In Battlestar Galactica's first season, "Colonial Day," the character Valance, played by Alex Zahara, is introduced as a mysterious presence in the space opera's plot. His enigmatic death is a source of intrigue, leaving viewers with unanswered questions.
Valance, a possible assassin connected to Tom Zarek, adds intricacy to the storyline by showcasing his skill in evading security measures. He manages to pass X-ray scanners undetected with a ceramic gun. President Laura Roslin seems to be the target of Valance's mission, as his briefcase contains marked events she is scheduled to attend. This briefcase is cleverly designed with a hidden compartment for the weapon that cannot be detected by X-ray technology.
Murder Mystery on Cloud Nine
takes an unexpected turn as Valance's briefcase is accidentally knocked over during a chaotic barroom brawl, revealing the concealed firearm. Subsequently, Captain Lee Adama and Lieutenant Kara Thrace employ unconventional methods to interrogate him, but their efforts yield minimal progress. Surprisingly, while confined aboard the Cloud Nine, Valance meets his unfortunate demise when an unidentified intruder accesses his location through the air duct and fatally attacks him. The mysterious circumstances surrounding his death mirror the broader themes of uncertainty and intrigue depicted in the show.In "Colonial Day," President Roslin revives the Quorum of Twelve, a representative body within the Colonial government. Zarek, who had previously demanded Roslin's resignation, emerges as a candidate for Vice President. Fearing a possible assassination plot, Roslin initially nominates Wallace Gray but ultimately replaces him with Dr. Gaius Baltar due to Gray's lack of popular support.
Dr. Baltar receives the news of his appointment as Caprica's delegate for the Quorum of Twelve during a visit from Lt. Thrace. He is also instructed to have a security detail accompany him for a trip to Cloud Nine. During their journey, Thrace and Captain Adama assess the garden and enhance security measures, considering the scale of the event and the potential presence of a Cylon infiltrator.
Upon the arrival of guests at Cloud Nine, Col. Saul Tigh and his wife Ellen warmly welcome them. The presence of Zarek among the attendees sparks close scrutiny from the media. The act of shaking his hand carries significant implications, as it could be seen as endorsing his past actions, heightening the political tension of the situation.
Meanwhile, Apollo and Lt. Thrace capture Valance as his silenced gun falls to the floor. Despite their questioning, Valance remains silent. Apollo suspects Zarek's involvement and a potential plan to assassinate Roslin if he becomes Vice President. In response, Roslin tells Apollo to gather information on Zarek.
To unsettle Zarek, Apollo announces Valance's arrest. Zarek approaches Ellen Tigh, complimenting her and claiming Valance as a friend. Later, Valance is discovered dead in his cell, with his wrists slashed by broken glass. The circumstances surrounding his death raise doubts about whether it was suicide or a disguised murder.
Unmasking the Culprit
At the Cloud Nine festivities, notable characters including Lt. Thrace, Apollo, President Roslin, Baltar, Adama, Saul, and Ellen can be seen dancing together. While they dance, Ellen confides in Saul about a special day she has arranged for both of them aboard the luxurious Rising Star. Notably, there are meaningful glances exchanged between Ellen and Zarek, hinting at something significant.
It is possible that this luxury may be a form of payment or reward for valuable information. There are indications that Ellen may have provided information about Valance's imprisonment, which ultimately led to his unfortunate demise. Zarek's mysterious mention of his "friend" Valance earlier in the story now takes on a new level of importance, potentially connecting Ellen to the unfolding events.
When Roslin confronts him, Zarek denies any connection to Valance's unexpected death. Yet, given his history of manipulation and deception, his words hold no substance. Although the show refrains from explicitly stating the truth, the collective intuition of viewers, supported by a consensus among fans, suggests that Zarek is responsible for orchestrating the assassin's demise.
On Reddit communities dedicated to Battlestar Galactica enthusiasts, numerous theories have emerged. Among these speculations, an observant user has woven together an enticing narrative involving Ellen, which adds an intriguing layer to the mystery. According to this conjecture, it is plausible that Ellen played a role in Valance's demise. The theory explores two fascinating possibilities: either she directly took action or covertly provided Valance with the means to orchestrate his own death.
Content must be written in English:
Ellen's role in this interpretation is that of a mysterious manipulator, working behind the scenes to shape the events that unfold. One possibility is that she becomes the mastermind behind a deliberate scheme, orchestrating the downfall of Valance's life. On the other hand, she could also be seen as a quiet facilitator, providing Valance with the necessary tools to engineer his own downfall, all without getting her hands dirty.
As the world of Battlestar Galactica weaves its intricate webs of intrigue, the multitude of fan theories that emerge serve as a testament to the show's enduring allure. Each hypothesis, akin to a puzzle piece, adds another layer of complexity to the already multifaceted narrative. Although the truth may remain elusive, these creative fan interpretations solidify the series as a true exemplar of masterful storytelling.