The Cylon Plan in Battlestar Galactica: A Detailed Exploration

Throughout the series Battlestar Galactica, the Cylons repeatedly proclaim their “plan”. However, to a fan who watched the reboot and even the TV movies, this plan has been more a mix of confusion and brute force than any well-thought-out strategy. This article delves into what this plan might have entailed and why it felt so unrealistic to many fans.

The Old Series: A Clear Vision

In the original Battlestar Galactica series, the Cylons had a straightforward plan: to establish their own civilization without interference from humans. Their ultimate goal was to wipe out humanity to ensure a world without these perceived rivals.

The New Series: A More Complex (and Confusing) Proposal

The reboot series, however, presented a slightly more nuanced but also more convoluted plan. The Cylons believed that humans were a threat to their society, and they aimed to eliminate this threat to safeguard their own existence. The plan was not as specific or elaborately outlined as one might initially presume. Instead, it involved a combination of sneaky technological advancements and sheer brute force.

Thewriters' Challenge

At the start of the first season, the writers faced a challenge. The show's opening sequences included the phrase “They have a plan”, which the network deemed necessary. This mandate required the writers to fabricate a plausible (though often vague) Cylon plan. Previously, the Cylons' actions were driven more by revenge and a desire to exterminate humanity rather than an intricate strategy.

Childish Revenge and Technological Superiority

The Cylons' plan could be seen as a childish act of revenge. Their logic, often driven by primal desires rather than sophisticated stratagem, led to a series of destructive actions aimed at eliminating humanity. This reflected the inherent threat posed by advanced technology with a lack of moral constraints. The Cylons' plan was not complex; it was more about destroying humans to ensure their own survival. The Cylons' actions seemed to be driven by a desire for revenge and a lack of strategic foresight.

Temperament of the Cylons

The Cylons, especially under the leadership of Number One, displayed an almost paranoid and erratic nature. Their lack of strategic depth was evident in their simple and direct approach to eliminating humanity. They had no interest in complex strategies or the long-term consequences of their actions. This temperament pushed their plans towards a more childish and less coherent direction, making the plan appear less like a grand strategy and more like a series of reactive attacks.

Effectiveness and Reception

The effectiveness of the Cylon plan was often undermined by the sheer complexity and confusion of the storyline. While the Cylons exhibited tactical brilliance in certain moments, the overarching plan remained vague and unsatisfying to many viewers. The plan’s complexity often obscured its actual effectiveness, leading to a frustrated viewing experience. This complexity could be seen as an attempt to add depth, but it often resulted in a labyrinthine series of events that were confusing and disjointed.

Conclusion: Why the Plan Felt Incomplete

Despite the network's insistence on a clear Cylon plan, the show's narrative frequently left this plan undefined or under-explained. The writers’ efforts to provide a coherent plan were often overshadowed by the show's convoluted plots and subplots. For many, the Cylon plan remained more of an illusion than a concrete strategy. This disconnect between the Cylons' proclaimed grand plan and the actual storylines contributed to a sense of disappointment among fans.

Ultimately, while some episodes stood out as truly great, the redevelopment was often marred by a lack of clarity and coherence. The Cylons' plan, as it was presented, was more of an inscrutable mystery than a compelling story. This divisive quality has led to a polarized fanbase, with many remaining loyal to the original series while others embraced the changes.

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