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Daniel Novacek: Difference between revisions

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Lieutenant '''Daniel "Bulldog" Novacek''' is a pilot who served under then-Commander [[William Adama]] aboard the [[Valkyrie type battlestar|battlestar]] ''[[Valkyrie]]'', approximately {{BCH|6}}<ref group="footnotes" name="hero_timeline_continuity">While dialogue from "[[Hero]]" places these events at 1 BCH, this contradicts previously established dates about the time Adama and others served on ''Galactica''. See [[Hero#Analysis]] for a detailed explanation why ''Battlestar Wiki'' chooses to treat this as a continuity error.</ref>. Novacek had family on [[Scorpia]], including his mother who had recently moved to [[Aerilon]] to a retirement community.<ref group="production" name="eick_hero_script_family_background">{{cite script|writer=David Eick|title=Hero|series=Battlestar Galactica|season_number=3|episode_number=7|production_code=307-03007|script_date=October 25, 2006|version=Full Collated|page=PDF page 24, script page 19}}</ref>  
Lieutenant '''Daniel "Bulldog" Novacek''' is a pilot who served under then-Commander [[William Adama]] aboard the [[Valkyrie type battlestar|battlestar]] ''[[Valkyrie]]'', approximately {{BCH|6}}<ref group="footnotes" name="hero_timeline_continuity">While dialogue from "Hero" places these events at 1 BCH, this contradicts previously established dates about the time Adama and others served on ''Galactica''. See [[Hero#Analysis]] for a detailed explanation why ''Battlestar Wiki'' chooses to treat this as a continuity error.</ref>. Novacek had family on [[Scorpia]], including his mother who had recently moved to [[Aerilon]] to a retirement community.<ref group="production" name="eick_hero_script_family_background">{{cite script|writer=David Eick|title=Hero|series=Battlestar Galactica|season_number=3|episode_number=7|production_code=307-03007|script_date=October 25, 2006|version=Full Collated|page=PDF page 24, script page 19}}</ref>  


Novacek was part of a covert mission from the admiralty of the [[Colonial Fleet (TRS)|Colonial Fleet]] as the sole pilot of a special fighter known as a [[Stealthstar]]. The mission was to fly over the [[Armistice Line]] for reconnaissance of [[Cylons (RDM)|Cylon]] activity.
Novacek was part of a covert mission from the admiralty of the [[Colonial Fleet (TRS)|Colonial Fleet]] as the sole pilot of a special fighter known as a [[Stealthstar]]. The mission was to fly over the [[Armistice Line]] for reconnaissance of [[Cylons (RDM)|Cylon]] activity.
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=== Production History ===
=== Production History ===


[[David Eick]]'s Video Blog entitled "Introducing Bulldog"<ref group="external" name="eick_bulldog_blog">{{cite_web|url=http://www.scifi.com/battlestar/video/index.php?cat=videoBlog&vid=34824|title=Introducing Bulldog|date=2006-10-11|publisher=Sci Fi Channel|archive=Y}}</ref> revealed that after agreeing to the role, Carl Lumbly stated that he wanted to keep his dreadlocks, much to the bemusement of director [[Michael Rymer]].
[[David Eick]]'s video blog "Introducing Bulldog"<ref group="external" name="eick_bulldog_video_blog">{{cite_web|url=http://www.scifi.com/battlestar/video/index.php?cat=videoBlog&vid=34824|title=Introducing Bulldog|date=2006-10-11|publisher=Sci Fi Channel|archive=Y}}</ref> revealed that after agreeing to the role, [[Carl Lumbly]] stated that he wanted to keep his dreadlocks, much to the bemusement of director [[Michael Rymer]].


In early drafts Novacek's first name was Seamus<ref group="commentary" name="moore_hero_podcast_seamus">{{cite rdm podcast|episode=Hero|act=3|id=seamus|timestamp=00:32:06|totalrunning=00:47:05}}</ref> and then Eugene.<ref group="production" name="companion_season3_page58">{{cite companion|season=3|page=58}}</ref> When Cottle checks if Novacek is a Cylon, the computer screen shows Novacek's first name to be Eugene, an on-screen remnant of the prior name before its change to Daniel.
In early drafts Novacek's first name was Seamus<ref group="commentary" name="moore_hero_podcast_seamus_name">{{cite rdm podcast|episode=Hero|act=3|id=seamus|timestamp=00:32:06|totalrunning=00:47:05}}</ref> and then Eugene.<ref group="production" name="companion_season3_novacek_names">{{cite companion|season=3|page=58}}</ref> When [[Cottle]] checks if Novacek is a Cylon, the computer screen shows Novacek's first name to be Eugene, an on-screen remnant of the prior name before its change to Daniel.


[[Michael Rymer]] considered [[Dennis Haysbert]] for the role of Novacek.<ref group="production" name="companion_season3_page58" />
[[Michael Rymer]] considered [[Dennis Haysbert]] for the role of Novacek.<ref group="production" name="companion_season3_novacek_names" />


=== From Script to Screen ===
=== From Script to Screen ===
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[[File:TRS - Hero - Eugene Novacek.jpg|thumb|A remnant for the Novacek's earlier first name before its change to Daniel by production {{TRS|Hero}}]]
[[File:TRS - Hero - Eugene Novacek.jpg|thumb|A remnant for the Novacek's earlier first name before its change to Daniel by production {{TRS|Hero}}]]


The "Hero" script dated 25 October 2006 contains significantly more detailed backstory and context than appears in the final aired episode. Several key differences include:
Comparing the "Hero" script to the final aired episode reveals several significant differences:


* Extensive detail about [[Admiral Corman]]'s briefing and the mission's stated objective "to ascertain the likelihood of a Cylon strike."<ref group="production" name="eick_hero_script_mission_briefing">{{cite script|writer=David Eick|title=Hero|series=Battlestar Galactica|season_number=3|episode_number=7|production_code=307-03007|script_date=October 25, 2006|version=Full Collated|page=PDF page 14, script page 8}}</ref> The aired version focuses more on the immediate action rather than the political motivations behind the reconnaissance mission.
* An extensive scene between Admiral [[Peter Corman]] and Adama establishing the mission's political context and reconnaissance objectives appears in the screenplay<ref group="production" name="eick_hero_script_corman_briefing_scene">{{cite script|writer=David Eick|title=Hero|series=Battlestar Galactica|season_number=3|episode_number=7|production_code=307-03007|script_date=October 25, 2006|version=Full Collated|page=PDF page 14, script page 8}}</ref> but was omitted from the aired episode, which conveys the mission background through dialogue and flashbacks instead.
* Graphic descriptions of Novacek's imprisonment, including detailed accounts of the [[Aaron Doral|Doral]] deception where Novacek was befriended by a Cylon posing as a fellow prisoner for over a year, then forced to choose between killing his "friend" or facing execution.<ref group="production" name="eick_hero_script_psychological_warfare">{{cite script|writer=David Eick|title=Hero|series=Battlestar Galactica|season_number=3|episode_number=7|production_code=307-03007|script_date=October 25, 2006|version=Full Collated|page=PDF page 17, script page 11-12}}</ref> These sequences were likely shortened in the final cut for pacing and broadcast standards.
 
* The script provides more extensive dialogue during Tigh's confrontation with Novacek, including detailed explanations of how Novacek's actions served Cylon strategic objectives.<ref group="production" name="eick_hero_script_tigh_confrontation">{{cite script|writer=David Eick|title=Hero|series=Battlestar Galactica|season_number=3|episode_number=7|production_code=307-03007|script_date=October 25, 2006|version=Full Collated|page=PDF page 50, script page 42}}</ref>
* Detailed descriptions of Novacek's imprisonment, including extended sequences about the [[Aaron Doral|Doral]] deception and psychological manipulation tactics, are present in the written version<ref group="production" name="eick_hero_script_doral_psychological_games">{{cite script|writer=David Eick|title=Hero|series=Battlestar Galactica|season_number=3|episode_number=7|production_code=307-03007|script_date=October 25, 2006|version=Full Collated|page=PDF page 17, script page 11-12}}</ref> but significantly condensed in the aired version, likely for pacing and broadcast standards.
 
* The screenplay consistently uses "Daniel" for Novacek's first name throughout, indicating the name change from earlier drafts (Seamus, then Eugene) had been finalized by the October 2006 version, despite the on-screen computer display error showing "Eugene" in the final episode.
 
* More extensive dialogue during Tigh's confrontation with Novacek, including detailed explanations of Cylon manipulation tactics, appears in the written version<ref group="production" name="eick_hero_script_tigh_extended_dialogue">{{cite script|writer=David Eick|title=Hero|series=Battlestar Galactica|season_number=3|episode_number=7|production_code=307-03007|script_date=October 25, 2006|version=Full Collated|page=PDF page 50, script page 42}}</ref> while the aired episode streamlines this confrontation while maintaining the core dramatic beats.


== References ==
== References ==

Revision as of 04:11, 13 September 2025

 Daniel Novacek
Daniel Novacek
[show/hide spoilers]
Spoilers hidden in infobox by default only.

Name

{{{name}}}
Age
Colony
Birth place {{{birthplace}}}
Birth Name Daniel Novacek
Birth Date {{{birthdate}}}
Callsign Bulldog
Nickname Dan, Danny
Introduced Hero
Last Known Appearance [[{{{lastseen}}}]]
Death {{{death}}}
Parents {{{parents}}}
Siblings {{{siblings}}}
Children {{{children}}}
Marital Status {{{marital status}}}
Family Tree View
Role {{{role}}}
Rank Senior Lieutenant
Serial Number {{{serial}}}
Portrayed by Carl Lumbly
Daniel Novacek is a Cylon
Daniel Novacek is a Final Five Cylon
Daniel Novacek is a Human/Cylon Hybrid
Daniel Novacek is an Original Series Cylon
Related Media
Additional Information
Daniel Novacek in the separate continuity
[[File:|300px|Daniel Novacek]]


Lieutenant Daniel "Bulldog" Novacek is a pilot who served under then-Commander William Adama aboard the battlestar Valkyrie, approximately 6 BCH (94YR)[footnotes 1]. Novacek had family on Scorpia, including his mother who had recently moved to Aerilon to a retirement community.[production 1]

Novacek was part of a covert mission from the admiralty of the Colonial Fleet as the sole pilot of a special fighter known as a Stealthstar. The mission was to fly over the Armistice Line for reconnaissance of Cylon activity.

Upon crossing the Line, Novacek was quickly interdicted by an unknown contact. Under fire, his fighter is severely damaged and was spinning out of control.

With two more unknown craft bearing down on him, Commander Adama ordered Novacek's fighter destroyed so as to eliminate any evidence of their incursion into Cylon space. Novacek ejected a split second before the incoming missile struck, and is subsequently captured and imprisoned by the Cylons (TRS: "Hero").

The Escape

Novacek as a prisoner of war.

Around 3 ACH (2002BYR), Novacek is permitted to escape his imprisonment as part of an elaborate ruse by the Cylons. Two Raiders in pursuit of Novacek's escape Raider were apparently unable to shoot Novacek down. As Kara "Starbuck" Thrace later discovered, the Cylons deliberately missed an obvious kill shot, allowing him to escape and bring a measure of terror to the admiral.

Shortly after telling Novacek of Adama's actions, Saul Tigh finds Novacek in the process of killing Adama. After stopping him, Tigh berates Novacek for almost giving the Cylons the assassination they wanted.

Later, Novacek boards a Raptor to start a new life on a civilian ship. Admiral Adama presents Novacek with a Colonial uniform and assures him he will always have a place as an officer on Galactica (TRS: "Hero").

His fate thereafter remains unclear.

Notes

Production History

David Eick's video blog "Introducing Bulldog"[external 1] revealed that after agreeing to the role, Carl Lumbly stated that he wanted to keep his dreadlocks, much to the bemusement of director Michael Rymer.

In early drafts Novacek's first name was Seamus[commentary 1] and then Eugene.[production 2] When Cottle checks if Novacek is a Cylon, the computer screen shows Novacek's first name to be Eugene, an on-screen remnant of the prior name before its change to Daniel.

Michael Rymer considered Dennis Haysbert for the role of Novacek.[production 2]

From Script to Screen

A remnant for the Novacek's earlier first name before its change to Daniel by production (TRS: "Hero")

Comparing the "Hero" script to the final aired episode reveals several significant differences:

  • An extensive scene between Admiral Peter Corman and Adama establishing the mission's political context and reconnaissance objectives appears in the screenplay[production 3] but was omitted from the aired episode, which conveys the mission background through dialogue and flashbacks instead.
  • Detailed descriptions of Novacek's imprisonment, including extended sequences about the Doral deception and psychological manipulation tactics, are present in the written version[production 4] but significantly condensed in the aired version, likely for pacing and broadcast standards.
  • The screenplay consistently uses "Daniel" for Novacek's first name throughout, indicating the name change from earlier drafts (Seamus, then Eugene) had been finalized by the October 2006 version, despite the on-screen computer display error showing "Eugene" in the final episode.
  • More extensive dialogue during Tigh's confrontation with Novacek, including detailed explanations of Cylon manipulation tactics, appears in the written version[production 5] while the aired episode streamlines this confrontation while maintaining the core dramatic beats.

References

Footnotes

  1. ↑ While dialogue from "Hero" places these events at 1 BCH, this contradicts previously established dates about the time Adama and others served on Galactica. See Hero#Analysis for a detailed explanation why Battlestar Wiki chooses to treat this as a continuity error.

Production History

  1. ↑ David Eick."Hero".Battlestar Galactica.Season 3, episode 7.(Production code 307-03007).Full Collated.Script dated October 25, 2006.p. PDF page 24, script page 19.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Bassom, David (2007). Cath Trechman Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion Season Three. Titan Books. ISBN 1-84576-478-1, p. 58.
  3. ↑ David Eick."Hero".Battlestar Galactica.Season 3, episode 7.(Production code 307-03007).Full Collated.Script dated October 25, 2006.p. PDF page 14, script page 8.
  4. ↑ David Eick."Hero".Battlestar Galactica.Season 3, episode 7.(Production code 307-03007).Full Collated.Script dated October 25, 2006.p. PDF page 17, script page 11-12.
  5. ↑ David Eick."Hero".Battlestar Galactica.Season 3, episode 7.(Production code 307-03007).Full Collated.Script dated October 25, 2006.p. PDF page 50, script page 42.

Commentary and Interviews

  1. ↑ Podcast: Hero , Act 3. Seek to: 00:32:06. Total running time: 00:47:05.

External Sources and Reviews

  1. ↑ Introducing Bulldog (content archived on Archive.org) (in English). Sci Fi Channel (2006-10-11).


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