Battlestar Galacticais renowned for its grounded, human-centric narrative. Unlike many sci-fi series, it avoided the typical trope of introducing extraterrestrial life, adecision was driven by a combination of creative choices and practical considerations. Showrunner Ronald D. Moore had previously worked onStar Trekand was familiar with the overuse of futuristic technology and alien encounters in sci-fi series, so he set out to create a more grounded and realistic approach. Additionally, Edward James Olmos, who played Admiral Adama, expressed a strong dislike for aliens while working on the show.
The show’s focus on human conflict, survival, and moral dilemmas was widely praised, despiteBattlestar Galacticahaving two failed spinoffs; the inclusion of aliens could have potentially diluted these themes.Battlestar Galactica’s Cylons and their planprovided a rich source of conflict without the need for extraterrestrial elements. However, the controversial series finale complicates this notion. Although Starbuck is heavily implied to be an angel,Head Six and Gaius do not fall as easily into the angelic category– and I think the"higher power"they serve could be an advanced alien entity.
Battlestar Galactica’s “No Aliens” Rule Explained
Olmos Claims He Would Have Fainted On Camera If Aliens Appeared
Moore, who wrote the 2000s reboot ofBattlestar Galactica,had previously worked onStar Trekand confessed that the"technobabble"of the show"got […] out of control"(viaSlashFilm). In another move to make his new show the anti-Star Trek,Battlestar Galacticaremoved a classic sci-fi ship detail. Meanwhile,Olmos expressed astrong personal aversion to introducing an alien species in the series. Reports suggest that his contract may have included a clause stipulating his departure from the show if such creatures were to appear, while he directly said:
“The first four-eyed monster that I see, I’m going to faint on camera — then I’m going to get up, and you’re going to write me out of the show.”
While Olmos’s reasoning remains unclear,his preference for a more grounded, human-centric narrative aligns withBattlestar Galactica’s overall tone, which always drew me to the series.The show’s exploration of themes such as war, survival, and the human condition earned it critical acclaim, andincluding aliens could have potentially distracted from these potent storylines. I think the existential and moral dilemmas presented by the Cylons – created in the humans' image yet distinct from them – become even more profound without the embellishment of extraterrestrial life.
How Battlestar Galactica’s Final Episode Breaks The Show’s Rule About Aliens
The Nature Of The One True God Or “It” Is Unclear In Battlestar Galactica
WhileBattlestar Galacticafamously avoided aliens in the show, I believe the final episode subtly hinted at the existence of an alien deity. When Gaius and Six discuss"God’s plan,“Six remarks:“It doesn’t like that name.“Whether this non-human"it"is divine or alien is up to the viewer, but Gaius and Six present themselves as messengers from this higher power. In a post-finale Q&A, Moore stated that they were neither strictly angels nor demons (viaSyFy). Instead, they seemed to serve a higher power, guiding, helping, hindering, and tempting the mortal characters.
Now Battlestar Galactica’s Reboot Isn’t Happening, This Is The BSG Show I Actually Want
As a Battlestar Galactica fan, I’m excited that a reboot is possible, but it needs to be done right. I’d like to see it move away from a retelling.
This final scene underscores the ambiguity of the whole series, and while infuriating, I appreciate that it is left open. They could be angelic beings serving a benevolent deity; they could also be demonic entities with their “tempting"influence. Likewise, the eternal, higher power they work for could be an advanced alien entity that does not fall into an easy moral category and shifts into whatever form will help"it"to carry out its grand design. The answer remains open, reflecting the complex nature of the characters and the exploration of religious themes, including thingsBattlestar Galactica’s The Last Supperreference.
Battlestar Galactica Arguably Featured Aliens From The Very Start
The Cylon God Could Be Extraterrestrial
While the nature of the Cylon God remains ambiguous throughoutBattlestar Galactica, there are hints within the series' mythology suggesting a connection to the ancient Lords of Kobol.Colonial scripture and certain episodes allude to the possibility that the Cylon God might be a fallen Lordwho sought to dominate the other deities. For instance, in a deleted scene from season 1, the Priestess Elosha describes a war on Kobol that erupted when one of the Lords desired supreme worship, this event leading to the exodus of humanity.
Whether or not viewers believe in a spiritual interpretation depends on how they define the “messengers” of the Cylon God, Six and Gaius.
While the term"alien"is never explicitly used to describe the Lords of Kobol, their existence and their role in the humans’ pantheon suggest that they might be beings from a different world or dimension. This aligns with the show’s themes such as creation, destiny, and the nature of existence. WhileBattlestar Galacticamay not have featured traditional, physical aliens, the series' mythology means that the Cylon God might be an extraterrestrial entity. Whether or not viewers believe in a spiritual interpretation depends on how they define the"messengers"of the Cylon God, Six and Gaius.
