Downloaded begins with the nuclear attack by the Cylons on Caprica, which wiped out Baltar’s house. Number Six , who protected Baltar from the blast, has died. She wakes up in a resurrection pool, surrounded by other Cylons who offer her love and support--as well as kudos for a job very well done, since she was the agent who was mainly responsible for bringing down the Colonial defense network. There’s a shocking moment when Baltar appears beside the resurrection pool; yet before we can assume that he’s a Cylon, Baltar quickly tells Number Six that he’s not really there, that he’s just a figment of her imagination. Number Six doesn’t let anybody know that she’s speaking to Baltar on a regular basis--it’s the reverse of the situation that we’ve come to know with Baltar and his imaginary Six on Galactica.

Revered as a hero among the Cylons who now occupy Caprica, Number Six is soon given a new assignment. The Sharon sleeper agent Cylon who shot Commander Adama--and who was later shot to death by Cally--has downloaded into a new body as well. But there’s something wrong. She still thinks she’s really Sharon "Boomer" Valerii, and is wracked with guilt over her betrayal of the Galactica crew. D’Anna (Lucy Lawless) wants Number Six to try and reach out to Sharon and get her to fly right before the Cylon powers that be decide to "box" her. However, it’s Sharon who winds up awakening the buried feelings of love and guilt that Number Six had for Baltar, and when Sharon informs her that Baltar is still alive, the two "war heroes" form a bond that may well threaten the Cylons from within.

Tricia Hefler is marvelous here as a more anxious, insecure Number Six who is torn apart about what she did and what she might do next. Grace Park is also outstanding as the enraged Sharon, who hates herself for the terrible things she did. Lucy Lawless is great as the icy D’Anna, a loyal Cylon who denigrates humans for having no regard for all life, even as she’s about to kill a helplessly wounded man. Downloaded offers more than just a look at the face of the enemy, it also provides a fascinating look at the devious machinations of President Roslin and Admiral Adama when the Galactica Sharon finally gives birth to her hybrid baby, making this an enthralling episode that bends the notion of what makes someone a hero on its ear.