Galactica Plot Themes

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The Philosophical Themes of Battlestar Galactica

Battlestar Galactica, conceived of and produced by Glen A. Larson in it's classic form, had a remarkably consistent ideology and philosophy.

The new series, produced by Ronald Moore, re-examines many of these themes, while bringing up others.

In the short essay below, I briefly outline some of the philosophical influences on the classic series, then explore ten key philosophical themes that were depicted. I will also compare and contrast these with the narrative of the new show.

Initially conceived of in the 1960's as Adam's Ark, the final production of the 1970's version of Battlestar Galactica wove together several philosophical threads.

First of all, as a member of the Church of Latter-Day Saints, Glen A. Larson brought his religious beliefs to the creation of the program.

In addition, having been created in the late 1970's, a time when the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union was leaving a period of detente and becoming more confrontational, Galactica was influenced by contemporary political events - and by the politically conservative views of the show's producers.

Galactica also drew from many of the themes present in the most well known genre of American morality plays - the Western.

And finally, Galactica was influenced by the UFO phenomena and some of the books that have come to be associated with it. One of these is Chariots of the Gods, a book that popularized the notion that aliens had visited Earth in the ancient past, as evidenced by the technology and folklore of the Ancient Toltec, Mayan, Egyptian and Babylonian civilizations, to name a few.

Key Themes

1. Be Careful of Technology

Although an example of the "hardware SF" that was popular in the late 1970's, as evidenced by the massive amounts of blinking consoles and oscillating scopes throughout the ship, Battlestar Galactica has a number of anti-technological themes running through it. Occasionally, there are references to the ravages of environmental damage ("Greetings from Earth", "Super Scouts"), or of the threat of nuclear weapons ("Experiment in Terra"), but the strongest sentiment is with regard to artificial intelligence (A.I.). Although there are occasionally benign A.I.s in the series, such as Muffit the Daggit or C.O.R.A. ("Long Patrol"), the backdrop of the series is the relentless combat with the robot Cylons. As Apollo explains in "Saga of a Star World," the Cylons were once humanoid but allowed the robots they created to take them over. A further problem with A.I.s is the curious place they occupy in the moral universe of Battlestar Galactica, for lacking souls they are impervious to moral suasion.

This theme has clearly been picked up in the new Galactica series, produced by Ronald Moore. In fact, by having the origin of the robot Cylons begin with humanity, as opposed to an alien race, this theme is amplified. Fear of technology, in particular artificial intelligence, underpins many of the episodes.

2. Family Values

Family is the strongest bond in the Galactica universe, and outlasts all others. Those on the program who do not have families are inevitably surrounded by surrogate families. From Starbuck's relationship with Chameleon (Man with Nine Lives) to Adama's relationship with the young Boxey, the show is full of positive depictions of family. The loss of family is the most tragic of losses, and the extension of family the most important of rites. Apollo immediately adopts Boxey after the death of Serina - even though he is a child brought to him by marriage. One is expected to have a suitable period of mourning after the loss of a spouse - something Sire Uri discounts (Saga of a Star World) and Apollo is careful to maintain (Hand of God). Despite the massive psychological damage of having the Colonies destroyed, families survive strongly in the Fleet - something that is in strange contrast to Earth as depicted in the sequel series, Galactica 1980.

Although more gritty and aimed less at a "family audience" than it's predecessor, this theme is not completely without development in the new Galactica series. The bond between Adama and Apollo for example, despite considerable pain and loss and a divergence of belief and vision, is none the less strong. When asked to explain why this is so, Adama simply says "because you are my son" to Apollo. However, it would be incorrect to say that family values are expressed the same way in the new series, which is also full of examples of dysfunctional families, perhaps the most notable being the marriage of Colonel Tigh and his wife Ellen ("Tigh Me Up, Tigh Me Down")

3. Loyalty

Loyalty is one of the most important ethics in the Galactica universe. Apollo and Boomer risk their necks to get Starbuck when he goes missing in "Long Patrol." Starbuck risks his life to find a captured warrior in the Cylon base in "Gun on Ice Planet Zero." Muffy risks his neck to save the fireman in "Fire in Space." These are not noble self sacrifices - they are acts that are taken solely out of concern for another person - despite the potential for an even greater disaster happening with all lives being lost. Loyalty, then, is the essence of heroism. By contrast, the worst villains are those who betray trusts and are disloyal, such as Dr. Xavier, Karibdus (Murder on the Rising Star) and Baltar. These men are examples of characters in the Galactica universe that one would not risk one's own life to save.

Loyalty, and again particularly the loyalty between warriors, remains a key ethic in the new Galactica series. Similarly, Baltar's primary sins are demonstrated as misplaced or divided loyalties, which again led to the destruction of the colonies.

4. Life on Earth Began Out There

Taken almost directly from the text of the book Chariots of the Gods is the opening of the original series, Battlestar Galactica. "There are those who believe that life here began out there, far across the universe, with tribes of humans who may have been the forefathers of the Egyptians, or the Toltecs, or the Mayans." This theme is one that, although explored from time to time by science fiction writers, has found most of its traction in the UFO community. This UFO connection is heightened in Galactica 1980 (with the various sightings of Vipers, shuttles and flying motor bikes) as well as the presence of an Air Force Colonel ostensibly from a renewed Project Blue Book.

Although perhaps implicit to the world of the new Galactica show, with it's clear references to Greek gods and other ancient cultural icons, this theme is deliberately underplayed. It may yet emerge as a key theme in this series ("Kobol's Last Gleaming")

5. Cosmic Sanctification

A key component of Mormon faith, is the belief that moral improvement is necessary to advance humanity, and that this will affect matters in the afterlife. This is very clearly stated in the episode "War of the Gods" where Starbuck is informed by the beings on the Ships of Light that he has a soul with a lot of potential. He is also told that if he chooses to live a moral life he may one day transform - to become a being like the ones who are on the Ships of Light. John reinforces these views with Apollo on his visit to the Ship of Light in "Experiment in Terra." Moral choices then, are not merely relevant to one's day to day life, they have a broader impact on one's cosmic destiny.

Ronald Moore specifically sought to leave this thematic element out of the new series, and has stated so in interviews.

6. Violence Should Never be Taken Lightly

This is a sort of military ethic. Although the use of force may in fact be almost routinely necessary, it must never be taken lightly, and above all, no pleasure must ever be taken in its use. In "The Lost Warrior," Apollo is stranded on a planet where he must use his weapon to destroy the evil Cylon that rules over the town. Although fully able to do so, Apollo is reluctant to use force, and when he does, he is careful to let it be known that he takes no joy in it. Although there is a considerable amount of violence in Battlestar Galactica, the warriors often express reluctance at using force - as in Starbuck's talk to Chameleon about leaving the service (Man With Nine Lives). Other warriors in the series, such as the Borellians, also have customs relating to the use of violence. Even the Cylons seem reluctant at times to use force - until Baltar orders them to. This theme is also repeated frequently in Galactica: 1980, perhaps most poignantly in "Return of Starbuck."

Again, as part of military ethics, this theme does turn up from time to time in the new series. However, the answer to the question of when to use violence is left deliberately vague, and it is sometimes the complexity around the decisions to use force that one of the driving narratives of the show. Whether torturing Cylons that look like humans, or assaulting vessels containing terrorists, the Colonial warriors are wiling to use force, but at the same time reluctant, which is perfectly in tune with the "greyer" vision of reality depicted in the re-imagined universe.

7. Free Moral Agency

This philosophy, which is key to the Jewish, Christian, and Mormon faiths, states that all people are freely able to make moral choices, and that their lives will be affected by these choices. To resist evil, therefore, and to choose instead to do what is right and just, is fully within the capacity of all individuals. For example, although Sheba is tempted by Count Iblis (War of the Gods), he only retains influence over her to the extent that she allows him to have influence over her. The power of Evil, though considerable, is not absolute, and can be resisted. This also means that one is not responsible for the sins of one's forebears, as the prisoners of "Long Patrol" believed before their liberation.

Free moral agency, as a religious concept, has yet to appear in the new show. In fact, the monotheistic Cylons seem close to this concept, although Six has also described a sort of predestination or fatalistic conception to Baltar when explaining how God works in the world. The Colonials, for their part, are very fatalistic at least in part to their belief in the cycles of history. Despite this, character do from time to time suggest that they are able to shape their own lives, at least in part. The person who most seems to believe this, is the character of Tom Zarek, played by Richard Hatch who of course played Apollo in the old series.

8. No Negotiating with Terrorists

This theme comes up a couple of times in the original series. Adama will not give in to the demands of the Borays while they are holding Belloby hostage (Magnificent Warriors), and neither will he negotiate will Baltar while he holds Starbuck (Lost Planet of the Gods). However, the strongest expression of this theme is in the Galactica 1980 episode "Spaceball," when, although the lives of Troy, Dillon and the children are being held for ransom by Dr. Xavier, Adama refuses to negotiate with him.

While on the new show, the Colonial military also takes pains to refrain from negotiating with terrorists, in the form of Tom Zarek, or in the form of the Cylons, at the end of the day they often do. Zarek in fact is elected to the Council of Twelve. Again, this is consistent with the darker vision of the new series.

9. Enlightened Militarism is a legitimate form of Governance.

Although Adama chastises Apollo and Starbuck for planning to disregard the Council (War of the Gods), the Council is generally depicted as childish, irrational, and prone to wrongheaded idealism throughout the series. In contrast, Adama's rule, as the Commander of the Fleet under a state of military law, is depicted as sound, reasonable and wise governance. Only when Commander Cain challenges Adama (Living Legend) is there some criticism of the way in which things are run - but the even more extreme militarism of Commander Cain is ultimately seen to be self sacrificing, heroic and noble.

Although martial law is declared at least once in the new series, the Commander Adama of the re-imagined universe holds no such belief. Having been raised in the home of a civil rights attorney, Adama is a strong believer in the need for civilian control, freedom of the press, and other liberties despite how often he find them inconvenient or distasteful. This is not to say that the civilian politicians of the new Galactica series fare much better than their classic counterparts, but they are at least depicted as complex with understandable motivations.

10. The Opposite of War is Often Slavery

Throughout the series, civilian leaders who operate in trust are depicted as fools, while military leaders who need proof of the intent of persons they encounter are depicted as prudent. This is the cornerstone of the world of Battlestar Galactica - the galaxy is a scary place, filled with entities who seek the destruction of the Fleet, and it is best to be forewarned, and forearmed, when dealing with those outside of your immediate circle of trusted allies. There is hardly a single episode that does not reinforce this theme, and it was this hardcore "realist" view that drew some of the harshest criticism from the broader science fiction community.

To cite just a few references: In "Saga of a Star World", the desire of President Adar to seek peace with the Cylons results in the destruction of the Colonies, and the subsequent desire of Uri to seek peace with the Ovions is also shown to be a dangerous course. In "Experiment in Terra" Apollo argues this philosophy forcefully at the Terran parliament, while at the same time the Eastern Alliance is posing to attack under the guise of a peace offer.

Again it is hard to think of any specific episodes of the new series which reflect this theme, beyond some warnings Adama has for President Roslin when some military threats arise. Roslin, however, is sometimes more willing to use force than the Commander. In addition, the original sneak attack at the start of the Mini-series was not a result of a foolish Colonial desire for peace, but rather due to a cunning infiltration by a determined adversary.

Summary

To summarize then, Battlestar Galactica is a clear example of the modern morality play, placed in a science fiction context, and aimed at a popular audience. It's major themes are clearly depicted and consistently underscored. They are, in short: to keep your head up, your wits about you, look after your friends and family, remember to do what is good, never make a deal with a bad guy, and keep your eyes on those untrustworthy AIs.

The new series, which expands on some themes from the classic show while leaving aside others, probably keeps to a tighter set of themes. Chief among these would likely be, do not allow the pain of the past to blind you to the challenges of the future, or prevent you from being able to solve them. The most valued personal attribute of the new show, then, is probably perseverance. Oh, and it is probably a good idea to keep your eyes on those untrustworthy AIs.

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Last Updated on Tuesday, April 26, 2005