Please select a specific reference for the name, '''Apollo'''.
{{DisambigTab
|tab1=Original Series
* The pilot callsign of [[Lee Adama]] from the [[Re-imagined Series]].
|subtab1_1=Apollo (TOS)
* [[Apollo (TOS)|Captain Apollo]], the son of Commander [[Adama (TOS)|Adama]] and brother of [[Athena (TOS)|Athena]] and [[Zac]] in the [[Original Series]].
|subtab1_2=Apollo's medallion
* [[Apollo, Lord of Kobol]], son of [[Zeus]].
|tab2=Re-imagined Series
* Transmissions from [[Earth (TOS)|Earth]]'s moon from the [[Wikipedia:Apollo 11|Apollo 11]] mission as received in the Original Series episode, "[[The Hand of God (TOS)|The Hand of God]]".
|subtab2_1=Lee Adama
|subtab2_2=Arrow of Apollo
{{disambig}}
|subtab2_3=Apollo, Lord of Kobol
|subtab2_4=Apollo University
|tab3=Caprica
|subtab3_1=Apollo Park
|tab4=Separate Continuity
|subtab4_1=Apollo (TOS-RH)
|subtab4_2=Apollo (TOS alternate)
|subtab4_3=Apollo (TOS alternate reality)
|subtab4_4=Apollo (1880)
|tab5=Merchandise
|subtab5_1=Apollo's Journey 1
|subtab5_2=Apollo's War
}}
Latest revision as of 03:51, 12 June 2023
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This is a disambiguation page — a navigational aid which lists other pages that might otherwise share the same title. If an article link referred you here, you might want to go back and fix it to point directly to the intended page. Also, if you wanted to search for the term "Apollo", click here.
As the eldest son of Commander Adama, Apollo carries the weight of leadership and the responsibility of protecting humanity's survivors in their search for Earth. He represents the idealized Colonial Warrior: brave, principled, and dedicated to the survival of the human race.
Apollo goes out on a patrol with his brother Zac, just prior to the peace conference. They discover some Cylonfreighters and then encounter an armada of Cylon Raiders.
In the course of destroying some scout Raiders that approach, Zac's Viper loses power to one engine. After the Raider fleet begins their run towards the peace conference and the battlestar fleet, Zac tells his brother to go ahead to warn the fleet, allowing Apollo to report the enemy activity back to Galactica. Apollo is able to warn Adama, but Zac is killed by the Raiders as they caught up with the disabled Viper just as Zac entered visual range of the Colonial fleet (TOS: "Saga of a Star World").
When Adama insists on going to the surface of Caprica in a shuttle, Apollo insists that the commander ride to the planet as a passenger in his Viper for added protection. On the surface, Apollo is accosted by angry colonists who survived the genocide, but Adama is able to rally them to find any ship they could fly to leave Caprica and to Galactica's protection.
Apollo helps inspect ships in the newly formed fleet. While aboard the freighter Gemini, he discovers that certain individuals were hoarding supplies aboard Rising Star, while others went without. Apollo ensures that supplies are fairly distributed, much to the displeasure of Sire Uri. Apollo encounters Serina, and helps her cheer up her son (Boxey) who is depressed.
On Carillon, Apollo gets to know Boxey and Serina better. Apollo and Starbuck save Boxey, Muffit, and Cassiopeia from the Ovions, while lighting a fire in the tylium mines. The pair use a clever bit of deception to force a Cylon basestar into the atmosphere as the tylium fires destroy the planet and the nearby basestar (TOS: "Saga of a Star World").
Apollo and Serina announce their intentions to be sealed. Apollo and Starbuck discover a magnetic void while on patrol. Their mission prevents them from catching the mysterious illness that affects the rest of the Viper pilots. Apollo trains female shuttle pilots, including Serina, to be Viper pilots. Apollo leads the new pilots on a successful raid against an outpost before the Fleet turns and heads into the magnetic void (TOS: "Lost Planet of the Gods, Part I").
Apollo and Serina chase after Starbuck, who leaves on a mission without them. Starbuck is captured by the Cylons, but Serina asks to go ahead with the ceremony. Apollo and Serina join an expedition to Kobol, and follow Adama into the Tomb of the Ninth Lord of Kobol. Baltar arrives and accidentally triggers a trap, sealing all four into the tomb. A blast from a Raider frees them, but as they escape Serina is shot by a nearby Centurion. The mortally wounded Serina is brought back aboard Galactica where she says goodbye to Apollo and Boxey (TOS: "Lost Planet of the Gods, Part II").
While decoying Cylons away from the Fleet, Apollo's Viper runs out of fuel, causing him to crash-land on Equellus, a low-tech planet far removed from the Fleet's flight path. Marooned within an agrarian community, he befriends Vella and her son Puppis, joining with them in the fight against strong-arm man Lacerta. Apollo destroys Lacerta's right-hand "man," Red-Eye, a marooned Centurion with memory problems, ending Lacerta's reign of terror. Despite his new love with Vella, Apollo returns to the Fleet when Vella shows him another crashed Viper containing the needed fuel (TOS: "The Lost Warrior").
Apollo and Boomer rescue Starbuck from the Proteus prison and return his lost recon Viper. All three of them manage to eliminate the Raiders that had been dispatched to investigate, and return to Galactica safely.
Apollo, accompanied by Boomer, pilots the shuttle that rescues Starbuck, stranded on the planet Attila. Apollo wisely suggests the use of a shuttlecraft, rather than a Viper squadron, so as not to attract Cylon attention (TOS: "The Young Lords").
Apollo and Starbuck encounter the battlestar Pegasus while on patrol. With the two battlestars reunited, Apollo takes part in a joint mission to capture the Cylon tankers, which fails due to Commander Cain's sabotage (TOS: "The Living Legend, Part I"). Apollo leads the commando team that parachutes down to Gamoray to destroy the command center of the planetary defense systems. After the command center is destroyed, the duo join the fight above the planet. Apollo and Starbuck break from their assigned escort duty to help Pegasus defeat two Cylon basestars (TOS: "The Living Legend, Part II").
When Galactica is severely damaged by suicidal Cylon Raiders, Apollo hatches the idea of modifying Vipers to shoot fire-extinguishing boraton into the burning landing bay. When that fails to completely put out the flames, Apollo and Starbuck undertake a risky spacewalk to plant explosives on parts of Galactica's hull. This successfully vents the fires into space. While on the spacewalk, Apollo has the idea of placing mushies next to the ventilation duct on the bridge to lure Muffit through the convoluted maze of ducts. The idea works, saving the lives of Boomer, Athena, Boxey, and numerous other crewmembers stranded in the rejuvenation center(TOS: "Fire in Space").
Apollo's team discovers Count Iblis. Apollo is wary of Iblis, especially due to the apparent threat against Adama's power (TOS: "War of the Gods, Part I"). Apollo later confronts Iblis, and ends up stepping in front of a blow meant for Sheba. Apollo is killed, but by doing so Iblis apparently oversteps his bounds and is forced to flee. Apollo is resurrected by the Beings of Light, and returns to Galactica with Sheba and Starbuck (TOS: "War of the Gods, Part II").
Apollo and Boomer serve as Starbuck's "Protectors" (legal council) when he is framed for the murder of a Colonial warrior. Apollo manages to get the real killer to reveal his entire plot while Boomer pipes in the audio so that the Tribunal can hear the confession (TOS: "Murder on the Rising Star").
Apollo helps the TerransSarah Fowler, Michael, and their children reach Paradeen. Once on Paradeen, Sarah sabotages the Vipers in hopes that Apollo will stay and be with her. She eventually warms up to Michael, and Apollo helps to capture the Eastern Alliance soldiers that show up (TOS: "Greetings From Earth").
Apollo is taken aboard the Ship of Lights to help the Terrans (TOS: "Experiment in Terra").
While out on patrol, Apollo is taken aboard a Ship of Lights. There, John recruits him to help the Terrans. Apollo poses as a Terran Nationalist to try to avert a war. With some help from Starbuck, Galactica ends up protecting the Nationalists from the Eastern Alliance missiles. Their attack thwarted, the Eastern Alliance is forced to consider peace as an option (TOS: "Experiment in Terra").
When Starbuck visits an old flame aboard the electronics ship, Apollo accompanies him. Shortly after they arrive, they find Aurora apparently involved in an ill-fated mutiny attempt. They accompany the senior officer with the prisoners, taking a shuttle to Galactica for trial. The first officer has other plans, and attempts to strand their shuttle. With the help of the prisoners, the group manages to return to the electronics ship. They surprise the crew, and retake control of the Celestra(TOS: "Take the Celestra").
Apollo takes Starbuck, Cassiopeia, and Sheba up to the Celestial chamber. Inside, they discover an Gamma frequency old signal. With Boomer's help they trace the direction of the signal. Scouting in that direction, they discover a Cylon basestar, but manage to flee before being detected. Adama decides to engage the basestar. Apollo hatches a plan to use Baltar's raider to infiltrate the basestar and knock out its sensors. Apollo and Starbuck succeed in the mission, and Galactica destroys the basestar (TOS: "The Hand of God").
In Glen Larson's proposal for the Original Series' second year, Apollo would "gingerly [begin]" to pursue a relationship with Sheba, as implied at the end of "The Hand of God". However, this relationship would end tragically by her death in a battle with the Cylons, a death that could have been avoided had he heeded Starbuck's objection, which comes from a "sixth sense" he has about bad happenings.
After her death, Apollo has an epiphany where he decides to step down from command of Blue Squadron, telling his father that he will not be responsible for another man. Adama respects the decision, although he does not agree with it, and Apollo begins a hedonistic approach to life that "even has the fun-loving Starbuck envious". After running into Pegasus, Apollo falls in love with the ship's new executive officer, Renata. However, despite his infatuation with her, he discovers that she is a new breed of Cylon that is half-human, half-machine, and thwarts her plans to take over Pegasus's remaining crew (The Return of the Pegasus).
Apollo later finds himself at odds with his sister, Athena, who leads an insurrection against the "male dominance" of the Fleet. After a woman straps a bomb on herself, threatening to destroy Core Command, Apollo manages to talk sense into his sister, who in turn talks the potential suicide bomber down (A Woman's Power).
Later, as Apollo and Starbuck continue to develop their "Butch Cassidy and Sundance Kid" relationship, Apollo comes across a planetoid that is a veritable paradise. On this planetoid, Apollo falls in love with its princess, Quoi-Ling, despite the objections of her scheming brother, Prince Choi-Ling. Apollo, Starbuck, and Quoi-Ling manage to leave the planetoid, however this act cost Quoi-Ling her life, since she rapidly ages upon leaving the planetoid (Island in the Sky).
Richard Hatch was the network's choice for the role, a decision creator Glen A. Larson agreed with.[production 2] However, Hatch initially turned down the audition. A fan of Star Wars, he was wary of what he feared would be a second-rate television imitation.[production 3] It wasn't until about a week before shooting began, with the role still uncast, that Larson took Hatch to dinner and personally offered him the part. Larson described the show as a combination of the character-driven dramas Wagon Train and Family, which convinced Hatch to join the production.[production 4] He was on set filming just 24 hours later.[production 5]
Richard Hatch, who portrayed Apollo throughout the original series, brought considerable intellectual depth to his interpretation of the character. Speaking to Starlog magazine about his approach to Apollo, Hatch explained his vision:
"I see Apollo as an idealized character. Through him, I'd like to show the sensitive side of a strong man. He's as much a Renaissance man as I can make him. And he's an evolved man. He's gained an advanced perspective of life through living and through learning from thousands of years of social evolution."[commentary 1]
Hatch further elaborated on the complexity he sought to bring to Apollo's characterization:
"He's down-to-earth, able to learn from the past and see the present in a rational way. I don't mean he's stoic — merely, perspicacious. He has a strong sense of responsibility, and he cares about the people he deals with. Even though he lives in a highly complicated, highly evolved, mechanized society, there's a simplicity about him, a certain naivete. He has a strong sense of values and he really believes in honesty and truth."[commentary 2]
Throughout the series, Hatch expressed some frustration that the character of Starbuck often received more of the fun and multi-dimensional storylines, leaving Apollo to drive the main plot as the straightforward leader.[production 6] He often discussed with the writers how to give Apollo more depth and challenge him as an actor.[production 7] This desire for a more complex character was something the writers started to incorporate toward the end of the first season, balancing Apollo's serious nature with more romance and humor.[production 8]
Absence from Galactica 1980 and Comparison to Re-imagined Series
When the spin-off Galactica 1980 was being developed, Richard Hatch was approached to reprise his role. However, upon reading the script, he discovered that the character names had already been changed to Dillon and Troy. This led him to believe that the production had already decided to move on from the original characters, and he declined to participate.[production 9] Hatch's only appearance in 1980 is in a family photo that Dillon and Troy handle, where it is established that Troy is the proper name for Boxey.
The original Apollo contrasts significantly with his re-imagined counterpart, Lee "Apollo" Adama. The 1978 character was conceived as the "straight-arrow heroic lead," a classic archetype.[production 10] The Re-imagined Series, however, presented a more complex figure on a "voyage of self-discovery."[production 11] Actor Jamie Bamber, who played Lee Adama, noted that with the re-imagined, female Starbuck taking on the "traditional role of the young masculine lead," his character was left in a "vacuum." This forced Lee Adama's journey to be one of redefining masculinity and finding his own identity outside of the conventional hero trope.[production 12]
In early script drafts, the Apollo character was named "Skyler"; many believe the name was changed to "Apollo" to avoid similarities with the name "Skywalker." According to the DVD commentary track for "Saga of a Star World" done by Richard Hatch, the name was changed days into shooting, and the dialogue had to be re-looped. Leslie Stevens' unproduced script, "The Beta Pirates," also features this spelling.
Apollo is the lead character of the series, and one of only five characters to be featured in every episode.
Richard Hatch returned for the new series as Tom Zarek, a political prisoner that rose to the position of Vice President of the Twelve Colonies. He was a recurring character for all four years of the show.
Proto-Luddite advocate on Earth; Acting President of the Twelve Colonies of Kobol; Caprican Delegate to the Quorum of Twelve; Commander of Battlestar Pegasus; GalacticaCAG
Lee Adama's relationship with his father had always been strained, culminating with a fracture after the death of his younger brother, Zak, two years before the Fall of the Twelve Colonies. Various attempts at reconciliation occur over the following years, but even these produce conflict as Lee attempts step outside his father's shadow.
After the Fall, he is appointed GalacticaCAG. He is later promoted to executive officer, then commander of Pegasus. After Pegasus's destruction, he resumes being Galactica CAG until he resigns from the Colonial Fleet to aid in Romo Lampkin's defense of Gaius Baltar.
During the post-Fall events, he has romantic relationships with Kara "Starbuck" Thrace, Shevon, and Anastasia Dualla, the latter whom he marries months after the discovery of New Caprica. His defense of Baltar, coupled with previous marital issues surrounding Thrace, contribute to his eventual, final split from Dualla.
Lee Adama is the elder son of Carolanne and William Adama. He and his his younger brother, Zak, were raised largely by his mother on Caprica following his parents' divorce when he was eight.
As a child, Adama often visited his grandfather, Joseph Adama, and read the law books in his study; he often followed his grandfather's cases, never understanding why Joseph Adama defended the worst of humanity (TRS: "The Son Also Rises").
Despite his father's estrangement from the family, Adama followed in his footsteps and joined the Colonial military after college, graduating third in his class at the military academy and applying to flight school.
In flight school, Adama proved himself a gifted and natural pilot, hampered only by his tendency to over-intellectualize, a trait instilled by his mother who encouraged him to read widely and think freely, such as reading the banned texts by the renegade Tom Zarek while at college (TRS: "Bastille Day").
After flight school, Adama was promoted to lieutenant and was assigned to pilot the Viper Mark VII. He was also introduced to Kara "Starbuck" Thrace, a flight instructor who had become involved with Zak. The three frequently spent time together, and Adama and Thrace formed a friendship (TRS: "Miniseries").
Two years prior to the Fall, Zak died while on a routine Viper mission, the cause attributed to pilot error. However, Lee Adama chose to blame the mishap on his father, believing Zak had been pushed by him into following his footsteps (TRS: "Miniseries").
Estranged from his father, Lee sought to build a career apart from William Adama. This decision placed a heavy strain on his friendship with Kara Thrace, who got assigned to Galactica.
Adama spent much time on Caprica and was engaged to a woman named Gianne. When she told him she was pregnant with their child, he ran from her due to his own family issues. Before he could speak with her again he received orders to take part in Galactica's decommissioning ceremony (TRS: "Black Market").
Despite having a natural knack for piloting, acceptance to test pilot school and being "well on his way to commanding a battlestar someday," Adama tells Frank Bruno at the Caprica Transfer Station that he is considering leaving the Colonial Fleet, as he is disinterested in achieving dreams that were his father's alone (TRS: "Razor," deleted scene).
In the series finale "Daybreak, Part II," flashbacks reveal that Lee's first meeting with Kara Thrace was far more intense than previously known, as she had been dating Zak Adama at the time. Late into the night after the dinner, an immediate, powerful chemistry between the two, with Kara daring Lee to make love to her on her dining room table. However, before they could act on their mutual attraction, the crash of a glass partially awakens Zak, causing them to realize what they were doing. They shake hands and say goodbye, with the moment serving as the foundation for their complex relationship throughout the series (TRS: "Daybreak, Part I" and "Daybreak, Part II").[4]
This encounter also introduces the symbolic pigeon that becomes trapped in Lee's apartment after this visit. According to composer Bear McCreary, throughout the finale this pigeon represents Kara's spirit and Lee's love for her—the more he tries to capture it, the further away it flies, until finally he must let it go. The pigeon serves as a metaphor for their entire relationship: the harder Lee tries to hold onto Kara, the more elusive she becomes.[4]
Adama reunites with both his father and Kara Thrace at Galactica's decommissioning and conversion into a living museum and educational center of the Cylon War. As a part of the ceremonies, Lee Adama grudgingly participates in a final Viper flyby salute, doing little to hide his true feelings from the moment he arrives on the battlestar. Matters are not helped when he discovers he will fly in the restored Viper Mark II his father flew during the Cylon War (TRS: "Miniseries" and "Razor Flashbacks").
Things worsen after the PR official aboard Galactica, Aaron Doral, sees Captain Adama's presence on Galactica as a major PR opportunity and has Adama and his father pose for pictures together. Immediately following this, Adama confronts his father over his brother's death, venting two years' worth of anger and belief that his father was responsible for the loss of his brother.
Following the decommissioning ceremony, Lee Adama departs Galactica, acting as an unofficial escort for Colonial Heavy 798, the official transport for Secretary of Education Laura Roslin, who represented President Adar at the ceremony. Midway through their return to Caprica, Adama and the crew of Colonial Heavy 798 hear of the Cylon attacks on the Twelve Colonies, and soon find themselves under direct attack, which he is able to thwart. Adama quickly becomes one of Laura Roslin's unofficial advisers, aiding her in her self-appointed rescue mission. Adama's annoyance of his father's old Viper comes back to haunt him when Boomer, returning from her unexpected rescue mission on Caprica and disastrous attack on two Cylon Raiders, notes to him that other Vipers and other modern Colonial spacecraft like his Mark VII were easily destroyed by Cylon attacks.
Adama again saves Colonial Heavy 798 from a nuclear missile attack with a failed experiment he toyed with in War College, using EMP coils kept in the cargo hold to make it look like the ship has been destroyed. He supports Roslin in her rescue efforts, persuading her to lead the FTL-capable ships to follow Galactica to Ragnar Anchorage.
As the ranking pilot aboard Galactica, and despite his relative inexperience, Adama finds himself appointed CAG by Colonel Saul Tigh.
Apollo leads a Viper squadron in the Battle of Ragnar Anchorage, keeping the Cylon Raiders at bay while the civilian Fleet jumps to safety. His ship is badly damaged during in the battle, and is about to be destroyed by a Cylon missile when the missile is intercepted and shot by Starbuck's highly-accurate marksmanship. His Viper eventually loses power as the battle draws to a close and Galactica is preparing to retreat. Starbuck saves him with a crazy idea and her flying skills, bringing them back to Galactica shortly before the battlestar jumps away.
Adama and President Roslin shake hands after appointment as military advisor (TRS: "Water").
Adama's work as Roslin's "special advisor" to further help her understand military matters does not sit well with his father, who is still harboring some reservations about Roslin (TRS: "Bastille Day").
In the weeks following the Cylon attack, Adama finds time to re-evaluate his relationship with his father - due in no small part to Starbuck's admission of her involvement in Zak's acceptance as a fighter pilot and his subsequent death. Father and son grow somewhat closer - even standing shoulder-to-shoulder when Starbuck is missing in action and both going to great lengths to save her (TRS: "You Can't Go Home Again"). Even so, Adama's former self-doubts and moodiness are not easily overcome and sometimes come back to haunt him when he is tasked to fill a role that others are unsure he can manage. As a Viper pilot, Adama is able to escape from Starbuck's shadow, proving himself capable in unconventional and skilled flying in the Battle for the Tylium Asteroid(TRS: "The Hand of God").
After the tylium asteroid mission, Adama matures enormously, emerging from his shell as a somewhat disillusioned officer and becomes a practical leader who now comfortably straddles his responsibilities as CAG of Galactica with his duties as advisor to Roslin. With few issues with either Roslin or his father, Adama demonstrates his maturity particularly well in his handling of security arrangements for the initial meeting of Roslin's Quorum of Twelve aboard the luxury liner Cloud 9(TRS: "Colonial Day").
Eventually, Adama's beliefs in the need for democratic representation and civil government brings him in direct conflict with orders given him by his father. During the arrest of Laura Roslin following her interference with military operations, Captain Adama draws his gun on Colonel Tigh in a direct act of mutiny, protesting his father's removal of Roslin from office. Arrested together with Roslin, Adama watches helplessly in CIC as Lieutenant Valerii shoots his father at point blank range, seriously wounding him (TRS: "Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part II").
Adama is temporarily furloughed by Colonel Tigh so that he can continue to carry out his duties. For a time, Commander Adama's initiative lives on through his son. Young Adama leads a fight with Cylons to buy time for Galactica to find its proper bearings to the civilian Fleet (TRS: "Scattered"), and leads a team of Marines to stop Cylon Centurions that boarded the ship (TRS: "Valley of Darkness"). After that, Adama continues his initiative and leads a SAR mission with two Raptors to retrieve a stranded survey team on the surface of Kobol (TRS: "Fragged").
Adama's desire to let democracy work without overt military action comes to a head once more as he plots, with a handful of others, to free Roslin and smuggle her away from Galactica(TRS: "Resistance" and "Resistance"). Before he leaves, he apologizes to his unconscious Commander Adama at his bedside for what he is about to do: Leave with Roslin and a faction of ships to search for data on Earth on Kobol. Commander Adama begins to awaken just as young Adama leaves his side.
On Astral Queen, Adama is so happy to see Kara Thrace has returned safely from Caprica with the Arrow of Apollo that he hugs and also impulsively kisses her, pleasantly surprising Thrace. Moments later, as the Caprica copy of Sharon Valerii enters, Adama instantly grabs the known humanoid Cylon in anger and would have killed her if Helo and Roslin did not intervene.
Adama and Kara Thrace speak aboard Astral Queen(TRS: "Home, Part I").
Later, with their military protocols and attitudes temporarily relaxed, Adama playfully teases the brooding Kara Thrace by stealing a pyramid ball she took as a keepsake from her time with Anders on Caprica. He returns the ball after sensing her depressed mood and tells her that he would be happy to listen to what was on her mind. In the same conversation, he lets it slip out that he loves Thrace. Amused, Thrace cheers up a bit and teases Adama, telling him that there are no take-backs on what he said (TRS: "Home, Part I").
Adama and Thrace join President Roslin and her other supporters on their quest to find the Tomb of Athena on Kobol. When Cylon Centurions ambush the group along an ancient trail, Adama and Thrace work well together in the fight, complementing each other for their fine shooting.
Adama's reunion with his recovered father on Kobol further mends the wounds between them, both politically and personally. Like Captain Adama had done on Queen, his father reacts violently to the existence of a another copy of Valerii, leaving Captain Adama in the awkward position of defending her from his father. In the virtual planetarium created by the Tomb of Athena, Adama is the party member that completes the mystery of interpreting how to use the constellations as viewed from Earth to make a flight path. He spots the Lagoon Nebula in the sky where the Scorpius constellation resided, a celestial body known to the Colonials which gives them a reference point to navigate to Earth. His father confirms Adama's observation, noting that the nebula is far away from their current location at Kobol.
After the Fleet's reunification, Lee Adama is fully restored to flight status and his position as the CAG (TRS: "Final Cut"). Apollo doubts that Tyrol could successfully complete a prototype fighter later known as the Blackbird, but in the end aids in its first test flight with Starbuck. Around this time, Adama begins to develop an attraction to Anastasia Dualla(TRS: "Flight of the Phoenix").
Apollo is on CAP when the battlestarPegasus reunites with Galactica and is one of the first to see it up close. Soon afterwards, friction develops between Adama and the CAG of Pegasus, Captain Cole Taylor. Taylor feels that Adama's pilots are undisciplined and implies that Adama has his position through his father's influence. Taylor recommends that Adama have his pilots focus on keeping a "killcount" of Raiders to encourage competition between his pilots, while Adama stresses that his first priority is to make sure that all of his pilots merely survive another day.
To Adama's shock, Admiral Helena Cain re-assigns him and Lt. Thrace to Pegasus, under Taylor's command. Cain believes that having Commander Adama's son in the role of CAG was a mistake that has clouded Commander Adama's judgment, as young Adama has been insubordinate and even mutinous in the past. For an upcoming scouting mission against the Cylon fleet following them, Taylor orders Adama to perform the humiliating task of co-piloting a Raptor. Annoyed, Adama orders Starbuck to take the Blackbird and perform the mission alone. When Commander Adama and Admiral Cain turn on each other, Apollo is away in Taylor's Raptor on his recon mission (TRS: "Pegasus").
As the two battlestar commanders begin sparring with Vipers, Pegasus orders Taylor to relieve Adama of duty. Taylor pulls his sidearm and takes away Adama's. Now weaponless and with nothing more to do than to ride along, Adama asks permission to head to the rear of the Raptor. While Taylor is busy, Adama secretly communicates with Starbuck over wireless text messages. This gives away her position to the Fleet, who think her to be a Cylon Raider. When the Vipers are ordered to disengage and pursue her instead, Starbuck manages to identify herself before things get out of hand.
Cain feels that persecuting young Adama for authorizing Thrace's mission would be odd since she is promoting Thrace for her work on her recon mission. Thrace successfully returns Adama to flight status, but demoted to lieutenant (TRS: "Resurrection Ship, Part II").
While Thrace plans an assault on the Resurrection Ship and the two basestars defending it, she tells Adama that his father has ordered her to kill Cain after the battle, and asks Adama to watch her back. Outraged, Adama confronts his father with this, shocked to learn it was President Roslin's idea. Thrace assigns Adama the specific task of disabling the Resurrection Ship's FTL drive by sneaking up on it in the Blackbird and destroying it with a precision missile strike. Apollo succeeds, but the Blackbird collides with a Raptor. Apollo is able to eject, but the Blackbird is destroyed. Alive, but not unscathed, Apollo floats in space watching the battle take place around him. A tear in his flight suit leaves him almost out of air. While having the means to stop the leak, he is overcome with a sense of sadness and nihilism, having learned that the two persons closest to him, Roslin and his father, resort to assassination to solve their conflict with Cain. Although hearing Dualla over the wireless, he decides to let go and die, but is found by a SAR Raptor and resuscitated. Adama becomes despondent and distant from his friends and family after his near-death experience. In the pilot's locker room, Thrace tells Adama "Let's just be glad that we both came back alive, alright?" to which Adama responds "That's just it, Kara, I didn't want to make it back alive" (TRS: "Resurrection Ship, Part II").
After President Roslin is saved from her illness, she begins trying to put down the Fleet's black market. New Pegasus commander Jack Fisk is soon murdered, leaving the elder Adama (now an Admiral) to assign his son to investigate. With his association with prostitute Shevon and her daughter Paya on Cloud 9, Anastasia Dualla asks where the relationship between the two of them is heading. After he hesitates, Dualla takes it to mean it is over. Rushing to help Shevon after her call for help, the captain is ambushed by Phelan's men. Waking up from the attack, he finds the Fisk's murder weapon, and the body of Fisk's murderer.
With some help from Tom Zarek, unwilling to accept the neatly-wrapped up case of Fisk's murderer or the missing Shevon, Adama finds the black market's main ship, Prometheus. He finds Paya and other children locked in a storage room. He confronts Phelan, who tells him a black market is necessary, since some supplies may never reach needy people any other way. After Phelan admits running a child prostitution ring, Adama shoots Phelan, and tells his bodyguards that the market can continue operations, unless it keeps holding back essential medicines, begins killing, or returns to child prostitution.
Shevon refuses to see Adama anymore, realizing that Adama has tried to use her and Paya as replacements in his mind for his lost fiancé Gianne and their unborn child, saying that she can never be her (TRS: "Black Market").
While on leave to Cloud 9 with Dualla, a group of terrorists seize a bar and demand the second copy of Sharon Valerii for execution, while they hold hostage approximately a dozen people, including Dualla, Billy Keikeya, Ellen Tigh and Adama. The captain secretly sabotages the bar's carbon dioxide sensors to appear as if it were leaking atmosphere. The sabotage enables Captain Thrace to enter the bar and gather intelligence on the situation, but her cover is blown by Ellen Tigh, and she is forced to draw her weapons. One shot accidentally hits Adama in the chest. After escaping, Thrace breaks down crying for having shot her friend; Dualla is able to care for Adama long enough for him to survive to Galactica's sickbay, and later sits at his bedside while he recovers. Thrace watches, but is unsure what to do and leaves (TRS: "Sacrifice").
Adama finds himself promoted to Major and assigned to Pegasus. He is assigned to the ship by Admiral Adama to assess Pegasus's crew and the the new commander Barry Garner, the ship's former Chief Engineer.
His relationship with Dualla has become intimate following his promotion and recovery. Kara Thrace, still Pegasus CAG, soon comes to blows with Garner is confined to her quarters. When visiting her, Adama chides her for her behavior, stating that he is sick of cleaning up after her all the time. He confronts her about the friendly fire incident, resulting in a moment of uncomfortable silence, before the talk returns to business.
Against orders from Admiral Adama, Garner takes Pegasus in to search for two Raptors missing during a recon mission into a binary star system. His impulsive and unwise efforts result in the battlestar's ambush by three Cylon basestars. With the FTL drive damaged after successive nuclear missile strikes, Garner relegates command to Major Adama and heads below to help in FTL repairs. After a moment's hesitation, Adama orders the forward guns to fire on the nearest basestar, critically damaging the basestar and forcing its retreat, while commanding the battlestar's fighters (led by Starbuck) to guard embattled areas damaged from nuclear pummeling. Adama's attack buys time for Commander Garner to repair the FTL drive, enabling Pegasus to escape back to the Fleet and relative safety.
Admiral Adama debriefs his son, who gave Garner a lot of credit for saving the ship, despite their disagreements. When asked about Garner's flaws, Lee says that he only knew machines, while command is about people. His father tells him to keep that in mind and gives him command of Pegasus, together with a promotion to commander; possibly giving him his old rank insignia (TRS: "The Captain's Hand").
Sometime later, Adama wishes Thrace good luck in rescuing Samuel Anders and the rest of the resistance group on Caprica, despite his clear personal feelings towards her. After Thrace and Anders' return, Adama attempts to introduce himself politely, but is hampered by the couple's amorous and highly drunken behavior. When Thrace gives a rude comment, Adama bows out the area, beginning a quiet but palpable rift in their friendship (TRS: "Lay Down Your Burdens, Part II").
Four months later, Commander Adama and his XO, Lieutenant Dualla, are granted shore leave to attend a groundbreaking ceremony on the surface of New Caprica. After the ensuing party, with Dualla and Anders gone, Adama sleeps with Kara Thrace and suggests they break up with their respective partners. Thrace and Adama declare their love for each other, and he assumes that she has agreed to their plan. He wakes up alone the next morning only to find out that Thrace has just married Anders. The rift between Adama and Thrace has widened ever larger. Hurt, he proposes to Dualla, who accepts (TRS: "Unfinished Business").
Another eight months later, a year after the settlement, a half-manned Pegasus is still orbiting New Caprica. Commander Adama has gained a considerable amount of weight in the intervening year. He is in the process of deciding whether or not to supply Kara Thrace with antibiotics for pneumonia-afflicted Anders when Dualla spots a massive Cylon fleet jumping into the nebula. Adama and his father briefly discuss their course of action; young Adama argues for an immediate emergency jump. Reluctantly, the Admiral orders the orbiting remains of the Fleet, whose population consists of around two thousand citizens, to escape, thus leaving New Caprica to the Cylons for the time being (TRS: "Lay Down Your Burdens, Part II").
Commander Adama and his father get into a disagreement over whether or not a rescue mission should be mounted to New Caprica. Lee believes that it would end with the destruction of both Galactica and Pegasus, leaving the pitiful remnants of the Fleet at the mercy of the Cylons. Lee also objects to the Admiral's decision to reinstate Sharon "Athena" Agathon as a Colonial Fleet officer to act as liaison between the New Caprica resistance and Galactica. These disagreements lead to heated arguments between the two, prompting Admiral Adama to make a comment about Lee's weight by calling him a "fatass" and saying he has grown "soft" in the past year ("Occupation," "Precipice"). Due to his son's objections, Admiral Adama decides to take Galactica to rescue the people on New Caprica alone. He gives his son orders to wait 18 hours for his return; if he does not return by then, Lee is to resume the search for Earth with what is left of the civilian fleet. Despite their disagreement, the two have a heartfelt goodbye. Lee tries to talk his father out of the plan and explain himself, but the older Adama stops him. Instead the two embrace and the Admiral gives his son full military honors when departing Galactica(TRS: "Exodus, Part I").
Lee is certain that his father will not return, and he is conflicted between his duty to protect the civilians and his duty to his father. His wife's attempt at reassurance only serve to heighten his guilt. Leaving his ship's Vipers behind to protect the civilians, he takes Pegasus to assist Galactica, fully aware that he may very well be on a suicide mission. He joins the battle just in time, saving his father's ship from certain destruction. Immediately destroying one basestar after exiting the jump, Adama uses Pegasus to draw fire, giving Galactica time to escape. This action damages Pegasus beyond repair. Adama orders the crew to evacuate and the ship's batteries to be set on autofire. He is the last person to leave the CIC, thanking the ship as he departs. The small crew evacuates on Raptors just as Pegasus rams a basestar, destroying itself in the process (TRS: "Exodus, Part II").
The Commander and his crew transfer to the last remaining battlestar, Galactica. Dissatisfied with his round appearance, he had also taken up a rigid exercise regimen and starts losing weight rapidly (TRS: "Collaborators").
Lee Adama back as a major in the role of Galactica's CAG (TRS: "Torn").
As of the episode "Torn," Lee has returned to the role of Galactica's CAG, with the rank of Major. When a dying basestar is discovered in the Lion's Head Nebula, Adama leads a team of Marines on it and captures several humanoid Cylons. After Doctor Cottle discovers that they are infected with a virus lethal to the Cylons, Adama advocates to use the prisoners as biological weapons in an attempt to exterminate the Cylons. The plan is approved but ultimately fails due to the intervention of Karl "Helo" Agathon, who sabotages the mission (TRS: "A Measure of Salvation").
When Bulldog arrives on Galactica, Admiral Adama tells Lee about the mission they executed together, and how he believes it has led to the Cylon holocaust. Lee blames the admiralty instead, saying they wanted to provoke a war (TRS: "Hero").
After most of the Fleet has arrived safely on the algae planet following a harrowing journey, Adama leads the food harvesting operations on the surface. Fourteen days into the harvesting mission, he meets with Kara Thrace and once again suggests they divorce their respective spouses. Thrace refuses to divorce and Adama refuses to cheat on his wife, deadlocking their relationship. When the Temple of Five is found on the planet and the Cylons show up, Adama is ordered to protect the temple from the Cylons, destroying it if necessary. He orders Starbuck to scout the terrain in her Raptor, which gets shot down by Centurions. After having sent Dualla to rescue Starbuck, the Major and his team attempt an ambush against a group of Centurions passing through a valley towards the temple. The ambush fails, and Adama orders to retreat and the temple to be blown. When trying to do so, he and his team witness the algae planet's star going supernova, and realize that the nova is in fact the Eye of Jupiter. After the Cylon fleet has jumped away to escape the destruction of the planetary system, the ground team is picked up by a rescue party ("The Eye of Jupiter," "Rapture").
Later Adama is treated by his friend Galen Tyrol to a little surprise: A number of crew have created a bar, on the starboard hangar deck, complete with a Pyramid arcade game and an old Viper Mark II hanging above for atmosphere. Tyrol and Adama have a drink as they discuss their marital problems; Tyrol and his wife Cally have had an argument that has apparently left him "in the doghouse". Adama is reluctant to interact with his wife, as his uncertainty over his love of Kara Thrace continues to fight with him. Adama returns to his quarters, quite drunk, to find Dualla still awake and doing some work, apparently drinking some type of alcohol. She tries to confirm if they are still going to have dinner later that day as Lee dozes off, leaving Dualla disappointed. Later on Adama and Dualla have an argument about Kara Thrace and the future of their marriage. Dualla says that she married Adama because she loved him, choosing to have him for as long as he or Kara Thrace would let him. She resigns herself to her marriage's failure and tells Adama that she will not stand in his way if he were to choose Thrace over her. Dualla then leaves. Thrace and Adama meet privately. When Thrace asks Adama if he loves her and would be with her if she were to leave Anders, Adama equivocates, remembering Thrace's fickleness after he declared his love a year before. Thrace leaves him to think about the situation.
Adama returns to the bar and drinks more, toying with his wedding band. He asks Chief Tyrol if he ever thought about what his future with Boomer would have been like, or had any regrets. With a quick drink, Tyrol replies in the negative. Adama stumbles back to his quarters, losing his wedding band somewhere in Galactica's corridors. Lee Adama and his wife meet in Joe's Bar. Adama, having since found his lost wedding ring, confesses that he loves Dualla and how dedicated she has been to him, never realizing how much he needed her affection. As the two embrace, Adama tries to avoid looking across the bar at Kara Thrace and Anders. Thrace returns the glance before Adama breaks it off (TRS: "Taking a Break From All Your Worries").
During refueling operations over a gas giant, Kara Thrace becomes mentally unstable, having hallucinations about Leoben and her alleged destiny. When she refuses to fly another mission, Adama has a friendly talk with her. After all that happened two are back where they started; Thrace being the screwup pilot and Adama having to clean up after her as CAG. He also tells her that his relationship with Dee is better than ever. Adama offers to fly as her wingman to calm her. While on CAP, Starbuck sees a Cylon Heavy Raider and goes on alert, joined by Adama. However, from the vantage point of Adama, Thrace's Viper malfunctions and is drawn into the vortex of a storm. He gets sketchy information from Thrace when she says "I'll see you on the other side." Her Viper explodes, and Adama struggles to escape the vortex (TRS: "Maelstrom").
He is badly shaken by her death, as evidenced by his lack of concentration as CAG, confusing people and mission details. He is also shaken by a story told by Romo Lampkin. Eventually, he begins the healing process with Samuel Anders by putting Thrace's picture into the memorial hallway(TRS: "The Son Also Rises").
President Roslin recommends that Major Adama be put in charge of the proceedings of the trial of Gaius Baltar. However, due to the pressures that he is under, Adama declines the position (despite his interest in law as a child). As a token of his affection, Admiral Adama gives Lee his grandfather's Caprican Law Code books(TRS: "A Day in the Life"). Later, his father places Adama in charge of security for Baltar's lawyer, Romo Lampkin, claiming that he trusts him, but also pulling him off his duties of CAG after he shows that Thrace's death affects his job performance. While following Lampkin around, Adama develops a desire to help Lampkin defend Baltar. His father is not pleased with this idea, but allows him to do so (TRS: "The Son Also Rises").
After Adama contributes to humiliating Colonel Tigh in court, he and his father have a falling out, which leads to Lee's resignation from the Colonial Fleet and him becoming a civilian. Adama also learns that President Roslin has resumed taking chamalla, which he confronts her about in court, trying to discredit her credibility. Roslin pleads with him to not pursue his line of questioning, but he forces her to admit that her cancer has returned. Disappointed in Adama, she recollects times when the two were friends and she called him "Captain Apollo". After that, his wife packs her belongings in preparation for leaving Adama. She says that he should not have confronted the President, and that he was supporting a legal system that was trying to let a murderer walk. She leaves him alone, with him crying that she doesn't understand him (TRS: "Crossroads, Part I").
In an unusual move, Adama takes the stand himself and delivers a passionate speech in defense of Baltar. He points out a string of incidents, some involving himself, where people were forgiven for serious crimes, and defends those decisions, arguing that humanity is not a real civilization anymore. Adama thinks that executing Baltar for actions that he couldn't really prevent is not justice, and that Baltar is just the Fleet's scapegoat for everyone's misdeeds and failures on New Caprica. The speech plays a major role in Baltar's subsequent acquittal. When Romo Lampkin leaves Adama after their victory, he leaves behind his cane, which he used after being injured in an attempt on his life, and walks normally, thus showing how he manipulated both Adama and the court. Ultimately, Adama's sense of justice has once again placed him at odds with his father, but this time he has alienated Roslin and his wife as well, leaving him seemingly alone.
As Cylon forces converges on the Fleet in the Ionian Nebula, Adama unofficially returns to duty and mans a Viper. Unexpectedly, he encounters Kara "Starbuck" Thrace, whom he believed dead(TRS: "Crossroads, Part II"). Adama and Thrace join the ensuing battle and help to defend the civilian ships from the Cylons. When Thrace returns to Galactica, Adama is glad to see her again and believes her story to a certain degree, whereas most others are is distrustful and suspect a Cylon trap.
His father offers him his pilot wings back, and thus his commission, but Adama declines, saying that he felt the need for a change for some time, and that Baltar's trial was just the trigger. He thinks that he can gain a position in the Colonial government and make a contribution there (TRS: "He That Believeth in Me").
Tom Zarek nominates Adama as the Caprican delegate on the Quorum of Twelve. Adama is seen off Galactica with a party in the rec room and an official ceremony on the hangar deck, where many of the crew salute him and wish him good luck. He embraces Dualla and tells her that she "got the house," implying that their breakup is final (TRS: "Six of One"). Zarek appointed Adama because of his dedication to finding the truth during the Baltar trial, and because he wants Adama to fight against some of Roslin's proposed changes to the justice system, that are undemocratic in his eyes. Although in public, Roslin claims to have forgiven Adama and to admire his convictions, she snubs him by refusing to meet him and openly teases him about his inexperience in a Quorum session (TRS: "The Ties That Bind").
Adama once again shows his idealism when Baltar's new cult violently clashes with other religious groups in the Fleet. Whereas Roslin wants to shut down the group and pleads to the Quorum to retroactively sign off an emergency measure that restricts their right of assembly, Adama and Reza Chronides think that they are doing nothing blasphemous and illegal. The Quorum eventually decides to rescind Roslin's decision. Roslin later tells his father, that she thinks that Adama maybe be right, but that he is too idealistic and doesn't understand the pragmatism that is sometimes necessary in politics (TRS: "Escape Velocity").
Following the unexplained disappearance of Laura Roslin on a rebel Cylon baseship (TRS: "Guess What's Coming to Dinner?"), Adama leads a search for an interim president, knowing that his father would never support an administration under Tom Zarek. Despite consulting Romo Lampkin on a list of 47 candidates, it is Lampkin who ultimately decides that Adama should be the interim president; Adama thanks Lampkin by offering Jake as a pet to replace the loss of Faye Lampkin's cat, Lance.
Even with his ascension to the presidency, Adama is unable to dissuade his father from stepping down as military leader, or his father's personal search for Roslin—a mission that Adama believes to be nothing short of suicide (TRS: "Sine Qua Non").
When the rebel basestar returns, having destroyed the Resurrection Hub, Adama is faced with a standoff with the rebels who hold Galactica's Viper pilots and Roslin hostage to force him to give up the Final Five. Adama refuses and prepares to airlock Tigh, Tyrol and Anders to force the Cylons to stop even with the threat of the Fleet being nuked in retaliation. After Kara finds the way to Earth, Adama ends the standoff and shares the information with the Cylons, granting the Cylons a general amnesty. This ends the standoff and together the humans and rebel Cylons jump to Earth. Adama is so excited by their arrival that he jumps on the map table and cheers. Unfortunatly, Earth turns out to be a deserted nuclear wasteland and after briefly reuniting with him, Dee kills herself in despair. (TRS: Revelations,Someone to Watch Over Me)
When Adama finds out that his father apparently released Tom Zarek and he is unable to reach him, Adama travels to Galactica to demand an explanation and falls into a trap led by Charlie Connor as part of Gaeta's Mutiny. Adama is nearly executed, but Kara saves him at the last moment, having grown suspisous of the goings on. The two travel through the ship and find Tyrol who tells them to get Adama to the Secondary Storage Airlock and he can get him off the ship. Adama and Kara find Roslin and let her know what's going on and lead her to Baltar's cult where she makes a radio broadcast about the mutiny. They then hook up with his father and Colonel Tigh who manage to escape and lead them to the airlock where a Cylon Raptor arrives to take Adama and Roslin away. While Roslin and Baltar go, Admiral Adama, Lee, Tyrol, Kara and Colonel Tigh stay behind to retake the ship with Tigh and Admiral Adama defending the airlock while Lee and Kara head back into the ship. Adama and Kara later rescue Tigh, Caprica-Six, Anders, Athena and Hera, but Kara stays behind when Anders gets shot. The group finds Aaron Kelly who joins them and leads them to Admiral Adama just in time to stop his execution. Joined by Adama's firing squad and more loyal crew as they go on, the group marches to CIC as Roslin uses the rebel baseship to try to force the rebels surrender. After Gaeta orders a weapons hold, Adama and the others storm CIC and retake it without a fight, ending the mutiny. (TRS: The Oath,Blood on the Scales)
After the failed coup d'état, in which Lee is the sole Quorum delegate not killed in the massacre ordered by Tom Zarek, President Laura Roslin puts Lee in charge of forming a new Quorum. Lee proposes the idea of making the new Quorum based not upon the individual Colonies but upon ships in the Fleet, as he reasons that the people are no longer defined by their Colonies but by their ships. Roslin approves of the idea and tells Lee that while she will remain President in title, she wants him to do the "heavy lifting" from then on (TRS: "No Exit"). Given this, its likely that Roslin has made him her new Vice President after the execution of Tom Zarek for his coup.
Lee is shown to have taken on the Presidential duties since then such as meeting with the new Quorum of Ship's Captains and organizing the stripping of Galactica which is hard for him as he loves the ship. When Admiral Adama calls for volunteers for a final mission, Lee is the first to volunteer despite it being likely one-way.
While planning the mission, Lee re-dons the service uniform of a major (distinguished by its collar piping), but omits rank insignia.
Galactica launches its attack on the Colony and rams right into it. Lee leads a team of Colonial Marines and Rebel Centurions into the Colony from through its breach their staging point at Galactica's bow. They fight their way past Cavil's forces and eventually link up with Kara Thrace and her team, who have rescued Hera Agathon. The two groups head back to Galactica, but are followed by Cavil and his forces. Lee runs into Baltar and Caprica-Six who are helping to repel the boarding parties. Lee and his men provide cover fire for Kara, Helo, Athena and Hera to make their way to safety.
After Galactica jumps to the coordinates Kara Thrace provides, Lee is one of the first people to land on the lush, habitable planet the Colonials eventually decide to call "Earth". They discover that primitive human tribes have already evolved on the new Earth. Lee makes a radical suggestion: The Colonials will abandon their ships and most of their technology and start new lives using only essential supplies and the planet's resources. They will also teach the native humans about language and culture, but not about technology. This will hopefully prevent Humanity from repeating the same mistakes it made on Kobol and the Twelve Colonies. Surprisingly, this idea is well received.
Later, Lee and Kara say their final goodbyes to Adama, who has decided to live alone for the remainder of his life. After Adama departs in a Raptor, Kara tells Lee that she is also leaving. She doesn't know where she's going, but she knows that her job here is done.
In their final conversation, Kara tells Lee: "I just know that I am done here. I've completed my journey...and it feels good." She also says: "Today is the first day of the rest of your life, Lee." When Lee describes his desire to explore and climb mountains, he briefly turns away to look at the scenery. When he turns back around, Kara is nowhere in sight. Realizing what Kara meant when she said she was leaving, Lee bids Kara goodbye for the last time and promises that she won't be forgotten.[4]
The symbolic pigeon from their first meeting appears one final time in Lee's memory as he realizes Kara is truly gone—representing how he must finally let her spirit go, just as the bird flew away when he stopped trying to capture it. According to composer Bear McCreary, this moment represents the resolution of their relationship: "the more he tries, the further away she flies until finally he must let her go."[4]
Creator Ronald D. Moore envisioned Lee Adama as a more complex and realistic character than his Original Series counterpart. A core element of this new take was Adama's strained relationship with his father, which Moore felt was more true-to-life than the "pat and easy" father-son dynamic in the original show. Moore wanted Lee to have a "complicated relationship with the uniform he wears."[Book 1]
Actor Jamie Bamber described Lee as a "complex human being who has a lot of issues, and always struggles to come up with the right solutions to the problems and dilemmas he faces." He noted that Lee's arc in the first season is driven by his attempt to fit into the new, post-apocalyptic environment, serving as CAG while navigating his difficult relationships with his father, Kara Thrace, and Laura Roslin.[Book 2]
In my first draft of the mini, Lee Adama had just been accepted into test pilot school on Caprica and was not currently assigned to any battlestar. Presumably, he had been posted to at least a couple of battlestar Air Groups in his career, as well as several ground assignments as well. This isn't canon yet, however, and I'm currently thinking of changing some elements of his specific backstory as I work on storylines for Season Two. Overall, I'd say Lee was striving (perhaps too hard) to blaze a different path for himself in the fleet from that of his father. I don't think Lee ever saw himself as a battlestar commander and was looking for a different way to make his mark.
The caption under Apollo's name in "Final Cut" list him as "CFR". In the podcast, Ron Moore explaines that this stands for "Colonial Fleet Reserves"; and that Apollo was a reserve officer because he wasn't sure what he was doing with his life and if he was going to pursue a full career in the Colonial Fleet.
According to Jamie Bamber, Adama's official character biography states that "Lee is never so happy as when he's in his kitchen cooking."
Bamber, who is British, plays Lee Adama with an American accent (presumably to more closely match Edward James Olmos').
Bamber is a natural blond, but his hair is dyed brown to better resemble Olmos.
Admiral William Adama names his son to succeed him as commander of Galactica in his resignation letter (TRS: "Hero") indicating how close they have become prior to the events of Gaius Baltar's trial.
Lee Adama's Colonial Fleet ID tag is marked "L. Adama/ser 318742. (Quantum Mechanix ID Replica)
The original script leaked online for "A Day in the Life" featured flashbacks to the Adamas' family life, in one of which Lee pointed out to his father that he had been born four months after the wedding, implying that Bill and Carolanne rushed into marriage because of pregnancy. While this was removed from the aired episode, it would help explain his negative reaction to learning Gianne was pregnant, per "Black Market".
In the series finale, the symbolic pigeon that appears throughout Lee's flashbacks represents Kara's spirit and their love. According to composer Bear McCreary, the pigeon serves as a metaphor: the more Lee tries to capture it, the further away it flies, until finally he must let it go—mirroring his relationship with Kara throughout the series.[4]
↑ 2.02.1This date is assumed as follows: Zak Adama died 2 years before the Cylon attack. Since he graduated from some kind of military academy, he would be at least 22 years old, following real world models. On a photograph of William Adama with his sons, Lee seems to be about two years older than Zak, placing his birth at about 26 years prior to the Cylon attack
↑Confirmed number from QMX dogtags given to them by the studio.
The Arrow of Apollo on display in the Delphi Museum of the Colonies
The Arrow of Apollo is a symbolic great hunting arrow and a symbol of Apollo, Lord of Kobol. Those who pledge themselves to this Lord of Kobol, such as the Apolli circa 58 BCH (42YR), carry smaller, pocket-sized replicas of this piece as religious piety.
As part of an initial training and placement exercise, the Soldiers of the One would orchestrate a fictive capture of a jump ship while en route to the Gemenon enclave by the Apolli. In the exercise, Kevin Reikle would test trainees and and their faith: those who would renounce the false God would be presented with a miniature version of the Arrow of Apollo for them to kiss, thus securing their pledge of fealty to the Lords of Kobol(CAP: "Blowback").
While the city itself suffered extensive damage as a result of bombing during the Cylon attack, the Arrow survived undamaged in the ruins of the museum. It becomes the focal point of Laura Roslin's attempts to discover the whereabouts of Earth following the apparently accidental discovery of Kobol by the Fleet(TRS: "Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part I"). The quest for the Arrows leads Lieutenant Kara "Starbuck" Thrace to disobey orders, taking a captured Cylon Raider to Caprica to retrieve the Arrow.
The Arrow did not in fact open the Tomb of Athena, as stated in the scriptures, but activated a planetarium inside when placed in the bow of the statue of Sagittaron within it. It is not indicated whether the Arrow was recovered from the Tomb after its use.
In the Original Series two-part episode,"Lost Planet of the Gods," Commander Adama wears a medallion that he uses as a key to enter the tomb of the Ninth Lord of Kobol. As with the users of the Arrow of Apollo in the later series, the original Adama and his Galactica also searched for information on the whereabouts of Earth. Unfortunately, his team is interrupted by Cylon attacks and is forced to abandon the quest.
Apollo is the son of Zeus, Lord of Kobol, and regarded in Colonial religion as the god of the hunt and the god of healing.[1] In this, his role somewhat mirrors that of Apollo of the Olympian pantheon of ancient Greece, though in Greek mythology Apollo's twin sister Artemis is the god the the hunt.
Within Colonial religion, an artifact known as the Arrow of Apollo appears named for this diety.
On 7 Junius, Y42, a large memorial service is held at Apollo Park in honor of the victims of the STO bombing of MLMT Train #23. Despite some hesitance and the fact that Graystone Industries sponsored the event, Daniel and Amanda Graystone attend the service in memory of their daughter, Zoe Graystone. Deeply disturbed by evidence indicating her daughter's involvement with the STO, Amanda Graystone takes to the podium and declares that Zoe was a terrorist inspiring a riot. As the crowd moves on Amanda, the Graystones are barely able to escape Apollo Park with their lives (CAP: "Rebirth").
Apollo Park was shot on location at the Jack Poole Plaza atop the Vancouver Convention Centre, the location was augmented by a digital matte painting and set extensions. [1][2]
Photos of the set and filming of scenes for "Rebirth" appeared on the photo sharing website Flickr in July, 2009. [3]
This article has a separate continuity. This article is in the Richard Hatch continuation separate continuity, which is related to the Original Series. Be sure that your contributions to this article reflect the characters and events specific to this continuity only.
For the canonical depiction of this character, see: Apollo (TOS).
Following the death of his brother, Zac, Apollo becomes the only surviving son of Commander Adama and Ila, as well as the lead Warrior aboard Galactica. He is the older brother of Athena and the adoptive father of Troy (formerly "Boxey"), whom he raises after the death of Troy's mother, Serina.[1]
Apollo is a pure-blooded Kobollian, directly descended from the Lords of Kobol themselves. This heritage grants him access to latent mental abilities including telepathy and clairvoyance, though mastering these talents requires decades of meditation and training.[2] His father Adama begins training Apollo in these abilities after his thirtieth novayahren celebration, conducting meditation sessions in a secret sanctuary aboard Galactica for more than ten yahren.[3]
During his time at Academy, Apollo is appointed cadet captain and maintains a stern, disciplined demeanor that keeps him distant from most other cadets. His friendship with Starbuck—a popular maverick—surprises many, as does his eventual friendship with Boomer. Apollo's tendency to divorce himself from intimacy stems from his understanding of command's burden: the knowledge that commanders must send Warriors to face probable death.[4]
It is Adama who finally helps Apollo see the tragedy of this logic, teaching him that "love and compassion are not liabilities, but strengths upon which to draw. A Warrior has nothing to fight for if he does not allow himself to love, and be loved in return."[4]
In the 18 yahren following the Battle at Galaxy's Edge, Apollo sees his adopted son Troy grow into a Colonial Warrior who becomes the youngest person ever to graduate from Academy—a record that remains unbroken until Dalton surpasses it years later.[5] Despite his relationship with Sheba, Apollo does not marry her during this extended period, instead focusing on his own development and obligations as a defender of the human remnants.[6]
During this time, the Cylons have not been encountered for six yahren, leading some in the Fleet to believe the threat has passed.[7]
Apollo conducts a reconnaissance mission to Binary 13 with Captain Starbuck just prior to Adama's natural death. Flying a newly issued Scarlet-class Viper, Apollo scouts the system's only habitable planet, Ochoa, which possesses rich resources including nearly pure tylium. During the mission, Apollo senses danger through his developing mental abilities, warning Starbuck that whoever is on the planet knows them. His intuition proves correct when they are attacked by Cylon forces.[8]
The mission becomes catastrophic when Ochoa begins to tear itself apart due to gravitational forces from the dual stars. Apollo and Starbuck barely escape as the planet convulses with increasingly severe seismic activity.[9] During their time on Ochoa's surface, they discover that Baltar's base star is nearby and that Baltar possesses a holo-cube star map potentially containing the location of Earth.[10]
Starbuck is subsequently lost during this mission, believed killed in action. Apollo is devastated by the loss of his closest friend.[5]
Following Starbuck's presumed death, Adama suffers a cardiac seizure. In his final moments of clarity, Adama asks to be moved to his quarters and speaks to his family one last time. He tells his grandson Troy—whom only Adama can still call "Boxey"—that he may yet command the Fleet one day.[1]
After Adama falls into a profound coma and dies, Apollo discovers the sanctuary hidden in Adama's quarters. There, he activates a holo-recording of his father that reveals the truth about their Kobollian heritage, the House of Kobol, and the mental abilities Apollo has been developing through years of meditation.[3]
Adama's recording explains that the Lords of Kobol were originally priests from the planet Parnassus who developed superior mental abilities through concentration, meditation, and inner vision. They eventually left Kobol, becoming the lost Thirteenth Tribe. The sanctuary aboard Galactica was built five hundred yahren earlier as a place of power and focus for commanders of Kobollian blood.[11]
Apollo learns that he must become commander because Adama believes the ship cannot survive without a leader of pure Kobollian blood. The recording also reveals that Athena, as Adama's daughter and a pure-blooded Kobollian, has equal right to this knowledge—though Kobollian tradition dictates such secrets pass only to the eldest child.[12]
After Adama's passing, Apollo's future becomes uncertain. PresidentTigh uses his presidential powers to appoint Apollo as interim commander of Galactica, responsible for all military operations within the Fleet until the Quorum votes otherwise.[13]
However, Apollo faces significant political opposition. Ambassador Puck attempts to undermine his appointment, questioning whether Apollo possesses Adama's natural leadership and wisdom. Puck suggests that while Apollo has charisma, he will never be the leader his father was. The Gemon Matriarchs also advocate for Athena's ascension as future commander.[14]
Apollo himself is conflicted about command. He has watched his father his entire life and knows the toll it takes. Yet he understands why Adama wanted him to lead, and resolves to fulfill his father's wishes—not merely for Adama, but for the Fleet itself.[15]
Recognizing that Athena has equal right to the Kobollian knowledge their father possessed, Apollo brings her to the sanctuary and shares everything Adama revealed, including the existence of the Lords of Kobol and the threat posed by Count Iblis. Athena is moved to tears upon learning that their brother Zac still exists somewhere in a higher plane of existence.[12]
When Apollo later returns to Binary 13 from a different vector, he encounters an unknown alien vessel whose pilot reaches out to him telepathically in great distress. Despite being on a vital mission, Apollo cannot ignore the direct plea for assistance. The encounter leads him to Valor of the Sky, a member of the Sky race.[16]
Through his connection with Valor and intelligence gathered on Ochoa, Apollo learns that Starbuck is alive—held prisoner by the Cylons. Against Starbuck's protests, Apollo convinces his friend to accompany him on an infiltration mission to Baltar's base star to steal the holo-cube star map.[10]
The mission succeeds, and Apollo returns to the Fleet with both Starbuck and the precious holo-cube. In the launch bay, Apollo is reunited with Sheba. In an uncharacteristic public display of affection, he kisses her passionately and tells her it's time they got married—a sentiment echoed by Troy.[17]
After the successful defense against the Cylons and the resolution of various crises, the Quorum convenes to make its final decision on permanent Fleet command. By this time, Ambassador Puck has died and the Council numbers only eleven members. Apollo stands anxiously with Sheba, Troy, and Dalton as they await the announcement.[18]
Despite his own candidacy, Apollo supports Athena's bid for the position, recognizing that after her performance during his absence and during the Cylon attack, she has more than enough support. He eagerly anticipates the end of the uncertainty that has plagued them all since Adama's death.[18]
President Tigh announces that Athena has been selected as the new Fleet commander. The announcement ends the long period of turmoil, allowing the Fleet to move forward united under new leadership.[19]
Following Athena's ascension to Fleet command, Apollo continues to serve as her second-in-command with the rank of colonel. He shares command of Galactica equally with his sister, and their relationship grows even closer as they work together in the sanctuary, learning from ancient Kobollian records and their father's teachings.[20]
Apollo eventually takes the Seal with Sheba, looking forward to sharing his life with her and possibly conceiving a child together—though they never fully discuss this possibility.[21]
When the Fleet encounters Commander Cain and the discovery of Poseidon creates division about whether to continue the search for Earth or settle, Apollo must navigate complex political and personal challenges. The situation strains his relationship with Sheba, as Cain's return and his controversial methods create tension between them.[22]
Apollo leads the Fleet's defense against the Chitain, a warlike alien race as fearsome as the Cylons. The Sky race, led by Apollo's friend Valor of the Sky, arrives to aid the colonials in this desperate battle.[23] The Chitain dreadnought proves nearly indestructible, surrounded by an impenetrable forcefield, forcing Apollo and his pilots to stay close to its underbelly to attack.[23]
During the battle, Apollo prays to the spirit of his father and the Lords of Kobol as he faces overwhelming odds. He fires blind after a laser flash temporarily blinds him, trusting his senses and training to destroy an enemy fighter.[23] The battle becomes increasingly desperate when the battlestar New Bellephon explodes during the engagement.[24]
Apollo formulates a plan to concentrate attacks on the massive Chitain dreadnought, ordering Blue and Red Squadrons to keep Chitain warships occupied while he leads a direct assault.[25]
When the Fleet settles on Paradis, Apollo faces one of his most difficult command decisions. The planet's biosphere begins to fail, and internal forces start destroying the planet itself.[26] Apollo must decide between protecting the native Gamon population and ensuring colonial survival—a choice he describes as having to decide between "those who will live and those who will die."[27]
During this crisis, Apollo experiences profound isolation. He receives no voices from other states of being, no whisperings from the Lords of Kobol—he is alone in his head as commander.[26] He admits that at times like this, he wishes his father still lived, not to tell him what to do, but to approve his victories and help him past his failures.[26]
The situation worsens when the Cylons use a new weapon—a ray directed through spacetime—to destroy Paradis completely. Imperious Leader reveals this to Baltar, who must then inform Apollo that the Cylons have found them and possess devastating new capabilities.[28]
Following Paradis's destruction, Apollo faces an impossible decision: with insufficient resources to evacuate everyone, 800 colonials must be left behind.[29] Apollo insists on a fair lottery to determine who goes and who stays, but faces fierce opposition from Sire Uri and the corrupt Council of Twelve, who attempt to exempt themselves and the military from the lottery.[29]
Apollo refuses to accept this corruption, understanding the social dynamics better than the council realizes. While people may chafe under emergency measures, they have grudging respect for warriors' guts and heroism. Apollo has studied how his father resisted turning the masses against political opponents, employing draconian measures only in genuine emergencies.[30] He has repeatedly resisted the role of dictator, and he does so again during this crisis.[30]
When the council attempts a coup, Apollo enters the council chamber to find every council member tied up and gagged. He takes the opportunity to explain their crimes to the assembled civilians and those watching via TransVids.[31] The crowd's fury against the council validates Apollo's faith in the people's ability to govern themselves, though he leaves the decision of the council's fate to the civilians.[31]
The newly elected officials create a fair lottery that includes all council members. Notably, Cassie is included in the lottery despite her importance to Apollo, demonstrating that he did not fix the list.[32] Apollo and major warriors like Starbuck and Boomer are specifically excluded from the lottery due to their essential skills, while younger warriors like Troy and Dalton are included.[32]
When the mysterious space ark arrives, Apollo sees it as a potential salvation. After Baltar's sacrifice during the Cylon Civil War, Apollo leads teams to explore the ark and salvage technology from damaged Cylon vessels.[33] He recognizes that without Baltar's sacrifice, the Fleet would not have stood a chance against the Cylons' advanced technology developed during their civil war.[33]
Apollo personally leads an assault on a partially damaged basestar, organizing teams and distributing captured Cylon weapons including zap lasers, disrupters, and sonic guns.[34] He demonstrates his leadership by testing each warrior's comfort with different weapons, ensuring everyone carries equipment they can use effectively.[34] During the final assault, Apollo uses both a blaster and zap lasers simultaneously, displaying his combat prowess.[35]
Apollo deeply loves his family and is devastated by the losses he suffers. His father Adama is his greatest inspiration, and even after death, Apollo remains in awe of him.[36] He shares a close bond with his sister Athena, and their relationship strengthens further after their father's death when Apollo shares the sanctuary's secrets with her.[20]
Apollo's relationship with his adopted son Troy is profound. Though they are not related by blood, father and son have never looked more alike in spirit. Apollo shaped the man Troy became, and Troy idolizes his father while also struggling to define his own identity apart from being "the pampered prince."[17][37]
Apollo's relationship with Sheba develops over many yahren, though he resists marriage for a long time. Eventually, he takes the Seal with her following his return from the mission to rescue Starbuck.[21] Their relationship is tested by the return of her father, Commander Cain, and the political tensions surrounding settlement versus continuing the search for Earth.[22]
Starbuck is Apollo's closest friend and counterbalance. Their friendship mystifies others at Academy, as Starbuck is a popular maverick while Apollo is a stern, disciplined cadet captain. Apollo credits Starbuck with helping him form other friendships, particularly with Boomer.[4]
When Starbuck is lost at Binary 13, Apollo is heartbroken. His determination to rescue his friend—even risking everything to infiltrate a Cylon base star—demonstrates the depth of their bond. Apollo later admits he functions best when the stakes are highest, but having Starbuck with him provides a sense of brotherhood that is exhilarating.[38]
Their relationship is occasionally strained by Starbuck's romantic complications, particularly his involvement with both Cassiopeia and Athena. Apollo confronts Starbuck angrily about his treatment of women, unable to tolerate seeing his sister hurt.[39]
Apollo's relationship with Baltar evolves significantly over time. On Paradis, Baltar becomes a philosophical advisor to Apollo, offering insights on leadership and the burden of command. Baltar tells Apollo that "nobody wins unless everybody wins," marking his transformation from traitor to truth-teller.[27] When Baltar suffers increasingly severe headaches and eventually collapses, Apollo calls for help, believing that Baltar's story is not yet over.[27]
Later, Baltar provides critical intelligence about the Cylons' intentions, warning Apollo that the Cylons may have purposes for humanity beyond simple extermination.[40] Apollo learns to appreciate Baltar's unique insights, even as he remains wary of the former traitor's manipulative skills.[40]
Apollo is acknowledged as one of the best pilots in the Fleet. His skill and confidence in the cockpit are unmatched, though some—including Starbuck himself—consider Starbuck the superior pilot in one-on-one individual battle.[8] Apollo treats his Viper as an extension of himself, settling into an easy rhythm with each fighter. He needs to be at the navi-hilt of a Viper as much as he needs to be on the bridge of Galactica, unable to be wholly satisfied or fulfilled if devoted to only one or the other.[41]
His piloting skills earn him respect from even the youngest cadets, with Dalton noting that Apollo remains "one of the best pilots in the fleet, along with Starbuck, Sheba and Boomer."[42]
As a pure-blooded Kobollian, Apollo possesses latent telepathic and clairvoyant abilities that he has been developing through meditation for over ten yahren. These abilities manifest in various ways:
Telepathy: Apollo can communicate mind-to-mind across distances and sense the presence and emotions of others. He uses this ability to communicate silently with Athena in the sanctuary.[20] He establishes telepathic contact with Valor of the Sky across vast distances of space.[16]
Clairvoyance: Apollo experiences visions and portentous feelings that guide his decisions. He senses danger and familiarity at Ochoa before any evidence appears, and receives messages from the Sky warrior Valor while in combat.[8][43]
Enhanced Perception: Apollo's mental training allows him to expand his consciousness and perceive threats that his instruments cannot detect. He describes it as exercising the mind to expand its power and acuity—purely scientific rather than mystical.[44]
While these abilities are still developing, Apollo suspects that Starbuck—whose parents were both Caprican—might also have Kobollian blood and potentially similar abilities.[38]
Apollo's natural leadership abilities are evident from his time as cadet captain at Academy. However, he long resisted the burden of command, knowing it means sending Warriors to face probable death. His father's wisdom eventually helps him understand that avoiding intimacy creates its own tragedies, and that love and compassion are strengths, not liabilities.[4]
As commander, Apollo earns respect through leading by example. He personally flies dangerous missions, confronts hostile situations directly, and makes difficult decisions under pressure. His mind functions best when stakes are highest, maintaining calm in the face of adversity.[44]
Apollo also serves as a mentor and father figure to younger Warriors, though some of the newest generation find him overly serious. When cadets disrespect the older pilot Bojay, Apollo delivers a stern lecture about respect and honor, noting that the best pilots have given their lives so the cadets might be there.[42]
Apollo's transformation from reluctant leader to decisive commander mirrors his father's journey, though he charts his own path by sharing power with Athena rather than maintaining sole authority.
His Kobollian abilities place him among the most spiritually significant figures in the Fleet, making him a target for both Count Iblis and the Cylons' mysterious long-term plans.
This article has a separate continuity. This article is in a separate continuity, which is related to the Original Series. Be sure that your contributions to this article reflect the characters and events specific to this continuity only.
This article covers the various depictions of Apollo from the tie-in novelizations, comic books, and other media.
After returning from a dangerous mission with Starbuck and other pilots, Apollo discovers that Boxey has run away. Upon landing in Galactica's landing bay, Athena delivers the troubling news to Apollo and Adama. Boxey had left a handwritten note explaining his departure: "Dear Dad, I'm glad you're still alive. I was real worried. I had bad dreams and you always died. I'm afraid. I don't want to wait here and think about you getting killed. I'm going away. Then you don't have to worry about me again. I hope you never get killed. I'm taking Muffy with me. Your son, Boxey."[1]
Despite Adama's suggestion to organize search parties, Apollo immediately rushes off to find Boxey on his own. Joined by Athena, Starbuck, and Ensign Giles, Apollo searches through the lower tunnels of Galactica, areas that had been reported to have mysterious activity by technicians and engineers.[2]
The search becomes increasingly desperate as Apollo continues through the maze-like tunnel system. When an alert klaxon sounds, forcing the group to return to duty stations, Apollo faces a difficult decision between his personal duty to find Boxey and his official duty to Galactica. Athena convinces him that they must respond to the alert, noting the same conflict between personal and official duty that had driven Boxey away in the first place.[3]
Apollo later participates in combat missions flying the experimental SuperViper, partnered with Starbuck. During the launch sequence, Starbuck acknowledges their friendship, telling Apollo "it's been a hoot flying with you." Apollo and Starbuck successfully maneuver the SuperViper through intense Cylon opposition, performing evasive maneuvers that allow them to survive the initial enemy assault.[4]
During his teenage years in 7328, Apollo first meets Starbuck following Starbuck's attempt to secure Flight-Major Adama's sponsorship to the Academy. Starbuck does not react well to Adama's rejection and, witnessing this, an incensed Apollo pursues Starbuck on his turbocycle and challenges the orphan to a race near the treacherous Mount Colicos: if Starbuck loses, he leaves Adama and his family alone, but if Starbuck wins Apollo is to convince his father to be Starbuck's sponsor. The race turns badly, destroying both cycles and being rescued by a irritated Adama, but results in a life-long friendship ((Comics: Battlestar Galactica: Starbuck #1)).
Sometime after entering the Academy, Apollo is stranded in a desert after a training exercise went wrong and is reported dead. Upon Apollo's return, Starbuck (who quits the Academy believing his friend to be dead) punches Apollo in the nose, forcing Zac to intercede by pulling Starbuck away from Apollo. After calming down, Starbuck and Apollo promise each other that, were they to both become Warriors, they would not mourn each other if the worst transpired. As this promise was extracted, Starbuck returns to the Academy (Classic Battlestar Galactica #2).
With Osiris and Diana subsequently unveiled as traitors working for the Cylons, and Starbuck's name cleared, Apollo is rewarded with a promotion to Captain by President Adar ((Comics: Battlestar Galactica: Starbuck #4)).
After the immediate exodus from their homeworlds, Apollo and his strike team of Lieutenants Boomer and Starbuck are tasked with recovering ancient Sagittarian texts that may help in their search for Earth. Located upon an outermost planet of their home solar system, the strike team utilizes Vipers equipped with stealth drives to approach the major city on Maytoria, but this results in catastrophe and forces Apollo to leave behind Boomer and Starbuck, believing them to be dead ((Comics: Classic Battlestar Galactica Vol. 1 #1)).
Serina attempts to comfort Apollo fail as he resists, recalling his promise to Starbuck during their Academy days, and voicing his belief that were he to start mourning for all those who have lost their lives he would never recover ((Comics: Classic Battlestar Galactica Vol. 1 #2)).
Returning to Galactica, he enters Adama's mind and finds Iblis. Believing him vanquished, Apollo leads Adama into consciousness, only to discover that Iblis has somehow possessed his father. With additional help, Apollo helps his father expel Iblis' control that, in turn, allows the Seraphs to appear and guide the Fleet out of Iblis' universe ((Comics: Classic Battlestar Galactica Vol. 3 #5)).
Apollo is written off for dead by Commander Adama, leaving the crew, family and friends in various degrees of mourning. Captain Starbuck takes it poorly, nearly killing Sephoni in the process before being subdued by security and after a stern talking to by Adama—expressly forbidding Starbuck from pursuing any search-and-rescue attempts ((Comics: Battlestar Galactica: Death of Apollo #2) — (Comics: Classic Battlestar Galactica Vol. 3 #3)).
Apollo's return allows the Cylon super basestar to track the Fleet, resulting in a pitched and fierce battle for the fate of humanity the likes not experienced for yahrens. During the pitched battle, Apollo and Athena work in tandem to organize the civilian ships' escape, while Sephoni divines a weakness in the super basestar's shielding that would allow a well-placed fusion missile to make its kill. Unable to communicate this due to Cylon jamming, Apollo makes the fateful decision to embark on his last Viper mission to deliver the kill-shot.
After making this kill, the basestar's explosion damages his Viper's controls, inexorably locking him into a collision course with a nearby star and sealing his fate. Outliving him are his father Adama and his sister Athena ((Comics: Battlestar Galactica: Death of Apollo #6)).
Apollo joins Zac on his ill-fated recon patrol, believing that the armistice would result in reduction of the Warrior corps via liesuron. Apollo detects an empty Cylon tanker, uncovering a mass of Cylonraiders and leading to a pursuit that ends with Zac losing an engine, and inevitably his life after Apollo relents to Zac's pleas to leave him behind, so the Colonial Fleet could be forewarned about the Cylons' deception.
Apollo later reports to his father, learning of Zac's death just short of the fleet, and later escorts his father to their burned-out family home on Caprica, leading to his first meeting with Serina and Boxey in the nearby foothills (Comics: Annihilation!).
The content in this section is considered separate from the primary continuity (often called "canon"), for it is a part of the Look-In Magazine universe. Be sure that your contributions to this section reflect events specific to the separate continuityexclusively.
Captain Apollo
[[File:|300px|Captain Apollo]]
[show/hide spoilers] Spoilers hidden in infobox by default only.
Apollo is a Captain in the Colonial Fleet, serving as a Viper pilot and leader of Blue Squadron. He is the son of Commander Adama and the adopted father of Boxey.
During an exploratory mission to the planet Thar, Apollo is the only person able to see Sarany, the planet's leader. He is shown the truth of her people's ability to manipulate time and is caught between their test of the Fleet's peaceful nature and his crewmates' belief that he has suffered a breakdown. He ultimately chooses his duty to the Fleet over Sarany's offer to stay with her in paradise (Comics: Look-In Magazine: Storyline 2).[6]
Due to his natural immunity, Apollo takes temporary command of the transport Orestes during an outbreak of Parahelial Fever. After the ship is crippled and captured by the Cylons, he uses the alias "Captain Carter" and bluffs the Imperious Leader by claiming his ship is contaminated with a plague. He later escapes captivity and leads the crew and children of Orestes to safety (Comics: Look-In Magazine: Storyline 3).[7]
Apollo leads the initial survey of the planet Zaroak, where he, Starbuck, and Athena are shot down and enslaved in Cylon-run mines. He works with the local resistance to orchestrate an escape and helps spark a planet-wide revolt (Comics: Look-In Magazine: Storyline 4).[8]
Apollo and Sheba continue their relationship that blossomed into a romance during the events of the Battle at Galaxy's Edge, with Sheba asserting herself when Apollo tries to cut her out of the mission to explore a planet where they discover the Acmarans ((Comics: The Law of Volahd, Part 1)).
This article has a separate continuity. This article is in the Dynamite Comics separate continuity, which is related to the Original Series. Be sure that your contributions to this article reflect the characters and events specific to this continuity only.
Apollo
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This article has a separate continuity. This article is in the Dynamite Comics separate continuity, which is related to the Original Series. Be sure that your contributions to this article reflect the characters and events specific to this continuity only.
Apollo
[show/hide spoilers] Spoilers hidden in infobox by default only.
A Viper pilot, his former wingman and friend is Starbuck. Starbuck owes Apollo a life debt, which Lady Athena uses to her advantage following Apollo's abduction during the Cylonic suicide attack on Caprica.
After Apollo's abduction by the Cylonics, he is brought before Imperious LeaderBaltar aboard the aetherprisonProteus. Baltar plans to have Apollo sent to Helia for hard labor, before finally extracting Apollo's brain and implanting it into a new iteration of Cylonic Knight—as a means to exact vengeance against ArchdukeAdama.
Aided by Count Iblis, Apollo, Boomer and Jolly escape from Helia on a quest for vengeance, believing Adama and others dead as a result of the Cylonic attacks. Through Jolly's connection to a Centurion head, they learn of Gamoray and the true state of the Cylonic empire. Believing it to be their chance for a decisive attack, Apollo leads the group of unarmed shuttles to the planet, only to be intercepted by Starchaser (Steampunk Battlestar Galactica 1880 2 & 3).
Now reunited with his sister and former friend, and later by his father and the aethershipGalactica, they strike at Gamoray. After a duel with Baltar on the planet, Apollo is left for dead — but during this time Starbuck defends his friend, and Apollo learns of the true reason for Starbuck's desertion from military service.
After Athena successfully destroys the babbage computer, thwarting Iblis' plan to take the Cylonics for himself, the Cylonic threat is defeated. Apollo survives the battle and orders his subjects to take care of the irreparably damaged Boomer and Jolly, whose minds are subsumed by Cylonic code from interfacing with the Cylonic hivemind.
Apollo returns to duty for the Colonial Empire with Starbuck at his side, serving aboard Galactica on a quest of vengeance, and a potential search for other lost worlds of the Empire (Steampunk Battlestar Galactica 1880 4).
This article or section has been marked for cleanup and revision. Should there be a need to discuss the merits of the claim, discuss them on the talk page.
This article has a separate continuity. This article is in the Maximum Press separate continuity, which is related to the Original Series. Be sure that your contributions to this article reflect the characters and events specific to this continuity only.
Apollo's Journey #1 An issue of the Maximum Press series.
Following the apparent death of his friend Starbuck, Apollo fell into a deep depression. This coupled with his fear that the Cylons were preparing to launch a full scale invasion of Earth, Apollo urged the council to evacuate the planet immediately, and renew the search for the lost Thirteenth Tribe. Unknown to Apollo, his fears were all too accurate—the Imperious Leader had ordered his fleet of base ships to attack earth and complete the extermination of the human race. At the same time, on the prison barge, the Borellian Nomen were about to be released after twenty yahrens of captivity. But Count Iblis appeared and the Nomen agreed to form an alliance with him and the Cylons to revenge themselves against the colonials.
The story opens with Commander Apollo in the council chambers addressing concerns about Earth's vulnerability to Cylon attack. Apollo argues for immediate evacuation of Earth, citing intelligence that the Imperious Leader has ordered a massive fleet to "complete the extermination of the human race." The council is divided on this recommendation, with some members questioning Apollo's mental state and judgment[1].
Meanwhile, the Cylons have been making significant technological advances. Their fleet receives critical upgrades to their star drive systems, allowing them to travel faster and more efficiently toward their target. This technological enhancement makes their planned assault on the Colonial Fleet even more dangerous and gives them a strategic advantage in their pursuit[2].
Distraught by Starbuck's death, Apollo becomes increasingly unstable and begins experiencing visions. In a private moment with Serina, he expresses his inner turmoil, remembering Starbuck's death and his own inability to prevent it. During this, Sheba attempts to comfort him, noting that he's been "on edge" since Starbuck died and that Apollo juxtaposes Sheba's and Serina's names, resulting in her emotional distress over the specter of Serina hanging over their relationship. Yet another indication that Apollo remains haunted by memories of the past and overwhelmed by his responsibilities[3].
As Apollo struggles with his demons, he begins to show signs of erratic behavior. His paranoia about the Cylon threat becomes obsessive, and he starts making increasingly desperate proposals to the council. The stress of command and his unresolved grief over Starbuck's loss begin to take their toll[4].
Count Iblis begins to exert his influence over Apollo, appearing to him in visions and manipulating his thoughts. Iblis feeds on Apollo's guilt and despair, slowly possessing him and turning his natural leadership instincts toward darker purposes. Apollo's behavior becomes more erratic as Iblis's control grows stronger[5].
Meanwhile, Commander Cain approaches Apollo with concerns about his mental state. Cain warns that Apollo's emotional condition could endanger their mission and questions whether he's fit for duty. However, Apollo is granted temporary leave from duty by the council to address his psychological condition, though some council members express reservations about this decision[6].
Under Iblis's influence, Apollo becomes increasingly paranoid and hostile. He begins to view even his closest allies with suspicion, believing they are working against him. This paranoia reaches its peak when he confronts those he perceives as threats to his mission[7].
Possessed by Count Iblis, Apollo alienates the Council with increasingly erratic and aggressive behavior. In a moment of apparent madness, he confronts and shoots Cain during what appears to be a heated argument about military strategy - much to the dismay of Sheba, Apollo's wife. This shocking action leads to his immediate arrest by security forces, leaving the fleet in chaos[8].
In the Galactica's life center, Dr. Salik performs a critical medical operation to try to save Cain, and Salik expresses concerns about the extensive damage to his patient's condition. The medical situation is dire, with several serious complications near the patient's vital organs that require immediate attention to prevent further deterioration[9].
On the Colonial prison barge, the Borellian Nomen are being prepared for release after twenty yahrens of captivity. The Nomen warriors Maga, Bora, and Taba discuss their impending freedom and their plans for revenge against the Colonials who imprisoned them. They acknowledge the council's authority over their release but make it clear they have not forgotten their grudges[10].
Count Iblis appears to the Nomen in their cell, revealing himself as a powerful entity who has been watching their imprisonment. He offers them an alliance, appealing to their desire for revenge against the Colonials. Iblis reveals that Cylon base ships are positioning for an attack on the Colonial Fleet, and proposes that the Nomen join forces with both him and the Cylons to achieve their mutual goal of revenge against the Colonials[11].
The Nomen, led by Maga, are initially skeptical but are swayed by Iblis's promises of power and the opportunity for vengeance they have long sought. Iblis demonstrates his supernatural abilities and convinces them that working together, they can destroy the Colonial Fleet and achieve the revenge that has consumed them during their long imprisonment. The Nomen agree to this unholy alliance, seeing it as their best chance to settle old scores[12].
With Iblis's assistance and influence, the Borellian Nomen break free from their confinement and launch a coordinated escape. Using their combat skills and knowledge of Colonial ships, they fight their way through the prison barge's security forces. Their escape creates chaos throughout the prison facility as alarms sound and guards attempt to contain the situation[13].
The Borellian Nomen, now fully influenced by Iblis and motivated by their alliance with the Cylons, make their way to the Galactica and successfully infiltrate the ship. Using their warrior skills and taking advantage of the confusion caused by Apollo's arrest, they manage to reach and take over the bridge, putting the entire Colonial Fleet at risk and leaving the command structure in complete disarray[14].
Several sources note that actor/writer Richard Hatch contributed the story for this miniseries, but that it was subsequently edited drastically by Maximum Press. [1], [2]
The issue includes a personal letter from Richard Hatch explaining his involvement with the comic series and his hopes for reviving Battlestar Galactica.
This issue serves as both a continuation of the Original Series and a psychological character study of Apollo dealing with survivor's guilt and the trauma of war.
The involvement of Count Iblis and the Borellian Nomen creates connections to established Original Series mythology while expanding the storyline in new directions.
Richard Hatch's writing explores themes of duty, sacrifice, and the psychological toll of leadership during wartime.
Iblis: The Imperious Leader wouldn't have it any other way. Much as he suspects that you wouldn't have it any other way either. Is your destiny to dominate the humans...
This article has a separate continuity. This article is in the Berkley books separate continuity, which is related to the Original Series. Be sure that your contributions to this article reflect the characters and events specific to this continuity only.
Apollo's War is a Robert Thurston novel published eight years following the end of the Original Series upon which it is based. It is the second of three unique stories that are not novelizations from episodes.
This story takes place almost immediately following the events of the last book. Apollo, Sheba, and Croft land on the planet Yevra where they are kidnapped to become unwitting soldier-slaves in a war that is waged like an intergalactic chess game. They and a young woman named Xiomara, who is "cursed" with a horrible facial disfigurement, are trained by a reptilian creature named Sarge to fight for the Army of the Rightful Destiny. Their minds are controlled by unremovable belts and sweatbands, which transmit terrible pain, forcing the wearers to obey.
Molded into an elite fighting squad, Sarge leads them through several battles. Then Apollo is caught in a trap and captured by the other side, the Pelters. They are eager to make use of him. His belt and sweatband are removed but then he is drugged with special food and drink.
Without Apollo, the elite squad loses its edge. Croft is determined to get himself killed and Sheba is totally withdrawn. Apollo, drugged into a walking zombie and now wearing a Pelter control device, is ordered to seek out and kill the leaders of the Army of the Rightful Destiny. He and Croft meet in battle; somehow the two men recognize each other but can't completely overcome their conditioning. They fight half-heartedly until Sarge intervenes. Apollo shoots Sarge, and then Croft rips off Apollo's controller in the melee.
After the battle, a now clear-minded Apollo finds Sarge and gets him to agree to help him rescue his friends and try to end the war, fought by kidnapped peoples from other worlds.
Meanwhile, on Galactica, Starbuck is depressed because Apollo is gone. Adama eventually agrees to let him renew the search for Apollo, but Adama is going to fly a viper with him. They fly to the planet.
Apollo and Sarge free their friends including Xiomara, for whom Apollo has begun to care for. They retrieve their vipers, and Apollo and Sheba launch, soon making contact with Adama and Starbuck. The four of them provide air cover as Sarge, Croft, and the others attack from the ground. They take over the installation, and then the vipers destroy the Pelters' installation, ending the war.
Xiomara is severely wounded when Apollo finds her. She momentarily dies, and the mask of ugliness on her face disappears, revealing a ravishing beauty. Then she comes to, and the ugliness returns. Xiomara tells Apollo she doesn't love him, and that he doesn't love her; she decides to stay behind and search for her husband who disappeared early in the war but may still be alive.
Robert Thurston manages to succeed again as Apollo's War is a very good story. Xiomara turns out to be a very interesting character, and her relationship with Apollo is the heart of the book. Thurston should be given credit for not having Xiomara's face restored at the very end, avoiding the storybook ending that many authors would have been too tempted to resist. Also, the hero and the girl do not ride off into the sunset together (Ron Goulart could take some pointers here).
Sarge is also an interesting character and only adds to the story. More dissapointing is the amount of focus that Croft gets. I still find Croft to be an extremely boring character, and as usual he does little here except lust after Sheba. It is made clear that Sheba still loves Apollo, but there is never any follow-up. We do learn that in the past Apollo and Sheba had a brief fling, but no more detail than that.
Overall, this is a very good story, but is it a very good Battlestar Galactica story? Unfortunately, once again we have the plot of the warrior/warriors crashed/marooned/captured on a planet. We've seen it so many times before in the television series (not to mention in the previous novel) that it's a bit dissapointing to see it here again. To his credit, though, Thurston has written a solid story that mostly makes up for this drawback. There is a lot here for Galactica fans to enjoy, so this one is still highly recommended.
It is stated that there are hundreds of thousands of people in the fleet.
A prophecy has spread across the fleet saying that Galactica would find Earth, but most of the people currently in the fleet would not. It goes on to say that perhaps none of them would live to see Earth, only future generations. Perhaps Thurston is trying to do some foreshadowing for Galactica 1980.
There is a Caprican legend about a young woman who was in love but unable to reveal her feelings to the man she loved. Frustrated, she wandered into an unknown land, drawn there by strange music. In the meantime, the man she loved noticed that she'd gone, and he went after her, questioning everyone he met, tracing her path to the strange land. He found that she went to a strange place called "the city without cares". What neither he nor she knew about the city was that, once inside its borders, each would be perfected by a strange perfume that emanted from a well in the city's center. The perfume brought on forgetfulness and eventually amnesia. By the time the two young lovers met each other again, they had forgotten one another. Seeing something familiar in each other's face, they both smiled, and then passed each other by, each going on to a different destiny than either had planned.
There is a fleet legend that Commander Cain will return in a magical iridescent ship and lead the Colonials to Earth.
Apollo often refers to the Council fo Twelve as the Dozen Deadbeats. Interesting, since Adama is one of them.
Croft is from Scorpia.
Cassiopea is from Gemon. The peoples of other planets considered socialators to be just one step up from prostitutes. They did not comprehend the intricate ceremonial distinctions, the strong moral rules that upheld the socialator tribe (Unfortunately, there is no more detail given than that).
Cassiopea has broken up with Starbuck because of his wandering eyes. But now she is thinking of trying to get back with him.
Apollo actually comes on to Xiomara (Thurston strongly implies he wants to have sex with her), but she refuses when he can't bring himself to look at or touch her face.
Among the crew of Galactica, it is said that Commander Adama's voice could please a demon or agitate an angel, and he didn't have to change an iota of pitch, tone or emphasis to do either.
There is a ship's legend that says you should never bother to listen for Commander Adama's approach. If he doesn't want you to hear him, you'll never hear him even when you know he's coming. The crew likes to believe that Adama has supernatural powers.
It is strongly implied that Apollo and Xiomara have sex the night before they storm the command center.
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