Lee Adama: Difference between revisions

This article is about the character from the reimagined version of Battlestar Galactica. For the original character see Captain Apollo.

Lee "Apollo" Adama is a fictional character in the television series Battlestar Galactica. He is portrayed by actor Jamie Bamber.

In the 2003 miniseries, Adama (then a Captain) was a special guest at the decommissioning ceremonies for Battlestar Galactica. After Major Jackson "Ripper" Spencer, CAG (Commander Air Group) of Galactica's Colonial Vipers was killed in battle during the initial attack on the Twelve Colonies, Adama joined the Galactica crew and became its CAG.

Lee has a strained relationship with his father, Admiral Adama, whom he blames for the death of his brother Zak who was killed in a flying accident. Lee accuses his father of passing Zak when he knew he was a poor pilot. It was later revealed, however, that it was Kara Thrace, his brother's fiance, that was responsible for Zak passing the test. His strained relationship with his father also caused him to become a strong supporter of Colonial President Laura Roslin, who often butts heads with the Admiral.

During the first season, President Laura Roslin would refer to Lee as "Captain Apollo". Lee once corrected her, stating that "Apollo" was his call-sign, but President Roslin replied "It has a nice ring to it." Upon joining Galactica's crew, Apollo was a bit of an outsider but after proving himself in several missions as more than just the "old man's son" he earned the respect of his fellow pilots and soon became one of the crew.

During the second season, the Battlestar Pegasus joined the fleet. After subsequent deaths and power struggles among the Pegasus leadership, as well as his successful commanding of the ship during a Cylon surprise attack, Lee Adama was quickly promoted from Major to Commander of the Pegasus.

During the Season 2 finale, the fleet discovers a somewhat habitable planet inside of a Nebula, presumably safe from Cylon discovery. After Gaius Baltar wins the presidential elections over then-president Laura Roslin, the fleet decides to set up colonies on the new planet. A year later the Cylons return and find "New Caprica", and take control over the colonists. With only a skeleton crew manning his ship, Lee is forced to flee with the rest of the fleet hoping to return again to fight off the Cylons and save his friends.

Four months later, the effects of the abandonment on Lee are obvious. His weight gained since settlement has become more pronounced and he is more sentimental to the point where it interferes with his ability to command the Pegasus. When contact with a resistance movement on New Caprica is established, Lee is ordered by his father to take the Pegasus and continue the search for Earth, while the Galactica attempts to liberate the planet. When Galactica is near destruction, Lee and Pegasus come to the rescue, giving his father's ship time to jump out. The Pegasus is ultimatley sacrificed, having left its Vipers to defend the rest of the fleet, and under fire from four Cylon Base Stars. Lee says "Thank You" to his ship just as he departs, and the Pegasus rams a Cylon basestar, instantly destroying both vessels, and with a large piece of wreckage damaging or destroying a second basestar.

In the first episode to take place after the evacuation of the human populace from New Caprica and the destruction of the Battlestar Pegasus, Lee's current role in the Colonial military organization is unclear. However, as of the episode "Torn", he has returned to the role of Galactica's CAG, with the rank of Major. The reason for the reduction of rank is currently unknown, although it is presumed that the rank of "Commander" refers only to an officer in command of his own ship, and with Pegasus destroyed that ship no longer exists. He has also lost the excess weight he gained over the previous year and asks Helo to remind him to never let himself go like that again.

Relationships

• William Adama- Lee's father and current Commander of the fleet and Galactica. Although strained at the beginning, his relationship with his son has evolved into a mutual love and respect.
• Kara Thrace- Although the extent of his relationship with Kara Thrace, callsign Starbuck, before joining Galactica has never fully been explained they share one of the strongest bonds on the show. They oftentimes have a volatile relationship both professionally and personally. In Season 2, they almost had sex and have been known to be jealous of each other's lovers. They are currently not on good terms as of the Season 2 since Lee and Kara slept together on New Caprica.
• Laura Roslin- President of the Colonies. Appointed Lee as her military advisor in Season 1. Over the course of the show Lee has consistently sided with Roslin over his father, most notably when he refused to arrest her for defying his father's orders and later when he defected with her and nearly a third of the fleet to go to Kobol.
• Anastasia Dualla- Former communications NCO on Galactica. Formed a relationship with Lee towards the end of Season 2 and was his executive officer aboard Pegasus. She and Lee are married.
• Gianne - Lee's former fiancée from Caprica who presumably died during the Cylon attacks. Lee holds residual guilt for leaving her behind, and for breaking up with her prior to the attacks over her desire for a child.
• Shevon - A prostitute from Cloud 9 with whom Lee had relations. Lee tried to ease his guilt over what happened with Gianne by trying to save Shevon and her daughter Paya.

External links

• Lee "Apollo" Adama (Battlestar Wiki)