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{{plausible speculation}}
{{plausible speculation}}
The [[Cylons (RDM)|Cylon]] evolution into twelve distinct [[Humanoid Cylon|humanoid models]] introduced a serious problem for the remnants of humanity in the [[The Fleet (RDM)|Fleet]]. Early into the search for [[Earth]], it seemed that anyone could be a Cylon, raising doubt and suspicion within the human populace ("[[Tigh Me Up, Tigh Me Down]]").
The [[Cylons (RDM)|Cylon]] evolution into twelve distinct [[Humanoid Cylon|humanoid models]] introduced a serious problem for the remnants of humanity in the [[The Fleet (RDM)|Fleet]]. Early into the search for [[Earth]], it seemed that anyone could be a Cylon, raising doubt and suspicion within the human populace. The Fleet's leadership withheld this information from both the military and civilian population, but these facts were eventually revealed carefully. As a result of these revelations, suspicions ran high and both conspiracy theorists (such as [[Sesha Abinell]]) and peace activists ([[Demand Peace]]) began cropping up in the Fleet.


Fans of the show are rife with speculation about who could be a Cylon infiltrator in the Fleet. Viewers were introduced to the "[[Significant Seven]]" over the course of the miniseries and the first two season, but the nature of each of these characters was revealed shortly after that character's introduction.
However, since Cylons are virtually indistinguishable from humans, [[Gaius Baltar]] was commissioned to develop a [[Cylon detector]] after successfully outing [[Aaron Doral]] as a Cylon agent, despite the fact that Baltar's "evidence" was fabricated and essentially a lie that just happened to be true.
 
While Baltar did develop a working Cylon detector, after he discovered that [[Sharon Valerii|Sharon "Boomer" Valerii]] was a Cylon agent, he reprograms the detector to publish negative results. Therefore any subsequent test results are essentially worthless; ironically, the Cylon detector would remain more than 95% accurate due to there being only 12 humanoid Cylon models in existence.
 
== Theories ==
 
Fans of the show are rife with speculation about who could be a Cylon infiltrator in the Fleet. Viewers were introduced to the "[[Significant Seven]]" over the course of the miniseries and the first two seasons, but the nature of each of these characters was revealed shortly after that character's introduction.


In season three the speculation by both characters and fans turned to the [[Final Five]], enigmatic, almost-mystical figures who seem to have a [[The Temple of Five|link]] to ancient Colonial history. The nature of the five, according to [[Ron D. Moore|Moore]], is "fundamentally different" from the other seven models<ref>{{cite_rdm_podcast|episode=Frak Party Q and A|act=|id=ffdifferent|timestamp=19:05|totalrunning=78:27}}</ref>.  
In season three the speculation by both characters and fans turned to the [[Final Five]], enigmatic, almost-mystical figures who seem to have a [[The Temple of Five|link]] to ancient Colonial history. The nature of the five, according to [[Ron D. Moore|Moore]], is "fundamentally different" from the other seven models<ref>{{cite_rdm_podcast|episode=Frak Party Q and A|act=|id=ffdifferent|timestamp=19:05|totalrunning=78:27}}</ref>.  


At the conclusion of "[[Crossroads, Part II]]" four recurring characters are revealed to be Cylons. The revelation that long standing characters such as Colonel [[Saul Tigh|Tigh]] and Chief [[Galen Tyrol|Tyrol]] are Cylons blows the field wide open; if they could be "[[toaster]]s," then ''anyone'' could be the last Cylon. In particular, Tigh has a long and well-documented character history dating back to the first [[Cylon War]].
At the conclusion of "[[Crossroads, Part II]]" four recurring characters are revealed to be Cylons. The revelation that long standing characters such as Colonel [[Saul Tigh|Tigh]] and Chief [[Galen Tyrol|Tyrol]] are Cylons blows the field wide open; if they could be "[[toaster]]s," then ''anyone'' could be the last Cylon. In particular, Tigh has a long and well-documented character history dating back to the first [[Cylon War]]. Further, the confirmation from a [[boxing|unboxed]] [[Number Three (Downloaded copy)|Number Three]], the last of her model line, that there are only four of the Final Five in the Fleet has eliminated all suspects within the Fleet at the time of that pronouncement. Further, Ron Moore has confirmed that the Last Cylon is not in the infamous "[[The Last Supper]]" picture which eliminates all the major characters (including [[Laura Roslin]] and [[Gaius Baltar]], both on the Cylon baseship at the time of Three's declaration).
 
This article details [[Battlestar Wiki:Citation Jihad#Derived content|plausible speculation]] on which of the central and supporting characters in ''[[Battlestar Galactica (RDM)|Battlestar Galactica]]'' could be the final one.


==Clues from Official Sources==
==Clues from Official Sources==
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[[Bradley Thompson]] was asked when the writers knew the identity of the final five:
[[Bradley Thompson]] was asked when the writers knew the identity of the final five:
:"Four of the five were recent. If memory serves, 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>
:"Four of the five were recent. If memory serves, 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>
[[Image:Battlestar Galactica Last Supper.jpg|thumb|right|300px|"The Last Supper"]]
Further, the January 2008 edition of [[w:Entertainment Weekly|Entertainment Weekly]] showcases a two-page photo of the cast for [[Season Four]] posed in a manner similar to Leonardo DaVinci's ''[[w:The Last Supper (Leonardo)|The Last Supper]]'' with an explanation of each character's pose/position provided by Ron Moore.  Near the far left of the table a space is left vacant and a cup sits on the table marking the absent character's intended place.  Moore tells EW that "We have not yet revealed the final [unknown] Cylon." and when asked if there was a possibility that the final Cylon was indeed ''not'' seated at the table Moore notes "You ferreted that out pretty slyly.  I didn't really want to give that away."<ref>{{cite_news|first=|last=|url=http://community.livejournal.com/battlestar_blog/814818.html#cutid1|title=What does this picture mean? Try to crack the 'BSG' code.|publisher=Entertainment Weekly|page=40, 41|date=January 11, 2008|accessdate=English|language=}}</ref> William Adama, Laura Roslin, Lee Adama, Gaius Baltar, and Kara Thrace are all present in the picture, as are [[Final Five]] Cylons Saul Tigh, Galen Tyrol, and Samuel Anders.
However, while it is true that the importance of this photo is seriously put to question by both [[Aaron Douglas]] and [[Katee Sackhoff]], Moore later explicitly confirmed that the final Cylon is not in the picture to journalist Maureen Ryan after the airing of "[[Revelations]]".


==General factors for consideration==
==General factors for consideration==
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It has been seen that Cylons can start families, however it is unclear how the Five came to exist. Having known natural parents would ''seem'' to preclude one being any more than half-Cylon.
It has been seen that Cylons can start families, however it is unclear how the Five came to exist. Having known natural parents would ''seem'' to preclude one being any more than half-Cylon.


Of the 11 so far there have been only four female models. The final Cylon being female would serve to equalize this gender bias.
Of the 11 so far there have been only four female models. The final Cylon being female would serve to equalize this gender bias, although there still would be 7 male-gendered Cylons.


The [[first Hybrid]] gives a monologue about his knowledge of the Final Five in the extended version of "[[Razor]]". It states that the fifth Cylon, which is still in shadow, will come toward the light, hungering for redemption which will only come in the howl of terrible suffering.
The [[first Hybrid]] gives a monologue about his knowledge of the Final Five in the extended version of "[[Razor]]". It states that the fifth Cylon, which is still in shadow, will come toward the light, hungering for redemption which will only come in the howl of terrible suffering.
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In "[[Revelations]]", [[Number Three (Downloaded copy)|D'Anna Biers]], mentions that there are only four of them in the Fleet. If this is true, then this would narrow the field to those characters who were on the rebel basestar at the time, characters previously assumed dead or missing, or other [[#More Esoteric ideas|more esoteric suggestions]].
In "[[Revelations]]", [[Number Three (Downloaded copy)|D'Anna Biers]], mentions that there are only four of them in the Fleet. If this is true, then this would narrow the field to those characters who were on the rebel basestar at the time, characters previously assumed dead or missing, or other [[#More Esoteric ideas|more esoteric suggestions]].


==Main Characters==
== Main Theories ==
 
===[[Laura Roslin]]===
[[Image:Laura_Roslin_promo.jpg|right|90px]]
The colonies' president has been unquestionably a boon to humanity's search for earth, indeed the two times she has been removed from office have been the two greatest setbacks in the journey.
Roslin has also experienced prophetic dreams and visions (those induced by [[chamalla]], and a dream she shared with the Cylons [[Caprica Six]] and [[Sharon Agathon]]). She fits very well the profile of the [[Sacred Scrolls|scroll's]] dying leader, the scrolls also having links to other more mystical elements of the series, including the [[Temple of Five]]. Additionally, Roslin is on the rebel baseship when Number Three states that only four of the Five are in the Fleet, although it is uncertain if this can be taken so literally ([[Revelations]]).
 
However her dying nature, from an aggressive form of breast cancer is also the biggest cause to doubt Roslin being a Cylon. It is unknown whether the Final Five can succumb to cancer, but Cylons seem to be generally tougher than humans. Baltar's cure in "[[Epiphanies]]" was probably designed based on the assumption that Roslin's physiology is human.
 
===[[William Adama]]===
[[Image:William_Adama_promo.jpg|right|90px]]
If William Adama were revealed to be a Cylon, it would be one of the biggest shocks the series could produce. Overall Adama appears to epitomize a very human set of strengths and weaknesses. Nevertheless, he does experience hallucinations in the fifth [[Razor Flashback]], although he sees and hears people in his environment instead of seeing himself in a different one. The experience could also be explained by stress or other factors, however. Adama is rebel baseship when Number Three states that only four of the Five are in the Fleet
 
The Adama family is well documented. His father, [[Joseph Adama]], was known to [[Romo Lampkin]]. The proposed spin-off ''[[Caprica (series)|Caprica]]'', will feature the history of the Adama family, including a young William. This may be difficult to square with any revelation about William Adama being a Cylon.
 
{{spoiltext|A robotic duplicate of William Adama's sibling [[Tamara Adama]] is one of the first Cylons ([[Caprica (series)|Caprica]]). It is not implausible that William Adama could be a similar construct, although the forms of the Cylon prototypes are unknown and unlikely to be humanoid}}
William Adama experiences guilt for actions he believe may have triggered the war ([[Hero]]). This could be the "hungering for redemption" that the [[First Hybrid]] talks about (see above).
 
===[[Lee Adama]]===
[[Image:Lee_Adama_promo.jpg|right|90px]]
Could Lee's chronic angst be partly due to guilt at his Cylon nature? Was the [[Leoben]] who said "Adama's a Cylon" ([[Tigh Me Up, Tigh Me Down]]) referring to Lee? (Note: The writers hadn't decided on the identity of the final Cylon at that point. Moreover, if Adama were a member of the Final Five, Leoben would not know this.) He might project in "[[Resurrection Ship, Part II]]", although this is more likely an oxygen deprivation induced hallucination.
 
In his defense, Lee is also a member of the well-documented Adama family. A "switched at birth" scenario could explain this.
 
Lee Adama is told that he is "a son trying to flee his father's shadow" by [[Romo Lampkin]]. This conceivably could link with the description of the final Cylon as "still in shadow, drawn toward the light."
 
===[[Gaius Baltar]]===
[[Image:Gaius_Baltar_promo.jpg|right|90px]]
{{mainarticle|Baltar as Cylon speculation}}
Baltar's vast intelligence, weak character and lack of loyalty to anyone but himself have made him ultimately humanity's (unwitting) betrayer. Baltar himself longs to be a Cylon as this would absolve himself, however comes to the conclusion that he is human after all. Baltar certainly has a lot to be guilty about, whether he has enough of a conscience to be truly "hungering for redemption" is questionable, however his confession to Roslin seems to indicate that this is the case ([[The Hub]]).
 
There are good reasons to suspect Baltar. He exhibits vast intelligence that may be superhuman in nature. His [[Virtual Six]], her precognitive abilities, and the apparently projected environments they often co-experience are suspicious, as well as the fact that both Virtual Six and later the [[Hybrid]] tell him that he is "chosen". Additionally, Baltar is on the rebel baseship when Number Three states that only four of the Five in the Fleet, although it is uncertain if this can be taken so literally ([[Revelations]]).
 
In [[Caprica Six]]'s final vision in "[[Crossroads, Part II]]" she sees the hooded figures of the final five staring at her from the upper level. Baltar is standing next to her in the vision as well.
 
===[[Kara Thrace]]===
[[Image:Kara_Thrace.jpg|right|90px]]
{{seealso|The Destiny}}
Kara Thrace's path towards her destiny has involved many strange, perhaps supernatural events. Whether this destiny involves her being a Cylon is a matter of speculation (indeed members of the [[Significant Seven]], who do not know who the Final Five are, tell Starbuck that she has this destiny), but it is certain Thrace is ''something'' special.
 
Certainly Thrace exhibits phenomenal natural skill as a pilot, and manages to learn to fly a [[Cylon Raider (RDM)|Raider]] exceptionally quickly ([[You Can't Go Home Again]]). From childhood, Thrace has been drawing the mandala from the [[Temple of Five]]. However she was also physically abused as a child and still carries the scars; Cylons seem to be more robust than humans and possibly may not carry such long-term injuries. The same may be said of the knee injury which put a stop to Thrace's [[Pyramid (RDM)|Pyramid]] playing ambitions.


Most strikingly, the ace pilot apparently dies in "[[Maelstrom]]" but returns ([[Resurrection (RDM)|resurrected]]?) in "[[Crossroads, Part II]]". Furthermore, not being on ''Galactica'' at the time, Thrace is the only major "human" character who has a reason for not reacting to the [[The Music|music]] which, to the "four", reverberates around the ship. However the final Cylon may, for some reason, not have heard it, or may have ignored it.
As all the major characters have been eliminated, the prevailing theory is that the Fifth is either on the rebel baseship or elsewhere in the galaxy.


Thrace has engaged in combat with [[Raider (RDM)|Raiders]] on many occasions without any incident similar to the one which occurs between Anders and the Raider during the [[Battle of the Ionian Nebula]], however it is possible that the Raider was only able to identify Anders because he had already been "activated".
Therefore, the following remain likely to be Cylons:


[[Katee Sackhoff]] was apparently told she is not a Cylon<ref>[http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/8547/redeye3copyci7.jpg See this magazine cutting.]</ref>.
* [[Brendan Costanza]]
{{spoilli|According to [http://roadrunnerdm.livejournal.com/84288.html this source] as of "[[Sometimes a Great Notion]]", Kara Thrace believes herself to be a Cylon, whilst Katee Sackhoff believes otherwise.}}
* [[Diana Seelix]]
 
* [[Tattooed pilot]]
===None of the above?===
* Any non-Significant Seven aboard the rebel baseship, excluding Baltar and Roslin (as they are in "[[The Last Supper]]" photo).
[[Image:Battlestar Galactica Last Supper.jpg|thumb|right|300px|"The Last Supper"]]
* Any human left on [[New Caprica]], already in Cylon custody (a la [[Daniel Novachek]]), on Earth, or elsewhere.
{{seealso|The Last Supper}}
The January 2008 edition of [[w:Entertainment Weekly|Entertainment Weekly]] showcases a two-page photo of the cast for [[Season Four]] posed in a manner similar to Leonardo DaVinci's ''[[w:The Last Supper (Leonardo)|The Last Supper]]'' with an explanation of each character's pose/position provided by Ron Moore. Near the far left of the table a space is left vacant and a cup sits on the table marking the absent character's intended place.  Moore tells EW that "We have not yet revealed the final [unknown] Cylon." and when asked if there was a possibility that the final Cylon was indeed ''not'' seated at the table Moore notes "You ferreted that out pretty slyly.  I didn't really want to give that away."<ref>{{cite_news|first=|last=|url=http://community.livejournal.com/battlestar_blog/814818.html#cutid1|title=What does this picture mean? Try to crack the 'BSG' code.|publisher=Entertainment Weekly|page=40, 41|date=January 11, 2008|accessdate=English|language=}}</ref> William Adama, Laura Roslin, Lee Adama, Gaius Baltar, and Kara Thrace are all present in the picture, as are [[Final Five]] Cylons Saul Tigh, Galen Tyrol, and Samuel Anders.
 
However, the importance of this photo is seriously put to question given [[Aaron Douglas]]' comments on the photo. According to the actor, he was unsure that Moore had anything to do with the photo, given that Moore was not present for the shoot. Additionally, the photo shoot had at least six different setups and the actors had changed places during the photo shoot, thus contending that there is no hidden meaning for the photo.<ref>{{cite_web|url=http://community.livejournal.com/aarondouglas/55289.html|title=The Chief's Deck: BSG Last Supper Photo|date=8 January 2008|accessdate=9 January 2009|last=|first=|format=|language=}}</ref>  Moore, however, later explicitly confirmed that the final Cylon is not in the picture.


==Others==
==Others==


===[[Tom Zarek]]===
===[[Sharon Valerii|Sharon "Boomer" Valerii]] ===


[[Image:Zarek.jpg|right|90px]]
Sharon Valerii is a unique case, given that she has broken away from her model line by voting for the lobotomization of the [[Raider (RDM)|Raiders]], a first in Cylon history. Further, she has grown to disdain humanity as a result of what transpired on [[New Caprica]], and, while given the duty to take care of [[Hera Agathon]], she later attempts to kill Hera as she views the child as a mistake.  
Based upon the mutterings of the Hybrid in "Razor", as well as Ron Moore's claim that he has already left clues to the final Cylon, one could assume Tom Zarek is the last Cylon to be found.  


Tom Zarek likes to move from second-line positions, is not big on being in charge but always craving to be noticed and understood, is constantly trying to make people understand why he did the things he spent time in jail for, and has the "cleanest" past (no known relatives, etc.). His criminal background and political ambitions fit with someone "hungering for redemption."
Valerii has since made it a point to go against the grain of Cylon society, inciting a [[Cylon Civil War|civil war]] and accompanies [[Cavil]] to the [[Resurrection Hub]] to resurrect [[Number Three (Downloaded copy)|Number Three]] in the attempt to stop it. Further, she satisfies many of the pre-existing conditions, including:


===[[Anastasia Dualla]]===
# Having been around since Season 1.<ref>It should be noted that her "Cylon" nature was a last minute decision in the Miniseries. Further, she is continually at odds with her programming and her defective nature has yet been seen in other Cylon models.</ref>
 
# She is not present in the Last Supper photo.
[[Image:Anastasia_Dualla.jpg|right|90px]]
# Valerii is a major character.
Her first name "Anastasia" is the feminine form of "Anastasius", ancient Greek for "Resurection".<ref>[http://www.behindthename.com/name/anastasia Behindthename.com "Anastasia" ]</ref><ref>[http://www.behindthename.com/name/anastasius Behindthename.com "Anastasius"]</ref> Her surname "Dualla" may be derived from Latin word ''Dualis'', from which originates the English words "dual" and "duality", such as a Cylon living as a human - or a Sagittaron serving as a soldier ([[The Woman King]]).
# Three is the first to see Valerii and is aware of her existence. Three's quip at Eights always going to something "shiny" may be an attempt to test her. Also, Three does not kill Vaerlii after snapping Cavil's neck, suggesting that Three either did not desire her to come to harm or was unconcerned about her fate. Further, Valerii does escape the Hub prior to its destruction per the [[Podcast:The Hub|podcast for that episode]].
 
# If the [[First Hybrid]] is correct, the Last Cylon is clawing for redemption. Valerii has much that she may be redeemed for, including her various murder attempts (c.f. [[William Adama]], Hera Agathon), and her failure to bring about peaceful coexistence with the humans and the Cylon race.
The rejection of her people's pacifism and her failure to reconcile with her father over their final heated argument  ([[Final Cut]]) alude to the redemption angle.
 
At the time of the initial Cylon attack, she immediately threw herself at the [[Billy Keikeya|special assistant to the president]] and promptly developed a romantic relationship with him. Despite having never undertaken the years of formal military education of a colonial officer nor being a pilot, she managed to maneouver herself to receive a commission and a vital posting in the combat information centre of Galactica (and as Executive Officer of [[Pegasus (RDM)|Pegasus]]), and to become an intimate member of the family of both the senior military leader and the Vice President / Acting President.
 
Assuming that the [[Number Two]]s have some power of prophesy as they claim, Anastasia could be the Adama whom the [[Leoben Conoy (New Caprica copy)| Leoben abard the ''Gemenon Traveler'' claimed to Kara Thrace was a Cylon ([[Flesh and Bone]]). Her marriage to Lee Adama occurred several months later, and she did not adopt his surname (at least not for military personnel purposes), but she did join the Adama family and thus become an Adama.


The only downside to this theory is that Valerii is part of the [[Number Eight]] model line. However, given that the Final Five are "fundamentally different", this yet to be explained fundamental difference may be able to explain this. Further, none of the Final Five have model numbers, and are thus outside the Significant Seven's mainstream; the Five may have infiltrated Cylon society as well in some way, just the same way Tigh and the others were able to infiltrate human society dating back to at least 30 years pre-[[Fall of the Twelve Colonies|Fall]].
===[[Virtual beings]]===
===[[Virtual beings]]===


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*The final Cylon is a deceased character known to the audience.
*The final Cylon is a deceased character known to the audience.
*[[God (RDM)|God]], or some other divine entity.
*[[God (RDM)|God]], or some other divine entity.
*A single, somehow distinct, copy of a known Cylon.
*A single, somehow distinct, copy of a known Cylon (e.g. [[Sharon Valerii|Sharon "Boomer" Valerii]]).
*The [[Hybrid]]s.
*The [[Hybrid]]s.
*A character to be featured in ''[[Caprica (series)|Caprica]]'' such as [[Zoe Graystone]] or [[Tamara Adama]].
*A character to be featured in ''[[Caprica (series)|Caprica]]'' such as [[Zoe Graystone]] or [[Tamara Adama]].

Revision as of 22:58, 27 June 2008

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


The Cylon evolution into twelve distinct humanoid models introduced a serious problem for the remnants of humanity in the Fleet. Early into the search for Earth, it seemed that anyone could be a Cylon, raising doubt and suspicion within the human populace. The Fleet's leadership withheld this information from both the military and civilian population, but these facts were eventually revealed carefully. As a result of these revelations, suspicions ran high and both conspiracy theorists (such as Sesha Abinell) and peace activists (Demand Peace) began cropping up in the Fleet.

However, since Cylons are virtually indistinguishable from humans, Gaius Baltar was commissioned to develop a Cylon detector after successfully outing Aaron Doral as a Cylon agent, despite the fact that Baltar's "evidence" was fabricated and essentially a lie that just happened to be true.

While Baltar did develop a working Cylon detector, after he discovered that Sharon "Boomer" Valerii was a Cylon agent, he reprograms the detector to publish negative results. Therefore any subsequent test results are essentially worthless; ironically, the Cylon detector would remain more than 95% accurate due to there being only 12 humanoid Cylon models in existence.

Theories

Fans of the show are rife with speculation about who could be a Cylon infiltrator in the Fleet. Viewers were introduced to the "Significant Seven" over the course of the miniseries and the first two seasons, but the nature of each of these characters was revealed shortly after that character's introduction.

In season three the speculation by both characters and fans turned to the Final Five, enigmatic, almost-mystical figures who seem to have a link to ancient Colonial history. The nature of the five, according to Moore, is "fundamentally different" from the other seven models[1].

At the conclusion of "Crossroads, Part II" four recurring characters are revealed to be Cylons. The revelation that long standing characters such as Colonel Tigh and Chief Tyrol are Cylons blows the field wide open; if they could be "toasters," then anyone could be the last Cylon. In particular, Tigh has a long and well-documented character history dating back to the first Cylon War. Further, the confirmation from a unboxed Number Three, the last of her model line, that there are only four of the Final Five in the Fleet has eliminated all suspects within the Fleet at the time of that pronouncement. Further, Ron Moore has confirmed that the Last Cylon is not in the infamous "The Last Supper" picture which eliminates all the major characters (including Laura Roslin and Gaius Baltar, both on the Cylon baseship at the time of Three's declaration).

Clues from Official Sources

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[2].

Bradley Thompson was asked when the writers knew the identity of the final five:

"Four of the five were recent. If memory serves, the fifth (which may change) we've been kicking around since about the end of Season One."[3]
"The Last Supper"

Further, the January 2008 edition of Entertainment Weekly showcases a two-page photo of the cast for Season Four posed in a manner similar to Leonardo DaVinci's The Last Supper with an explanation of each character's pose/position provided by Ron Moore. Near the far left of the table a space is left vacant and a cup sits on the table marking the absent character's intended place. Moore tells EW that "We have not yet revealed the final [unknown] Cylon." and when asked if there was a possibility that the final Cylon was indeed not seated at the table Moore notes "You ferreted that out pretty slyly. I didn't really want to give that away."[4] William Adama, Laura Roslin, Lee Adama, Gaius Baltar, and Kara Thrace are all present in the picture, as are Final Five Cylons Saul Tigh, Galen Tyrol, and Samuel Anders.

However, while it is true that the importance of this photo is seriously put to question by both Aaron Douglas and Katee Sackhoff, Moore later explicitly confirmed that the final Cylon is not in the picture to journalist Maureen Ryan after the airing of "Revelations".

General factors for consideration

In terms of narrative, to prevent an anti-climax it seems likely that the final Cylon would probably need to be a more prominent character than those of the Four. This centers the spotlight in the central "human" characters (Roslin, William and Lee Adama, Baltar and Starbuck). However, there is still half a season for characters to develop and gain significance with viewers.

With the Final Five being "fundamentally different" from the Seven, extrapolating any characteristics we learned of Cylons from the Seven (including physiology, loyalty or self-awareness) is of questionable validity.

Colonel Tigh has a well documented history stretching back at least to the first Cylon War. Also considering the Temple of Five it seems Final Five Cylons somehow significantly pre-date the Seven.

It has been seen that Cylons can start families, however it is unclear how the Five came to exist. Having known natural parents would seem to preclude one being any more than half-Cylon.

Of the 11 so far there have been only four female models. The final Cylon being female would serve to equalize this gender bias, although there still would be 7 male-gendered Cylons.

The first Hybrid gives a monologue about his knowledge of the Final Five in the extended version of "Razor". It states that the fifth Cylon, which is still in shadow, will come toward the light, hungering for redemption which will only come in the howl of terrible suffering.

With the exception of Karl Agathon and Cally Tyrol, who are confirmed to have half-Cylon, half-human children[5], any "human" character could be a Cylon.

In "Revelations", D'Anna Biers, mentions that there are only four of them in the Fleet. If this is true, then this would narrow the field to those characters who were on the rebel basestar at the time, characters previously assumed dead or missing, or other more esoteric suggestions.

Main Theories

As all the major characters have been eliminated, the prevailing theory is that the Fifth is either on the rebel baseship or elsewhere in the galaxy.

Therefore, the following remain likely to be Cylons:

Others

Sharon "Boomer" Valerii

Sharon Valerii is a unique case, given that she has broken away from her model line by voting for the lobotomization of the Raiders, a first in Cylon history. Further, she has grown to disdain humanity as a result of what transpired on New Caprica, and, while given the duty to take care of Hera Agathon, she later attempts to kill Hera as she views the child as a mistake.

Valerii has since made it a point to go against the grain of Cylon society, inciting a civil war and accompanies Cavil to the Resurrection Hub to resurrect Number Three in the attempt to stop it. Further, she satisfies many of the pre-existing conditions, including:

  1. Having been around since Season 1.[6]
  2. She is not present in the Last Supper photo.
  3. Valerii is a major character.
  4. Three is the first to see Valerii and is aware of her existence. Three's quip at Eights always going to something "shiny" may be an attempt to test her. Also, Three does not kill Vaerlii after snapping Cavil's neck, suggesting that Three either did not desire her to come to harm or was unconcerned about her fate. Further, Valerii does escape the Hub prior to its destruction per the podcast for that episode.
  5. If the First Hybrid is correct, the Last Cylon is clawing for redemption. Valerii has much that she may be redeemed for, including her various murder attempts (c.f. William Adama, Hera Agathon), and her failure to bring about peaceful coexistence with the humans and the Cylon race.

The only downside to this theory is that Valerii is part of the Number Eight model line. However, given that the Final Five are "fundamentally different", this yet to be explained fundamental difference may be able to explain this. Further, none of the Final Five have model numbers, and are thus outside the Significant Seven's mainstream; the Five may have infiltrated Cylon society as well in some way, just the same way Tigh and the others were able to infiltrate human society dating back to at least 30 years pre-Fall.

Virtual beings

The virtual beings (possibly including the virtual Leoben) may actually be a single entity, the final Cylon being more spiritual than corporal. Virtual Six claims to be an angel from the Cylon God, which could be roughly correlated with the "the five priests devoted to the one whose name cannot be spoken" from Pythia. The overall actions of these beings seem to be neither pro-Cylon or pro-human, which fits with the Final five being a third party in the dynamic of the battle.

None of the other final five have shown similar characteristics to this, and there is no particular reason to suggest the final Cylon is greatly different from his or her four "siblings". When Number Three sees her vision of the final five in the Opera House (a vision repeated for other characters, thus not simply in her mind) they are five humanoid figures in white robes, at least one of which is known to her.

More Esoteric ideas

  • The last Cylon is on Earth or the entire population of Earth are copies of the final Cylon.
  • The final Cylon is dead.
  • The final Cylon is a deceased character known to the audience.
  • God, or some other divine entity.
  • A single, somehow distinct, copy of a known Cylon (e.g. Sharon "Boomer" Valerii).
  • The Hybrids.
  • A character to be featured in Caprica such as Zoe Graystone or Tamara Adama.

References

  1. ↑ Podcast: Frak Party Q and A , Seek to: 19:05. Total running time: 78:27.
  2. ↑ 20 Answers - SCI FI FORUMS Retrieved 03-27-2007
  3. ↑ BW:OC#Identity of the Final Five
  4. ↑ "What does this picture mean? Try to crack the 'BSG' code.", Entertainment Weekly, January 11, 2008, p. 40, 41. Retrieved on English.
  5. ↑ Podcast: Frak Party Q and A , Seek to: 22:41. Total running time: 78:27.
  6. ↑ It should be noted that her "Cylon" nature was a last minute decision in the Miniseries. Further, she is continually at odds with her programming and her defective nature has yet been seen in other Cylon models.
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