00:00–05:00The story opens after a long Cylon-human armistice. A Cylon representative arrives at an isolated armistice station. The representative is the humanoid Cylon later identified as Number Six. The Colonials have become complacent after roughly forty years without a Cylon attack. The Cylon asks the human representative for confirmation that the Cylons have no representatives in the Colonial government. The human officer dismisses the question. Number Six is revealed to have a very different agenda. Her presence establishes immediately that the Cylons now possess humanlike bodies and personalities.

05:00–12:00On Caprica, Gaius Baltar is living a privileged life. Baltar is involved romantically with Number Six. Six has access to sensitive information through Baltar. She repeatedly discusses her religious belief that humanity has been created by a single God. Baltar dismisses or mocks some of her beliefs. The relationship is presented as intimate and trusting from Baltar's point of view. It later becomes clear that Six has deliberately positioned herself close to Baltar.

12:00–20:00Commander William Adama is aboard Galactica preparing for retirement. The ship is an aging Battlestar being removed from front-line service. Adama considers the old warship obsolete. Laura Roslin, Secretary of Education, is aboard a Colonial transport heading to Galactica for a ceremonial event. Adama's sons Lee and Zak Adama are part of the Galactica storyline. Zak is a Viper pilot. Lee and Adama have a strained relationship. The ship represents a military institution that the Colonies largely believe is no longer necessary.

20:00–30:00Colonial defense systems begin suffering catastrophic failures. Nuclear detonations begin striking the Twelve Colonies. The Cylons launch a coordinated attack across Colonial space. Nuclear strikes destroy cities and population centers. Colonial military vessels are caught unprepared. Civilian communication systems become chaotic. Nuclear EMPs and conventional devastation cripple infrastructure. A massive number of humans die within a very short period. Caprica is heavily affected. The previously unimaginable Cylon war has begun.

30:00–40:00Adama realizes that the attack is coordinated. Galactica's older systems are partly insulated because the ship has not been fully networked with newer Colonial technology. This becomes one of the central reasons Galactica survives. Networked Colonial systems are compromised or disabled. Galactica's crew begins trying to determine what remains of the fleet. Adama orders emergency preparations. Many civilian ships start assembling around Galactica because the Battlestar becomes a natural center for survival.

40:00–50:00Laura Roslin learns that most of the Colonial government has been destroyed. The president and much of the succession line are dead. Roslin learns she is now effectively the highest-ranking surviving civilian official. She becomes acting President of the Twelve Colonies. Her situation changes from educational administrator to wartime head of state. Roslin begins making emergency political decisions. She orders civilian ships to gather and follow Galactica.

50:00–60:00Adama contacts surviving military personnel. He attempts to understand where the Cylon forces are. The surviving fleet begins assembling. The Colonial fleet is fragmented and mostly civilian. Galactica's Viper squadrons are used for reconnaissance and defense. Apollo and Starbuck emerge as two of the most important fighter pilots. The fleet's initial goal is simply survival.

60:00–75:00Roslin informs Adama of the government's collapse. Adama realizes that the Colonies no longer have an organized military command structure. Roslin takes responsibility for civilian leadership. The fleet needs fuel, food, water, medicine, and protection. Adama states that humanity must find somewhere safe. Survivors begin hearing claims that the Cylons are everywhere. The psychological effect of the attack becomes almost as important as the physical damage.

75:00–90:00Kara Thrace / Starbuck returns to Galactica after being involved in combat. Her history with Adama and Lee becomes increasingly important. Adama is angry about Starbuck's reckless personality. Lee blames himself for failing to protect his brother Zak in the past. Roslin begins discovering that the Colonial government has almost no meaningful administrative structure left. Baltar survives the initial attack. The Six who is with him appears to him while he is suffering from guilt and shock. 90:00–105:00 Baltar discovers the consequences of Six's manipulation. Six reveals more about her true identity to him. She insists that God has a plan. Baltar becomes mentally unstable. He is uncertain whether the Six he sees is physically real. Six becomes an internal voice and apparent hallucination. The fleet begins planning an escape strategy. 105:00–120:00 Galactica leaves the area of the Colonies. The surviving ships follow. A Cylon trap is avoided through Adama's caution. Roslin begins organizing civilian leadership aboard the fleet. The President's staff begins functioning from Colonial One. Galactica becomes the military headquarters of the surviving human civilization. The central premise of the entire series is established: a few thousand survivors are fleeing from the Cylons.

00:00–05:00Galactica and the Fleet have been fleeing from the Cylons continuously. The fleet is jumping approximately every 33 minutes. The crew has been awake for over 130 hours. People are suffering from severe sleep deprivation. The fleet has effectively been trapped in a repeating cycle.

05:00–10:00A Cylon Raider attacks the fleet. Galactica launches Vipers. Galactica must protect multiple civilian vessels. The crew realizes the Cylons are somehow finding the fleet after each jump. The problem is not merely locating another jump point; they are being tracked.

10:00–15:00Adama and Tigh struggle with exhausted personnel. Viper pilots are barely functioning. Mechanical failures begin appearing. Engines and jump systems are becoming increasingly unreliable. Civilians are reaching the limits of endurance.

15:00–20:00Baltar continues seeing Six. Six tells Baltar that God has selected him. Baltar becomes increasingly uncertain whether she exists. Her presence distracts him during critical moments. She pushes the idea that Baltar has an important role in the future.

20:00–25:00The Olympic Carrier disappears during a jump. The ship later reappears. The fleet is divided over whether it should be allowed to rejoin. Adama suspects something is wrong. The possibility exists that the ship has been infiltrated by Cylons.

25:00–30:00Starbuck argues that the Olympic Carrier could contain survivors. Adama ultimately orders it destroyed. The ship is destroyed. Survivors are emotionally disturbed by the decision. The episode demonstrates one of Adama's central wartime principles: civilian sentiment cannot always override fleet survival.

30:00–37:00A Cylon Raider attacks Galactica again. The crew is overwhelmed by exhaustion. The Raider appears capable of pursuing them repeatedly. Galactica's pilots destroy it. A humanoid Cylon is later discovered aboard the fleet. The episode establishes the basic question that dominates the series: who can be trusted? Key consequences: the fleet learns that Cylon infiltration is possible; Adama's decision-making becomes much harsher; Baltar's hallucinated Six becomes a continuing character.

00:00–05:00Galactica is recovering from the events of "33." Maintenance crews discover catastrophic damage to water storage. Huge quantities of water are being lost.

05:00–10:00Galactica determines the damage appears deliberate. The ship has been sabotaged. Adama orders an investigation. The crew realizes the saboteur may still be aboard.

10:00–15:00A Cylon device is found. Suspicion falls on crew members. Boomer becomes increasingly important to the investigation. Helo's fate on Caprica remains unresolved from the fleet's perspective.

15:00–22:00Tyrol and the engineering crew struggle to repair the damage. Water becomes a fleet-wide survival issue. Civilian ships begin rationing. Galactica calculates how long remaining supplies can last.

22:00–30:00Adama becomes concerned about internal Cylon agents. Baltar's detector project begins becoming important. Six continues manipulating Baltar. Boomer experiences increasing signs of psychological instability.

30:00–40:00A suspicious action leads to renewed suspicion of Boomer. The saboteur successfully causes additional problems. Water becomes a scarce strategic resource. The episode demonstrates that the fleet can be threatened from inside as well as outside.

00:00–05:00The Fleet discovers it needs more water processing capacity. A prison ship called the Astral Queen is identified as a possible source of equipment. The prison population consists largely of convicted criminals.

05:00–10:00Lee Adama is sent to negotiate with the prisoners. He initially believes military authority should be enough. The prisoners have little respect for Colonial officers.

10:00–18:00Tom Zarek emerges as the major political figure among the prisoners. Zarek is charismatic and deeply opposed to Colonial authority. He has a long political history involving terrorism and resistance.

18:00–25:00The prisoners seize control. Lee becomes trapped aboard the ship. The situation becomes a hostage crisis. Roslin and Adama disagree on how to handle it.

25:00–35:00Zarek demands political concessions. Lee discovers that the prisoners are not simply criminals. Some believe the existing Colonial government abandoned them long before the Cylon attack.

35:00–43:00Lee negotiates rather than simply launching an assault. The prisoners agree to assist with the water crisis. Zarek gains political legitimacy. Adama is forced to acknowledge that the surviving government cannot simply operate through military force.

00:00–07:00Starbuck experiences emotional trauma connected to Zak Adama. Flashbacks reveal her relationship with Zak. Zak was Adama's son and Starbuck's former trainee.

07:00–15:00Starbuck had previously recommended Zak for flight training. Zak was physically capable but lacked the instincts necessary for combat. Starbuck nevertheless allowed him to pass.

15:00–23:00Zak died during a training accident. Adama blames Starbuck. Starbuck also blames herself.

23:00–30:00The Fleet needs replacement pilots. Galactica's Viper forces are understaffed. Starbuck is forced to confront her fear.

30:00–38:00Starbuck trains new pilots. She becomes increasingly determined to keep them alive. Her harsh behavior is shown to be connected to guilt.

38:00–43:00Adama and Starbuck begin repairing their relationship. Starbuck finally faces the memory of Zak. The episode establishes why Adama trusts her despite her rebellious behavior.

00:00–08:00Starbuck is sent into combat. Her Viper is damaged. She disappears and is presumed dead.

08:00–15:00Adama refuses to immediately accept her death. Lee searches for her. A damaged Raider is found.

15:00–23:00Starbuck has survived on a moon. She discovers a functioning Cylon Raider.

23:00–30:00Starbuck boards the Raider. She begins learning how its systems work. The Raider behaves in a surprisingly organic manner.

30:00–38:00Starbuck manages to fly the captured Raider. Galactica detects the unfamiliar Cylon ship. Starbuck returns to Galactica.

38:00–43:00Adama is relieved to see her alive. The fleet gains its first major insight into Cylon technology from Starbuck's experience. Starbuck begins wondering whether Cylons are fundamentally different from humans.

00:00–06:00A Cylon attack occurs inside Galactica's security zone. An internal investigation begins. Adama creates a special investigative tribunal.

06:00–15:00Sergeant Hadrian investigates security failures. The concept of the tribunal resembles military emergency justice. Crew members are interrogated.

15:00–24:00Hadrian accuses Adama of allowing a security culture that is too informal. Adama's authority is directly challenged.

24:00–33:00The tribunal examines how the Cylon infiltrator managed to reach Galactica. Colonial personnel become frightened of one another.

33:00–43:00Adama realizes that extreme investigations can destroy morale. He removes Hadrian from the position. The episode emphasizes the danger of turning the fleet into a permanent police state.

00:00–08:00Baltar becomes the center of a crisis. A woman claiming to be Number Six appears publicly. She claims Baltar betrayed humanity.

08:00–16:00The woman looks exactly like Baltar's hallucinated Six. Baltar becomes terrified. The supposed Six presents evidence.

16:00–24:00Baltar is investigated. President Roslin must determine whether Baltar is a Cylon collaborator. Baltar becomes increasingly desperate.

24:00–34:00The evidence against Baltar appears increasingly convincing. Baltar cannot explain the woman's identity. His relationship with his hallucinated Six becomes even more confusing.

34:00–43:00The apparition disappears. The evidence is revealed to have been manipulated. Baltar's public standing is damaged. The episode makes it clear that psychological warfare is one of the Cylons' greatest weapons.

00:00–06:00A humanoid Cylon is captured. The prisoner is identified as Leoben Conoy.

06:00–15:00Leoben claims to know important information about humanity. Adama initially believes the Cylon is simply lying.

15:00–25:00Starbuck interrogates Leoben. He deliberately tries to destabilize her emotionally. He discusses religion and prophecy.

25:00–33:00Leoben makes a major claim involving a nuclear weapon. He says a bomb has been hidden aboard one of the civilian ships.

33:00–40:00Galactica searches for the weapon. The episode creates uncertainty regarding whether Leoben's information is true.

40:00–43:00A nuclear device is found. Leoben proves that he possesses knowledge that should be impossible for an ordinary prisoner. Starbuck becomes psychologically affected by the experience.

00:00–07:00Colonel Saul Tigh discovers that his wife Ellen has somehow survived. Ellen arrives aboard Galactica.

07:00–15:00Tigh is shocked. Ellen immediately creates interpersonal tension. She behaves as though the apocalypse is an inconvenience rather than a defining event.

15:00–25:00Ellen's history raises questions. Baltar continues working on Cylon detection. Adama and Tigh become concerned about whether Ellen is a Cylon.

25:00–35:00Ellen's behavior generates suspicion. Meanwhile, Baltar's detector begins producing inconclusive results.

35:00–43:00Ellen is ultimately cleared. The audience is encouraged to question everyone around the protagonists. Saul and Ellen's relationship becomes an important recurring element.

00:00–06:00The Fleet is running dangerously low on tylium fuel. Galactica's remaining fuel reserves are becoming critical.

06:00–14:00Raptors locate an asteroid containing a large supply of tylium. The Cylons have already established a refinery.

14:00–23:00Adama decides to attack the Cylon refinery. The plan requires Galactica to perform an extremely dangerous operation.

23:00–31:00Starbuck and Apollo prepare for the mission. Raptor crews coordinate the attack.

31:00–40:00Galactica takes heavy fire. Colonial aircraft attack the refinery. The operation succeeds.

40:00–43:00The fleet obtains much-needed fuel. Roslin's visions and religious experiences become increasingly significant. The episode establishes that logistics—fuel, ammunition, food and maintenance—are constant strategic problems.

00:00–08:00The fleet celebrates Colonial Day. Roslin establishes a new Quorum of Twelve. The Quorum is intended to restore civilian government.

08:00–17:00Tom Zarek becomes the representative for Sagittaron. Zarek uses his political influence to challenge Roslin.

17:00–25:00The position of Vice President becomes politically important. Baltar unexpectedly supports Zarek's political ambitions.

25:00–34:00Billy Keikeya becomes involved in security matters. The episode reveals divisions among the surviving Colonies. Former social and political grievances survive the apocalypse.

34:00–43:00Zarek is prevented from immediately taking complete control. Roslin demonstrates that democratic government still matters. The Quorum becomes a continuing political institution.

00:00–08:00Galactica discovers Kobol. Kobol is the mythical ancestral home of humanity. The discovery could change the search for Earth.

08:00–17:00Baltar becomes increasingly focused on visions and prophecy. Starbuck becomes involved in a personal relationship with Baltar. Kara is emotionally confused about Lee.

17:00–25:00Roslin believes the Scriptures may contain genuine information about the path to Earth. The Arrow of Apollo becomes an important artifact.

25:00–34:00Adama rejects some of Roslin's religious interpretation. Political and military authority begin moving toward direct conflict.

34:00–43:00Roslin determines that retrieving the Arrow is necessary. Starbuck is assigned an extraordinary mission involving Caprica. Adama prepares to use military force to prevent Roslin from undermining his command.

00:00–07:00Roslin refuses to step down as President. Adama attempts to take control of the political situation. Roslin is arrested.

07:00–15:00Roslin's supporters begin planning to restore her. Baltar is caught between political factions.

15:00–24:00Starbuck travels to Caprica. She searches for the Arrow of Apollo. The Cylon presence on Caprica remains enormous.

24:00–33:00Starbuck finds the Arrow. She also encounters a Cylon version of herself-like imagery/visions associated with the mystery surrounding Caprica.

33:00–40:00Roslin's supporters assist her escape. Adama's political takeover begins collapsing.

40:00–43:00Adama is shot by Cylon Boomer. The season ends with Adama gravely wounded. Roslin resumes leadership. Starbuck is left on Caprica with the Arrow. The Fleet's quest for Kobol and Earth has become the major storyline.

00:00–08:00Adama is critically wounded. Colonel Tigh assumes command. The fleet faces a major jump problem.

08:00–17:00Galactica's navigation systems malfunction. The ship becomes separated from the fleet.

17:00–27:00Tigh must manage the fleet while dealing with Adama's condition. Chief Tyrol struggles with the technical problems.

27:00–37:00Roslin and Tigh clash politically. Lee is desperate to find his father.

37:00–43:00Adama survives emergency surgery. Galactica reconnects with the fleet. Command authority remains deeply divided.

00:00–08:00Apollo's Raptor crashes on a planet. Several Marines are trapped.

08:00–17:00The survivors discover Cylon Centurions nearby. Their ammunition and supplies are limited.

17:00–27:00On Galactica, medical personnel struggle to treat Adama. Tigh increasingly relies on harsh emergency measures.

27:00–37:00The stranded team fights through Cylon territory. Apollo attempts to keep everyone alive.

37:00–43:00The survivors escape. Adama's condition begins improving. The episode demonstrates how vulnerable even elite Colonial units are away from Galactica.

00:00–08:00Tigh's command becomes increasingly authoritarian. The fleet is under extreme pressure.

08:00–18:00Political opposition grows. Civilian and military leadership become increasingly hostile.

18:00–27:00Crashdown's unit on Kobol becomes trapped. Panic spreads among the soldiers.

27:00–35:00Crashdown struggles to command the survivors. Tyrol is forced to make difficult decisions.

35:00–43:00Crashdown dies. Tyrol takes responsibility for his actions. The situation on Kobol remains dangerous.

00:00–08:00Helo and Boomer remain on Caprica. Helo discovers that Boomer is pregnant.

08:00–17:00Helo attempts to protect her from the Cylons. Other humans on Caprica attempt to form resistance groups.

17:00–25:00Tigh imposes martial law. Arrests and searches become increasingly aggressive.

25:00–34:00Starbuck returns from Caprica-related operations. She becomes involved in resisting Tigh's policies.

34:00–43:00The Galactica crew begins to fracture over military authority. The episode establishes a permanent conflict between security and civil liberties.

00:00–08:00Starbuck's emotional and physical experiences on Caprica continue affecting her. Helo and Boomer remain important to the search for a way to survive.

08:00–16:00The Colonial Fleet believes Kara may be the key to understanding Cylon activity. Starbuck is placed under suspicion.

16:00–25:00Humans discover evidence of Cylon experimentation. The Cylons are revealed to be attempting to reproduce biologically.

25:00–35:00A supposed human medical facility turns out to be associated with Cylon experiments. Kara is horrified.

35:00–43:00The episode establishes that the Cylons want to create or manipulate human-Cylon offspring. This becomes central to Helo and Sharon's story.

00:00–08:00Roslin becomes convinced that Kobol holds a path to Earth. She gathers supporters.

08:00–17:00Apollo and other crew members participate in the expedition.

17:00–25:00The Fleet faces political tension over Roslin's leadership. The Arrow of Apollo remains the key artifact.

25:00–34:00Roslin's group reaches Kobol. Their expedition is increasingly framed as a religious pilgrimage.

34:00–43:00The group finds signs that the ancient prophecies may have been based on real events. The search for the Tomb of Athena intensifies.

00:00–08:00Roslin's expedition continues. Adama becomes determined to reunite with her.

08:00–17:00The Tomb of Athena becomes the objective.

17:00–27:00Roslin and Adama reunite. Political conflict is temporarily put aside.

27:00–37:00The group enters the Tomb. The Arrow is used to activate the ancient display.

37:00–43:00A celestial map reveals a route toward Earth. The Fleet now has an actual direction rather than merely a legend. Kobol is abandoned after the discovery.

00:00–08:00A documentary film crew arrives. The Fleet's political and military leaders are asked to allow filming.

08:00–18:00The crew focuses on life aboard Galactica. Tigh is deeply uncomfortable with the scrutiny.

18:00–28:00Soldiers become worried that military secrets are being exposed. The documentary presents ordinary life alongside war.

28:00–37:00The crew documents injuries, deaths and combat preparation. Public relations becomes a political tool.

37:00–43:00The finished report presents a complicated image of Galactica. The episode examines how history gets created during a crisis.

00:00–08:00Galactica's crew attempts to build a new Viper. The ship is not expected to be completed successfully.

08:00–18:00Chief Tyrol becomes personally invested in the project. The project becomes a morale exercise.

18:00–27:00Construction proceeds despite shortages. The ship becomes symbolic of human ingenuity.

27:00–37:00Adama increasingly supports the project. The crew grows emotionally attached to the new Viper.

37:00–43:00The Viper is launched. The success represents humanity rebuilding rather than simply surviving.

00:00–08:00Galactica encounters another surviving Battlestar: Pegasus. Admiral Helena Cain commands it.

08:00–17:00Cain has maintained strict military discipline. She immediately challenges Adama's authority.

17:00–25:00Cain reveals she has survived the Cylon attack independently. Pegasus has a smaller civilian population and stronger military structure.

25:00–34:00Galactica crew members are horrified by Cain's methods. Cain's crew has been willing to torture and execute suspected enemies.

34:00–43:00Cain and Adama become direct rivals. The Fleet now has two competing military command structures.

00:00–08:00The Galactica and Pegasus fleets plan an assault on the Cylon Resurrection Ship.

08:00–17:00Cain and Adama disagree over military priorities. Cain becomes increasingly willing to use extreme measures.

17:00–25:00The Resurrection Ship's significance is explained. Cylon bodies can be resurrected after death if their consciousness is uploaded.

25:00–35:00Starbuck and Apollo are involved in the attack plan. The military situation becomes a race against time.

35:00–43:00Adama and Cain's conflict reaches a breaking point. The possibility of killing Cain becomes a serious question.

00:00–08:00Adama prepares to assassinate Cain. He considers her a threat to the Fleet.

08:00–17:00Adama's people hesitate. Political consequences of Cain's death become clear.

17:00–27:00Cain orders Kendra Shaw to protect her. Meanwhile the battle against the Cylons begins.

27:00–36:00Colonial fighters attack the Resurrection Ship. The objective is to destroy it before Cylon consciousness can continue resurrecting.

36:00–43:00Cain is assassinated by Number Six. The Resurrection Ship is destroyed. Adama remains in command. Pegasus becomes subordinate to Galactica.

00:00–08:00Sharon's pregnancy becomes medically significant. Hera is developing rapidly.

08:00–18:00Roslin begins taking a more active role in deciding Hera's fate. Baltar is fascinated by the hybrid child.

18:00–27:00Sharon and Helo struggle to protect their unborn daughter.

27:00–37:00Roslin believes the child may be central to Cylon-human destiny. The medical and political stakes escalate.

37:00–43:00Hera is temporarily separated from Sharon. The government fears what a human-Cylon child could mean.

00:00–07:00The Fleet has developed an underground economy. Scarcity has created criminal markets.

07:00–16:00Apollo investigates a black-market operation. He discovers organized crime within the Fleet.

16:00–25:00The criminal network involves prostitution, weapons and restricted goods.

25:00–35:00Apollo discovers that child exploitation is connected to the system. He becomes personally disgusted.

35:00–43:00Apollo destroys part of the criminal network. The Fleet's social problems are shown to be nearly as dangerous as the Cylons.

00:00–07:00A legendary Cylon Raider known as Scar has become a recurring threat.

07:00–17:00Starbuck and Kat both want to destroy it. Rivalry develops between them.

17:00–27:00Scar repeatedly escapes. The pilots become obsessed with the hunt.

27:00–36:00Kat is placed in a dangerous situation. Starbuck recognizes that Kat is becoming reckless.

36:00–43:00Scar is finally destroyed. Starbuck begins respecting Kat as a pilot. The episode explores how combat can become addictive.

00:00–08:00A civilian woman takes hostages aboard Galactica. She demands the release of prisoners.

08:00–18:00Apollo becomes involved in negotiations. The hostage taker claims to be fighting for justice.

18:00–28:00The crisis reveals how desperate civilians have become. The survivors' old political and personal identities have not disappeared.

28:00–38:00Apollo attempts to reason with the hostage taker. Military intervention becomes unavoidable.

38:00–43:00The hostage crisis ends violently. The episode shows that the Fleet's internal conflicts are becoming increasingly difficult to contain.

00:00–08:00Lee Adama becomes Acting Commander of Pegasus. His promotion is controversial.

08:00–17:00Lee must command officers who don't respect him. Pegasus maintains its own military culture.

17:00–27:00A combat mission goes wrong. Lee has to make command decisions without his father's protection.

27:00–37:00Starbuck and Apollo continue struggling with loyalty and authority. Pegasus and Galactica remain institutionally different.

37:00–43:00Lee proves himself capable of command. His relationship with Adama evolves into a more professional one.

00:00–08:00The story switches to the Cylon perspective. A resurrected Six awakens.

08:00–17:00Six remembers dying. She becomes psychologically disturbed by the experience.

17:00–27:00Caprica Boomer also returns in a new body. She is conflicted about humanity.

27:00–36:00The two Cylons begin questioning Cylon society. Caprica Six sees how strongly Cylon religion influences their society.

36:00–43:00The episode establishes that Cylons have genuine emotional and ideological divisions. The Cylons are not a perfectly unified enemy.

00:00–08:00The Fleet discovers a potentially habitable planet. The possibility of settlement becomes realistic.

08:00–18:00Roslin opposes the idea of stopping. Adama becomes more open to permanent settlement.

18:00–28:00Baltar campaigns for President. His political popularity increases dramatically.

28:00–37:00Starbuck's relationship with Anders becomes important. Apollo becomes emotionally conflicted.

37:00–43:00The Fleet prepares for elections. Baltar positions himself as a politician representing ordinary citizens.

00:00–08:00Presidential voting takes place.

08:00–17:00Baltar initially believes he has lost. Roslin's political machine attempts to influence the result.

17:00–25:00Baltar wins the election. Roslin becomes deeply worried.

25:00–34:00Baltar becomes President of the Twelve Colonies. He promises a new beginning.

34:00–38:00The Fleet settles on New Caprica.

38:00–43:00A time jump shows New Caprica developing. Baltar's presidency becomes increasingly ineffective. Cylons discover the settlement. The episode ends with the Cylon occupation approaching.

00:00–10:00New Caprica is under Cylon occupation. Humans live under military surveillance. The Cylons attempt to establish a new political structure.

10:00–20:00Baltar remains President but has effectively surrendered authority. Human collaborators begin working with the Cylons.

20:00–30:00Resistance groups attack Cylon targets. Saul Tigh becomes one of the resistance leaders.

30:00–40:00Kara Thrace remains imprisoned by Leoben. She is psychologically tortured.

40:00–43:00The occupation becomes increasingly brutal. The human population moves toward open rebellion.

00:00–10:00The Cylon occupation escalates. Human prisoners are abused.

10:00–20:00Tigh plans a resistance action. Ellen attempts to influence Tigh.

20:00–30:00Starbuck remains psychologically trapped with Leoben. Leoben attempts to convince her that they have a meaningful relationship.

30:00–40:00The Cylons retaliate against resistance activity. Execution becomes a political weapon.

40:00–43:00Galactica's rescue force prepares to return to New Caprica.

00:00–08:00Galactica returns to New Caprica. The rescue fleet prepares a massive evacuation.

08:00–18:00The resistance begins moving civilians toward escape zones. Cylon forces prepare to stop them.

18:00–28:00Tigh and Roslin coordinate resistance and evacuation efforts.

28:00–38:00Galactica launches rescue operations. The battle becomes a fleet-wide operation.

38:00–43:00Hundreds of ships attempt to escape. New Caprica's refugee population begins fleeing.

00:00–08:00The New Caprica evacuation reaches its climax.

08:00–18:00Adama performs an extreme maneuver with Galactica. The Battlestar jumps/flies directly into the planet's atmosphere.

18:00–28:00Galactica launches Vipers during the rescue. Cylons attempt to prevent evacuation.

28:00–38:00The human fleet escapes. New Caprica is abandoned.

38:00–43:00Large numbers of humans survive. The Fleet is once again mobile. The rescue becomes one of the greatest military victories in the series.

00:00–08:00Humans begin identifying collaborators from the occupation.

08:00–18:00A secret tribunal called the Circle is established.

18:00–28:00The Circle secretly executes collaborators.

28:00–38:00The political conflict becomes a moral crisis. Roslin and Adama are forced to confront extrajudicial executions.

38:00–43:00The Circle's methods become increasingly dangerous. The Fleet's democracy is threatened from within.

00:00–08:00Baltar is now physically aboard a Cylon Basestar. He is surrounded by Cylons.

08:00–18:00Three Cylon models begin discussing differences in their religious views.

18:00–28:00Baltar learns more about Cylon society. He is both prisoner and scientific curiosity.

28:00–38:00Cylon civil divisions begin emerging.

38:00–43:00The episode expands the story beyond "humans versus robots." The Cylons have competing religious and political ideologies.

00:00–08:00The Colonial Fleet captures a large group of infected Cylons.

08:00–18:00The Cylons have been infected with a deadly biological disease.

18:00–27:00Galactica's leadership considers killing the infected Cylons before they can recover.

27:00–36:00Adama and Roslin debate the ethics of biological warfare.

36:00–43:00The decision is made to release the Cylons without deliberately exterminating them. The Colonials resist becoming genocidal themselves.

00:00–08:00Former Colonial officer George Kelso returns. He is believed to have survived for years after being presumed dead.

08:00–18:00Adama remembers the disastrous events involving Kelso.

18:00–28:00Kelso claims he escaped the Cylons.

28:00–38:00The truth becomes increasingly uncomfortable. Adama must confront the possibility that Kelso was abandoned.

38:00–43:00The episode exposes the military's tendency to hide failures.

00:00–08:00Adama starts a boxing tournament aboard Galactica.

08:00–18:00Crew members use the fights to settle emotional conflicts.

18:00–28:00Flashbacks reveal relationships formed during the first year after the Colonies fell.

28:00–38:00Adama and Starbuck's complicated relationship is explored.

38:00–43:00Adama and Tyrol fight. The boxing ring becomes a way for crew members to express pain they cannot discuss openly.

00:00–08:00The Fleet reaches a dangerous radiation zone.

08:00–18:00Ships must pass through the region while staying within strict limits.

18:00–28:00Crew members begin experiencing fatigue and illness.

28:00–38:00Kat takes command during the crisis. She risks herself to save others.

38:00–43:00Kat dies. Her final actions save many ships. Kat's earlier past remains ambiguous but she dies regarded as a hero.

00:00–08:00The Fleet reaches the planet containing the Temple of Five.

08:00–18:00Humans discover the planet's strange ancient religious significance. The Cylon Fleet is also approaching.

18:00–28:00Apollo and Dee become increasingly important.

28:00–38:00Anders and other characters experience strange visions.

38:00–43:00The temple becomes the scene of a major confrontation. The Fleet's search for Earth becomes intertwined with the Final Five mystery.

00:00–08:00Sharon attempts to enter the Temple. She becomes separated from the group.

08:00–18:00Sharon experiences visions involving the Final Five.

18:00–28:00She reaches a mysterious state connected to the temple's prophecy.

28:00–38:00Sharon's consciousness and body become endangered. The Fleet races to save her.

38:00–43:00The temple vision reveals additional connections between humans and Cylons.

00:00–08:00Baltar is captured. The Fleet must decide what to do with him.

08:00–18:00Gaeta and others have strong feelings toward Baltar.

18:00–28:00Baltar is interrogated. Torture becomes a serious possibility.

28:00–38:00Baltar claims the Cylons are not as simple as humans believe. He continues insisting that he was manipulated.

38:00–43:00The episode exposes the Fleet's inability to agree on justice for Baltar.

00:00–08:00Helo investigates a medical dispute. A Sagittaron patient dies under suspicious circumstances.

08:00–18:00Helo discovers discrimination against Sagittarons.

18:00–28:00Social divisions within the Fleet become important.

28:00–38:00Helo confronts medical personnel.

38:00–43:00He continues trying to protect marginalized civilians. The episode demonstrates how quickly old Colonial prejudices return.

00:00–08:00Adama and Roslin are trapped on a damaged ship or isolated structure during an investigation.

08:00–18:00Their situation forces them to discuss their relationship.

18:00–28:00Flashbacks reveal earlier difficulties between Adama and his family.

28:00–38:00They come close to dying.

38:00–43:00Both survive. Their mutual trust becomes stronger.

00:00–08:00Tyrol discovers serious labor inequality aboard the Fleet.

08:00–18:00Workers operating fuel and agricultural infrastructure demand recognition.

18:00–28:00Tyrol becomes the face of labor reform.

28:00–38:00The Fleet's hierarchy begins treating the workers as a political problem.

38:00–43:00Tyrol chooses to protect the workers despite pressure from Adama. The Fleet is shown to have recreated class divisions.

00:00–08:00Starbuck experiences strange visions. She begins believing she has a special destiny.

08:00–18:00Starbuck encounters strange phenomena during combat.

18:00–28:00She sees visions of Leoben. Her sense of reality weakens.

28:00–38:00Starbuck's Viper is destroyed.

38:00–43:00Starbuck disappears. Adama believes she is dead. The Fleet mourns her. The episode ends with the implication that something supernatural or unexplained has happened.

00:00–08:00Baltar prepares for legal proceedings.

08:00–18:00A lawyer named Romō Lampkin becomes involved. He takes Baltar's case.

18:00–28:00Lampkin's personal motives become clearer. His own family history influences his actions.

28:00–38:00Political factions attempt to use Baltar's trial for their own purposes.

38:00–43:00The Fleet prepares for the major trial. Lampkin's defense strategy becomes increasingly ambitious.

00:00–08:00Baltar's trial continues. Evidence reveals contradictory stories about the Fall.

08:00–18:00Apollo is increasingly conflicted over Baltar's guilt.

18:00–28:00Colonel Tigh begins hearing strange music.

28:00–38:00Other characters begin experiencing unusual visions or sounds.

38:00–43:00Four characters become connected to mysterious musical themes.

00:00–08:00Baltar's trial reaches its conclusion.

08:00–18:00Evidence against him becomes politically complicated. Testimony raises questions about what happened during the Cylon occupation.

18:00–28:00Baltar is acquitted.

28:00–38:00Four characters discover they are Cylons: Saul Tigh Galen Tyrol Samuel Anders Tory Foster

38:00–43:00The four hear the same mysterious music. The Fleet receives a strange signal. Dee shoots herself. The episode ends with the revelation that four members of the Colonial community are members of the Final Five.

00:00–15:00Kendra Shaw joins Pegasus. Admiral Cain trains her to become a ruthless officer.

15:00–30:00Pegasus survives the Cylon attack independently.

30:00–50:00Shaw becomes deeply loyal to Cain. Pegasus begins operating with Cain's extreme military philosophy.

50:00–70:00Shaw encounters a Cylon hybrid. The hybrid gives cryptic warnings.

70:00–90:00Pegasus faces catastrophic danger. Shaw must choose between obedience and morality. 90:00–110:00 Shaw sacrifices herself to save others. The story connects directly to the events surrounding Season 2.

00:00–08:00Starbuck returns unexpectedly. She claims only a few hours have passed from her perspective.

08:00–18:00She insists she has found Earth. Her Viper is inspected.

18:00–28:00Galactica's crew does not trust her. Roslin is particularly skeptical.

28:00–38:00Starbuck reveals she has a new Viper. The Fleet follows her clues.

38:00–43:00Cylon and Colonial identity questions become increasingly blurred. Starbuck's return becomes one of the central mysteries of the final season.

00:00–08:00Cylon society fractures over the Final Five.

08:00–18:00Number One and other Cylons consider changing their beliefs about resurrection.

18:00–28:00The Cylon civil conflict becomes open. The concept of "human" and "Cylon" becomes increasingly unstable.

28:00–38:00Starbuck struggles to convince Galactica's crew that her mission is legitimate.

38:00–43:00Cylon politics move toward civil war.

00:00–08:00Chief Tyrol's marriage deteriorates.

08:00–18:00Human/Cylon relationships become increasingly difficult.

18:00–28:00Hera's significance grows.

28:00–38:00Cylon society continues fracturing.

38:00–43:00Relationships throughout the Fleet show the same pattern as human-Cylon politics: old loyalties are no longer enough.

00:00–08:00Gaius Baltar develops a religious movement.

08:00–18:00Baltar's followers begin worshiping him and Number Six's teachings.

18:00–28:00Galen Tyrol struggles with his new Cylon identity.

28:00–38:00Tyrol's religious and emotional beliefs begin collapsing.

38:00–43:00Baltar's cult becomes politically significant.

00:00–08:00Starbuck returns to active military service.

08:00–18:00Apollo and Starbuck discuss her strange disappearance.

18:00–28:00The Fleet investigates Cylon technology.

28:00–38:00Anders struggles with his own memories.

38:00–43:00Human and Cylon boundaries continue becoming less clear.

00:00–08:00Roslin's cancer worsens. Her physical condition becomes critical.

08:00–18:00She and Adama discuss their uncertain future.

18:00–28:00A new ship and new people introduce religious questions.

28:00–38:00Kara continues pursuing clues about Earth.

38:00–43:00Roslin's faith in the prophecy is renewed.

00:00–08:00A Cylon Basestar becomes a possible diplomatic bridge.

08:00–18:00The rebel Cylons want help against the other Cylons.

18:00–28:00Human-Cylon cooperation becomes a genuine strategic possibility.

28:00–38:00The Fleet faces internal opposition to cooperation.

38:00–43:00The mission brings humans and rebel Cylons closer together.

00:00–08:00Roslin goes missing.

08:00–18:00Adama becomes desperate to find her.

18:00–28:00Starbuck and Apollo search for her.

28:00–38:00Adama's emotional attachment to Roslin becomes impossible to hide.

38:00–43:00Roslin is rescued. Adama and Roslin's relationship becomes one of the central emotional pillars of the final season.

00:00–08:00The rebel Cylons decide to attack the Cylon resurrection system.

08:00–18:00The plan involves the Resurrection Hub.

18:00–28:00Number Six and Baltar are caught up in the operation.

28:00–38:00The Hub is attacked.

38:00–43:00The Resurrection Hub is destroyed. Cylon resurrection is effectively ended. The political balance of the Cylon civil war changes permanently.

00:00–08:00The Fleet finally discovers the location of what appears to be Earth.

08:00–18:00They arrive expecting a thriving human civilization.

18:00–28:00The planet is damaged and apparently devastated.

28:00–38:00The Colonial leaders discover the ruins of a previous civilization.

38:00–43:00The Fleet realizes the planet they found may not be the promised Earth. The episode ends in despair.

00:00–08:00

08:00–18:00

18:00–28:00

28:00–38:00

38:00–43:00

00:00–08:00

08:00–18:00

18:00–28:00

28:00–38:00

38:00–43:00

00:00–08:00

08:00–18:00

18:00–28:00

28:00–38:00

38:00–43:00

00:00–08:00

08:00–18:00

18:00–28:00

28:00–38:00

38:00–43:00

00:00–08:00

08:00–18:00

18:00–28:00

28:00–38:00

38:00–43:00

00:00–08:00

08:00–18:00

18:00–28:00

28:00–38:00

38:00–43:00

00:00–08:00

08:00–18:00

18:00–28:00

28:00–38:00

38:00–43:00

00:00–08:00

08:00–18:00

18:00–28:00

28:00–38:00

38:00–43:00

00:00–10:00

10:00–20:00

20:00–30:00

30:00–40:00

40:00–43:00

00:00–10:00

10:00–20:00

20:00–30:00

30:00–40:00

40:00–50:00

50:00–60:00

60:00–70:00

70:00–80:00

80:00–90:00

• The Cylons destroy the Twelve Colonies.
• Roughly tens of billions of people are killed.
• A tiny fleet survives.
• Galactica becomes the central military protector.

• Civilian ships are continuously added and lost.
• Fuel is repeatedly scarce.
• Water is nearly lost entirely.
• Food production becomes a major issue.
• Ship maintenance becomes harder every year.
• The fleet eventually becomes a miniature civilization.

• Roslin becomes President.
• Zarek becomes a political revolutionary figure.
• Baltar becomes Vice President.
• Baltar eventually becomes President.
• Democracy repeatedly conflicts with military necessity.
• Martial law is imposed.
• Democracy is restored.
• The Quorum survives multiple political crises.
• The government eventually becomes a mixture of Colonials and Cylons.

• The Cylons are not one unified group.
• There are multiple humanoid models.
• The Final Five are fundamentally different from the other models.
• Cylons possess religion, politics, relationships and internal disagreements.
• Cylon resurrection allows consciousness to transfer into new bodies.
• The Resurrection Hub is eventually destroyed.
• Cylon society splits into factions.
• Rebel Cylons ally with humanity.
• The traditional Cylon hierarchy collapses.

• Begins as a brilliant but arrogant scientist.
• Has a relationship with Number Six.
• Accidentally provides access that helps destroy the Colonies.
• Becomes haunted by an internal version of Six.
• Becomes Vice President.
• Becomes President.
• Loses political credibility.
• Is accused of collaboration.
• Is put on trial.
• Is acquitted.
• Creates a religious movement.
• Becomes involved in the human-Cylon alliance.
• Ultimately survives the final battle.

• Starts as Galactica's most talented but reckless pilot.
• Carries guilt over Zak Adama's death.
• Captures and flies a Cylon Raider.
• Survives on Caprica.
• Returns to the Fleet.
• Becomes imprisoned by Leoben.
• Develops strange religious visions.
• Apparently dies in "Maelstrom."
• Returns mysteriously.
• Claims to have found Earth.
• Discovers the mysterious song.
• Helps identify the path to the true Earth.
• Her ultimate nature remains deliberately mysterious.

• Begins as an estranged son.
• Becomes one of Galactica's principal pilots.
• Develops a relationship with Starbuck.
• Becomes commander of Pegasus.
• Enters politics.
• Defends Baltar.
• Becomes a major political leader.
• Becomes one of the principal figures responsible for the Fleet's future.

• Begins as Galactica's Commander.
• Loses his son Zak.
• Survives the Cylon attack.
• Is shot by Boomer.
• Returns to command.
• Opposes Cain.
• Leads the New Caprica rescue.
• Searches for Earth.
• Develops a relationship with Roslin.
• Loses Roslin.
• Leads the final assault on the Cylon colony.
• Chooses to abandon Colonial civilization.
• Spends his remaining life on the new Earth.

• Begins as Secretary of Education.
• Becomes President after the Fall.
• Establishes civilian government.
• Develops prophetic visions.
• Becomes convinced Earth exists.
• Conflicts with Adama.
• Is arrested.
• Escapes.
• Searches for Kobol.
• Leads the government through the New Caprica crisis.
• Develops a romantic relationship with Adama.
• Battles cancer.
• Eventually reaches Earth.
• Dies peacefully after the journey ends.

• Starts as Adama's closest military officer.
• Becomes acting commander.
• Imposes martial law.
• Leads resistance on New Caprica.
• Loses an eye.
• Is tortured.
• Discovers he is a Cylon.
• Learns Ellen is also a Cylon.
• Becomes one of the Final Five.
• Struggles desperately with his own identity.
• Participates in the final alliance.

• Begins as a Galactica Raptor pilot.
• Secretly commits acts of sabotage.
• Is revealed to be a Cylon.
• Struggles with her identity.
• Helo falls in love with her.
• Becomes pregnant with Hera.
• Is repeatedly resurrected as a Cylon.
• Eventually sides more strongly with humanity.
• Helps rescue Hera.
• Plays a major role in the final conflict.

• First major human-Cylon hybrid child.
• Becomes the focus of both human and Cylon factions.
• Is hidden from the Cylons.
• Is raised under false identities.
• Becomes symbolically important to the prophecy.
• Is eventually captured.
• Her kidnapping triggers the final assault.
• Her descendants eventually become central to Earth's future.