Battlestar Galactica is a dark, harrowing story of survival in which the survivors of the Cylon rebellion are forced to flee the twelve colonies for uncharted space. However, the end of the revival’s miniseries is a rousing, inspiring speech delivered by Commander Adama (Edward James Olmos), providing a light in the darkness for the distraught survivors. What makes that speech even better is Olmos improvised “So say we all” and, in the process, created a catchphrase for the series, one still used today by fans.

During Battlestar Galactica panel discussions throughout the years, Edward James Olmos discussed the filming of the speech and how it was the first time the series’ cast was filming together. Mary McDonnell, who played President Laura Roslin, explained that it was her first time on set with Olmos, and she was blown away by how he became Commander Adama while filming. In one of many inspired moments of brilliance, the initial “So say we all” was improvised by Olmos, building off the just-finished religious ceremony.

As originally intended, Ronald Moore included the phrase as part of the Battlestar Galactica script but only as a one-off at the end of the prayer.

At the end of the ceremony, “So say we all” is intended similarly to “amen” during a Mass, but it wasn’t part of the script for Adama’s closing speech. Instead, the Fleet Commander transforms the solemn phrase into a rallying cry by sheer force of will. It wasn’t just the crew of the Battlestar Galactica that was swept up in the moment, but the cast as well.
The cast of Battlestar Galactica

Edward James Olmos didn’t tell any of his co-stars what he was going to do or even how he’d deliver the speech, so when he started walking around and making eye contact, that was all improvised. When the characters shout, “So say we all,” at the end of the speech, after hearing that Earth will be their new home, it is a moment of unification. The cast of Battlestar Galactica became united at that moment as well; if you remember, it was the first time they were all together, and they didn’t know each other yet.

In the years since, “So say we all” has become a rallying cry for Battlestar Galactica fans, uniting them at conventions and over social media.

As originally intended, Ronald Moore included the phrase as part of the Battlestar Galactica script but only as a one-off at the end of the prayer. If Edward James Olmos hadn’t been inspired, and so in tune with his character’s feelings, there’s no telling what would have caught on with fans. Well, other than “frack.”

In the years since, “So say we all” has become a rallying cry for Battlestar Galactica fans, uniting them at conventions and over social media. It’s a miracle that the dark, smart, and well-written sci-fi series caught on with hardcore fans in the first place, as when the miniseries aired, it was a dark time for science fiction in media. Simple quotes help make a show or movie memorable; just look at Star Wars and “May the Force be with you,” or Star Trek’s “Live long and prosper.”

As originally intended, Ronald Moore included the phrase as part of the Battlestar Galactica script but only as a one-off at the end of the prayer.

Commander Adama’s speech marked a turning point for Battlestar Galactica, coming as it does after the colonial fleet leaves Caprica, but before the start of the main series, there was no telling yet how the first episode would be received. Yet, even years later, the power and raw emotion of Edward James Olmos’s performance have stood the test of time, and in retrospect, we can tell that there was nothing to worry about.