The Note and the Mystery of the 12 Cylons in Battlestar Galactica

In the reimagined series of Battlestar Galactica, the revelation of the 12 Cylons is one of the most pivotal moments in the story. This article explores the intriguing question of who gave Adama the note about these 12 Cylon models, delving into the possible theories and clues provided by the series.

The Initial Revelation

The series introduces a complex web of information about the Cylons, with the revelation that there are 12 Cylon models. However, this information was exposed gradually through interactions between characters and clues scattered across the series. Caprica Six, a former human-Cylon hybrid, reveals to Baltar during the panic of the bombs' fall that there are 12 Cylon models, but only five are known.

Key Players and Possibilities

Baltar: The Source of the Note?

Baltar is a pivotal character who knew about this information. He was told by Caprica Six before the events of the miniseries, and his actions later suggest that he may have had a hand in leaving the note. Baltar, feeling guilty about his role in the destruction of the colonies, was searching for ways to atone for his deeds. This was not an uncommon theme in the series, where characters grapple with their moral failings.

Theories and Evidence

Several theories exist around Baltar leaving the note:

Accessing the Printer and Commanders' Quarters: How could Baltar access a printer, know the location of Adama's quarters, and leave the note without being seen? This process would involve careful planning and significant knowledge of the Galactica's layout. His Motivation: Baltar likely wanted to use this information to help in the fight against the Cylons, possibly to atone for his past actions. His exposure of Doral supports this theory, as he was motivated to assist in finding or resisting the Cylons. Realization of Guilt: Baltar's guilt over the destruction of the colonies might have driven him to leave this note as a token of his remorse, yet without jeopardizing his own safety or position on the ship.

In the one-off special Battlestar Galactica: The Plan, Adama is shown finding the note after which the scene immediately cuts to Baltar, displaying a concerned look in the CIC. This visual provides strong evidence that Baltar may have left the note. The note's paper matches the CIC's printer paper with the BSG-75 watermark, and the content appears to have been typed on the appropriate stationery.

Could it be a Cylon?

Several Cylons might have had access to the necessary information, such as Doral, Number Five, or Boomer. However, it's unlikely that they would have wanted to aid the humans at this point in the story. Additionally, Boomer wasn't aware she was a model eight and would have had no inclination to leave such a note. Number Five had already been marooned on Ragnar Anchorage, reducing the likelihood of her involvement.

The Role of 'Angels' or Other Entities

A third possibility involves another entity, such as the 'angels' or some other higher power guiding the events of the series. Given the mystical and esoteric nature of the show, this is a valid theory, but it seems less likely in the context of the established plot and the logical progression of events.

Conclusion and Implications

While we can only speculate, the most plausible theory suggests that it was Baltar who left the note. His feelings of guilt, combined with his knowledge of the 12 Cylon models and his desire to atone for his past actions, aligns with the evidence provided in the show. The visual clues and the logical sequence of events strongly support this conclusion, making Baltar the most likely candidate among the available theories.

Keywords

Battlestar Galactica, Cylons, Twelve Cylon Models