Editing The Hand of God (TOS)

{{disline|This article details an episode of the [[Battlestar Galactica (TOS)|Original Series]]. For information on the [[Battlestar Galactica (RDM)|Re-imagined Series]] episode of the same name, see [[The Hand of God (RDM)]].}}

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{{Episode Data
| image = The_Hand_of_God (TOS).jpg
| title= The Hand of God
| series= tos
| forumthread=1545
| episode= 24
| guests=
| writer= [[Donald Bellisario]]
| story=
| director= [[Donald Bellisario]]
| production= 50930
| rating=
| extra= Series Finale
| US airdate= 1979-04-29
| UK airdate=
| dvd= 2004-12-28
| prev= [[Take the Celestra]]
| next= '''(End of Series)'''<br />(See ''[[Galactica 1980]]'')
| hulu=
| amazon=Y
|archives=Y}}
:''[[Adama (TOS)|Commander Adama]] decides to quit running from the [[Cylons (TOS)|Cylons]], and launches [[Battle at Galaxy's Edge|an all-out attack]] on a [[Basestar (TOS)|basestar]].''

== Summary ==

* [[Apollo (TOS)|Apollo]] is leading [[Sheba]], [[Starbuck (TOS)|Starbuck]], and [[Cassiopeia]] through some unknown parts of ''{{TOS|Galactica}}'' on something of a group date.<ref>{{TOS video|The Hand of God|02m15s}}</ref> They climb into a dome, directly over the main thrusters.<ref>{{TOS video|The Hand of God|03m18s}}</ref>

* Apollo opens up the shielding on the dome, revealing space all around them.<ref>{{TOS video|The Hand of God|03m34s}}</ref> Cassiopeia is frightened, but Apollo explains that they are safe as the walls are constructed from [[transparent tylinium]].<ref>{{TOS video|The Hand of God|03m40s}}</ref> Apollo explains that it is a [[celestial chamber]]. When ''Galactica'' was launched 500 [[yahren]] ago, she had several chambers, but only one remains. They were used by navigators to take star sightings to double-check the calculations of the navigation computers.<ref>{{TOS video|The Hand of God|03m53s}}</ref>

* The scanners are set for long range [[Gamma frequency|Gamma frequencies]], an outdated method of communication. Sheba notices that they are receiving a signal on a Gamma frequency.<ref>{{TOS video|The Hand of God|04m57s}}</ref> Apollo recognizes something in the signal that looks like ships that used to be flown by [[The Twelve Colonies of Man|the Colonials]] many yahrens ago.<ref>{{TOS video|The Hand of God|06m09s}}</ref>

[[File:Apollo_11.jpg|thumb|right|Boomer analyzing a Gamma frequency transmission.]]

* The date group wakes up {{TOS|Boomer}},<ref>{{TOS video|The Hand of God|06m26s}}</ref> who speculates that the signal could either be a harmonic signal, with a double or tripling of the original transmitting frequency, in which case the source would be relatively close. If the signal is at its original frequency it would have to be intergalactic to be so weak.<ref>{{TOS video|The Hand of God|09m23s}}</ref>

* {{TOS|Adama}} orders ''Galactica'' to scan in the direction of the signal in order to see if it was a harmonic signal originating from nearby.<ref>{{TOS video|The Hand of God|10m29s}}</ref> A planetary system is detected in the direction of the transmission,<ref>{{TOS video|The Hand of God|10m37s}}</ref> so Adama orders Apollo to take a {{TOS|Viper}} patrol into the system to take a closer look.<ref>{{TOS video|The Hand of God|11m08s}}</ref>

* Apollo, Starbuck, and Sheba fly towards the system.<ref>{{TOS video|The Hand of God|11m55s}}</ref> They detect five planets.<ref>{{TOS video|The Hand of God|12m05s}}</ref> Starbuck detects a [[Cylons (TOS)|Cylon]] [[Basestar (TOS)|basestar]] coming out from behind orbit of the third planet.<ref>{{TOS video|The Hand of God|12m51s}}</ref> The Vipers flee hoping they avoided detection.<ref>{{TOS video|The Hand of God|13m03s}}</ref>

* The basestar is located in a strategic location on the rim of the galaxy, forcing [[The Fleet (TOS)|the fleet]] to take a long detour if they want to avoid it.<ref>{{TOS video|The Hand of God|13m54s}}</ref> Adama thinks that the transmission they received was sent from the basestar as part of an elaborate trap.<ref>{{TOS video|The Hand of God|14m06s}}</ref> Tired of running, Adama proposes attacking the basestar.<ref>{{TOS video|The Hand of God|14m28s}}</ref>

* Aboard the basestar, a Command Centurion checks the status. A [[Centurion (TOS)|Centurion]] reports a blip shortly before achieving orbit. The Command Centurion orders a [[Cylon Raider|fighter]] patrol to check the far side of the planet system just to be safe.<ref>{{TOS video|The Hand of God|15m20s}}</ref>

* Commander Adama and [[Tigh (TOS)|Colonel Tigh]] brief the Viper pilots.<ref>{{TOS video|The Hand of God|16m41s}}</ref> All Vipers squadrons will be launched in an attempt to draw out the Cylon Raiders. They will be outnumbered two to one.<ref>{{TOS video|The Hand of God|17m18s}}</ref> ''Galactica'' will attempt to flank around the star system and surprise the basestar, getting the first strike. After that it will be a slugfest.<ref>{{TOS video|The Hand of God|17m24s}}</ref>

* Apollo stays after the meeting examining the basestar model. He and Starbuck come up with a plan to use [[Baltar (TOS)|Baltar's]] Cylon fighter to sneak aboard the basestar and knock out its scanners, ensuring ''Galactica'' the first strike.<ref>{{TOS video|The Hand of God|18m30s}}</ref> Apollo is able to convince Adama of his plan, however Starbuck's knowledge of the interior of the basestar is too limited (after his brief stay during "[[War of the Gods, Part I (TOS)|War of the Gods, Part I]]"). Adama decides that the person who would be better able to help them with information would be Baltar himself.<ref>{{TOS video|The Hand of God|19m21s}}</ref>

* The Cylon Raiders have found nothing in their search, but the Command Centurion orders them to continue further into the galaxy as long as fuel permits.<ref>{{TOS video|The Hand of God|20m30s}}</ref>

[[File:BaltarsBargain.jpg|thumb|right|Adama strikes a bargain with Baltar.]]

* Adama offers Baltar freedom in exchange for information.<ref>{{TOS video|The Hand of God|21m19s}}</ref> Adama would drop Baltar off on a habitable planet that they pass, leaving him with adequate provisions and shelter. Baltar is able to negotiate for a short range communication device as well. Baltar would be set free after the basestar has been destroyed.<ref>{{TOS video|The Hand of God|23m44s}}</ref>

* Sheba accuses Apollo of having a death wish since [[Serina]]'s loss, and reveals her feelings for him.<ref>{{TOS video|The Hand of God|24m30s}}</ref> Meanwhile Cassiopeia is asking Starbuck why he has to be on every dangerous mission. Starbuck admits that he sees the danger, but chooses not to dwell on it.<ref>{{TOS video|The Hand of God|25m05s}}</ref>

* Boomer gives Apollo and Starbuck an identification transmitter, which would alert their fellow Viper pilots that they are friendly when they return from their mission.<ref>{{TOS video|The Hand of God|23m52s}}</ref> He reminds them not to lose the transmitter, or else they will likely be shot at. Starbuck says that if they do lose the transmitter that they'll just waggle their wings.<ref>{{TOS video|The Hand of God|24m25s}}</ref>

* Baltar explains that they can probably safely land without clearance. It will be assumed that there is a communications problem on the raider. A centurion will be sent if they don't have any fighters out. The control center is at the bottom of the central core, guarded by a single centurion. They can just destroy the computers outside the command room to blind the basestar.<ref>{{TOS video|The Hand of God|29m48s}}</ref>

* Apollo and Starbuck launch the Raider<ref>{{TOS video|The Hand of God|31m26s}}</ref> and stumble into the returning Cylon patrol, but are not noticed by the Cylons.<ref>{{TOS video|The Hand of God|32m20s}}</ref>

* After the Centurions have disembarked, Apollo and Starbuck leave the hangar and make their way to the central core, and open the hatch.<ref>{{TOS video|The Hand of God|35m13s}}</ref> As they climb down a ladder, the Centurion guard looks up, prompting an exchange of laser fire. The Centurion is destroyed, and the warriors are unharmed.<ref>{{TOS video|The Hand of God|36m22s}}</ref> They enter the computer room outside the control center, and Starbuck plants the charges while Apollo covers him.<ref>{{TOS video|The Hand of God|37m09s}}</ref>

* ''Galactica'' launches all of her Vipers<ref>{{TOS video|The Hand of God|34m17s}}</ref> and begins her flanking maneuver. The basestar picks up the Vipers on its sensors. The Command Centurion orders all fighters dispatched to intercept the Vipers, and orders sensors to scan for ''Galactica''.<ref>{{TOS video|The Hand of God|33m05s}}</ref>

* A Centurion walks in on Starbuck planting the last charge, and is shot in the chest.<ref>{{TOS video|The Hand of God|38m03s}}</ref> Apollo and Starbuck flee up the ladder. As Apollo rushes up the ladder he drops the identification transmitter.<ref>{{TOS video|The Hand of God|38m28s}}</ref> With several Centurions on their tail, they continue up the ladder anyway. The charges detonate, killing the pursuing Centurions and blinding the basestar.<ref>{{TOS video|The Hand of God|38m33s}}</ref>

* The Vipers duel with the raiders. Both sides take losses but the raiders are getting the worst end of it.<ref>{{TOS video|The Hand of God|39m08s}}</ref>

* ''Galactica'' spots the basestar.<ref>{{TOS video|The Hand of God|41m08s}}</ref> Adama orders everyone to battle stations and gets the first shots in, severely damaging the basestar.<ref>{{TOS video|The Hand of God|41m23s}}</ref> The basestar detects ''Galactica'' and begins to return fire.<ref>{{TOS video|The Hand of God|41m30s}}</ref> ''Galactica'' sustains heavy damage, but destroys the Cylon basestar.<ref>{{TOS video|The Hand of God|42m42s}}</ref>

[[File:CelestialChamber.jpg|thumb|right|Apollo scans Gamma frequencies for the signal.]]

* ''Galactica'' issues a recall order to all Vipers.<ref>{{TOS video|The Hand of God|42m52s}}</ref> They have not received any signal from the identification transmitter.<ref>{{TOS video|The Hand of God|43m51s}}</ref> As several Raiders have made suicide runs towards ''Galactica'', Adama orders another approaching raider destroyed but is stopped by Boomer, who thinks it is Starbuck and Apollo because "they're waggling!"<ref>{{TOS video|The Hand of God|44m18s}}</ref>

* After they are safely aboard, Apollo returns to the Celestial chamber, looking for another Gamma frequency signal, which he hopes came from Earth.<ref>{{TOS video|The Hand of God|44m50s}}</ref> Apollo expects that first contact will come in the form of routine video or radio scans. Starbuck comes looking for him to return him to the victory celebration.<ref>{{TOS video|The Hand of God|45m22s}}</ref> After they exit the Celestial chamber the signal is received again, this time clearer: it is a transmission of the Apollo moon landing, with nobody there to see it.<ref>{{TOS video|The Hand of God|47m48s}}</ref>

== Notes ==
=== Behind the Scenes ===
According to ''[[So Say We All: The Complete, Uncensored, Unauthorized Oral History of Battlestar Galactica]]'', "The Hand of God" was written and directed by [[Donald Bellisario]] and was almost universally considered by the cast to be the strongest of the one-hour episodes.<ref>{{cite book/sswa|215}}</ref> Many involved felt it was indicative of the more character-focused direction the series should have taken in a [[Battlestar Galactica: Year Two proposal|potential second season]].<ref>{{cite book/sswa|214-215}}</ref>

Actress [[Anne Lockhart]] ([[Sheba]]) called it her favorite episode, praising its focus on character development and "very true and real emotions."<ref>{{cite book/sswa|214}}</ref> [[Dirk Benedict]] ([[Starbuck (TOS)|Starbuck]]) also appreciated the episode's shift towards character, noting that the writers were finally trusting the actors and their relationships to carry the story, rather than relying solely on special effects.<ref>{{cite book/sswa|214}}</ref> The episode's poignant ending, featuring the ''Apollo 11'' moon landing transmission, was seen as a perfect and hopeful conclusion to the series. Lockhart recalled the feeling on set: "We finally got it, and the show was over."<ref>{{cite book/sswa|215}}</ref>

=== Additional Details ===
*This episode is both the season and series finale of the [[Original Series]].
*This episode is notable in that it has no guest stars and introduces no new characters.
*The title was reused for the [[The Hand of God (RDM)|tenth episode]] of the [[Battlestar Galactica (RDM)|Re-imagined Series]]. Aside from both Adamas launching an offensive strike against Cylon forces, there is little comparison between the two episodes. The writers of the Re-imagined Series episode claimed that the naming of their episode and the offensive attack plans were coincidental; they weren't aware of this Original Series episode.
* Apollo gives the age of ''Galactica'' as being 500 [[yahren]]s (years) and given his comments on the removal of her [[celestial chamber]]s, it can be inferred that ''Galactica'' was updated throughout the years.<ref>{{TOS video|The Hand of God|03m53s}}</ref>
*The final episode of the Original Series shows not just one, but two authentic items of American space program output.
:*The first article, shown in the grainy Gamma transmissions, is camera footage from the return of the ascent stage of an [[w:Apollo Lunar Module|Apollo Lunar Module]]. Specifically, the footage was of ''Eagle'', the first lunar lander to reach the moon, piloted by [[w:Neil Armstrong|Neil Armstrong]] and [[w:Buzz Aldrin|Buzz Aldrin]] in July, 1969.<ref>{{TOS video|The Hand of God|47m48s}}</ref>
:*The central basestar core was in fact the interior of the mockup or backup vehicle of [[w:Skylab|Skylab]], the first United States space station, which was used from 1973 to 1974.<ref>{{TOS video|The Hand of God|35m58s}}</ref> Two flight-ready Skylabs were built; the flown station reentered the atmosphere in 1979 to great international fanfare and speculation as to its crash and debris site. The second flight-ready vehicle is available for viewing at the [[w:National Air and Space Museum|National Air and Space Museum]]. The mockup resides in the hands of the [[w:United States Space & Rocket Center|United States Space & Rocket Center]] and underwent restoration.

== Analysis ==

* Boomer speculates that the signal they recorded could have be on a harmonic frequency, doubling or quadrupling the original frequency. If it is a harmonic it comes from nearby.<ref>{{TOS video|The Hand of God|09m23s}}</ref> The planetary system they scouted has a large [[w:Jupiter|Jupiter]]-like [[w:gas giant|gas giant]],<ref>{{TOS video|The Hand of God|12m23s}}</ref> a lifeless red [[w:Mars|Mars]]-like world,<ref>{{TOS video|The Hand of God|12m30s}}</ref> and a [[w:Venus|Venus]]-like planet with a compressed [[w:carbon dioxide|carbon dioxide]] atmosphere.<ref>{{TOS video|The Hand of God|12m39s}}</ref> It indicates that it may have been analogous to [[w:Sol|our solar system]], but this isn't explored further for fear that another Cylon basestar might be coming to investigate.
* As inferred from previous episodes, such as "[[Saga of a Star World]]" and "[[The Living Legend, Part II]]," a Cylon [[basestar (TOS)|basestar]] and a Colonial [[battlestar (TOS)|battlestar]] are evenly matched.
* This episode suggests that ''Galactica'' saga takes place hundreds or even thousands of years in the far future. Therefore, Earth would most likely be far enough along technologically and politically to help their brothers from the Colonies. ''[[Galactica 1980]]'' contradicts this, however.
*Unless a Colonial "year" is significantly shorter than 365 Earth days, the episode creates a continuity error between the Original Series and its [[spin-off]], ''[[Galactica 1980]]'' in terms of time. ''Galactica 1980'' begins with ''Galactica'' arriving at Earth in 1980 after a "30 year" journey. However, even if ''Galactica'' is picking up the Apollo landing "live" in this episode, there is only an 11 year difference between 1969, when the moon landing occurred<ref>{{TOS video|The Hand of God|47m48s}}</ref> and 1980 when ''Galactica'' makes it to Earth. As well, assuming the star system ''Galactica'' receives the signal in is not the Sol system, the transmissions from the 1969 moon landing (traveling at the speed of light) would take much, much longer to cross interstellar (if not intergalactic) space to reach ''Galactica''.
*Much like the Re-imagined Series, the setting of the Original Series is chronologically ambiguous relative to the real-world Earth. There is no definitive way to prove within the context of the Original Series just what time period the journey of ''Galactica'' and her fleet takes place in, only that it is some point after 1969.<ref>{{TOS video|The Hand of God|47m48s}}</ref> Only ''Galactica 1980'' gives a precise date marker relative to Earth, the year 1980. This means that the star system encountered in this episode has to be [[w:Alpha Centauri|Alpha Centauri]] as it is the only nearby star located sufficiently close to our solar system for the 1980 date to work. In this case ''Galactica'' would intercept the Apollo 11 broadcast in late 1973 while Alpha Centauri is located directly between Earth and the Colonial fleet From there, the remaining sublight speed journey to our solar system takes 5-6 Earth years and the fleet arrives in 1980.
*In theory, the first video transmission ''Galactica'' could receive from Earth would actually be the broadcast of the opening ceremonies of the [[w:1936 Summer Olympics|1936 Summer Olympics]] from Berlin, Germany. By that time however, ''Galactica'' would also have picked up many years-worth of radio signals as well. However, someone would have to be monitoring what they considered a superfluous and "ancient" set of signals. This is comparable to SETI monitoring radio transmissions and without people and funding, nobody monitors this data.

== Questions ==
*What is the fate of Baltar? Does Adama follow through with his promise to Baltar?
*Were it to occur, how would the civilians in the Fleet react to Baltar's release by Adama? What of the [[Quorum of Twelve (TOS)|Quorum of Twelve]]?
*Where is [[Lucifer]]?
*Would Starbuck and Cassiopeia be [[seal]]ed?
*Where is Apollo and Sheba's relationship going?
*Do the Colonials believe in [[w:backups|backing up important data]]?
*Why doesn't Apollo attach a recording device to the gamma frequency booster that Boomer gave him?

== Relating to ''Galactica 1980'' ==

*What is the current state of [[Earth (TOS)|Earth]]? ([[Earth (1980)|Answer]])
*How old is the gamma frequency transmission ''Galactica'' receives? ([[Timeline (1980)|Answer]])
*What of {{TOS|Boxey}} and [[Muffit]]? ([[Troy (1980)|Answer]])

== Noteworthy Dialogue ==
* ''Colonel [[Tigh (TOS)|Tigh]] briefs the {{TOS|Viper}} pilots about the Cylon [[Basestar (TOS)|basestar]]:''
:'''Colonel Tigh''': She carries three hundred fighters. Has two long range mega pulsars... here... and here. And over a hundred defensive laser turrets. She's an orbiting killer... capable of destroying every ship we have... including ''Galactica''.
:'''Starbuck''': (to Boomer) That's what I like about the Colonel... his optimism.<ref>{{TOS video|The Hand of God|17m11s}}</ref>
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* ''Boomer gives Starbuck the IFF transponder:''
:'''Boomer''': Whatever happens, don't lose that transmitter. It's the only way we'll be able to tell you from the Cylons.
:'''Starbuck''': Well, if we do, we'll just waggle our wings.
:'''Boomer''': You would.<ref>{{TOS video|The Hand of God|24m22s}}</ref>

* ''Cassiopeia and Sheba watch Starbuck and Apollo take off from the [[Celestial chamber]].''
:'''Cassiopeia''': Why did I ever have to fall in love with a warrior?
:'''Sheba''': I don't know.<ref>{{TOS video|The Hand of God|43m46s}}</ref>

* ''A Cylon [[Raider (TOS)|Raider]] approaches ''Galactica'', and is about to be shot by the defensive systems.''
:'''Boomer''': No! Don't fire! It's them!
:'''Adama''': How do you know?
:'''Boomer''': They're waggling!
:'''Tigh''': Waggling?!<ref>{{TOS video|The Hand of God|44m18s}}</ref>

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== Deleted Scenes ==
:''See: [[{{PAGENAME}}/Deleted_scenes|The deleted scenes from this episode.]]

== References ==

{{reflist}}

{{Episode List (TOS)}}

[[Category:A to Z|Hand of God, The (TOS)]]
{{indicator|TOS}}[[Category:TOS|Hand of God, The (TOS)]]
[[Category:Episode Guide (TOS)|Hand of God, The (TOS)]]
[[Category:Episodes written by Donald Bellisario|Hand of God, The (TOS)]]
[[Category:Episodes directed by Donald Bellisario|Hand of God, The (TOS)]]


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