The science fiction saga of Battlestar Galactica delves into the enduring power of love, even in the face of formidable challenges. Amidst the chaos of the Cylon attack on the Twelve Colonies, an extraordinary bond develops: the captivating love story between Helo and Athena. Spanning from the beginning of the series to its thrilling conclusion, their journey serves as a testament to the show's exploration of humanity, identity, and the complexities of interspecies relationships.
In the reimagined series, Karl "Helo" Agathon unwittingly becomes intertwined in a romance with a female humanoid Cylon known as a Number Eight. Among the various versions of Number Eight, two distinctive copies emerge as pilots aboard the Galactica: Sharon Valerii and Sharon Agathon, who are more commonly known as "Boomer" and "Athena."
Helo’s Connection To Sharon ‘Boomer’ Valerii
The revamped Battlestar Galactica introduces viewers to the relationship between Helo and Lieutenant Junior Grade Sharon "Boomer" Valerii, a Cylon agent with false memories of her time in Troy. In the two-part episode "Kobol's Last Gleaming" (season 1, episodes 12 & 13), Commander Adama assigns Boomer a dangerous mission: to destroy the Cylon basestar surrounding Kobol. However, when she returns, she surprises everyone by injuring Adama and revealing her true identity. Boomer is then imprisoned in the brig, where Gaius Baltar manipulates her into revealing the number of hidden Cylons in the fleet. Unfortunately, tragedy strikes during Boomer's transfer when she is shot and killed by crew member Cally.
In the episode "Downloaded" (season 2, episode 18), Boomer's consciousness is transferred into a new Cylon body on occupied Caprica. Despite resistance to the Cylon agenda, she attempts to convince her fellow Cylons to peacefully coexist with humans. In "The Eye of Jupiter" (season 3, episode 11), Boomer takes care of Athena's hybrid child, Hera, on a Cylon base ship. Conflict arises between Boomer and Athena as they disagree about the sincerity of human negotiations, which eventually leads to Boomer's demise at the hands of Caprica Six, who sees her as a threat to the child's safety.
Helo's Relationship With Sharon ‘Athena’ Agathon
: The continuation of Boomer's journey involves a resurrections and a new alliance with John Cavil, a Number One Cylon who fully embraces his mechanical identity and considers human attributes as weaknesses. As the Cylon models find themselves deadlocked over the fate of the Raiders, their partnership becomes more solidified. However, Boomer's loyalty takes a turn when the Colonial attack on the Cylon colony occurs, causing her to oppose Cavil's intentions.Athena, a self-aware Cylon known as Number Eight, assumes the identity of Boomer to aid in a complex Cylon experiment. This experiment involves creating a romantic relationship with a human named Helo, with the ultimate goal of causing his demise. Over time, Athena's initial masquerade transforms into genuine affection for Helo, causing her to defy her original programming. This internal change becomes evident when she helps Helo escape from captivity and reveals her true identity to him. In addition to this revelation, Athena also discloses that she is pregnant with Helo's child - an extraordinary Cylon-human hybrid. Using her knowledge of the Tomb of Athena on Kobol, Athena ensures her own survival and dedicates herself to protecting the group from Cylon attacks.
Due to the previous actions of the original Boomer, Athena's presence among Galactica's personnel is strained. However, she asserts her individuality and makes it clear that she has a separate consciousness from her predecessor. Conflict arises when Athena becomes pregnant and President Roslin initially considers termination. However, the fetus's unique blood properties offer a potential cure for Roslin's cancer, leading to a change of heart. Athena gives birth to her child, Hera, prematurely. In order to protect her, the Colonial administration deceives everyone by placing Hera with a human family and pretending that she has died. This puts a strain on Athena's loyalties, but she remains dedicated to helping the Galactica and its crew.
During the period between season 2 and season 3, Athena and Helo solidify their relationship by getting married. Having earned the complete trust of Admiral Adama, Athena is promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade and takes on an officer's role in the Colonial Fleet. She is given the task of facilitating communication between the Galactica fleet and the New Caprica resistance. Thanks to her identity as a humanoid Cylon, Athena is able to infiltrate the Cylon base and secure crucial resources for the civilian ships.
As the Colonial negotiations progress with the Cylons, Athena and Helo stumble upon a shocking revelation: their daughter is still alive aboard a Cylon vessel. Determined to bring her back, Athena embarks on a daring mission that leads to a fateful encounter with Boomer. In a heart-wrenching display of remorse, Boomer allows Athena to bring closure to their deeply intertwined relationship by ending her own life. This poignant act of contrition leaves a somber mark on their complex entanglement.
Daybreak: A Final Stand and a New Beginning
During the epic conclusion of Battlestar Galactica, the thrilling three-part finale titled "Daybreak" (season 4, episodes 19-21), Helo and Athena venture onto the severely damaged Galactica, ready to make their last stand against the unyielding Cylon forces. As the Battle of the Colony rages on in chaos, Helo and Athena valiantly unite with their fellow crew members, fearlessly engaging in combat.
The series ultimately reaches a crucial point where the remaining humans and Cylons discover a new planet that they can call home. In a touching moment, Helo and Athena pass on their wisdom to their daughter, Hera, and share the hope and lessons that Earth offers. This signifies a fresh start for both species, suggesting their collective desire to peacefully coexist and rebuild their lives in this unknown territory.
Finding a new homeland for both humans and Cylons, Helo and Athena's love story becomes a symbol of optimism and the possibility of unity in a world that is deeply divided. Their journey highlights the transformative power of love, challenging preconceived notions and inspiring personal growth, even in the most extraordinary circumstances.