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| title=Act of Contrition | | title=Act of Contrition | ||
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| episode=4 | | episode=4 | ||
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| prev=[[Bastille Day]] | | prev=[[Bastille Day]] | ||
| next=[[You Can't Go Home Again]] | | next=[[You Can't Go Home Again]] | ||
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=== On ''Galactica'' === | === On ''Galactica'' === | ||
* It is [[Dwight Saunders|Dwight | * It is [[Dwight Saunders|Dwight “Flat Top” Saunders']] 1,000th deck landing, which brings ''Galactica''’s pilots down to the [[hangar deck]] to celebrate. | ||
* As the celebrations continue, a [[communication drone]] stowed on the hangar deck breaks loose from its restraints, falling to the deck and igniting its motor. The drone flies across the hangar, smashing into the celebrating pilots where it explodes, killing Flat Top and twelve others and putting seven more in [[sickbay]]. | * As the celebrations continue, a [[communication drone]] stowed on the hangar deck breaks loose from its restraints, falling to the deck and igniting its motor. The drone flies across the hangar, smashing into the celebrating pilots where it explodes, killing Flat Top and twelve others and putting seven more in [[sickbay]]. | ||
* As the surviving pilots prepare for the [[services for the dead]], [[Kara Thrace|Kara "Starbuck" Thrace]] has flashbacks to her first meeting with [[William Adama]], following the death of his son, [[Zak Adama|Zak]]. | * As the surviving pilots prepare for the [[services for the dead]], [[Kara Thrace|Kara "Starbuck" Thrace]] has flashbacks to her first meeting with [[William Adama]], following the death of his son, [[Zak Adama|Zak]]. | ||
* During the memorial service itself, she, [[Lee Adama]] and Bill Adama all have flashbacks – to Zak | * During the memorial service itself, she, [[Lee Adama]] and Bill Adama all have flashbacks – to Zak Adama’s funeral and (in Thrace's case) to her telling Zak he has qualified as a [[Viper (RDM)|Viper]] pilot. | ||
* Following the service, Commander Adama asks Thrace to oversee the training of any new pilots they can find in the [[The Fleet (RDM)|Fleet]]. | * Following the service, Commander Adama asks Thrace to oversee the training of any new pilots they can find in the [[The Fleet (RDM)|Fleet]]. | ||
* Thrace is initially hesitant, and the Commander guesses the cause is Zak's accident. He reassures her that his | * Thrace is initially hesitant, and the Commander guesses the cause is Zak's accident. He reassures her that his son’s death was not her fault – which causes Thrace to remember her admission to Lee Adama: that she passed Zak Adama through his basic training when he had in fact failed {{TRS|Miniseries}}. | ||
* She reluctantly accepts the duty, but memories of Zak Adama continue to haunt her as she plays cards with [[Gaius Baltar]], oblivious to a conversation that takes place between {{callsign|Crashdown}} and [[Felix Gaeta]] concerning | * She reluctantly accepts the duty, but memories of Zak Adama continue to haunt her as she plays cards with [[Gaius Baltar]], oblivious to a conversation that takes place between {{callsign|Crashdown}} and [[Felix Gaeta]] concerning Baltar’s [[Cylon detector]] – a conversation that leaves [[Sharon Valerii|Boomer]] very uncomfortable. | ||
* Elsewhere on '' | * Elsewhere on ''Galactica'', President [[Laura Roslin]] is examined by the ship’s medical officer, Doctor [[Cottle]]. His diagnosis is not good: her cancer is inoperable. Roslin decides that she wants to try alternative therapy using [[Chamalla]] extract – something with entirely unproven effectiveness. | ||
* Later, Thrace meets her first batch of recruits. They are all pilots – but none have ever flown a [[Viper (RDM)|Viper]]. With [[Computers#Colonial Fleet Computers|no simulators]] aboard ''Galactica'', the newbies – [[nugget]]s – are thrown straight into the cockpit of the real thing. | * Later, Thrace meets her first batch of recruits. They are all pilots – but none have ever flown a [[Viper (RDM)|Viper]]. With [[Computers#Colonial Fleet Computers|no simulators]] aboard ''Galactica'', the newbies – [[nugget]]s – are thrown straight into the cockpit of the real thing. | ||
* Their performance during their first training flight is hardly stellar, and Thrace is uncompromisingly hard on the first batch of recruits, washing them all out. | * Their performance during their first training flight is hardly stellar, and Thrace is uncompromisingly hard on the first batch of recruits, washing them all out. | ||
* Captain Adama confronts her on her decision, and realizes it is caused more by guilt about Zak Adama than on the ability of the trainees. When she refuses to reinstate the trainees, he takes the matter up with Commander Adama. | * Captain Adama confronts her on her decision, and realizes it is caused more by guilt about Zak Adama than on the ability of the trainees. When she refuses to reinstate the trainees, he takes the matter up with Commander Adama. | ||
* Commander Adama initially supports Thrace's decision, but a misunderstanding between him and Lee Adama causes him to meet with Thrace to discuss | * Commander Adama initially supports Thrace's decision, but a misunderstanding between him and Lee Adama causes him to meet with Thrace to discuss Zak’s death. | ||
* When Starbuck tries to dodge the issue, Adama pins her down, and she admits the truth: Zak botched his final training flights, but she passed him because she was in love with him and they were engaged – but Zak really | * When Starbuck tries to dodge the issue, Adama pins her down, and she admits the truth: Zak botched his final training flights, but she passed him because she was in love with him and they were engaged – but Zak really wasn’t the right material for flying Vipers. | ||
* Angered and hurt, Adama orders her to reinstate the trainees and to get out of his cabin. | * Angered and hurt, Adama orders her to reinstate the trainees and to get out of his cabin. | ||
* Starbuck pilots [[Viper 1104]] and leads a handful of the trainees on a training flight, about to begin a [[Thorch weave]] maneuver lesson when [[DRADIS]] detects a group of [[Raider (RDM)|Cylon Raiders]]. Starbuck orders her nuggets to return to ''Galactica'' and enters the combat zone, initially unaware that Hotdog chose to stay as her wingman. | * Starbuck pilots [[Viper 1104]] and leads a handful of the trainees on a training flight, about to begin a [[Thorch weave]] maneuver lesson when [[DRADIS]] detects a group of [[Raider (RDM)|Cylon Raiders]]. Starbuck orders her nuggets to return to ''Galactica'' and enters the combat zone, initially unaware that Hotdog chose to stay as her wingman. | ||
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* The episode takes place 48 hours after the prisoner uprising on [[Astral Queen|''Astral Queen'']] in "[[Bastille Day]]". | * The episode takes place 48 hours after the prisoner uprising on [[Astral Queen|''Astral Queen'']] in "[[Bastille Day]]". | ||
* Water replenishment operations are still underway. | * Water replenishment operations are still underway. | ||
* [[William Adama]]'s relationship with {{Callsign|Starbuck}} is not as long-standing as the [[Miniseries, Night 1|Miniseries]] appears to suggest: they have only served together for two years. However, their dynamic is very much like that of a father and daughter | * [[William Adama]]'s relationship with {{Callsign|Starbuck}} is not as long-standing as the [[Miniseries, Night 1|Miniseries]] appears to suggest: they have only served together for two years. However, their dynamic is very much like that of a father and daughter <ref>[[Podcast:Act of Contrition|Podcast for "Act of Contrition"]], timestamp 08:23</ref>. | ||
* Word is leaking out about [[Gaius Baltar|Baltar]]'s [[Cylon detector]]. | * Word is leaking out about [[Gaius Baltar|Baltar]]'s [[Cylon detector]]. | ||
* The central conflict revolves around [[Kara Thrace|Thrace]]'s guilt over her fiancé, [[Zak Adama]]. She passed him for flight duty despite his poor piloting skills, which led directly to his death | * The central conflict revolves around [[Kara Thrace|Thrace]]'s guilt over her fiancé, [[Zak Adama]]. She passed him for flight duty despite his poor piloting skills, which led directly to his death <ref>[[Podcast:Act of Contrition|Podcast for "Act of Contrition"]], timestamp 07:50</ref>. According to the commentary, the writers decided William Adama did not know about her involvement prior to this episode, making his discovery genuine <ref>[[Podcast:Act of Contrition|Podcast for "Act of Contrition"]], timestamp 08:04</ref>. The producers considered this a "one time only" storyline that was a key emotional moment for the season <ref>[[Podcast:Act of Contrition|Podcast for "Act of Contrition"]], timestamp 32:15</ref>. | ||
* According to [[Ronald D. Moore|Ron Moore]], the writers were still "feeling our way through" the [[Caprica (RDM)|Caprica]] storyline at this point in the season | * According to [[Ronald D. Moore|Ron Moore]], the writers were still "feeling our way through" the [[Caprica (RDM)|Caprica]] storyline at this point in the season <ref>[[Podcast:Act of Contrition|Podcast for "Act of Contrition"]], timestamp 17:49</ref>. [[David Eick]] noted that this episode's plot for {{Callsign|Helo}} and [[Sharon Valerii (Caprica copy)|Caprica-Valerii]] was "a bit of shoe leather" to keep the story active, as they felt they had to visit Caprica in every episode <ref>[[Podcast:Act of Contrition|Podcast for "Act of Contrition"]], timestamp 18:13</ref>. | ||
=== Military Observations === | === Military Observations === | ||
* Following the hangar deck accident, ''[[Galactica (RDM)|Galactica]]'' has a remaining contingent of 40 Vipers, but now only has 21 combat-ready pilots and a further 8 newbie "[[nugget]]s". | * Following the hangar deck accident, ''[[Galactica (RDM)|Galactica]]'' has a remaining contingent of 40 Vipers, but now only has 21 combat-ready pilots and a further 8 newbie "[[nugget]]s". | ||
* [[Dr. Cottle|Dr. Cottle]] makes his first appearance. Ron Moore states he was intentionally written to be the opposite of the "touchy-feely," [[w:Leonard McCoy|Dr. McCoy]]-style doctor, wanting a character who would light a cigarette in front of a | * [[Dr. Cottle|Dr. Cottle]] makes his first appearance. Ron Moore states he was intentionally written to be the opposite of the "touchy-feely," [[w:Leonard McCoy|Dr. McCoy]]-style doctor, wanting a character who would light a cigarette in front of a cancer patient and refuse to put it out <ref>[[Podcast:Act of Contrition|Podcast for "Act of Contrition"]], timestamp 21:58</ref>. The actor, [[Donnelly Rhodes]], was one of the finalists for the role of [[Saul Tigh]] <ref>[[Podcast:Act of Contrition|Podcast for "Act of Contrition"]], timestamp 22:41</ref>. | ||
* The Colonial military use what appear to be [[w:High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle|HumVees]] and [[w:M35 series 2½-ton 6x6 cargo truck|Deuce-and-a-half]] trucks. | * The Colonial military use what appear to be [[w:High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle|HumVees]] and [[w:M35 series 2½-ton 6x6 cargo truck|Deuce-and-a-half]] trucks. | ||
=== Real-World and Production === | === Real-World and Production === | ||
* The hangar deck accident was inspired by a real-life disaster aboard the [[wikipedia:1967 USS Forrestal fire|USS ''Forrestal'']] in 1967 | * The hangar deck accident was inspired by a real-life disaster aboard the [[wikipedia:1967 USS Forrestal fire|USS ''Forrestal'']] in 1967 <ref>[[Podcast:Act of Contrition|Podcast for "Act of Contrition"]], timestamp 04:31</ref>. The network was concerned about the number of deaths, which was reduced from 30 in the script to the 13 seen on screen as a compromise <ref>[[Podcast:Act of Contrition|Podcast for "Act of Contrition"]], timestamp 06:07</ref>. | ||
* The "Jody" chant performed by the pilots was adapted from a real [[w:United States Air Force|U.S. Air Force]] cadence for [[w:Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II|A-10 Warthog]] pilots | * The "Jody" chant performed by the pilots was adapted from a real [[w:United States Air Force|U.S. Air Force]] cadence for [[w:Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II|A-10 Warthog]] pilots <ref>[[Podcast:Act of Contrition|Podcast for "Act of Contrition"]], timestamp 03:23</ref>. The show's military advisor, [[Ron Blecker]], was reportedly not a fan of the adaptation <ref>[[Podcast:Act of Contrition|Podcast for "Act of Contrition"]], timestamp 03:03</ref>. | ||
* The recurring Viper ejection sequence that opens each act is an homage to the film ''[[w:The Right Stuff (film)|The Right Stuff]]'' | * The recurring Viper ejection sequence that opens each act is an homage to the film ''[[w:The Right Stuff (film)|The Right Stuff]]'' <ref>[[Podcast:Act of Contrition|Podcast for "Act of Contrition"]], timestamp 39:48</ref>. | ||
* The original plan for the ejection sequence was for the pilot's identity to remain a mystery until the very end of the episode. The decision to reveal it was {{Callsign|Starbuck}} early on was made late in post-production, a choice director [[w:Rod Hardy|Rod Hardy]] was reportedly not happy with | * The original plan for the ejection sequence was for the pilot's identity to remain a mystery until the very end of the episode. The decision to reveal it was {{Callsign|Starbuck}} early on was made late in post-production, a choice director [[w:Rod Hardy|Rod Hardy]] was reportedly not happy with <ref>[[Podcast:Act of Contrition|Podcast for "Act of Contrition"]], timestamp 06:33</ref>. | ||
* While Starbuck's Viper is burning on entry into the atmosphere, the Viper's [[w:Altimeter|altimeter]] is shown going in reverse, indicating altitude ''gain'' instead of a descent. | * While Starbuck's Viper is burning on entry into the atmosphere, the Viper's [[w:Altimeter|altimeter]] is shown going in reverse, indicating altitude ''gain'' instead of a descent. | ||
* In the scene where {{Callsign|Helo}} and [[Sharon Valerii (Caprica copy)|Sharon]] find the fallout shelter, the bookshelf that covers the entrance contains books from modern-day Earth. As it falls, "The Final Diagnosis" by [[w:Arthur Hailey|Arthur Hailey]] is visible, as is another book with what appears to be a [[w:Nazi flag|Nazi swastika]] and a photo of [[w:Adolf Hitler|Adolf Hitler]] on its cover. | * In the scene where {{Callsign|Helo}} and [[Sharon Valerii (Caprica copy)|Sharon]] find the fallout shelter, the bookshelf that covers the entrance contains books from modern-day Earth. As it falls, "The Final Diagnosis" by [[w:Arthur Hailey|Arthur Hailey]] is visible, as is another book with what appears to be a [[w:Nazi flag|Nazi swastika]] and a photo of [[w:Adolf Hitler|Adolf Hitler]] on its cover. | ||
== Analysis == | == Analysis == | ||
*This episode emphasizes many of the [[Naturalistic science fiction|goals set at the series' creation]] to make a sci-fi series that is grounded in realism. The logistical limitations on the Fleet are readily apparent: this episode highlights how difficult it is for '' | *This episode emphasizes many of the [[Naturalistic science fiction|goals set at the series' creation]] to make a sci-fi series that is grounded in realism. The logistical limitations on the Fleet are readily apparent: this episode highlights how difficult it is for ''Galactica'' to train new combat-ready pilots, as there are no reserve pilots and civilians with little or no prior flying experience are all that they have to work with. | ||
*Further, this episode shows that sometimes accidents simply happen on a battlestar: this is not a perfect, pristine in-story universe but a worn, run-down real world. The accident on the flight deck occurred not through sabotage or some sort of [[technobabble]] space anomaly, but simply because an old piece of equipment wore out. | *Further, this episode shows that sometimes accidents simply happen on a battlestar: this is not a perfect, pristine in-story universe but a worn, run-down real world. The accident on the flight deck occurred not through sabotage or some sort of [[technobabble]] space anomaly, but simply because an old piece of equipment wore out. | ||
*The realism highlighted by this episode is again apparent in the climactic scene between Starbuck and Commander Adama, in which she reveals that she was responsible for his son's death. The dramatic situation it focused on is not centered around some sci-fi concept, but the interactions between people which could have occurred on present-day Earth. If the script for this episode were ported onto another series set on a modern-day Navy aircraft carrier, there would be few if any changes to it. It is a drama script, which happens to be set in space, which was one of the goals of the series. | *The realism highlighted by this episode is again apparent in the climactic scene between Starbuck and Commander Adama, in which she reveals that she was responsible for his son's death. The dramatic situation it focused on is not centered around some sci-fi concept, but the interactions between people which could have occurred on present-day Earth. If the script for this episode were ported onto another series set on a modern-day Navy aircraft carrier, there would be few if any changes to it. It is a drama script, which happens to be set in space, which was one of the goals of the series. | ||
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* ''[[Ron D. Moore]] discusses [[Cottle]]'s smoking:'' | * ''[[Ron D. Moore]] discusses [[Cottle]]'s smoking:'' | ||
*: '''Moore:''' Because smoking is cool. Don't let anyone tell you different, kid. [...] Seriously, we're showing people doing what people really do and not all of their choices are smart ones. We smoke, we drink, we have sex with the wrong partners—we make lots of bad choices and some of them we do knowingly and in full cognizance of the risks and consequences. Dr. Cottle obviously knows the risks associated with smoking and he elects to do it anyway — that's his choice.<ref | *: '''Moore:''' Because smoking is cool. Don't let anyone tell you different, kid. [...] Seriously, we're showing people doing what people really do and not all of their choices are smart ones. We smoke, we drink, we have sex with the wrong partners—we make lots of bad choices and some of them we do knowingly and in full cognizance of the risks and consequences. Dr. Cottle obviously knows the risks associated with smoking and he elects to do it anyway — that's his choice.<ref>{{cite_web|url=http://blog.scifi.com/battlestar/archives/2005/02/|title=Ron D. Moore blog entry|date=19 February 2005|accessdate=18 February 2007|last=Moore|first=Ron D.|format=|language=}}</ref> | ||
* ''[[Bodie Olmos]] talks about his most challenging day on-set:'' | * ''[[Bodie Olmos]] talks about his most challenging day on-set:'' | ||
*: '''Olmos:''' Interesting[ly] enough, probably the first episode I was in, "Act of Contrition". I was so excited, nervous and amazed that I was on the show. That for me was a rough day, let me tell you! I could hardly sit still and the day seemed so long. I just wanted to be good, and make sure I knew what this character was all about, which is very difficult. I think it evolves. One minute you may think he is like this but then you see that he actually believes something else. So I was definitely glad to make it through that one.<ref | *: '''Olmos:''' Interesting[ly] enough, probably the first episode I was in, "Act of Contrition". I was so excited, nervous and amazed that I was on the show. That for me was a rough day, let me tell you! I could hardly sit still and the day seemed so long. I just wanted to be good, and make sure I knew what this character was all about, which is very difficult. I think it evolves. One minute you may think he is like this but then you see that he actually believes something else. So I was definitely glad to make it through that one.<ref>{{cite_web|url=http://www.thescifiworld.net/interviews/bodie_olmos_01.htm|title=The SciFi World: Bodie Olmos interview|date=20 January 2007|accessdate=18 February 2007|last=Craddock|first=Lisa|format=|language=}}</ref> | ||
== Noteworthy Dialogue == | == Noteworthy Dialogue == | ||
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*[[Terry Chen]] as [[Donald Perry|Donald "Chuckles" Perry]] | *[[Terry Chen]] as [[Donald Perry|Donald "Chuckles" Perry]] | ||
== References | ==References== | ||
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==External Links == | ==External Links == | ||
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[[Category:Episodes directed by Rod Hardy]] | [[Category:Episodes directed by Rod Hardy]] | ||
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[[de:Zeichen der Reue]] | [[de:Zeichen der Reue]] | ||
[[fr:Épisode:Confession]] | [[fr:Épisode:Confession]] | ||