The Final Cylons of Battlestar Galactica: Decoding the Mystery

Battlestar Galactica, the iconic and critically acclaimed science fiction series, has always captivated fans with its complex and intriguing plot lines. Among the most intriguing of these are the Cylons, the humanoid machines with a mysterious origin. As the series reaches its climax, the question of who the last Cylons are comes to the forefront. In this article, we delve into the mystery surrounding the final Cylons of Battlestar Galactica, exploring the roles of Cylons and Psilons and examining who the last ones were.

The Nature of Cylons and Psilons

Battlestar Galactica distinguishes between two types of Cylon entities: Cylons and Psilons. Cylons are machines in the form of Centurions, which are the mechanical warriors and enforcers of the Cylon society. However, Psilons are a unique subset of Cylons, specifically referred to as the psychically gifted. Psilons, unlike the machine-centric Cylons, are biological and augmented humans but have the ability to upload their consciousness onto their doppelgangers using psionic transmission.

The Final Cylons: Confusion and Clarity

The confusion surrounding the identity of the last Cylons in Battlestar Galactica stems from a mix of narrative complexity and the legacy of the series. In the Re-imagining of Battlestar Galactica (2004-2009), numerous events and characters turn the typical understanding of Cylon identity on its head. Initially, the series revolves around the search for the Legend of the Thirteenth Tribe, which introduces the so-called 'Final Five' - a group of humans from a higher plane of existence that have Cylon characteristics.

In the latter seasons, the line between man and machine blurs even further with the revelation of more Cylon types, including the Vipers and Centurions, and the introduction of various series-regular characters with Cylon characteristics. These complexities make the task of identifying the 'last Cylons' particularly challenging. Let's explore the most likely contenders for the title of 'last Cylon':

The Death of Anders

One of the most definitive examples of a Cylon in the Re-imagining is Anders. A former Galactica crew member and a Cylon Psilon, Anders rode his Cylon into the sun alongside the fulfilled fleet, marking the symbolic end to the human-Cylon struggle. The scene is a powerful and poignant moment, defining the end of the Cylons' threatening presence in the Battlestar Galactica universe.

Saul and Ellen Tigh: Biological Cylons

Another option is the Tighs - Saul and Ellen. Until the reveal that they were Psilons and Duet Cylons, Saul Tigh and his wife Ellen played a critical role in the series as commanding officers and key figures in the war against the Cylons. Upon their deaths during the exodus of the fleet, they chose to ride with their Cylon counterparts, uploading their consciousness and leaving behind their human forms.

Hera Agathon: A Twist in the Narrative

#64;@@@@@@@@@@ mentions the possibility of Hera Agathon, a child adopted by Starbuck and Galen Tyrol, being considered in the count of the last Cylons. Hera is unique because she was known as a human with no Cylon characteristics initially, but as the series progresses, her story takes an unexpected turn. While she doesn't die, her survival as a human with no Cylon affiliation further complicates the narrative and adds to the mystery of who the last Cylons truly are.

Conclusion: Whose Story Ends Last?

The identity of the 'last Cylons' in Battlestar Galactica remains a matter of interpretation and debate among fans. The series' complex blend of human and machine, along with the profound philosophical questions it raises, ensures that no definitive answer resolves the mystery. Whether it's Anders, the Tighs, or Hera, the exploration of these characters and their destinies goes beyond just identifying the last individuals; it delves into the series' overarching themes of identity, survival, and the nature of sentience.