Humanoid Cylon speculation/ColdBoot: Difference between revisions

From Battlestar Wiki, the free, open content Battlestar Galactica encyclopedia and episode guide
(Undo revision 165951 by Serenity (Talk) See talk page)
m (Text replacement - "(Revelations)" to "{{TRS|Revelations}}")
(45 intermediate revisions by 6 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{plausible speculation}}
{{plausible speculation}}


A central mystery of the fourth season, according to the opening titles, concerns who the last member of the Cylon [[Final Five]] is.   What follows is a compilation of significant clues suggesting or refuting that a character is the final Cylon.
:''Note: This article is protected from edits and kept around as an archive of the speculation that took place before the reveal of the final Cylon. See also [[Humanoid Cylon Speculation]] for another such page.''
 
A central mystery of the fourth season concerns who the last member of the Cylon [[Final Five]] is. What follows is a compilation of significant clues suggesting or refuting that a character is the final Cylon.


==Notes on Clues==
==Notes on Clues==
Clues as to the identity of hidden Cylons have been historically rare in the series. These are the clues which have actually pointed to a real Cylon:
Clues as to the identity of hidden Cylons have been historically rare in the series. These are the clues which have actually pointed to a real Cylon:
* [[Galen Tyrol]]'s compulsion to find [[Temple of Five]] ([[The Eye of Jupiter]]).
* [[Galen Tyrol]]'s compulsion to find [[Temple of Five]] {{TRS|The Eye of Jupiter}}.
* Tyrol suspects he is a Cylon. In a conversation with Brother [[Cavil]], the priest tells him "I'm [a Cylon] and I haven't seen you at the meetings", foreshadowing that both characters are Cylons ([[Lay Down Your Burdens, Part I]]).
* Tyrol suspects he is a Cylon. In a conversation with Brother [[Cavil]], the priest tells him "I'm [a Cylon] and I haven't seen you at the meetings", foreshadowing that both characters are Cylons {{TRS|Lay Down Your Burdens, Part I}}.
* Tyrol suffers significantly fewer injuries than his wife when exposed to the vacuum of space ([[A Day in the Life]]).
* Tyrol suffers significantly fewer injuries than his wife when exposed to the vacuum of space {{TRS|A Day in the Life}}.
* [[The Music]] heard by the four revealed final Cylons ([[Crossroads, Part II]]).
* Number Three recognizes and apologizes to one of the Final Five. At this point in the story, the only non-disqualified characters she had both interacted extensively with and caused harm to were [[Gaius Baltar]] and [[Samuel Anders]].
* [[The Music]] heard by the four revealed final Cylons {{TRS|Crossroads, Part II}}.


Clues entered here must be concrete, from canon or official sources. They should be either:
Clues entered here must be concrete, from canon or official sources. They should be either:
Line 19: Line 22:
===General Constraints===
===General Constraints===
Any character, with the likely exceptions of [[Karl Agathon]] and [[Cally Tyrol]], who have fathered half-Cylon children with Cylons<ref>{{cite_rdm_podcast|episode=Frak Party Q and A|act=|id=hybridnick|timestamp=22:41|totalrunning=78:27}}</ref>, could be the final Cylon. The [[Final Five]] are a "fundamentally different"
Any character, with the likely exceptions of [[Karl Agathon]] and [[Cally Tyrol]], who have fathered half-Cylon children with Cylons<ref>{{cite_rdm_podcast|episode=Frak Party Q and A|act=|id=hybridnick|timestamp=22:41|totalrunning=78:27}}</ref>, could be the final Cylon. The [[Final Five]] are a "fundamentally different"
kind of Cylon <ref>{{cite_rdm_podcast|episode=Frak Party Q and A|act=|id=ffdifferent|timestamp=19:05|totalrunning=78:27}}</ref> and having children, parents, an established past, injuries and a green light from the Cylon detector do not disqualify a character. Dead characters are not excluded. The final Cylon may or may not be aware of his or her nature.  It is expected that the unmasking of the final Cylon will be a highly dramatic event, similar in grandeur to the revelation of the other four members of the Final Five.
kind of Cylon <ref>{{cite_rdm_podcast|episode=Frak Party Q and A|act=|id=ffdifferent|timestamp=19:05|totalrunning=78:27}}</ref> and having children, apparent parents, a deep history including experience in the first Cylon war, injuries and a green light from the Cylon detector do not disqualify a character. Connection with the [[Temple of Five]] and Earth suggests the final Cylon is, in some sense, older than the colonies. Dead characters are not excluded. The final Cylon may or may not be aware of his or her nature.  It is expected that the unmasking of the final Cylon will be a highly dramatic event, similar in grandeur to the revelation of the other four members of the Final Five.
 
The agenda of the Final Cylon and Final Five is unknown, but appears to not be directly aligned with that of the Significant Seven. The Final Five, or somebody acting for them, acted in the early programming of the Significant Seven to install a compulsion not to think of the Final Five. D'Anna Biers's vision of the Final Five led her to speak of "the one who programmed us." {{TRS|Rapture}}
 
The 11 revealed Cylons are 7 males and 4 females. A female final Cylon would lessen, but not fully correct that imbalance.


===Multi-character clues===
===Multi-character clues===
====Statement by the First Hybrid====
====Statement by the First Hybrid====
The [[First Hybrid]] says this about the final Cylon:
The [[First Hybrid]] says this about the final Cylon:
:"The fifth is still is in shadow, drawn toward the light, hungering for redemption, that will only come in the howl of terrible suffering." ([[Razor]])
:"The fifth is still is in shadow, drawn toward the light, hungering for redemption, that will only come in the howl of terrible suffering." {{TRS|Razor}}
 
====Last Supper Photo====
A promotional photo, entitled the "[[Last Supper]]" features an empty goblet which is suggested to belong to the final Cylon. In somewhat equivocal statements, when an interviewer wonders if the final Cylon is not in the photo (which contains all major characters). Moore replies "you feretted that out pretty slyly. I didn't really want to give that away." Moore later confirmed he was not equivocating, and really did reveal that the Cylon is not in  the photo.
 
Significant minor characters from Season 1 without specific clues listed below include [[Tom Zarek]], Doctor [[Cottle]] and dead character [[Billy Keikeya]]. (Admiral [[Helena Cain|Cain]] did not appear in Season One, but the writers already considered a story inspired by her [[Cain (TOS)|Original Series counterpart]].)
 
Other clues are related in the commentary surrounding this photo.


====Four with the Fleet====
====Four with the Fleet====
[[D'Anna Biers]] states that "Four [of the Final Five] are in your fleet." ([[Revelations]]) At the time, [[Gaius Baltar]], [[Laura Roslin]], [[William Adama]] and [[Karl Agathon]] are not with the Fleet. Furthermore, [[Diana Seelix]] and [[Brendan Constanza]], as well as as several minor characters, are away from the Fleet as well.
[[D'Anna Biers]] states that "Four [of the Final Five] are in your fleet." {{TRS|Revelations}} At the time, [[Gaius Baltar]], [[Laura Roslin]], [[William Adama]] and [[Karl Agathon]] are not with the Fleet. Furthermore, [[Diana Seelix]] and [[Brendan Constanza]], as well as several minor characters are away from the Fleet too. However, it is uncertain if she intends the statement to be so accurate as to exclude everyone who is not literally with the Fleet at that time, although she only demands four be delivered and is prepared to destroy the Fleet with nuclear weapons, which would destroy the fifth if he/she is hidden within the Fleet.


====Other====
====Other====
*Just before being boxed, [[D'Anna Biers]] tells Cavil, "There are five other Cylons, brother," ruling out any of the seven known models as also belonging to the Final Five ([[Rapture]]).
*Just before being boxed, D'Anna Biers tells Cavil, "There are five other Cylons, brother," ruling out any of the seven known models as also belonging to the Final Five {{TRS|Rapture}}.
*Commander Adama receives a mysterious note that "there are twelve Cylon models." ([[Miniseries]])
*The often prophetic [[Leoben Conoy]] tells Laura Roslin that "Adama is a Cylon." At that time he should have no knowledge of the Final Five, and programming not to think about them {{TRS|Flesh and Bone}}.
*The often prophetic [[Leoben Conoy]] tells Laura Roslin that "Adama is a Cylon." At that time he should have no knowledge of the Final Five, and programming not to think about them ([[Flesh and Bone]]).
*[[Gaeta's Lament|Gaeta's song]] about a female sleeping being in the shirt of man, whom he prays will awake may suggest a female final Cylon sleeper.


===Official Statements===
===Official Statements===
Line 45: Line 45:
*[[Bradley Thompson]] stated "If memory serves, [the identity of the] fifth (which may change) we've been kicking around since about the end of Season One."<ref>[[Battlestar Wiki:Official Communiques/Archive8#Identity of the Final Five|BW:OC#Identity of the Final Five]]</ref>
*[[Bradley Thompson]] stated "If memory serves, [the identity of the] fifth (which may change) we've been kicking around since about the end of Season One."<ref>[[Battlestar Wiki:Official Communiques/Archive8#Identity of the Final Five|BW:OC#Identity of the Final Five]]</ref>
*During a Q&A session on the official Sci Fi channel Battlestar Galactica forum Ronald D. Moore notes that he already knows who the last Cylon is, and that he's already left clues as to who it is<ref>[http://forums.scifi.com/index.php?showtopic=2270103&st=0&p=3041263&#entry3041263 20 Answers - SCI FI FORUMS] Retrieved 03-27-2007</ref>.
*During a Q&A session on the official Sci Fi channel Battlestar Galactica forum Ronald D. Moore notes that he already knows who the last Cylon is, and that he's already left clues as to who it is<ref>[http://forums.scifi.com/index.php?showtopic=2270103&st=0&p=3041263&#entry3041263 20 Answers - SCI FI FORUMS] Retrieved 03-27-2007</ref>.
*The fifth Cylon will be "organic and satisfying.  It won't be some day player from Season 1." says SciFi Channel VP Mark Stern.<ref>T.V. Guide, July 14-20, 2008</ref>
*The fifth Cylon will be "organic and satisfying.  It won't be some day player from Season 1." says SciFi Channel VP Mark Stern.<ref>T.V. Guide, July 14-20, 2008</ref> Stern describes it as "delicious" and "one of those things that are right under your nose and you don't expect it -- but it makes total sense."  He says, "it doesn't feel arbitrary, It feels like it could have been planned all along."<ref>[http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ed-martin/who-is-the-twelfth-cylon_b_123865.html Huffington Post interview with Stern]</ref>
*"I can tell you it's someone you've seen. It won't be a guest-star" says Ronald Moore.<ref>ComicCon 2008 panel</ref> In producer-speak, a "guest star" is any non-regular, however Moore probably meant a brand-new guest star.
 
====YouWillKnowTheTruth====
A Sci-Fi Channel promotional site, [[YouWillKnowTheTruth]], details various clues, many possibly related to the identity of the final Cylon
* "You don't know my name." -- This could refer to characters whose full names are not known to the audience, such as [[Cottle]] or [[Crashdown]], or to the Virtual being, whose name is entirely unknown.
* [[Laura Roslin]]'s disappearance from [[The Last Supper]] may be interpreted as a sign of her death, or of her no longer being eliminated by that clue.
* The foetus with a red spine may refer to [[Hera]], [[Caprica Six]]'s unborn child or [[Nicholas]].
* Several scenes with discussion of the Cylon God may indicate a connection to this being.  We also don't know the Cylon god's name.
* Baltar's statement "seems we both made rather bad choices when it comes to our Presidential aides-du-camp, wouldn't you say?" seems to compare Gaeta and Tory Foster.  His loyalties are described as divided.


==Dead Characters==
==Dead Characters==


===[[Ellen Tigh]]===
===[[Ellen Tigh]]===
*Tigh burns a picture of Ellen with his cigar, giving her a big, glowing red eye ([[Miniseries]]).
*Tigh burns a picture of Ellen with his cigar, giving her a [http://s303.photobucket.com/albums/nn135/timtrace/?action=view&current=etighburn.jpg big, glowing red eye] {{TRS|Miniseries}}.
*Ellen's sudden appearance in the Fleet with no other person having a recollection as to how ([[Tigh Me Up, Tigh Me Down]]).
*Ellen's sudden appearance in the Fleet with no other person having a recollection as to how {{TRS|Tigh Me Up, Tigh Me Down}}.
*Intense curiosity over specifics of quest for Earth.
*Sexual relationship with a Cavil on New Caprica.
*Ellen's appearance to her husband in visions while he is with [[Caprica Six]].
*Ellen's appearance to her husband in visions while he is with [[Caprica Six]].
 
*After Baltar declares all Cylon tests will be green, Virtual Six asks what the real result of her test was, which is peculiar as she should see what he sees. He says, "I'll never tell." {{TRS|Tigh Me Up, Tigh Me Down}}
===[[Zak Adama]]===
*[[Lee Adama]] asks how his father would react if Zak returned in a new Viper and was suspected of being a Cylon, like [[Kara Thrace]] ([[He That Believeth in Me]]).
 
===[[Joseph Adama]]===
*Co-creator of the mechanical Cylons, and thus most closely tied to the Cylons among series characters (''[[Caprica (series)|Caprica]]'').
 
===[[Tamara Adama]]===
*A Cylon was created based on her, but at present this Cylon and Tamara have only appeared in materials related to ''[[Caprica (series)|Caprica]]''.
*"Adama is a Cylon." In this case, Leoben could know this and even have downloaded memories from the Cylon version of Tamara.


===[[Elosha]]===
===[[Elosha]]===
*Recent return as a spirit guide may hint at a larger role. However producer's statements say she was a quick last minute replacement for [[Billy Keikeya]].
*Recent return as a spirit guide may hint at a larger role. However producer's statements say she was a quick last minute replacement for [[Billy Keikeya]]. <ref>[[Podcast:The Hub]]</ref>


===[[Cally Tyrol]]===
===[[Cally Tyrol]]===
*The empty slot in Last Supper photo is paired with [[Galen Tyrol]]. Symmetry would put her in that seat.
*Negative: She suffered greatly from exposure to vacuum with Galen, while he was not much harmed.
*Negative: She suffered greatly from exposure to vacuum with Galen, while he was not much harmed.
*Negative: Her son Nicholas has been identified by Moore as half-human, half-Cylon.
*Negative: Her son Nicholas has been identified by Moore as half-human, half-Cylon.{{citation needed}}


===[[Helena Cain]]===
===[[Helena Cain]]===
Line 79: Line 80:
*Is the only person to hear the [[First Hybrid]]'s prophecies.
*Is the only person to hear the [[First Hybrid]]'s prophecies.


==Characters Eliminated by "Last Supper" Photo or "Four in the Fleet" statement ==
== Eliminated Characters==


The following characters are eliminated from consideration by the clues above. However for those who feel those clues are misinterpreted, the following clues exist.
The following characters are eliminated from consideration by the clues above. However for those who feel those clues are misinterpreted, the following clues exist.


===[[Kara Thrace]]===
===[[Kara Thrace]]===
*To all appearances killed in explosion, then returns two months later in brand-new Viper ([[Crossroads, Part II]]).
*To all appearances killed in explosion, then returns two months later in brand-new Viper {{TRS|Crossroads, Part II}}.
*Painting mandala since childhood.
*Painting mandala since childhood.
*Seeks redemption for destruction of the ''[[Olympic Carrier]]'' and the death of [[Zak Adama]].
*Seeks redemption for destruction of the ''[[Olympic Carrier]]'' and the death of [[Zak Adama]].
*Told by Leoben and oracles that she has a special [[The Destiny|destiny]].
*Told by Leoben and oracles that she has a special [[The Destiny|destiny]].
*Predicted by the [[First Hybrid]] to lead the human race to its end, to be the herald of the apocalypse and the harbinger of death ([[Razor]]).
*Predicted by the [[First Hybrid]] to lead the human race to its end, to be the herald of the apocalypse and the harbinger of death {{TRS|Razor}}.


===[[Laura Roslin]]===
===[[Laura Roslin]]===
*One of the few humans to experience Cylon related visions.  (Possible explanations include [[chamalla]] and blood transfusions from [[Hera Agathon|Hera]].)
*One of the few humans to experience Cylon related visions.  (Possible explanations include [[chamalla]] and blood transfusions from [[Hera Agathon|Hera]].)
*Also apparently shares [[Emily Kowalski]]'s dying vision of trip to afterlife ([[Faith]]).
*Also apparently shares [[Emily Kowalski]]'s dying vision of trip to afterlife {{TRS|Faith}}.
*Ruled out as being one of the four revealed members in podcast for "[[Crossroads, Part II]]".
*Ruled out as being one of the four revealed members in podcast for "[[Crossroads, Part II]]".
*The unboxed D'Anna tells Roslin she is a member of the final five, then says she was joking just to see her reaction.
*The unboxed Three tells Roslin she is a member of the final five, then says she was joking just to see her reaction.


===[[Felix Gaeta]]===
===[[Felix Gaeta]]===
*Sings a [[Gaeta's Lament|song]] which could imply knowledge of a Cylon sleeper awakening.
*Sings a [[Gaeta's Lament|song]] which could imply knowledge of a Cylon sleeper awakening.
*Note: His stabbing of Baltar has [[Taking a Break From All Your Worries#From the podcast|an unaired explanation]].
*Note: His stabbing of Baltar has [[Taking a Break From All Your Worries#From the podcast|an unaired explanation]].
*Negative: David Eick stated that they debated whether Gaeta or Anders should be one of the four revealed Cylons for some time, suggesting he is not the fifth.<ref>San Diego ComicCon Panel 2008</ref>


===[[Gaius Baltar]]===
===[[Gaius Baltar]]===
*Survives a nuclear explosion that destroys his home, essentially unscathed ([[Miniseries]]).
*Survives a nuclear explosion that destroys his home, essentially unscathed {{TRS|Miniseries}}.
*Frames [[Aaron Doral]] as a Cylon, who then turns out to be one (Miniseries).
*Frames [[Aaron Doral]] as a Cylon, who then turns out to be one (Miniseries).
*The Hybrid declares him "The Chosen One" and said he had "A mind that burns like fire."  The secrets of the Temple of Five are only to be revealed to that chosen one ([[The Eye of Jupiter]]).
*The Hybrid declares him "The Chosen One" and said he had "A mind that burns like fire."  The secrets of the Temple of Five are only to be revealed to that chosen one {{TRS|The Eye of Jupiter}}.
*Has a [[Virtual Six|Six in his head]] that claims to be an angel from God, as well as a [[Virtual Baltar]] similar to Caprica-Six's.
*Has a [[Virtual Six|Six in his head]] that claims to be an angel from God, as well as a [[Virtual Baltar]] similar to Caprica-Six's.
*Seemingly able to cure a boy of viral meningitis by praying, as instructed by Virtual Six ([[He That Believeth In Me]]).
*Seemingly able to cure a boy of viral meningitis by praying, as instructed by Virtual Six {{TRS|He That Believeth In Me}}.
*Seen as the messiah by a [[Cult of Baltar|cult]].
*Seen as the messiah by a [[Cult of Baltar|cult]].
*Unconsciously knows what part of Cylon base to attack ([[The Hand of God (RDM)|The Hand of God]]).
*Unconsciously knows what part of Cylon base to attack {{TRS|The Hand of God (RDM)}}.
*By a considerable margin, the (living) character most in need of, and hungering for redemption, considering his role in the downfall of mankind.
*By a considerable margin, the (living) character most in need of, and hungering for redemption, considering his role in the downfall of mankind.
*Often hopes that he is a Cylon; has stated he would find redemption in learning he is a Cylon.
*Often hopes that he is a Cylon; has stated he would find redemption in learning he is a Cylon.
*Cylons are uncannily attracted to him, and three of the four female models have had sexual relations with him.
*Cylons are uncannily attracted to him, and three of the four female models have had sexual relations with him.
*After [[Number Three]] sees image of Final Five in Temple of Five, she declares to him "So beautiful.  You were right." The primary thing he has been insisting to her is that he may be a Cylon.
*After [[Number Three]] sees image of Final Five in Temple of Five, she declares to him "So beautiful.  You were right." The primary thing he has been insisting to her is that he may be a Cylon.
*Declared to be one of the smartest Colonials alive. Genius ability with computers. Demonstrable ability to cover up his background ([[Taking a Break From All Your Worries]]).
*Declared to be one of the smartest Colonials alive. Genius ability with computers. Demonstrable ability to cover up his background {{TRS|Taking a Break From All Your Worries}}.
*Declared to be the father, with her, of the new hybrid race by Virtual Six ([[Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part II]]).
*Declared to be the father, with her, of the new hybrid race by Virtual Six {{TRS|Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part II}}.
*Appears in visions of the [[Opera House]] seen by Roslin. He also sees the Opera House in visions led by his inner Six.
*Appears in visions of the [[Opera House]] seen by Roslin. He also sees the Opera House in visions led by his inner Six.
*Receives special attention from [[D'Anna Biers]] after her unboxing, more than any other character ([[The Hub]]).
*Receives special attention from D'Anna Biers after her unboxing, more than any other character {{TRS|The Hub}}.
*While it is unlikely due to costume choices, the Baltar in the Last Supper photo could be the virtual Baltar who appears to both [[Caprica Six]] and Baltar himself, removing the real Baltar from the photo.


===[[Anastasia Dualla]]===
===[[Anastasia Dualla]]===
*An Adama by marriage, she was not an Adama when Leoben made his pronouncement ([[Flesh and Bone]]). Other clues remain inconclusive.
*An Adama by marriage, she was not an Adama when Leoben made his pronouncement {{TRS|Flesh and Bone}}. Other clues remain inconclusive.
*Her name, Anastasia means "resurrection" and Dualla means "duo" implying a duality of some kind.
*Her name, Anastasia means "resurrection" and Dualla means "duo" implying a duality of some kind.
*Survives poisoning that kills most other characters who receive it ([[The Woman King]]).
*Survives poisoning that kills most other characters who receive it {{TRS|The Woman King}}.  (Robert's statement that he did not harm her suggests that she may not have been poisoned.)


===[[William Adama]]===
===[[William Adama]]===
*One of the few to experience Cylon related visions (in the room with [[First Hybrid]]) ([[Razor]], extended version).
*One of the few to experience Cylon related visions (in the room with [[First Hybrid]]) ([[Razor]], extended version).
*Negative: Ruled out as being one of the 4 revealed members in podcast for "Crossroads".
*Negative: Ruled out as being one of the 4 revealed members in podcast for "Crossroads".
*Seeks redemption over fear he started the war ([[Hero]]).
*Seeks redemption over fear he started the war {{TRS|Hero}}.
*Although Conoy may well be lying in order to confuse Roslin in "[[Flesh and Bone]]", it appears most likely that he refers to William Adama.
*Although Conoy may well be lying in order to confuse Roslin in "[[Flesh and Bone]]", it appears most likely that he refers to William Adama.


Line 133: Line 134:
*Negative: Orders destruction of Temple of Five, which Final Five member Tyrol is unable to carry out.
*Negative: Orders destruction of Temple of Five, which Final Five member Tyrol is unable to carry out.
*Seeks some redemption for the destruction of the ''[[Olympic Carrier]]''.
*Seeks some redemption for the destruction of the ''[[Olympic Carrier]]''.
*Lee's query "What if it had been Zak in that viper?" may also subtly refer to Lee himself.
*Lee Adama's query "What if it had been Zak in that Viper?" may also subtly refer to himself.
*Sitting next to, and staring at the goblet in the missing Judas position in [[The Last Supper]].
*Negative: The game of hostage brinksmanship with D'Anna Biers {{TRS|Revelations}} seems highly unlikely if she knows him to be the final Cylon.
 
==More Speculative Options==
 
Most highly speculative options are ruled out by producer statements that the final Cylon will not be a day player or never before seen guest star.  All of the company regularly profess that they believe the ending and revelation will be highly satisfying to fans.
 
===Virtual Being/Beings===
The various [[Virtual beings]] appear to be a manifestation of some external being or beings.  There may be just one being behind the vision that Baltar sees as a Six and as himself, that [[Caprica Six]] sees as Baltar and which Starbuck saw as Leoben.  This "character" is both unseen and at the same time one of the most popular regular characters, most commonly appearing as a sexy Six.  The being (or one of the several beings) could take the role of the final Cylon.  If so, the being would appear played by regular cast members such as [[James Callis]] or [[Tricia Helfer]], but be distinct from the characters they normally play.
*The being claims to be an agent of the Cylon [[God (RDM)|God]].
*The being has manipulated a considerable number of key events in the journey of the Fleet and Kara Thrace's destiny.
*When D'Anna Biers sees the Final Five, she may see the being in any form. Since Caprica Six sees the being as her lover Baltar, Biers may also have seen Baltar. This explains the profuse apology, her telling him "you were right" and her believing that there are only "four in your fleet."
*The being is the only regular character not subject to fan speculation about being a Cylon, because most fans concluded it already was a Cylon due to the form and statements of Baltar's Virtual Six.  However, the being is clearly not one of the Significant Seven.  This "hiding in plain sight" is a popular dramatic trick.
*D'Anna Biers speaks to Cavil of "the one who programmed us" after seeing the Final Five.
*Negative: No clear relation to First Hybrid's prophecy or Gaeta's song.


===Additional Cylons===
===Additional Candidates===
*The Cylon [[God (RDM)|God]] is frequently referenced as a real and intervening being.
*The Cylon [[God (RDM)|God]] is frequently referenced as a real and intervening being.
*The [[First Hybrid]] states that his existence would "begin again in ways uncertain" after his destruction ([[Razor]]).
*While seemingly ruled out by D'Anna Biers's declaration that there are "five other Cylons," it may be possible that one of the Significant Seven, in particular a special one like [[Sharon Valerii]] may lead a dual existence.
*The [[Virtual beings]] sometimes possess knowledge indicating and existence outside the minds of their hosts.
*The [[First Hybrid]] states that his existence would "begin again in ways uncertain" after his destruction {{TRS|Razor}}.
*Materials for ''[[Caprica (series)|Caprica]]'' state that there were Cylon models based on the human memories of at least three people.
*Materials for ''[[Caprica (series)|Caprica]]'' state that there were Cylon models based on the human memories of at least three people, however Moore has stated no new characters from Caprica will appear in the series.
*The nature of the being, represented by an internal image of Leoben Conoy, who appears to [[Kara Thrace]] in "[[Maelstrom]]" is unknown.
*The nature of the being, represented by an internal image of Leoben Conoy, who appears to [[Kara Thrace]] in "[[Maelstrom]]" is unknown.
*Original [[Cylon Centurion Model 0005]] units not on the [[Guardian basestar]] when it is destroyed could still exist.
*Original [[Cylon Centurion Model 0005]] units not on the [[Guardian basestar]] when it is destroyed could still exist.
Line 146: Line 160:


==References==
==References==
<references/>
{{reflist}}

Revision as of 18:10, 7 September 2020

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


Note: This article is protected from edits and kept around as an archive of the speculation that took place before the reveal of the final Cylon. See also Humanoid Cylon Speculation for another such page.

A central mystery of the fourth season concerns who the last member of the Cylon Final Five is. What follows is a compilation of significant clues suggesting or refuting that a character is the final Cylon.

Notes on Clues

Clues as to the identity of hidden Cylons have been historically rare in the series. These are the clues which have actually pointed to a real Cylon:

Clues entered here must be concrete, from canon or official sources. They should be either:

  • Extrahuman events relating to a character.
  • Clear dramatic references to a Cylon nature.
  • Statements from official sources.

Simple suspicious activity or hidden motives are found in all characters and should not be included. Clues should relate to specific extrahuman/Cylon events, or specific foreshadowing, not speculation of what might be true.

General Constraints

Any character, with the likely exceptions of Karl Agathon and Cally Tyrol, who have fathered half-Cylon children with Cylons[1], could be the final Cylon. The Final Five are a "fundamentally different" kind of Cylon [2] and having children, apparent parents, a deep history including experience in the first Cylon war, injuries and a green light from the Cylon detector do not disqualify a character. Connection with the Temple of Five and Earth suggests the final Cylon is, in some sense, older than the colonies. Dead characters are not excluded. The final Cylon may or may not be aware of his or her nature. It is expected that the unmasking of the final Cylon will be a highly dramatic event, similar in grandeur to the revelation of the other four members of the Final Five.

The agenda of the Final Cylon and Final Five is unknown, but appears to not be directly aligned with that of the Significant Seven. The Final Five, or somebody acting for them, acted in the early programming of the Significant Seven to install a compulsion not to think of the Final Five. D'Anna Biers's vision of the Final Five led her to speak of "the one who programmed us." (TRS: "Rapture")

The 11 revealed Cylons are 7 males and 4 females. A female final Cylon would lessen, but not fully correct that imbalance.

Multi-character clues

Statement by the First Hybrid

The First Hybrid says this about the final Cylon:

"The fifth is still is in shadow, drawn toward the light, hungering for redemption, that will only come in the howl of terrible suffering." (TRS: "Razor")

Four with the Fleet

D'Anna Biers states that "Four [of the Final Five] are in your fleet." (TRS: "Revelations") At the time, Gaius Baltar, Laura Roslin, William Adama and Karl Agathon are not with the Fleet. Furthermore, Diana Seelix and Brendan Constanza, as well as several minor characters are away from the Fleet too. However, it is uncertain if she intends the statement to be so accurate as to exclude everyone who is not literally with the Fleet at that time, although she only demands four be delivered and is prepared to destroy the Fleet with nuclear weapons, which would destroy the fifth if he/she is hidden within the Fleet.

Other

  • Just before being boxed, D'Anna Biers tells Cavil, "There are five other Cylons, brother," ruling out any of the seven known models as also belonging to the Final Five (TRS: "Rapture").
  • The often prophetic Leoben Conoy tells Laura Roslin that "Adama is a Cylon." At that time he should have no knowledge of the Final Five, and programming not to think about them (TRS: "Flesh and Bone").
  • Gaeta's song about a female sleeping being in the shirt of man, whom he prays will awake may suggest a female final Cylon sleeper.

Official Statements

  • Season 4 will "further blur the line between Cylon and human" and "redefine what it is to be a Cylon"
  • Bradley Thompson stated "If memory serves, [the identity of the] fifth (which may change) we've been kicking around since about the end of Season One."[3]
  • During a Q&A session on the official Sci Fi channel Battlestar Galactica forum Ronald D. Moore notes that he already knows who the last Cylon is, and that he's already left clues as to who it is[4].
  • The fifth Cylon will be "organic and satisfying. It won't be some day player from Season 1." says SciFi Channel VP Mark Stern.[5] Stern describes it as "delicious" and "one of those things that are right under your nose and you don't expect it -- but it makes total sense." He says, "it doesn't feel arbitrary, It feels like it could have been planned all along."[6]
  • "I can tell you it's someone you've seen. It won't be a guest-star" says Ronald Moore.[7] In producer-speak, a "guest star" is any non-regular, however Moore probably meant a brand-new guest star.

YouWillKnowTheTruth

A Sci-Fi Channel promotional site, YouWillKnowTheTruth, details various clues, many possibly related to the identity of the final Cylon

  • "You don't know my name." -- This could refer to characters whose full names are not known to the audience, such as Cottle or Crashdown, or to the Virtual being, whose name is entirely unknown.
  • Laura Roslin's disappearance from The Last Supper may be interpreted as a sign of her death, or of her no longer being eliminated by that clue.
  • The foetus with a red spine may refer to Hera, Caprica Six's unborn child or Nicholas.
  • Several scenes with discussion of the Cylon God may indicate a connection to this being. We also don't know the Cylon god's name.
  • Baltar's statement "seems we both made rather bad choices when it comes to our Presidential aides-du-camp, wouldn't you say?" seems to compare Gaeta and Tory Foster. His loyalties are described as divided.

Dead Characters

Ellen Tigh

  • Tigh burns a picture of Ellen with his cigar, giving her a big, glowing red eye (TRS: "Miniseries").
  • Ellen's sudden appearance in the Fleet with no other person having a recollection as to how (TRS: "Tigh Me Up, Tigh Me Down").
  • Intense curiosity over specifics of quest for Earth.
  • Sexual relationship with a Cavil on New Caprica.
  • Ellen's appearance to her husband in visions while he is with Caprica Six.
  • After Baltar declares all Cylon tests will be green, Virtual Six asks what the real result of her test was, which is peculiar as she should see what he sees. He says, "I'll never tell." (TRS: "Tigh Me Up, Tigh Me Down")

Elosha

  • Recent return as a spirit guide may hint at a larger role. However producer's statements say she was a quick last minute replacement for Billy Keikeya. [8]

Cally Tyrol

  • Negative: She suffered greatly from exposure to vacuum with Galen, while he was not much harmed.
  • Negative: Her son Nicholas has been identified by Moore as half-human, half-Cylon.[citation needed]

Helena Cain

  • She is in great need of redemption, given her actions.

Kendra Shaw

  • Hungers for redemption.
  • Is the only person to hear the First Hybrid's prophecies.

Eliminated Characters

The following characters are eliminated from consideration by the clues above. However for those who feel those clues are misinterpreted, the following clues exist.

Kara Thrace

  • To all appearances killed in explosion, then returns two months later in brand-new Viper (TRS: "Crossroads, Part II").
  • Painting mandala since childhood.
  • Seeks redemption for destruction of the Olympic Carrier and the death of Zak Adama.
  • Told by Leoben and oracles that she has a special destiny.
  • Predicted by the First Hybrid to lead the human race to its end, to be the herald of the apocalypse and the harbinger of death (TRS: "Razor").

Laura Roslin

  • One of the few humans to experience Cylon related visions. (Possible explanations include chamalla and blood transfusions from Hera.)
  • Also apparently shares Emily Kowalski's dying vision of trip to afterlife (TRS: "Faith").
  • Ruled out as being one of the four revealed members in podcast for "Crossroads, Part II".
  • The unboxed Three tells Roslin she is a member of the final five, then says she was joking just to see her reaction.

Felix Gaeta

  • Sings a song which could imply knowledge of a Cylon sleeper awakening.
  • Note: His stabbing of Baltar has an unaired explanation.
  • Negative: David Eick stated that they debated whether Gaeta or Anders should be one of the four revealed Cylons for some time, suggesting he is not the fifth.[9]

Gaius Baltar

  • Survives a nuclear explosion that destroys his home, essentially unscathed (TRS: "Miniseries").
  • Frames Aaron Doral as a Cylon, who then turns out to be one (Miniseries).
  • The Hybrid declares him "The Chosen One" and said he had "A mind that burns like fire." The secrets of the Temple of Five are only to be revealed to that chosen one (TRS: "The Eye of Jupiter").
  • Has a Six in his head that claims to be an angel from God, as well as a Virtual Baltar similar to Caprica-Six's.
  • Seemingly able to cure a boy of viral meningitis by praying, as instructed by Virtual Six (TRS: "He That Believeth In Me").
  • Seen as the messiah by a cult.
  • Unconsciously knows what part of Cylon base to attack (TRS: "The Hand of God").
  • By a considerable margin, the (living) character most in need of, and hungering for redemption, considering his role in the downfall of mankind.
  • Often hopes that he is a Cylon; has stated he would find redemption in learning he is a Cylon.
  • Cylons are uncannily attracted to him, and three of the four female models have had sexual relations with him.
  • After Number Three sees image of Final Five in Temple of Five, she declares to him "So beautiful. You were right." The primary thing he has been insisting to her is that he may be a Cylon.
  • Declared to be one of the smartest Colonials alive. Genius ability with computers. Demonstrable ability to cover up his background (TRS: "Taking a Break From All Your Worries").
  • Declared to be the father, with her, of the new hybrid race by Virtual Six (TRS: "Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part II").
  • Appears in visions of the Opera House seen by Roslin. He also sees the Opera House in visions led by his inner Six.
  • Receives special attention from D'Anna Biers after her unboxing, more than any other character (TRS: "The Hub").

Anastasia Dualla

  • An Adama by marriage, she was not an Adama when Leoben made his pronouncement (TRS: "Flesh and Bone"). Other clues remain inconclusive.
  • Her name, Anastasia means "resurrection" and Dualla means "duo" implying a duality of some kind.
  • Survives poisoning that kills most other characters who receive it (TRS: "The Woman King"). (Robert's statement that he did not harm her suggests that she may not have been poisoned.)

William Adama

  • One of the few to experience Cylon related visions (in the room with First Hybrid) (Razor, extended version).
  • Negative: Ruled out as being one of the 4 revealed members in podcast for "Crossroads".
  • Seeks redemption over fear he started the war (TRS: "Hero").
  • Although Conoy may well be lying in order to confuse Roslin in "Flesh and Bone", it appears most likely that he refers to William Adama.

Lee Adama

  • Described as "in his father's shadow" by Romo Lampkin.
  • Negative: Orders destruction of Temple of Five, which Final Five member Tyrol is unable to carry out.
  • Seeks some redemption for the destruction of the Olympic Carrier.
  • Lee Adama's query "What if it had been Zak in that Viper?" may also subtly refer to himself.
  • Negative: The game of hostage brinksmanship with D'Anna Biers (TRS: "Revelations") seems highly unlikely if she knows him to be the final Cylon.

More Speculative Options

Most highly speculative options are ruled out by producer statements that the final Cylon will not be a day player or never before seen guest star. All of the company regularly profess that they believe the ending and revelation will be highly satisfying to fans.

Virtual Being/Beings

The various Virtual beings appear to be a manifestation of some external being or beings. There may be just one being behind the vision that Baltar sees as a Six and as himself, that Caprica Six sees as Baltar and which Starbuck saw as Leoben. This "character" is both unseen and at the same time one of the most popular regular characters, most commonly appearing as a sexy Six. The being (or one of the several beings) could take the role of the final Cylon. If so, the being would appear played by regular cast members such as James Callis or Tricia Helfer, but be distinct from the characters they normally play.

  • The being claims to be an agent of the Cylon God.
  • The being has manipulated a considerable number of key events in the journey of the Fleet and Kara Thrace's destiny.
  • When D'Anna Biers sees the Final Five, she may see the being in any form. Since Caprica Six sees the being as her lover Baltar, Biers may also have seen Baltar. This explains the profuse apology, her telling him "you were right" and her believing that there are only "four in your fleet."
  • The being is the only regular character not subject to fan speculation about being a Cylon, because most fans concluded it already was a Cylon due to the form and statements of Baltar's Virtual Six. However, the being is clearly not one of the Significant Seven. This "hiding in plain sight" is a popular dramatic trick.
  • D'Anna Biers speaks to Cavil of "the one who programmed us" after seeing the Final Five.
  • Negative: No clear relation to First Hybrid's prophecy or Gaeta's song.

Additional Candidates

  • The Cylon God is frequently referenced as a real and intervening being.
  • While seemingly ruled out by D'Anna Biers's declaration that there are "five other Cylons," it may be possible that one of the Significant Seven, in particular a special one like Sharon Valerii may lead a dual existence.
  • The First Hybrid states that his existence would "begin again in ways uncertain" after his destruction (TRS: "Razor").
  • Materials for Caprica state that there were Cylon models based on the human memories of at least three people, however Moore has stated no new characters from Caprica will appear in the series.
  • The nature of the being, represented by an internal image of Leoben Conoy, who appears to Kara Thrace in "Maelstrom" is unknown.
  • Original Cylon Centurion Model 0005 units not on the Guardian basestar when it is destroyed could still exist.
  • The slavery of the robotic Cylons has become an important Cylon issue. Non-biological forms could be represented in the Final Five.

References

  1. Podcast: Frak Party Q and A , Seek to: 22:41. Total running time: 78:27.
  2. Podcast: Frak Party Q and A , Seek to: 19:05. Total running time: 78:27.
  3. BW:OC#Identity of the Final Five
  4. 20 Answers - SCI FI FORUMS Retrieved 03-27-2007
  5. T.V. Guide, July 14-20, 2008
  6. Huffington Post interview with Stern
  7. ComicCon 2008 panel
  8. Podcast:The Hub
  9. San Diego ComicCon Panel 2008