Final Five

Lore & Background

The revelation of the Final Five shattered the understanding of the war between humans and machines. It was discovered that the Cylon models known as Number Six, Number Eight, and others were actually created by these five on Earth, intended to carry out a plan orchestrated by their creators. Unlike their descendants—such as Sharon Valerii (Boomer)—who can upload consciousness to a Resurrection Ship or Hub upon death, the Final Five lack this ability and face permanent mortality.

In Their Own Story

The air in the chamber was thick with the smell of ozone and old dust. Saul Tigh stared at the faces projected on the wall—five strangers who were somehow him. He remembered a life he never lived, a city of glass that burned before the first starship left orbit. The silence was heavier than any explosion; it was the sound of a history rewritten. As the images flickered, he realized the war wasn't something they fought against, but something they had built to save themselves.

Reader's Guide

The Final Five are a group of Cylons who lived on Earth before the destruction of the Thirteenth Tribe. They were designed to be indistinguishable from humans and did not share in the resurrection capability of other models. Their existence was hidden for millennia, with each member living a full human life without knowing their origin until the events surrounding the Cylon war forced the truth into the light. Key figures include Gaius Baltar, who served as a liaison to the Cylons, and Saul Tigh, whose loyalty was tested throughout the conflict. The revelation explained why certain Cylon models were created and why the cycle of violence repeated itself. The Final Five ultimately chose to abandon their immortality to ensure that humanity could survive by merging with their creations, ending the ancient war.

Did You Know?

• The Final Five are responsible for creating the first generation of humanoid Cylons on ancient Earth, not a separate original civilization.
• Unlike other Cylon models like Number Eights who resurrect via the Hub, the Final Five do not possess a resurrection hub and die permanently when killed.
• They lived through multiple cycles of human-Cylon war, often forgetting their past lives until triggered by specific events.
• Their existence was kept secret even from the other Cylon models for thousands of years.

Series Origins and Premise

Battlestar Galactica, a seminal military science fiction series that premiered in 2004, stands as a profound re-imagining of the classic 1978 show. Developed by Ronald D. Moore and executive produced alongside David Eick, the narrative launched with an expansive three-hour miniseries on the Sci Fi channel in December 2003. This pilot set the stage for four subsequent seasons that concluded in March 2009. The story centers on a desperate group of human survivors fleeing the total annihilation of their Twelve Colonies aboard the titular battlestar. Their journey is defined by a relentless pursuit from the Cylons, an advanced robotic society dedicated to the extermination of humanity. A central tension arises from biological Cylon models that are indistinguishable from humans; these infiltrators hide within the refugee population, with their true identities gradually unveiled throughout the series. This premise creates a claustrophobic atmosphere of paranoia and survival as the fleet searches for the mythical planet Earth.

Command Structure and Leadership

The leadership dynamic aboard the Galactica is anchored by Commander William Adama, portrayed by Edward James Olmos. A veteran of the First Cylon War known by his call sign 'Husker', Adama serves as the longest-tenured high-ranking officer following the catastrophic fall of the colonies. His military authority is balanced by the civilian leadership of President Laura Roslin, played by Mary McDonnell. Originally the Secretary of Education, Roslin ascended to the presidency after the deaths of every predecessor in her line of succession. She evolves into a spiritual figurehead for the fleet, viewed as essential to fulfilling ancient prophecies regarding the discovery of Earth. Supporting this dual command are key military figures like Lee 'Apollo' Adama, William's son and skilled Viper pilot who commands the Air Group, and Colonel Saul Tigh. As the Executive Officer, Tigh is a gruff, alcohol-dependent militarist whose strained relationships with subordinates contrast sharply with his pivotal role in the human resistance against Cylon occupation.

The Human-Cylon Paradox

A defining element of the series is the complex interplay between humans and humanoid Cylons, particularly through the Number Eight model portrayed by Grace Park. This single model manifests as two distinct characters: Sharon 'Boomer' Valerii and Sharon Agathon, call sign 'Athena'. Boomer serves as a sleeper agent within the Galactica crew, initially unaware of her own nature until she attempts to assassinate Commander Adama. After being killed and resurrected among the Cylons, she struggles with identity before aligning with anti-human factions. Conversely, Athena poses as Boomer to rescue Karl Agathon, eventually falling in love with him while earning the trust of the human crew. Her journey culminates in becoming pregnant with the first viable hybrid child, leading her to side with humans against hostile Cylon models. This duality highlights the series' exploration of identity, loyalty, and the blurred lines between creator and creation.

The Final Five Revelation

The narrative arc reaches a critical turning point with the revelation of the 'Final Five' Cylons, individuals who were unaware of their own mechanical nature until late in the series. Among them are Colonel Saul Tigh and Chief Petty Officer Galen Tyrol, portrayed by Michael Hogan and Aaron Douglas respectively. Tigh, known for his imperfections and troubled personal life including the death of his wife Ellen, undergoes a transformation from a flawed subordinate to a pivotal leader upon learning he is Cylon. Similarly, Tyrol, who manages the ship's maintenance and navigates a secret relationship with Boomer, faces a profound crisis when her true identity is exposed. His subsequent marriage and family life are further complicated by infidelity, yet his journey toward redemption remains central. The discovery that these deeply human-seeming characters are actually Cylons fundamentally alters the fleet's understanding of their enemy and their own history, adding layers of tragedy and complexity to the conflict.