"And All This Will Happen Again": Apocalyptic Cycles in Battlestar Galactica

Abstract

This contribution examines cycles of death and (re-)birth and the interplay of destruction and creation in light of the repeating apocalypse which is the central theme of Battlestar Galactica (2003–2009). To theorise these cycles of repetition, the article draws on concepts from psychoanalysis such as Eros and Thanatos, as well as mythological examples of creation from destruction. At its core, this article attempts to answer three questions, at least within the context of Battlestar Galactica: Why should or shouldn’t humanity survive the apocalypse? Why (and how) should we bother to? And why does everything that has happened before need to happen again?