit. And that, to me, is the real magic of TV.
