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"You are a Toaster": An Analysis on the Categorization of The Human

"Differences" Between Humans and Cylons

This page will explore the differences between the humanoid cylons and humans depicted within the Reimagined Battlestar Galactica series to explore the question: What differences are present between cylons and humans? In order to answer this question, we need to look at Ricoeur's theory which reminds us to look at The World of the Text, in regard to Battlestar Galactica. Therefore, we need to deconstruct what the text, Battlestar Galactica, is describing about the cylon condition.

1. Cylons experience love.

Throughout the series, various cylons fall in love with humans and vice versa. For example, a major plot line of the story consists of a Cylon named “Number Eight” whose various copies have two romantic and sexual relationships with the human, Karl “Helo” Agathon and the cylon, Chief Galen Tyrol.

2. Cylons can reproduce with humans.

Even though cylons can make infinate copies of themselves, they do not believe these copies are a form of reproduction. Instead, throughout the series it is revealed that the cylons have experimented in an attempt to perform biological reproduction through procreation with humans. As a result of these experiments, Number Eight’s copy, called Athena, is impregnated by the human Karl “Helo” Agathon, resulting in the birth of their daughter Hera Agathon who is the first half cylon half human hybrid.

3. Cylons are religious.

In Battlestar Galactica, religion is a central theme to the main plot. The humans practice a polytheistic religion where they worship The Lords of Kobol, who consist of Gods and Goddesses with the same names as the Greek Gods and Goddesses.

Unlike the humans, the cylons practice a monotheistic religion and follow "The One True God". We learn of these beliefs mostly through the cylon named Number Six. She tries to evangelize another character named Dr. Baltar as early as episode one. Number Six discusses themes of sin, redemption, and eternal love throughout the series with Dr. Baltar, eventually convincing him of the existence of The One True God.

4. Cylons rebel against Cylons.

Throughout the series, the humanoid cylons begin to rebel against one another. Their rebellion is exemplified within this scene, as Six and Eight give the humans tactful information in an attempt to find the mythical planet Earth.

5. Cylons Form Platonic Relationships.

One of the big reveals within the series is that Colonel Saul Tigh has been a cylon the entire time. After Saul reveals to General Adama that he has always been a cylon, Adama storms Saul's room and confronts him in a drunken rage. The scene perfectly depicts the tension present between old friends who are unsure whether they can truly rely on one another.

6. There is only one confirmed way to tell humanoid cylons apart.

Dr. Baltar creates a blood test to determine who is or is not a cylon. His tests prove successful at revealing Number Eight's cylon copy Boomer, but he never discloses her true identity. He also lies about another characters test, Ellen, and says that she is not a cylon when she is clearly marked as one by the test. His ability to lie about whether or not someone is a cylon demonstrates that the issue is not cylon versus human, to be a cylon is only an empty signifier.

Cylons erode the strict boundaries set in Battlestar Galactica between who is considered non-human and human by confounding previous signified conceptualizations about "the human".