Humanoid Cylon speculation: Difference between revisions

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

See also: Characters eliminated from suspicion

The Cylons' transformation into humanoid form introduces serious problems for the remnant of humanity known as the Fleet to identify Cylon operative from human.

This article details plausible speculation on central and supporting characters in Battlestar Galactica who, based on their behavior, motive, and background, could be a humanoid Cylon. As of the end of Season Three, eleven humanoid Cylons have been revealed to the audience, while the population of the Fleet knows only of the seven they encountered on New Caprica. One Cylon remains unaccounted for.

Needed Qualifiers for Speculation

Not one of the Significant Seven

The last Cylon cannot be one of the seven Cylons seen on New Caprica (AKA the Significant Seven). After seeing the Final Five, D'Anna Biers tells Brother Cavil that there are "five other Cylons" implying that she did not see any of the models she already knew.

Humanoid Cylons were never genuine humans

According to Ron D. Moore, the twelve humanoid models are based on human behavior and personality archetypes distilled into twelve varieties. Cylon agents are NOT copies or clones of any pre-existing humans, living or dead^[1].

Death

As only a humanoid Cylon can "return" from the dead, any human character that dies is instantly disqualified from suspicion. If the character returns in a manner other than being seen in a "flashback" scene or episode, then it is possible that the character is a Cylon. See the article "Characters eliminated from suspicion" for more information.

(Dis)loyalty

The four Cylons revealed in "Crossroads, Part II" all appear to be fervently against the Cylon consensus position. This may not change, even given their recent awareness of their identity. The method of their emergence as well as the lack of obvious hidden protocols imply that they are not just "deeper cover" agents. As a result, disloyalty to the Fleet and actions to sabotage the human effort should no longer be expected behavior patterns of the last Cylon.

Suspected Cylons

Characters with moderate probability of being a Cylon

Gaius Baltar

See also: Baltar as Cylon speculation

Chances of being a Cylon: Moderate

Many theories exist about whether Gaius Baltar is a Cylon, but it is clear that there is an extraordinary connection between Baltar and the Cylons.

For two years, Baltar had a relationship with a Number Six Cylon, who slips a back door into the CNP program, allowing the Cylons to destroy the Twelve Colonies virtually unchallenged. After the attack, Baltar starts to see visions of a Number Six, while she starts seeing visions of him (Miniseries, "Downloaded").

Later, Baltar learns from Caprica-Six that humanoid Cylons use a technique known as projection to experience their environment the way they wish. Baltar notices that his visions are remarkably similar to the Cylon projection technique, and suspects he may be a Cylon (Torn).

When Baltar and D'Anna Biers consult the Hybrid in their search for the Final Five, the Hybrids points out Baltar as "the Chosen One" to enter the Temple of Five and see the faces of the Final Five. However, since Baltar fails to use the temple's vision system in time, the significance of Baltar being "the Chosen One" remains unknown ("The Eye of Jupiter", "Rapture").

Under extreme psychological duress Baltar confesses to President Roslin and Admiral Adama that he is not a Cylon (Taking a Break From All Your Worries). The veracity of his confession is questionable, since the four Cylons revealed in "Crossroads, Part II" were unaware of the fact they were Cylons right up until the moment of their realization.

Kara "Starbuck" Thrace

Chances of being a Cylon: Moderate

The symbol in the Temple of Five (The Eye of Jupiter)

A strange connection between Thrace, the Cylons and the ancient Thirteenth Tribe may exist based on the Temple of Five. A significant similarity exists between a symbol painted by Thrace that is found in her apartment in "Valley of Darkness" and the symbol in the Temple of Five, found over a year later. When informed of the similarity between her painting and the temple symbol by Karl Agathon, Thrace mentions that the symbol was something that she has doodled since she was a child.

This connection, along with her visions of the Cylon Leoben and her return from an apparent death, increases the likelihood of Thrace being the final Cylon.

Though clearly meant as a joke, Katee Sackhoff claims in the Season Three gag reel ^[2] that Starbuck is a Cylon and that she dies. Given that her character is believed to be dead after "Maelstrom", and Sackhoff's name removed from the title credits for the remainder of the season, her earlier statements may be more valid than previously thought.

References

↑ In an October 24th, 2005 podcast interview Ron Moore stated, "The idea is not there was one like an original human model that they were copied from. The idea was that these were...these models of Cylon were developed out of their own study of us. The Cylons on some level looked at humanity and said, 'Well, you know what, there's really only twelve of you...and these are the twelve.' And then if you look at them, they kind of represent different archetypes of what humanity is."
↑ Battlestar Galactica: Season Three Gag Reel (backup available on Archive.org) . (Google Video)

[1] In an October 24th, 2005 podcast interview Ron Moore stated, "The idea is not there was one like an original human model that they were copied from. The idea was that these were...these models of Cylon were developed out of their own study of us. The Cylons on some level looked at humanity and said, 'Well, you know what, there's really only twelve of you...and these are the twelve.' And then if you look at them, they kind of represent different archetypes of what humanity is."

[2] Battlestar Galactica: Season Three Gag Reel (backup available on Archive.org) . (Google Video)

[1]

[2]

@@ Line 10: / Line 10: @@
 The [[Cylons (RDM)|Cylons']] transformation into [[Humanoid Cylon|humanoid form]] introduces serious problems for the remnant of humanity known as [[The Fleet (RDM)|the Fleet]] to identify Cylon operative from human.
-This article details [[Battlestar Wiki:Citation Jihad#Derived content|plausible speculation]] on central and supporting characters in ''[[Battlestar Galactica (RDM)|Battlestar Galactica]]'' who, based on their behavior, motive, and background, could be a Cylon agent. As of the [[Crossroads, Part II|end of Season Three]], [[Cylon Models#Known Models|eleven]] Humanoid Cylons have been revealed to the audience, while the population of the Fleet knows only of the seven they encountered on [[New Caprica]]. [[Final Five#Four Revealed|One]] Cylon remains unaccounted for.
+This article details [[Battlestar Wiki:Citation Jihad#Derived content|plausible speculation]] on central and supporting characters in ''[[Battlestar Galactica (RDM)|Battlestar Galactica]]'' who, based on their behavior, motive, and background, could be a humanoid Cylon. As of the [[Crossroads, Part II|end of Season Three]], [[Cylon Models#Known Models|eleven]] humanoid Cylons have been revealed to the audience, while the population of the Fleet knows only of the seven they encountered on [[New Caprica]]. [[Final Five#Four Revealed|One]] Cylon remains unaccounted for.
-==Needed Qualifiers for Speculation==
+== Needed Qualifiers for Speculation ==
-A number of qualifiers applied to consider a character as one of the 7 original [[Humanoid Cylon]]s.  However, these rules do not apply to members of the [[Final Five]] of which only one remains unidentified.
+=== Not one of the [[Significant Seven]] ===
+The last Cylon cannot be one of the seven Cylons seen on New Caprica (AKA the Significant Seven). After seeing the Final Five, [[D'Anna Biers]] tells [[Brother Cavil]] that there are "five ''other'' Cylons" implying that she did not see any of the models she already knew.
-* The character is not one of the identified seven models.   [[D'Anna Biers]] after seeing the Final Five, tells [[Brother Cavil]] that there are "five other Cylons" implying that she did not see any of the models she knew.
+=== Humanoid Cylons were never genuine humans ===
-==Humanoid Cylons were never genuine humans==
+According to [[Ron D. Moore]], the twelve humanoid models are based on human behavior and personality archetypes distilled into twelve varieties. '''Cylon agents are ''NOT'' copies or clones of any pre-existing humans, living or dead'''<ref>In an October 24th, 2005 [http://www.thefandom.com/Article50.phtml podcast interview] Ron Moore stated, "The idea is not there was one like an original human model that they were copied from. The idea was that these were...these models of Cylon were developed out of their own study of us. The Cylons on some level looked at humanity and said, 'Well, you know what, there's really only twelve of you...and these are the twelve.' And then if you look at them, they kind of represent different archetypes of what humanity is."</ref>.
-According to [[Ron D. Moore]], the twelve humanoid models are based on human behavior and personality archetypes distilled into twelve varieties. '''Cylon agents are NOT copies or clones of any pre-existing humans, living or dead'''<ref>In an October 24th, 2005 [http://www.thefandom.com/Article50.phtml podcast interview] Ron Moore stated, "The idea is not there was one like an original human model that they were copied from. The idea was that these were...these models of Cylon were developed out of their own study of us. The Cylons on some level looked at humanity and said, 'Well, you know what, there's really only twelve of you...and these are the twelve.' And then if you look at them, they kind of represent different archetypes of what humanity is."</ref>.
+=== Death ===
-==Death==
+As only a humanoid Cylon can "return" from the dead, any human character that dies is instantly disqualified from suspicion. If the character returns in a manner other than being seen in a "flashback" scene or episode, then it is possible that the character is a Cylon. See the article "[[Characters eliminated from suspicion]]" for more information.
-As only a humanoid Cylon can "return" from the dead, any human character that dies is instantly disqualified from suspicion. If the character returns in a manner other than being seen in a "flashback" scene or episode, then it is possible that the character is a Cylon. See the article "[[Characters eliminated from suspicion]]", for more information.
+=== (Dis)loyalty ===
-==Loyalty/Disloyalty==
+The four Cylons revealed in "[[Crossroads, Part II]]" all appear to be fervently against the Cylon consensus position. This may not change, even given their recent awareness of their identity. The method of their emergence as well as the lack of obvious hidden protocols imply that they are not just "deeper cover" agents. As a result, disloyalty to the Fleet and actions to sabotage the human effort should no longer be expected behavior patterns of the last Cylon.
-The next four all appear to be fervently against the Cylon consensus position, a position that may not change, even given their recent awareness of their identity.  The method of their emergence as well as the lack of obvious hidden protocols don't imply that they are simply "deeper cover" agents.  As a result, disloyalty to the Fleet and actions to sabotage the human effort should no longer be expected behavior patterns of the last Cylon.
+== Suspected Cylons ==
-==Suspected Cylons==
+=== Characters with moderate probability of being a Cylon ===
-===Moderate probability of being a Cylon===
+==== [[Gaius Baltar]] ====
-====Kara "Starbuck" Thrace====
-* Known family members: Yes ([[Socrata Thrace]])
-* '''Chances of being a Cylon:''' Moderate
-[[Kara Thrace|Starbuck]] was apparently disproved as being a Cylon: [[Simon]] wanted to use Starbuck's egg cells in Cylon/human hybrid experiments ([[The Farm]]). It would be illogical to take genetic material from another Cylon agent (unless Simon is [[Final five|unaware]] that Thrace is another Cylon agent).
-Thrace's association with [[Zak Adama]] occurred over two years prior to the Cylon attack ([[Miniseries]]). Helo notes that he and Thrace have known each other for a "long time" but the actual length of their friendship isn't defined ([[Scattered]]).
-[[Image:Valley of Darkness-Starbuck Helo.jpg|right|thumb|Thrace's painting ([[Valley of Darkness]])]]
-[[Image:S3-eyeofjupiter.jpg|left|thumb|The symbol in the Temple of Five ([[The Eye of Jupiter]])]]
-A strange connection between Thrace, the Cylons, or the ancient Thirteenth Tribe may exist based on the [[Temple of Five]]. A significant similarity exists between a symbol painted by Thrace that's found in her apartment in "[[Valley of Darkness]]" and the symbol in the Temple of Five, found over a year later.  When informed of the similarity between her painting and the temple symbol by Helo, Thrace mentions that the symbol was something that she has drawn since childhood almost subconsciously some times.
-The events of the second half of season 3, particularly rumors of Thrace's demise or destiny in the episode "[[Maelstrom]]", and the revelation of her drawing the Eye of Jupiter mandala subconsciously return this character's suspicion from "none" to "moderate." Supporting this tenuous level of suspicion is the fact that the [[Final five|five missing Cylons]] are not known to the seven revealed agents, leaving characters with strong levels of direct Cylon interaction (Thrace and Gaius Baltar, particularly) with strange associations that cannot be fully defined, particularly her interactions with the [[Leoben Conoy]] model and his prophetic indications of Thrace's destiny ([[Flesh and Bone]]).
-Though clearly meant as a joke, [[Katee Sackhoff]] claims in the Season Three gag reel <ref>{{cite_web|url=http://video.google.ca/videoplay?docid=-6307683077762423268&q|title=Battlestar Galactica: Season Three Gag Reel|date=|accessdate=|last=|first=|format=Google Video|language=English}}</ref> that Starbuck is a Cylon and that she dies. Given that her character is believed to be dead after "[[Maelstrom]]" <ref>{{cite_web|url=http://www.gateworld.net/galactica/news/2007/01/major_cast_member_to_depart.shtml|title=GateWorld - Battlestar Galatica News: Major cast member to depart|date=|accessdate=|last=|first=|format=|language=English}}</ref>, and Sackhoff's name removed from the title credits for the remainder of the season, her earlier statements may be a more valid claim than previously thought.
-Before her apparent death in [[Maelstrom]], she had a hallucination or vision of a being that looks like Leoben Conoy but suggests that he isn't, along with a number of other visions, including one of a raider.  During this time, we are also introduced to her mother, Socrata Thrace, but it is unknown whether Kara was born to the elder Thrace or adopted.
-Kara Thrace appeared in a Viper in [[Crossroads, Part II]], raising the question of how (or if) she survived the events in [[Maelstrom]].
-<div style="clear: both;"></div>
-====Gaius Baltar====
 {{seealso|Baltar as Cylon speculation}}
-* '''Chances of being a Cylon:''' Moderate
-[[Gaius Baltar]]'s odds of being a Cylon are not good, but not impossible either. The miniseries establishes him as a prominent public figure for years. Cylons talking amongst themselves in "[[Downloaded]]" continually referred to Baltar as a human. In "[[Torn]]" [[Caprica-Six]] mentions that she was (and possibly still is) considering to have a child with Baltar, which would appear impossible if he was a Cylon. However, when learning of the Cylon's "[[projection]]" abilities in "[[Torn]]" and how they may be related to his vision of Number Six, Baltar himself begins to question whether or not he is a Cylon.
+'''Chances of being a Cylon:''' Moderate
-Recent information from cast members that portray Cylons confirmed a season 3 storyline that indicates that the revealed agents do not know the identity of the five remaining Cylon agents. This storyline is introduced in the episode, "[[Torn]]."
+Many theories exist about whether Gaius Baltar is a Cylon, but it is clear that there is an extraordinary connection between Baltar and the Cylons.
-Under extreme psychological duress Baltar confesses to President Roslin and Admiral Adama that he is '''not''' a Cylon, however the veracity of his confession is questionable ([[Taking a Break From All Your Worries]]).
+For two years, Baltar had a relationship with a [[Caprica-Six|Number Six Cylon]], who slips a back door into the [[CNP]] program, allowing the Cylons to destroy the [[Twelve Colonies (RDM)|Twelve Colonies]] virtually unchallenged. After the [[Fall of the Colonies|attack]], Baltar starts to see [[Virtual Six|visions]] of a Number Six, while she starts seeing [[Virtual Baltar|visions]] of him ([[Miniseries]], "[[Downloaded]]").
-====Anastasia "Dee" Dualla====
+Later, Baltar learns from Caprica-Six that humanoid Cylons use a technique known as [[projection]] to experience their environment the way they wish. Baltar notices that his visions are remarkably similar to the Cylon projection technique, and suspects he may be a Cylon ([[Torn]]).
-* Known family members: No<ref>While Dualla has mentioned her father in the episode, "[[Final Cut]]," he has not been seen on-screen. The [[Battlestar Wiki:Separate continuity|separate continuity]] character of [[Darrin Dualla]] is not canonical with this qualification.</ref>
-* '''Chances of being a Cylon:'''  Moderate
-[[Anastasia Dualla|Dualla]] seems to have a fairly well developed backstory regarding her past; she is a Sagittaron ([[Bastille Day]]), her father disapproved of her joining the military ([[Final Cut]]), but upon closer inspection none of this can be confirmed by a third party:  the only source of information about Dualla's past in the series has been Dualla herself.  Dualla's position in charge of ''Galactica's'' communications puts her in an ideal position for subversion.  In "[[Valley of Darkness]]", Dualla is found in the enlisted head, having suffered a blow to the head from Cylon Centurions that passed through, the only survivor in the compartment. Cylon agents have often demonstrated the ability to physically damage themselves for a cause, including self-destruction<ref>There are numerous instances in the series, including [[Sharon Agathon|Caprica-Valerii's]] attack from a copy of Number Six to give plausibilty for [[Helo]], and a suicide-bombing by a [[Number Five]].</ref>. Dualla could have feigned injury to avoid suspicion. Dualla's relationships with members of both government and military command ([[Billy Keikeya]] and [[Lee Adama]]) increase her involvement with secrets in the Fleet.  Dualla's contraction of Mellorak infection in "[[The Woman King]]" would seem to decrease the possibility of her being a Cylon, as the hybrid Hera's blood seemed to have disease (cancer) resistance.  However, Hera has herself been sick before and during the episode, and Cylons are also subject to infectious diseases ([[Torn]]).
+When Baltar and [[D'Anna Biers]] consult the [[Hybrid]] in their search for the Final Five, the Hybrids points out Baltar as "the Chosen One" to enter the Temple of Five and see the faces of the Final Five. However, since Baltar fails to use the temple's vision system in time, the significance of Baltar being "the Chosen One" remains unknown ("[[The Eye of Jupiter]]", "[[Rapture]]").
-====Felix Gaeta====
+Under extreme psychological duress Baltar confesses to [[Laura Roslin|President Roslin]] and [[William Adama|Admiral Adama]] that he is not a Cylon ([[Taking a Break From All Your Worries]]). The veracity of his confession is questionable, since the four Cylons revealed in "Crossroads, Part II" were unaware of the fact they were Cylons right up until the moment of their realization.
-* '''Chances of being a Cylon:'''  Moderate
-As tactical officer, [[Felix Gaeta]], being technically minded, is initially fond of [[Gaius Baltar|Dr. Baltar's work]]. He admitted to ignoring the [[Cylon transponder|Cylon device]] found below the [[DRADIS]] console in the [[Miniseries]], believing it to be part of the new [[Galactica Museum|museum]]. Gaeta neglects an update to [[emergency jump coordinates]] to the Fleet ([[Scattered]]), and proposes creating a [[Computers|computer]] network to fix the matter, leaving the ship vulnerable (and compromised twice).
+==== [[Kara Thrace|Kara "Starbuck" Thrace]] ====
+'''Chances of being a Cylon:''' Moderate
-Gaeta's recent behavioral changes from the stress of working at evading the Cylons shows by "[[Final Cut]]" as Gaeta is shown in his interview drunk, smoking, and wearing a new tattoo. By the following episode, "[[Flight of the Phoenix]]", Gaeta angrily snaps at Colonel Tigh for giving a difficult order, causing surprise throughout [[CIC]] as Gaeta is normally a calm, reserved officer even under the worst of conditions. Contrast this behavior with "Boomer" Valerii, who still appeared quite alert after 5 continuous days of combat status. Note the following dialogue from the first regular series episode, "[[33]]":
+[[Image:Valley of Darkness-Starbuck Helo.jpg|right|thumb|Thrace's painting ([[Valley of Darkness]])]]
+[[Image:S3-eyeofjupiter.jpg|left|thumb|The symbol in the Temple of Five ([[The Eye of Jupiter]])]]
+A strange [[The Destiny|connection]] between Thrace, the Cylons and the ancient [[Thirteenth Tribe (RDM)|Thirteenth Tribe]] may exist based on the [[Temple of Five]]. A significant similarity exists between a symbol painted by Thrace that is found in her apartment in "[[Valley of Darkness]]" and the symbol in the Temple of Five, found over a year later. When informed of the similarity between her painting and the temple symbol by [[Karl Agathon]], Thrace mentions that the symbol was something that she has doodled since she was a child.
-::'''[[Lee Adama|Apollo]]''': Hey, how about you, Boomer? [[Cottle|Doc]] tells me you're holding up better than anybody in the squadron.
+This connection, along with her [[Virtual Leoben|visions]] of the Cylon [[Leoben]] and her [[Crossroads, Part II|return]] from an [[Maelstrom|apparent death]], increases the likelihood of Thrace being the final Cylon.
-::'''Boomer''': I'm tired, like everybody else.
-::'''Apollo''': You never seem it.
-::'''[[Kara Thrace|Starbuck]]''': 'Cause she's a Cylon.
-::'''Boomer''': You're just gonna make me come over there and kick your ass, aren't you?
-While even Cylon agents develop severe behavioral and physiological issues after extended work and abuse ([[Number Six#Gina|Pegasus]]), Cylon agents appear to be more resilient than humans, which may limit the likelihood of Gaeta's possible Cylon connection. On the other hand, if he were a Cylon, Gaeta's human personality may have finally been overtaxed by that time, suggesting that an actual human might have snapped earlier in their exodus in contrast.
+Though clearly meant as a joke, [[Katee Sackhoff]] claims in the Season Three gag reel <ref>{{cite_web|url=http://video.google.ca/videoplay?docid=-6307683077762423268&q|title=Battlestar Galactica: Season Three Gag Reel|date=|accessdate=|last=|first=|format=Google Video|language=English}}</ref> that Starbuck is a Cylon and that she dies. Given that her character is believed to be dead after "[[Maelstrom]]", and Sackhoff's name removed from the title credits for the remainder of the season, her earlier statements may be more valid than previously thought.
-Boomer, however, was unaware of her Cylon nature and thus would not have hidden her enhanced physique.  An aware infiltrator would presumably feign more ordinary levels of endurance.
+<div style="clear: both;"></div>
-The seven known Humanoid Cylons appear to have integrated human agents into the Colonies no earlier than 2 years before the events of the Miniseries.   No information is available on dates of infiltration by the [[Final Five]], whose activities are unknown to the seven. Gaeta has served with Commander Adama for three years ([[Miniseries]]). Over a year later, Saul Tigh confirms that he has worked with Gaeta for 4 years ([[Collaborators]]).
-Gaeta chose to stay with Baltar's puppet administrator on New Caprica to feed inside information to the resistance, which Galen Tyrol confirms ("[[Occupation]]", "[[Precipice]]", "[[Collaborators]]"). Since humanoid Cylons are not clones of actual humans, the likelihood of Gaeta as a Cylon agent would depend on the start of [[Final Five]]'s infiltration into Colonial society.
-====Diana Seelix====
-* '''Chances of being a Cylon:''' Moderate
-[[Diana Seelix]]'s odds of being a Cylon were, in retrospect, always somewhat moderate. The only circumstantial disqualifier would be that there were probably many opportunities for her to aid the Cylon cause that she didn't take, particularly when she fought in the resistance under [[Galen Tyrol]]. However, the fact that she took up arms is interesting considering that she stated on [[Kobol (RDM)|Kobol]] that she hadn't used a gun "since basic" ([[Fragged]]). Finally, in "[[A Day in the Life]]", Seelix was in a position where she conceivably could have caused the inner airlock doors to close with Galen and [[Cally Tyrol]] inside. Cinematically, extra attention was given to her relatively indecipherable operation of the controls in the airlocks's observation room.
-===Low probability of being a Cylon===
-====Romo Lampkin====
-* '''Chances of being a Cylon:'''  Low
-Defense attorney [[Romo Lampkin]] claims to have been a student of [[Joseph Adama]]'s, but this claim cannot be independently verified. His desire to be the attorney for [[Gaius Baltar]] is unexplained.
-==References==
+== References ==
 <div style="font-size:85%"><references/></div>