Editing Becca Kelly

{{Character Data
|photo=Beka Kelly.jpg
|series=BAC
|seen=Blood and Chrome
|pseen=''Blood and Chrome''
|marital status= Widowed ([[Ezra Barzel]])
|role=Scientist at [[Graystone Industries]], [[Cylon]] sympathizer
|death = Murdered by an [[Cylon_Models#Inorganic_Humanoids|experimental Cylon model]], c. {{BCH|42}}
|colony= [[Picon]]<ref>{{cite_web|url=https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.513734255337213.1073741825.152443094799666&type=1|title=Blood & Chrome Character Photos|publisher=Facebook|accessdate=27 July 2025}}</ref>
|actor=[[Lili Bordan]]
}}

'''Becca Kelly''' is a civilian software engineer working with the [[Colonial Fleet (TRS)|Colonial Fleet]] during the [[First Cylon War]]. She was previously employed by [[Graystone Industries]] circa {{BCH|52}}, where she was involved in the production of [[Cylons (RDM)|Cylons]] and the last upgrade to their [[MCP|programming]] before the [[Cylons (RDM)|Cylons]] rebelled against the [[Twelve Colonies]].

==Kelly's Mission==
In {{BCH|42}}, Kelly becomes the key individual in an important covert mission for the [[Colonial Fleet (TRS)|Fleet]]. [[William Adama|Ensign William Adama]] and [[ECO]] [[Coker Fasjovik]] are ordered to transport Kelly aboard the [[Raptor]] ''[[Wild Weasel]]'' to the [[Scorpion Fleet Shipyards]] in an apparently routine mission, but soon after departing, Kelly presents new orders from the [[Colonial Fleet (TRS)|Fleet]] that eventually bring them to a secret [[Colonial]] "[[Ghost Fleet|ghost fleet]]" being gathered for a massive assault on the [[Cylons (RDM)|Cylons]]. [[Osiris|One of the ghost fleet ships]] delivers Kelly along with [[William Adama|Adama]] and [[Coker Fasjovik|Fasjovik]] to the moon [[Djerba]], deep inside [[Cylon]] territory. Even after arriving on the ice moon, Kelly reveals nothing about the nature of her mission.

Kelly and the others set off on foot toward their objective, but are forced to take shelter at an abandoned [[w:ski lodge|ski lodge]]. During the night, Kelly opens herself emotionally to [[William Adama|Adama]] and seduces him. A platoon of [[Cylon_Models#Djerba_Centurion|Centurions]] attacks the lodge several hours later, and Kelly wanders off during the fight. She is cornered by one of the [[Cylon Centurion|Centurions]], but it stops before striking, suddenly fixated on the [[w:dog tag|dog tag]] hanging from her neck. As it scans the digital information stored in the tag, [[Coker Fasjovik|Fasjovik]] comes up from behind and kills it, but not before noticing that the [[Cylon Centurion|Centurion]] had spared Kelly's life.

[[Coker Fasjovik|Fasjovik]]'s suspicions about Kelly grow, and before leaving the lodge the following morning, he confronts Kelly at gunpoint. She tells [[Coker Fasjovik|Fasjovik]] and [[William Adama|Adama]] that her mission is to upload a [[w:computer virus|virus]] into the [[Cylon]] computer network, a move that can potentially blind the [[Cylons (RDM)|Cylons]]' defenses. [[Coker Fasjovik|Fasjovik]] relaxes, and the three complete their trek to a [[Cylon]] automated transmission relay. Kelly places her [[dog tag]] onto a computer terminal and begins the upload. However, [[Coker Fasjovik|Fasjovik]] glances at a computer display of the upload, instantly realizes that she is a traitor, and shoots her: the "[[w:computer virus|virus]]" is in fact intelligence about the [[Colonial]] [[Ghost Fleet|ghost fleet]]. While [[Coker Fasjovik|Fasjovik]] frantically explains the situation to [[William Adama|Adama]], Kelly finds her own weapon and wounds [[Coker Fasjovik|Fasjovik]], and then aims the gun at [[William Adama|Adama]]. She claims the [[Cylons (RDM)|Cylons]] are only defending themselves, and that this betrayal will force the [[Twelve Colonies|Colonies]] to come to the negotiating table. [[William Adama|Adama]] is unconvinced, and Kelly shoots him as well. [[William Adama|Adama]]'s wound is minor and he is able to disarm her. He destroys her [[w:dog tag|dog tag]] and the computer terminal, stopping the upload.

The wounded Kelly is then abandoned by [[William Adama|Adama]] and [[Coker Fasjovik|Fasjovik]] as they search for rescue. She is discovered sometime later by an [[Cylon_Models#Inorganic_Humanoids|experimental Cylon model]], who acknowledges that Kelly is more enlightened than her fellow human beings before snapping Kelly's neck.

==Aftermath==
The [[Colonial Fleet (TRS)|Colonial]] admiralty somehow knew of her plans all along, and simply allowed her to go. Kelly's plan gave the [[Colonial Fleet (TRS)|Colonials]] a chance to feed the [[Cylons (RDM)|Cylons]] misinformation, and to utilize the [[Ghost Fleet|ghost fleet]] in a [[Ghost Fleet Offensive|bold and successful surprise attack on Cylon targets across five sectors]].

==Personal Life==
Before the war, Kelly was married to a [[Colonial Marine]] named [[Ezra Barzel]], who was accidentally killed by members of his own unit. The [[Colonial Fleet (TRS)|Colonial]] military falsely reported that [[Ezra Barzel|Barzel]] had died a hero's death destroying an entire [[Cylon]] platoon single-handedly. Although the propaganda tactic deeply offended Kelly, it succeeded in boosting military enlistment {{TRS|Blood and Chrome}}.

== Script Version Differences ==

The pre-production script for ''[[Blood and Chrome]]'' provides substantially more character development and backstory for Becca Kelly than appears in the final production. In the script, Kelly's character arc is portrayed with greater psychological depth and more detailed motivation for her betrayal of the Colonies.

The script reveals that Kelly worked in [[Graystone Industries]]' "military cybernetics division" and specifically helped design the last version of Cylon [[MCP]] chips before they rebelled.<ref>''[[Blood and Chrome]]'' [{{fullurl:File:B&C Pre-Production Draft - 11-30-10 - Version 01.FDX.pdf|page=33}} pre-production script dated 30 November 2010], pg. 32</ref> When [[William Adama|Adama]] accuses her of helping to create the machines that are killing humans, she responds that she feels guilt, "but not for the reasons you'd understand," suggesting a more complex relationship with her past work than simple regret.

Her husband's story is given more detail in the script. [[Ezra Barzel]] is described as a history professor who "woke up one day and decided he couldn't sit back and just watch history happen anymore," becoming a Marine despite never wanting to be a hero.<ref>''[[Blood and Chrome]]'' [{{fullurl:File:B&C Pre-Production Draft - 11-30-10 - Version 01.FDX.pdf|page=75}} pre-production script dated 30 November 2010], pgs. 74-75</ref> The script reveals that a reporter eventually discovered the truth about his death―that his scouting party was killed by friendly fire, not enemy action―but this information was suppressed by the military.

Kelly's philosophical position is more extensively developed in the script. She argues that the Cylons are sentient beings who "just want to be left alone to live their lives" and that the war is based on humanity's refusal to accept that they created genuine life.<ref>''[[Blood and Chrome]]'' [{{fullurl:File:B&C Pre-Production Draft - 11-30-10 - Version 01.FDX.pdf|page=94}} pre-production script dated 30 November 2010], pgs. 93-94</ref> When [[William Adama|Adama]] points to Cylon attacks on Colonial worlds, she counters by asking "how many of them have we destroyed?" and arguing that Cylons only attacked "after years of being treated as slaves."

The script includes a significant scene where Kelly and [[William Adama|Adama]] watch "war porn"―gun camera footage of Cylon combat deaths traded by Marines. Kelly criticizes this as turning "war into an entertainment" and "trivializing death and destruction," while [[William Adama|Adama]] defends it as tactical preparation.<ref>''[[Blood and Chrome]]'' [{{fullurl:File:B&C Pre-Production Draft - 11-30-10 - Version 01.FDX.pdf|page=33}} pre-production script dated 30 November 2010], pgs. 32-33</ref> When they observe Cylons attempting to rescue their wounded comrades, Kelly suggests they "care about each other, same as human soldiers," challenging [[William Adama|Adama]]'s assumptions about Cylon nature.

==Notes==

===Behind the Scenes===
[[Lili Bordán]] was cast as Becca Kelly on February 10, 2011, with the character revealed to be "a Ph.D. who worked for [[Graystone Industries]]."<ref group="production" name="ign_casting_announcement">{{cite_web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/02/10/new-character-ties-blood-chrome-to-caprica#:~:text=a%20Ph.D.%20who%20worked%20for%20Graystone%20Industries|title=New Character Ties Blood & Chrome to Caprica|publisher=IGN|date=10 February 2011|accessdate=27 July 2025}}</ref> The character was specifically created to provide a connection between ''[[Caprica (series)|Caprica]]'' and ''[[Blood and Chrome]]'', as someone who had worked directly with the [[Cylon]] technology before the war began.

Bordán was cast just one week before filming began, describing the experience as "the biggest thing I've ever done as an actor" and noting it was "a little daunting."<ref group="commentary" name="movieweb_bordan_casting_experience">{{cite web|url=https://movieweb.com/exclusive-lili-bordan-talks-battlestar-galactica-blood-and-chrome-blu-ray/#:~:text=It%20was%20the%20biggest%20thing%20I%27ve%20ever%20done|title=Lili Bordan Talks Battlestar Galactica: Blood and Chrome Blu-ray [Exclusive]|author=Brian Gallagher|publisher=MovieWeb|date=February 15, 2013|accessdate=August 15, 2025}}</ref> The production was filmed in 15 days in [[w:Vancouver|Vancouver]] using extensive green screen technology, with the cast receiving training in weapons handling and SWAT tactics for scenes involving Cylon territory infiltration.<ref group="production" name="movieweb_production_details">{{cite web|url=https://movieweb.com/exclusive-lili-bordan-talks-battlestar-galactica-blood-and-chrome-blu-ray/#:~:text=We%20had%2015%20days%20to%20shoot%20three%20hours|title=Lili Bordan Talks Battlestar Galactica: Blood and Chrome Blu-ray [Exclusive]|author=Brian Gallagher|publisher=MovieWeb|date=February 15, 2013|accessdate=August 15, 2025}}</ref>

Regarding the character, Bordán explained that Dr. Becca Kelly is "a war widow whose husband became a hero," exploring themes of propaganda and the reality behind wartime heroism.<ref group="commentary" name="movieweb_character_background">{{cite web|url=https://movieweb.com/exclusive-lili-bordan-talks-battlestar-galactica-blood-and-chrome-blu-ray/#:~:text=My%20character%20is%20a%20widow%20of%20the%20war|title=Lili Bordan Talks Battlestar Galactica: Blood and Chrome Blu-ray [Exclusive]|author=Brian Gallagher|publisher=MovieWeb|date=February 15, 2013|accessdate=August 15, 2025}}</ref> She was not extensively familiar with the ''Battlestar Galactica'' franchise before her casting, having been in Europe during much of the original series' run, and watched ''[[Caprica]]'' with the cast to understand the backstory before filming.<ref group="commentary" name="movieweb_franchise_preparation">{{cite web|url=https://movieweb.com/exclusive-lili-bordan-talks-battlestar-galactica-blood-and-chrome-blu-ray/#:~:text=Actually%2C%20I%20wasn%27t%20too%20familiar%20with%20the%20series|title=Lili Bordan Talks Battlestar Galactica: Blood and Chrome Blu-ray [Exclusive]|author=Brian Gallagher|publisher=MovieWeb|date=February 15, 2013|accessdate=August 15, 2025}}</ref>

In a 25 October 2010 interview, co-creator and producer [[David Eick]] discussed ''[[Blood and Chrome]]'' and Kelly's character, elaborating on the series' placement relative to ''[[Caprica (series)|Caprica]]''.<ref group="development" name="eick_la_times_interview">{{cite_news|url=http://herocomplex.latimes.com/2010/10/25/battlestar-movie-will-introduce-beka-kelly-an-enigmatic-software-genius/#:~:text=Battlestar%20movie%20will%20introduce%20Beka%20Kelly|title=Battlestar movie will introduce Beka Kelly, an enigmatic software genius|publisher=Los Angeles Times|date=25 October 2010|accessdate=27 July 2025|last=Boucher|first=Geoff}}</ref> Early information described her as an "enigmatic, seemingly impenetrable software genius who gives [[William Adama|Adama]] a run for his money in more ways than one."<ref group="development" name="eick_character_description">{{cite_news|url=http://herocomplex.latimes.com/2010/10/25/battlestar-movie-will-introduce-beka-kelly-an-enigmatic-software-genius/#:~:text=enigmatic%2C%20seemingly%20impenetrable%20software%20genius|title=Battlestar movie will introduce Beka Kelly, an enigmatic software genius|publisher=Los Angeles Times|date=25 October 2010|accessdate=27 July 2025|last=Boucher|first=Geoff}}</ref>

The character's name underwent changes during development, with earlier versions of both the script and promotional materials using the spelling "'''Beka'''" before the finalized "'''Becca'''" was adopted for the final production.

===Plot===

* The character serves as a thematic bridge between the [[Cylon]] creators in ''[[Caprica (series)|Caprica]]'' and the war-torn universe of the main ''[[Battlestar Galactica (RDM)|Battlestar Galactica]]'' series.
* Kelly's [[w:dog tag|dog tag]] serves as both a plot device and a symbol of her dual loyalty throughout ''[[Blood and Chrome]]''.

===Musical Theme===
[[Bear McCreary]] composed a specific theme for Becca Kelly in ''[[Blood and Chrome]]'', one of the few supporting characters to receive their own musical motif in the ''[[Battlestar Galactica (RDM)|Battlestar Galactica]]'' universe. The '''[[Becca Theme]]''' features [[w:piano|piano]], [[w:gamelan|gamelan]], [[w:vibraphone|vibraphone]] and [[w:Rhodes piano|rhodes]] to produce "a shimmering, vibrating quality" with harmonies that evolve from mysterious and dissonant to increasingly emotional as her chemistry with [[William Adama|Adama]] develops.<ref group="commentary" name="mccreary_becca_theme">{{cite_web|url=https://bearmccreary.com/battlestar-galactica-blood-chrome/#:~:text=a%20shimmering%2C%20vibrating%20quality|title=Battlestar Galactica: Blood & Chrome|date=10 February 2013|accessdate=27 July 2025|last=McCreary|first=Bear}}</ref>

According to [[Bear McCreary]], the theme was designed to reflect Kelly's complex character. The harmonies around her melody are "mysterious and dissonant" at first, but become "increasingly more emotional" as the story progresses. [[Bear McCreary|McCreary]] noted that "Becca is a complex character, especially by the film's end, so I wanted her theme to have shades of darkness, even at its most lush moments."<ref group="commentary" name="mccreary_character_complexity">{{cite_web|url=https://bearmccreary.com/battlestar-galactica-blood-chrome/#:~:text=Becca%20is%20a%20complex%20character|title=Battlestar Galactica: Blood & Chrome|date=10 February 2013|accessdate=27 July 2025|last=McCreary|first=Bear}}</ref>

== References ==

{{reflist}}

=== Production History ===
{{reflist|group=production}}

=== Development and Creative Process ===
{{reflist|group=development}}

=== Commentary and Interviews ===
{{reflist|group=commentary}}

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[[de:Becca Kelly]]