As Battlestar Galactica ended the first half of the final season, viewers watched a triumphant Colonial Fleet jumped into orbit around their long-sought destination, Earth. Admiral Adama broadcast a joyful message to a cheering fleet that they had, at last, arrived.
But as the heroes and their new Cylon allies landed on Earth, a whole new host of questions arose. We could see what appeared to be the remains of a nuclear-devastated New York City and a still-radioactive ground around it. So, what happened? As we wait for the conclusion of the four-year series, here's a few theories about what might be happening in the final half-season of BSG.
Question 1: What Happened to Earth?
In possibly the most climatic conclusion the series has shown yet, we find that Earth appears to have been obliterated by nuclear war. But there are no answers as to why or by whom. So, what happened on Earth before the Colonial Fleet arrived?
One theory is that the Cylon have beaten the Colonials to Earth and finished what they started with the attack on the twelve colonies at the beginning of the series. But if this is true, how did the Cylon army beat the Colonial Fleet to Earth? More importantly, how did they know Earth's location?
Another important thing to consider is who might have known the location of Earth. The elusive final Cylon is still unknown to except D'Anna Beirs, and we don't know to whom he or she swears allegiance. If the final Cylon is a mole in the Colonial Fleet, it is possible that the information the Colonial Fleet possessed about Earth could have been fed to the Cylons from the start.
Also, if the Final Five have some connection to Earth as is believed to be the case from the information provided by the hybrid, the Final Cylon could have known the exact location of Earth from the start.
If, however, the Cylons didn't destroy Earth, then who did? Did the 13th Tribe destroy themselves, a feat our own Earth may yet duplicate? If the 13th Tribe did destroy themselves, why? And more importantly, when?
Question 2: Who is the Final Cylon?
A lingering question all season, we are still seemingly no closer to identifying the final Cylon then we were half a season ago. Only one piece of evidence sticks out as bringing us closer. When D'Anna demands the Cylons in the fleet give themselves up, she quickly corrects Admiral Adama by claiming that only four Cylons are currently in the Fleet.
But how does she know this? There are a few possibilities. First, the Final Cylon is one of the prisoners on the rebel base ship. She has seen, by this time, many of these prisoners, most prominently Helo and Baltar. She could be implying that one of the prisoners is, in fact, the final Cylon.
Another possibility is that the final Cylon is a character who has been killed off, one who D'Anna knows is dead. How she would know the death toll of the Colonial Fleet could be called into question, unless it was someone killed on New Caprica. However, this seems unlikely, as D'Anna tried so hard to get the Four, and it would seem she would be devastated if one of the Final Cylons had been killed. This could, however, point to the person she was speaking to when she claimed she “had no idea” and was sorry during her encounter in the Temple of Five.
A final possibility we cannot discount is that she might have been lying. Perhaps the fifth is still within the Fleet, but has less significance than the Four, or has some other purpose that is yet to be fulfilled. It could have been a lie or trick to get the humans to give up their search for the final Cylon.
Question 3: Where Are the Non-Rebel Cylons?
After the battle at the Resurrection Hub, it became clear that the Cylons had been divided into two sides. But it is unlikely that the non-Rebels have been completely destroyed. Instead, it is likely that the Cylon fleet is not far behind the Colonial Fleet. This begs the question, what happens if they find Earth? There's no where left for the Colonial Fleet to run; they're at the end of the line. Yet it is unlikely that they have the firepower to stand up to the entire Cylon Fleet.
So, where are they? And what happens if they show up at Earth, or worse, are already there waiting?
Question 4: Will Humanity Settle on Earth?
With Earth devastated and still radioactive, is seems that humanity will not be able to create a stable civilization on Earth. So, where will they go? Will they simple remain in the ships of the Fleet until Earth is capable of sustaining life? Are there places on Earth where life can survive? Does the Fleet have enough fuel to keep looking for a place to survive? And how long can they outrun the Cylons through uncharted territory without a destination?
Question 5: What is the Significance of “All ThisHas Happened Before, and All This Will Happen Again?”
This phrase has been with the Fleet since the beginning of the series as an integral part of their religion. As we find out more and more about the religion of the Colonies and the prophesies therein, it seems that the oracles and prophets of old knew a lot about the upcoming journey of the Fleet. So is there significance to this cryptic phrase? And if so, what is it?
These are only a few of the questions raised by the midseason cliffhanger. And it seems that we're going to have to wait a while to get our answers.
