The best line in “Battlestar Galactica” was pure coincidence

By Jonathan Klotz | Published 21 seconds ago

Battlestar Galactica is a gritty, harrowing survival story in which the survivors of the Cylon rebellion are forced to leave the twelve colonies and head for the unknown. The end of the reboot miniseries, however, is a stirring, inspirational speech by Commander Adama (Edward James Olmos) that offers a light in the darkness to the desperate survivors. What makes this speech even better is Olmos’ improvised “So say we all,” creating a tagline for the series that fans still use today.

While Battlestar Galactica Edward James Olmos has spoken on panels over the years about filming the speech and how it was the first time the cast of the series had filmed together. Mary McDonnell, who played President Laura Roslin, explained that it was her first time on set with Olmos and she was blown away by how he became Commander Adama during filming. In one of many moments of genius, Olmos improvised the opening “So say we all,” building on the religious ceremony that had just ended.

As originally intended, Ronald Moore added the sentence as part of the Battlestar Galactica Script, but only once at the end of the prayer.

At the end of the ceremony, “So say we all” is similar to “Amen” during a mass, but it was not part of the script for Adama’s closing speech. Instead, the fleet commander transforms the solemn phrase into a battle cry through sheer force of will. Not only the crew of Battlestar Galactica were swept away by this moment, but the cast as well.

Edward James Olmos didn’t tell any of his co-stars what he was going to do or how he was going to deliver the speech, so it was all improvised as he started walking around and making eye contact. When the characters shout “That’s what we all say” at the end of the speech after hearing that Earth will be their new home, it’s a moment of unification. The cast of Battlestar Galactica were also united at that moment; if you remember, it was the first time they were all together and they didn’t know each other yet.

In the following years, “So say we all” became a battle cry for Battlestar Galactica Fans who bring them together at conventions and on social media.

As originally intended, Ronald Moore added the sentence as part of the Battlestar Galactica Script, but only once at the end of the prayer. If Edward James Olmos hadn’t been so inspired and so in tune with his character’s feelings, who knows what would have resonated with fans. Well, apart from “tails.”

In the following years, “So say we all” became a battle cry for Battlestar Galactica fans, bringing them together at conventions and on social media. It’s a wonder that the gritty, intelligent and well-written sci-fi series resonated with hardcore fans at all, because when the miniseries aired, it was a dark time for sci-fi in the media. Simple quotes help make a show or movie memorable; think Star Wars and “May the force be with you” or Star Trek: “Live long and prosper.”

As originally intended, Ronald Moore added the sentence as part of the Battlestar Galactica Script, but only once at the end of the prayer.

Commander Adama’s speech marked a turning point for Battlestar Galacticaas this takes place after the Colonial Fleet has left Caprica, but before the main series began, there was no telling how the first episode would be received. Yet even years later, the power and sheer emotion of Edward James Olmos’ performance has stood the test of time, and looking back, we can say there was no cause for concern.

That’s what we all say.