Cylon Centurion

For Centurions from the original series, refer to: Cylon Centurion Model 0005.

The basic unit of Cylon ground forces, the Cylon Centurion appears to be an upgrade to the Cylon Centurion Model 0005. They have long, needlelike fingers with multiple joints, and have a double barreled automatic projectile weapon mounted on the end of each arm. These newer, fiercer Centurions are capable of moving extremely fast via bipedal locomotion. The projectile guns built into each arm are so powerful that they make counterattacks very difficult by Colonials since the barrage is, in effect, much like a Gatling gun. Unlike the Model 0005, a single Centurion of the reimagined series is more than enough to terrorize a squad of Colonial fighters.

The Cylon Centurions may also have different armors. For instance, a small number of them wreaked havoc when boarding Caprica, and could only be destroyed using explosive rounds. (Valley of Darkness)

Centurions encountered on Caprica reacted far more slowly, acted less intelligently, and were more easily destroyed by small arms fire. This may be likely due to the Cylons' plans for Helo or the copy of Sharon Valerii with him; killing them would render their experiments worthless. A similiar group of Centurions found on Kobol during the episode Fragged were equally less individually intelligent. It may be that these Centurions are very simple soldiers that, despite their menacing statistics, are limited in their evolution and programming. However, whether these devices are truly sentient or not has not been revealed.

It seems that the Cylon collective prefers not to use these Centurions in large-scale encounters, despite their obvious effectiveness. This may be because the Humano-Cylon models are more manipulative by way of psychology and terrorism and, frankly, prefer to play with their prey before striking it down by whatever means they have at their disposal.

Cinematic Notes

The creators of the reimagined series decided that using actors in an elaborate Cylon robot outfit (as was done in the Original Series) would detract from the realism of the series. They decided to make fully computer-generated Cylon Centurion for the new series.

Inaugural director Michael Rymer wanted the new Cylon warrior to blend in and avoid detracting from the live actor's performances. However, the new designs were eye-catching, and the new robot became a popular addition to many scenes. The virtual Cylons are designed with full articulation in the hands and joints that gives a realistic appearance to the viewer. Initially the new warrior was built with more human movement, such as swaggering. However, the movements did not fit the robotic attitude that the writers wanted to convey and were later discarded.

Actors interact with a life-size cardboard stand-in when filming a scene that will later have virtual Cylon warriors inserted.