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{{seealso|Characters eliminated from suspicion}}


The [[Cylons (RDM)|Cylons']] transformation into [[Humanoid Cylon|humanoid form]] introduces serious problems for the remnant of humanity known as [[The Fleet (RDM)|the Fleet]] to identify Cylon operative from human.
The [[Cylons (RDM)|Cylons']] transformation into 12 distinct [[Humanoid Cylon|humanoid forms]] introduces serious problems for the remnant of humanity known as [[The Fleet (RDM)|the Fleet]] to identify Cylon operative from human. At the beginning of their journey it seemed that anyone could be a Cylon agent, causing doubt and suspicion within the human populace (as evidenced in "[[Tigh Me Up, Tigh Me Down]]").


This article details [[Battlestar Wiki:Citation Jihad#Derived content|plausible speculation]] on central and supporting characters in ''[[Battlestar Galactica (RDM)|Battlestar Galactica]]'' who, based on their behavior, motive, and background, could be a humanoid Cylon. As of the [[Crossroads, Part II|end of Season Three]], [[Cylon Models#Known Models|eleven]] humanoid Cylons have been revealed to the audience, while the population of the Fleet knows only of the seven they encountered on [[New Caprica]]. [[Final Five#Four Revealed|One]] Cylon remains unaccounted for.
In the real world speculation about who could be a Cylon infiltrator in the Fleet has also been rife among fans of the show. Over the course of the miniseries and the first two seasons viewers were introduced to the "[[Significant Seven]]", however the nature of each of these characters were all revealed shortly after the character's introduction.


== Needed Qualifiers for Speculation ==
In season three the nature of speculation for both the characters and the fans turned to the [[Final Five]], enigmatic, almost-mystical figures who seemed to have a [[The Temple of Five|link]] to ancient colonial history. The nature of the five, according to [[Ron D. Moore|Moore]], is "fundamentally different" from the other seven models<ref>{{cite_rdm_podcast|episode=Frak Party Q and A|act=|id=ffdifferent|timestamp=19:05|totalrunning=78:27}}</ref>.


=== Not one of the [[Significant Seven]] ===
At the conclusion of "[[Crossroads, Part II]]" four recurring characters are revealed to be Cylons. The revelation that long standing characters such as [[Saul Tigh|Col. Tigh]] and [[Chief Tyrol]] were Cylons blew the field wide open, if they could be [[toaster]]s, then ''anyone'' could be the last Cylon. Tigh, in particular has a long and well-documented character history dating back to the [[First Cylon War]].
The last Cylon cannot be one of the seven Cylons seen on New Caprica (AKA the Significant Seven). After seeing the Final Five, [[D'Anna Biers]] tells [[Brother Cavil]] that there are "five ''other'' Cylons" implying that she did not see any of the models she already knew.


=== Humanoid Cylons were never genuine humans ===
This article details [[Battlestar Wiki:Citation Jihad#Derived content|plausible speculation]] on which of the central and supporting characters in ''[[Battlestar Galactica (RDM)|Battlestar Galactica]]'' could be the final one.


According to [[Ron D. Moore]], the twelve humanoid models are based on human behavior and personality archetypes distilled into twelve varieties. '''Cylon agents are ''NOT'' copies or clones of any pre-existing humans, living or dead'''<ref>In an October 24th, 2005 [http://www.thefandom.com/Article50.phtml podcast interview] Ron Moore stated, "The idea is not there was one like an original human model that they were copied from. The idea was that these were...these models of Cylon were developed out of their own study of us. The Cylons on some level looked at humanity and said, 'Well, you know what, there's really only twelve of you...and these are the twelve.' And then if you look at them, they kind of represent different archetypes of what humanity is."</ref>.
==Clues from Official Sources==
During a Q&A session on the official Sci Fi channel Battlestar Galactica forum Ronald D. Moore notes that he already knows who the last Cylon is, and that he's already left clues as to who it is<ref>[http://forums.scifi.com/index.php?showtopic=2270103&st=0&p=3041263&#entry3041263 20 Answers - SCI FI FORUMS] Retrieved 03-27-2007</ref>.


=== Death ===
[[Bradley Thompson]] was asked when the writers knew the identity of the final five:
:"Four of the five were recent. If memory serves, the fifth (which may change) we've been kicking around since about the end of Season One."<ref>BW:OC#Identity_of_the_Final_Five</ref>


As only a humanoid Cylon can "return" from the dead, any human character that dies is instantly disqualified from suspicion. If the character returns in a manner other than being seen in a "flashback" scene or episode, then it is possible that the character is a Cylon. See the article "[[Characters eliminated from suspicion]]" for more information.
==General factors for consideration==
In terms of narrative, to prevent an anti-climax it seems likely that the final Cylon would probably need to be a more prominent character than those of the Four. This centres the spotlight in the central "human" characters ([[Roslin]], [[William Adama|Bill]] and [[Lee Adama]], [[Gaius Baltar|Baltar]] and [[Kara Thrace|Starbuck]]). However, there is still an entire series for characters to develop and gain significance with viewers.


=== (Dis)loyalty ===
With the Final Five being "fundamentally different" from the Seven, extrapolating any characteristics we learnt of Cylons from the Seven (including physiology, loyalty or self-awareness) is of questionable validity.


The four Cylons revealed in "[[Crossroads, Part II]]" all appear to be fervently against the Cylon consensus position. This may not change, even given their recent awareness of their identity. The method of their emergence as well as the lack of obvious hidden protocols imply that they are not just "deeper cover" agents. As a result, disloyalty to the Fleet and actions to sabotage the human effort should no longer be expected behavior patterns of the last Cylon.
Col. Tigh has a well documented history stretching back at least to the first [[Cylon War]]. Also considering the [[Temple of Five]], Final Five Cylons, somehow, significantly pre-date the Seven.


== Suspected Cylons ==
It has been seen that Cylons can start families however it is unclear how the Five came to be "born". Having natural parents would ''seem'' to preclude one being any more than half-Cylon.


=== Characters with moderate probability of being a Cylon ===
Of the 11 so far there have been only four female models (and [[Number Three|one]] has been [[boxed]]). The final Cylon being female would serve to equalize this gender bias.
==Characters==
With the exception of [[Helo]] and [[Cally]] (who are confirmed to have half-cylon, half-human children<ref>{{cite_rdm_podcast|episode=Frak Party Q and A|act=|id=hybridnick|timestamp=22:41|totalrunning=78:27}}</ref>) any "human" character could be a Cylon.
===[[Laura Roslin]]===
[[Image:Laura_Roslin_promo.jpg|right|90px]]
'''Reasons for suspicion'''
*While under the influence of [[Chamalla]] Roslin experiences visions, which she determines to be prophetic, linking to the writings in the [[Sacred Scrolls]]. The [[Temple of Five]] also appears to have ties to the Scrolls.
*As the Fleet nears the [[Ionian nebula]] Roslin shares a vision with the Cylons [[Caprica Six]] and [[Sharon Agathon]].
*Roslin has no documented family, and has never discussed her parents.
'''Reasons for doubt'''
*Roslin suffers from breast cancer. It is unknown whether Humanoid cylons can succumb to cancer, but they are generally tougher than humans. Baltar's cure in "[[Epiphanies]]" was probably designed based on the assumption that Roslin's physiology was human.
===[[William Adama]]===
[[Image:William_Adama_promo.jpg|right|90px]]
'''Reasons for suspicion'''
*Adama appears to "[[projection|project]]" a vision of his [[Carolanne Adama|wife]] ([[A Day in the Life]])
'''Reasons for doubt'''
*The Adama family is well documented. His father, [[Joseph Adama]], was known to [[Romo Lampkin]]. The proposed spin-off ''[[Caprica (series)|Caprica]]'', would have featured the history of the Adama family. This may have been difficult to square with any revelation about William Adama being a Cylon.
===[[Lee Adama]]===
[[Image:Lee_Adama_promo.jpg|right|90px]]
'''Reasons for suspicion'''
*Lee appears to project in "[[Resurrection Ship, Part II]]", though this may have been an oxygen deprivation induced hallucination.
'''Reasons for doubt'''
*Lee is also a member of the well-documented Adama family.
===[[Gaius Baltar]]===
[[Image:Gaius_Baltar_promo.jpg|right|90px]]
{{mainarticle|Baltar as Cylon speculation}}
'''Reasons for suspicion'''
*Baltar exhibits vast intelligence that may be superhuman in nature.
*Baltar's [[Virtual Six]], and her apparent precognitive abilities seem to suggest something in Baltar is outside the normal human experiece.
*Both Virtual Six and later the [[Hybrid]] tell him that he is "chosen".
*He is frequently seen employing what appears to be projection.
'''Reasons for doubt'''
*Partly because of these reasons, Baltar begins to suspect he may be a Cylon, however he eventually comes to the conclusion that he is human.
*Baltar's betrayal of his own people is central to his character.
*In [[Caprica Six]]'s final vision in "[[Crossroads, Part II]] she sees the hooded figures of the final five staring at her from the upper level. Baltar, unhooded, is standing next to her.
===[[Kara Thrace]]===
[[Image:Kara_Thrace.jpg|right|90px]]
'''Kara Thrace and her special destiny'''
{{mainarticle|The Destiny}}
Starbuck's path towards her destiny has involved many strange, perhaps supernatural events. Whether this destiny involves her being a Cylon is a matter of speculation, but it is certain Thrace is ''something'' special.


==== [[Gaius Baltar]] ====
'''Reasons for suspicion'''
{{seealso|Baltar as Cylon speculation}}
*Starbuck exhibits phenomenal natural skill as a pilot, and manages to learn to fly a [[Cylon Raider]] exceptionally quickly ([[You Can't Go Home Again]]).
*Starbuck has been drawing the mandala from the [[Temple of Five]] since childhood.
*Most strikingly, the ace pilot apparently dies in [[Maelstrom]] but returns in [[Crossroads, Part II]].
*Starbuck is the only major "human" character who has a reason for not reacting to [[The Music]]. However the final Cylon may, for some reason, not have heard it, or may have ignored it.


Many theories exist about whether Gaius Baltar is a Cylon, but it is clear that there is an extraordinary connection between Baltar and the Cylons.
'''Reasons for doubt'''
 
*An injured knee put a stop to Kara's [[Pyramid (RDM)|Pyramid]] playing ambitions, and she still carries scars from abuse as a child. Cylons, who seem to be more robust than humans, possibly may not carry such long-term injuries.
For two years, Baltar had a relationship with a [[Caprica-Six|Number Six Cylon]], who slips a back door into the [[CNP]] program, allowing the Cylons to destroy the [[Twelve Colonies (RDM)|Twelve Colonies]] virtually unchallenged. After the [[Fall of the Colonies|attack]], Baltar starts to see [[Virtual Six|visions]] of a Number Six, while she starts seeing [[Virtual Baltar|visions]] of him ([[Miniseries]], "[[Downloaded]]").
*Members of the [[Significant Seven]], who do not know who the final five are, tell Starbuck she has this destiny.
 
*[[Katee Sackhoff]] was apparently told she was not a Cylon<ref>[http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/8547/redeye3copyci7.jpg See this magazine cutting]</ref>.
Later, Baltar learns from Caprica-Six that humanoid Cylons use a technique known as [[projection]] to experience their environment the way they wish. Baltar notices that his visions are remarkably similar to the Cylon projection technique, and suspects he may be a Cylon ([[Torn]]).
==References==
 
<references/>
When Baltar and [[D'Anna Biers]] consult the [[Hybrid]] in their search for the Final Five, the Hybrids points out Baltar as "the Chosen One" to enter the Temple of Five and see the faces of the Final Five. However, since Baltar fails to use the temple's vision system in time, the significance of Baltar being "the Chosen One" remains unknown ("[[The Eye of Jupiter]]", "[[Rapture]]").
 
Under extreme psychological duress Baltar confesses to [[Laura Roslin|President Roslin]] and [[William Adama|Admiral Adama]] that he is not a Cylon ([[Taking a Break From All Your Worries]]). The veracity of his confession is questionable, since the four Cylons revealed in "Crossroads, Part II" were unaware of the fact they were Cylons right up until the moment of their realization.
 
==== [[Kara Thrace]] ====
 
[[Image:Valley of Darkness-Starbuck Helo.jpg|right|thumb|Thrace's painting ([[Valley of Darkness]])]]
[[Image:S3-eyeofjupiter.jpg|left|thumb|The symbol in the Temple of Five ([[The Eye of Jupiter]])]]
A strange [[The Destiny|connection]] between Thrace, the Cylons and the ancient [[Thirteenth Tribe (RDM)|Thirteenth Tribe]] may exist based on the [[Temple of Five]]. A significant similarity exists between a symbol painted by Thrace that is found in her apartment in "[[Valley of Darkness]]" and the symbol in the Temple of Five, found over a year later. When informed of the similarity between her painting and the temple symbol by [[Karl Agathon]], Thrace mentions that the symbol was something that she has doodled since she was a child.
 
This connection, along with her [[Virtual Leoben|visions]] of the Cylon [[Leoben]] and her [[Crossroads, Part II|return]] from an [[Maelstrom|apparent death]], increases the likelihood of Thrace being the final Cylon.
 
Though clearly meant as a joke, [[Katee Sackhoff]] claims in the Season Three gag reel <ref>{{cite_web|url=http://video.google.ca/videoplay?docid=-6307683077762423268&q|title=Battlestar Galactica: Season Three Gag Reel|date=|accessdate=|last=|first=|format=Google Video|language=English}}</ref> that Starbuck is a Cylon and that she dies. It should be noted that the this was shot at the beginning of Season 3 and that she only learned about her fate in "Maelstrom" later. At the tail end of Season Three, Thrace makes a final, mysterious appearance in the [[Ionian nebula]], adding to the idea that she is the final Cylon model ([[Crossroads, Part II]]).
<div style="clear: both;"></div>
 
== References ==
<div style="font-size:85%"><references/></div>
 
[[Category:A to Z]]
[[Category:Cylons]]
[[Category:Cylons (RDM)]]
[[Category:RDM]]

Revision as of 21:25, 18 September 2007

This article is based on plausible speculation, which can violate policies on fan-generated theories if analysis is taken too far.


The Cylons' transformation into 12 distinct humanoid forms introduces serious problems for the remnant of humanity known as the Fleet to identify Cylon operative from human. At the beginning of their journey it seemed that anyone could be a Cylon agent, causing doubt and suspicion within the human populace (as evidenced in "Tigh Me Up, Tigh Me Down").

In the real world speculation about who could be a Cylon infiltrator in the Fleet has also been rife among fans of the show. Over the course of the miniseries and the first two seasons viewers were introduced to the "Significant Seven", however the nature of each of these characters were all revealed shortly after the character's introduction.

In season three the nature of speculation for both the characters and the fans turned to the Final Five, enigmatic, almost-mystical figures who seemed to have a link to ancient colonial history. The nature of the five, according to Moore, is "fundamentally different" from the other seven models[1].

At the conclusion of "Crossroads, Part II" four recurring characters are revealed to be Cylons. The revelation that long standing characters such as Col. Tigh and Chief Tyrol were Cylons blew the field wide open, if they could be toasters, then anyone could be the last Cylon. Tigh, in particular has a long and well-documented character history dating back to the First Cylon War.

This article details plausible speculation on which of the central and supporting characters in Battlestar Galactica could be the final one.

Clues from Official Sources

During a Q&A session on the official Sci Fi channel Battlestar Galactica forum Ronald D. Moore notes that he already knows who the last Cylon is, and that he's already left clues as to who it is[2].

Bradley Thompson was asked when the writers knew the identity of the final five:

"Four of the five were recent. If memory serves, the fifth (which may change) we've been kicking around since about the end of Season One."[3]

General factors for consideration

In terms of narrative, to prevent an anti-climax it seems likely that the final Cylon would probably need to be a more prominent character than those of the Four. This centres the spotlight in the central "human" characters (Roslin, Bill and Lee Adama, Baltar and Starbuck). However, there is still an entire series for characters to develop and gain significance with viewers.

With the Final Five being "fundamentally different" from the Seven, extrapolating any characteristics we learnt of Cylons from the Seven (including physiology, loyalty or self-awareness) is of questionable validity.

Col. Tigh has a well documented history stretching back at least to the first Cylon War. Also considering the Temple of Five, Final Five Cylons, somehow, significantly pre-date the Seven.

It has been seen that Cylons can start families however it is unclear how the Five came to be "born". Having natural parents would seem to preclude one being any more than half-Cylon.

Of the 11 so far there have been only four female models (and one has been boxed). The final Cylon being female would serve to equalize this gender bias.

Characters

With the exception of Helo and Cally (who are confirmed to have half-cylon, half-human children[4]) any "human" character could be a Cylon.

Laura Roslin

Reasons for suspicion

  • While under the influence of Chamalla Roslin experiences visions, which she determines to be prophetic, linking to the writings in the Sacred Scrolls. The Temple of Five also appears to have ties to the Scrolls.
  • As the Fleet nears the Ionian nebula Roslin shares a vision with the Cylons Caprica Six and Sharon Agathon.
  • Roslin has no documented family, and has never discussed her parents.

Reasons for doubt

  • Roslin suffers from breast cancer. It is unknown whether Humanoid cylons can succumb to cancer, but they are generally tougher than humans. Baltar's cure in "Epiphanies" was probably designed based on the assumption that Roslin's physiology was human.

William Adama

Reasons for suspicion

Reasons for doubt

  • The Adama family is well documented. His father, Joseph Adama, was known to Romo Lampkin. The proposed spin-off Caprica, would have featured the history of the Adama family. This may have been difficult to square with any revelation about William Adama being a Cylon.

Lee Adama

Reasons for suspicion

Reasons for doubt

  • Lee is also a member of the well-documented Adama family.

Gaius Baltar

Main article: Baltar as Cylon speculation

Reasons for suspicion

  • Baltar exhibits vast intelligence that may be superhuman in nature.
  • Baltar's Virtual Six, and her apparent precognitive abilities seem to suggest something in Baltar is outside the normal human experiece.
  • Both Virtual Six and later the Hybrid tell him that he is "chosen".
  • He is frequently seen employing what appears to be projection.

Reasons for doubt

  • Partly because of these reasons, Baltar begins to suspect he may be a Cylon, however he eventually comes to the conclusion that he is human.
  • Baltar's betrayal of his own people is central to his character.
  • In Caprica Six's final vision in "Crossroads, Part II she sees the hooded figures of the final five staring at her from the upper level. Baltar, unhooded, is standing next to her.

Kara Thrace

Kara Thrace and her special destiny

Main article: The Destiny

Starbuck's path towards her destiny has involved many strange, perhaps supernatural events. Whether this destiny involves her being a Cylon is a matter of speculation, but it is certain Thrace is something special.

Reasons for suspicion

  • Starbuck exhibits phenomenal natural skill as a pilot, and manages to learn to fly a Cylon Raider exceptionally quickly (You Can't Go Home Again).
  • Starbuck has been drawing the mandala from the Temple of Five since childhood.
  • Most strikingly, the ace pilot apparently dies in Maelstrom but returns in Crossroads, Part II.
  • Starbuck is the only major "human" character who has a reason for not reacting to The Music. However the final Cylon may, for some reason, not have heard it, or may have ignored it.

Reasons for doubt

  • An injured knee put a stop to Kara's Pyramid playing ambitions, and she still carries scars from abuse as a child. Cylons, who seem to be more robust than humans, possibly may not carry such long-term injuries.
  • Members of the Significant Seven, who do not know who the final five are, tell Starbuck she has this destiny.
  • Katee Sackhoff was apparently told she was not a Cylon[5].

References

  1. ↑ Podcast: Frak Party Q and A , Seek to: 19:05. Total running time: 78:27.
  2. ↑ 20 Answers - SCI FI FORUMS Retrieved 03-27-2007
  3. ↑ BW:OC#Identity_of_the_Final_Five
  4. ↑ Podcast: Frak Party Q and A , Seek to: 22:41. Total running time: 78:27.
  5. ↑ See this magazine cutting
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