Most-quoted character in Battlestar Galactica (2003): in 88 of its 302 quotes Most scenes with: Laura Roslin (18), Saul Tigh (17), Apollo (9)
Lines by William Adama 21
[Admiral Adama address everybody on the hangar deck and calls for volunteers to attack the Cylon Colony]
Adama
No one should feel obligated to join this mission in any way. This is a decision I have made for myself. If it turns out that there are not enough personnel to crew Galactica, I will lead a Raptor assault with anyone who is willing to join me. Let there be no illusions; this is likely to be a one-way trip! So don't volunteer out of sentiment or emotion. There is a line running down this deck. Volunteers, move to the starboard side; Everyone else, to the port. Make your choice!
Just so there'll be no misunderstandings later... Galactica has seen a lot of history, gone through a lot of battles. This will be her last. She will not fail us if we do not fail her. If we succeed in our mission, Galactica will bring us home. If we don't... it doesn't matter anyway. Action stations!
[William Adama is sitting on a high ridge, looking out on a spectacular view of the savannah. Nearby is Laura Roslin's grave, and his last spoken words in the series are to her]
Adama
I laid out the cabin today. It's gonna have an easterly view. You should see the light that we get here. When the sun comes from behind the mountains, it's almost heavenly. It reminds me of you.
[Adama's speech at Galactica's decommissioning ceremony.]
William Adama
The Cylon War is long over, yet we must not forget the reasons why so many sacrificed so much in the cause of freedom. The cost of wearing the uniform can be high ... [after looking at crowd] but sometimes it's too high. You know, when we fought the Cylons, we did it to save ourselves from extinction. But we never answered the question, why? Why are we as a people worth saving? We still commit murder because of greed, spite, jealousy. And we still visit all of our sins upon our children. We refuse to accept the responsibility for anything that we've done. Like we did with the Cylons. We decided to play God, create life. When that life turned against us, we comforted ourselves in the knowledge that it really wasn't our fault, not really. You cannot play God then wash your hands of the things that you've created. Sooner or later, the day comes when you can't hide from the things that you've done anymore.
Madam President, with respect. You are serving out the remainder of President Adar's term. When that term is up, in seven months, the law says, there is an election. I only committed you to obeying the law.
I swore an oath. To defend the articles. The articles say there is an election in seven months. Now, if you are telling me we are throwing out the law, then I am not a captain, you are not a commander, and you are not the president. And I don't owe either of you a damned explanation for anything.
Ummm...Zak...failed...basic flight. He wasn't a bad pilot, he just had no feel for flying...and, um, when it came to his final check ride he...busted...three of the test maneuvers, and I should have flunked him, but I didn't. The bottom line is your...son...didn't have the chops to fly a Viper...and it killed him.
Adama
[following a flashback] You did it because you were engaged.
[breaking down] Because I made a mistake...because I was just...I was so in love with him...and I let that get in the way of doing my job...and um, and he um, he just wanted it so much, and I...I didn't want to be the one who crushed him...
[narrowly avoids being hit while piloting a hijacked Raider] You idiot! Didn't anybody teach you intercept protocol?! Okay... we're gonna have to do this the hard way then.
What the-?! I've lost him! Galactica, I repeat - he's nowhere to be seen... [Starbuck slowly approaches him from behind and stops above him] Holy... Galactica, the Cylon is now flying formation with me! Right above my head. This thing is acting weird...
[to Sergeant Hadrian and her Board of Inquiry] You've lost your way, Sergeant. You've lost sight of the purpose of the law: to protect its citizens, not persecute them. Whatever we are, whatever's left of us – we're better than that. Now these proceedings are closed. You'll be transported back to your ships and we appreciate your help.
CBChairman of the Board
This is an independent board. You have no power to close our inquiries.
Adama
This is a witch-hunt. I will not have it aboard my ship.
Doctor Baltar would like to start widespread testing as soon as possible, but there are some serious limitations, because he can only do one person at a time and verification takes hours.
Battlestar Galactica (2003) · 302 quotes
Adama
