The Telemovie Version of War of the Gods

First created: April 1, 1998
Maintained by John Larocque

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The "War of the Gods" telemovie is one of four telemovies based on episodes originally aired in two parts. One of the features of these telemovies is the presence of new footage that never made it in the original broadcast versions of the episodes. This document presents a list of new and cut scenes found in the telemovie presentation of "War of the Gods", when compared with the broadcast version of the episode.

1. First Contact - Question for Iblis (14s)

After Iblis remarks to Apollo on the planet that the ships of light are looking for him, there's some additional dialog shown in the telemovie version.

Apollo: One more thing before we go. You say that your knowledge of the universe is infinite. Have you ever heard of the planet Earth?

Iblis: I've been there.

Sheba: Then you know where it is?

Iblis: Yes.

2. Private Meeting in Council Chamber (5s)

After Apollo confronts Iblis in the Triad court with Sheba and Starbuck, they bring Iblis to Adama, who is alone in the Council chamber. In the telemovie, there's an additional five seconds, focusing on Adama, who is seated at the table. As Iblis enters, Adama tells him to be seated.

3. Bridge Dialog - Baltar's Arrival (32s)

There's some additional bridge dialog, at the very moment that Adama informs Tigh that Baltar was coming aboard the Galactica, under the universal sign of truce. Square brackets indicate dialog present in the original version.

Apollo: Baltar? Here aboard the ship?

Adama: That is correct.

Starbuck: It has to be some kind of Let me take a squadron out and give him a real hot reception.

Adama: I don't think it's a trick. He comes alone, unescorted.

Apollo: I hope you don't think this has anything to do with Count Iblis' promise.

Starbuck: If you ask me, it has nothing to do with it, and it's nothing supenatural. This is some kind of plan to get inside our defense. I now think Baltar and Count Iblis are working together.

Adama: The irony of it is, I wish I believed it were that simple. But we must take every precaution. [Launch Blue Squadron to escort Baltar aboard.]

4. Baltar's Trial - The Council Session (4m24s/2m21s)

There's a great deal of new dialog in the telemovie version of Baltar's trial and the following Council session. Square brackets indicates dialog present in the original version. It begins just at the moment where Baltar warns the Council of powers greater than the Colonials and the Cylons. This is the original version of the dialog:

Iblis: May I address the Council?

Iblis: (after the Statesman nods) Baltar...

Baltar: Who are you?

Iblis: I am Count Iblis, and I will lead these people from your ruthless pursuit.

Baltar: That voice. There is something about your voice. I have heard it before.

Iblis: It is the voice of truth. It will lead these people as it has led you to surrender to their justice.

Baltar: I came here of my own free will.

Iblis: Just as you willingly drop to your knees to accept your punishment.

Baltar: (gasping, as he is forced to drop on his knees) Adama...

Adama: Remove him.

Baltar: (as guards remove him from the Chamber)... who is he... you can't... you can't do this to me... I came here of my own free...

Iblis: May I remind you that the people are expectant. Now, they rejoice in the fall of Baltar, but soon, they will demand that the journey to Earth begin. When you have decided, you will find me amonst the people in celebration.

Iblis leaves the Chamber.

Statesmen: I believe we all should join in the celebration, and I see no reason to delay electing Count Iblis to the Presidency of our Quorum. Are there anyh dissenting votes?

Adama: If I may. It's true Count Iblis has done as promised. And as you said, Sire, it was inspirational. However, there are still questions unanswered, Warriors who have disappeared, disquieting events still to be studied. May I suggest adjournment until this same time tomorrow.

Statesman: Fair enough. The Council of Twelve stands adjourned.

Finally, here is the expanded telemovie version of the dialog:

Iblis: May I address the Council?

Iblis: (after the Statesman nods) Baltar... there is nothing that you or your Cylon friends can do to combat the powers of which you speak.

Baltar: What do you know of these powers? They defy description.

Iblis: I know these powers as well as I know you, Baltar.

Baltar: You do not know me. Who are you?

Iblis: I am Count Iblis, and I will lead these people from your ruthless pursuit.

Baltar: That voice. There is something about your voice. I have heard it before.

Iblis: It is the voice of truth. It will lead these people as it has led you to surrender to their justice.

Baltar: I came here of my own free will.

Iblis: Just as you willingly drop to your knees to accept your punishment.

Baltar: (gasping, as he is forced to drop on his knees) Adama...

Adama: Remove him.

Baltar: (as guards remove him from the Chamber)... who is he... you can't... you can't do this to me... I came here of my own free...

Iblis: There were to be two more prerequisites to our bargain. One, that I should lead you to Earth, and the other was to be decided amonst you. What is your decision?

Iblis: Count Iblis, I ask you to give us time to consider that which we will proposed.

Iblis: I believe I have proved myself worthy of your trust. How long is this consideration to be?

Statesman: Oh, not long, Count Iblis, not long.

Iblis: Very well. May I remind you that the people are expectant. Now, they rejoice in the fall of Baltar, but soon, they will demand that the journey to Earth begin. When you have decided, you will find me amonst the people in celebration.

Iblis leaves the Chamber.

Statesmen: I believe we all should join in the celebration, and I see no reason to delay electing Count Iblis to the Presidency of our Quorum. Are there any dissenting votes?

Statesman: Adama, do we want to offend this man who has already proven himself to be our benefactor, our friend, and a worthy leader.

Adama: I will not even concede the word man. This being came to us from the depths of space. He wishes to lead us. Why?

Statesman: Why?

Adama: Why?

Statesman: Well of course... it's because...

Statesman #2: It's because he has lost his own people. He sees us as vulnerable children in the path of peoples and powers beyond our comprehension.

Adama: I love you all, and I have led you with compassion and powers of discenment which I cannot claim to have been mine alone to give. I believe we have been helped by those powers which inspired our forefathers. That discerning torch in my soul begs you to afford me the same opportunity you have given Iblis. I want time, time to consider, time to search the records, time to pray.

Statesman: I for one find Adama's words true and reasonable. Yes, and I suppose one more day won't offend Count Iblis. But tomorrow, we covenant ourselves to his leadership. Is that agreed?

Adama: Barring any disturbing factors to the contrary.

Statesman: Fair enough. The Council of Twelve stands adjourned.

5. Apollo's Return (1m17s)

There's a new scene of Starbuck, Apollo and Sheba returning on board the Galactca in the shuttle. As they exit the shuttle, Boomer, Athena, Adama and Tigh greet them.

Apollo: Boomer! I don't believe it.

Boomer: I hardly believe it myself.

Apollo: What about the other pilots, any sign of them?

Tigh: All safe, and apparently victims of the same thing. Some kind of navigational sabotage.

Starbuck: Navigational sabotage?

Athena: We were receiving distress signals from their ships from that burned out planet where you found Iblis.

Tigh: We sent out a patrol and sure enough, every one of our Warriors were sitting there, waiting. Out of fuel, but otherwise pefectly fine, as you can see. Now what about you? We'd given up hope. You were the ones we expected to find on the planet. not the missing Warriors.

Adama: Well, I never lost hope. But I can't tell you how happy I am to see you all back again. Apollo, I'm very anxious to hear your report.

Apollo: Well, it's a long hard situatation to explain, father.

Apollo: All right. Suppose we all get cleaned up, meet in my quarters. We'll have a council and a feast of thanksgiving.