The Night the Cylons Landed, Part I

"The Night the Cylons Landed, Part I"; An episode of the Galactica 1980 series
Episode No.	Season 1, Episode 7
Writer(s)	Glen A. Larson
Story by
Director	Sigmund Neufeld Jr.
Assistant Director
Special guest(s)	Wolfman Jack as Himself; Roger Davis as Andromus
Production No.	1.7
Nielsen Rating
US airdate	1980-04-13
CAN airdate	{{{CAN airdate}}}
UK airdate
DVD release
Population	survivors
Additional Info
Episode Chronology
	[[IMDB:tt{{{imdb}}}\|IMDb entry]]
	Listing of props for this episode
Related Media
	@ BW Media
	Promotional Materials
	Online Purchasing
	Amazon: Standard Definition \| High Definition
	iTunes: [{{{itunes}}} USA]

Overview[edit]

After a renegade Cylon fighter crash-lands on Earth, Troy and Dillon rush to New York believing the craft is of Galactican nature. What they find is far worse and must stop the surviving Cylons from using radio equipment to contact the rest of the Cylon fleet.

Summary[edit]

Act 1[edit]

Recon Probe Delta, which consists of a two-man Viper crewed by Captain Kanon and Lieutenant Briton, is on patrol when it picks up a slow-moving object. Kanon orders a scan, which reveals details that point to a Cylon craft. Another more detailed scan shows up on the warbook, whic quickly reveals the craft as a Cylon fighter. It is heavily-armed and larger than a pursuit craft.

File:Warbook.jpg

The advanced Cylon 'A-B' Fighter displayed in the Warbook

Briton reports that it's also much faster, as the ship is now approaching them. Kanon orders him to raise Galactica, Priority Red. Before he can do so, Briton visually sights the ship coming at them. The Viper manages to evade the advanced Cylon fighter's volleys. Briton tells Kanon that they're not even close to the ship and they must find out what's inside so they can tell Galactica.
Kanon can't believe the firepower and moves to close on the ship, so that the scanners can probe the Cylon ship. Briton continues his attempts to raise Galactica, but he surmises that the Cylons are jamming any transmissions in the area.
The advanced Raider continues its attack, but doesn't damage the Viper. Still, Briton yells that they have to pull out, which is overruled when Kanon notes that they have to get close to do a scan.
After making the scan, Kanon sees that the outline of the occupants is human. Kanon also says that they can't let the Cylons continue on their present course, which will lead them to Earth. They're the only ones who can stop it, since they're the only ones who know.

Since a Viper's firepower is ineffective against the craft, the ship rams into the underbelly of the Raider, causing both ships to be damaged beyond use (although structural integrity remains intact on both craft). Kanon tries to contact Galactica, but is unable to. When he checks on Briton, he finds that Briton is unconscious.
On Galactica, Doctor Zee informs Adama that he's detected an unpowered ship heading towards Earth. Adama replies that he's tried to reach Recon Probe Delta, but they don't respond, and they assume that the ship experiences complete power shutdown. They assume that the object heading towards Earth is the Viper.
Adama notes that it will obviously be detected by Earth's defense system. Zee tells Adama to contact Troy and Dillon so that they may intercept the craft when it lands. Adama notes that they are still with the children and is sure that they are helping them adjust to "Earth life".
On Earth, the Super Scouts and the Warriors are watching This Island Earth in a theater that is reasonably full. Dillon remarks to Troy that the picture is frightening and wonders "where they get pictures of things like that". Troy remarks that he hasn't seen anything like it since the planet Gorkon.
During the movie, Troy's wrist computron beeps. As Troy begins talking into it, a young boy looks at Troy with interest. Adama notes that the message is a Priority Red condition and asks if he can talk freely. Troy replies that he can't. Adama then makes mention of the noise, which Troy explains as an "Earth entertainment".
Adama quickly briefs him on the situation with the craft heading toward Earth. Adama believes the craft is their own recon Viper and tells him that he'll be further briefed once he gets to a safe transmission zone. Troy assures him that they'll leave as soon as possible, all the while the kid impolitely stares at Troy.
Troy tells the children they have to leave, which meets with protests. Starla says that the movie is funny, while Wellington notes that the creature looks like the Gorkons. They are summarily disappointed when the creature stumbles then falls over.
At an Air Force operations center, Major Harvey Jensen is on the phone to Colonel Briggs. He tells Briggs that an object of unknown origin or purpose is coming down; Briggs comments that it is "Skylab all over again". Briggs says to keep a lid on it for he'll have "50 reporters on my back" if he doesn't, but it is too late for that, since it is on every observatory's scopes. Briggs asks if Jensen is sure that it isn't an American satellite. Jensen assures him he's positive and that the current "odds-on guess around here is that it's Russian".
Briggs is more relieved to hear that, since he would rather explain a Russian mistake than an American one. Jensen dampers Briggs elation, saying that the "worst is yet to come": the object is headed straight for the middle of New York.
Now truly concerned, Briggs asks how much time he has. Jensen replies that the object is coming down tomorrow night. This would be October 31, Halloween night.
At the Griffith Park Observatory, the Super Scouts and the Warriors are looking at a foucault pendulum. When Jamie Hamilton arrives, Troy tells the Scouts to follow a nearby tour group.
The tour guide, Marcy, points out a map of the Solar System, noting that there are nine planets rotating around the sun. She mentions the possibility of a tenth planet, which prompts Starla to correct her, but she is shushed by Moonstone before she can do so.
Marcy mentions that man has only set foot on the moon and notes that robot probes have explored other planets in the Solar System.
Meanwhile, Hamilton leads Troy and Dillon to the telescope dome of the observatory. She tells them that the phones haven't stopped ringing and she notes that she was glad they called, since she had assumed that they were somehow involved. She tells them that every observatory in the world has spotted it and, having checked with Caltech, it should come down within the next twelve hours according to their calculations. They project it will land in the Tri-State Area.
Dillon asks about Doctor Donald Mortinson. Hamilton replies that Mortinson was unable to receive anything on the frequencies they've asked him to monitor. Dillon notes that this is strange, since the Viper should be broadcasting a distress signal.
Troy feels that they'll be able to locate it. Hamilton asks what "it" is, telling them that people think the object is Russian. Troy assures her that it is not, telling her that the craft is one of theres and notes that they regularly patrol the corridors to Earth for Cylon craft.
Concerned, she asks about how close the Cylons are to Earth. Dillon replies that they've learned to be cautious. She asks what happened to the Viper, which Troy replies that it broke radio contact and hasn't returned from their patrol. They assume that some malfunction caused the ship to drift into Earth's orbit.
Dillon notes that their mission is to get to the ship and its crew before anyone else. She asks them how they're going to New York, to which Troy replies that they're going to use their Viper to get there. Hamilton warns against that, since she was visited by Colonel Briggs of the Air Force, who was looking into them. He didn't go as far as to say that they were not of Earth, but Briggs is assured that he will find them. Troy thanks her for the warning.
Back at the tour, Marcy is telling the group about the galaxy, telling the group that there are over 100 billion stars. Wellington corrects her number, saying that there are 114 billion. She replies that this isn't what the scientists say, but says that he brings up an interesting point, as the number changes yearly as more stars are discovered.
Marcy begins pointing out constellations, such as the Big Dipper. Moonstone says that it looks backwards, but is quickly corrected by Wellington, noting that they've seen it from the other side. Marcy continues, saying that of these stars, there are planets that can support carbon-based life, even though there is no evidence of extraterrestrial life.
Starla asks Wellington if Marcy is a frimp. He shushes her.
Hamilton tells the Warriors that the Vipers keep showing up on USAF radar. She tells them that they're going to have to go to New York by airplane. She then asks about the children. Dillon replies that they were hoping she'd ask that question. Hamilton notes that they can spend a couple of days at Billy Eheres' camp. She tells them to call her if they need her and says she'll make the travel arrangements for the airlines.
Dillon appears excited at the prospect, saying that a flight in one of "your flying machines [...] should be a great amusement".
The next morning, they arrive at the Los Angeles International Airport and approach a ticket master at the front desk. She tells them that if they've checked in their baggage, they can go directly to the front gate. Troy tells her that they're going to New York on "9 AM". She is confused, but says they have a Flight 2. She looks at the piece of paper that Dillon pulls out, seeing that they are on Flight 2, which departs at 9 A.M. She asks if they're ticketed, Dillon mentions that he is to mention "pre-paid". She then asks for the names, which Troy offers as "Jones and Smith".

Aboard the Cylon 'A-B' craft, Humanoid Cylon Andromus is in command, another humanoid named Andromidus as his second, with three Centurions rounding out the crew.

Having lost their communications they cannot call for help, but Andromus soon realizes the planet they are plummeting toward is the mythic human colony of Earth.

Meanwhile, Captain Troy and Dillon have taken the Super Scouts to watch a movie, noting that the alien they see looks similar to aliens on the planet Gorkon.

Troy's communicator chirps with a message from Adama. Galactica has lost contact with its recon patrol and is believed to be headed to Earth.

Troy and Dillon are ordered to meet the stricken Viper at the point it is likely to come down, which is predicted to be in the area of New York City.

As the United States Air Force has been detecting Vipers lately, Troy and Dillon elect to take a plane to New York. The kids are ferried to Griffith Observatory and left in the charge of Jamie Hamilton.

Once aboard the plane, and in flight to New York, Troy and Dillon are surprised that a terrorist attempts to take control and orders the pilot to divert to Cuba.

Troy and Dillon drop him with a joint round of stun gun fire. Later, after activating their invisibility screens in the toilets, Troy and Dillon hustle off the plane as soon as it lands.

Troy and Dillon grab a cab and direct the driver north - toward the crash site.

Act 2[edit]

On Galactica, the recon fighter has managed to return, but have reported information about the humanoid Cylons they believe are now headed to Earth.

The expected landing zone of the Cylon warship is narrowed down to 'sixty miles north of New York City', and the Air Force, now under the command of Colonel Briggs is also aware.

Troy and Dillon race to reach the crash site before the USAF.

The A-B craft comes down north of New York, and crashes.

Andromus and a single Centurion, Centuri, survive the crash of the A-B craft.

Act 3[edit]

Centuri frees Andromus from the wreckage and leaves the area, having activated a self-destruct mechanism on the ship.

Andromus surmises that they can find a transmitter in nearby New York City and the two begin their search to find a place from which they can signal a Cylon basestar.

Andromus and Centuri ride with Norman and Shirley

Reaching a nearby highway, the two Cylons are mistaken for hitchhikers by a couple dressed for Halloween. Getting into the car, the Cylons meet Norman and Shirley, who are on their way to a party where Wolfman Jack, a radio personality, will be present.

Andromus realizes that Wolfman Jack may be able to help him find a transmitter, and agrees to attend the party.

Gazing at Centuri in the back seat, Shirley compliments him on having such a great costume.

Notes[edit]

This episode marks the introduction of humanoid Cylons, which would become a defining convention of the Re-imagined Series. Unlike the biological versions that would appear in 2003, however, Andromus is more of an android, an automaton that resembles a human.
Sheila DeWindt, who portrayed the stewardess, also appeared in the Original Series as Deitra.
This is perhaps the only episode of any of the Battlestar Galactica series that is set on a specific date: October 31, 1980.
The appearance of popular 1970's disc jockey Wolfman Jack in this and the following episode is the only time that the Battlestar Galactica universe has featured a character that appear as themselves.
The movie the Super Scouts, with Troy and Dillon, were watching in the first act is "This Island Earth".
The Cylons inside the A-B Raider have readouts that use standard English.
The license plate on Norman's car is 538-DIP.
The term "metron" is incorrectly used in this episode by Andromus, using it as one would use a hectometer instead of a meter in the metric system.
While Wolfman Jack is credited as a guest star in this episode, he is only mentioned by name and heard briefly on the radio in Norman's car; he does not physically appear in the flesh until "The Night the Cylons Landed, Part II".
Norman compares Arnie's meatballs being to the digestive tract to baseball player Vida Blue's involvement with the San Francisco Giants: a stopper.
Arnie and Mildred are seen on screen in "The Night the Cylons Landed, Part II".

Analysis[edit]

In a twist of irony, Troy (played by Kent McCord) is driving a stolen police car; McCord previously portrayed a cop in Adam 12.
The point where Dillon and Troy discuss hijacking is for educational purposes, however the way it is played off is unintentionally humorous at worst -- at best it is inaccurate. The general theme of their dialogue indicates that they don't know why anyone would want to hijack a flying craft; however, there are notable instances in the Fleet's history (from the Original Series) where ships have been hijacked:
1. In the episode "Baltar's Escape", Baltar, the Borellian Nomen, and the Eastern Alliance enforcers attempt to hijack Galactica. In addition, they hijack a Colonial shuttle from Sheba and Boomer, using it to sneak aboard Galactica unawares.
2. In "Murder on the Rising Star", Karibdis hijacks a shuttle piloted by Captain Apollo in order to kill Baltar, who is the only person in the Fleet of survivors that can identify him; he is subsequently thwarted by Baltar himself, as an act of self-preservation on his part.
An interesting aspect of this episode is the cross-dressing hijacker, particularly given the sentiments of the 1970s and, more importantly, the "kiddie-hour" timeslot the show aired in.

Official Statements[edit]

Chris Bunch discusses the censorship that the series faced:

Chris Bunch: [T]he censor, an utterly braindead woman named Susan Futterman, questioned a line that said there were more than X number of stars in our galaxy (this was in a planetarium sequence, and one of the kids heard the lecturer say this, and she giggled and said, boy is he full of hamhocks. Dumb little joke, very dumb, very little). She called and said where did we get the facts. We said, the new edition of the Britannica which we’d just sprung for a week earlier (true). She said, ‘that’s not good enough.’ Now, ignoring the fact that the Britannica does, indeed, contain some whoppers, we tried to restrain Major Hilarity and asked her if she minded putting that in writing. She may be dumb, but she wasn’t THAT dumb. We could’ve had such a nifty thing to frame….^[1]

Bunch discusses the meatball jokes:

Bunch: Another neat [Susan] Futterman story--[Glen] Larson dumped a REALLY dumb joke about meatballs into [this] episode. Futterman swore it was dirty. It wasn’t. She said the show won’t get on the air unless that line’s out. Larson put in THREE MORE meatball jokes, even stupider (they’re in the episode the way it aired) and said it goes like this or it doesn’t go. Since he’d delivered the edit TWENTY MINUTES before it went up to the bird from Universal to New York and then on the air, it went out….^[1]

Allan Cole discusses the shooting of the observatory scene in this episode:

Allan Cole: Do you recall the episode where all the kids from the mother ship troop into the Observatory? That was shot at night. And the only thing harder and more expensive than shooting at night (except for water, never, never do a water show) is shooting at night with children. They can only work a few hours at a time as it is. And night is golden time when it comes to wages -- for both them, the teachers, and, obviously the rest of the cast and crew. This also means you can't shoot anything early the next morning. So if you don't have enough night stuff in your script to warrant another setup the following evening, you lose a whole day. The only way around it is to shoot on Saturday night, which gives you a natural Sunday "break."

In this case, because of the craziness on the show, neither option was open. Plus the kids were either all sleepy, or hyper -- laughing hysterically or weeping; no inbetween. Or getting lost and you had to track them down again. Driving the planetarium staff out of their gourds.^[2]

Noteworthy Dialogue[edit]

Troy looks up the term hijacking:

Troy: The act of seizing a vehicle for illegal purposes.

Dillon: Heh. I wonder what someone would do with an aircraft once they'd seized it.

Troy: Strange place. It's going to take a lot of getting used to.

The Warriors give their tickets to another ticket master:

Ticket Master: Smoking or non-smoking?

Troy: I beg your pardon?

Ticket Master: Would you prefer smoking or non-smoking?

Dillon: (shrugs) Which way does the plane run best?

Norman brings up Arnie's meatballs: (listen • help • info)

Shirley: Aren't they [ Andromus and Centuri ] cute? Mildred and Arnie are just going to love this.

Norman: Well, I hope they feel the same way after Arnie forces a couple of his famous meatballs down their throats.

Shirley: Now Norman, don't get started on those meatballs again this year!

Norman: They are to the digestive tract what Vida Blue is to the San Francisco Giants: a stopper.

Norman offers a warning to the two Cylons: (listen • help • info)

Norman: The only thing I can tell you fellas, to be on guard. Between Arnie's food and his sister's romantic malnutrition you could be in for the night of your life.

Andromus: You don't need to be concerned, we're quite capable of defending ourselves. Right Centuri?

Centuri: By your command.

Guest Stars[edit]

References[edit]

↑ ^1.0 ^1.1 Paxton, Susan J.. Battlestar Zone Interview: Chris Bunch (backup available on Archive.org) (in ). Retrieved on 11 August 2007.
↑ Larocque, John (28 Feburary 2005). Interview with Galactica 1980 story editor Allan Cole (backup available on Archive.org) (in ). Retrieved on 11 August 2007.

[bunch-1] 1.0 ^1.1 Paxton, Susan J.. Battlestar Zone Interview: Chris Bunch (backup available on Archive.org) (in ). Retrieved on 11 August 2007.

[cole-2] Larocque, John (28 Feburary 2005). Interview with Galactica 1980 story editor Allan Cole (backup available on Archive.org) (in ). Retrieved on 11 August 2007.

[1]

[2]

"The Night the Cylons Landed, Part I" An episode of the Galactica 1980 series

Episode No.	Season 1, Episode 7
Writer(s)	Glen A. Larson
Story by
Director	Sigmund Neufeld Jr.
Assistant Director
Special guest(s)	Wolfman Jack as Himself Roger Davis as Andromus
Production No.	1.7
Nielsen Rating
US airdate	1980-04-13
CAN airdate	{{{CAN airdate}}}
UK airdate
DVD release
Population	survivors
Additional Info
Episode Chronology
Previous		Next
Spaceball	The Night the Cylons Landed, Part I	The Night the Cylons Landed, Part II
[[IMDB:tt{{{imdb}}}\|IMDb entry]]
Listing of props for this episode
Related Media
			@ BW Media
Promotional Materials

Online Purchasing
Amazon: *Standard Definition* \| *High Definition*
iTunes: [{{{itunes}}} USA]