View source for The Hand of God (TOS)

:''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)]].''
{{Episode Data
| image = The_Hand_of_God (TOS).jpg
| title= The Hand of God
| series= tos
| season=
| episode= 21
| 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
| population=
| prev= [[Take the Celestra]]
| next= '''(End of Series)'''<br />(See ''[[Galactica 1980]]'')
}}
== Overview ==

:''[[Adama (TOS)|Commander Adama]] decides to quit running from the [[Cylons (TOS)|Cylons]], and launches 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 [[Galactica (TOS)|''Galactica'']] on something of a group date. Everyone is wearing hearing protection as they are in a loud section of the ship.

* They climb into some sort of a dome, and once the hatch is sealed they are able to take off their hearing protection.

* Apollo says that they are as high as you can get on ''Galactica'', directly over the main thrusters.

* Apollo opens up the shielding on the dome, revealing space all around them. Cassiopeia is frightened, but Apollo explains that they are safe as the walls are constructed from [[transparent tylinium]].

* 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.

* The scanners are set for long range [[Gamma frequency|Gamma frequencies]], an outdated method of communication.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. Apollo recognizes something in the signal that looks like ships that used to be flown by [[The Twelve Colonies (TOS)|the Colonials]] many yahrens ago.

* The date group wakes up [[Boomer (TOS)|Boomer]] in order to leverage his electronics expertise to try to enhance the signal.

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

* Boomer 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.

* [[Adama (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.

* A planetary system is detected in the direction of the transmission, so Adama orders Apollo to take a [[Viper (TOS)|Viper]] patrol into the system to take a closer look.

* Apollo, Starbuck, and Sheba fly towards the system. They detect five planets. Starbuck detects a [[Cylons (TOS)|Cylon]] [[Basestar (TOS)|basestar]] coming out from behind orbit of the third planet. The Vipers flee hoping they avoided detection.

* 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. Adama thinks that the transmission they received was sent from the basestar as part of an elaborate trap.

* Adama is tired of running, and proposes attacking the basestar.

* Aboard the basestar, a Command Centurion checks the status. A [[Cylon Centurion Model 0005|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.

* Commander Adama and [[Tigh (TOS)|Colonel Tigh]] brief the Viper pilots.  All Vipers squadrons will be launched in an attempt to draw out the Cylon Raiders. They will be outnumbered two to one. ''Galactica'' will attempt to flank around the star system and surprise the basestar, getting the first strike. After that it will be a slugfest.

* 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.

* 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.

* 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.

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

* Adama offers Baltar freedom in exchange for information. 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.

* Inside Baltar's raider, 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.

* Cassiopeia asks for a word alone with Starbuck.

* With the raider to themselves, Sheba accuses Apollo of having a death wish since [[Serina]]'s loss, and reveals her feelings for him.

* Outside the raider, 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.

* Boomer reminds Starbuck and Apollo 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.

* 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.

* Apollo and Starbuck launch the raider.

* Suddenly they are surrounded by raiders. They appear to have stumbled into the returning patrol, and hope they can pass as a stray returning to the pack.

* The Cylons do not appear to notice that an extra raider has returned. 

* ''Galactica'' launches all of her Vipers and begins her flanking maneuver.

* Apollo and Starbuck wait for the Centurions to disembark and leave the hangar before exiting. They make their way to the central core, and open the hatch. They look down the ladder and see a Centurion guard below.

* The Centurion looks up as they are climbing down the ladder, prompting a slow motion exchange of laser fire. The Centurion is destroyed, and the warriors are unharmed.

* They enter the computer room outside the control center, and Starbuck plants the charges while Apollo covers him.

* 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''.

* A Centurion walks in on Starbuck planting the last charge, and is shot in the chest. Apollo and Starbuck flee up the ladder. As Apollo rushes up the ladder he drops the identification transmitter. With several Centurions on their tail, they continue up the ladder anyway.

* The charges detonate, killing the pursuing Centurions and blinding the basestar.

* The Vipers duel with the raiders. Both sides take losses but the raiders are getting the worst end of it.

* ''Galactica'' spots the basestar. Adama orders everyone to battle stations.

* ''Galactica'' gets the first shots in, severely damaging the basestar. The basestar detects ''Galactica'' and begins to return fire.

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

* ''Galactica'' sustains heavy damage, but destroys the Cylon basestar.

* ''Galactica'' issues a recall order to all Vipers. They have not gotten any signal from the identification transmitter, but several raiders have made suicide runs towards ''Galactica''.

* Adama nearly orders a Cylon raider destroyed before Boomer stops him. He thinks it is Starbuck and Apollo because "they're waggling!"

* After they are safely aboard, Apollo returns to the Celestial chamber. Starbuck comes looking for him to return him to the victory celebration. Apollo is looking for another Gamma frequency signal. Dr. [[Wilker]]'s lab was destroyed in the battle, and the signal with it.

* Boomer has rigged a Gamma frequency signal booster, so that if any signal is out there Apollo hopes to pick it up. Apollo hopes that the signal came from Earth. Apollo expects that first contact will come in the form of routine video or radio scans.

* After they exit the Celestial chamber a clear transmission of the Apollo moon landing is received, with nobody there to see it.

== Questions ==

*What was the fate of Baltar? Did Adama follow through with his promise to Baltar? If not, why not?
*Were it to occur, how would the civilans in the Fleet react to Baltar's release by Adama? What of the [[Quorum of Twelve (TOS)|Quorum of Twelve]]?
*If Baltar were to be rescued by the Cylons, how would they react to his absence? 
*Where is [[Lucifer]]? 
*What of [[Boxey (TOS)|Boxey]] and [[Muffit]]? ([[Troy (1980)|Answer]])
*Would Starbuck and Cassiopeia be [[seal]]ed?
*Where was Apollo and Sheba's relationship going?
*What is the current state of [[Earth (TOS)|Earth]]? ([[Galactica 1980|Answer]])
*How old is the gamma frequency transmission ''Galactica'' receives?
*Do the Colonials believe in [[w:backups|backing up important data]]? 
*Why didn't Apollo attach a recording device to the gamma frequency booster that Boomer gave him?

== Analysis ==

* Boomer speculates that the signal they recorded could have been on a harmonic frequency, doubling or quadrupling the original frequency. If it was a harmonic it came from nearby. The planetary system they scouted had a large [[w:Jupiter|Jupiter]]-like [[w:gas giant|gas giant]], a [[w:Venus|Venus]]-like planet with a compressed [[w:carbon dioxide|carbon dioxide]] atmosphere, and a lifeless red [[w:Mars|Mars]]-like world. It could have been [[w:Sol|our solar system]] but this isn't explored further for fear another Cylon basestar might be coming to investigate.

* As inferred from previous episodes, such as "[[Saga of a Star World]]", a Cylon [[basestar (TOS)|basestar]] and a Colonial [[battlestar (TOS)|battlestar]] are evenly matched. 

* This episode suggests that Earth would most likely be far enough along technologically and politically to help their brothers from the Colonies.  ''[[Galactica 1980]]'' proves otherwise, however.

*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'' was picking up the Apollo landing ''live'' in this episode, there was only an 11 year difference between 1969, when the moon landing occurred and 1980 when ''Galactica'' made it to Earth.  As well, assuming the star system ''Galactica'' received the signal in was 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 the ''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.  Only ''Galactica 1980'', which is dubiously non-canon, has given a precise date marker relative to Earth, the year 1980.

*In theory, the first video transmission ''Galactica'' would have received from Earth would have actually been the broadcast of the opening ceremonies of the [[w:1936 Summer Olympics|1936 Summer Olympics]] from Berlin, Germany which were infamously presided over by then-German Chancellor [[w:Adolf Hitler|Adolf Hitler]].  By that time however, ''Galactica'' would also have picked up many years-worth of radio signals as well.

== Notes == 
*This episode is both the season and series finale of [[Battlestar Galactica (TOS)|the Original Series]].
*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.
*''Galactica'' intercepts a TV transmission of the [[wikipedia:Apollo 11|Apollo 11]] lunar landing, but characters leave the room before the voiceover.
*The basestar core set appears to have been filmed in a [[Wikipedia:Skylab|Skylab]] mockup.
* 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.

== Noteworthy Dialogue ==
* ''Colonel Tigh briefs the [[Viper (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 the ''Galactica''.
:'''Starbuck''': (to Boomer) That's what I like about the Colonel... his optimism.

* ''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.

* ''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.

* ''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?!

{{Episode List (TOS)}}

[[Category:A to Z|Hand of God, The (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)]]
{{TOS}}