Humanoid Cylon speculation

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.

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

Thrace's painting (Valley of Darkness)

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 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.