Battlestar Galactica (2004) is a sci-fi masterpiece known for its deep character development and thought-provoking themes. One of the most compelling arcs in the series is Sharon Agathon’s transformation from a Cylon infiltrator to a devoted wife and mother. But what caused this change? Was Sharon’s emotional shift due to her evolution, or did her pregnancy with Hera alter her physiology and emotions?
This theory has intrigued fans for years, and in this post, we’ll explore the possibility that Hera’s hybrid DNA—or even Sharon’s pregnancy hormones—contributed to her dramatic change.
Who Is Sharon Agathon?
Sharon Agathon, also known as “Athena,” is a Cylon of the Number Eight model. Initially, she is introduced as an infiltrator posing as Lieutenant Sharon “Boomer” Valerii on Caprica, where she is assigned to manipulate Karl “Helo” Agathon. However, as she spends time with Helo, she develops genuine feelings for him. This shift leads her to betray the Cylons and align with the humans of Battlestar Galactica. It’s her transformation to Sharon Agathon that stands out.
But was her transformation purely psychological, or was there something happening at a biological level?
Did Pregnancy Change Sharon Agathon’s Programming?
Many fans speculate Sharon’s pregnancy with Hera was a significant turning point in her character development. Several theories explore why and how this happened.
1. Hormonal Changes Due to Pregnancy
Pregnancy triggers hormonal shifts in both humans and Cylons that can affect emotions, cognition, and behavior. Since the Number Eight models were designed to mimic human biology, it’s possible that Sharon’s body reacted to pregnancy much like a human woman’s would. Increased oxytocin, known as the “bonding hormone,” could have strengthened her attachment to Helo and Hera.
Additionally, emotional regulation and decision-making are influenced by pregnancy-related hormonal changes. This could explain why Sharon Agathon began making choices based on love and personal morality rather than her original programming.
2. Hera’s Hybrid DNA Influencing Sharon
Hera Agathon is the first known human-Cylon hybrid, making her unique in the Battlestar Galactica universe. Given how advanced Cylon’s biology is, some fans theorize that Hera’s DNA might have affected Sharon’s own body and mind.
Could Hera have biologically altered Sharon from within? There is precedent in science fiction for fetal DNA influencing the mother. In real-world biology, fetal cells can migrate into the mother’s bloodstream and embed themselves in different organs, including the brain. This process, called microchimerism, has been studied in humans and could apply to BSG’s take on Cylon reproduction.
If Hera’s hybrid DNA had similar effects, Sharon Agathon’s identity shift might have been more than emotional—it could have been a physiological transformation caused by her child.
3. Cylons as Adaptive Beings
Another possibility is that Cylons, despite being programmed, can evolve beyond their initial directives. Sharon Agathon may have experienced a natural evolution, much like how other Cylons in the series began questioning their purpose.
Sharon Agathon’s bond with Helo may have been the catalyst, but her ability to override Cylon’s conditioning suggests that pregnancy helped her tap into a deeper part of herself. Perhaps the presence of Hera allowed her to break free from the expected behaviors of her model line.
The Role of Destiny in Sharon’s Transformation
Battlestar Galactica frequently explores themes of prophecy and destiny, and Sharon Agathon’s story fits within that narrative. The Cylons believed that Hera was unique, and the humans later realized she was crucial to their survival. If destiny played a role in Hera’s existence, it stands to reason that Sharon’s transformation was also preordained.
Her decision to protect Hera at all costs may not have been purely biological or psychological—it could have been part of a more excellent cosmic plan.
Final Thoughts: Did Hera’s DNA change Sharon Agathon?
While Battlestar Galactica never explicitly states that Hera’s DNA altered Sharon, the evidence suggests that pregnancy was a significant factor in her transformation. Whether due to hormones, fetal influence, or an innate ability to evolve, Sharon became a completely different person from the other Number Eights.
Her story remains one of the most compelling in the series, highlighting the blurred line between programmed behavior and true emotional evolution. Did Sharon change because she was meant to? Or did Hera’s existence rewire her on a biological level?
No matter the answer, Sharon Agathon’s transformation from Cylon infiltrator to devoted mother remains one of Battlestar Galactica’s most fascinating character arcs.