The 2000s reimagining of the military sci-fi seriesBattlestar Galacticais so much more than the sum of its battles and jumps. From its satisfying character arcs to its philosophical and theological depths,the show is extremely rewatchable – luckily so, when thePeacockBattlestar Galacticareboot is no longer in the works.
The best kind of sci-fi serves as a backdrop to explore issues related to the real world, whichBattlestar Galacticadoes with dramatic, comedic, emotional, and poetic aplomb.One writing aspectBattlestar Galacticaespecially excels in is dialogue, exemplified through the iconic quotesthat have become synonymous with the series. From the stoic wisdom of William Adama to the biting cynicism of thescientist Gaius Baltar, these lines capture the essence of the show’s characters and themes.
11"Nothin' But The Rain, Sir."
Said By Kara Thrace
“Nothing but the rain” is among the most quoted lines fromBattlestar Galactica; this call and response between Rear Admiral Adama and Starbuck is their first interaction. While the line holds secret significance, it’s essentially meaningless. It’s simply a shared phrase rooted in military tradition.The show’s creators, including Ronald D. Moore, have confirmed that the phrase was inspired by military marching chants,known as “jodies”(viaGameRant). The quote remains an evocative element of the show, and carries a significant emotional weight since the pair again exchange this dialogue as part of a tear-jerking goodbye in “Daybreak: Part 2.”
10"It’s Not Enough To Survive…"
Said By William Adama
When the show delves into profound philosophical questions about humanity’s worthiness,the question posed by Bill, “It’s not enough to survive; one has to be worthy of survival,” is particularly poignant.The human characters grapple with their moral failingsand the relentless pursuit of their enemies, often becoming their own worst enemy. In the finale, the human fleet arrives on a prehistoric Earth and the survivors choose to abandon their technological advancements and integrate themselves into early human society, a fitting ending to a series that questions human morals.
9"That’s What Makes Me Human?"
Said By Gaius Baltar
Fans will no doubt hear this quote with James Callis' signature delivery:
“That’s what makes me human? Not conscious thought? Not poetry, or art, or music, literature? Murder. Murder is my heritage.”
Callis' performance masterfully plays into the love/hate relationship the viewer has with Gaius. In both his moments of comic relief and major plot points, he carries the message of humanity’s arrogance. However, his background as a brilliant scientist emphasizes the show’s key interest in religion andMoore has often spoken about Gaius' significance(viaYouTube) in the central, cyclical conflict of the show that is connected to our Earth’s past.
8"You, Your Race, Invented Murder."
Said By Number Six
Number Six, a complex and enigmatic Cylon character inBattlestar Galactica, often offers profound insights.Only Gaius can see Number Six, and in a particularly striking exchange with Gaius Baltar, she observes that humankind invented murder. Baltar, initially taken aback, is forced to confront the darker side of human nature.
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This quote encapsulates the key conundrum of humanity having created the Cylons in their image,the only distinction being their subservience. The idea of humanity inventing murder also conjures the image of Cain and Abel, one of many biblical references in both the original and new series. The quote also highlights humanity’s inferiority according to the Cylons.
7"You Cannot Play God Then Wash Your Hands Of The Things You’ve Created."
The series suggests that true leadership requires not only strength and courage, but also a deep sense of moral responsibility. This full quote explores Adama’s sense of responsibility:
“You cannot play God then wash your hands of the things you’ve created. Sooner or later, the day comes when you’re able to’t hide from the things you’ve done anymore.”
The morally grounded leader of the Twelve Colonies embodies the weight of responsibility that comes with leadership.Adama’s quote reflects the dilemmas faced by those in positions of power,while his character arc is intertwined with the series' exploration of humanity’s capacity for both great good and terrible evil. This quote also ties into Adama’s role as a father; at one point he remarks that facing Lee the next day makes his decision-making even more difficult.
6"It’s Naive To Think Horrible Things We Can’t Understand Have Simple Explanations."
Said By Laura Roslin
This quote from Laura Roslin demonstrates her nuanced approach to problem-solving. As she navigates the challenges of leading a fleeing civilization,Roslin often confronts the inexplicable and the terrifying. Her understanding that simple answers are rarely sufficient highlights the series' exploration of moral ambiguity and the human condition. Mary McDonnell’s delivery and cadence in her performance have both mindfulness and emotional shades, making her character a joy to watch. However, “horrible things” faces tough competition for her best line from her continual threats to throw various characters out of the airlock.
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Another commonly quoted line fromBattlestar Galacticawas taken fromPeter Pan.The adage is used to explain why the exiled humans inBSGare like us, while speaking about a fundamental truth about human nature: repeating mistakes. This truth is also an example of the original show’s Mormon influences, one of thethings people may not know aboutBattlestar Galactica.
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The line hassimilarities with both Mormon and Old Testament writings. A line in Ecclesiastes 1 (Old Testament) reads: “What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.“The Mormon hymn, “If You Could Hie To Kolob,” also has cyclical ideas: “Improvement and progression / Have one eternal round. / There is no end to matter; / There is no end to space; / There is no end to spirit; / There is no end to race.”
3"Pilots Call Me Starbuck; You May Refer To Me As God.”
Kara Thrace is known for her bold and confident demeanor,with this quote summing up her charming cockiness. It also eerily hints at the divine destiny that seems to follow her throughout the series, despiteBattlestar Galacticatheories that Starbuck is a Cylon. Kara transforms from a rebellious pilot to a symbol of hope and redemption, making her one of the most beloved characters in the series. This decidedly smug line is also a brilliant writing decision to endear her to a new audience in season 1, making Kara a formidable gender-swapped replacement for the original male Starbuck.
2"I Am An Officer In The Colonial Fleet. Whatever Else I Am…That’s The Man I Want To Be.”
Said By Saul Tigh
The character ofSaul Tigh provides a powerful exploration of military identity inBattlestar Galactica.His declaration reflects the profound impact of military service on one’s self-image. Tigh’s journey, particularly his revelation as not only a Cylon but alsoone of the Final Five in a major twist, challenges this. Whether he knows who he is or not, Tigh has a strong sense of duty. He clings to his military identity, highlighting the power of self-definition in the face of adversity. This theme resonates throughoutBattlestar Galactica, as characters question their roles, their pasts, and their place in the cosmos.
