Battlestar Wiki - User contributions [en]

User talk:Spencerian

2007-02-23T16:20:37Z

Cyborg: Athena not wearing a spacesuit

''For discussions prior to January 1, 2006, [http://battlestarwiki.org/index.php?title=User_talk%3ASpencerian&diff=21890&oldid=21664 click here.]''

''For discussions prior to June 1, 2006, [http://www.battlestarwiki.org/en/index.php?title=User_talk:Spencerian&oldid=60768 click here.]''

''For discussions prior to September 1, 2006, [http://en.battlestarwiki.org/w/index.php?title=User_talk:Spencerian&oldid=75116 click here.]''

''For discussions prior to December 18, 2006, [http://en.battlestarwiki.org/w/index.php?title=User_talk:Spencerian&oldid=93841 click here.]''

==Updated User Page==
I stole my revised article design from Mercifull, and is living proof that I can't wiki code worth a damn. --[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 21:04, 19 December 2006 (CST)
:He stole the design from me. Joe stole it from him. lol. Been going around. heh. [[User:Shane|Shane]] ([[User_Talk:Shane|T]] - [[Special:Contributions/Shane|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/Shane|E]]) 21:14, 19 December 2006 (CST)
::It continues the rounds; I've "borrowed" now. =) [[User:JubalHarshaw|JubalHarshaw]] 23:04, 12 January 2007 (CST)

==Response to EoJ Reversion==

Hi, just wanted to drop a quick line regarding the rollback to the article summary. I posted a comment regarding it on the Talk page, but wanted to say that as it was written, it seems too narrative. Granted, my changes may have confused readers, but I feel it needs to be consolidated. What do you think? --[[User:Sgtpayne|Sgtpayne]] 12:26, 20 December 2006 (CST) ([[User_Talk:Sgtpayne|T]] - [[Special:Contributions/Sgtpayne|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/Sgtpayne|E]])

:Shane had a good idea. We could break it up into acts (commercial breaks) but we should keep the relative order. I'll give that a try if someone hasn't done so; I have the episode downloaded. --[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 18:03, 20 December 2006 (CST)

==Response from Meteor==
Hi you added something to my talk page recently. I just rewatched the scene in Kobol's Last Gleaming part 1 where Elosha, Billy and Roslin discuss Kobol. Billy says the ruins on the planet are 2,000 years old. Elosha responds that this corresponds with when the 13 (not 12) colonies left Kobol.

While I agree you're probably right about the 13th colony leaving for earth 3,600 years ago and the other 12 colonies only a mere 2,000 years I do think the article should reflect the fact that Elosha's comment is not entirely accurate. [[User:Meteor|Meteor]]

== Response from MatthewFenton regarding clean up ==

Hey. Responded at the talk page showing some concerns as to why I believe it needs a clean up - if you don't think it needs a clean up then feel free to remove the tag, I've shown my concerns at least, hopefully it can make the article better. [[User:MatthewFenton|MatthewFenton]] 17:39, 1 January 2007 (CST)

== Red Pill ==

[[Battlestar_Wiki:Requests_for_bureaucratship/Spencerian|Follow the "Yellow" Link]] [[User:Shane|Shane]] ([[User_Talk:Shane|T]] - [[Special:Contributions/Shane|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/Shane|E]]) 12:46, 5 January 2007 (CST)
:Strange... it's not yellow for me. (Monobook has either blue or pinkish). --[[User:Steelviper|Steelviper]] 12:58, 5 January 2007 (CST)
::Aww...this is very cool, one way or another. I'll fill it in a little later today. --[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 13:15, 5 January 2007 (CST)

== Welcome, Young Padawan! ==

Congrats! Here's a [[w:Squeegee|Squeegee]], and [[Wikipedia:Wikipedia:Bureaucrats|some pertinent reading material from Wikipedia]]. -- [[User:Joe Beaudoin Jr.|Joe Beaudoin]] [[User talk:Joe Beaudoin Jr.|So say we all]] - [[Battlestar Wiki:Site support|Donate]] 20:04, 13 January 2007 (CST)
:Have we seen a [[Squeegee Boy]] in BSG yet? :-) Congrats Spenc! [[User:Shane|Shane]] ([[User_Talk:Shane|T]] - [[Special:Contributions/Shane|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/Shane|E]]) 20:07, 13 January 2007 (CST)
::Congrats man, you've earned it. --[[User:Talos|Talos]] 21:54, 13 January 2007 (CST)
::: Congratulations ;-) [[User:MatthewFenton|MatthewFenton]] 06:08, 14 January 2007 (CST)
:::: Congratulations! --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 08:06, 14 January 2007 (CST)
:::::Much obliged, everyone. Thanks. --[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 09:58, 14 January 2007 (CST)

== Thanks ==

Just wanted to thank you for the advice you left on my talk page, next time I'll try not to jump the gun without better researching.--[[User:The One True Fred|The One True Fred]] 08:00, 26 January 2007 (CST)
:We've all done it before, but its not much of a learning curve. Once you know what's probably rumor and what's good, it only makes contributing and reading things here that much more intriguing. Don't let it sway your enthusiasm! --[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 08:05, 26 January 2007 (CST)

== Howdy ==

Are you a fan of the flying bikes of doom? [[User:MatthewFenton|MatthewFenton]] 04:44, 27 January 2007 (CST)
:Um, I have no idea what that is. --[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 08:10, 27 January 2007 (CST)
::"[[Flying motorcycle]]" I presume --[[User:Serenity|Serenity]] 08:12, 27 January 2007 (CST)
::: Galactica 1980 :-P [[User:MatthewFenton|MatthewFenton]] 08:22, 27 January 2007 (CST)
::::Oh, lords, no. It's only ten episodes, but because of its horror I blame it for my social inadequacies in high school, my acne, the heartbreak of psoriasis and global warming. Who can I sue? Is that Oprah calling...? --[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 08:33, 27 January 2007 (CST)
:::::Also, FYI, Dr. Phil on line 5. --[[User:Joe Beaudoin Jr.|Joe Beaudoin]] [[User talk:Joe Beaudoin Jr.|So say we all]] - [[Battlestar Wiki:Site support|Donate]] 08:59, 27 January 2007 (CST)

== The origin of mankind ==

I noticed a comment in my talk about why you removed notes about the real Earth as homeworld for Humanity some months ago, feeling they were fanwanking. At the same time you pointed to pages about the sacred scrolls and various fan theories about the Exodus or Exodi in the show. In order to learn, I wanted to understand the difference. Is it just where I put it? My goal was to add only factual information. While I realize that the Earth in the show is going to be somewhat fictionalized (if we ever see it) there is an important difference between an Earth that had a different history than ours, and one where the science is so different that you might as well say Mars had canals (a common SF trope from before the 60s) or that rocks fall up.

However, where is the proper place to speculate what theories of Earth are consistent with what the writers are trying to show us in the program? The question of whether, in the re-imagined series, Earth is a colony of Kobol, or instead Kobol is a colony of Earth (and why that was covered up) is an important one to the show, and there are a number of clues in the show pointing to the latter case. {{unsigned|Bradtem}}

:I agree that removing your comments while allowing the convoluted theories in [[Sacred Scrolls]] stand isn't right. It's either both or neither. And if I ever saw fanwank, that's it. I'm toying with the idea of deleting that eyesore and presenting both theories very briefly, but without going into much detail. In fact that's what I'm going to do now. I've already mentioned that on the talk page there as well. However, I don't think those theories should be expanded much further there, as they go beyond the scope of "Sacred Scrolls" --[[User:Serenity|Serenity]] 06:18, 1 February 2007 (CST)

::I tend to agree with Serenity, Bradtem. Obviously the writers want to play with the viewers and make the more "thoughtful" of us wonder about this chicken-and-egg origin. At the same time, they purposefully don't indicate if BSG occurs in real-world Earth's past, present or future. As a result, we shouldn't speculate in detail, thus the concision or removal of your contribution (my apologies as I can't remember the specific reasons and haven't time right now to delve through the history for review). As Serenity noted, we should touch on the possibilities, but we must not go into elaborate "hypotheses" about it as that is strictly fanwanking. A few short definitive notes based on what has aired, and we must leave the rest of the speculation to the talk pages of the article or the reader's imagination. --[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 08:02, 1 February 2007 (CST)
:::I think his confusion stems from the fact that you linked him to a page that contained far more baseless speculation than his [http://en.battlestarwiki.org/w/index.php?title=Earth&diff=prev&oldid=88518 relatively short addition] you removed. It looked like you removed something that was fine elsewhere. He didn't even really speculate, but presented a scientific fact. Personally I agree with it, and hate those "we don't really have to pay attention to science. They can do what they want" arguments. Of course there is the possibility of BSG taking place in an alternate universe which has also been hinted at in podcasts/interviews.
:::But as you said, that's a discussion more suitable for forums, and a short outline of each point of view probably suffices here. --[[User:Serenity|Serenity]] 08:25, 1 February 2007 (CST)
::::I understand now. Thanks for the clarification. The whole subject is too confusing, which means we're doing the right thing in concising it in the first place. --[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 08:46, 1 February 2007 (CST)
::While the theories and speculation may be fanwanks, tracking down the real clues found within the show that back up or refute speculations is a worthwhile function for a wiki, in my view. However, it does mean you probably need to make references to the theories to understand why a real canonical detail is important to note. For example, Adama calls the Lagoon Nebula by the name M8, which is an 18th century Earth designation. That's either a writing error or pretty hard evidence regarding theories of the origin of Kobol and the colonies in the show. Either way it's worth noting, and the context is important. Sometimes there isn't even a theory. Today you removed an addition to the article of the Temple of 5, where I noted that there are 6 drapes and 5 figures standing on 5 of them, one is vacant. I don't actually know what that means in terms of speculation, but it smells like it's important so I was surprised to see it removed. In addition, my addition of information on Tyrol's reluctance to destroy the temple is also, in my view, important -- Tyrol is demonstrably under some external influence when it comes to the temple, so again I think it's important to understanding the temple, not just to the story of the episode, though I don't yet know why and did not include any speculation as to why. I ask this because it's obviously no fun to contribute items just to have them reverted. I try to stick to facts and information from actual episodes when editing pages that are not meant for speculation. --[[User:Bradtem]]
:::Those are all things that can be added to the episode articles (generally under "Analysis"). The M8 thing is mentioned on [[Home, Part II]] example. --[[User:Serenity|Serenity]] 17:02, 1 February 2007 (CST)
::::I understand a desire not to repeat all the episode summaries in other places, but everything in an article about a special object or character is from some episode, so does it not make sense to include the key points to understanding the object in question in the article about it? It's a pretty fuzzy line, my view is that you really only want to roll back something that's false or a pointless addition. The line about M8, if it's not a writing error, for example, is arguably the most important clue given in the Temple of Athena scene about the nature of Earth. It would be odd to me to not repeat it both under the episode summary, but also in the pages on Earth and the Tomb. If somebody adds every single thing from an episode, that might be rolled back as redundant. But if they filter what they judge to be the most important things learned about something, that is, if done well, useful information so I would not roll it back.--[[User:Bradtem|Bradtem]] 15:53, 3 February 2007 (CST)
:::::I understand. There ''is'' a fuzziness to what we do as administrators and other contributors that have been here awhile. I apologize if the edits that we have done have been confusing, as a wiki, while trying to stick to guidelines and policies, can sometimes not enforce them properly, or in this case, may be enforcing too strictly. There are plenty of articles that overlap in content, like [[Battle of Ragnar Anchorage]] and [[33]]. The key is theme; the battle page details the strategic element only (no character analysis) while the episode summary is heavier on character and event information. False or overly speculative stuff is reverted as soon as we find it, but it's not really a "sin" to add episodic stuff to a item article, it's just less preferred to keep the article fully on topic. The M8 information, as you might know, is detailed in the notes of the Tomb of Athena article. I agree with your thoughts on it, and again I apologize if the situation has taken anything from the fun you get in enjoying the wiki. I'm assuming that I am wrong in this problem because, as a veteran contributor, we can get set in our ways sometimes. --[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 18:54, 3 February 2007 (CST)

== Superbowl ==

So colts fan, what's your plans for the big game? [[User:Shane|Shane]] ([[User_Talk:Shane|T]] - [[Special:Contributions/Shane|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/Shane|E]]) 14:07, 1 February 2007 (CST)
:Not sure. A bunch of friends are throwing a party, so I thought I'd go and cheer (or cry) with them, show off my new work MacBook Pro laptop...stuff like that. This frakker ''rocks''... :) Anywho, our city is happy just to be in the Big Show; winning will be OK, but, prior to 1984, we normally sided with the Bears, so it's kinda win-win for everybody. Heard that we're vying to be the host for Super Bowl 45 in 2011... ha. --[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 14:26, 1 February 2007 (CST)
::The odds are in the colts favor... 7 to 1. [[User:Shane|Shane]] ([[User_Talk:Shane|T]] - [[Special:Contributions/Shane|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/Shane|E]]) 15:29, 1 February 2007 (CST)
:::'''''GO COLTS.''''' --[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 18:55, 3 February 2007 (CST)

:::::'''''COLTS WIN! COLTS WIN!''''' Wondering where Indianapolis is? See [[w:Indianapolis, Indiana|this link]]. I almost went on Wikipedia tonight to <s>vandalize</s>edit in "Home of the Super Bowl Champion Indianapolis Colts" to the page! --[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 22:17, 4 February 2007 (CST)

:::::Very good game....I think. @ the Police "Party" there was a door prize @ the end. A '''''Sirus Satellite System'''''. What are the odds... I won! Both winnars tonight! :-)!!!! [[User:Shane|Shane]] ([[User_Talk:Shane|T]] - [[Special:Contributions/Shane|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/Shane|E]]) 23:11, 4 February 2007 (CST)
::::::Are you Sirius?! :) Congrats, Shane! --[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 07:31, 5 February 2007 (CST)
:::::::Yeah. Little travel one for the car. Wish it were an XM because I a bigger Baseball fan than Football, but this will be good for Football Season next year. Plus... I don't listen to a lot of music. Guess I have a larger selection now. [[User:Shane|Shane]] ([[User_Talk:Shane|T]] - [[Special:Contributions/Shane|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/Shane|E]]) 12:05, 5 February 2007 (CST)
:::: I know where Chicago is and I know where the Dolphin Stadium is in FL. But I have no idea where in the US Indianapolis is ^_^. It's gotta be some make-belive city im sure. It conjours up images of [[w:Indy Racing League|Indy car]] racing tho, and an old TV show called [[w:Eerie, Indiana|Eerie, Indiana]] --[[User:Mercifull|Mercifull]] ([[User talk:Mercifull|Talk]]/[[Special:Contributions/Mercifull|Contribs]]) 08:06, 5 February 2007 (CST)

==Question==

Hi Spencerian. I made a boo boo yesterday and included a potential spoiler (marked with spoiler tag) about the final five in that article and not the talk page as I intended (Meteor need sleep...I could have sworn I put it into the discussion page). Should I move it or leave it where it is? I can understand if people don't want to see a spoiler in the actual article especially since it has yet to be confirmed. -Whatever everyone thinks is best...I didn't intend for it to be in the actual article. --[[User:Meteor|Meteor]] 05 February 2007.
:That's OK, we caught it. While not verified, it's still from a cast member, so we give it some slack but wrapped it in a spoiler tag. No worries. --[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 08:19, 6 February 2007 (CST)

== "cylon conspiracy" analisys ==

Hi,
I removed my "cylon conspiracy" Analysis from Epiphanies article (About the cylons causing Roslin's cancer).
[[http://en.battlestarwiki.org/w/index.php?title=Epiphanies&oldid=106852]]
I moved it to the discussion. I still think it is good, but I haven't watched all the series including Torn. This is why I would not like to go into the argument now, so I won't find out any spoilers.
Thanks. --[[User:Cyborg|Cyborg]] 10:55, 6 February 2007 (CST)

:Sure thing, Cyborg. ''Battlestar'' takes a lot of work to track all the stuff going down, so it's no biggie. I'll try not to spoil any more for you. :) --[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 10:58, 6 February 2007 (CST)

== Epiphanies "why did altar save Roslin analysis" ==

You removed my question from Epiphanies article. Your answer to me was valuable and was not on the article, so I added it as an analysis.
http://en.battlestarwiki.org/w/index.php?title=Epiphanies&oldid=106884
--[[User:Cyborg|Cyborg]] 11:23, 6 February 2007 (CST)
:Good idea! --[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 11:27, 6 February 2007 (CST)

== Podcast Cite ==
The extended editing session podcast will likely not reside in the "Podcast:A Day in the Life" spot, as that spot will likely hold the "regular" podcast (which will hopefully be released someday). As for the naming of the extended podcast... I don't have any strong opinions. I guess whatever the poor schmuck who has to transcribe it wants to call it. I saw your recent addition to [[Seelix]], but didn't want to step on your toes. --[[User:Steelviper|Steelviper]] 14:23, 22 February 2007 (CST)
:I'm listening to it right now, all 2+ hours of it. Lots of interesting stuff that I'm jotting down for later inclusion. Yes, that one's going to be a super bitch to transcribe. Another summer project, probably. I bet we won't have another one; Ron just got tired or had schedule conflict and thought something different would be good. I'll delink it for now. --[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 14:26, 22 February 2007 (CST)
::We've really been lucky to have all the regular podcasts be as timely as they have. On the other side of the coin, though, it does save RDM time on the DVD side as they apparently package that up as the DVD commentary so at least they don't have to back into the studio later. I'm definitely a fan of getting the commentary captured as close to production time as possible, as the longer you wait the more chances you have to forget all the really interesting details. I still wish he would have "gone back" and done one for "[[Fragged]]", but wishes and fishes (and whatnot). Maybe he'll do a double-header for this week with this week's episode (doing both podcasts back to back). Scifi.com still claims it will be posted later this week... we'll see if they're true to their word. --[[User:Steelviper|Steelviper]] 14:50, 22 February 2007 (CST)
:::If someone gets me a link to that extended podcast, I'll be the poor schmuck and make it my holiday project (I've got next week off). --[[User:Catrope|Catrope]] 15:51, 22 February 2007 (CST)

== Athena not wearing a spacesuit ==

I answered your delete in the discussion:
[http://en.battlestarwiki.org/w/index.php?title=Talk:A_Measure_of_Salvation&oldid=109483]
--[[User:Cyborg|Cyborg]] 10:20, 23 February 2007 (CST)

Talk:A Measure of Salvation/Archive 1

2007-02-23T16:14:38Z

Cyborg: Athena not wearing a spacesuit

==Picture?==
Is that picture from A Measure of Salvation? I don't remember Three and Six projecting themselves into a forest. The outfits they are wearing look like what they wore while torturing Baltar, so maybe it's from a deleted scene. Unless I've forgotten the scene for some reason, shouldn't we get a picture that actually came from the episode? -- [[User:Alpha5099|Alpha5099]] 12:10, 11 November 2006 (CST)

== Some Poor Writing ==

Attention to detail is what has set BSG apart from so many other science-fiction shows - including Mr. Moore's Star Trek franchises. So I was very disappointed last night to see the sloppy errors piling up deep. I'd have to see the epsiode again to list them all, but mainly them problems concerned the virus.

The scene where potentially infected Galactica crew are "quarantined", together with Sharon, in a room with cold-storage plastic flaps was ridiculous.

It's preposterous to think that a Cylon would casually betray his race for the anti-viral drug. He has no assurance that he won't be double-crossed, and he certainly - even after torture - wouldn't spell out the danger the virus poses to the cylon fleet. The audience isn't stupid and neither should the Galctica crew be. Seeing Lee with a dim little lightbulb over his head was just insulting to us all.

Past episodes have clearly shown that Cylon resurrection occurs over significant distances, (greater than FTL jumps), and that calls into question the fundamental logistics of Adama's infection plan.

There would be no reason to jump Galactica itself, just sending one raptor with a cylon transponder and one infected cylon would have done the trick. (Nevermind the ease with which two cylon raiders almost instantly materialize into a whole cylon fleet with a resurrectionship conveniently in tow.)

The analysis on the episode summary page provides an excellent plot device allowing the raid to "succeed" thus justifying the major build-up of the two part story. In fact, it would have made a superb three part arc.

Hypothetical episode 3: Spend some realistic period of time finding a reasonably sized cylon fleet, infect them, virus begins spreading throughout area covered by the "local" resurrection ship. Cylons scramble to head off disease, Baltar gains points by developing Hera vaccine, cylons survive but with major "body-blow" giving Galactica and fleet some breathing room as they prepare to investigate the new lead to Earth.

Please don't get me wrong, I love this show, but sci-fi writing has always been done on the cheap and it make my eyes roll as I struggle to care about characters forced through non-sensical plot contortions. Please, Mr. Moore, DON'T LET BSG SINK TO THE SAME SAD FATE! I'm trusting that this was just a hiccup not a trend.

--[[User:IanB|IanB]] 13:08, 11 November 2006 (CST)

:In defense of the writers, I think you are wrong on two points:
:*Jumping Galactica makes sense. In [[Scar]] Cylon Raiders are engaging in skirmishes despite the absence of a resurrection ship. A Raptor is not a big enough threat to guarantee the presence of a resurrection ship. If one isn't in range by accident the Cylons would probably engage the Raptor without it and take a minor risk of permanently loosing a few raiders. And after [[Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part II]] the Cylons could be exspected to take a closer look to any unexpected Raptors with a Cylon transponder showing up. If they destroy it without a resurrection ship in range, the plans failed. Also Racetrack stated last episode that there is a shortage of Raptors in the fleet, noone is going to be eager to sacrifice one. Jumping Galactica ensures the Cylon require lots of forces, expect lot's of casualties and have a resurrection ship nearby, though I could have done without seeing it arrive on the battlefield, that's bad and inconsistent strategy, just to make sure the audience knows that it is in range.

:*There is probably a greater timespan between arrival of the patrol and that of the strikeforce then shown onscreen. Helo manipulates the oxygen-system after the jump, nevertheless the prisoners are already dead by the time the resurrection ship appears, indicating a least a few minutes have passed. The process can be seen in [[Flight of the Phoenix]] in the firing range scene (it's likely that Helo manipulated the same system).

:Two more plotholes I noticed: How do the Colonials know the Cylon supply lines? And given that they know Athena is immune because she's given birth to a hybrid child, they should wonder if there a more human-cylon hybrids. Even without knowing that Hera is still alive, if the massive Cylon effort to create hybrids resulted in creating at least one more hybrid the cylons would take a blow, but would not be exstinct. By the way it would be nice if we would hear something about these efforts. When Hera is shown for the first time in Cylon hands would be a good opportunity to close that chapter with a throwaway line that all these efforts were fruitless and stopped. [[User:Nevfennas|Nevfennas]] 11:24, 12 November 2006 (CST)

:: That's an interesting question -- one that I had myself, actually. Even if the effort didn't destroy the Cylon race (and I think that goal is overly optimistic), the virus would have given a serious blow to the Cylons, which would only serve to give the survivors more breathing room -- not to metion the increase in general morale, which the survivors seriously need after the farce at New Caprica. -- [[User:Joe Beaudoin Jr.|Joe Beaudoin]] [[User talk:Joe Beaudoin Jr.|So say we all]] - [[Battlestar Wiki:Site support|Donate]] 16:53, 12 November 2006 (CST)

I would have to agree the writing is poor. The series seems to be drifting from its roots and moving into the Hollywood PC political statement world. This season has already thrown in suicide bombing and implied it was acceptable, now there is a drift into making political statements about biological weapons (even though nuclear weapons have been freely used in the past.) It seems the writers are abandoning their science fiction roots and reaching to make their own personal social or political commentary. I do hope they get back to what I considered truly exceptional science fiction and stop these editorials.--[[User:GeorgeW|GeorgeW]] 00:06, 12 November 2006 (CST)

Followup: According to and article on the Gateworld site ([http://www.gateworld.net/galactica/news/2006/10/season_three_ratings_slip_from_premiere.shtml]) the ratings have been slipping. As much as I truly love this show, I know my wife and I were both rather disgusted with the previous inclusion of the suicide bombers and now the “loss of humanity” references associated with the potential use of biological weapons. I have also heard complaints from two of our friends. I’m concerned that if this direction is continued it will not only ruin the show, it will also drive away viewers resulting in cancelation. As a long time science fiction fan (I even remember watching the original showings of Lost in Space and the first Star Trek) this has been my all time favorite show up until now. I would hate to see it have an early demise. As I mentioned above, I hope the writers can return to science fiction and entertainment.--[[User:GeorgeW|GeorgeW]] 16:13, 12 November 2006 (CST)

:: Ratings have been slipping for ''SG-1'' and ''Atlantis'' as well; neither have the strong allegories to today's world, or the world of yesteryear for that matter. So I don't fully buy that there's a direct correlation between the creative direction BSG is going and the loss in viewership. Actually, one could probably argue (more successfully in my informed opinion) that the loss of ratings has more to do with Sci-Fi's scheduling decisions of breaking up the "Three Amigos" (''Stargate SG-1'', ''Stargate Atlantis'' and ''Battlestar Galactica''). As for the "loss of humanity" and suicide bombing themes, these have existed since the miniseries (Number Five's suicide bombing attempt in "[[Litmus]]" and Adama's speech in the miniseries and platitudes since then). -- [[User:Joe Beaudoin Jr.|Joe Beaudoin]] [[User talk:Joe Beaudoin Jr.|So say we all]] - [[Battlestar Wiki:Site support|Donate]] 16:53, 12 November 2006 (CST)

::: In my very informed opinion, I would have to disagree on several points. While time slots and lineup can affect ratings, this usually is reflected in those of the shows with the weaker individual draw. Galactica is a cornerstone show which should draw up the ratings for those around it rather than have such a slump from a lineup change.

::: As for the previous Friday lineup, SG-1 ratings have steadily declined since the departure of Richard Dean Anderson. His departure also seemed to coincide with decline in the quality of the writing, though I’m not convinced the two were related rather than just coincidental. I have always believed the SG Atlantis was the weak link in that lineup and was carried by its position between SG-1 and BSG. As mentioned in the article I referenced above, Dr. Who, which leads into BSG, has had poor ratings this season. I believe the replacement of the very likable actor playing the title role, though consistent with the original BBC series, was a detriment to this series. In addition, this season’s writing has seemed less creative and entertaining. I greatly enjoyed their first season, but have found the current one to be rather dull and uninteresting. This certainly doesn’t help with the Galactica ratings, but I don’t believe it is the major factor in the decline.

::: The introduction of controversial topics into plot lines is often risky, particularly with science fiction which is typically considered pure escapism, even when it has a dark element like BSG (i.e.: The potential extermination of the human race and the continued threat from the Cylon.) Generally, Sci-Fi fans want to escape the real world and be entertained, not lectured on the writers’ political or social views of modern events. While any controversial topic is a risk, the introduction of those that are currently so polarizing is almost a guarantee of distancing a significant portion of your fan base.

::: You associated the bombing executed by a Cylon against those carried out by human suicide bombers. The two aren’t even remotely comparable. The first was not executed by a human, was not condoned by the humans, and was executed by an individual who (as already had been established) would be reborn (“downloaded”) into a new body, but as the same individual. The later was not only condoned by members of the upper human leadership, it was presented as a reasonable and acceptable approach in a given situation – a strong statement considering current world events. (As someone who’s nephew’s squad was attacked by the first suicide bomber in the gulf war, killing many of his squad just a few yards in front of him, I will freely admit to strong personal feelings in this matter. None the less, such controversial plot elements are invariably going to strongly offend a significant number of viewers.) The inference that the humans must limit their use of weapons against an enemy bent on the genocide of humanity is another PC component. Biological weapons as a plot element would have been better completely left out rather than used as a mechanism for additional political commentary. Remember, people watch for entertainment, not a reminder of current events or a thinly disguised lecture from Hollywood writers on their political and social opinions.

::: It is also rather telling that the ratings dropped rather significantly after the season 3 premiere (where suicide bombings by humans were introduced and condoned.) I’ll be interested in seeing how the ratings are affected after this latest one sided (read: “PC”) foray into contemporary controversial issues.

::: --[[User:GeorgeW|GeorgeW]] 20:40, 12 November 2006 (CST)

::::I doubt that the suicide bombings in Occupation and Precipice were "condoned" by the show. Roslin didn't like them. Tigh, who planned them, thought they were bad. Even Baltar (who's been developing a conscience this season, thank the Gods) didn't like them. The first was a waste of life and counterproductive, causing a massive Cylon freakout that would have killed off Roslin, Zarek, Cally and a bunch of other people if the resistance hadn't saved them in the last minute. The second took down the power grid, which was more helpful, but it should be noted that in this case the bomber didn't kill any civilians, just herself and some Cylons. Tigh is still suffering because of the choices he made on New Caprica, and it doesn't look like he's coming out of those moral woods anytime soon.

::::Furthermore, I don't think the show has condemned the use of the Cylon virus, either. Roslin was all about it, after all, and I don't think there's anything less PC than a schoolteacher with a Messiah complex jonesing for some genocide. --[[User:Noindiecred|Noindiecred]] 22:33, 12 November 2006 (CST)

:::: The use of nuclear weapons are logical in a space setting where great distances are involved and ships are heavily armoured. I would suspect, though, that a Presidential order would have been required to use nukes on the surface of a populated planet. The use of bio-weapons would probably have similiar restrictions because of their nature. I disagree that this show was PC. The weapon that the humans stumbled upon had a unique ability to wipe out the entire race of cyclons. To use it does carry far more ethical problems than simply using a nuke on a basestar. To use a rl analogy even during WWII the US would have been reluctant to have used a weapon that would have destroyed every Japanese person on the planet--[[User:Boonton|Boonton]] 09:39, 13 November 2006 (CST)

:::::''To use a rl analogy even during WWII the US would have been reluctant to have used a weapon that would have destroyed every Japanese person on the planet''--[[User:Boonton|Boonton]]

:::::I think that's a poor analogy, since the Japanese were not a threat to kill every American person on the planet, which is what the Cylons are a threat to do (notwithstanding Helo's odious observation that "they tried to live with us on New Caprica"). The humans and Cylons are in a war of absolute total commitment, and it's difficult to imagine how the war can end until one side or the other ceases to exist. In that scenario, you probably have to choose the other side to be the one that ceases to exist.

:::::On the other hand, one might argue that the numbers involved are so staggering that, even to a human, the lives of billions of Cylons must be valued over the lives of forty-some thousand humans. (I'm making a wild guess that the Cylon population is comparable to the pre-war human population of the 12 colonies.) This argument of course assumes that Cylons are "alive" in the same sense as people and are not merely machines. It also ignores the question of whether there is an Earth with a population of billions of humans who need the colonial fleet to survive and give them a heads-up if ''they'' are to have a fighting chance to survive a Cylon attack.

:::::[[User:Capedia|Capedia]] 16:04, 25 November 2006 (CST)

:::I think the show has been attacking issues that are important in our modern world since the beginning. Basic issues like balance of power, whether civilian government should stay in power during a massive crisis and war, religion in general, how to treat thouse different from yourselves (the show has been very ambivalent about killing Cylons, even though they are "just robots"), Baltar's initial refusal to believe in the gods or a god. It has even tackled thitngs like terrorism as a means to an end (Zarek was introduced at the beginning of the first season), abortion, infanticide, torture, treatment of prisoners. In all, it has been very current and politically involved since the beginning. However, with the first 4 episodes of season 3, it took a decidedly controversial and risky turn by depicting our favorite valiant and noble heros under brutal occupation. The writers have guts, and their ratings may have suffered, but they are doing the same thing they've been doing since the beginning of the show. It's just now a lot of poeple who watch TV don't agree with the particular direction the show took. However, even then, it left the viewer to choose for him or herself what to think, it was again ambivalent, which may be what makes it the best show on TV. No, the show will not supply you with easy answers and moral certitude to very important current questions. But that's a good thing, not a bad thing. --[[User:Yaneh|Yaneh]] 15:49, 13 November 2006 (EST)

::::I have to agree that it's been dealing with controversial issues from the start. One thing I've learned about BsG from watching it is that every time you think there's a line they won't cross, they seem to cross it. I think Yaneh has it right. Now, with them back in space, I do think it might turn more towards classic sci-fi, but I do agree this is not an unprecedented pattern. As for the writing on this particular episode, I think there were some odd references or slip-ups, which to my mind were made for the sole purpose of bailing Galactica out of the responsibility for a genocide. But I'm not going to judge the whole show at this point--it's WAY too early for that. I'm even more of a music buff than a TV buff, and I don't write off a band until there are 3 stinkers in a row. Let's wait and see if this a pattern before we write BsG off. --[[User:Rose Immortal|Rose Immortal]]

My additional $.02 - I'm going to have to disagree with my esteemed colleague from across the aisle, GeorgeW. I have no complaint with the political/moral questions that the writers have chosen to tackle this season. I do not believe that sci-fi was ever supposed to be purely escapist. Think of Frank Herbert's Dune which was essentially a political novel in sci-fi clothing. And the reason it is still regarded as one of the greatest sci-fi novels ever written was '''attention to detail!'''

What's made BSG so engaging has been its willingness to tackle the dark and gritty sides of a sci-fi story and thus make it far more real. This season's espisodes especially, have dug into tough questions about the justification of actions taken by a society being oppressed and even threatened with extinction - and kudos to Mr. Moore and Co. for going there! While they chose Nazi-esque imagery to illustrate the cylon occupation of New Caprica, the physical and psycological torture depicted there is exactly what Palestinians have been living with every day for decades, and I think it's extraordinary that this show has dared to ask American audiences to speculate how they would react if the same sort of conditions were imposed on us.

Consider Fox's 24, an unabashed advertisement for torture in the name of patriotism - nothing more than fearmongering to stir up a post-911 traumatised public into a state of jackboot-stamping, flag-waving paranoia, willing to hand over their civil liberties to facists. As grim as the first two episodes of this BSG season were, it was refreshing to see some element of pop culture actually asking viewers to stop and think - rather than just telling them what to believe.

If there's been a drop in ratings as a result of this storyline, it's only because so many Americans have let their capacity for critical thought atrophy over the last 40 years. (But just as likely, as was stated above, it was Sci-fi's choice to break up its powerhouse Friday night schedule. Frankly, canning Atlantis and popping the new Doctor Who episodes into the vacant slot would have been the prefered alternative.)

So back to my original point. With a wink and a nod to technobabble - the show's about homicidal robots for gosh sake - can we please just pay attention to the logical details. It's science-fiction, and we, the viewers, have already given the writers our willing suspension of disbelief. I'm just asking not to be abused with rediculous and downright stupid plot loopholes and gaffes in return for the privilege. I'm not writing off BSG either. Yet. But this last episode, which held such promise for having raised the stakes to the level of genocide, fell utterly flat - tripped up by the banana peels of sloppy writing.

--[[User:IanB|IanB]] 16:54, 14 November 2006 (CST)

In response to the original poster, I agree with you. This is not one of the show's shining moments.

--[[User:Crazyrabbits|Crazyrabbits]] 10:00, 15 November 2006 (CST)

I think that while there have been better episodes, this was not a bad episode by any stretch. The thing about this episode was a few disconnects between fact and set design, but as far as the cascading environmental systems... yes and no. Very often in any ship-to-ship battle, space or otherwise, the most common cause of death has been fire (for the ship itself). It burns away and blows up. If its that simple to isolate a section and vent it, that could prevent fire damage quickly. Also, note that the door was locked, so the decompression couldn't spread. Finally, I imagine that the Marines would have been on standby throughout the ship, and certainly Lee would have been needed elsewhere.

--[[User:PhoenixFlight|PhoenixFlight]] 14:01, 30 December 2006 (CST)

== Explanations ==

A note about the Resurection ship jumping into the battle... it would seem that this is actually a good tactical move from the Cylon perspective. After Pegasus and Galactica easily destroyed the first resurrection ship and it's escorts, it would be prudent for the Cylons to keep the new ship with their fleet... even if this means taking it into battle with them. From their point of view it might look as if Galactica was trying to sucker the baseships away from the resurrection ship so the colonials could attack it. They've already used the "sucker" strategy a number of times, we could just be seeing a Cylon reaction to that strategy. Bringing the ship with them would negate such a threat as several basestars (more than enough to hold galactica off) would be able to cover for it.

As far as supply lines, it would figure that Galactica would know about this. Basic military strategy is to harass or at least keep an eye on enemy supply lines.

Also a note about the raptors and their missiles. The colonials may have found, after the battle over new caprica, that the missile attachments for the raptors were effective and could be adapted for other (combat) uses as well. It would also figure that after the loss of Pegasus, the colonials would be trying everything they could to increase firepower. This is probably just a jury-rig solution for increasing galactica's firepower.

: And all this has yet to be supported on screen. -- [[User:Joe Beaudoin Jr.|Joe Beaudoin]] [[User talk:Joe Beaudoin Jr.|So say we all]] - [[Battlestar Wiki:Site support|Donate]] 09:45, 13 November 2006 (CST)

::In [[The Captain's Hand]] Admiral Adama orders a recon of 5 Raptors, 2 of them SAR and 3 Escort. Though never seen onscreen heavily armed Raptors must have been around for some time. [[User:Nevfennas|Nevfennas]] 14:57, 13 November 2006 (CST)

: It is also distinctly possible that the weapon pods were not available until the arrival of the Pegasus. The cache at Ragnar Anchorage was likely primarily the weapons themselves, and not a supply of launchers or similar hardware. Since Galactica was slated for retirement and Pegasus was fully operational it is very likely the later ship was much better equipped with combat military hardware.--[[User:GeorgeW|GeorgeW]] 22:30, 13 November 2006 (CST)

== About Gaeta ==
Looking at the question here:

: Why is Gaeta so surprised to hear that Baltar is alive, given the fact that he was actually there when D'Anna offered Baltar to be evacuated from New Caprica?

Er, well, the last time Gaeta saw Baltar, he gave him a gun and told him his last chance at redemption was to stop Three from setting off the nuke. Given that the nuke didn't go off, it isn't unreasonable to believe Baltar was successful, and that in succeeding he would have either died or been stranded on New Caprica. --[[User:Saforrest|Saforrest]] 02:50, 13 November 2006 (CST)

:Gaeta knew that he was chummy with the Cylons. For him to convince them not to detonate the nuke (not hard, given that it would be at best a symbolic gesture) and still make it off the planet alive is well within the realm of possibility. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 02:56, 13 November 2006 (CST)

==A quick battle==

I was just wondering but is the skirmish with Galactica and the Basestars going to be added into the Second Cylon War or not? Sure it was short but it still had combat and casualties so it should be added to the list. [[User:Commander Mazien|Commander Mazien]] 19:54, 13 November 2006 (CST)
: Sure, I don't see why not. -- [[User:Joe Beaudoin Jr.|Joe Beaudoin]] [[User talk:Joe Beaudoin Jr.|So say we all]] - [[Battlestar Wiki:Site support|Donate]] 20:10, 13 November 2006 (CST)

Should it be known as a battle or more of a skirmish? [[User:Commander Mazien|Commander Mazien]] 19:21, 22 November 2006 (CST)

==Baltar's Torture==

This is just pure speculation for speculation's sake, but I can't help thinking something more than Three being "touched" by Baltar's insane screaming of "don't stop..." "I believe in you" and "I love you with all my heart" (with internal Six's coaching) is going on in this scene. Three's indiference at the onset of her torturing, and her musing over which torture tool she should use doesnt seem like it could be changed or swayed by anything Baltar would say. i would say that judging from the torture tools they have, and their experiences on New Caprica at extracting information on detainees they know a little about torturing, it doesn't seem that Baltar saying anything he could to stop the torture would be unexpected. This leads me to wonder about exactly what he did say with the help of internal Six. perhaps those phrases, or the way he said it struck something in Three that only Cylons are aware of...maybe it means something that neither the Viewer or Baltar is aware of...I just find it hard to believe that Three, fully prepared for torture, even having fun picking what instrument to use...could be so easily moved from some snivelling bleating human saying he loves her with all his heart...Did Six give Baltar these phrases to say because she knew they'd strike a cord in a fellow Cylon, Three's reaction was quite a reaction, and then touching his lips like she couldn't believe those words came out of his mouth.....I don't know...just speculating.--[[User:Gallion|Gallion]] 12:23, 14 November 2006 (CST)

--I wonder if the incongruity of those phrases to the situation of being tortured made Three wonder if Baltar was projecting. Now, if they've tortured other humans, they've probably seen people break with reality and shut down before, but perhaps that's a reaction beyond anything they've ever seen before. More like a Cylon being tortured? Is that what their instinct is, if they're in the same situation as Baltar? --[[User:Rose Immortal|Rose Immortal]]

==Note about the virus is incorrect==

The note:

Dr. Cottle identifies the disease as Lymphocytic encephalitis, however encephalitis is a condition (swelling of the brain) that can be caused by a pathogen, not a pathogen itself. More likely the pathogen is Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus.

When a doctor identifies a disease, he normally states the name of the disease, not the name of the virus. The note itself states that Doc Cottle identifies the "disease," not the pathogen. I think the note needs to be modified or deleted. --[[User:123home123|123home123]] 20:58, 13 November 2006 (CST)

== Accessing the "Hybrid?" ==

Is that what Athena is doing? Do we know that? It just sounds odd when phrased that way. [[User:Wldkt1|Wldkt1]] 02:56, 14 November 2006 (CST)

== The antibody degradative debate? ==

Ok, the latest addition to this point is the most scientifically accurate (antibodies do not have degradative functionality)! Read the wiki articles yourself to confirm and help you understand. On a more serious note if contributors (chiefly the second one on this topic) feel that an explanation or analysis point is incorrect or poorly explained than they need to do their homework before they dispute it and make up their own science. I know its only a fan wiki on battlestar but lets not plague our site with scientific inconsistencies like in 'A measure of Salvation' (Their science advisor must of been on holiday when this was written), after all we have luxury of being able to correct ourselves in hindsight ;) [[User:Jxh487|Jxh487]] 18:10, 15 November 2006 (CST)

:Sorry, but antibodies *do* have degradative capability, it has been known for at least 4 years now. http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/298/5601/2195

::Alright, this is getting silly now. This article is talking about the antibody catalysed generation of peroxide and an ozone analogue, referring to the apparent toxicity of these products to bacterial species - no mention of RNA degradation (or any other kind of degradation for that matter) here, mate!. Im super sorry, but AB's **don't** have degradative functionality! [[User:Jxh487|Jxh487]] 15:08, 19 November 2006 (CST)

:After spending over 25 years working in the clincial field (including being a lab director and now consultant), much of it involving research in imunology, immunohematology, genetics, and similar areas, I believe I know a bit more than what's presented in a few overly simplistic paragraphs in some an abbreviated article. I've dealt with far to many on the internet like yourself who reads a few sentences and brands themselves an expert. I came to this site because I believed it would be an enjoyable place to talk about my favorite show, but apparently this is just another one flled with those who prefer to hide behind their monitors and make snide comments. I'm not here to get into this type of garbage, so that's it, I'm done and out of here.--[[User:GeorgeW|GeorgeW]] 01:07, 16 November 2006 (CST)

::There will always be people that claim to know all and others that really do belive that they know the right answer. The solution is just to provide loads of sourced for what you say. I dont know of your technical background but it would be very beneficial for all if you stayed and we can work this bit out. --[[User:Mercifull|Mercifull]] ([[User talk:Mercifull|Talk]]/[[Special:Contributions/Mercifull|Contribs]]) 04:02, 16 November 2006 (CST)

::I'm sorry you feel that way, and I do have a solution to the above issue. It's a really simple solution, so here goes: all the science information needs to be sourced. I'm not talking about using links to Wikipedia (which we shouldn't really be sourcing from anyway), but I'm talking about adding sources from scientific journals and the like. References that GeorgeW should have access to, if I'm correct on that. Otherwise, I'm inclined to yank the entire thing since it isn't sourced at all. -- [[User:Joe Beaudoin Jr.|Joe Beaudoin]] [[User talk:Joe Beaudoin Jr.|So say we all]] - [[Battlestar Wiki:Site support|Donate]] 09:41, 16 November 2006 (CST)

::: I have cited an excellent reference on this topic in the article, a text that was very useful to me in my first undergrad year. It would be rather difficult to cite an appropriate journal (even a review) because the topic is very basic. In addition very few people would have access to any article cited without paying or having a subscription (personal or institutional), though most major libraries are bound to stock this text. My inclusion of Wiki articles as references were due to the fact that they provide a sound and simplistic (extremely accurate, believe it or not!) explanation of the relevant topics, as I assume most people reading these articles don't have a degree in a biological science. As for George W. Bush's 25 years of clinical experience (hmm?), I'd like to know if he's willing to dispute a scientific textbook! [[User:Jxh487|Jxh487]] 17:51, 16 November 2006 (CST)

::::Regardless of who is right or wrong (I'm NOT taking sides here), there shouldn't be debate in the analysis section. Currently it reads like:
::::A
:::::NOT (A)
::::::NOT (NOT (A))
::::Which is NOT (Encycopledic) to read. Pull out your sources, measure them (weigh them, whatever), and the winner takes all (and gets a quick blurb about A (or NOT (A)) in the "Analysis" section). Also, when citing your sources you may want to make use of the [[:Category:Citation templates|citation templates]] when citing books, journal articles, etc. That's what makes the cool little footnotes that show up in the "References" section. --[[User:Steelviper|Steelviper]] 18:06, 16 November 2006 (CST)

== sickbay ship ==

William Adama says in the final scene:

:''Cottle's report from the virus: He thinks that it was simply an accidental contamination of the beacon '''we''' abandoned on '''the sickbay ship'''.''

*What is ''the sickbay ship''? When did this happen?
*Who does ''we'' refer to in this statement if Adama and Laura seem to believe that the beacon was left there as a ''signpost to earth''?

--[[User:Pix|Pix]] 01:35, 17 November 2006 (CST)

:From Sadgeezer's transcript:
:'''Adama, standing''': Cottle's report on the virus. He thinks that it was simply an accidental contamination of the beacon we abandoned on the sick baseship.

:'''Roslin''': Somebody sneezed, maybe.

:SO to the first, I think it was sick baseship, not sickbay ship. And the we refers to the Fleet collectively, but specifically to themselves (being the decisionmakers that decided to leave it onboard the baseship rather than bring it aboard and risk contamination). It sounds like they maybe wish they'd have picked it up now, but at least they're on the right track.
:If you check out the [[Podcast:A Measure of Salvation|podcast transcript]], you'll hear/see that actually as originally scripted they did pick up the beacon, and were going to chuck it through space at the Cylons, but the writers/producers decided that was lame and chose to leave it on the destroyed ship rather than have to deal with getting rid of it in a subsequent episode. --[[User:Steelviper|Steelviper]] 07:46, 17 November 2006 (CST)

::Haha, I can't believe that Adama's strange speaking rhythm in that scene completely threw me off. The interpretation, ''sick baseship'' had never entered my mind, despite making considerably more sense. --[[User:Pix|Pix]] 19:42, 17 November 2006 (CST)

== Battle Article ==
Does the little skirmish deserve a "Battle of NCD2539" article? --[[User:Gougef|FrankieG]] 17:57, 17 November 2006 (CST)
:Sure. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 15:49, 19 November 2006 (CST)

== Virus "Discussion" ==
Wouldn't the majority of this "discussion" fit in the [[Life sciences in the Re-imagined Series
]] article? Would make the episode article much neater. --[[User:Gougef|FrankieG]] 18:10, 17 November 2006 (CST)
:Why is it beyond everyone to just admit that the medical technobabble was complete BS? There's no profit to be found in coming up with excuses for it. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 15:24, 19 November 2006 (CST)

== I don't get it. ==

Can somebody explain the premise of this episode? How does this virus threaten to become a genocidal pandemic?

There was some technobabble that I didn't quite understand (perhaps somebody can elucidate) about how an infected Cyclon who dies would somehow download the contagion along with its memories.

Accepting that the infected Cylon remains infected after resurrection, how would the contagion spread from there? Presumably the first words out of the mouth of the Cylon after resurrection would be "I'M INFECTED!!!" and the resurrection ship would quarantine itself, or simply destroy itself. Even if the carrier Cylon were unable to communicate its status, the Cylons still know about the existence of the threat (which is why the infected basestar was left marooned), and are presumably intelligent enough not to let anything leave a resurrection ship without first being checked and cleared.

I've watched the episode twice now, and I still have no idea how this virus was supposed to threaten the entire Cylon race. Can somebody explain it so that this idiot (me) can understand?

On an unrelated note, Hera, who cured Roslin's cancer in an earlier episode and has now rendered Athena immune to the Cylon plague, is starting to remind me of the magical crossbreed from [[Wikipedia:V (The Final Battle)|V: The Final Battle]]. When you're cribbing from "V," you're really scraping the bottom of the sci-fi barrel.

[[User:Capedia|Capedia]] 15:17, 25 November 2006 (CST)

: Well, it's confusing and the writers would have made the episode better had they actually thought this through and presented the idea to a science advisor, such as Dr. Kevin Grazier. From what I personally can gather from watching this episode, the effects of the virus would corrupt Cylon programming. (The actual virus itself wouldn't be transmitted, since biological viruses are not transmitted during the download process, the memories -- applications and application data, if you will -- are.) Given that memories are shared between Cylon models, it's feasible that there is a central memory database that is constantly being revised (like a wiki, for instance). If you add corrupted information and that information is transmitted throughout the Cylon collective (for lack of a better term), it would cause the Cylons to stop functioning, hence the threat. -- [[User:Joe Beaudoin Jr.|Joe Beaudoin]] [[User talk:Joe Beaudoin Jr.|So say we all]] - [[Battlestar Wiki:Site support|Donate]] 16:09, 25 November 2006 (CST)

::And unlike the magic cancer-cure Athenas immunity through pregnancy appears quite credible, given that there are many ways a womans body can be affected by a pregnancy, e.g. under certain conditions involving the [[Wikipedia:Rhesus blood group system|Rhesus Factor]] a pregnancy can lead to the intoduction of genes into the mothers body, that trigger a creation of antigens that will pose a threat to the childs during all further pregnancys. In this case it would simply be that Hera possesses a slighly different form of the human antibody compatible with the cylon body. [[User:Nevfennas|Nevfennas]] 16:37, 25 November 2006 (CST)

OMG! No fanwank needed. Just more careful listening.

A baseship is infected with this deadly, communicable, downloadable pathogen.

The resurrection ship says, "Gee, nothing personal, but if you download to us, you'll bring the infection, and then we'd have to shut down the resurrection ship, or it would infect the rest of the fleet. So, bye!"

The Galactica comes along and asks one of the survivors why the infected ship was abandoned. It answers, "If one of us dies and is resurrected, the disease will follow, infecting the resurrection ship, and the fleet."

Apollo thinks, "OMG, did I hear that right? If an infected Cylon downloads, it will infect the whole fleet? Booyah!"

That's it. No fanwank needed. The most straightforward reading is simply that there was never any genocidal threat at all -- just some wishful thinking!

We don't even really need to explain how the pathogen is downloadable. All we need is that the Cylons were concerned that the pathogen ''might'' be downloadable. It's not like they were going to risk a resurrection ship to test that one experimentally.

Props to [[User:Keanzu|Keanzu]] for adding an inspirational question to the article.

--[[User:Capedia|Capedia]] 07:47, 26 November 2006 (CST)

Slight problem with this reading: In [[Torn]], a [[Number Three]] says, "Nobody likes it, but we have to make a terrible choice. Do we attempt a rescue, risk the lives of our fleet, even our species, or do we leave them?" Keep in mind, however, she is a tabloid hack, and was probably just being sensationalistic. --[[User:Capedia|Capedia]] 10:08, 26 November 2006 (CST)

== sidestepping Helo's "murder" issues ==

Galactica's plan was to execute the prisoners once it was within range of a Cylon resurrection ship. They never stated why they planned to execute all of the prisoners (including the one who had cooperated in exchange for treatment) instead of just one of them, and I think they sidestepped some interesting moral complexities that would have been present if they had planned to execute only one of them.

Helo killed the five prisoners just minutes before they were to be executed anyway. Considering the stakes, I guess he can shrug that off.

But what if the plan had been to execute only one of the prisoners, and for the other four prisoners to live out very long lives on Galactica, kept alive by a drug developed from human antigens? In that case, Helo could have thwarted the plan only by murdering four prisoners who otherwise had the rest of their lives ahead of them. (Cally's case established that retiring a skin job isn't murder in a ''legal'' sense, but it surely is in the minds of Helo and Athena, especially if the subject can't download.)

This action would have been possible to rationalize in terms of the numbers -- killing four to save the rest of the race -- but the moral issues couldn't simply have been ignored, especially considering the fact that there's no guarantee that the genocidal plan would have worked anyway. Helo would have had to grapple with the fact that, in order to destroy this potentially genocidal biological weapon, he murdered four defenseless prisoners (or five, if you include the one who was about to be killed anyway).

This series has so far shown a willingness to delve into issues of moral complexity, so I'm not going to leap to the conclusion that the writers chose the route they did for the purpose of sidestepping these complexities, but I do think it would have been more interesting (and more believable, since there really is no reason given to kill all five prisoners) if they had gone the other route.

--[[User:Capedia|Capedia]] 03:30, 26 November 2006 (CST)

Even if the plan had been to execute only one of the five prisoners (which would've been a smarter move), one of the remaining four will still be executed once they run into another Cylon fleet (even if the disease transmitted to the Ressurrection Ship and the four Basestars, the other Cylons would still be lightyears away and survive). If Helo hadn't stopped the plan, the Ressurrection Ship would've gotten infected and died (with all the skinjobs on it), and probably the four basestars as well (including all skinjobs on board and the 3200 associated Raiders). Even worse, if Apollo had shown a little more cleverness, they would've been able to pull off such a stunt 5 times, resulting in approx 20,000 Cylon casualties. Killing 5 Cylons (who would've died anyway) to save tens of thousands of other Cylons doesn't sound like murder to me.

BTW, to clarify, you're wrong in saying that the other 4 would've survived. They would, but only as weapons against another Cylon fleet which is bound to turn up some day.

[[User:Catrope|Catrope]] 15:56, 30 November 2006 (CST)

== Athena not wearing a spacesuit ==

Why was Athena not wearing a spacesuit while boarding the basestar? She was wearing a spacesuit at the end of the last episode when she first saw the basestar. --[[User:Cyborg|Cyborg]] 10:14, 23 February 2007 (CST)
* (Athena was in a Raptor on recon; most of the boarding team were not in flight suits since they weren't the defacto pilots on mission) -- Spencerian's edit.
* The point is that all the away team was on an alien spaceship and didn't wear spacesuits. It doesn't make sense. You can recall that when Boomer got out of the Raptor into the basestar ([[Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part II]]), she wore a spacesuit (at least in the beginning). --[[User:Cyborg|Cyborg]] 10:14, 23 February 2007 (CST)

The Eye of Jupiter

2007-02-23T15:34:17Z

Cyborg: great red spot

:''For the artifact contained within [[The Temple of Five]], see: [[Eye of Jupiter]].''
{{Episode Data
| title= The Eye of Jupiter
| image=S3-eyeofjupiter.jpg
| season= 3
| episode= 11
| guests= [[Lucy Lawless]] as [[Number Three]]
| writer= [[Mark Verheiden]]
| story=
| director= [[Michael Rymer]]
| production= 311
| rating=1.4
| US airdate= December 15, 2006
| UK airdate=
| dvd=
| podcast= Y
| population= 41,402
| note= '''Season 3 cliffhanger'''
| prev= [[The Passage]]
| next= [[Rapture]]
}}

== Overview ==
:''[[The Fleet (RDM)|The Fleet]] makes a stop at a planet and discovers the location of a [[The Temple of Five|religious artifact]] that may further lead the way to [[Earth]]—for both the Colonials and the [[Cylons (RDM)|Cylons]].''

== Summary ==

===Act 1===
* The [[The Fleet (RDM)|Fleet]] is mending its wounds from its passage to the [[algae planet]]. The harvest proceeds well and is into its 14th day, and appears to be closing up shop.
*[[Kara Thrace|Starbuck]] flies from ''[[Galactica]]'' to the harvest camp in a [[Raptor]], intentionally creating more noise than usual. [[Lee Adama]] is managing the harvest operations with his wife, [[Anastasia Dualla]].
*When Major Adama leaves to greet Kara Thrace, Dualla's face barely hides her disappointment and frustration at Adama's hasty departure.
*Major Adama greets Thrace with an admonishment of her piloting, but his comments are very brief; the two pilots embrace and passionately kiss.
*Adama wants he and Thrace to stop hiding their feelings and divorce their respective spouses. Thrace reminds him that marriage in the eyes of the [[Religion in the Twelve Colonies#The Lords of Kobol|gods]] is a sacrament; she has made a vow she will not break. Adama reminds her that their repeated secret encounters would be frowned on by the gods as well. Adama becomes frustrated, Thrace holds her position, and the two are left trapped in their feelings.
*On a [[Basestar (RDM)|basestar]], the little human/Cylon hybrid, [[Hera]], is crying and is not well. [[Gaius Baltar]] is awakened by her cries and visits the child, who is attended by the [[Number Eight]] known once as [[Sharon Valerii]].
*[[Galen Tyrol]] is part of the harvest team. He is repeatedly distracted by something which apparently only he can sense, and keeps looking out towards the unexplored hills beyond the harvest site. [[Samuel Anders]], also working on the harvest, comments that the algae harvest tastes as badly as it smells. Tyrol jokes that the algae is "breakfast, lunch and dinner until we can find a hot-fudge planet."
*After sensing something strange one time too many, Tyrol leaves the harvest camp and begins a trek to a mountainous area. He discovers a door--not a naturally-carved one, but a rectangular door, apparently constructed by human hands.
*Tyrol enters the door and walks through a passageway into an immensely large domed room, carved from within the mountain. In the center of the room is a center spire that reaches high into the structure. The spire is surrounded by five pentagonal obelisks. The center spire has ancient tribal carvings at the bottom, as well as illuminated crystalline pillars atop it. Tyrol, the son of a [[Religion in the Twelve Colonies#The Clergy|priest]] and an [[oracle]], has a fair idea of what he has discovered: The [[Temple of Five]].

===Act 2===
*Carbon dating of the temple indicates that is is approximately 4000 years old, which matches when the 13th colony left [[Kobol]] in search of Earth.
*[[Laura Roslin]] discusses what she knows with Tyrol over [[wireless]] about this special [[Temple|temple]] as it is told in the [[Sacred Scrolls]] in Admiral [[William Adama]]'s quarters. But before they can digest the information further, they are alerted to four [[Basestar (RDM)|basestars]] that [[FTL|jump]] into orbit of the planet and move towards the Fleet.
*Admiral Adama orders the civilian Fleet to escape to [[emergency jump coordinates]], but leaves ''[[Galactica]]'' behind; Adama does not want to repeat the situation on [[New Caprica]], where he retreated with the remains of the Fleet and abandoned the colonists there. Adama chooses to stay to protect his harvest team until they can escape. He and Roslin also agree that, if the Temple of Five has a marker to [[Earth]], they must not let the [[Cylons (RDM)|Cylons]] take it.
*However, very uncharacteristically, the Cylons do not attack. In fact, they request communications with Adama. The voice that Adama hears is not a welcome one: It is [[Gaius Baltar]]'s.
*The Cylons request a meeting on ''Galactica'' to discuss the [[Eye of Jupiter]]. The [[Number Three]] copy that Baltar calls [[D'Anna Biers|D'Anna]], a copy of [[Cavil]], Baltar, and the [[Number Eight]] copy once known as [[Sharon Valerii]] board the battlestar under heavy [[marine]] guard.
*The virtual [[Number Six]] in Baltar's mind warns him that, while he may feel like he has returned home, he cannot stay: The Colonials would "toss (him) into an airlock and have a party."
*On the way to the meeting, [[Sharon Agathon]] recognizes the Eight copy as the former "Boomer" Valerii. Colonel [[Saul Tigh]] denies her entry into the meeting. The two Eights are left outside the doorway, facing each other with mutual looks of contempt.
*The two sides meet. Baltar attempts to take the initiative in an attempt to serve as a mediator, but this infuriates Roslin so strongly that she leaves the meeting. Adama receives the Cylon's terms: Leave peacefully so that they can gather the [[Eye of Jupiter]], and they will not attack. Cavil, with a sardonic face, adds the surrender of Baltar to the terms as well, to the former president's and Three's shock, "to sweeten the pot."
*Boomer-Eight tells Sharon Agathon that Hera is alive, but unwell, on their basestar. Agathon refuses to believe her.
*Admiral Adama is not amused by the Cylon's deal. Close to Three's face, Adama states his terms: ''Galactica'' will lay waste to the whole continent, destroying the planet's treasures with his nuclear arsenal should the Cylons attempt to land on the planet. The two sides depart in a state of détente.

===Act 3===
*Admiral Adama manages to get an order to his son of the situation and to destroy the site if the Cylons invade before the Cylons jam all wireless communications.
*Major Adama instructs Samuel Anders to organize fireteams to defend against a probable Cylon incursion. Anders, also realizing what Adama has been doing with Thrace, is very angry and initially refuses to oblige until Thrace asks him to comply.
*[[Cally Tyrol|Cally]] and Galen Tyrol speak in the temple. He tells her of how he was annoyed at his parents and their worship. Cally sees reverence on his face, despite his general mood of disbelief.
*Lieutenant [[Felix Gaeta]] has conducted some scans of the star system of the algae planet. He warns that the sun of this system is in danger of becoming a supernova very soon. Gaeta, who normally is as secular as his commander, finds it very strange how the Cylons and Colonials arrive at this one place at this time just before the planet's imminent destruction. Adama notes that the "higher powers" at work appear to have a strange sense of humor.
*The [[basestar command]], with Baltar in attendance, discuss their plan to get the Eye. Cavil feels that annilihation of ''Galactica'' is the best option with the standoff (given that they are machines that can wait out humanity for years, or even millenia, and find Earth eventually).
*D'Anna, without consulting the other Cylons, has solely initiated the jamming of Colonial communications, and has already sent a [[Heavy Raider]] with a squad of [[Cylon Centurion|Centurions]] to the planet as the basestar fleet jumped in, successfully avoiding Colonial detection. This action confuses the others, particularly [[Caprica-Six]].
*D'Anna notes that, as soon as the Centurions recover the Eye, the other Cylons can destroy ''Galactica''.
*The Centurions on the planet are seen connecting additional materials to their back as they march away from their ship.

===Act 4===
*The Colonials, with Anders at the lead, plan out their defense on the planet. One team will manage ammunition distribution, another team will create [[tylium]] mines.
*As the harvest team-turned-point defense teams leave the tent, Major Adama compliments Anders for his honest, to-the-point direction to the group, indicating that Anders would make a good officer. Anders scoffs at Adama's compliment, inferring that he knows what Adama and Thrace have been doing. When Adama tries to object, Anders tells Adama not to insult his intelligence, as he is aware that Adama is not that only one that Thrace has enjoyed sexual company with.
*On the basestar, in the [[Hybrid]]'s room, D'Anna-Three is savoring the opportunity to see the faces of the final five [[Humanoid Cylon]]s--"maybe the face of [[God]] himself." The Hybrid notes, in her quizzical manner, that the "five lights of the apocalypse" and the "sins" will be revealed only to the "chosen one," lifting her head and staring directly at Baltar as she says "the chosen one" repeatedly. D'Anna's eyes are closed and is not aware that the Hybrid is addressing Baltar.
*Caprica-Six enters and questions D'Anna's intentions. D'Anna dismisses their three-way relationship as she tells of her plan to leave with Baltar to discover the secrets of the Temple. Six is visibly hurt at being left behind.
*The planet team begin their final preparations, led by Dualla. With [[wireless]] jammed, she notes how hardwired observation points are to be created to warn of any Cylon advance, with Starbuck's Raptor taking point with directions to fly to the nearest observation point to relay any sightings. Thrace's annoyance at Dualla's precise direction leads to some catty replies by Thrace, which Dualla ignores.
*As the observation teams take their positions, Starbuck begins her recon flight. As she turns along a ravine, she spots the Centurion emplacement and is immediately fired upon by the Cylon's missile battery. Starbuck tries to evade and successfully manages to relay that she found Centurions before her Raptor is struck by a missile. With the controls on fire and visibility lost, Starbuck screams as she keeps her hands on the flight controls and fights for control of the Raptor. The [[Battle of the Algae Planet]] begins.
*As President Roslin explores what little is known about the Temple of Five from the Sacred Scrolls, in particular, the [[five priests]] for which it was built, Admiral Adama interrupts her, telling her of Boomer's return and asking if the story of Hera's faked death was true. Roslin admits the truth. When she tries to explain the reasons why, Adama abruptly leaves in anger.
*Adama tells the Agathons of Hera's discovery, and both are incensed. When Helo argues how painful it was for them and how Adama should know the pain of the moment, Adama reminds him that, unlike [[Zak Adama|his son]], their child is still alive, and that they should be grateful for that. Sharon Agathon glares at Adama and says she wants to see her child, inferring a greater intention.
*Major Adama reports to Anders that Starbuck's Raptor has gone down, but also tells him that a rescue mission is out of the question; they haven't enough manpower to rescue Thrace and defend their position.
*Six Heavy Raiders leave a basestar towards the planet.
*''Galactica'' sees the Heavy Raiders on [[DRADIS]] immediately. Tigh feels that this is a test to see if the Colonials are bluffing. Roslin believes that they were bluffing until Adama orders [[Hoshi]] to arm of a series of missile tubes, each containing a nuclear missile.
*As Anders argues for Thrace's rescue, Lee Adama explodes in defense of the mission, arguing the point that he has known and cared for Thrace for much longer than Anders, who tells Adama he is going after his wife. Adama's troops hold Anders at gunpoint.
*Unaware how events are escalating around and above him, Chief Tyrol illuminates the carved writings of the Temple with his flashlight and reads the inscriptions, trying to locate the actual resting place of the Eye. At one point, his flashlight's beam moves close to the target-shaped symbol in the center of the central spire.
*The basestar command detects the [[Radiological alarm|radiation signature]] of the missiles as ''Galactica'' targets the Temple.
*Adama authorizes the release of the missiles.

== Questions ==
*Will Adama go through with his plan to nuke the planet? ([[Rapture|Answer]])
*Did Starbuck survive the crash of her Raptor? ([[Rapture|Answer]])
*What is the [[Eye of Jupiter]] and how does it point the way to [[Earth]]? ([[Rapture|Answer]])
*How much truth is there to Anders' claim of Kara Thrace's chronic infidelity ("You think you're the first?")?
*How will Athena and Helo knowing their child is still alive affect their relationship with Adama?
*How will Adama finding out Hera is still alive affect his relationship with Roslin?
*Is there a connection between the Temple of Five and the five missing Cylon models? ([[Rapture|Answer]])
*Who or what is "The One Whose Name Cannot Be Spoken" whom the Five supposedly follow? Is this a reference to [[Religion in the Twelve Colonies#The Jealous God|the Jealous God]], who may or may not be the "one true God" of the Cylons?
*What are the "sins" of the Five that the Hybrid speaks of?
*Who is the "Chosen One" that the Hybrid speaks of? ([[Rapture|Answer]])
*What consequences will Number Three's actions have within the Cylon society? ([[Rapture|Answer]])
*Why does D'Anna feel that Caprica-Six cannot accompany her and Baltar?
*What is the Fleet doing without the presence of ''Galactica''?
*Will there be further confrontations between the two "Sharon Valerii"-type [[Number Eight|Eight]] models, as seen in the passageway tirade between [[Sharon Valerii|Boomer]] and [[Sharon Agathon|Athena]]? ([[Rapture|Answer]])
*Were the Cylons really willing to hand Baltar over to the Fleet?
*When did [[Sharon Valerii|Boomer]] go over to the [[Cylons (RDM)|Cylons']] way of thinking? In this episode she clearly doesn't seem to think of herself as human anymore like she did in "[[Downloaded]]." ([[Podcast:Rapture|Answer]])
*Was the Cylon that was pointed out to be Boomer the same one that has been seen amongst the Cylon baseship leadership? If so, then her turning over to the Cylon side was complete by the time the Cylons had abandoned New Caprica.
*Is there a connection between [[Hera]] and the [[Eye of Jupiter]]? ([[Rapture|No]])
*Does Dualla know about the affair between Lee and Kara? ([[Rapture|Answer]])
*Will Hera be rescued from the Cylon baseship and returned to Athena? ([[Rapture|Answer]])
*Did Adama inform Athena and Helo that it was the President who ordered the secret adoption of Hera? ([[Rapture|Answer]])
*What were the specifics of the target package selected by Adama? ([[Rapture|Answer]])
*Did the Cylons experience the same trouble navigating through the star cluster that the Fleet did?

== Analysis ==
*At least eighteen people perished as a result of navigating through the radiation field of the star cluster. Most of these casualties are likely the skeleton crews of the ''Adriatic'' and the ''Carina'' and one of them is [[Louanne Katraine|Kat]].
*This episode ends the debate whether [[William Adama|Admiral Adama]] knew about [[Laura Roslin|President Roslin]]'s secret plan to hide [[Hera]] ("[[Downloaded]]", "[[Exodus, Part I]]") -- he did not know.
*[[Caprica-Six]] and [[D'Anna Biers|D'Anna]]'s dialogue indicates that they have been intimate with each other as well as with [[Gaius Baltar|Baltar]].
*This is the first time the Cylons use "human" names on the basestar when not speaking with Baltar. D'Anna is named by Caprica-Six and another Number Three. Cavil's name is used by D'Anna.
*Coincidence (and destiny / predestination) seems to be a major theme with this episode: the humans & Cylons show up at the planet at the same time; the temple is discovered by Tyrol, son of a priest who revered this place; the planet is orbiting a star that will go supernova within days.
*At an unknown point in time, ''Galactica'' acquired at least four more nuclear warheads, bringing the total to at least seven; beginning the series with five and using one to destroy a basestar ([[Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part II]]) and another being detonated by [[Gina]] on ''[[Cloud 9]]'' ([[Lay Down Your Burdens, Part II]]). ''[[Pegasus]]'' may be the source, as these warheads may have been resupplied from ''Pegasus'''s arsenal, which likely occurred during the events of "[[Pegasus (episode)|Pegasus]]".
*When the Hybrid speaks of the Chosen One, she looks directly at Baltar, not D'Anna, who has her eyes closed.
*Kara Thrace's explanation of marriage as a sacrament is similar to the [[w:Annulment (Catholic Church)|principles of the Roman Catholic Church]]. In this religion, a marriage between a baptized man and woman is one of the seven sacraments of the faith. A sacramental marriage cannot be dissolved, but only reviewed later to determine if the marriage was valid at all. If the marriage is invalid, an annulment is allowed. This suggests, by extension, that Thrace and Anders have had [[dedication ceremony|dedication ceremonies]] (the Colonial equivalent of baptism) if such a requirement is needed by the gods.
*There is no "shaft of light" coming from any identifiable source in the Temple at the end of the episode except for Tyrol's flashlight as he explores and reads. The movement of the spotlight is caused by Tyrol's movement of the flashlight. Nothing is shown in the episode that suggests that anything inside the Temple is light-sensitive.
*The [[tylium]] planned for the mines could come from three possible sources: Starbuck's Raptor, the harvest camp's power generators, or reserves kept for the Raptors and other ships servicing the harvest camp. If it was taken from Starbuck's Raptor, this supports the [[Substances in the Re-imagined Series#The Tylium Question|high energy yield of the fuel]] that, at the same time, would not sacrifice the Raptor's flight ability.
*Now that Baltar seems to have some purpose again, he has become more attentive to his grooming, finally trimming his beard.

== Notes ==
*Writer [[Jane Espenson]] revealed that this episode was originally titled "Eye of [[Zeus]]."<ref name="espenson-2">{{cite_web|url=http://www.tvsquad.com/2006/12/11/jane-espenson-on-post-the-passage-questions/|title=TV Squad: Jane Espenson on post-The Passage questions|date=11 November 2006|accessdate=11 November 2006|last=McDuffee|first=Keith|format=|language=English}}</ref> In the podcast for this episode, Ron Moore explains that "Eye of Jupiter" just sounded better than "Eye of Zeus" and thus it was changed.
*This episode, whose teaser clocks in at just over 11 minutes, has the longest teaser of any episode thus far, narrowly beating out that of "[[Lay Down Your Burdens, Part I]]".
*Outdoor sequences of the algae planet were filmed near Kamloops, British Columbia [http://www.scifi.com/battlestar/video/index.php?cat=videoBlog&vid=46979].
*According to the podcast, the interior of the Temple of Five is the same set, an abandoned factory, as the large room on [[Ragnar Anchorage]] where Doral is left behind in the [[Miniseries]].
*This episode was screened in movie theaters in six cities (New York, Atlanta, St. Louis, Chicago, Dallas and Los Angeles) by TV Guide as a free promotional on December 14, 2006 one day before the United States airing. The source was a digital copy with no commercials. In at least two cities (Chicago and Los Angeles) writers from the show held a Q&A session after for fans. Also in at least two cities more than one screening was held. [http://community.tvguide.com/thread.jspa?threadID=700013556]
*The eye of Jupiter, also known as the Great Red Spot, is a circular gaseous thunderstorm that has marked planet Jupiter's surface for more than 300 years now. The spot is twice the size of Earth and it is Jupiter's most prominent feature being visible also from the Earth.

== Noteworthy Dialogue ==

*''Cylon baseship requests to speak with Admiral Adama''
::'''Adama''': Put it through speaker. This is Admiral Adama.
::'''Baltar''': Admiral. I can't tell you what a genuine pleasure it is to hear your voice. This is Gaius Baltar.

*''Baltar and Internal-Six discuss boarding the Galactica'':
::'''Six''': Feels like old times, doesn't it?
::'''Baltar''': Can't believe how much I actually missed this place.
::'''Six''': You know you can't return. They'd toss you out the nearest airlock and then throw a party.

*''Lee and Kara, discussing contingency plans:''
::'''Kara''': Can I make a suggestion you won't like?
::'''Lee''': Do you make any other kind?

*''the Cylon representatives, aboard Galactica:''
::'''D'Anna''': The weapons are hardly necessary.
::'''Cavil''' (sarcastically, clasping his hands): Yes. Exactly. We come in peace.

*''The Hybrid, giving more obscure prophecy:''
::'''Hybrid''': The five lights of the apocalypse rising, struggling towards the light... sins revealed only to those who enter the temple... only to the chosen one... the chosen one... the chosen one...
::'''D'Anna''': The Five await me. Gaius, I'm so close to knowing the truth!
::'''Hybrid''': Look into the eye to know thyself...look into the eye to know thyself...

*''During a meeting between Roslin and Adama with Baltar and the Cylons''
::'''Roslin''': The less this man says, the better this will go.
::'''Baltar''': Wait a minute. If it wasn't for me the Cylons would've blown you out of the sky two seconds after we'd arrived.
::'''Roslin''': (''Roslin to Adama'') I think you can handle this without me. . . if you can stomach it.

*''Caprica-Six confronts Baltar and D'Anna about their secretive behavior''
::'''Caprica''': I'd like to think we that three have shared something, transcended the barriers that separate people, and yet somehow, the more time goes on, the more I find myself on the outside looking in.
::'''Baltar''': Well, that's not the case at all, is it? Because, we three, we're integral, we're part of...
::'''D'Anna''': We're finished.

*''Chief Tyrol about the algae's bad taste''
::'''Tyrol''': You'd better get used to it, this is breakfast, lunch and dinner until we find a chocolate fudge planet.

== Official Statements ==

''[[Jane Espenson]] discusses the original name for "The Eye of Jupiter" and references to it in "[[The Passage]]:"''

: "When I wrote this episode, the upcoming episode was already well along, and it was called 'Eye of [[Zeus]].' So all the dialogue in my episode reflected that. It got changed to Jupiter later, and I don't know why. It's always hard to get names to legally clear. All you need is one guy named Zeus who lives in [[w:North Hollywood|North Hollywood]] and [[w:Standards and Practices|Standards and Practices]] is all over you to change the name. (deadpan) That's probably what happened."<ref name="espenson-2"/>

== Guest Stars ==
*[[Michael Hogan]] as Colonel [[Saul Tigh]]
*[[Tahmoh Penikett]] as Captain [[Karl Agathon]]
*[[Aaron Douglas]] as Chief Petty Officer [[Galen Tyrol]]
*[[Nicki Clyne]] as [[Cally Henderson Tyrol]]
*[[Kandyse McClure]] as Lieutenant [[Anastasia Dualla]]
*[[Alessandro Juliani]] as Lieutenant [[Felix Gaeta]]
*[[Brad Dryborough]] as Lieutenant [[Hoshi]]
*[[Michael Trucco]] as [[Samuel Anders]]
*[[Alisen Down]] as [[Jean Barolay]]
*[[Eileen Pedde]] as Gunnery Seargant [[Erin Mathias]]
*[[Diego Diablo Del Mar]] as [[Hillard]]
*[[Dean Stockwell]] as [[Cavil]]
*[[Callum Keith Rennie]] as [[Leoben Conoy]]
*[[Tiffany Lyndall-Knight]] as the [[Hybrid]]
*[[Aleks Paunovic]] as Sergeant [[Omar Fischer]]

== References ==
<div style="font-size:85%"><references/></div>

{{episode list (RDM season 3)}}

[[Category:A to Z|Eye of Jupiter, The]]
[[Category:Episode Guide|Eye of Jupiter, The]]
[[Category:Episode Guide (RDM)|Eye of Jupiter, The]]
[[Category:Episodes written by Mark Verheiden]]
[[Category:Episodes directed by Michael Rymer]]
[[Category:RDM]]

A Measure of Salvation

2007-02-17T14:52:00Z

Cyborg: why didn't Athena wear a spacesuit

{{Episode Data
| title= A Measure of Salvation
| image= Amos.jpg
| season= 3
| episode= 7
| guests= [[Lucy Lawless]] as [[Number Three]]
| writer= [[Michael Angeli]]
| story=
| director= [[Bill Eagles]]
| production= 307
| rating=1.5
| US airdate= November 10, 2006
| UK airdate=
| dvd=
| podcast=Y
| population= 41,420
| prev= [[Torn]]
| next= [[Hero]]
}}

== Overview ==
:''[[Lee Adama|Apollo]] and [[Sharon Agathon|Athena]] are dispatched to investigate the derelict baseship. They find the humanoid [[Cylons]] dying from a virulent disease, which inspires [[Lee Adama]] to come up with a desperate plan against their enemy.''

== Summary ==
=== On ''[[Galactica (RDM)|Galactica]]'' ===
*A boarding party comprising of [[Raptor]]s and [[Viper Mark VII|Vipers]] investigate the derelict [[Basestar (RDM)|basestar]]. Among the boarding party are [[Lee Adama|Apollo]] and [[Sharon Agathon|Athena]].
*Aboard the derelict, [[marines]] explore the corridors, finding the [[Humanoid Cylon|Cylons]] dead. Athena attempts to access the derelict basestar's [[Hybrid]], but is unsuccessful.
*Some Cylons around the control center revive and advise the boarding party of the situation regarding the probe and subsequent infection of the Cylons. One of the infected Cylons, a [[Number Eight]], addresses Athena as "traitor."
*The boarding party and prisoners are en route back to ''Galactica'' when the basestar self-destructs.
*''Galactica'' quarantines the boarding party and prisoners while Dr. [[Cottle]] finds out if the virus affects humans. The human members of the boarding party are cleared while Athena is ordered to stay put, as her blood work hasn't been done. [[Karl Agathon|Helo]] is infuriated, but wants to be notified as soon as her results are available.
*Dr. Cottle's investigation identifies [[Lymphocytic encephalitis|a virus]] that can be treated, but not cured for Cylons. [[Laura Roslin|President Roslin]], [[William Adama|Admiral Adama]], Lee Adama, and Helo discuss the idea of taunting the vaccine in exchange for information. A [[Simon]] is brought before them, and informs them that the entire baseship was abandoned, because [[Resurrection (RDM)|resurrection]] would infect the others. He also mentions that [[Gaius Baltar]] provided the information on the path to [[Earth]].
*Aboard ''[[Colonial One]]'', Lee Adama suggests a plan to eliminate the entire Cylon race by executing their prisoners in range of a [[Resurrection Ship]], where the downloaded consciousnesses would infect the remaining Cylons, because according to [[Simon]] the virus carries a bioelectric feedback component that could spread it even through the download process. Helo scoffs at the idea, considering it genocide.
*Aboard ''Galactica'', Athena finds she's immune because of antibodies generated within her body by carrying her daughter, [[Hera]]. Helo tells her of the Fleet's plan, and Athena understands.
*Admiral Adama shows slight dissent about the plan, indicating regulations that forbid him to proceed without presidential order. Despite the ethical ramifications, the President authorizes the biological attack.
*''Galactica'' jumps to a Cylon supply line, and launches Vipers and Raptors to attract the Cylon fleet. In the midst of this, Helo initiates a plan to thwart the execution, unplugging what looks like a standard power connector from an environmental control box.
*The Cylons jump into the area, with Resurrection Ship in tow. Adama orders the execution of the prisoners.
*Lee Adama leads a team to execute the prisoners, but finds that all the prisoners have been killed prior to the Resurrection Ship arriving. Adama orders a recall, and ''Galactica'' escapes without sustaining any major damage.
*Helo converses with Athena about his actions. He maintains that what he did was right, regardless of the consequences.
*Aboard ''Galactica'', Adama reports that the prisoners were suffocated due to a failure in the environmental controls. Roslin is quick to point out one or two might be responsible, but Adama closes the issue. Subsequently, the virus was most likely an accidental exposure, similar to one reported 3000 years ago. Adama points out that they're on the right track to Earth, but Roslin notes that the Cylons are on the right track as well.

=== On a [[Basestar (RDM)|basestar]] ===

*Aboard the bastestar, Baltar is being interrogated by Three and Caprica-Six, knowing about the beacon. Three and Caprica-Six imply that Baltar is connected to the virus and to Galactica. Baltar attempts to reconcile, only to be confronted by Centurions.
*In his "projection", his mental Six tells him to relax. Meanwhile, his body is being subjected to torture; Caprica Six is visibly disturbed by the torture and backs away.
*Baltar's torture continues as Three continues to interrogate Baltar regarding his supposed involvement with the virus. In his mind, he attemps to avert the pain by making love to his mental Six. Despite extreme pain, Baltar endures.

== Questions ==

* If [[Adama]] had brought the beacon aboard, what kind of information would it have given them about the location of Earth?
* Will [[Caprica-Six]] continue to stand by and permit Baltar's mistreatment at their hands?
* Where is Caprica-Six's own internal Baltar in all of this?
* Of the Cylons, which type told the basestar to self-destruct: The [[Hybrid]] or a [[Humanoid Cylon]]? Considering her odd look after the destruction, might it have been [[Sharon Agathon|Athena]]?
* When the basestar self-destructed, was it an indicator that the hybrid on the ship had died, thus no longer able to maintain the integrity of the ship?
* If the basestar and the virus did represent a true genocide threat to the Cylons why did they just leave them to slowly expire? Why not nuke the basestar and prevent (a) the disease itself and (2) information about the disease from getting out?
* What kind of new start are the [[Cylon]]s planning for [[Earth]]? Just a new home planet, an attempt at human Cylon relations not tainted by the destruction of the Twelve Colonies, or something else?
* Why did an entire Cylon fleet (including a [[Resurrection Ship]]) jump to the encounter with ''Galactica''? Why was the [[Resurrection Ship]] not left behind somewhere else, as it was done in previous battles?
* Is D'Anna in love with Baltar?
* Why does [[Simon]] so quickly claim science can not provide a solution to the infection?
* Why wasn't the execution squad in place and waiting with the prisoners so the plan could have been implemented in a timely manner?
* Since the plan was to execute the prisoners then jump away, why wasn't the jump drive already spun up and ready?
* The environmental controls seem to have been circumvented by [[Karl Agathon]] pulling a single plug. In a combat ship aren't there cascading fail safe systems to protect against such catastrophic failures from simple system malfunctions?
* In his discussion with [[Laura Roslin]] at the end of the episode, [[Admiral Adama]] is aware that sabotage was involved in the death of the Cylon prisoners, yet he states there will be no investigation. While he might be relieved that the plan wasn't carried out, wouldn't he be seriously concerned and want to aggressively pursue this matter?
*[[Baltar]] calls the [[Number Three]] torturing him "D'Anna". Is she, or at least does Baltar believe she is, the same Number 3 that was previously masquerading in the fleet as a reporter?
*Has Starbuck regained full flight status, because she tried to pull her life together at the end of "[[Torn]]", or does she participate in the battle due to a pressing need for pilots?
*Will there be any consequences of the sabotage for Helo and Athena from other crewmembers who may figure they are behind said sabotage? How will this affect Helo's reputation as a Cylon-lover or his credibility as XO? ([[The Woman King|Answer]])
*Since the Cylon prisoners died after the jump, did they download and spread the infection despite Helo's sabotage? Raiders generally operate within range of a Resurrection Ship and ''Galactica'' encountered two Raiders immediately after the jump.
*If this virus is such a threat to the Cylons what about others? With a population of 40,000+ humans the Colonials must have some nasty viruses which could be used for trial infection into Cylons. What about manufacturing their own artificial viruses/plagues? Knowing that a plague can be directly uploaded into a resurrection ship from a safe range is powerful knowledge.
*Will Athena's words to Helo about her commitment to keep her word stay true should she ever discover that Hera is alive? Will she live up to her promise to Adama and the fleet?
*Is Helo's act of sabotage & his view that the Cylons did attempt to co-exist with humans the beginnings of a more conscious act of betrayal to the fleet, thus following a similar pattern as how Athena eventually switched sides. Would Helo thus become like Athena and eventually identify himself with the Cylons?
*Is it possible that while torturing Baltar Number Three actually believed that god was talking to her through Baltar? He has been the hand of God before could he also be the voice?? When he said "don't stop, I love you" and "I believe in you" it is possible that this may have given D'anna the reassurance she needed that she is on the right track.
*Don't the Cylons have any superior AV equipment like a video camera with a live feed? Giving Baltar only a camera meant he could selectively photograph or omit as he saw fit (fortunately for them he wasn't clever enough to do this).
*Why did Baltar both take photos of the suspicious object and claim to have seen nothing suspicious? Didn't he realize the Cylons would review the documentation he had been sent to retrieve and immediately discover his lie? Wouldn't it have been better to not take photos of the object?
*After discovering that the virus doesn't affect humans why did Helo remain outside the isolation area instead of comforting his wife in person?
*Why did the boarders of the basestar not recognize the symptoms of disease in the dying Cylons? Why did they only understand the danger after a Cylon told them it was a virus?
*If the virus was so dangerous then why on ''Galactica'' was the quarantine area fenced off with merely a few sheets of plastic hanging in a doorway? Don't they have atmosphere control/airlocks on a spaceship? If the danger had passed and the quarantine lifted then why did Sharon have to remain? If she was a threat she should have been held in full quarantine.
*When encountering the diseased basestar and the immobile raiders why didn't ''Galactica'' launch salvage teams to haul some in? Raiders have FTL drives, weapons and are made of refined metals.
*Why was Athena not wearing a spacesuit while boarding the basestar? She was wearing a spacesuit at the end of the last episode when she first saw the basestar.

== Analysis ==

*The Cylons could have cured themselves of this plague relatively quickly, if ''Galactica'' had succeeded in infecting them. It was quickly noted in the episode that Sharon was immune herself because fetal cells from [[Hera]] created effective antibodies against the virus. Hera is immune to the virus because she is a hybrid Human-Cylon. Now that she is in custody of the Cylons, Baltar could have utilized her immunity, as he previously did on Roslin, as capital to further his self-preservation amongst them.
**It can be assumed that executing the captured Cylons will send them back to the Resurrection ship, thus infecting the Cylon network.
**For the Cylons to study the plague they would have become infected themeselves, therefore, there was no way they could've tried to find a cure without potentially perishing
*The wider implications of such an event could have been religiously meaningful to the Cylons. Cylons have time and again shown religious deference by sometimes overlooking rational explanations. By saving the Cylon race Hera could have been elevated to messiah status, if her very creation has not already ordained her as one to the Cylons because their God proclaimed her creation.
**The presence of Hera is profound enough to the Cylons, which could be preventing them from seeing that Hera could be used as a tool.
*There is a fundamental flaw in the plan [[Lee Adama|Apollo]] develops: Even if the virus successfully infects the [[Resurrection Ship]], the other Cylons would isolate that individual ship, thus preventing a widespread epidemic. The resulting impact on the Cylon fleet would be no greater than previous destruction of the Resurrection Ship in "[[Resurrection Ship, Part II]]".
**Apollo's plan is based on an account of the Cylon analysis of the threat; he could simply assume they are correct and that the virus can spread like wildfire from one Resurrection Ship to another.
**Also, by infecting a greater mass of ships, Galactica could board the ships, take much needed resources and more infected Cylons for further use as biological weapons.
*The science of the virus is somewhat questionable. While the biological aspect is sound, the existence of a "bioelectrical feedback component" appears to be technobabble. It would be impossible for a biological virus (i.e. a physical pathogen) to be transmitted by download to the Resurrection Ship. Such a feedback - scrambling the brainwave patterns - could disrupt the download process, but it is unclear how it could spread the virus itself on the other side. It simply may be a case of cylon superstition, which is known to happen from time to time.
**From Dr. Cottle's dialogue, it would appear that the problem lies with how the Cylons' immune systems reacts with the virus, more than the virus itself. If this is the case, it is likely that the immune system's reaction would carry though the download and possibly be passed to other Cylons througout the network.
**Conceptually, there is actually very little difference between a physical and a computer virus. Both usurp cell function. Moreover, if the virus is a retrovirus, its genome (be it physical or digital) will be transcribed into the cellular DNA, which might be downloaded to the Resurrection Ship.
**Furthermore, one has to note that not only were the human-form Cylons infected, but all types, including the baseship and the raiders were disabled. The evidence indicates that there was some sort of disruption for the more mechanically-inclined Cylons. This may be the "bioelectrical feedback component" that the Simon model highlights. He further explains that this feedback causes a disruption to the Cylon brain and inhibits their immune system.
*Dr. Cottle explains that Cylons carry antibodies that break down the RNA of his proposed vaccine. However antibodies have no disintegrative functionality, and only prime recognized pathogens for phagocytosis, though he may have simplified the explanation. But as vaccines are developed from the pathogenic organism (or a close relative) it would be impossible for the Cylons to carry antibodies specific for the vaccine RNA (or for the products it encodes) or otherwise they would be immune to the pathonogenic virus itself.
*Adama's reaction to the premature death of the prisoners is yet another example of what are simultaneously his greatest virtues and most glaring flaws – his dedication to those under his command, and his need to keep his conscience clear.
*In this episode, [[Raptors]] are shown loaded to the teeth with weapons systems. In the past ([[Miniseries]], "[[The Hand of God]]"), Raptors have rarely been depicted in actual combat, preferring instead to hang back while coordinating battlefield logistics. They have been shown armed in a few prior episodes ("[[Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part II]]", "[[Fragged]]"), but this is by far their most prominent combat role to date. The Raptors are using the external missile pods and cannons introduced in "Exodus, Part [[Exodus, Part I|I]] & [[Exodus, Part II|II]]" and engage in the same maneuver used to launch the decoy drones during the Battle of New Caprica.
*The genetic pool the Cylons were created from may predate the human immunity to the plague from just a couple hundred years ago, yet the Cylons, even as a class of machines, are only 40 to 60 years old. This may indicates another, non-Colonial, source for the DNA. However, it should also be noted that the genetic pool need not be so old. As humans had been completely immune to this virus for hundreds of years, the Cylons may have simply overlooked it while creating their biological models.
*It seems this virus could also be a fairly reliable (although not conclusive) litmus test to for Cylons in the Colonial Fleet.
*It seems reasonable to assume that all members of ''Galactica'''s boarding party who boarded the baseship are not Cylons, save Sharon Agathon.
*Baltar's boarding of the baseship does not discount [[Baltar as Cylon speculation|Baltar from being a Cylon]], as Baltar was in a self-contained [[flight suit]] the entire time he was on the basestar. Using standard biohazard procedures, he would have remained in the suit which would have been disinfected from the outside before he took it off.
*[[Gaeta]] is surprised to hear that Baltar is alive, even though he was there when D'Anna offered Baltar evacuation from New Caprica. Therefore, Gaeta likely assumed that Baltar had not survived as Baltar went off to forcefully prevent the nuclear detonation on New Caprica, thus betraying the Cylons–therefore Baltar would have little chance of survival at the hands of the Cylons, let alone being their "guest". It should be noted that extenuating circumstances, such as Baltar's rescue of Hera and his aid in helping the Cylons find the road to Earth are the main reasons why the Cylons let him exist on the basestar.

== Notes ==
*[[Survivor count|Fleet population]] is 41,420. Barring any births, there is an unaccounted loss of at least two since "[[Torn]]".
*The story behind the Lion Nebula beacon and the virus may have been inspired by the lunar lander [[wikipedia:Surveyor 3|Surveyor 3]]. Before launching in 1967, its camera was accidentally contaminated by a common bacterium. When the camera was recovered by [[wikipedia:Apollo 12|Apollo 12]] astronauts, the microbes returned to life, having survived two and a half years of vacuum, radiation, and temperature extremes.
*This is the first episode in which [[Saul Tigh]] has not appeared, more than likely due to his promise to William Adama at the end of "Torn" after Adama's confrontation with both Tigh and Kara Thrace. Currently, the only characters to have appeared in every episode are [[Laura Roslin]] and [[William Adama]], albeit Adama was unconscious for several episodes early in season 2.
*Helo has been promoted to the rank of Captain, as evident in both dialogue and costuming.
*Starbuck appears to have returned to flight status following her decision to pull herself together at the end of "[[Torn]]".
*Dr. Cottle identifies the disease as [[Lymphocytic encephalitis]], however [[w:encephalitis|encephalitis]] is a condition (swelling of the brain) that can be caused by a pathogen, not a pathogen itself. More likely the pathogen is [[wikipedia:Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus|Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus]].
*In [[Podcast:A Measure of Salvation|his podcast]], Moore notes that this episode shares similarities to the ''[[MemoryAlpha:Star Trek: The Next Generation|Star Trek: The Next Generation]]'' episode, "[[MemoryAlpha:I, Borg|I, Borg]]", though he does not mention the episode by name. Moore also noted that this episode was brought up for discussion during the writer's meetings to discuss development of this episode, as "I, Borg" discussed using a lone [[MemoryAlpha:Hugh|Borg drone]] implanted with a computer virus to infect the [[MemoryAlpha:Borg|Borg collective]].
*The location in space of the attempted attack on the Cylons is designated "The Region of [[NCD2539]] Above/North."
*The Cylon [[Hybrid]] does not appear in this episode despite actress Tiffany Lyndall-Knight's name appearing in the ending credits.
*A scene depicted in a promotional photo showing Number Six and Three in a projected forest was apparently cut from the episode.

== Noteworthy Dialogue ==
*''On Colonial One'':
:'''Karl Agathon''': Genocide? So that's what we're about now?
:'''Lee Adama''': They're not human! They were built, not born. No fathers, no mothers, no sons, no daughters--
:'''Karl Agathon''': I ''had'' a daughter. I held her in my arms.

== Official Statements ==

* ''[[Lucy Lawless]] talks to '''iF Magazine''' about the torture scene:''
*: '''Lawless:''' "The difficulty was I had to pretend to not be hearing Six who was sitting right beside us carrying on a conversation with him. I was supposed to be completely unaware of this sort of cyber sex relationship, and yet I could hear her and it was a little annoying. In particular when the camera is on you; just let it be your scene, but I didn’t want to break [[James Callis|James]] [Callis]’ spell by asking for things to be changed."<ref>{{cite_web|url=http://www.ifmagazine.com/feature.asp?article=1773|title= iF MAGAZINE Gets Probed by Friendly Cylon & Former Warrior Princess - Part 1|date=28 November 2006|accessdate=28 November 2006|last=Elliot|first=Sean|format=html|language=English}}</ref>

== Guest Stars ==

* [[Aaron Douglas]] as Chief Petty Officer [[Galen Tyrol]]
* [[Tahmoh Penikett]] as Captain [[Karl Agathon|Karl "Helo" Agathon]]
* [[Alessandro Juliani]] as Lt. [[Felix Gaeta]]
* [[Kandyse McClure]] as [[Anastasia Dualla]]
* [[Rick Worthy]] as [[Simon]]
* [[Callum Keith Rennie]] as [[Leoben Conoy]]
* [[Donnelly Rhodes]] as Doctor [[Cottle]]
* [[Matthew Bennett]] as [[Number Five]]
* [[Bodie Olmos]] as Lt. [[Brendan Constanza|Brendan "Hot Dog" Constanza]]
* [[Leah Cairns]] as Lt. [[Margaret Edmondson|Margaret "Racetrack" Edmondson]]
* [[Eileen Pedde]] as Sgt. [[Erin Mathias|Mathias]]
* [[Tiffany Lyndall-Knight]] as [[Hybrid]] (credited)

== References ==
<div style="font-size:85%"><references/></div>

{{Episode list (RDM season 3)}}

[[Category:Episodes written by Michael Angeli]]
[[Category:RDM]]

Lay Down Your Burdens, Part II

2007-02-11T22:16:17Z

Cyborg: /* Analysis */

{{Episode Data
| image = Baltarlaydownburdensii.jpg
| title= Lay Down Your Burdens, Part II
| season= 2
| episode= 20
| guests= [[Richard Hatch]] as [[Tom Zarek]] [[Michael Trucco]] as [[Samuel Anders]] [[Dean Stockwell]] as [[Cavil|Brother Cavil]]
| writer= [[Anne Cofell Saunders]] [[Mark Verheiden]]
| story=
| director= [[Michael Rymer]]
| production=
| rating= 1.9
| US airdate= 2006-04-10
| UK airdate= 2006-05-16
| dvd= {{Season 2.5 NTSC DVD release date}} '''US''' {{Season 2 PAL DVD release date}} '''UK'''
| population= 49,550
| prev= [[Lay Down Your Burdens, Part I]]
| next= [[Occupation]]
| podcast= Y
}}

== Overview ==

:''Everything turns on its head as the survivors vote for a new president -- and vote for their fate.''

== Summary ==

===On Caprica===

*[[Kara Thrace|Kara "Starbuck" Thrace]], the [[marines]], and the [[Caprica Resistance]] continue to take fire from [[Cylon Centurion]]s and their artillery. They make their way up a hill, and hold their position.
*The Cylons hold fire, and [[Sharon Valerii (Caprica copy)|Sharon Valerii]] remarks that the Cylons will attempt to capture them with non-lethal weapons, such as gas.
*Eighteen hours later, they emerge to find that the Cylons have disappeared. [[Cavil]] -- who suddenly appears behind them -- announces that the Cylons have left the Twelve Colonies and that humanity is spared.

===In the Fleet===

*[[Cally]] is cleared for duty by [[Cottle|Dr. Cottle]], despite having her jaw wired shut. [[Galen Tyrol|Chief Tyrol]] visits her, apologizing for the attack. Cally forgives him, saying that she's always cared for him.

*[[Gaius Baltar|Dr. Baltar]] continues to gain in the polls. On ''[[Colonial One]]'', [[Tory_Foster|Tory]] mentions an alternative victory plan. [[Laura Roslin|Roslin]] later calls a private meeting with Dr. Baltar, asking to deliver a joint statement of [[Wikipedia:Table (verb)|tabling]] the issue of colonization until after the election. Baltar rejects the idea.

*Roslin, fearing that she has indeed lost the presidential race, confronts [[Gaius Baltar|Baltar]] on whether he was with a copy of [[Number Six]] on Caprica before the Cylon attack. Baltar avoids answering the question and states that he may have [[Epiphanies|saved her life]], but he will not save her political life.

*[[Kara Thrace|Starbuck]] returns to ''[[Galactica (RDM)|Galactica]]'' with the resistance fighters, much to the delight of Admiral [[William Adama]]. She mentions the Cylon retreat from Caprica as Brother Cavil, leaving the Raptor, confirms it. He also says he has a message, but is attacked by Chief [[Galen Tyrol]], who declares a "[[Code blue]]," claiming Cavil is a Cylon. Incensed that Caprica-Valerii did not reveal Cavil's true nature earlier, Admiral Adama orders both Caprica-Valerii and the second Cavil to the brig.

*The ''Galactica''-based Cavil (from last episode) is brought to the brig, claiming he's not a Cylon, but changes his tune upon seeing his "brother", as he calls him. Caprica-Cavil then talks about the fact that the “war heroes” ([[Caprica Six]] & [[Sharon Valerii (Galactica copy)|"Boomer" Valerii]]) have convinced their kind that the attack of the colonies and the pursuit of the fleet were mistakes. Caprica-Cavil's mission was to relay the message that man and Cylon will go their separate ways. Both Roslin and Admiral Adama are less than trusting regarding the message.

*In the brig, Caprica-Valerii is completely disillusioned and nihilistic, declaring that since her [[Hera|child's]] death, nothing -- not Adama's trust or [[Helo]]'s -- matters to her. A frustrated Helo insists that he's not giving up on her, but she seems disinclined to listen.

*Thrace and [[Anders]] are getting extremely drunk when Apollo comes in to welcome them back. Starbuck makes a snide remark about Apollo and Dualla and goes back to drunkenly making out with Anders. Apollo, clearly upset with Starbuck, leaves without saying much.

*Election Day has arrived and Baltar has an apparent five thousand-vote lead over Roslin with only a five ships left to tally. On ''Colonial One'', Foster activates her alternative victory plan with a call to ''Galactica.''

*Amazingly, Roslin initially appears to have retained the presidency. While most are celebrating, Lt. [[Felix Gaeta]] discovers fraudulent actions in the vote, and informs the Admiral that Col. Tigh (who acts suspiciously when questioned by Gaeta) may be involved in a conspiracy to throw the election.

*Admiral Adama confronts Roslin regarding the conspiracy, saying that Tigh has confessed to rigging the vote. Roslin admits her involvement and Adama is disappointed. The Admiral indicates that, for good or bad, the people's vote must take precedence. Adama secretly buries the conspiracy itself while announcing the startling change in events to Dr. Baltar.

*Initially Baltar vows to have a full investigation on the vote count, but after Adama suggests that Baltar take his victory and leave matters be, Baltar relents and informs Adama that he can be quite generous in victory. President-elect Baltar then orders a course for “[[New Caprica]].”

*Baltar and Gina consummate their relationship after Gina informs Baltar that she would not be part of the colonization.

*[[Gaius Baltar]] is sworn in as the new President of the Twelve Colonies, and orders the immediate colonization of New Caprica.

*Gina activates the nuclear warhead [[Epiphanies|given to her by Baltar]] aboard ''[[Cloud 9]]''. The nuclear blast destroys ''Cloud 9'' and at least three other ships. Admiral Adama warns that this may be a prelude to a Cylon attack, but President Baltar ignores him and presses forward with colonization.

===One Year Later===
[[image:burdens2.jpg|Thrace and Cottle on New Caprica.|thumb]]
*President Baltar's administration appears to be corrupt, lax, and unresponsive. [[Felix Gaeta|Mr. Gaeta]], now the President's aide, reports issues with a worker's union. Baltar is upset, saying there have been no Cylon attacks but the people still complain. He has regressed, turning to alcohol, medication, and womanizing.

*Admiral Adama, now sporting a [[Adamastache|mustache]], walks the corridors of a near-empty ''Galactica'', which is quickly falling into disrepair. Over half of the crew have moved down onto the planet, leaving the ship so short on crew that they barely have enough pilots to fly training missions, much less form up [[Combat Air Patrol]]s. The long absence of the Cylons has left both the remaining crews aboard the [[Pegasus]] and the Galactica rusty, causing them to take a long time to go to [[Action Stations]]. Adama asks Tigh to retire from duty to join his [[Ellen Tigh|wife]] on the planet. Tigh reluctantly agrees.

*[[Samuel Anders|Anders]], now Thrace's husband, has pneumonia. Dr. Cottle is unable to treat Anders because there are no [[antibiotics]] available. He can only advise Thrace to make sure Anders gets enough rest in order to recover.

*Thrace runs into the Tighs as [[Galen Tyrol|Tyrol]], now a union boss, is making a speech to begin a strike, with a very pregnant Cally by his side. Col. Tigh mentions to Thrace that ''[[Pegasus (RDM)|Pegasus]]'' keeps a store of backup medical supplies and that Commander [[Lee Adama]] might spring some for her. Thrace disagrees, which prompts Tigh to state that Lee Adama should be over her harsh neglect of Adama's friendship after Anders' arrival a year before.

*Roslin returns to her teaching roots, teaching the settlement's children, and manages to find enjoyment in her new position. [[Maya]] is with her, as is the now one year-old "[[Hera|Isis]]".

*Thrace calls Commander Lee Adama aboard ''Pegasus'' to request the antibiotics. [[Dualla]], ostensibly the ''Pegasus'' [[XO]], notices something on [[DRADIS]], to her horror.

*A massive fleet of [[Cylons (RDM)|Cylon]] [[Basestar (RDM)|basestar]]s arrive in orbit around New Caprica. The Adamas discuss what to do in response, with Lee initially advocating that the remains of the orbiting Fleet [[FTL|jump]] away. Admiral Adama initially resists, but orders the Jump, vowing that they will return.

*A [[Leoben Conoy]]-model [[Humanoid Cylon]] shows up at Thrace and Anders' tent, where he asks an ailing Anders about where to find Thrace.

*Mr. Gaeta informs the President of the Cylon approach. Later, before his assembled staff, copies of Numbers [[Number Five|5]], [[Number Eight|8]], and [[Number Six|6]] approach the President. The Cylons declare that as long as there’s no resistance, no harm will come. President Baltar, after learning that the Cylons discovered New Caprica because of the nuclear explosion set off by Gina, declares surrender on behalf of the colonists. As Cylon armies occupy the planet, Thrace vows to resist.

== Questions ==

*Who is Baltar's Vice President? ([[Exodus, Part I|Answer]])
*Has Gaeta's view of Baltar changed since Baltar's ascension to the presidency? If so, is Gaeta planning to do anything about it? ([[Exodus, Part II|Answer]])
*Was Roslin's threat to put the two Cavils into space actually carried out?
*Where did the remains of the Fleet escape to?
*Where is Caprica-Valerii? ([[Occupation|Answer]])
*Why is Leoben looking for Starbuck, specifically? ([[Occupation|Answer]])
*Why has the population (until Tyrol's recent union speech) accepted Baltar's imperious rule? People were hardly so passive under Roslin. Indeed, Adama executed a [[Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part II|military coup]] over a rather less important issue than giving a nuclear weapon to a Cylon.
*What were the workers being asked to do which was so "odious", "so sick[ening] at heart" that Tyrol was willing to call a general strike, and so important to Baltar that he was willing to use illegal imprisonment to break it?
*Baltar surrenders to copies of Humanoid Cylons Six and Eight. Are these agents the reincarnated [[Caprica-Six]] and [[Sharon Valerii (Galactica copy)|"Boomer" Valerii]]? (see [[#Analysis|Analysis]])
*If "Galactica-Sharon" is present on New Caprica, will she attempt to rekindle ties with Tyrol? If she does, what kind of effect will that have on his relationship with Cally? (see "[[Occupation]]" and "[[Precipice]]")
*Where did the Cylon fleets go, after they left the Twelve Colonies? Cavil was deliberately vague when asked if they simply returned to the [[Cylon homeworld]].
*Why didn't the nuclear device trigger the radiological alarms on either battlestar?
*How many people died in ''Cloud 9'''s destruction? (See the "Precipice" section of [[Survivor Count]])
*Were the Quorum of Twelve killed on ''Cloud Nine''?
*Were [[Shevon]] and [[Paya]] killed on ''Cloud Nine''?
*When Gina was instantly vaporized due to being only two feet from a nuclear detonation, did she still transmit her consciousness? Was she even capable of transmitting considering that any internal hardware responsible for this task would have been instantly destroyed? (see [[#Analysis|Analysis]])
*Given Roslin's memories of Baltar with Six, why didn't Admiral Adama suspect Baltar of handing over the nuclear warhead to the cylons? If he did suspect him, why not act on it? (see [[#Analysis|Analysis]])
*Did Baltar's internal Six disappear at any point during the New Caprica year? If so, when and why? If so, did the events of her disappearance contribute to Baltar's regression?
*Why was it so easy for Adama to hide the collusion of the rigged election from the press, and why were there no consequences?
*If the Cylons really left the Twelve Colonies, leaving behind a nuked-out wasteland, what happened to all of the human captives in the [[farms]]?
*Why have the Cylons returned after suggesting that they were willing to go their "separate ways"?
*Will the Cylons resume their pursuit of the Fleet?
*How many people are left in the Fleet? (see [[Survivor count]])
*Have the remaining ships in the defense fleet been armed during the past year?
*Will the Adamas resort to Cain's tactic of conscripting civilians to fill the gaps?
*What happened between Apollo and Starbuck? ([[Unfinished Business|Answer]])
*What led to Starbuck's reconciliation with Col. Tigh? The two had been in conflict since the [[Miniseries]], what led them to bury the hatchet and become the close friends they now appear to be?
*Has it become public knowledge that Baltar killed [[Crashdown]] on [[Kobol]]? Now that Chief and Cally are Baltar's open adversaries they could attempt to use this information against him.
*When Adama informs Baltar that the nuke used to blow up ''[[Cloud Nine]]'' was probably stolen from Baltar's lab, why is he not suspicious about the fact that Baltar never reported that it was missing? Had it really been stolen from his lab, he would surely notice.
*Are the Cylons that appear at the end representative of the whole Cylon race, or are they a faction that broke off after the two "Cylon Heroes" began to speak out against the war on the humans?
*If it is true that the Cylons now believe the attack on humanity was a mistake, is the occupation on New Caprica viewed by the Cylons as an act of mercy and kindness vs. oppression from the human perspective? (see [[#Analysis|Analysis]])
*Could it be the intent of the Cylons to actually help the colonization of New Caprica, helping with the construction of infrastructure, new homes, etc., in order to make up for the holocaust? (see [[#Analysis|Analysis]])
**Could the Cylons be fortifying New Caprica to protect the humans from hostile Cylons? There should still be some, that Number Three in "Downloaded" was pretty fanatical, and if the political winds have changed as they so often do...
**Is there a Cylon civil "cold" war?
**Could the occupation of New Caprica be a compromise between pro-human and anti-human factions, with war breaking out between them after it fails?

== Analysis ==
*According to Ron Moore's podcast, the events of "One Year Later" are real and were meant to solidify to the audience that the show is taking a path that cannot be reversed. In order to make the colonization of New Caprica real, Moore felt that the show would need to jump ahead in a span of year to show that indeed Baltar has followed through with his political promise.

*The events of the Cylon invasion of New Caprica parallel the German invasion of France, with the Fleet's escape a parallel to the Allied evacuation of Dunkirk and Baltar's surrender a parallel to Petain's surrender. The Cylons marching into New Caprica City is also reminiscent of German troops marching into Paris. If the parallel continues, Baltar will establish a puppet regime under Cylon rule akin to [[Wikipedia:Vichy France|Vichy France]] while Colonials still loyal to humanity will establish a resistance movement.Ron Moore has actually said in the podcast for this episode that it is inspired by Vichy France.

*Baltar's arrogance seems to have led to corrupt rule during his year on New Caprica; he replaces Roslin's modest desk with a more elaborate one, replaces the population count whiteboard with a portrait of himself, and keeps a harem aboard the grounded ''Colonial One''.

*After a year, everyone still lives in tents. Shortages of medicine abound, the military is of no use, and labor conditions are apparently intolerable. Baltar's administration is apparently as incompetent as Roslin feared, when she said he was ridiculously unqualified and had no idea how to be president.
**It is not clear whether these conditions are the result of administrative incompetence or the inherent difficulties of colonizing a marginally habitable planet.
***Of course, it was Baltar's idea to settle on a marginally habitable planet in the first place.
***Tory Foster points out that Baltar was winning the election because he was "holding out hope for breathing real air, growing real food, sleeping in a bed instead of a bunk. Living in a house instead of a ship". Hopefully the irony of this wasn't lost on Baltar voters who even a full year later are sleeping in hammocks and living in tents.

*It's ironic that the obligations of duty keep Lee Adama aboard ''Pegasus'' while everyone else goes planet-side. He is a reserve officer, and promised to build his pilots a bar as soon as they found a habitable planet.
**It's possible the bar was built.
**A bar area is seen in "[[Unfinished Business]]".

*In the podcast for "[[Resurrection Ship, Part II]]" Moore commented on how everyone assumed that ''Pegasus'' would be destroyed by the end of the episode, and thus he thought it would be a good twist to keep ''Pegasus'' alive as another ship in the Fleet. Speculators mistakenly assumed that the nuke that Baltar gave to Gina in "[[Epiphanies]]" would be used to destroy ''Pegasus'' (keeping in tune with the assumed destruction of the [[Battlestar Galactica (TOS)|Original Series']] ''[[Pegasus (TOS)|Pegasus'']]).

*Twenty-nine people died between this episode and the preceding one. One or two Raptors were lost, and some Marines died on Caprica, but that doesn't seem high enough.
**Perhaps more people died during the attack on Caprica than shown.
**The people rescued from Caprica could offset any losses incurred during the mission.

* The Cylons were slightly over a light year away, according to the Number Five at the surrender. The radiation from the nuclear explosion on ''[[Cloud Nine]]'' would, of course, only be traveling at the speed of light. There is inconclusive evidence whether the Cylon download process is limited to the speed of light or not. While it is likely that it is, an FTL capability in this area would indicate that [[Gina]] didn't manage to download. It should be noted that comments by the writers and subsequent episodes point out that she is truly dead.

*The population of New Caprica City is given as 39,192. There were just under 50,000 people in the Fleet before establishing the settlement, so that gives a figure of roughly 10,000 accounting for the deaths on ''Cloud Nine'' and the people remaining on the ships in orbit. At this point it can't be determined how many people died as the result of the nuclear explosion.
**Later it is established, that roughly 2,000 people escaped on the civilian ships and that both battlestars were at half-strength. This makes it possible to put the casualties of the explosion at about 5,700 to 6,200. See the "Precipice" section of [[Survivor Count]] for details.

*Any "industrial" vessels - such as the mining ships, tanker ships, repair ships, agricultural ships - would have landed on the planet and been debarked, dismantled, or converted to form the foundation for industrial efforts. Some of the vessels in the Fleet that left [[Ragnar Anchorage]] weren't designed for prolonged interstellar journeys, and were basically running on a hope and a prayer, and would have been rendered promptly upon finding a more permanent home. The nineteen-or-so ships seen are, more than likely, the last space-worthy vessels in the fleet that are not needed (or capable of landing) planet-side.
**After a year, people are still living in tents and using landed ships as buildings, so it doesn't look like much has been dismantled or converted into raw production. Other than the miners, who are apparently extremely unhappy at how things have been run, we see little evidence of industry or production over the year.

*Apparently, Thrace's comments about Lee Adama and Dualla have taken their toll on their relationship. Whether the comments escalated is unknown, but, from Dualla's expression of annoyance when she hands the receiver to Adama when Thrace calls, it is clear that the three never reconciled with each other (See "[[Unfinished Business]]" for the answer).

*The Six and Eight that are part of the Cylon delegation that greets Baltar's cabinet are almost certainly [[Caprica-Six]] and [[Sharon Valerii (Galactica copy)|"Boomer" Valerii]]. This is implied from Six's reaction upon seeing Baltar and her intimation that she knew who Baltar was. The two are also wearing the exact same clothes as in "[[Downloaded]]."

*In the Season 3 trailer that followed the end of the episode, Six narrates, saying that humanity has finally surrendered and the war is over. According to Six, the Cylons can finally fulfill their "''true destiny''" and take care of humanity. They desire to show humanity the "''glory of peace''," mercy; like God, their mercy can only be matched by their power and complete control. So apparently, the war heroes have indeed changed the Cylons' prejudices toward humans, but unfortunately this also means that the Cylons believe that the only way to care for humanity is to control it.
**This narrative sounds more like Baltar's internal Six (superior, controlling, zealous) than Caprica-Six (more of a people person), or maybe it is Six's internal Baltar.

== Notes ==
* According to Ron Moore's podcast, although the SciFi Channel was willing to air this episode as a 90-minute special, there also exists an 60-minute version for international distribution. In some markets outside of the United States, viewers might only see the 1 hour version of the episode, which Moore regards as "almost incomprehensible". Many plot threads, such as the entire Cally/Tyrol subplot, were completely removed for the one hour version.
**In the United Kingdom, Sky One showed the episode as a 90 minute special.
**In Latin America, as aired by TNT LA, the 90 minute special was shown as well.

*Admiral Adama watches [[Pyramid]] games and was a fan of the [[Picon Panthers]].

*In RDM's podcast for the previous episode, he said that in early drafts of this special 90 minute long episode, the writers actually tried to make it a 2 hour special, but this was soon dropped (these times are including commercials).
*The election board appears to have a definitive list of the names of all of the ships in [[The Fleet (RDM)]]. Not all of them are clearly visible, but this means that the writers do have an actual list that they get new ship names from.

*The framed photo of President Roslin and [[Billy Keikeya]] is still on Roslin's desk during the election.

*When Roslin "won" the rigged election results, Roslin received 24,265 votes, while Baltar recieved 22,266. This means that the eligible voters in the Fleet number at least 46,531. In the podcast, RDM explains that he quickly came up with these numbers, to try to reflect roughly how many survivors are below the voting age.

*Toward the end of the episode, President Baltar refers to a government body called the "People's Council". This may be the proportionally elected lower house mentioned by RDM in his [http://blog.scifi.com/battlestar/archives/2005/01/index.html#a000016 blog post] on January 30, 2005.

*[[Hera]] is seen on New Caprica in the same white cradle that Baltar had a vision of her being in in "[[Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part II]] and "[[Scattered]]". According to RDM's podcast it is actually the exact same cradle.

*Tyrol's union speech is an almost word for word quote of Mario Savio's address during the Free Speech Movement at Berkeley in 1964. According to Ron Moore and David Eick in the podcast, they even got permission from Savio's widow to use it (even though, due to the way copyright laws work from back then, they could have just used it without permission, they felt they should get it). As a result, it's even listed in the credits: "Mario Savio speech excerpted courtesy of: Lynne Hollander Savio". Actor Aaron Douglas (Chief [[Galen Tyrol|Tyrol]]) actually studied film of Savio, so all of the hand gestures Tyrol makes when he gives the speech are gestures that Savio actually used.

*Baltar's portrait of himself does not have the 'cut corners' as seen in almost all other papers and photos in the show. Neither do the other framed pictures in the presidential office aboard ''Colonial One'', nor the papers in the classroom on New Caprica.

*[[:md:Image:Wtfk1tn.jpg|Visible]] on the blackboard of Roslin's school are the French verbs ''aller'', ''avoir'', and ''être''. Either English isn't the only language spoken on the Twelve Colonies, or this might be a goof by the set designers trying to make it look more like a generic school.
**French has appeared in the show before. In "[[The Hand of God (RDM)|The Hand of God]]", Six uses the French word for momentum or surge, ''élan''. In "[[Pegasus (episode)|Pegasus]]", Captain [[Cole Taylor|Cole "Stinger" Taylor]] uses the phrase ''esprit de corps''.
**There are also [[:Image:Chinese_characters.png|Chinese ideograms]] in an episode of the ''[[Battlestar Galactica: The Resistance|The Resistance]]'' webisodes.
* The story of the Fleet settling on New Caprica and being overrun by the Cylons is eerily similar to the story of the first episode of [[Battlestar Galactica (SDS)|Singer and DeSanta's revival attempt]]. The shot of Roslin teaching kids the history of the Colonies is also a, possibly unintentional, reference to that.

== Noteworthy Dialogue ==

*''After being uncovered as a Cylon upon on arrival from Caprica:''
:'''Brother Cavil''': Well, this is an awkward moment…. Yes, he's right, I'm a Cylon. And I have a message. So…take me to your leader.
:'''Admiral Adama''': Take him to the brig.

*''After arrest on Galactica:''
:'''Brother Cavil''': Would you mind telling me what's going on? I'm not a frakking Cylon, I'm not…(sees the other Cavil from Caprica in the cell)…oh. Well, okay then.

*''On Caprica during the fight with the Cylons:''
:'''Anders:''' You got any great ideas in that military brain of yours?
:'''Starbuck:''' Do the same thing we always do; fight 'em 'till we can't.

*''After the Cylons occupy New Caprica:''
:'''Tyrol:''' What do you want to do now, Captain?
:'''Starbuck:''' The same thing we always do. Fight them until we can't.

*''Number Six heralds the Cylons' arrival to Baltar:''
:'''Number Six:''' Judgment day.

== Official Statements ==

From the official site (http://www.scifi.com/battlestar/):
When Baltar wins the vote, Roslin considers stealing the election because she believes he is a Cylon collaborator.

RDM's blog ([http://blog.scifi.com/battlestar/archives/2006/03/#a000409 March 28, 2006]) gives details. (''Due to article size requirements, the blog entry is not reproduced here.'')

=== Interviews ===

* '''[[Paul Campbell]] discussess his thoughts on the story post-"[[Sacrifice]]":'''

:'''MB/TSFW:''' So what do you think about the story after you left, and the trouble [[Mary McDonnell|Mary]]’s [[Laura Roslin|character]] got herself into? After your [[Tory Foster|replacement]] came in she kind of had a fall there. Do you think that would have happened if you were still there to watch her back?

: '''Paul:''' You know, I don’t know if they could have. [[Billy Keikeya|Billy]] had so much integrity, that under his watch, I don’t think that would have happened. And maybe he would have had to step down, and Mary would have gone about that route with someone else. But I don’t think if he would have been in the picture, that would have gone down. Because that’s some shady crap, and I don’t think it would have cut it. We obviously butted heads on a few things like that in the past. In particular when I ended up leaving her at the ship. As it turned out, I had another pilot to go shoot. As it turned out, it was more my schedule that didn’t work out, but it worked in the writing. But no, I don’t think that would have flown had I been in the picture. So I don’t know what they would have done. I’m sure that was the story line from the beginning, but how they would have worked me into it, I don’t really know. [http://mediablvd.com/magazine/index.php?option=com_magazine&func=show_article&id=84 MediaBlvd]

== Guest Stars ==
*[[Michael Hogan]] as [[Saul Tigh]]
*[[Aaron Douglas]] as Chief Petty Officer [[Galen Tyrol]]
*[[Tahmoh Penikett]] as Lt. [[Karl Agathon|Karl "Helo" Agathon]]
*[[Nicki Clyne]] as Specialist [[Cally]]
*[[Richard Hatch]] as [[Tom Zarek]]
*[[Alessandro Juliani]] as [[Felix Gaeta]]
*[[Michael Trucco]] as [[Samuel Anders]]
*[[Callum Keith Rennie]] as [[Leoben Conoy]]
*[[Kate Vernon]] as [[Ellen Tigh]]
*[[Donnelly Rhodes]] as Dr. [[Cottle]]
*[[Matthew Bennett]] as [[Aaron Doral]]
*[[Rekha Sharma]] as [[Tory Foster]]
*[[Dean Stockwell]] as [[Cavil|Brother Cavil]]
*[[Alisen Down]] as [[Jean Barolay]]
*[[Erica Cerra]] as [[Maya]]
*[[Winston Rekert]] as Priest
*[[David Kaye]] as [[James McManus]]

{{episode list (RDM season 2)}}

[[Category:Episodes written by Anne Cofell Saunders]]
[[Category:Episodes written by Mark Verheiden]]
[[Category:Episodes directed by Michael Rymer]]
[[Category:RDM]]

[[de:Das neue Caprica, Teil II]]

User talk:Spencerian

2007-02-06T17:23:30Z

Cyborg: Epiphanies "why did altar save Roslin analysis"

Epiphanies

2007-02-06T17:02:32Z

Cyborg: why did altar save Roslin analysis

{{Episode Data
| image = 2BATejC05.jpg
| title= Epiphanies
| season= 2
| episode= 13
| guests= [[Colm Feore]] as President [[Richard Adar|Adar]]
| writer= [[Joel Anderson Thompson]]
| story=
| goof= Y
| director=[[Rod Hardy]]
| production= 213
| rating= 1.9
| US airdate= 2006-01-20
| UK airdate= 2006-04-28
| dvd= {{Season 2.5 NTSC DVD release date}} '''US''' {{Season 2 PAL DVD release date}} '''UK'''
| population= 49,598
| prev= [[Resurrection Ship, Part II]]
| next= [[Black Market]]
| podcast= Y
}}

== Overview ==

: ''Admiral [[William Adama]] questions whether or not [[Sharon Valerii (Caprica copy)|Sharon Valerii]]'s pregnancy should be aborted. Meanwhile Roslin's health declines rapidly as a pro-Cylon peace group attempts to sow violence and discontent within the Fleet.''

== Summary ==

* President [[Laura Roslin]] is brought on board ''[[Galactica (RDM)|Galactica]]'' for intensive care treatment. She has days to live.
* Captain [[Kara Thrace]] and Lieutenant [[Louanne Katraine]] are conducting Viper tests. During a test of the Viper's projectile systems, Kat's port gun is destroyed and a piece of it impacts on Thrace's cockpit.
* [[Cally]] and CPO [[Galen Tyrol|Tyrol]] discover that several rounds of ammunition from the damaged Viper are unusually light and fragile. These rounds break and misfire, leaving the projectile lodged in the barrel. When the next round fires, the overpressure destroys the gun. They determine the ammunition has been sabotaged.
*The sabotage investigation quickly leads [[Lee Adama]] and Kara Thrace to [[Asha Janik]], one of the recent civilian hirees in ''Galactica's'' [[armory]]. When they apprehend her, she declares her allegiance to an [[Demand Peace|organization]] claiming to want peace with the Cylons.
*Vice President [[Gaius Baltar]] is given the presidential tour by [[Billy Keikeya]] in preparation for his assumption of the Presidency. Billy reveals a letter from Roslin, to be opened upon her death.
* The new peace movement, led by [[Royan Jahee]], gains momentum as the civilian population begins to realize that victory against the Cylons is impossible and questions the Fleet's 'attack-and-retreat' tactics.
* An infusion of [[Sharon Valerii (Caprica copy)|Sharon Valerii's]] fetal blood ostensibly destroys the cancerous masses in Roslin's system. Valerii's pregnancy is allowed to continue for further research.

===On Caprica, prior to the [[Fall of the Twelve Colonies|Cylon Attack]]===
*Roslin finds out she has cancer.
*Roslin meets with President [[Richard Adar]] to discuss a teacher's strike, and his response.
*Roslin meets with the leader of the educational alliance, Naylin Stans, and strikes an agreement.
*Adar disagrees with Roslin's methods and results, and asks for her resignation.
*Roslin refuses to resign for the moment, and departs for ''Galactica's'' decommissioning ceremony.
*Roslin sees [[Gaius Baltar]] with [[Number Six]] in her dream state. She then seems alarmed to see Dr. Baltar when she wakes up and tries to say something to him.

== Questions ==

*Kara Thrace is flying Mk. II Vipers with ''Galactica's'' pilots again. Is she still the CAG of ''Pegasus''?
*Now that Roslin recalls Baltar's involvement with a Cylon agent on Caprica, what will she do about it? ([[Lay Down Your Burdens, Part II|One answer]])
*Given that [[Asha Janik]] had no previous criminal activity or associations, how was Captain Adama able to determine that she, by name, was responsible for the munitions sabotage?
*Will there be any consequences for Helo's near-mutiny? Helo, after all, did nothing wrong; speaking to superiors about one's disagreement with the course of action being taken is, in Adama's command, normal, expected, and, if time is available, welcome.
*Will Roslin's attitude toward the Cylon fetus change following her recovery? ([[Lay Down Your Burdens, Part II|Answer]])
*Roslin's recent series of Machiavellian orders (Cain's assassination in "[[Resurrection Ship, Part I]]", and the forced abortion here) appear to have been facilitated by her belief that, given her impending death, she wouldn't have to deal with the ethical ramifications. Will this alter her relationship with Admiral Adama in the long term?
*Is security really so lax that Baltar (whom Adama does not consider especially trustworthy) would be able to smuggle one of ''Galactica's'' very few nuclear warheads off-ship?
* ''Galactica'' and its Raptors are capable of detecting radiological devices. Why wasn't the bomb noticed in transit? (see [[Epiphanies#Analysis|Analysis]])
*Alternately, is the nuclear device actually functional? ([[Cloud 9|Yes]])
*Why aren't there posters of [[Gina]] scattered all over the fleet to inform everyone of her Cylon identity, making it difficult for her to hide, let alone lead a Cylon-sympathy movement?
*Does Gina "remember" Number Six's memories about having a relationship with Baltar on Caprica, or even after? In "[[Pegasus (episode)|Pegasus]]", she did not seem to know him, as Baltar introduced himself to her and explained that he had a relationship with another Cylon copy of her model. Here, however, it sort of seems like she remembers having a physical relationship with him. Then again, her lines also be interpreted to mean that she really never "knew" about him before she met him on ''Pegasus''. She may not be "ready" for physical contact with Baltar solely because of her rape and torture aboard Pegasus. The process of Cylon memory-transfer and systematic updating isn't very well understood at this point.
*Why is it that in the last episode, "[[Resurrection Ship, Part II]]", Sharon is not noticeably pregnant even when wearing a close-fitting tank top, but is now suddenly visibly quite progressed in her pregnancy? (This is part of the [[Season two timeline discontinuity]])
*Now that Roslin is no longer dying of cancer, is she still the "Dying Leader" foretold by the Book of [[Pythia]]?

== Analysis ==

* The survivor count this episode is 49,598, a net loss of six since [[Resurrection Ship, Part II]]. [[Helena Cain|Admiral Cain]] and the ''[[Pegasus (RDM)|Pegasus]]'' marine killed by [[Gina]] account for two. Presumably the remaining were pilots or crew lost during the [[Battle of the Resurrection Ship|attack]] on the [[Resurrection Ship]].
** This seems to be extremely good fortune, as the two battlestars engaged in a major fleet action for an extended time.
* Roslin's affair with Adar was suggested by her comment in the [[miniseries]] that "he had a way about him... you just couldn't say 'no' to him."
*Naylin Stans implies that he believes the teacher's strike is a cause worth dying for. This claim is ridiculously hyperbolic.
**The fact that President Adar was willing to use the military to enforce a back-to-work order seems to indicate that the protest must've been more serious than simple wage issues.
*Roslin's medical chart showed her name and other information such as date of birth, but this information was too blurry for viewers to read.
*Roslin's recollections of Baltar on Caprica do not match the same scene in the Miniseries. For example: Baltar and Six did walk together and kiss, and she was carrying the same case in her left hand, but they did not "make out" against a wall. Each character did end the Miniseries scene by saying they were meeting someone else, however.
**Logically, it wasn't the same scene. Baltar and Six were on Caprica for a while, and they could easily have been making at a different time on the same day. The episode actually makes no attempt to establish that Roslin is seeing the same scene of Baltar and Number Six (that we the viewers saw in the Miniseries), from a different angle.
*Watching closely during the early scene when Starbuck and Kat are flying the CAP, it seems probable that actress Luciana Carro (Kat) said the real "F word" instead of the ersatz "[[Frak]]", which was then dubbed over (it's a closeup so you can tell her lips don't quite correspond to it). She actually seems to have done this in the past on many occasions.

*Roslin's cancer cure seemed somewhat a "[[Wikipedia:Deus ex machina |deus ex machina]]." For more analysis on the cure, see this [[Science in the Re-imagined Series#The Cancer Cure of Laura Roslin | section]] of the article [[Science in the Re-imagined Series]].
**It should be noted that the cure might not be permanent and the cancer may return in the future (as hinted by Ronald D. Moore in the podcast for this episode).

*A nuclear warhead was smuggled from ''Galactica'' to ''Cloud Nine''. How would such a device possibly get past the various [[Radiological Alarm|radiological sensors]] throughout the Fleet?
**This was a plot complication used in "[[Flesh and Bone]]" as well when a copy of [[Leoben Conoy]] claimed that a nuclear device was hidden in the Fleet. "Flesh and Bone" established that Colonial radiological scanning technology is limited; it would take hours for them to scan the entire Fleet. The process does work faster when they ''know'' specifically what ship to scan, such as the ''Olympic Carrier'' when it reappeared in "[[33]]" because it was a potential hostile, or Cylon ships. Here, they didn't know they should scan the outgoing Raptor (how frequently do people move nuclear warheads in the Fleet ''without'' their knowledge?) so they didn't think to scan it; they do not scan all air trafic.
**Like any device, [[Radiological Alarm|radiological sensors]] are only effective when they are online. It is possible that these sensors are intelligent enough to ignore known radioactive sources, such as Galatica's existing stores of nuclear warheads.
**That the nuke even got on board departing craft shows incredibly lax security measures on Galactica. A known terrorist representative was leaving Galactica with an unidentified container with unknown contents. Someone should have inquired about it.

*The explosion of the bomb on the refinery ship is powerful enough to create a sizable hole on the ship. While space is a vacuum and so shock waves do not carry as they would in an atmosphere, the Raptor that flew close to the ship and was not very far from the explosion should probably be damaged from flying debris.
**Raptors, being warships, presumably have some shielding against shrapnel.
*Baltar's motivation for saving Roslin was two-fold: One, he didn't necessarily want the job of shepherding humanity, at least not until an opportunity presented itself where doing so would save his hide again ([[Downloaded|later episodes]]). Most importantly, with his virtual Six nagging and threatening him, saving Roslin provided the reason to keep the Cylon child as a valuable commodity to where even Roslin realized that it was different.

== Notes ==

* This episode is part of the [[Season two timeline discontinuity]].
*In the podcast, [[Ron Moore]] stated that a longer, more detailed explanation of the curing of Roslin's cancer using fetal hybrid blood was filmed - explaining that it was the fetal blood stem cells from the baby that were the actual cure - but Moore was afraid that this would be seen as [[technobabble]] and criticized by fans, so it was edited down to a truncated version. Ironically, this resulted in widespread complaint in critic reviews and fan messageboards that there was ''too little'' explanation in the final version.
* [[Lee Adama]] is once again a Captain, and has been reinstated as ''Galactica's'' CAG. His authority apparently extends to the ''Pegasus'' squadrons as well. This is consistent with [[Cole Taylor]]'s authority over ''Galactica's'' air wing, when ''Pegasus'' was the flagship.
* [[Gina]] has joined the Cylon sympathizers. The other members of the resistance are apparently unaware she is a [[Cylon agent]].
* Roslin was in an intimate relationship with President Adar.
*Roslin now recalls witnessing [[Gaius Baltar]]'s affair with a copy of [[Number Six]] on Caprica, prior to the attack.
* The [[Media:Radiation Symbol.jpg|radiation symbol]] used by the colonials is different from the one used in reality, but is still easily recognizable.
*''Galactica'' has been recruiting civilians to handle "grunt work" on the hangar deck.
*Baltar was aware of the [[Demand Peace]] movement prior to this episode.
*At least three bodies can be seen being vented into space after the explosion onboard ''[[Daru Mozu]]''.
*The file photograph of Number Six is of [[Shelly Godfrey]], seen in the episode "[[Six Degrees of Separation]]".
* The nuclear device Dr. Baltar gives the resistance is the same one he was given to create his [[Cylon detector]] in "[[Bastille Day]]".
* ''Pegasus'' is barely featured in this episode, and none of her crew or interior locations are seen, except in the pre-episode recap.
*Admiral Adama continues to wear his commander's [[Uniforms (RDM)|uniform]] with new admiral's rank insignia at his collar.
**Adama is a pragmatist who tends to eschew ceremony.
*This episode, which contained the issue of abortion, was aired on January 20th, 2 days before the anniversary of the United States Supreme Court [[Wikipedia:Roe v. Wade|Roe v. Wade]] decision of 1973.
**The issue of abortion was not, however, directly addressed—very few, if any, real-life abortions happen because of the national security implications.

== Noteworthy Dialogue ==
*{{audio|Epiphanies - terminating the pregnancy.mp3|''Admiral Adama informs Agathon of Roslin's decision to terminate Sharon's pregnancy.''}}
:'''William Adama:''' There's no easy way to say this. It's about [[Sharon Agathon|the Cylon]]. The [[Laura Roslin|President]] has decided that her pregnancy will be terminated.
:'''[[Karl Agathon]] (taken aback):''' What? Why?
:'''Adama:''' Doc [[Cottle]] discovered some anomalies in the fetal blood work.
:'''Agathon:''' Isn't that expected?
:'''Adama:''' Maybe. But the President believes that to allow the baby to come to full term, it constitutes an unacceptable risk to [[the Fleet (RDM)|the Fleet]].
:'''Agathon:''' I don't understand. Sharon's only [[Flight of the Phoenix|helped us]] since she came back from [[The Twelve Colonies#Caprica|Caprica]]. She even turned on her own.
:'''Adama:''' To save her life. Don't mistake the will to live for genuine compassion, Lieutenant. She's still the enemy.
:'''Agathon:''' Does she know?
:'''Adama:''' Not yet.
:'''Agathon:''' Then I should be the one to tell her. If that's all, sir.
:'''Adama:''' Helo, I don't expect you to agree to the decision, but I need you to ''accept'' it.
:'''Agathon:''' We're talking about my child, sir. Part of me. But I guess it's easier to kill when you call it a Cylon.
:'''Adama:''' Dismissed.

*''During Roslin's flashbacks:''
:'''President Richard Adar:''' {{audio|Epiphanies - one of the most interesting things about president.mp3|One of the most interesting things about being President is that you don't have to explain yourself. To anyone.}}

::*Roslin earlier attributed this saying to Adar in the episode "[[Flesh and Bone]]".

:'''Secretary Roslin:''' {{audio|Epiphanies - be prepared to fight.mp3|I am on my way to the ''Galactica'' to represent this administration. When I return, if you still want my job, be prepared to fight.}}

== Official Statements ==




== Guest stars ==
*[[Colm Feore]] as [[Richard Adar|President Adar]]
*[[Aaron Douglas]] as Chief Petty Officer [[Galen Tyrol]]
*[[Nicki Clyne]] as Specialist [[Cally]]
*[[Bodie Olmos]] as Lt.[[Brendan Constanza|Brendan "Hot Dog" Constanza]]
*[[Luciana Carro]] as Lt. [[Louanne Katraine|Louanne "Kat" Katraine]]
*[[Leah Cairns]] as Lt. [[Margaret Edmondson|Margaret "Racetrack" Edmondson]]
*[[David Richmond-Peck]] as [[Naylin Stans]]
*[[Holly Dignard]] as [[Asha Janik]]
*[[Paul Perri]] as [[Royan Jahee]]
*[[Jennifer Kitchen]] as [[Colonial Marine Corps|Marine]]

{{episode list (RDM season 2)}}

[[Category:Episodes written by Joel Anderson Thompson]]
[[Category:Episodes directed by Rod Hardy]]
[[Category:RDM]]

[[de:Epiphanies]]

User talk:Spencerian

2007-02-06T16:55:36Z

Cyborg: "cylon conspiracy" analisys

Epiphanies

2007-02-06T16:42:28Z

Cyborg: removed my conspiracy analysis

{{Episode Data
| image = 2BATejC05.jpg
| title= Epiphanies
| season= 2
| episode= 13
| guests= [[Colm Feore]] as President [[Richard Adar|Adar]]
| writer= [[Joel Anderson Thompson]]
| story=
| goof= Y
| director=[[Rod Hardy]]
| production= 213
| rating= 1.9
| US airdate= 2006-01-20
| UK airdate= 2006-04-28
| dvd= {{Season 2.5 NTSC DVD release date}} '''US''' {{Season 2 PAL DVD release date}} '''UK'''
| population= 49,598
| prev= [[Resurrection Ship, Part II]]
| next= [[Black Market]]
| podcast= Y
}}

== Overview ==

: ''Admiral [[William Adama]] questions whether or not [[Sharon Valerii (Caprica copy)|Sharon Valerii]]'s pregnancy should be aborted. Meanwhile Roslin's health declines rapidly as a pro-Cylon peace group attempts to sow violence and discontent within the Fleet.''

== Summary ==

* President [[Laura Roslin]] is brought on board ''[[Galactica (RDM)|Galactica]]'' for intensive care treatment. She has days to live.
* Captain [[Kara Thrace]] and Lieutenant [[Louanne Katraine]] are conducting Viper tests. During a test of the Viper's projectile systems, Kat's port gun is destroyed and a piece of it impacts on Thrace's cockpit.
* [[Cally]] and CPO [[Galen Tyrol|Tyrol]] discover that several rounds of ammunition from the damaged Viper are unusually light and fragile. These rounds break and misfire, leaving the projectile lodged in the barrel. When the next round fires, the overpressure destroys the gun. They determine the ammunition has been sabotaged.
*The sabotage investigation quickly leads [[Lee Adama]] and Kara Thrace to [[Asha Janik]], one of the recent civilian hirees in ''Galactica's'' [[armory]]. When they apprehend her, she declares her allegiance to an [[Demand Peace|organization]] claiming to want peace with the Cylons.
*Vice President [[Gaius Baltar]] is given the presidential tour by [[Billy Keikeya]] in preparation for his assumption of the Presidency. Billy reveals a letter from Roslin, to be opened upon her death.
* The new peace movement, led by [[Royan Jahee]], gains momentum as the civilian population begins to realize that victory against the Cylons is impossible and questions the Fleet's 'attack-and-retreat' tactics.
* An infusion of [[Sharon Valerii (Caprica copy)|Sharon Valerii's]] fetal blood ostensibly destroys the cancerous masses in Roslin's system. Valerii's pregnancy is allowed to continue for further research.

===On Caprica, prior to the [[Fall of the Twelve Colonies|Cylon Attack]]===
*Roslin finds out she has cancer.
*Roslin meets with President [[Richard Adar]] to discuss a teacher's strike, and his response.
*Roslin meets with the leader of the educational alliance, Naylin Stans, and strikes an agreement.
*Adar disagrees with Roslin's methods and results, and asks for her resignation.
*Roslin refuses to resign for the moment, and departs for ''Galactica's'' decommissioning ceremony.
*Roslin sees [[Gaius Baltar]] with [[Number Six]] in her dream state. She then seems alarmed to see Dr. Baltar when she wakes up and tries to say something to him.

== Questions ==

*Kara Thrace is flying Mk. II Vipers with ''Galactica's'' pilots again. Is she still the CAG of ''Pegasus''?
*Now that Roslin recalls Baltar's involvement with a Cylon agent on Caprica, what will she do about it? ([[Lay Down Your Burdens, Part II|One answer]])
*Given that [[Asha Janik]] had no previous criminal activity or associations, how was Captain Adama able to determine that she, by name, was responsible for the munitions sabotage?
*Will there be any consequences for Helo's near-mutiny? Helo, after all, did nothing wrong; speaking to superiors about one's disagreement with the course of action being taken is, in Adama's command, normal, expected, and, if time is available, welcome.
*Will Roslin's attitude toward the Cylon fetus change following her recovery? ([[Lay Down Your Burdens, Part II|Answer]])
*Roslin's recent series of Machiavellian orders (Cain's assassination in "[[Resurrection Ship, Part I]]", and the forced abortion here) appear to have been facilitated by her belief that, given her impending death, she wouldn't have to deal with the ethical ramifications. Will this alter her relationship with Admiral Adama in the long term?
*Is security really so lax that Baltar (whom Adama does not consider especially trustworthy) would be able to smuggle one of ''Galactica's'' very few nuclear warheads off-ship?
* ''Galactica'' and its Raptors are capable of detecting radiological devices. Why wasn't the bomb noticed in transit? (see [[Epiphanies#Analysis|Analysis]])
*Alternately, is the nuclear device actually functional? ([[Cloud 9|Yes]])
*Why aren't there posters of [[Gina]] scattered all over the fleet to inform everyone of her Cylon identity, making it difficult for her to hide, let alone lead a Cylon-sympathy movement?
*Does Gina "remember" Number Six's memories about having a relationship with Baltar on Caprica, or even after? In "[[Pegasus (episode)|Pegasus]]", she did not seem to know him, as Baltar introduced himself to her and explained that he had a relationship with another Cylon copy of her model. Here, however, it sort of seems like she remembers having a physical relationship with him. Then again, her lines also be interpreted to mean that she really never "knew" about him before she met him on ''Pegasus''. She may not be "ready" for physical contact with Baltar solely because of her rape and torture aboard Pegasus. The process of Cylon memory-transfer and systematic updating isn't very well understood at this point.
*Why is it that in the last episode, "[[Resurrection Ship, Part II]]", Sharon is not noticeably pregnant even when wearing a close-fitting tank top, but is now suddenly visibly quite progressed in her pregnancy? (This is part of the [[Season two timeline discontinuity]])
*Now that Roslin is no longer dying of cancer, is she still the "Dying Leader" foretold by the Book of [[Pythia]]?

== Analysis ==

* The survivor count this episode is 49,598, a net loss of six since [[Resurrection Ship, Part II]]. [[Helena Cain|Admiral Cain]] and the ''[[Pegasus (RDM)|Pegasus]]'' marine killed by [[Gina]] account for two. Presumably the remaining were pilots or crew lost during the [[Battle of the Resurrection Ship|attack]] on the [[Resurrection Ship]].
** This seems to be extremely good fortune, as the two battlestars engaged in a major fleet action for an extended time.
* Roslin's affair with Adar was suggested by her comment in the [[miniseries]] that "he had a way about him... you just couldn't say 'no' to him."
*Naylin Stans implies that he believes the teacher's strike is a cause worth dying for. This claim is ridiculously hyperbolic.
**The fact that President Adar was willing to use the military to enforce a back-to-work order seems to indicate that the protest must've been more serious than simple wage issues.
*Roslin's medical chart showed her name and other information such as date of birth, but this information was too blurry for viewers to read.
*Roslin's recollections of Baltar on Caprica do not match the same scene in the Miniseries. For example: Baltar and Six did walk together and kiss, and she was carrying the same case in her left hand, but they did not "make out" against a wall. Each character did end the Miniseries scene by saying they were meeting someone else, however.
**Logically, it wasn't the same scene. Baltar and Six were on Caprica for a while, and they could easily have been making at a different time on the same day. The episode actually makes no attempt to establish that Roslin is seeing the same scene of Baltar and Number Six (that we the viewers saw in the Miniseries), from a different angle.
*Watching closely during the early scene when Starbuck and Kat are flying the CAP, it seems probable that actress Luciana Carro (Kat) said the real "F word" instead of the ersatz "[[Frak]]", which was then dubbed over (it's a closeup so you can tell her lips don't quite correspond to it). She actually seems to have done this in the past on many occasions.

*Roslin's cancer cure seemed somewhat a "[[Wikipedia:Deus ex machina |deus ex machina]]." For more analysis on the cure, see this [[Science in the Re-imagined Series#The Cancer Cure of Laura Roslin | section]] of the article [[Science in the Re-imagined Series]].
**It should be noted that the cure might not be permanent and the cancer may return in the future (as hinted by Ronald D. Moore in the podcast for this episode).

*A nuclear warhead was smuggled from ''Galactica'' to ''Cloud Nine''. How would such a device possibly get past the various [[Radiological Alarm|radiological sensors]] throughout the Fleet?
**This was a plot complication used in "[[Flesh and Bone]]" as well when a copy of [[Leoben Conoy]] claimed that a nuclear device was hidden in the Fleet. "Flesh and Bone" established that Colonial radiological scanning technology is limited; it would take hours for them to scan the entire Fleet. The process does work faster when they ''know'' specifically what ship to scan, such as the ''Olympic Carrier'' when it reappeared in "[[33]]" because it was a potential hostile, or Cylon ships. Here, they didn't know they should scan the outgoing Raptor (how frequently do people move nuclear warheads in the Fleet ''without'' their knowledge?) so they didn't think to scan it; they do not scan all air trafic.
**Like any device, [[Radiological Alarm|radiological sensors]] are only effective when they are online. It is possible that these sensors are intelligent enough to ignore known radioactive sources, such as Galatica's existing stores of nuclear warheads.
**That the nuke even got on board departing craft shows incredibly lax security measures on Galactica. A known terrorist representative was leaving Galactica with an unidentified container with unknown contents. Someone should have inquired about it.

*The explosion of the bomb on the refinery ship is powerful enough to create a sizable hole on the ship. While space is a vacuum and so shock waves do not carry as they would in an atmosphere, the Raptor that flew close to the ship and was not very far from the explosion should probably be damaged from flying debris.
**Raptors, being warships, presumably have some shielding against shrapnel.

== Notes ==

* This episode is part of the [[Season two timeline discontinuity]].
*In the podcast, [[Ron Moore]] stated that a longer, more detailed explanation of the curing of Roslin's cancer using fetal hybrid blood was filmed - explaining that it was the fetal blood stem cells from the baby that were the actual cure - but Moore was afraid that this would be seen as [[technobabble]] and criticized by fans, so it was edited down to a truncated version. Ironically, this resulted in widespread complaint in critic reviews and fan messageboards that there was ''too little'' explanation in the final version.
* [[Lee Adama]] is once again a Captain, and has been reinstated as ''Galactica's'' CAG. His authority apparently extends to the ''Pegasus'' squadrons as well. This is consistent with [[Cole Taylor]]'s authority over ''Galactica's'' air wing, when ''Pegasus'' was the flagship.
* [[Gina]] has joined the Cylon sympathizers. The other members of the resistance are apparently unaware she is a [[Cylon agent]].
* Roslin was in an intimate relationship with President Adar.
*Roslin now recalls witnessing [[Gaius Baltar]]'s affair with a copy of [[Number Six]] on Caprica, prior to the attack.
* The [[Media:Radiation Symbol.jpg|radiation symbol]] used by the colonials is different from the one used in reality, but is still easily recognizable.
*''Galactica'' has been recruiting civilians to handle "grunt work" on the hangar deck.
*Baltar was aware of the [[Demand Peace]] movement prior to this episode.
*At least three bodies can be seen being vented into space after the explosion onboard ''[[Daru Mozu]]''.
*The file photograph of Number Six is of [[Shelly Godfrey]], seen in the episode "[[Six Degrees of Separation]]".
* The nuclear device Dr. Baltar gives the resistance is the same one he was given to create his [[Cylon detector]] in "[[Bastille Day]]".
* ''Pegasus'' is barely featured in this episode, and none of her crew or interior locations are seen, except in the pre-episode recap.
*Admiral Adama continues to wear his commander's [[Uniforms (RDM)|uniform]] with new admiral's rank insignia at his collar.
**Adama is a pragmatist who tends to eschew ceremony.
*This episode, which contained the issue of abortion, was aired on January 20th, 2 days before the anniversary of the United States Supreme Court [[Wikipedia:Roe v. Wade|Roe v. Wade]] decision of 1973.
**The issue of abortion was not, however, directly addressed—very few, if any, real-life abortions happen because of the national security implications.

== Noteworthy Dialogue ==
*{{audio|Epiphanies - terminating the pregnancy.mp3|''Admiral Adama informs Agathon of Roslin's decision to terminate Sharon's pregnancy.''}}
:'''William Adama:''' There's no easy way to say this. It's about [[Sharon Agathon|the Cylon]]. The [[Laura Roslin|President]] has decided that her pregnancy will be terminated.
:'''[[Karl Agathon]] (taken aback):''' What? Why?
:'''Adama:''' Doc [[Cottle]] discovered some anomalies in the fetal blood work.
:'''Agathon:''' Isn't that expected?
:'''Adama:''' Maybe. But the President believes that to allow the baby to come to full term, it constitutes an unacceptable risk to [[the Fleet (RDM)|the Fleet]].
:'''Agathon:''' I don't understand. Sharon's only [[Flight of the Phoenix|helped us]] since she came back from [[The Twelve Colonies#Caprica|Caprica]]. She even turned on her own.
:'''Adama:''' To save her life. Don't mistake the will to live for genuine compassion, Lieutenant. She's still the enemy.
:'''Agathon:''' Does she know?
:'''Adama:''' Not yet.
:'''Agathon:''' Then I should be the one to tell her. If that's all, sir.
:'''Adama:''' Helo, I don't expect you to agree to the decision, but I need you to ''accept'' it.
:'''Agathon:''' We're talking about my child, sir. Part of me. But I guess it's easier to kill when you call it a Cylon.
:'''Adama:''' Dismissed.

*''During Roslin's flashbacks:''
:'''President Richard Adar:''' {{audio|Epiphanies - one of the most interesting things about president.mp3|One of the most interesting things about being President is that you don't have to explain yourself. To anyone.}}

::*Roslin earlier attributed this saying to Adar in the episode "[[Flesh and Bone]]".

:'''Secretary Roslin:''' {{audio|Epiphanies - be prepared to fight.mp3|I am on my way to the ''Galactica'' to represent this administration. When I return, if you still want my job, be prepared to fight.}}

== Official Statements ==




== Guest stars ==
*[[Colm Feore]] as [[Richard Adar|President Adar]]
*[[Aaron Douglas]] as Chief Petty Officer [[Galen Tyrol]]
*[[Nicki Clyne]] as Specialist [[Cally]]
*[[Bodie Olmos]] as Lt.[[Brendan Constanza|Brendan "Hot Dog" Constanza]]
*[[Luciana Carro]] as Lt. [[Louanne Katraine|Louanne "Kat" Katraine]]
*[[Leah Cairns]] as Lt. [[Margaret Edmondson|Margaret "Racetrack" Edmondson]]
*[[David Richmond-Peck]] as [[Naylin Stans]]
*[[Holly Dignard]] as [[Asha Janik]]
*[[Paul Perri]] as [[Royan Jahee]]
*[[Jennifer Kitchen]] as [[Colonial Marine Corps|Marine]]

{{episode list (RDM season 2)}}

[[Category:Episodes written by Joel Anderson Thompson]]
[[Category:Episodes directed by Rod Hardy]]
[[Category:RDM]]

[[de:Epiphanies]]

Talk:Epiphanies/Archive 1

2007-02-06T16:39:56Z

Cyborg: Cylons conspired to make the Sacred Scrolls come true

I got the title of episode 2.12 from: [http://www.galacticastation.com/Galactica%20Station/episodes/Ep%20header%20img/S2/s2guide.htm Galactica Station]. I'd put the info in an Episode Guide Template but have yet to figure it out. Please if anyone doesn't mind teaching me how to use templates I'd like to know. Please leave the advice on my talk page.--Zareck Rocks 01:40, 18 September 2005 (EDT)
:Looks fascinating, Z. I was wondering if they would really let Roslin's character just die off when she's hitting her stride...at the same time, I was hoping they wouldn't, since cancer is cancer and, when as nasty as hers, is a fatal thing. But, the Cylons are good at bioengineering, so I can swallow this--to a point. Baltar's fix would have to rebuild damaged areas with good cells as well as destroying bad cells. Hey, I'm no doctor, but that's gotta hurt somehow. [[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 10:59, 22 September 2005 (EDT)
::Current speculation is that her disease is delayed, not cured, and that she'll again be near death by the end of the season. I don't have any source on that though. The notion of the amazing Dr. Baltar discovering a ''cure for cancer'' under the circumstances of the fleet is faintly ridiculous to me. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 13:23, 22 September 2005 (EDT)
:: I wouldn't be surprised if there were some nasty side effects from whatever treatment Baltar (or whomever) devised. The whole "we have a cure for cancer" thing would go outside the boundaries of believability and realism, which Moore and crew are aiming for. -- [[User:Joe.Beaudoin|Joe Beaudoin]] 22:11, 22 September 2005 (EDT)

:: I'll agree that an outright cure for cancer is very implausible considering all the conditions the fleet is under. It would also undermine the whole prophecy that it seems that the fleet is following. Yes Cylon biotech is advanced, but the colonials barely understand it at all. I could accept them finding a treatment that buys Roslin more time, but only as long as it's clear that it isn't a permament cure. --[[User:Wingsandsword|Wingsandsword]] 12:32, 25 September 2005 (EDT)

::: I'd say that was resolved, although it was a bit of a stretch...[[User:Joemc72|Joemc72]] 23:18, 20 January 2006 (EST)

:::: Rather eloquently stretched, at that. Seems like Cylon blood is a rather hardcore Chemo series, killing off the currently detectable malignancies. The root cause of the cancer is most likely still there, and working to re-proliferate through Roslin's system. As soon as the Cylon blood is processed and removed from her bloodstream, it should more than likely come back in full force (Which, unless I'm mistaken, takes roughly 120 days). --[[User:Durandal|Durandal]] 23:48, 20 January 2006 (EST)

:: I put removed from her system, and not a cure on the page.--[[User:Shane|Shane]] 23:32, 20 January 2006 (EST)

:: After listening to Ron Moore's blog, he is mentioning that Laura's character is too important for him to put on the sidelines for an illness. His initial plan was that she got weaker throughout the whole series, but felt that he didn't want her stuck in a hospital chair or whatnot. Granted the whole religious thing they say, "is that a dying leader will lead the people to salvation" is still up in the air, and I'm interested in seeing where they take it, if anywhere. --[[User:Bane Grievver|Bane Grievver]] 14:20, 21 January 2006 (EST)

::: I haven't listened to the blog yet, but is it conceivable that the Cylon blood treatment itself might sicken/kill Roslin again in the long run? Perhaps the cancer is permanently gone, as was suggested by Doc Cottle. --[[User:BlueResistance|BlueResistance]] 14:46, 21 January 2006 (EST)

:::: I think that Ron Moore panicked with the whole cancer thing. My grandmother had cancer for 10 years before it finally took her life and it was only in the last 6 months that she became seriously incapacitated, and that was because it did go to her brain. Prior, she had it in both breasts and her lungs but with surgery and treatment was able to function normally. Now, I understand that Roslin doesn't have the benefit of treatment and surgery due to the circumstances, but this could have played out a lot longer without what he feared of her being invalid. But consequently, because cancer is not a virus but a deformation inherent to the individual, I can definitely see complications later on as a result of the cylon blood. Additionally, another issue I have is how they make Baltar to be a "General" Scientist when it was obvious that he was a computer scientist who wrote highly elaborate computer programs. Now they have him curing cancer. --[[User:straycat0|straycat0]] 10:46, 22 January 2006 (EST)

::::: I don't have so much of a problem with Baltar knowing so much about science. It's true that it would lean somewhat towards a reviled science-fiction stereotype for him to be able to solve a problem about anything, but it's been established since very early on in the first season that Baltar is the resident Cylon expert, and this episode is simply a continuation of that role. He may have written computer programs too, but lots of scientists I know are adept at many forms of science--besides, it's all sort of interconnected. We also don't really see him talking much about physics (except that comment about enthalpy when blowing up the tylium refinery in "Hand of God," but every biochemist worth his salt would probably understand enthalpy anyway), so he seems confined to bio. And so long as he's not reconfiguring the plasma manifolds to increase the range of the FTL jumps or anything like that, I'll be okay. [[User:Drumstick|Drumstick]] 15:23, 22 January 2006 (EST)

::::::Well, he's had six months to brush up on his cylon biology. I seriously doubt anyone's been needing him to write computer programs lately. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 15:36, 22 January 2006 (EST)

When Roslin wakes up after being injected with the Cylon blood, she points to Baltar and mumbles something. What did she say? Was it "You're the father."? I didn't quite catch it, because my neighbours decided to test their new sound system with "The Ace of Spades" at that exact moment! (May they rot in hell!) --Axminster 23 January 2006

:I wondered about that myself, so when it replayed again later that night, I muted it and let the closed caption run. All she said was "Dr. Baltar?". It could be wrong, though. --Jasonbondshow 25 January 2006

==Starbuck's Viper==
Can anyone get a look at the tail number on Starbuck's viper in the opening? It looks like 8757 to me, but it could also be the previously identified [[Viper 8737]]. She identifies herself with the three digit number 049. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 14:32, 21 January 2006 (EST)
:I'll check, I need to get back to my Viper Cataloguing project. First, though, I need to go through all the edits made while I couldn't access the page. --[[User:Talos|Talos]] 20:58, 21 January 2006 (EST)

==And By the Way==
I know this isn't really a discussion forum, but am I the only one who thought that this episode ''really sucked''? --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 16:45, 21 January 2006 (EST)
:I haven't watched it yet; have it on tape. --[[User:Ricimer|Ricimer]] 18:20, 21 January 2006 (EST)

:Thanks mostly to Roslin's miracle cure, but also to Helo and Tyrol back to work without even a whisper of a lesser charge/punishment against them, plus the sudden jump to six months after the Attack, I agree with you, Peter Farago. The only time I ever voted 2/10 on the offical website bulletin board. --[[User:BlueResistance|BlueResistance]] 18:35, 21 January 2006 (EST).

:It certainly had some bad ''plot'' points, all of which have been stated. And I still think it would have been possible to do a cure without making it so contrived--of course it had to happen, but I don't know if it should have been the centerpiece of an episode, or at the very least needed to be resolved in the last five minutes of one. But the stuff with Baltar running around on Cloud 9 and drawing cell diagrams in his crazy notepad was pretty cool, and I loved the bit with Adar in Roslin's flashbacks. Besides, the episode was well written overall, especially the scene with Helo and Adama in the hallway. Does this excuse bad plot points that fly in the face of continuity and practically insult our intelligence? Certainly not. But I don't know if it ''sucked''. [[User:Drumstick|Drumstick]] 20:07, 21 January 2006 (EST)

:''THANK YOU!'' Somebody finally said it. Yes, Peter. This was bad. A big part of BG's allure is it's deft sidestepping of expected plot devices and its commitment to fashion realistic situations. This thing (Uatu shakes his head) was drenched in deus et machina. I, for one, don't believe Roslin should have been cured -- ''ever''. I like the character but I liked my real life friend who died also. I'm also getting a little tired of the Colonials winning so many battles against a supposedly superior enemy. It's high time, in my opinion, for the fleet to get one good, solid a** kicking. --[[User:Watcher|Watcher]] 22:48, 21 January 2006 (EST)

: I think there was a lot of hooplah over this episode, mainly because people claimed we would get to meet the person Six was talking to after Baltar left. However, yes, this episode was a downer. It wasn't a bad 45 minutes of television -- in comparison to wha t is out there in the cesspool of American television -- but it wasn't the best. Actually, I think much of the Cylon peace group plot line just happened far too quickly for my taste. Also, why was Sharon stupid enough to smash her head into the glass in her cell? (Also, what is the idea of putting glass inside the cell and putting the bars on the side of the observation corridor? Gee, must be a Jammer design...) Hopefully we don't see the like of ''Epiphanies'' again... Battlestar is just too good to go down to that level. -- [[User:Joe.Beaudoin|Joe Beaudoin]] 22:57, 21 January 2006 (EST)

:I had to go one step further and detail ''why'' the show sucked in the Analysis section. Do add anything else you saw as well. The Helo/Tyrol punishment didn't bother me (else, Tigh would be in irons, too ([[Resistance]])). Things were wrapped up far too quickly. And there's NO WAY that Gina can hide on that ship or be supported like that. At least, I can hardly believe it. And here she was with glasses on. For what? So her "secret identity" would be hidden? Gods...and since I was late to see it aired, I actually ''bought'' this one from iTunes. Oh, well. As Joe, said, the worst of "Battlestar" is better than other show's supposed best. Still, to take a joke from Emo Phillips: If we watched this episode while flying on an airliner, we would have to open a window to equalize the suckage. --[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 23:21, 21 January 2006 (EST)

:LOL! Oh the pain! --[[User:Watcher|Watcher]] 03:17, 22 January 2006 (EST)

:Guys, other than the six months issue (which actually ''started'' in Resurrection Ship, Part I), From what I've heard this isn't all that bad. Good points though Farago. I'm going to see the episode monday night when it reruns, I'd just like to point out that '''I am a genetics major''', and I'm going to pause on all of Baltar's notes to do a full write up of what exactly he's talking about, whether it's feasible/coherent with current works, etc. etc. More to follow. --[[User:Ricimer|Ricimer]] 11:03, 22 January 2006 (EST)
::I only caught acts II & III of the episode, and yes, it's a pretty incredible "cure". As a Medical Technology graduate, I'm also going to be reviewing how the cylon cells are able to remove the cells so efficiently. I'm also curious after her seizure and stoppage how Laura was able to start back up again (without assistance). Curiouser and curiouser... --[[User:Sgtpayne|Sgtpayne]] 15:41, 22 January 2006 (EST)
::While admittedly good, none of the above points were mine. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 16:12, 22 January 2006 (EST)

:After the wonderful Resurrection Ship series, it is almost impossible to follow up with equal quality. I think some of the essential premises of this episode were good - militant peace movement, Roslin's rash decisions in the face of death and subsequent resurgence by cylon blood, Baltar being the consummate scientist always doodingly and 'tinkering', Gina finding a hiding place among the peace movement - I think this episode failed more in the execution of these plot premises. Ron Moore sometimes gets too much "Oh, nobody cares about the tech talk. Let's just tell the story" which does make BSG sooo much better than any other scifi, but here he went too far. It is obvious this episode was designed purely to move the story along and pave the way for future episodes, so I enjoyed watching it for that even while I was growning from the inconsistencies. --[[User:StrayCat0|StrayCat0]] 11:10, 22 January 2006 (EST)
:I enjoyed it, but that could be because I was so happy to have a new episode of BSG on my birthday (1/20 btw). --[[User:Talos|Talos]] 12:21, 22 January 2006 (EST)
:Yeah I agree it wasn't the best episode, but it could have been worse, especially if it was another series trying to do the same thing. Although Ron Moore didn't mention it, do you think the episode was one of those ones made to save on budget due to Ressurrection and later episodes? I just think the episode was trying to cover too much in too little time and so things, in this case being Roslin's cancer, ended up being rushed. --[[User:Bane Grievver|Bane Grievver]] 18:41, 22 January 2006 (EST)
:Oh, and I got to say that one upside neat thing of this episode was the machine shop scene because it was so very...un-scifi and very real-world.[[User:StrayCat0|StrayCat0]] 16:25, 23 January 2006 (EST)

==Cancer Therapy==
I've studied some immunology, so I'm just going to talk briefly about this Cylon Blood business.

*There are two ways to attack a cancer cell.
**Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and nucleoside analogues specifically target cells that are dividing very quickly. This will generally include cancerous growths, but will also target cells that are rapidly dividing by nature, such as hair.
**The body also maintains a set of [[Wikipedia:Cytotoxic T cell|Cytotoxic T cell]]s. These are basically trained to recognize what the antigens of a "normal" body cell looks like, and, if it finds those normal antigens in combination with foreign antigens (either viral or cancerous in nature), signal the cell to commit [[Wikipedia:Apoptosis|Apoptosis]]

*Presumably, the Cylon fetus's blood's lack of "antigens" meant that it could be given to Roslin without inducing [[Wikipedia:Transplant rejection|Transplant rejection]].
**It should be noted that normal, O-type human blood shares this quality (at least as far as red blood cells are concerned).
**Complete lack of antigens on a cell, however, is a biological absurdity.

*Therefore, it seems as though Baltar made two assumptions: That the cylon immune system was more "robust" than a normal human's, and that (based on the lack of antigens) it could be transplanted or donated to Roslin, where the cylon immune cells would root out her disease.
**However, for the reasons above, immune cells which specifically target cancer must be "trained" by exposure to non-cancerous body cells. The Cylon cells would have no knowlege of what Roslin's non-cancerous cells were supposed to look like, so it wouldn't be able to distinguish them from the cancerous ones.
**Alternatively, if it identified cancer cells based on their replication rate, she should suffer side effects comparable to a severe round of chemotherapy or radiation therapy immediately afterwards.

--[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 15:55, 22 January 2006 (EST)

:Do add your knowledge to the renamed [[Science in the Re-imagined Series]] page..it will help my layman's knowledge a lot. --[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 16:51, 22 January 2006 (EST)

I have to finish the podcast for Epiphanies. However, RDM states at point point that the finished episode is edited down to just say "the baby's blood", but the scenes they cut clearly explain he's using it's fetal blood STEM CELLS, and then gives a SCIENTIFIC explanation of what this will actually do (I haven't heard the whole thing). However, he thought something like the audience wouldn't understand it, he's afraid of what SOUNDS like technobabble (even when it's entirely accurate; remember how Star Trek: Voyager became obsessed with giving really accurate, but really longwinded science explanations?), and they were running low on time, etc. etc. I hope this info is still "canonical". I need to check on this. --[[User:Ricimer|Ricimer]] 18:30, 25 January 2006 (EST)

:He says they contemplated it in the writer's room, but the idea didn't survive to filming. In any case, it still makes just as little sense. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 18:46, 25 January 2006 (EST)

::It's nice to hear that he may have been thinking of a plausable explanation, but we really can only go by what's on screen. We can't be sure something is cannon unless we see it, right? [[User:Drumstick|Drumstick]] 19:22, 25 January 2006 (EST)

As to stem cells and cancer and debate:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2002/12/021216070733.htm

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/03/060301093335.htm

Use of human embrionic stem cells and cancer treatement:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2005/10/051012084443.htm

Further, breast cancer cells have stem cell like qualities:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2003/02/030225070441.htm

The above citations indicate that stem cells can be used to treat cancer, and that breast cancer cells exhibit stem cell like qualities.

While real cancer treatments using stem cells are still experimental, and the episode does not fully expound any science (fictional or otherwise) to justify its course of action, there is evidence that the treatments depicted in the screenplay may work.

The science indicates that there are several approaches to using stem cells (either embrionic or adult) as a cancer treatment. For a made up cylon phyisology, one could choose any of the above referenced articles as a possible justification regarding efficacy.

-- pmau

:Just to mention: Yes cancer is like Stem Cells, both are unDifferentiated, and have telomerase and thus can divide indefinately, etc. etc. --[[User:The Merovingian|The Merovingian]] 21:26, 5 March 2006 (CST)

::As I am going back through the episodes, the my main guide was to make them "look" the same. Hence my edit to Roslin's cancer cure. Since it was discussed in the similar detail elsewhere, I just condensed it into a point and linked it. Revert if necessary, even I will probably add back some of the points. However, I feel like continuity errors and goofs, the "meat" of this type of analysis is distracting for the average user, and really hurts the "look" of the article if it is extensive, and best moved elsewhere after a retrospective look at an episode. Just my 2 cubits. --[[User:Gougef|FrankieG]] 19:32, 22 September 2006 (CDT)

==Guest Stars==
I don't remember Hot Dog being in this episode. What did he do? --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 00:20, 24 January 2006 (EST)

*I have a tape so I copied the credits from the episode into the article. It's what they said on screen. I was a little confused, but the way I see it, he's usually in the backround without lines in a lot of episodes, or maybe a minor 20 second scene was cut. Happens all the time. --[[User:Ricimer|Ricimer]] 00:36, 24 January 2006 (EST)

== Bomb Use Spoiler ==

Ricimer, could you cite the spoiler source you have in that the bomb does function as a nuclear device and is detonated? I decided to remove your spoiltext since it was unsourced and I could find no mention of the bomb's use on our future episode pages. The magnitude of a nuke blowing up a ship in the Fleet would cause catastrophic damage to many, many ships...although I can see Pegasus meeting its end that way... --[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 16:44, 24 January 2006 (EST)

* It was mentioned at the end of the podcast that the bomb story-line would come to a head in the final two episodes of this season. -- [[User:rexpop|rexpop]] 18:50, 24 January 2006 (EST)

Just a thought on the question of the Nuclear Warhead vs. the Radiological Detection devices. In the Episode "33" the Radiological Alarm isn't raised until the Olympic Carrier starts her suicide run at Galactica. One can infer from this that the Nukes used in the series don't eminate signifigant amounts of radition to set off the alarms until the warhead is actually armed... One should also note that we have never seen Baltar (or anyone else for that matter) wearing any sort of protective clothing for dealing with Radioactive Materials. One would think if the warhead in question where indeed leaking rad's left and right that this precaution would have been taken.
Since it doesn't appear to have been neccessary , its somewhat plausible that the radiation is well shielded until the weapon is armed.
Given the Colonials ability to travel at Faster Than Light Speeds...and use of the material Tillium as fuel...that their "Nukes" are of signifigantly more advanced design than our own current arsenal. We don't really know what the fissial material is...and the one device we have seen is certainly much smaller than conventional Nukes.
just my 2 cents.--Strato
:A)I agree entirely with your reasoning about why they wouldn't be able to detect it because we've seen bombs go undetected before (or at least presumed undetected in "Flesh and Bone"), they could just not be armed yet, and they could be shielded. I've listed all of this off myself at one time or another. B) Actually, we know exactly what their fissionable material is: in "[[Bastille Day]]" they stated that it is [[Plutonium]]. --[[User:Ricimer|Ricimer]] 15:23, 30 January 2006 (EST)
::Just to note, there was never a nuke in "Flesh and Bone", which explains why they never found one. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 19:24, 30 January 2006 (EST)
:::Well my point was, they didn't ''know'' there wasn't one: if they can just flick a switch and scan the ENTIRE Fleet at once, they would have done so and said "nope, no bomb"; instead they were searching for hours. This demonstrates that they don't have a comprehensive, all-encompassing radiation-scan system. --[[User:Ricimer|Ricimer]] 19:37, 30 January 2006 (EST)
:Strato, I see where you're coming from, but I think if you'll stop to think about how a nuclear device is constructed, and how a geiger counter works, you'll see that it makes no sense - "arming" a nuke wouldn't change its radiation profile in any way, since the fissile material (uraniun or plutonium) and the fusion trigger (tritium, if present) are constantly emitting radiation in a passive manner. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 19:24, 30 January 2006 (EST)
Again...I was infering that the design of the weapon itself might allow for more radition leakage once the warhead is armed (say for example, opening up a rad shielded compartment) based on the assuption that the "Nukes" in BSG aren' t designed the same way as most modern nuclear weapons .
This same line of thinking can be applied to the "Radioligical Alarms" in "33" vs conventional Gieiger Counters. We can assume physical laws still apply...but a Civiliatzation that can fold space as casually as the Colonials do has probably come up with some interesting variant solutions to problems than we have at our disposal. A better question to me, instead of asking why the Rad Alarms didn't go off when Jahee leaves with the Nuke (odds are they don't have the devices installed in the landing bay since this isn't a commercial Airport under the U.S. D.O.H.S./TSA)...the better question is, why is it that if Jahee didn't show up with a suitcase, that the Marines escorting him didn't notice or seem to care that he suddenly had a HUGE suitcase upon leaving Galactica? -- [[User:Stratohead|Stratohead]]

:I'm sorry, that still makes no sense. The entire purpose of using nukes in the series is that they are something from the real world, and thus, scary — as such, they must obey the laws of the real world from which they are borrowed. BSG is a show which strives for realism, and I am unwilling to make excuses for it by inventing nonsensical "arming" procedures which have no plausible basis. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 19:28, 6 February 2006 (EST)

What about the "Rad Buffers" Chief Tyrol mentions in the Mini-Series? When Commander(now Admiral) Adama sends Starbuck down to the Starboard Flight Pod to prep the Viper MkII's for flight... Starbuck asks Tyrol if "these things will fly" and Tyrol tells her that "The Reactors are still hot, we just need to pull the Rad Buffers" etc. That implies to me that they have the ability to contain radition to some degree. I don't see why if you buy that the Colonials "Radiological Alarms" can pick up free radiation from small missle nuclear warheads like the one that hit the Port Flight Pod in the miniseries THAT Quickly from THAT long a range (never mind any other technical aspect of the show) that suspending ones disbelief in this case should be an issue.-- [[User:Stratohead|Stratohead]]

OK, getting the warhead off of Galactica and onto Cloud 9 in the first place is one thing, but it gets more absurd yet. One of the fleet's few remaining warheads is, out of necessity, entrusted to the care of a guy whom nobody trusts, he turns around and gives it as a gift to a Cylon broad he wants to frak, and nobody even notices that it's missing until it goes "boom" many months later. Apparently, nobody ever bothers to check, even occassionally, that it's still where it's supposed to be. Isn't this far more ludicrous than the fact that it was smuggled in the first place? [[User:Capedia|Capedia]] 12:55, 25 November 2006 (CST)

== Roslin as a Cylon ==

Gmusser wrote:
:''True, it wasn't precisely the same scene, but nonetheless it was very close in time and location. We need to consider that Roslin was the person whom Six met in the miniseries and add her to the list of [[Humano-Cylon]] Speculated Infiltrators.''

I'm not even sure how to respond to this, other than by noting that I find this line of speculation completely absurd. Many things in the universe are possible, but not all of them deserve a line on the episode guide. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 19:19, 28 January 2006 (EST)

:Agreed. Anyone in a population of billions could have been meeting with Six, and this guy just jumps to saying "we have to face the real possibility that it was Roslin"?? Shot in the dark. --[[User:Ricimer|Ricimer]] 20:29, 28 January 2006 (EST)

It wasn't Rosalin. Were she a Humano-Cylon she wouldn't have had breast cancer in the first place.-- [[User:Stratohead|Stratohead]]

== Cylon blood vs. human blood ==

If Cylon blood is different from human blood in the ways described in this episode, why is it so godsdamned hard to build a reliable Cylon detector?

== Roslin saw Baltar - analysis criticism ==

The analysis says:
''
It is completely plausible that Roslin could have done all the things shown on the same day of the attack. However, she could not have seen Six and Baltar together because they were both at his home during the time of the attack.
''

I disagree and think this should be removed. Who said Roslin saw them while the attack was happening? She saw them before.
Anyone with me? --[[User:Cyborg|Cyborg]] 09:26, 6 February 2007 (CST)
:Roslin saw them a long time before the attacks. She was on Galactica/Colonial Heavy, I cant remember, and Baltar was watching TV. --[[User:Mercifull|Mercifull]] ([[User talk:Mercifull|Talk]]/[[Special:Contributions/Mercifull|Contribs]]) 09:30, 6 February 2007 (CST)

== Cylons conspired to make the [[Sacred Scrolls]] come true ==

I removed my analysis for now from the article. Here it is:

* Cylons may have conspired to make the [[Sacred Scrolls]] come true. In a flashback of Roslin before the attack, Number Six seems to look directly at her. Combining with the repeating flashbacks of Roslin being informed about her cancer, it might imply that the Cylons caused Roslin's cancer.{{citation needed}} By doing so they have created "the dying leader". Moreover, Cylons (Sharon Valerii) helped Roslin find the way to Earth. There is no proof yet that Cylons planned that the fetus blood of a chimera (Cylon-human baby) would cure Roslin, but we know that the baby is important for them.

I removed it because I got this:
*Citation needed
**Hi, Cyborg. You added an addition to the analysis for [[Epiphanies]] that suggests that the Cylons are manipulating events to coordinate with information in the Sacred Scrolls. There appears to be plenty of aired information that contradicts this, such as the human virus that threatens to annihilate the Cylon altogether ([[Torn]]). Do you have a source that backs up the notion that someone can get cancer just from being ''looked at'' in the series? It sounds really overly speculative. For now, I marked the item for you to cite your facts from other shows to back up the item, but I will have to remove this by the end of the day if you cannot cite your deduction. --[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 10:15, 6 February 2007 (CST)
*Speculation can be nice, but this sounds extremely far-fetched and goes beyond logical deduction IMO. --[[User:Serenity|Serenity]] 10:29, 6 February 2007 (CST)

And because I haven't watched all the series yet.

Epiphanies

2007-02-06T16:17:20Z

Cyborg: /* Questions */

{{Episode Data
| image = 2BATejC05.jpg
| title= Epiphanies
| season= 2
| episode= 13
| guests= [[Colm Feore]] as President [[Richard Adar|Adar]]
| writer= [[Joel Anderson Thompson]]
| story=
| goof= Y
| director=[[Rod Hardy]]
| production= 213
| rating= 1.9
| US airdate= 2006-01-20
| UK airdate= 2006-04-28
| dvd= {{Season 2.5 NTSC DVD release date}} '''US''' {{Season 2 PAL DVD release date}} '''UK'''
| population= 49,598
| prev= [[Resurrection Ship, Part II]]
| next= [[Black Market]]
| podcast= Y
}}

== Overview ==

: ''Admiral [[William Adama]] questions whether or not [[Sharon Valerii (Caprica copy)|Sharon Valerii]]'s pregnancy should be aborted. Meanwhile Roslin's health declines rapidly as a pro-Cylon peace group attempts to sow violence and discontent within the Fleet.''

== Summary ==

* President [[Laura Roslin]] is brought on board ''[[Galactica (RDM)|Galactica]]'' for intensive care treatment. She has days to live.
* Captain [[Kara Thrace]] and Lieutenant [[Louanne Katraine]] are conducting Viper tests. During a test of the Viper's projectile systems, Kat's port gun is destroyed and a piece of it impacts on Thrace's cockpit.
* [[Cally]] and CPO [[Galen Tyrol|Tyrol]] discover that several rounds of ammunition from the damaged Viper are unusually light and fragile. These rounds break and misfire, leaving the projectile lodged in the barrel. When the next round fires, the overpressure destroys the gun. They determine the ammunition has been sabotaged.
*The sabotage investigation quickly leads [[Lee Adama]] and Kara Thrace to [[Asha Janik]], one of the recent civilian hirees in ''Galactica's'' [[armory]]. When they apprehend her, she declares her allegiance to an [[Demand Peace|organization]] claiming to want peace with the Cylons.
*Vice President [[Gaius Baltar]] is given the presidential tour by [[Billy Keikeya]] in preparation for his assumption of the Presidency. Billy reveals a letter from Roslin, to be opened upon her death.
* The new peace movement, led by [[Royan Jahee]], gains momentum as the civilian population begins to realize that victory against the Cylons is impossible and questions the Fleet's 'attack-and-retreat' tactics.
* An infusion of [[Sharon Valerii (Caprica copy)|Sharon Valerii's]] fetal blood ostensibly destroys the cancerous masses in Roslin's system. Valerii's pregnancy is allowed to continue for further research.

===On Caprica, prior to the [[Fall of the Twelve Colonies|Cylon Attack]]===
*Roslin finds out she has cancer.
*Roslin meets with President [[Richard Adar]] to discuss a teacher's strike, and his response.
*Roslin meets with the leader of the educational alliance, Naylin Stans, and strikes an agreement.
*Adar disagrees with Roslin's methods and results, and asks for her resignation.
*Roslin refuses to resign for the moment, and departs for ''Galactica's'' decommissioning ceremony.
*Roslin sees [[Gaius Baltar]] with [[Number Six]] in her dream state. She then seems alarmed to see Dr. Baltar when she wakes up and tries to say something to him.

== Questions ==

*Kara Thrace is flying Mk. II Vipers with ''Galactica's'' pilots again. Is she still the CAG of ''Pegasus''?
*Now that Roslin recalls Baltar's involvement with a Cylon agent on Caprica, what will she do about it? ([[Lay Down Your Burdens, Part II|One answer]])
*Given that [[Asha Janik]] had no previous criminal activity or associations, how was Captain Adama able to determine that she, by name, was responsible for the munitions sabotage?
*Will there be any consequences for Helo's near-mutiny? Helo, after all, did nothing wrong; speaking to superiors about one's disagreement with the course of action being taken is, in Adama's command, normal, expected, and, if time is available, welcome.
*Will Roslin's attitude toward the Cylon fetus change following her recovery? ([[Lay Down Your Burdens, Part II|Answer]])
*Roslin's recent series of Machiavellian orders (Cain's assassination in "[[Resurrection Ship, Part I]]", and the forced abortion here) appear to have been facilitated by her belief that, given her impending death, she wouldn't have to deal with the ethical ramifications. Will this alter her relationship with Admiral Adama in the long term?
*Is security really so lax that Baltar (whom Adama does not consider especially trustworthy) would be able to smuggle one of ''Galactica's'' very few nuclear warheads off-ship?
* ''Galactica'' and its Raptors are capable of detecting radiological devices. Why wasn't the bomb noticed in transit? (see [[Epiphanies#Analysis|Analysis]])
*Alternately, is the nuclear device actually functional? ([[Cloud 9|Yes]])
*Why aren't there posters of [[Gina]] scattered all over the fleet to inform everyone of her Cylon identity, making it difficult for her to hide, let alone lead a Cylon-sympathy movement?
*Does Gina "remember" Number Six's memories about having a relationship with Baltar on Caprica, or even after? In "[[Pegasus (episode)|Pegasus]]", she did not seem to know him, as Baltar introduced himself to her and explained that he had a relationship with another Cylon copy of her model. Here, however, it sort of seems like she remembers having a physical relationship with him. Then again, her lines also be interpreted to mean that she really never "knew" about him before she met him on ''Pegasus''. She may not be "ready" for physical contact with Baltar solely because of her rape and torture aboard Pegasus. The process of Cylon memory-transfer and systematic updating isn't very well understood at this point.
*Why is it that in the last episode, "[[Resurrection Ship, Part II]]", Sharon is not noticeably pregnant even when wearing a close-fitting tank top, but is now suddenly visibly quite progressed in her pregnancy? (This is part of the [[Season two timeline discontinuity]])
*Now that Roslin is no longer dying of cancer, is she still the "Dying Leader" foretold by the Book of [[Pythia]]?
*Why did Gaius Baltar cure Roslin's cancer? We are repeatedly told that he is unethical. Didn't he want the Presidency? Why did he say that he suspected that Gina and Number Six wouldn't understand it?

== Analysis ==

* The survivor count this episode is 49,598, a net loss of six since [[Resurrection Ship, Part II]]. [[Helena Cain|Admiral Cain]] and the ''[[Pegasus (RDM)|Pegasus]]'' marine killed by [[Gina]] account for two. Presumably the remaining were pilots or crew lost during the [[Battle of the Resurrection Ship|attack]] on the [[Resurrection Ship]].
** This seems to be extremely good fortune, as the two battlestars engaged in a major fleet action for an extended time.
* Roslin's affair with Adar was suggested by her comment in the [[miniseries]] that "he had a way about him... you just couldn't say 'no' to him."
*Naylin Stans implies that he believes the teacher's strike is a cause worth dying for. This claim is ridiculously hyperbolic.
**The fact that President Adar was willing to use the military to enforce a back-to-work order seems to indicate that the protest must've been more serious than simple wage issues.
*Roslin's medical chart showed her name and other information such as date of birth, but this information was too blurry for viewers to read.
*Roslin's recollections of Baltar on Caprica do not match the same scene in the Miniseries. For example: Baltar and Six did walk together and kiss, and she was carrying the same case in her left hand, but they did not "make out" against a wall. Each character did end the Miniseries scene by saying they were meeting someone else, however.
**Logically, it wasn't the same scene. Baltar and Six were on Caprica for a while, and they could easily have been making at a different time on the same day. The episode actually makes no attempt to establish that Roslin is seeing the same scene of Baltar and Number Six (that we the viewers saw in the Miniseries), from a different angle.
*Watching closely during the early scene when Starbuck and Kat are flying the CAP, it seems probable that actress Luciana Carro (Kat) said the real "F word" instead of the ersatz "[[Frak]]", which was then dubbed over (it's a closeup so you can tell her lips don't quite correspond to it). She actually seems to have done this in the past on many occasions.

*Roslin's cancer cure seemed somewhat a "[[Wikipedia:Deus ex machina |deus ex machina]]." For more analysis on the cure, see this [[Science in the Re-imagined Series#The Cancer Cure of Laura Roslin | section]] of the article [[Science in the Re-imagined Series]].
**It should be noted that the cure might not be permanent and the cancer may return in the future (as hinted by Ronald D. Moore in the podcast for this episode).

*A nuclear warhead was smuggled from ''Galactica'' to ''Cloud Nine''. How would such a device possibly get past the various [[Radiological Alarm|radiological sensors]] throughout the Fleet?
**This was a plot complication used in "[[Flesh and Bone]]" as well when a copy of [[Leoben Conoy]] claimed that a nuclear device was hidden in the Fleet. "Flesh and Bone" established that Colonial radiological scanning technology is limited; it would take hours for them to scan the entire Fleet. The process does work faster when they ''know'' specifically what ship to scan, such as the ''Olympic Carrier'' when it reappeared in "[[33]]" because it was a potential hostile, or Cylon ships. Here, they didn't know they should scan the outgoing Raptor (how frequently do people move nuclear warheads in the Fleet ''without'' their knowledge?) so they didn't think to scan it; they do not scan all air trafic.
**Like any device, [[Radiological Alarm|radiological sensors]] are only effective when they are online. It is possible that these sensors are intelligent enough to ignore known radioactive sources, such as Galatica's existing stores of nuclear warheads.
**That the nuke even got on board departing craft shows incredibly lax security measures on Galactica. A known terrorist representative was leaving Galactica with an unidentified container with unknown contents. Someone should have inquired about it.

*The explosion of the bomb on the refinery ship is powerful enough to create a sizable hole on the ship. While space is a vacuum and so shock waves do not carry as they would in an atmosphere, the Raptor that flew close to the ship and was not very far from the explosion should probably be damaged from flying debris.
**Raptors, being warships, presumably have some shielding against shrapnel.
* Cylons may have conspired to make the [[Sacred Scrolls]] come true. In a flashback of Roslin before the attack, Number Six seems to look directly at her. Combining with the repeating flashbacks of Roslin being informed about her cancer, it might imply that the Cylons caused Roslin's cancer.{{citation needed}} By doing so they have created "the dying leader". Moreover, Cylons (Sharon Valerii) helped Roslin find the way to Earth. There is no proof yet that Cylons planned that the fetus blood of a chimera (Cylon-human baby) would cure Roslin, but we know that the baby is important for them.

== Notes ==

* This episode is part of the [[Season two timeline discontinuity]].
*In the podcast, [[Ron Moore]] stated that a longer, more detailed explanation of the curing of Roslin's cancer using fetal hybrid blood was filmed - explaining that it was the fetal blood stem cells from the baby that were the actual cure - but Moore was afraid that this would be seen as [[technobabble]] and criticized by fans, so it was edited down to a truncated version. Ironically, this resulted in widespread complaint in critic reviews and fan messageboards that there was ''too little'' explanation in the final version.
* [[Lee Adama]] is once again a Captain, and has been reinstated as ''Galactica's'' CAG. His authority apparently extends to the ''Pegasus'' squadrons as well. This is consistent with [[Cole Taylor]]'s authority over ''Galactica's'' air wing, when ''Pegasus'' was the flagship.
* [[Gina]] has joined the Cylon sympathizers. The other members of the resistance are apparently unaware she is a [[Cylon agent]].
* Roslin was in an intimate relationship with President Adar.
*Roslin now recalls witnessing [[Gaius Baltar]]'s affair with a copy of [[Number Six]] on Caprica, prior to the attack.
* The [[Media:Radiation Symbol.jpg|radiation symbol]] used by the colonials is different from the one used in reality, but is still easily recognizable.
*''Galactica'' has been recruiting civilians to handle "grunt work" on the hangar deck.
*Baltar was aware of the [[Demand Peace]] movement prior to this episode.
*At least three bodies can be seen being vented into space after the explosion onboard ''[[Daru Mozu]]''.
*The file photograph of Number Six is of [[Shelly Godfrey]], seen in the episode "[[Six Degrees of Separation]]".
* The nuclear device Dr. Baltar gives the resistance is the same one he was given to create his [[Cylon detector]] in "[[Bastille Day]]".
* ''Pegasus'' is barely featured in this episode, and none of her crew or interior locations are seen, except in the pre-episode recap.
*Admiral Adama continues to wear his commander's [[Uniforms (RDM)|uniform]] with new admiral's rank insignia at his collar.
**Adama is a pragmatist who tends to eschew ceremony.
*This episode, which contained the issue of abortion, was aired on January 20th, 2 days before the anniversary of the United States Supreme Court [[Wikipedia:Roe v. Wade|Roe v. Wade]] decision of 1973.
**The issue of abortion was not, however, directly addressed—very few, if any, real-life abortions happen because of the national security implications.

== Noteworthy Dialogue ==
*{{audio|Epiphanies - terminating the pregnancy.mp3|''Admiral Adama informs Agathon of Roslin's decision to terminate Sharon's pregnancy.''}}
:'''William Adama:''' There's no easy way to say this. It's about [[Sharon Agathon|the Cylon]]. The [[Laura Roslin|President]] has decided that her pregnancy will be terminated.
:'''[[Karl Agathon]] (taken aback):''' What? Why?
:'''Adama:''' Doc [[Cottle]] discovered some anomalies in the fetal blood work.
:'''Agathon:''' Isn't that expected?
:'''Adama:''' Maybe. But the President believes that to allow the baby to come to full term, it constitutes an unacceptable risk to [[the Fleet (RDM)|the Fleet]].
:'''Agathon:''' I don't understand. Sharon's only [[Flight of the Phoenix|helped us]] since she came back from [[The Twelve Colonies#Caprica|Caprica]]. She even turned on her own.
:'''Adama:''' To save her life. Don't mistake the will to live for genuine compassion, Lieutenant. She's still the enemy.
:'''Agathon:''' Does she know?
:'''Adama:''' Not yet.
:'''Agathon:''' Then I should be the one to tell her. If that's all, sir.
:'''Adama:''' Helo, I don't expect you to agree to the decision, but I need you to ''accept'' it.
:'''Agathon:''' We're talking about my child, sir. Part of me. But I guess it's easier to kill when you call it a Cylon.
:'''Adama:''' Dismissed.

*''During Roslin's flashbacks:''
:'''President Richard Adar:''' {{audio|Epiphanies - one of the most interesting things about president.mp3|One of the most interesting things about being President is that you don't have to explain yourself. To anyone.}}

::*Roslin earlier attributed this saying to Adar in the episode "[[Flesh and Bone]]".

:'''Secretary Roslin:''' {{audio|Epiphanies - be prepared to fight.mp3|I am on my way to the ''Galactica'' to represent this administration. When I return, if you still want my job, be prepared to fight.}}

== Official Statements ==




== Guest stars ==
*[[Colm Feore]] as [[Richard Adar|President Adar]]
*[[Aaron Douglas]] as Chief Petty Officer [[Galen Tyrol]]
*[[Nicki Clyne]] as Specialist [[Cally]]
*[[Bodie Olmos]] as Lt.[[Brendan Constanza|Brendan "Hot Dog" Constanza]]
*[[Luciana Carro]] as Lt. [[Louanne Katraine|Louanne "Kat" Katraine]]
*[[Leah Cairns]] as Lt. [[Margaret Edmondson|Margaret "Racetrack" Edmondson]]
*[[David Richmond-Peck]] as [[Naylin Stans]]
*[[Holly Dignard]] as [[Asha Janik]]
*[[Paul Perri]] as [[Royan Jahee]]
*[[Jennifer Kitchen]] as [[Colonial Marine Corps|Marine]]

{{episode list (RDM season 2)}}

[[Category:Episodes written by Joel Anderson Thompson]]
[[Category:Episodes directed by Rod Hardy]]
[[Category:RDM]]

[[de:Epiphanies]]

Epiphanies

2007-02-06T15:58:49Z

Cyborg: scripts conspiracy

{{Episode Data
| image = 2BATejC05.jpg
| title= Epiphanies
| season= 2
| episode= 13
| guests= [[Colm Feore]] as President [[Richard Adar|Adar]]
| writer= [[Joel Anderson Thompson]]
| story=
| goof= Y
| director=[[Rod Hardy]]
| production= 213
| rating= 1.9
| US airdate= 2006-01-20
| UK airdate= 2006-04-28
| dvd= {{Season 2.5 NTSC DVD release date}} '''US''' {{Season 2 PAL DVD release date}} '''UK'''
| population= 49,598
| prev= [[Resurrection Ship, Part II]]
| next= [[Black Market]]
| podcast= Y
}}

== Overview ==

: ''Admiral [[William Adama]] questions whether or not [[Sharon Valerii (Caprica copy)|Sharon Valerii]]'s pregnancy should be aborted. Meanwhile Roslin's health declines rapidly as a pro-Cylon peace group attempts to sow violence and discontent within the Fleet.''

== Summary ==

* President [[Laura Roslin]] is brought on board ''[[Galactica (RDM)|Galactica]]'' for intensive care treatment. She has days to live.
* Captain [[Kara Thrace]] and Lieutenant [[Louanne Katraine]] are conducting Viper tests. During a test of the Viper's projectile systems, Kat's port gun is destroyed and a piece of it impacts on Thrace's cockpit.
* [[Cally]] and CPO [[Galen Tyrol|Tyrol]] discover that several rounds of ammunition from the damaged Viper are unusually light and fragile. These rounds break and misfire, leaving the projectile lodged in the barrel. When the next round fires, the overpressure destroys the gun. They determine the ammunition has been sabotaged.
*The sabotage investigation quickly leads [[Lee Adama]] and Kara Thrace to [[Asha Janik]], one of the recent civilian hirees in ''Galactica's'' [[armory]]. When they apprehend her, she declares her allegiance to an [[Demand Peace|organization]] claiming to want peace with the Cylons.
*Vice President [[Gaius Baltar]] is given the presidential tour by [[Billy Keikeya]] in preparation for his assumption of the Presidency. Billy reveals a letter from Roslin, to be opened upon her death.
* The new peace movement, led by [[Royan Jahee]], gains momentum as the civilian population begins to realize that victory against the Cylons is impossible and questions the Fleet's 'attack-and-retreat' tactics.
* An infusion of [[Sharon Valerii (Caprica copy)|Sharon Valerii's]] fetal blood ostensibly destroys the cancerous masses in Roslin's system. Valerii's pregnancy is allowed to continue for further research.

===On Caprica, prior to the [[Fall of the Twelve Colonies|Cylon Attack]]===
*Roslin finds out she has cancer.
*Roslin meets with President [[Richard Adar]] to discuss a teacher's strike, and his response.
*Roslin meets with the leader of the educational alliance, Naylin Stans, and strikes an agreement.
*Adar disagrees with Roslin's methods and results, and asks for her resignation.
*Roslin refuses to resign for the moment, and departs for ''Galactica's'' decommissioning ceremony.
*Roslin sees [[Gaius Baltar]] with [[Number Six]] in her dream state. She then seems alarmed to see Dr. Baltar when she wakes up and tries to say something to him.

== Questions ==

*Kara Thrace is flying Mk. II Vipers with ''Galactica's'' pilots again. Is she still the CAG of ''Pegasus''?
*Now that Roslin recalls Baltar's involvement with a Cylon agent on Caprica, what will she do about it? ([[Lay Down Your Burdens, Part II|One answer]])
*Given that [[Asha Janik]] had no previous criminal activity or associations, how was Captain Adama able to determine that she, by name, was responsible for the munitions sabotage?
*Will there be any consequences for Helo's near-mutiny? Helo, after all, did nothing wrong; speaking to superiors about one's disagreement with the course of action being taken is, in Adama's command, normal, expected, and, if time is available, welcome.
*Will Roslin's attitude toward the Cylon fetus change following her recovery? ([[Lay Down Your Burdens, Part II|Answer]])
*Roslin's recent series of Machiavellian orders (Cain's assassination in "[[Resurrection Ship, Part I]]", and the forced abortion here) appear to have been facilitated by her belief that, given her impending death, she wouldn't have to deal with the ethical ramifications. Will this alter her relationship with Admiral Adama in the long term?
*Is security really so lax that Baltar (whom Adama does not consider especially trustworthy) would be able to smuggle one of ''Galactica's'' very few nuclear warheads off-ship?
* ''Galactica'' and its Raptors are capable of detecting radiological devices. Why wasn't the bomb noticed in transit? (see [[Epiphanies#Analysis|Analysis]])
*Alternately, is the nuclear device actually functional? ([[Cloud 9|Yes]])
*Why aren't there posters of [[Gina]] scattered all over the fleet to inform everyone of her Cylon identity, making it difficult for her to hide, let alone lead a Cylon-sympathy movement?
*Does Gina "remember" Number Six's memories about having a relationship with Baltar on Caprica, or even after? In "[[Pegasus (episode)|Pegasus]]", she did not seem to know him, as Baltar introduced himself to her and explained that he had a relationship with another Cylon copy of her model. Here, however, it sort of seems like she remembers having a physical relationship with him. Then again, her lines also be interpreted to mean that she really never "knew" about him before she met him on ''Pegasus''. She may not be "ready" for physical contact with Baltar solely because of her rape and torture aboard Pegasus. The process of Cylon memory-transfer and systematic updating isn't very well understood at this point.
*Why is it that in the last episode, "[[Resurrection Ship, Part II]]", Sharon is not noticeably pregnant even when wearing a close-fitting tank top, but is now suddenly visibly quite progressed in her pregnancy? (This is part of the [[Season two timeline discontinuity]])
*Now that Roslin is no longer dying of cancer, is she still the "Dying Leader" foretold by the Book of [[Pythia]]?

== Analysis ==

* The survivor count this episode is 49,598, a net loss of six since [[Resurrection Ship, Part II]]. [[Helena Cain|Admiral Cain]] and the ''[[Pegasus (RDM)|Pegasus]]'' marine killed by [[Gina]] account for two. Presumably the remaining were pilots or crew lost during the [[Battle of the Resurrection Ship|attack]] on the [[Resurrection Ship]].
** This seems to be extremely good fortune, as the two battlestars engaged in a major fleet action for an extended time.
* Roslin's affair with Adar was suggested by her comment in the [[miniseries]] that "he had a way about him... you just couldn't say 'no' to him."
*Naylin Stans implies that he believes the teacher's strike is a cause worth dying for. This claim is ridiculously hyperbolic.
**The fact that President Adar was willing to use the military to enforce a back-to-work order seems to indicate that the protest must've been more serious than simple wage issues.
*Roslin's medical chart showed her name and other information such as date of birth, but this information was too blurry for viewers to read.
*Roslin's recollections of Baltar on Caprica do not match the same scene in the Miniseries. For example: Baltar and Six did walk together and kiss, and she was carrying the same case in her left hand, but they did not "make out" against a wall. Each character did end the Miniseries scene by saying they were meeting someone else, however.
**Logically, it wasn't the same scene. Baltar and Six were on Caprica for a while, and they could easily have been making at a different time on the same day. The episode actually makes no attempt to establish that Roslin is seeing the same scene of Baltar and Number Six (that we the viewers saw in the Miniseries), from a different angle.
*Watching closely during the early scene when Starbuck and Kat are flying the CAP, it seems probable that actress Luciana Carro (Kat) said the real "F word" instead of the ersatz "[[Frak]]", which was then dubbed over (it's a closeup so you can tell her lips don't quite correspond to it). She actually seems to have done this in the past on many occasions.

*Roslin's cancer cure seemed somewhat a "[[Wikipedia:Deus ex machina |deus ex machina]]." For more analysis on the cure, see this [[Science in the Re-imagined Series#The Cancer Cure of Laura Roslin | section]] of the article [[Science in the Re-imagined Series]].
**It should be noted that the cure might not be permanent and the cancer may return in the future (as hinted by Ronald D. Moore in the podcast for this episode).

*A nuclear warhead was smuggled from ''Galactica'' to ''Cloud Nine''. How would such a device possibly get past the various [[Radiological Alarm|radiological sensors]] throughout the Fleet?
**This was a plot complication used in "[[Flesh and Bone]]" as well when a copy of [[Leoben Conoy]] claimed that a nuclear device was hidden in the Fleet. "Flesh and Bone" established that Colonial radiological scanning technology is limited; it would take hours for them to scan the entire Fleet. The process does work faster when they ''know'' specifically what ship to scan, such as the ''Olympic Carrier'' when it reappeared in "[[33]]" because it was a potential hostile, or Cylon ships. Here, they didn't know they should scan the outgoing Raptor (how frequently do people move nuclear warheads in the Fleet ''without'' their knowledge?) so they didn't think to scan it; they do not scan all air trafic.
**Like any device, [[Radiological Alarm|radiological sensors]] are only effective when they are online. It is possible that these sensors are intelligent enough to ignore known radioactive sources, such as Galatica's existing stores of nuclear warheads.
**That the nuke even got on board departing craft shows incredibly lax security measures on Galactica. A known terrorist representative was leaving Galactica with an unidentified container with unknown contents. Someone should have inquired about it.

*The explosion of the bomb on the refinery ship is powerful enough to create a sizable hole on the ship. While space is a vacuum and so shock waves do not carry as they would in an atmosphere, the Raptor that flew close to the ship and was not very far from the explosion should probably be damaged from flying debris.
**Raptors, being warships, presumably have some shielding against shrapnel.
* Cylons may have conspired to make the scripts come true. In a flashback of Roslin before the attack, Number Six seems to look directly at her. Combining with the repeating flashbacks of Roslin being informed about her cancer, it might imply that the Cylons caused Roslin's cancer. By doing so they have created "the dying leader". Moreover, Cylons (Sharon Valerii) helped Roslin find the way to Earth. There is no proof yet that Cylons planned that the fetus blood of a chimera (Cylon-human baby) would cure Roslin, but we know that the baby is important for them.

== Notes ==

* This episode is part of the [[Season two timeline discontinuity]].
*In the podcast, [[Ron Moore]] stated that a longer, more detailed explanation of the curing of Roslin's cancer using fetal hybrid blood was filmed - explaining that it was the fetal blood stem cells from the baby that were the actual cure - but Moore was afraid that this would be seen as [[technobabble]] and criticized by fans, so it was edited down to a truncated version. Ironically, this resulted in widespread complaint in critic reviews and fan messageboards that there was ''too little'' explanation in the final version.
* [[Lee Adama]] is once again a Captain, and has been reinstated as ''Galactica's'' CAG. His authority apparently extends to the ''Pegasus'' squadrons as well. This is consistent with [[Cole Taylor]]'s authority over ''Galactica's'' air wing, when ''Pegasus'' was the flagship.
* [[Gina]] has joined the Cylon sympathizers. The other members of the resistance are apparently unaware she is a [[Cylon agent]].
* Roslin was in an intimate relationship with President Adar.
*Roslin now recalls witnessing [[Gaius Baltar]]'s affair with a copy of [[Number Six]] on Caprica, prior to the attack.
* The [[Media:Radiation Symbol.jpg|radiation symbol]] used by the colonials is different from the one used in reality, but is still easily recognizable.
*''Galactica'' has been recruiting civilians to handle "grunt work" on the hangar deck.
*Baltar was aware of the [[Demand Peace]] movement prior to this episode.
*At least three bodies can be seen being vented into space after the explosion onboard ''[[Daru Mozu]]''.
*The file photograph of Number Six is of [[Shelly Godfrey]], seen in the episode "[[Six Degrees of Separation]]".
* The nuclear device Dr. Baltar gives the resistance is the same one he was given to create his [[Cylon detector]] in "[[Bastille Day]]".
* ''Pegasus'' is barely featured in this episode, and none of her crew or interior locations are seen, except in the pre-episode recap.
*Admiral Adama continues to wear his commander's [[Uniforms (RDM)|uniform]] with new admiral's rank insignia at his collar.
**Adama is a pragmatist who tends to eschew ceremony.
*This episode, which contained the issue of abortion, was aired on January 20th, 2 days before the anniversary of the United States Supreme Court [[Wikipedia:Roe v. Wade|Roe v. Wade]] decision of 1973.
**The issue of abortion was not, however, directly addressed—very few, if any, real-life abortions happen because of the national security implications.

== Noteworthy Dialogue ==
*{{audio|Epiphanies - terminating the pregnancy.mp3|''Admiral Adama informs Agathon of Roslin's decision to terminate Sharon's pregnancy.''}}
:'''William Adama:''' There's no easy way to say this. It's about [[Sharon Agathon|the Cylon]]. The [[Laura Roslin|President]] has decided that her pregnancy will be terminated.
:'''[[Karl Agathon]] (taken aback):''' What? Why?
:'''Adama:''' Doc [[Cottle]] discovered some anomalies in the fetal blood work.
:'''Agathon:''' Isn't that expected?
:'''Adama:''' Maybe. But the President believes that to allow the baby to come to full term, it constitutes an unacceptable risk to [[the Fleet (RDM)|the Fleet]].
:'''Agathon:''' I don't understand. Sharon's only [[Flight of the Phoenix|helped us]] since she came back from [[The Twelve Colonies#Caprica|Caprica]]. She even turned on her own.
:'''Adama:''' To save her life. Don't mistake the will to live for genuine compassion, Lieutenant. She's still the enemy.
:'''Agathon:''' Does she know?
:'''Adama:''' Not yet.
:'''Agathon:''' Then I should be the one to tell her. If that's all, sir.
:'''Adama:''' Helo, I don't expect you to agree to the decision, but I need you to ''accept'' it.
:'''Agathon:''' We're talking about my child, sir. Part of me. But I guess it's easier to kill when you call it a Cylon.
:'''Adama:''' Dismissed.

*''During Roslin's flashbacks:''
:'''President Richard Adar:''' {{audio|Epiphanies - one of the most interesting things about president.mp3|One of the most interesting things about being President is that you don't have to explain yourself. To anyone.}}

::*Roslin earlier attributed this saying to Adar in the episode "[[Flesh and Bone]]".

:'''Secretary Roslin:''' {{audio|Epiphanies - be prepared to fight.mp3|I am on my way to the ''Galactica'' to represent this administration. When I return, if you still want my job, be prepared to fight.}}

== Official Statements ==




== Guest stars ==
*[[Colm Feore]] as [[Richard Adar|President Adar]]
*[[Aaron Douglas]] as Chief Petty Officer [[Galen Tyrol]]
*[[Nicki Clyne]] as Specialist [[Cally]]
*[[Bodie Olmos]] as Lt.[[Brendan Constanza|Brendan "Hot Dog" Constanza]]
*[[Luciana Carro]] as Lt. [[Louanne Katraine|Louanne "Kat" Katraine]]
*[[Leah Cairns]] as Lt. [[Margaret Edmondson|Margaret "Racetrack" Edmondson]]
*[[David Richmond-Peck]] as [[Naylin Stans]]
*[[Holly Dignard]] as [[Asha Janik]]
*[[Paul Perri]] as [[Royan Jahee]]
*[[Jennifer Kitchen]] as [[Colonial Marine Corps|Marine]]

{{episode list (RDM season 2)}}

[[Category:Episodes written by Joel Anderson Thompson]]
[[Category:Episodes directed by Rod Hardy]]
[[Category:RDM]]

[[de:Epiphanies]]

Talk:Epiphanies/Archive 1

2007-02-06T15:26:09Z

Cyborg: /* Roslin saw Baltar - analysis criticism */

Talk:Epiphanies/Archive 1

2007-02-06T15:24:57Z

Cyborg: Roslin saw Baltar - analysis criticism

Resurrection Ship, Part II

2007-02-05T20:54:51Z

Cyborg: why lee wants to die?

{{Episode Data
| image = Gina-Cain.jpg
| title= Resurrection Ship, Part II
| series=
| season= 2
| episode= 12
| guests=[[Michelle Forbes]] as Admiral [[Helena Cain|Cain]]
| writer=[[Ronald D. Moore]] [[Michael Rymer]]
| story=
| director=[[Michael Rymer]]
| production=212
| rating= 1.9
| US airdate=2006-01-13
| UK airdate=2006-03-21
| dvd= {{Season 2.5 NTSC DVD release date}} '''US''' {{Season 2 PAL DVD release date}} '''UK'''
| population=49,604
| prev= [[Resurrection Ship, Part I]]
| next= [[Epiphanies]]
| podcast= Y
}}

== Overview ==
:''The battlestars ''Galactica'' and ''Pegasus'' engage in [[Attack on the Resurrection Ship|an all-out battle]] to destroy the Cylon “Resurrection” ship.''

== Summary ==

*The episode begins in a forward-flashback (as did "[[Act of Contrition]]"), as viewers see [[Lee Adama]] floating in a planetary body of water. He sees something approaching him—it is a Cylon [[Raider]] with a [[Viper (RDM)|Viper]] in hot pursuit, and we return to reality to see Apollo floating in space in his ejection seat.
*A title card, "48 Hours Earlier," appears, setting the stage before Apollo's dream. [[Kara Thrace]] asks [[Lee Adama]] for backup on her mission to assassinate Admiral Cain. Adama accepts, and reassures Thrace of the importance of trust as he embraces her.
*[[Karl Agathon|Helo]] and [[Galen Tyrol]] are bound and beaten in the brig by upset ''[[Pegasus (RDM)|Pegasus]]'' officers, aided again by their [[Colonial Marine Corps|marines]], until Executive officer [[Jack Fisk]] arrives to break it up.
*[[Helena Cain]] and [[Kara Thrace]] have a drink together, and Cain asks Thrace to promise not to flinch when she has to commit a "terrible sin."
*Lieutenant Lee Adama makes a courier run to ''Galactica'', taking the opportunity to ask his father about Thrace's special mission. [[William Adama|Commander Adama]] is uninterested in discussing the issue, but young Adama is surprised to know that President [[Laura Roslin|Roslin]] is involved in the assassination plot.
*Thrace and ''[[Pegasus (RDM)|Pegasus]]'' XO Jack Fisk both prepare for their assassination missions, as well as the attack on the Resurrection Ship.
* Before Commander Adama proceeds with his assassination plan on Cain, he solicits advice from the cooperative copy of [[Sharon Valerii (Caprica copy)|Sharon Valerii]], asking her why the Cylons hate humanity as they do. She reminds him of a portion of his decommissioning speech ([[Miniseries]]), asking whether humanity has asked ''itself'' if it is deserving to survive despite its failings.
*The [[Resurrection Ship]] and at least one [[Basestar_(RDM)|basestar]] are destroyed by the Colonials. [[Image:Ep212battle.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Cylon basestar under assault]]
*During the battle, the [[Blackbird]] is successful in disabling the Resurrection Ship. While escaping, the Blackbird is heavily damaged when it crashes into a disabled Raptor. Lieutenant Adama is able to eject in time as the Blackbird is destroyed.
*Floating in space, Apollo's [[flight suit]] springs a leak. Communications officer [[Anastasia Dualla|Dualla]] tries frantically to contact him, but Apollo does not respond by choice. Later he releases the last of the air in his [[flight suit]] and says, "I'm sorry, Kara," losing consciousness just as a [[SAR]] Raptor appears in the nick of time to save him.
*[[Gaius Baltar]]'s feelings for [[Number Six]] transfer to the copy named [[Gina]], who is tangible and more ''human'' than his internal Number Six. He repeats to Gina a story told to him by Six about going to watch [[Pyramid (RDM)|pyramid]] games, finally taking her hands in his as Baltar's internal Six disappears in sadness. As Gina senses the destruction of the Resurrection Ship, she takes a sidearm from a marine she kills, with Baltar's help, and asks Baltar to kill her, noting that suicide is a sin. Baltar refuses, gives her the sidearm, and tells her she needs justice, ostensibly referring to Admiral Cain and her tyranny.
*[[William Adama]] and [[Helena Cain]] both speak over [[wireless]] to conspirators [[Jack Fisk]] and [[Kara Thrace]], respectively, but neither commander gives the order to assassinate the other.
*After the battle, Gina shoots and kills [[Helena Cain|Admiral Cain]] in the admiral's quarters. Cain is challenging to the last, unregretful of the treatment that Gina has been given. Gina soon [[Demand Peace|disappears]] from ''Pegasus.''
*At Cain's funeral, Kara Thrace speaks admiringly of her, saying the Fleet would have been safer with her than it is without her. This statement raises a stare from Commander Adama.
*As Lee Adama confides to Thrace that he didn't want to survive the mission, [[Anastasia Dualla]] stands outside Adama's quarters eavesdropping, visibly worried about young Adama.
*Battlestar ''[[Pegasus (RDM)|Pegasus]]'' and her crew remain in the Fleet, with [[William Adama]] becoming an admiral to command both battlestars. After receiving new admiral's insignia from [[Laura Roslin]], he gives her a brief but affectionate kiss, to the smiles of both.
*Laura Roslin is now visibly weakened by her fight with cancer, and her composure and strength are failing. Her end appears near.

== Questions ==
* Why didn't Cain issue the order for Adama's execution? Was it a change of heart or did she suspect that her life was in jeopardy by Thrace?
* Subsequent to [[Gina]]'s killing of Cain, Gina disappears from ''Pegasus'' and Colonial military imprisonment (as promised by Baltar). Where is she being hidden? ([[Epiphanies|Answer]])
* [[Gaius Baltar|Baltar]] hands Gina a weapon in the ante-room of the ''Pegasus'' brig. Wouldn't a high-security area be equipped with surveillance cameras? Has Baltar disappeared as well?
*We only saw one basestar destroyed. Was the other destroyed, or was it able to jump away with the surviving Raiders and support ships?
* Why did Lieutenant (demoted) Lee Adama remove his hand from pressing on the torn spacesuit? Why did he want to die, as he said to Starbuck?
* Is Lee Adama becoming depressed and unable to command his pilots? ([[Black Market|Answer]])
* How many new Viper squadrons and pilots have been added to the Fleet?
* How will Adama deal with the mob-level brutality that appears throughout ''Pegasus''? ([[The Captain's Hand|Answer]])
* How closely have the Cylons studied the memories of Boomer aboard ''Galactica'', and the other [[Cylon agent|spies]] in the Fleet?
* How will Kara Thrace's comments at Cain's funeral affect her relationship with now-Admiral Adama? ([[Torn|Answer]])
* In "[[Resistance (episode)|Resistance]]", Baltar forces Boomer into revealing that eight Cylons are still in the [[The Fleet (RDM)|Fleet]]. However, this obviously does not take into account the introduction of ''Pegasus''. Thus, are there any more Cylon agents are aboard ''Pegasus''? If so, what do they number?
* Will these agents be far more careful in what they do, knowing that resurrection is no longer possible? ([[Torn|Answer: Use a second Resurrection Ship]])
* Will another [[Blackbird]] be constructed?
* Will Adama stay aboard ''[[Galactica_(RDM)|Galactica]]'' now that he's been promoted? ([[The Captain's Hand|Answer]])
* Are there going to be any other promotions? ([[The Captain's Hand|Answer]])
* Who will become the [[CAG]] of ''Galactica'' as [[Kara_Thrace|Starbuck]] and [[Lee_Adama|Apollo]] were assigned to [[Pegasus_(RDM)|Pegasus]] at the time Admiral Cain was assassinated? ([[The Captain's Hand|Answer]])
* What changes in the Cylon strategy will we see, now that the [[Resurrection Ship]] has been destroyed? ([[Scar|Answer]])

== Analysis ==
*The beating of Helo and the Chief was edited so that in the teaser, all we see is the "Sunshine Boys" entering the cell with their marines, about to tie the two up while making threatening comments. Given that they were involved in the gang rape of Gina, many viewers left the teaser fearing that far worse was going to happen to Agathon and Tyrol than simply being beaten with soap wrapped in towels.
* The basestar/battlestar battle was epic, although viewers did not see a great deal of it from a play-by-play standpoint. The pairing of an advanced battlestar such as ''Pegasus'' with the oldest battlestar, ''Galactica'', likely illustrates why the Cylons used [[CNP|sabotage]] instead of all-out war to [[Fall of the Twelve Colonies|defeat the Twelve Colonies]]. With proper planning, battlestars working in tandem will shred a basestar in a close-range attack, which uses missiles and fighters, but appears to have no gun batteries itself.
*Lee Adama's collision with the downed [[Raptor]] occurred partly because Adama was looking behind him, examining the damage he dealt to the Resurrection Ship. This may be symbolic of one of young Adama's character flaws: he is always looking backward, always examining what he's done instead of keeping his attention on the here and now. See "[[Water]]", where Lee agonizes over firing on the ''[[Olympic Carrier]]'' while his father warns him specifically about not second-guessing himself. This theme also parallels Cain's words—-which Starbuck echoes at her funeral—-about not flinching or second-guessing when terrible things have to be done.
* Obviously, the writers felt that the battle was less important than the events planned immediately after--the mutual attempts by Cain and Adama to kill each other. Viewers enter the battle scene at the stage where the battlestars tackle the destruction of the basestars, although there was a ruse earlier involving the entire [[The Fleet (RDM)|Fleet]]. This quick segue was also likely done in light of the cost for the visual effects, since the shots of the battlestar attacks would be greatly desired by the fans, but also be new VFX and therefore expensive.
* The pregnant Sharon Valerii again shows that she has the memories of the 'original' Boomer, which was previously shown in the season opener when she started to tell Starbuck of the time they met.
* A new love triangle is formed as Gaius Baltar seems more fixated on the ''notion'' of Gina and her pain rather than the feelings of his virtual Number Six, who unsuccessfully pleads him not to aid Gina in killing herself. As he takes Gina's hand, the virtual Six disappears from view in the scene. Perhaps Baltar needed to touch a "real" Six copy, and is also swayed by her "humanity"--her vulnerability and weakness, as well as her differing interpretation on how she thinks [[God]] will forgive the Colonials for the destruction of the Cylon fleet.
* In another example of Gaius' ability to multi-task, he relates to Gina as his own the anecdote that Six told him (about purchasing two tickets when she went to see Pyramid games, as the extra ticket permitted her to imagine Gaius watched the game with her). The anecdote serves two conversations at once. The anecdote reinforces his bond with Gina and indicates to Six that flesh-and-blood Gina is of far greater importance to him than (presumably non-corporeal) Six, or the tens of thousands of Cylons who are about to die, permanently, with the destruction of the resurrection ship. Baltar's relationship with Six in the future will likely be a strained one.
*Admiral Adama's affectionate kiss with [[Laura Roslin]], although not necessarily romantic in nature, opens up all kinds of new story possibilities and complications for the characters and the Fleet. It might have been considered by some viewers to be the most surprising part of the whole episode since no information on this scene was noted in advance of the show's airing. As noted by RDM in the podcast commentary, the kiss was improvised by Olmos. His and McDonnell's acting continues to be exemplary.

== Notes ==

*Vireem and Gage's beating of Tyrol and Helo with bars of soap stuffed inside towels used as slings is an homage to the Stanley Kubrick film "[[Wikipedia:Full_Metal_Jacket|Full Metal Jacket]]", in which a similar thing happens to "Pvt. Pyle" in the Marine barracks at night. RDM points this out himself in the podcast.
*Apollo was demoted to Lieutenant by Cain when she revoked his flight status. At the beginning of Part I, he is referred to as "Captain", but after Cain mentions that she revoked his flight status, Adama addresses his son as "Lieutenant". The official Scifi.com website was updated the week after this episode aired showing the new ranks of characters--Captain Kara Thrace, Admiral William Adama--but it also was changed to list Lee Adama as a Lieutenant.
*Apollo's experience of ejecting in the middle of the battle and watching it unfold around him is, according to the podcast, based on the real life experience of Ensign [[Wikipedia:George Gay|George Gay]] during the [[Wikipedia:Battle of Midway|Battle of Midway]]. George Gay's plane was shot down and he witnessed the entire battle while floating in the ocean.

== Noteworthy Dialogue ==
*{{audio|RS2 - can't rape a machine.mp3|''After the rescue of Helo and Tyrol by Fisk.''}}
:'''Jack Fisk''': I don't want your thanks. I owe Lieutenant Thorne my life, as do many people on this ship.
:'''Helo''': He was trying to rape a prisoner!
:'''Fisk''': You can't "rape" a machine, Lieutenant.

*{{audio|RS2 - humanity's survival.mp3|''Sharon responds to Adama's question on survival.''}}
:'''Sharon Valerii''': It's what you said at the ceremony before the attack, when ''Galactica'' was being decommissioned. You gave a speech, it sounded like it wasn't the one you prepared. You said that humanity was a flawed creation, and that people still kill one another for petty jealousy and greed. You said that humanity never asked itself why it deserved to survive. Maybe you don't.

*''Helena Cain talking to Kara Thrace''
:'''Helena Cain''': I know you're very close with Adama.
:'''Kara Thrace''': Yes, sir.
:'''Cain''': And I know he's a good man. And I know he's had to make some very hard choices over the last few months. Lord knows I have.
:'''Thrace''': Well, then maybe you can understand why he did what he thought he had to do when you said you were going to execute Helo and Tyrol.
:'''Cain''': Let me tell you something. I've had to watch a lot of kids be put into body bags. They're covered with flags and they float out that airlock. You think I don't understand his feelings towards his men? Sometimes terrible things have to be done. Inevitably, each and every one of us will have to face a moment where we have to commit that horrible sin. And if we flinch in that moment, if we hesitate for one second, if we let our conscience get in the way, you know what happens? There are more kids in those body bags. More kids floating out that airlock. I don't know why, but I have a lot of faith in you. And I want you to promise me that when that moment comes you won't flinch. Do not flinch.

*{{audio|RS2 - one has to be worthy of surviving.mp3|''Speaking to Starbuck over wireless.''}}
:'''William Adama''': I've been thinking about what we talked about before. It's not enough to survive. One has to be worthy of surviving. That's all.

*{{audio|RS2 - suicide is a sin.mp3|''Before Gina's escape.''}}
:'''Gina''': Suicide is a sin. But I need to die!
:'''Baltar''': What you need is justice. I know a place where you can stay, where you can be safe, where I can look after you.
:'''Gina''': Why—Why would you do that?
:'''Baltar''': Because I love you.

* {{audio|RS2 - Cain's last words.mp3|''In Cain's quarters after Gina's escape.''}}
:'''Gina''' ''(confronting Cain with a gun)'': Tell me, Admiral. Can you roll over? Beg?
:'''Helena Cain''': Frak you.
:'''Gina''' ''(right before shooting)'': You're not my type.

*{{audio|RS2 - Kara's eulogy.mp3|''Kara's eulogy at Admiral Cain's funeral.''}}
:'''Kara Thrace''': I, um, only knew Admiral Cain for a short time, so what I have to say about her will be short. She faced things. She looked them right in the eye and she didn't flinch. That's something that we do a lot around here. We second-guess. We worry. When I think about what she went through after the attack -- all alone, one ship, no help, no hope -- she didn't give up. She didn't worry. She didn't second-guess. She acted. She did what she thought needed to be done, and the ''Pegasus'' survived. Might be hard to admit, or hard to hear, but I think that we were safer with her...than we are without.

*{{audio|RS2 - didn't want to come back alive.mp3|''Kara talks to Lee after his rescue.''}}
:'''Kara Thrace''': Lee. Lee, you okay? Are you okay?
:'''Lee Adama''': No, not really. Um...I broke my word to you.
:'''Thrace''': What are you talking about?
:'''Adama''': I let you down. I wasn't there when you needed me.
:'''Thrace''': Look, a close call like that? That'd mess with anybody's head. Alright? You know, it turns out I didn't need you anyway, so... Let's just be glad that we both came back alive, alright?
:'''Adama''': That's just it, Kara. I didn't want to make it back alive.

*{{audio|RS2 - never give up hope.mp3|''Laura discusses Adama's new job after Cain's funeral.''}}
:'''Laura Roslin''': Rumor has it that I know very little about military protocol, but I do know that someone who commands more than one ship is called an admiral. Congratulations, Admiral Adama.
:'''William Adama''': Thank you, Madame President. Thank you, Billy. I um, never gave up hope, I just stopped trying to get these a long time ago.
:'''Roslin''': Just goes to show you, Bill. Never give up hope.
:'''Adama''': Same goes for you, Laura.

== Official Statements ==

== Guest stars ==
*[[Michelle Forbes]] as Admiral [[Helena Cain]]
*[[Graham Beckel]] as Colonel [[Jack Fisk]]
*[[Aaron Douglas]] as Chief Petty Officer [[Galen Tyrol]]
*[[Derek Delost]] as Specialist [[Vireem]]
*[[Mike Dopud]] Specialist [[Gage]]

{{episode list (RDM season 2)}}

[[Category:Episodes written by Ronald D. Moore]]
[[Category:Episodes written by Michael Rymer]]
[[Category:Episodes directed by Michael Rymer]]
[[Category:RDM]]

Flight of the Phoenix

2007-02-03T23:42:20Z

Cyborg: Tyrol and Helo fight

{{Episode Data
| image = Blackbird_FotP.JPG
| title=Flight of the Phoenix
| series=
| season=2
| episode=9
| guests=
| writer=[[Bradley Thompson]] [[David Weddle]]
| story=
| director=[[Michael Nankin]]
| production=209
| rating= 1.9
| US airdate=2005-09-16
| UK airdate=2006-04-07
| dvd= {{Season 2.0 NTSC DVD release date}} '''US''' {{Season 2 PAL DVD release date}} '''UK'''
| population=47,853
| prev=[[Final Cut]]
| next=[[Pegasus (episode)|Pegasus]]
| podcast=Y
}}

== Overview ==

:''[[Galen Tyrol|Chief Tyrol]] throws himself into the task of constructing a new [[Viper (RDM)|Viper]] from scratch, despite the ''[[Galactica (RDM)|Galactica]]'' crew's misgivings and apprehension. [[Karl Agathon|Helo]] must deal with the repercussions of his relationship with [[Sharon Valerii (Caprica copy)|Sharon Valerii]] on Caprica. A Cylon computer [[virus]] long thought deleted reasserts itself in ''Galactica's'' computers, putting the ship and the crew in danger.''

== Summary ==
* [[Laura Roslin]]'s illness has reached a critical level. While she is still well enough to walk, Dr. [[Cottle]] gives her approximately one month to live.
* [[Karl Agathon|Helo]] has become ''persona non grata'' to many of the crew who distrust him due to his romance with the Caprica copy of [[Humanoid Cylon]] [[Sharon Valerii (Caprica copy)|Sharon Valerii]]. [[Karl Agathon|Helo]] and Chief Tyrol have a fight over [[Sharon Valerii (Caprica copy)|Sharon Valerii]]'s love.
* Many of the crew, even the generally level-headed and reliable Lieutenant [[Felix Gaeta|Gaeta]], are showing the strain of the apparent futility and fatigue of running from the Cylons.
* Chief [[Galen Tyrol|Tyrol]], with also little else to do with scrapped Vipers, begins a project to craft a new fighter. Initially, many crew are very skeptical, but they and others help Tyrol.
* Helo suggests carbon composite material for the skin in lieu of the scarce metal plating normally used for Vipers. As a result Tyrol's new ship has stealth capabilities; it is nearly invisible to [[DRADIS]].
* [[Kara Thrace]] and [[Lee Adama]] nearly suffocate when the life-support systems on the [[firing range]] malfunction.
* A Cylon [[Logic bomb|logic bomb]] has studied all ship's systems. It will fully control ''[[Galactica]]'' once an expected Cylon force arrives to activate it by infiltration. Gaeta and Baltar work together to figure a way to rid the ship of it by erasing the hard drives of all computers. Doing this, however, will leave the ship a sitting duck for an attack while time is needed to restore function and data to the computers.
* Adama, after asking the advice of the President, allows the Caprica Valerii to connect herself to the ship's mainframe and communication systems while Gaeta and Baltar erase the hard drives of all computers.
* A Cylon fighter armada consisting of hundreds of [[Raider]]s and [[Heavy Raider]]s attempts to activate the bomb. However, Valerii responds by transmitting a version of the same bomb to the Cylon fleet, disabling it as the Cylons did the Colonial fleet during the [[Fall of the Twelve Colonies]]. The Viper squadrons annihilate the helpless Cylon fleet in a [[Great Cylon Turkey Shoot|joyous moment of payback]].
* Kara Thrace takes the new fighter, dubbed the [[Blackbird]], for a initially ungainly test flight. This fighter is designed for speed, and soon delivers it. Lee Adama, in a Viper chase plane, is horrified when the Blackbird disappears, but Starbuck rises above to face his ship quietly, proving the new fighter's stealth ability.
* In a ceremony similar to the one given to Commander Adama in the [[Miniseries]], President Roslin inspects and christens the new fighter. Many sign the ship. Tyrol reveals the name of this first fighter: ''Laura''.
* The mere work on the new fighter renewed the creativity and hope of the crew--a reason why Adama allowed its construction to continue, despite the logic bomb crisis.

== Questions ==
* This episode was rare in that Baltar's [[Number Six]] was completely absent in this episode, despite the Cylon-rich plot. What would she have said about Valerii's aid or the logic bomb?
*Is [[Anastasia Dualla|Dualla]] attracted to Apollo (or vice versa)? Dualla seemed to "check out" Apollo's "backside" in "[[Resistance (episode)|Resistance]]", and now she's in close physical contact with him ([[The Captain's Hand|Answer]]).
*Helo gets angry at Chief Tyrol for calling Boomer a [[toaster]]; is this a sign that Helo is thinking more sympathetically towards the Cylons than before? Like the Cylons, does he consider it an "offensive racial epithet"?
* Where did Helo get the idea to use carbon-composite on the Blackbird? Is that something he thought up himself, or perhaps did Caprica-Valerii 'point' him in that direction?
*Is order on ''Galactica'' starting to break down? In the [[Miniseries]], Starbuck was put in the [[brig]] for striking a superior officer. Now, Starbuck assaults Racetrack but there was no visible punishment, and Tyrol gets into a fight with Helo (who outranks him), also with no apparent punishment. The deck crews aren't bothering to hide the [[Wikipedia:Moonshine|still]] they built as much as before, going to far as to have a large "Welcome Back Cally" party with its products in public. Col. Tigh makes a halfhearted verbal chastisement of Tyrol when Tigh finds the still, but doesn't do anything about it and ends up taking a jar of booze for his own use. Also, even Lt. Gaeta is now snapping back at the command officers, shouting and even [[frak|cursing]].
*Was the software code Helo showed to Caprica-Valerii only a virus or did it contain instructions outside the scope of destabilizing and controlling ''Galactica's'' systems? Valerii's response to the code seemed to indicate it had affected her on some level. Perhaps she was merely compiling it in her head.
*If the Cylons are so interested and cautious about protecting Caprica-Valerii and her unborn child as stated by [[Aaron Doral]] in "[[Final Cut]]", why then are they willing to launch a massive assault against ''Galactica?''
*To what extent is Cylon knowledge & experiences shared? We know that [[Humanoid Cylon]]s can transfer their consciousness to other copies of themselves ([[Miniseries]]), but are other Cylon models (such as the drones) interconnected? Is there some 'collective consciousness' at work (similar to the 'Borg' in Star Trek)?

== Analysis ==
* While Humanoid Cylons appear human to the cellular level, Caprica-Valerii could control a fiber-optic connection inserted into her forearm. This suggests that the biological design of Humanoid Cylons uses light-sensitive cells disguised as regular cells in their forearms as data access nodes. Based on Valerii's extreme discomfort in having to cut herself to interface with the data line in this way, it could be presumed that this is not a typical practice for Humanoid Cylons.
* Tyrol's comment to Lee Adama on the lack of miracles, and his answer to the problem, may remind some of another [[Wikipedia:Montgomery Scott|great miracle worker]] of television science fiction.
* Despite Valerii's belief that she has become a "liability" to the Cylons, the previous episode made it clear that at least some Cylons considered the survival of her baby a paramount concern. The virus, installed before her arrival, was probably oblivious to this, but the massive fleet the Cylons deployed to interdict ''Galactica'' could not have been. Additionally, an earnest attack would almost certainly have included a [[Basestar (RDM)|basestar]]. We must therefore assume that the Cylons had a more complicated motive in making such a massive material sacrifice.
** It was likely (as shown later through the events of "[[Downloaded]]" to "[[Lay Down Your Burdens, Part II]]") they there are indeed different Cylon [[Caprica-Six|factions]] working at cross purposes.
* Our heroes passed up a major opportunity by destroying the Cylon fleet. Adama revoked Roslin's presidency on the basis of the misappropriation of a SINGLE captured Cylon Raider, yet they eliminated dozens of crippled-but-serviceable assets in the name of retribution. After all that work to create a single new fighter, wouldn't a squadron of superior Raiders be worth maintaining in the unused starboard flight pod?
**A point against the idea of capturing a Raider involves the lucky manner in obtaining the first one. The Raider in "[[You Can't Go Home Again]]" was brain-dead from a lucky shot. The Raiders here were turned off by a virus, but it may have been too difficult to remove all of their control mechanisms. Since these are in fact organic mechanisms that could still be fighting to survive, they may have their own ability of causing additional harm if captured alive.
**''Galactica'' had no idea how long until Cylon reinforcements could appear. Further, the civilian fleet had jumped away from ''Galactica'' in anticipation of the attack, and ''Galactica'' probably didn't want to leave them unattended too long. There wasn't enough time and it was too dangerous.
**At this point, ''Galactica'' has as many as two Heavy Raiders already—the one that crash-landed into the starboard pod in "[[Scattered]]" and the one Starbuck, Helo, and Sharon returned with in "[[Home, Part II]]." The use of the [[FTL]] drive from one of these ships is mentioned by Lt. Gaeta as part of the planning of the [[Caprica Resistance]] [[SAR]] in "[[Lay Down Your Burdens, Part I]]." Another factor would be the potentially still active Cylon Centurions, probably not affected by the virus transmitted by Sharon.
*As noted below, Helo is now assigned as a Viper pilot. While Helo's specialty to date as as an [[ECO]], it is very likely that ''any'' Colonial officer who wears a [[flight suit]] is also a qualified (if not highly experienced) [[Viper (RDM)|Viper]] ''and'' [[Raptor]] pilot. This appears confirmed through the actions of many characters. Commander Adama is seen himself flying a Raptor in "[[Tigh Me Up, Tigh Me Down]]." [[Racetrack]] is seen on [[ECO]] duty in "[[Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part II]]" but later is Raptor pilot in several episodes.
*It was Helo that suggested the use of carbon composites for the Blackbird, and Starbuck says "Good call, Helo" after it is finished. Despite everything, Helo's opinions are still respected, perhaps symbolic of his redemption in the eyes of his crewmates.
*Some viewers may express confusion over the amount of time necessary to build the new fighter as well as the time it took to fight off the logic bomb and the Cylon attack. All in all, the whole episode may seem like a series of ''[[Wikipedia:Deus ex machina |deus ex machina]]'' events to close up the episode. For more analysis on these events, see this [[Science in the Re-imagined_Series#Construction of the Blackbird |section]] of the article [[Science in the Re-imagined Series]].
**In his podcast for this episode, [[Ronald D. Moore|Ron D. Moore]] acknowledges the build-time dilemma for the Blackbird, and notes that the vagueness of time elapsed to build the machine was intentional so as to allow it to be built and done with in one episode, instead of drawing out the building into two or three episodes.
*Not counting deleted scenes, Sharon is the only Humanoid Cylon to appear in this episode. -- [[User:Noneofyourbusiness|Noneofyourbusiness]] 23:29, 23 December 2006 (CST)

== Notes ==

* Population count is 47,853. This is the first time this season that there has been no net change in the count from the previous episode ([[Final Cut]]).
* ''[[Wikipedia:Flight of the Phoenix|Flight of the Phoenix]]'' is the title of a 1964 novel where survivors from a plane crash in the middle of a desert attempt to rebuild the plane from the wreckage. Two movies, one made in 1965 and the other in 2004, were also made following a similar story line inspired by the book.
* The [[Wikipedia:Phoenix (mythology)|phoenix]] is an animal from Egyptian mythology (and those derived) that, at the end of its lifespan, burns into ashes from which another arises.
* The [[Blackbird]], a new stealth fighter craft, has been constructed by Chief Tyrol with help from the crew.
* There is a wide shot when apparently ''all'' of ''Galactica's'' Vipers are deployed where it's possible to count how many they have: there are 42 Vipers visible onscreen. Oddly, the current count says that there should be no more than 34, and even with [[Joe Palladino]] (unrealistically) on parole after [[Final Cut]] and Helo in a Viper, ''Galactica'' shouldn't be able to muster more than 25 pilots.
** There are at least 7 Viper Mk. VII's visible in this shot. This agrees well with the events of "[[Scattered]]."
* This is the first episode without an appearance by [[Number Six]].
** She appears in a brief scene in CIC which was ultimately deleted; it is available on the Season 2.0 DVD set and on Scifi.com.
* When Chief Tyrol reconciles with Cally (regarding her killing of Boomer), she reaches into a Viper and fixes something he couldn't reach, and he responds "Nice to be small, huh?" This is reminiscent of the scene at the end of the [[Miniseries]], when they have almost the exact same exchange. In that scene, they were reconciling after ''Cally'' got angry that Tyrol was having a relationship with "Boomer" Valerii.
* President Roslin returns the book "[[Dark Day]]" to Commander Adama, which he gave to her back in the second episode, "[[Water]]."
* Chief Tyrol and Boomer were planning to leave the military together and get married before the Cylon attack.
*This is the first episode of the Re-imagined Series that does not involve any characters appearing on a planet. Further, "Flight of the Phoenix" is the first episode whose story is contained entirely on ''Galactica'' (or its Vipers) and doesn't even visit another ship in the civilian Fleet, such as ''[[Colonial One]]''.
*In one shot after Apollo states "weapons free" there is a shot of a heavy raider getting hit, then the blackbird flies by, does a 180 degree turn and stays there, before an explosion covers it up and the scene changes.(time index 35:18-25:21)

== Noteworthy Dialogue ==

*''On the flight deck:''
:'''Apollo:''' Nobody's expecting a miracle.
:'''Tyrol:''' Maybe that's the problem.

*''Discussing Helo's return to ''Galactica'':''
:'''Duck:''' So he's the Cylon lover.
:'''Starbuck:''' You know what? I don't care who or what he fraks. He saved my ass down there, all right?
:'''Duck:''' How could anyone fall in love with a toaster, though?
:'''Starbuck:''' Same way I hear everyone was high-fiving our Sharon right before she put two in Adama's chest. The bastards frak with your head.
:'''Hotdog:''' Yeah. Just ask the Chief.

*''Card game in the Viper pilot's lockeroom:''
:'''Racetrack:''' Been playing with these cards for so long, I know every fold.
:'''Starbuck:''' So life's a bitch. What do you want to do, cry about it?
:'''Racetrack:''' No, I just want it to end, okay? The bad food, the endless rotations, pretending that a card game is the high point of our day.
:'''Starbuck:''' It's not going to last forever, all right? Earth is out there.
:'''Racetrack:''' Right. We could all be chasing our tails over some half-assed planetarium show.
:'''Starbuck:''' And you guys can all go to hell. I'm going to go find Helo.
:'''Racetrack:''' Good idea. Maybe that Cylon whore taught him a few tricks.
:(Starbuck politely turns around, walks over to Racetrack and grabs her by the neck and slams her head into the card table).

*''Helo is sitting in Sharon's old Raptor when the Chief walks up:''
:'''Helo:''' Hey! Look, Chief. I never intended for Sharon and I to-- You know, it just kind of evolved.
:'''Tyrol:''' Just a couple lovesick kids, huh?
:'''Helo:''' I know how she felt about you, okay? She loves you.
:'''Tyrol:''' Did she fill you in on the rest of the plan? She and I were going to muster out at the end of our service. You know, then we would get married. Maybe we would have children. I guess I'm just a big frakkin' idiot, though, huh? Probably that goddamn [[Toaster]]'s plan all along.
:'''Helo:''' Don't call her that.
:'''Tyrol:''' Sucker some moron into giving her a kid. Hey, you know, but you know what? I should probably be grateful to you. Probably be grateful. You know why? Because that freak in her belly could have been mine! (Helo and Tyrol fight)

*''Lt. Gaeta is starting to lose his composure under constant pressure:''
:'''Gaeta:''' Sir, I'm running every diagnostic we've got. Checking each line of code could take days.
:'''Tigh:''' I am not interested in excuses. Fix it!
:'''Gaeta:''' (shouting) It's not an excuse, sir. It's a frakking fact!

*''Speaking to Tigh:''
:'''Commander Adama:''' Months on the run, and what do we have to show for it? Casualties. Deteriorating conditions. This crew needs a rest. It's finally hitting them, that's all. Our old lives are gone. The only thing we have to look forward to is this.

*''Tigh walks into the tool closet on the hanger deck''
:'''Tigh:''' What's this, Chief?
:'''Tyrol:''' I'm making solvent, sir, to clean machine parts.
:'''Tigh:''' Solvent my ass. I know a still when I smell it.

*''Starbuck is taking the [[Blackbird]] on its first test flight while Apollo follows:''
:'''Apollo:''' Starbuck, Starbuck, where are you? Starbuck, come in. Starbuck, do you read? Kara, are you okay?
:'''Starbuck:''' (Starbuck turns the lights of the Blackbird on; she's actually got her ship feet away from Apollo's, facing it) Of course you lost contact. It's a damned stealth ship, remember?

*''At the unveiling of '''[[Laura]]''':''
:'''Roslin:''' Oh, you're much too modest. After what we've been through, it would be very easy to give up, to lose hope. But not here. Not today. This is more than a ship, Chief. This is an act of faith. It is proof that despite all we've lost, we keep trying. And we will get through this, all of us, together. I promise.

== Official Statements ==

*In an [http://www.battlestargalactica.com/outside_docs/bg_outdoc0050.htm interview with BattlestarGalactica.com on December 28th, 2005] RDM was asked about the continuity problems noticed with the number of Vipers deployed in this episode:

: "Q: In the battle scene with the Cylons in "Flight of the Phoenix", some think they see more Vipers than pilots, there is the presence of many Mark 7 Vipers, and the Blackbird is in flight before its maiden voyage. Was this effects shot the victim of a script change or something in the editing room? Was the episode originally intended to appear after the Pegasus encounter?

: RDM: To be honest, I don't recall the exact number of Vipers in the shot or where we were in the continuity at that point. I do recall the topic coming up in various VFX and production meetings, and I think there was at least an initial rationale for the number on screen -- but it's entirely possible that we cheated a bit in Post in order to make the shot a little sexier. Sorry. It happens."

* In issue #348 of ''Starlog'' magazine, p. 32, Nicki Clyne (Cally) said:

:"It was an honor that the writers let Cally shoot Sharon; that was a big moment in the show...but then Cally is locked away in a jail cell, and that was pretty boring. When she gets out, everyone gives Cally an anti-climactic little party and she goes back to work. That's one of the funny patterns about my character: She has all of these crazy, intense, traumatic experiences, and then in the next episode, you'll see her back on the ship, turning a screw. There's a lot going on, obviously, that you ''don't'' see, and as actors, we do our best to fill in those blanks. But yes, essentially, after whatever horrible things happen to Cally, in the end, she just goes back to work!"

== Guest stars ==
*[[Aaron Douglas]] as Chief Petty Officer [[Galen Tyrol]]
*[[Nicki Clyne]] as Specialist [[Cally]]
*[[Leah Cairns]] as Lt. [[Margaret Edmondson|Margaret "Racetrack" Edmondson]]
*[[Donnelly Rhodes]] as Dr. [[Cottle]]
*[[Dominic Zamprogna]] as Specialist [[Jammer]]
*[[Bodie Olmos]] as Lt. [[Brendan Constanza|Brendant "Hot Dog" Constanza]]
*[[Jen Halley]] as [[Seelix]]
*[[Christian Tessier]] as [[Tucker Clellan|Duck]]
*[[Don Thompson]] as [[Anthony Figurski]]

{{episode list (RDM season 2)}}

[[Category:Episodes written by Bradley Thompson]]
[[Category:Episodes written by David Weddle]]
[[Category:Episodes directed by Michael Nankin]]
[[Category:RDM]]

Home, Part II

2007-01-31T22:07:09Z

Cyborg: bloopers

{{Episode Data
| image = Tomb_of_athena_lobby.jpg
| title=Home, Part II
| series=
| season=2
| episode=7
| guests=
| writer=[[Ronald D. Moore]] [[David Eick]]
| story=
| director=[[Jeff Woolnough]]
| production=207
| rating= 2.1
| US airdate=2005-08-26
| UK airdate=2006-02-21
| dvd= {{Season 2.0 NTSC DVD release date}} '''US''' {{Season 2 PAL DVD release date}} '''UK'''
| podcast=Y
| population=47,855
| prev=[[Home, Part I]]
| next=[[Final Cut]]
}}

== Overview ==

:''Adama leads a mission to Kobol to find President Roslin and her team of tomb-hunters, reconcile with his son, and reunite the divided fleet.''

== Summary ==
* [[Laura Roslin]]'s scouting team makes its way through rain and cold towards the [[Gates of Hera]] and the [[Tomb of Athena]]. With the death of [[Elosha]], Roslin now has to interpret what information they have of the [[Sacred Scrolls]] by herself or using the help of the second copy of [[Sharon Valerii (Caprica copy)|Sharon Valerii]].
* Meanwhile, on ''[[Galactica (RDM)|Galactica]]'', Commander [[William Adama|Adama]] and others on the command staff pore over their topography data of [[Kobol]] to determine Roslin's whereabouts. Adama plans a [[Raptor]] expedition to Kobol, travelling himself to "reach out" to Roslin there and work to mend fences.
* [[Meier]] and [[Tom Zarek]] continue to seek an opportunity to eliminate [[Lee Adama]] to gain a political advantage with Roslin and the [[The Fleet (RDM)|Fleet]]. Zarek warns Meier that any action against Captain Adama must not occur before the team finds the Tomb.
* [[Gaius Baltar]] begins to strongly deny the existence of his virtual [[Number Six]]. Six turns the tables by reappearing in a more casually dressed manner and claiming that Baltar is, indeed, crazy. Six claims that Baltar doesn't really have a "chip" in his head implanted by the Cylons, and that she is actually part of his own subconscious "[[frak]]king with (his) mind." She challenges him to visit [[sickbay]] for a brain scan to convince him of her "revelation."
* Adama brings along [[Galen Tyrol]] and [[Billy Keikeya]] aboard [[Racetrack]]'s Raptor to accompany him on his expedition. Adama feels Billy's presence will help his mission with Roslin. He relates that Roslin feels that Keikeya will become president himself one day.
* [[Helo]]'s Valerii is happy to be "back in the Fleet", although she herself was never physically there; she is sharing her memories of her dead [[Sharon Valerii (Galactica copy)|''Galactica'' counterpart]].
* [[Kara Thrace]] relates information on the [[Caprica Resistance]] to Roslin, but Roslin states that her current thoughts are focused only on the location of the Tomb, cutting off Thrace's [[Scar|first attempt]] to fulfill her promise to [[Samuel Anders]].
* Meier begins to solicit Sharon Valerii's help as a pawn to kill Lee Adama so as not to leave suspicion on himself or Zarek. He twists the story of the fate of her ''Galactica'' counterpart to upset her.
* A brain scan performed by Dr. [[Cottle]] confirms for the agitated Baltar that there are no ''mechanical'' devices or abnormalities in his head. Cottle writes off Baltar as another hypochondriac.
* Commander Adama's team finds Roslin's camp. The commander, his son and Thrace exchange warm hugs, and Commander Adama gives a sincere welcome to Roslin. Roslin is particularly happy to see Keikeya.
* The mood of the reunion sours when Commander Adama sees the second Valerii. Upset, he attacks her and throws her to the ground, but stops his assault when the pressures of his recovery form anxiety that causes him chest pain. Valerii says, "And you ask 'why?'" (mysteriously answering Adama's question, "Why?" said over her ''Galactica'' counterpart's dead body).
* Roslin and Commander Adama bury the hatchet in their first heart-to-heart conversation about themselves and the Fleet. When Roslin brings up the Caprican resistance and whether abandoning the Colonies was the best idea, Commander Adama cuts her off, stating that Roslin saved his life, and that of his son. If he did not take her advice, they would all be dead.
* With Commander Adama in the group, Tom Zarek tells Meier to abandon their plans on Lee Adama, but Meier secretly continues the plan, giving Sharon Valerii one of his [[Stallion|civilian sidearms]] to shoot Lee Adama while he and another Zarek team member work to shoot Commander Adama.
* Valerii relates her feelings to Helo on how the Fleet sees her and other Cylon agents: as machines, not people, with no rights. Realizing what Meier is trying to do (but not relaying the story to Helo), she tells Helo to trust her in what must be done next.
* The team finds the Tomb of Athena. Immediately, Valerii raises her gun towards Commander Adama as Meier raises his gun to Lee Adama's head. But Valerii is feinting: She shoots Meier instead while Lee Adama kills another Meier conspirator that raised his gun at him. Valerii states to Commander Adama that, unlike "[[Sharon Valerii (Galactica copy)|Boomer]]", she is aware of who and what she is, and that she makes own decisions on her destiny. She surrenders her gun to Commander Adama as her first of [[Flight of the Phoenix|many]] overtures of good faith.
* The [[Arrow of Apollo]] is not a key to the door of the Tomb; the expedition pushes the door open. Commander Adama leaves Zarek, Valerii, and Helo guarded by Tyrol outside while Roslin, the Adamas, Keikeya and Thrace enter the Tomb. Inside, they find [[Wikipedia:Sarchophagus|sarcophagi]], each bearing statues that represent the tribal symbols. One status, Sagittaron, is missing his arrow.
* When the Arrow is placed on the Sagittaron statue, a hologram of sorts activates around the team, placing them on a grassy field surrounded by stone pillars with glowing representations of the ancient tribal symbols that would later form the symbols of the Colonies. They soon deduce that they are standing on a representation of [[Earth]] in a planetarium of sorts that shows the Zodiac: the constellations form a representation what the Thirteenth Tribe would see from the vantage of Earth's sky.
* Lee Adama finds what they came for in the virtual sky above: The [[Wikipedia:Lagoon_Nebula|Lagoon Nebula]], a celestial point known to the Colonials as well, which now provides the Fleet both a destination and a direction to Earth, although Commmander Adama warns that the Nebula is very far away.
* Back on ''Galactica'', Adama completes his reunification of the Fleet and fence-mending by leading a rousing ovation for the reinstated President Roslin at an assembly in the starboard [[Hangar Deck|hangar deck]], complete with cheers from the crowd.
* Sharon Valerii is placed in the special brig designed for her counterpart. Helo visits her while Gaius Baltar watches with his virtual Number Six, who now returns in her usual form. She claims now that she is an "angel of [[God]]" with a mission to guide and protect Baltar "until the end of the human race."

== Questions ==
* How did Adama and the others return from the map of Earth?
**What exactly was the map of Earth? Were they in the same room in the Tomb of Athena, and a 3D hologram was projected around them? Could it have been "all in their heads?" If so, would it even be perceived by the Cylons if they tried to view it?
***In Ron D. Moore's blog on the official Scifi.com site, October 14, 2005 entry, Moore says that the map was "probably a holographic projection of some sort". As for what was preventing the Cylons finding the map now that the Tomb was open, Moore said that they planned to have Cylon Centurions attack again at the tomb, destroying the hologram projector, however it was decided not to do this because it didn't flow well dramatically. (This abortive attack sequence mirrors a similar event in the search for Earth on a tomb on Kobol in the [[Battlestar Galactica (TOS)|Original Series]] episode, "[[Lost Planet of the Gods, Part II]].")
*Just who or what is the copy of Number Six that Dr. Baltar sees all the time? Is she truly some form of supernatural force (like Count [[Iblis]] in the Original Series)? Repeated medical scans showed no foreign objects in Baltar's mind.
**For more on this issue, see the article, "[[Cylon-Related Hallucinations]]."
*How was the virtual Six capable of moving the chair in the Cylon holding cell? The chair was seen in both positions in "objective" shots (i.e. shots not from Baltar's POV that didn't include Six.) Is this a simple continuity error or does it suggest that Six can selectively appear as a physical manifestation, as hinted at by the appearance of [[Shelly Godfrey]]? Or is it just a stylistic choice to show the scenes from Baltar's point of view and he is only imagining it?
*Caprica-Valerii reminds Adama that he asked her ''Galactica'' counterpart's corpse "why" in [[Resistance (episode)|Resistance]]. How did she know, without also knowing that Boomer had been killed? Or, was Boomer answering Adama's question of "why" from his attack: that humans have always abused Cylons as he had just done?
**Partial Answer: The flashback to the scene in the morgue was removed for the UK DVD release. This indicates that Sharon was referring to the "Why?" from the Miniseries and that the flashback was an error in editing. However it is still present on the US DVDs. It is therefor unknown which is the definite version.
*What are Tom Zarek's true motivations? We see in "[[Home, Part I]]" that he had a desire to become the next "Fleet Commander", like [[William Adama]], and is willing to go along and eliminate anyone in his way, such as [[Lee Adama]]. Yet, during the foray on Kobol, he reverses his position and applauds [[Laura Roslin]] when she re-assumes the presidency.
*Caprica-Valerii's claim that the Cylons know more about Colonial religion than the Colonials raises interesting questions. The Cylons had direct access to the Arrow of Apollo and had at least a token presence on Kobol. If all of them knew where the Tomb of Athena was as Valerii claims, why didn't they use this knowledge to locate Earth themselves?

== Analysis ==
*The map to Earth is believable and satisfying: no goofy special effects or flaming letters spelling out "Go This Way," just basic astronomy. It gives the Colonials both a "compass" and "landmarks" to follow. For further analysis of the location of the Colonies, see this [[Navigation_in_the_Re-imagined_Series#Triangulating_the_Colonies.27_.22Actual_Location.22|section]] of the article [[Science in the Re-imagined Series]].

*The compass is the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lagoon_Nebula Lagoon Nebula], an actual nebula visible from both Earth and the Colonies. Assuming the Colonials' astronomical instruments are advanced enough to permit them to see the nebula from a greater distance than we can, the Lagoon Nebula gives them a general direction to head toward. They also know that Earth is within realistic traveling distance, and they know that Earth will be in a sphere centered on the Lagoon Nebula. The twelve star groupings that appeared on the Colonies' original flags are actual constellations, the twelve signs of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zodiac Zodiac] (Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces). These constellations will serve as landmarks: at the right planet, or within perhaps a few light-years of the nebula, these constellations will begin to appear as they do on the Colonials' flags, assuming that they compensate for the natural drift of stars relative to Earth over time, as constellations are not static.

*If each of the Twelve Tribes had an associated symbol that the Thirteenth Tribe identified in their constellations, did the Thirteenth Tribe have one of their own? There is a thirteenth constellation in the Zodiac, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ophiuchus Ophiuchus] the snake-bearer, which is not included in astrology. Ophiuchus may, however, be included in Greek mythology, as it is speculated that the snake-bearer represents Asclepius, the healer. The story of Asclepius is that he learned the secrets of life and death while watching one snake cure another snake he had wounded. Zeus struck Asclepius down out of fear that, under his care, the human race could become immortal.

*As the nebula and constellations in the map to Earth are recognizably ours, this would appear to indicate that the Tomb of Athena isn't a Cylon construct intended to lead the Colonials astray.

*Despite the new data, it could take the Colonials years of searching within the vicinity of the Lagoon Nebula to find Earth.

* This may be the first episode where Adama and the President call each other by their first names, and not formally: "Bill" and "Laura." By the end of this episode, it appears that Adama realizes that, while Roslin did step over the line with her redirection of Starbuck, that there was a logical need to get information on Earth in any way possible. After his near-death experience, Adama seemed more resigned that they should all meet their doom or glory together rather than separate. Roslin reinforced the fleet's hope and gave it direction and purpose. Adama's rousing formal applause generation for Roslin at the end of the episode shows that Adama has firmly buried the hatchet between himself and the President.

* Commander Adama's sense of humor is returning: first in his talk with Billy about Roslin's comments on his future of being president someday ("Don't let it go to your head: [[Richard Adar|Adar]] was a moron.") and in his glib comment on how well their luck was going so far, as their Raptor's descent subjected them to several G-forces and pressed both of them firmly, visibly and uncomfortably against the bulkheads.

* Helo is already experiencing repercussions regarding his relationship with Caprica-Boomer. First by Apollo, who voices his uneasiness about the pair to Starbuck and then later, indirectly, by Commander Adama himself who makes a point of leaving Helo outside the Tomb of Athena with Zarek, Boomer and Tyrol. Tyrol was given the order to guard them which indicates that the chief is the only one of the four left outside that Adama trusts.

*How can Adama use the Messier number M8 to refer to the Lagoon Nebula? The Messier catalog was created in 1774, on Earth. Possible answers:
**Language and nomenclature in the show is allegorical: the Colonials speak English, Adama references the game of craps ("gotta roll a hard six"), many characters have Western, biblical, or mythological names.
**Parallel development between Earth and the Twelve Colonies extends past attire, vehicles, medicine and government documents to include highly specific astronomical nomenclature.
**The show is set in the distant future, and the inhabitants of Kobol are actually descendents of an Earth-based population, some of whom returned after a vaguely-alluded-to disaster.
***This is supported by otherwise difficult to explain terms such as the Battlestar ''[[Columbia]]'', which appears to be named for the 15th century Earth explorer [[Wikipedia:Christopher Columbus|Christopher Columbus]].
***The cultural influence is also supported by the setup of the map itself. Only someone who could have been on Earth originally could have properly plotted out the Zodiac constellations as seen from Earth. Unless, of course the map was created by the Lords of Kobol, "whoever or whatever they were".

== Notes ==
*Population is 47,855, a loss of three since Part I. Two of these were seen on-screen in the last episode (Elosha and a [[Laura Roslin faction]] [[Wikipedia: Redshirt (character)|Redshirt]]). The other may have happened offscreen in the same ambush.
** At episode's end, the count is now 47,853, with the death of [[Meier]] and one of [[Tom Zarek]]'s lackeys.
*The fleet has been reunited, and Commander Adama has restored Laura Roslin to the Presidency.
*The Fleet now has a general idea of the direction they need to take to find Earth.
*Helo still loves Caprica-Sharon, although he knows she's a Cylon.
*Caprica-Valerii's hybrid child is a [[Hera|girl]]. She claims to just "know" this.
*The child that Six claims she and Baltar will have ([[Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part II]]) is actually Caprica-Valerii's and Helo's biological daughter.
*Caprica-Valerii does not "remember" shooting Commander Adama, and she was unaware that Boomer is killed by [[Cally]] (she thought she was just in the [[brig]]). This Sharon copy thinks of herself as a "person" and not simply "a machine".
*Caprica-Valerii possesses the memories of Boomer's two years aboard ''Galactica''. She "remembers" how exhilarating it was to get her wings and how it felt to be a member of the "family" that is ''Galactica's'' crew. She considers Chief [[Galen Tyrol|Tyrol]] a dear friend of sorts, even though she admits she herself has never actually met him. Caprica-Valerii herself acknowledges that it's weird that she has deep-seated memories of things she fully knows she's never actually done.
*Caprica-Valerii apparently still believes that there is only "one true God" and that the Colonials "worship false idols".
*According to Starbuck's observations, the Cylons have a plan for Caprica; "they're cleaning up the bodies, moving in the heavy machinery to repair the infrastructure..."
**Ron D. Moore has stated in interviews that this is actually a major plot point (as later witnessed in "[[Downloaded]]"). Also, while the Cylon [[Farms]] (the hybrid experiments) are logically ''a'' plan for the Twelve Colonies, RDM said that it is not their ''only'' plan.
*Dr. Baltar has had a medical scan performed on his head, and it appears that there are no "foreign objects", like a metallic computer chip containing a copy of Number Six's mind, within it.
*Baltar has come to the realization that the copy of [[Number Six]] he sees cannot be just a hallucination, because she knows things his subconscious mind couldn't possibly know.
*This episode probably begins a few hours after "[[Home, Part I]]," although it could conceivably begin immediately after it.
*If the map displayed in the Tomb of Athena was from the perspective of an Earth-bound viewer, the Lagoon Nebula should have been in Sagittarius, not Scorpio.
**This could be accounted for by drift through time. The map was made millennia ago, by now the angle of view could have changed significantly.
*Since Lee and Cmdr. Adama both recognized the Lagoon Nebula, and the nebula appears the same as it does from Earth, the Colonies must be located on a line that passes through Sol and the Lagoon Nebula. This would place the Colonies - and Kobol - in the Cygnus Arm of the galaxy.
*Between Sharon's Heavy Raider that's been returned to the Fleet in this episode and the Heavy Raider from "[[Scattered]]" and "[[Valley of Darkness]]," the Fleet may have up to two captured Heavy Raiders by this point. However, the one that crashes into the starboard flight pod may have been too damaged to be salvageable.
*On Kobol, Zarek tells Meier that it's "harder" to get blood on your hands than to wash it off when referring to killing Apollo. Given the context, it's reasonable to assume that the correct line was that it is "easier" to get blood on your hands than wash it off, that Richard Hatch flubbed the line, and that the flub was not caught during filming.
*A Blooper. You can see Laura Roslin and Kara Thrace holding their laugh in the back after Valerii points the gun at Adama (For explanation see under Official Statements by Paul Campbell bellow).

== Noteworthy Dialogue ==
* ''On "Earth":''
*:Cmdr. Adama: I thought we were in the Tomb of Athena.
*:Starbuck: I think that was just the lobby.

== Official Statements ==

In the podcast for this program, Moore and Eick commented on their attempt to have a more colorful turn of phrase in the dialogue on the Raptor from Chief Tyrol and Adama. Tyrol's original line, in his frustration on reading a map was, "Topography's for pussies, anyway." Likewise, Adama's comment about President Adar to Bill was originally "...Adar was a prick." Both lines were changed at the behest of the studio's standards and practices unit.

* ''From [http://www.hollywoodnorthreport.com/article.php?Article=2363 Hollywood North Report's interview] with [[Edward James Olmos]]:''

: '''Robert Falconer''': One watches the series with the sense that [[William Adama]] is either an Atheist, or a man who is very private about his religious beliefs, which is interesting considering he’s part of a society whose cultural iconography seems innately tied to its [[Religion in the Twelve Colonies|religion]]. Has the discovery of the [[Tomb of Athena]] changed his mind about the existence of [[Earth]], or his religious beliefs, if any?

: '''Edward James Olmos''': To answer the first part of the question, I think the beliefs Adama held were spiritual, and that he believed in the spiritual nature of humankind, but he was never a religious person, per se. He studied religions, but it wasn’t his thing, which is part of why the whole idea of Earth merely seemed like mythology or folklore to him.

: As to events altering him as an individual…a lot has changed there. The biggest change Adama went through spiritually and emotionally was his own death. And when you come back from a death experience, where you’re “clinically dead” and your body stops functioning and then all of a sudden you’re brought back, at that moment you’re gone from this understanding and reality…not just lingering there, but gone.

: Now nobody really knows what happens during those moments, but that disembodiment, where you’re just looking at everything going on as though watching a movie, is a profoundly altering experience by all accounts. And I think that experience has changed Adama the most.

: The second life-altering experience for him was the discovery of the Tomb of Athena. One moment he’s standing in the tomb, the next he’s standing “outside” on open land for reasons not fully understood at this point.

: I think those have been the most startling moments for Adama – those and discovering first-hand the new strengths and powers of the Cylons. When [[Sharon Valerii (Galactica copy)|Sharon (Boomer)]] – who I loved like a member of my own family – is lying in the morgue and I ask her, “Why?”…then later I discover the [[Sharon Valerii (Caprica copy)|other copy of Sharon]] on the surface of [[Kobol]] while I’m trying to reunite the family and [[The Fleet (RDM)|the fleet]], and she whispers in my ear, “And you ask me ‘why?’”…I realize the full implications of what we’re dealing with and I say to [[Lee Adama|Lee]] later, “They’re much stronger than we are.”

: And so all these things cause everything to change for Adama.

* ''[[Paul Campbell]] discusses antics during filming of the episode in an interview with [http://mediablvd.com/magazine/index.php?option=com_magazine&func=show_article&id=84 MediaBlvd]:''

: '''MB/TSFW:''' We had some questions come in from people that read the message board, and one of them was from [[Aaron Douglas]]. (Editor’s note: The question was actually from an earlier interview with TheSciFiWorld.net). He said that we should ask you about the names that Paul and Aaron made up for the race horses that [[Mary McDonnell|Mary [McDonnell]]] took her husband to see.

: '''Paul:''' I was thinking about that the other day. We had this ridiculous…Did he give you any names?

: '''MB/TSFW:''' No, but he said you were all laughing so hard that you ruined take after take.

: '''Paul:''' Absolutely, and once you get Mary on a roll, once you get her giggling, she will not stop. So we had a field day. We were shooting Home Pt. 2, and Mary was talking about taking her husband to the horse races and just randomly picking names. And we were talking about if you were just randomly picking names having no knowledge of the horses, what names you might choose. It would be like Lighting Steed, and Farts Dust, and choosing between the two. Or Beaten by A Nose, and A Nose for silly horse names. Three legged old man, and Guaranteed to Win. But for some reason it just struck us as incredibly silly, and we must have gone on for two or three hours, and we had hundreds of names. I think Mary laugher (sic) her way thru about 50% of those takes. <ref>http://mediablvd.com/magazine/index.php?option=com_magazine&func=show_article&id=84</ref>

* ''[[Jamie Bamber]] discusses [[Lee Adama]]'s relationship with [[William Adama|his father]] after their reunion on Kobol:''

: Well, they barely see each other for the first half of the season. That serves to emphasis (sic) the pain invovled in the divergent paths the two men seem to be on. Lee stands over his father's comatose body on two occasions and each time feels a connection to his dad despite his apparent treacherous actions. His father's recovery he only experiences as a reported event while in exile [with [[Laura Roslin]]], and he seems doomed not to be able to put things right, and he is committed to denouncing his father's actions for the sake of democracy's cause. So when at the eventual meeting of the two men not a word is said about the past, it is so much more powerful. They now need each other on such a deep, family level that no past event can damage that. They have reached a point of acceptance of each other and each other's convictions, different as they may at times be. <ref>"Inside Battlestar Galactica", Sci-Fi Magazine February 2006: [http://bsgmedia.org/gallery/albums/userpics/10017/0008d708.jpg 53]</ref>

== Guest stars ==
*[[Richard Hatch]] as [[Tom Zarek]]
*[[Leah Cairns]] as Lt. [[Margaret Edmondson|Margaret "Racetrack" Edmondson]]
*[[Aaron Douglas]] as Chief Petty Officer [[Galen Tyrol]]
*[[James Remar]] as [[Meier]]
*[[Donnelly Rhodes]] as Dr. [[Cottle]]

==References==
<div style="font-size:85%"><references/></div>

{{episode list (RDM season 2)}}

[[Category:Episodes written by David Eick]]
[[Category:Episodes written by Ronald D. Moore]]
[[Category:Episodes directed by Jeff Woolnough]]
[[Category:RDM]]

Talk:The Farm/Archive 1

2007-01-29T22:04:45Z

Cyborg: /* Simon's Quote to Starbuck */

Three more battlestars? Yeah, right. [[User:Kuralyov|Kuralyov]] 21:47, 12 May 2005 (EDT)

== fixed it ==

I have no idea where the "three battlestars" comment came from (with a full complement of vipers and crew??), but I replaced it with a more accurate sentence.

== Question regarding Detailed Plot Information ==

May we have a source on the information entered in [[The Farm]] artice, particularly the stuff regarding the detailed plot that was just added? Thanks! -- [[User:Joe.Beaudoin|Joe Beaudoin]] 23:03, 17 Jul 2005 (EDT)
::It's not new, I've seen it somewhere before a month or two back...I'll see if I can find what source I saw it in. [[User:Kuralyov|Kuralyov]] 00:04, 18 Jul 2005 (EDT)
:::I'm the guy who put that in. It was based off a spoiler of the episode I found on a forum. I put it under my IP address (69.194.201.1).[[User:Crazyrabbits|Crazyrabbits]] 15:10, 19 Aug 2005 (EDT)

== Boomer's Origins ==

A writer from 83.208.88.147 added what was an unfortunately mangled addition to the page regarding Galactica-Boomer's origins as well as a question on the farms' use. I don't believe the writer is a native English writer or speaker and it was difficult to interpret, much less edit at first. I paired down the question on how viable human embryos could be used, which was an insightful question. However, in a second element the writer suggested (I think) that Boomer may have been legitimately born by humans who were not Cylons but controlled by the Cylons. This flies in the face of what we do know of humano-Cylons.

Number Six, in the miniseries is genuinely surprised at the small frailty of a human baby, strongly suggesting that humano-Cylons are generated as a mature adult and never as adolescents. We know from this episode that Cylons can't biologically create life by gestation like humans, nor are they compatible at the genetic level without some help (in Helo's case, love). While the writer has a point that the Cylons may have placed their creations within the Colonies much earlier than 2 years prior to the events of the miniseries, we haven't any evidence as yet that supports this. All indications thus far suggest that the Cylon infiltration was a recent event. That doesn't mean that the Cylons didn't do their homework, since Boomer's life history apparently holds up to scrutiny from others and from Boomer herself. It should be noted that Boomer believed she was truly human and never had doubts until her nascent programming become more active and she began missing blocks of time. I hope I gleaned and rewrote the writer's thoughts appropriately in the areas where their contribution wasn't patently contradictory to the data we know. [[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 10:17, 16 Aug 2005 (EDT)

:Well said. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 11:23, 16 Aug 2005 (EDT)

:You're right. I am not a natural english writer, so that some things are hard to explain for me. Wrong thing I did is that i have wrote it *into* the questions tab and *not* here. Deletion is good choice, as I see it.
:Anyway, as you said, Boomer believed she is natural human. That what I wanted to say is the thing that we actually '''don't know''' how Boomer infiltrated army. There is possibility that she survived that accident what was noticed in mini-series. Cylons may used the accident as a cover for deploying new cylon agent - the Boomer. Their "parents" may died in that accident (it was a big explosion though) even with their true children. Boomer could be deployed then. I just didn't noticed this possibility.
:I am sorry for making that work for you, and I am sorry that I'm not registered. Goin to register, right now. I like it here. Pavel "Lordhp" Ptacek --[[User:83.208.88.147|83.208.88.147]] 13:41, 16 Aug 2005 (EDT)
::Welcome, Pavel. We'll try to help out your contributions by fixing up any English errors as necessary. The idea that there was a real Sharon makes sense as other humans over time would have had to raise the orphan, which would create plenty of paperwork that would be hard to forge and plenty of humans that knew Sharon that would be harder to produce. We haven't been let in on the true origins of Sharon, however, so we'll have to leave that discussion here. Yep, it '''is''' a great site! [[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 17:23, 16 Aug 2005 (EDT)

== Simon's Quote to Starbuck ==

for the quotes, the line by Simon, to Starbuck:

"Simon: Children of abusive parents often fear passing along that abuse to their own children."

on second viewing seems to be clearly talking about the Cylons, and how they view themselves.
* Sounds good as an analysis.--[[User:Cyborg|Cyborg]] 16:04, 29 January 2007 (CST)

== Moving Questions' "Answers" ==

Per [[BW:FORUM]], I've moved these answers from the questions section.

**Since it is confirmed that Cylon agents do transmit their consciousness or updated information from body to body upon death, this implies that '''all''' models share memories between each other, no matter where they are. Caprica-Valerii seems to know much of ''Galactica's'' state of affairs when asked. If such communication is the case, wouldn't the relative strength of such a signal from the body be a tip-off for Colonials to locate the remaining Cylon infiltrators?
**Valerii also says that she "hasn't accessed that data" when asked how many farms there are. Does this mean that Cylons transmit information only upon death? She knew about Leoben #2's "visit" with Thrace ([[Flesh and Bone]]) but she doesn't know the thoughts of the other Cylons on the planet who have not died. Conversely the Cylons seem unaware of her rebellious thoughts.
***Has the rebellious Sharon Valerii severed her connection with the other Cylons? After she switched sides in "[[Flesh and Bone]]," the other Cylons seem unaware of her current thoughts and actions. Perhaps she only knows of events on ''Galactica'' before this point?
**Leoben Conoy #2 appeared to acknowledge in "[[Flesh and Bone]]" that he was too far from Cylon forces for his personality to be recovered. Was he able to covertly transmit his memories to one of the basestars encountered in [[Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part II]]" or "[[Scattered]]" by way of another agent? ([[Resurrection Ship|Likely answer]])
**RDM's blog states that one of the member's of Anders' resistance was probably a Cylon (not necessarily any of the resistance members we saw on screen) who tipped them off to Anders, though this didn't make the final cut of the episode.
***Could this have been a copy of [[Cavil]], specifically, the copy that prays with the resistance before they leave Caprica in "[[Lay Down Your Burdens, Part II]]?"
**Caprica-Valerii seemed to imply that no viable hybrid embryos had ever been produced by the Farms, at least up until this point. Then again, she said that they "weren't very successful," a somewhat vague answer suggesting inpregnation or growth but no viable fetuses.

Please <s>strike out</s> any of the above bullet points as they are reintegrated into the guide. -- [[User:Joe Beaudoin Jr.|Joe Beaudoin]] [[User talk:Joe Beaudoin Jr.|So say we all]] - [[Battlestar Wiki:Site support|Donate]] 09:03, 25 December 2006 (CST)

The Farm

2007-01-29T21:48:15Z

Cyborg: /* Analysis */

:''This page covers the episode "The Farm." For the Farms themselves, see [[Farms]].''
{{Episode Data
| image = Galacticafarm.jpg
| title=The Farm
| series=
| season=2
| episode=5
| guests=
| writer=[[Carla Robinson]]
| story=
| director=[[Rod Hardy]]
| production=205
| rating= 2.0
| US airdate=2005-08-12
| UK airdate=2006-02-07
| dvd= {{Season 2.0 NTSC DVD release date}} '''US''' {{Season 2 PAL DVD release date}} '''UK'''
| podcast = Y
| population=47,857
| prev=[[Resistance (episode)|Resistance]]
| next=[[Home, Part I]]
}}

== Overview ==
:''[[Kara Thrace]] is shot and wakes up in a remote hospital facility on [[The Twelve Colonies (RDM)#Caprica|Caprica]], and learns that her friendly doctor has his own plans for her future.''

== Summary ==

=== On Caprica ===

*[[Kara Thrace|Starbuck]], [[Karl Agathon|Helo]], and two members of the Resistance ([[Samuel Anders|Anders]] and [[Sue-Shaun]], who were introduced in the last episode) devise a plan to escape from [[The Twelve Colonies (RDM)#Caprica|Caprica]] by commandeering a [[Heavy Raider]] from a nearby airstrip. They will fit as many people as possible onto the craft, and will dispatch a rescue mission for the remainder upon return to ''[[Galactica]]''.
*As the team is about to assault the airstrip, they are ambushed, and Thrace is hit by a bullet that grazes off her head and gets lodged in her abdomen. She loses consciousness.
*Thrace wakes up in a hospital. She is being attended to by a doctor named [[Simon]], who tells her that she was brought into the hospital by Anders, and that Anders died from a shrapnel wound. Thrace is devastated.
*Thrace spends the next few days conversing with Simon, who muses that women capable of bearing children are a rare "commodity" now that the [[Cylons (RDM)|Cylons]] have nuked the Colonies, and suggests that Thrace should consider giving birth to a child.
*Simon speculates that Thrace's reluctance to have children stems from her mother having abused her when she was young, as evidenced by a pattern of fractures in her fingers. This topic upsets her.
*Thrace wakes to discover a new scar on her abdomen. Simon tells her it's from an operation he did to stop some bleeding, but Thrace doesn't believe him, particularly after he calls her "Starbuck"--her pilot call sign, which she has never told him.
*Thrace fakes sleep after crimping her intravenous drip filled with sedative. When Simon leaves, she follows him into the hallway, where she overhears him having a conversation with a copy of [[Number Six]] about the "complete removal" of her ovaries scheduled for the next day.
*A short time later, Thrace stabs Simon with a broken mirror shard and escapes the room. Lurching around the deserted hospital, she stumbles upon a room full of semi-conscious women wired horrifically to machines. Among them is [[Sue-Shaun]], who begs Thrace to destroy the "baby machines" and end their misery. She obliges with a prayer, a pair of medical tongs, and a primal scream.
*Thrace staggers outside, braining a Six model with a fire extinguisher in the process, only to find a another Simon standing there to greet her. At that moment, [[Karl Agathon|Helo]] and the rest of the resistance emerge from the woods. They pepper Simon with bullets, but soon get bogged down in a firefight with a squad of [[Cylon Centurion|Centurions]]. A second rescue occurs in as many minutes: [[Sharon Valerii (Caprica copy)|Caprica-Valerii]] swoops down in a stolen Heavy Raider and blows the Centurions away.
*Thrace relates her experiences in the hospital to the others. Valerii explains that the [[Cylon agent|humanoid Cylons]] have a flaw which renders them unable to reproduce biologically. The Cylons have been holding human women in "farms" to try to implant them with human/Cylon embryos. This effort has failed, however, leading the Cylons to believe that conception requires "love." Based on this theory, Valerii was able to conceive with Helo because of their love for each other.
*Helo, Sharon, and Starbuck leave Caprica on the Heavy Raider. Starbuck promises [[Samuel Anders|Anders]] to return someday to rescue the Resistance. In the meantime, Anders says he will try to destroy as many farms as he can.

===On ''Galactica'' and In The Fleet===

*Commander Adama returns to duty, and is greated by applause in [[CIC]]. He tells the crew that he loves them all.
*To try to rally support to the president, Zarek wants [[Lee Adama]] to make a recording denouncing his father. Adama stops in the middle of it and says he can't go through with it. It's left to [[Laura Roslin]] to win over the [[The Fleet (RDM)|Fleet]].
* Roslin plays the "religious card." She transfers to the ''[[Astral Queen]]'' from where she transmits a message imploring the Fleet to follow her and the path the [[Lords of Kobol]] have set out for her. An infuriated and staunchly secular Adama doesn't board the ''Astral Queen'' because he thinks only three or four ships would seriously listen to her "religious nonsense." Instead, 24 ships ("almost a third of the Fleet") leave with her.
*Cally is thrown in the brig for killing [[Sharon Valerii (Galactica copy)|Sharon "Boomer" Valerii]], now known as a Cylon agent and traitor. Chief Tyrol implores Commander Adama to release her, due to her trauma by events on Kobol. Adama gives her a light sentence of charging her with discharging a firearm without permission: Cally will spend only one month in the brig.
*Adama asks Tyrol if he could love Boomer despite the fact that she was a machine. Tyrol isn't quite sure, but it becomes apparent that Adama is asking himself the question as much as he is Tyrol; Adama loved all of his pilots like his children.
*Adama visits Boomer's body in the morgue. He asks "Why?" then breaks down crying over her body.

== Questions ==
*Caprica-Valerii says that she knows that [[Leoben Conoy]] told Kara Thrace she was special during his interrogation aboard ''Galactica''. How could she have known this? How do the Cylon agents communicate to each other?
*Will we see Simon again? ([[Downloaded|Answer]]) Is he one of the eight Cylon agents hiding in the Fleet?
*How did Simon know Anders' name?
*Why does the Caprica resistance seem more concerned about Thrace's disappearance than Sue-Shaun's? Did Thrace's love interest generate the greater concern?
*Could Commander Adama's evident grief upon viewing the corpse of Boomer in the ship's morgue mean that they were personally involved at some point? Or, perhaps, did the level of humanity that Boomer showed cause Adama to mourn her loss as he would a daughter or daughter-figure such as Kara Thrace?
*Would any viable embryos harvested by the Cylons be accelerated into mature adults or placed ''in vitro'' into a host? Would the host be Cylon or human? ([[Hera|Answer]], [[A Measure of Salvation|Result of Answer]])

== Analysis ==
*What exactly did the Cylons do to Thrace's ovaries? Simon tells Six: "...pending lab test results on sample for ovaries, complete removal will proceed tomorrow". Starbuck escapes right after this, which means that the opportunity to "completely remove" her ovaries did not occur. This suggests at the very least that Starbuck can still have children. However, female humans only have '''two''' ovaries: how can you have a "sample" one? The sample could just mean that Simon took several eggs from one of Starbuck's ovaries to see if they were viable for conceiving children.
*It would seem that the Cylons at least obtained several sample egg cells from Starbuck. Will this lead to developments later on?
*In Ron D. Moore's blog entry for October 14, 2005, after finishing the last scripts for season two he jokingly says he has "the reward of time spent thinking about something besides Kara's missing ovaries ("Now, where did I leave those ovaries? They were right here a minute ago...") ". What is meant by this?
*Love serves as a theme in this episode. First, we find out how important love is for the Cylons: it is considered essential for Cylon procreation. In the first episode, Number Six asked Dr. Baltar several times if he loved her. Number Six also said that "God is love". That was after she tried to conceive from him. Love is also the reason Sharon aids Helo and the reason Helo accepts her help. Also we hear that Starbuck was abused as a child. In the last episode she said that everyone seems to fight to get their old life back and she fights because it's all she knows how to do. In this episode she seems to develop affections to Anders. Will Starbuck find 'reason' in love? Commander Adama tells his subordinates that he loves them. He asks Chief Tyrol if one could love a machine. Ultimately, Commander Adama wipes over Galactica-Sharon's body because he loved her.

== Notes ==
*This episode's opening credits marks the return of the "blipvert" effect used in the first season episodes, which Ron D. Moore uses as an homage to "Space: 1999."
*As of the opening credits, the fleet population is now 47,857, a net loss of 4 since "[[Resistance (episode)|Resistance]]". This reflects the deaths of four civilians on board the [[Gideon]] in that episode, but apparently not that of Boomer. Was she removed from the count immediately after her assassination attempt?
*According to [[Felix Gaeta|Gaeta]], this episode takes place "a week" after Apollo docked at ''[[Cloud Nine]]'' in the last episode, although apparently Adama hasn't been well enough to resume command until very recently.
*24 ships, almost a third of the Fleet, have left with Roslin for Kobol.
**This would mean the total Fleet consisted of over 72 ships. In the [[Miniseries]], there are only about 40 FTL-capable ships able to rendezvous with ''Galactica'' at [[Ragnar Anchorage]]. This continuity error is similar to the 500-1500 prisoner error. ([[Bastille Day]] and [[Miniseries]])
*Boomer's body is now in the morgue.
*Number Six mentioned that "procreation is one of God's commandments" in the first episode, "[[33]]." This could mean that the Cylons are trying to procreate out of a feeling that they are sinning by not being able to have children on their own.
*The concept of women connected to machines for the purposes of controlled reproduction is a venerable one in science fiction; the [[Wikipedia:Dune universe|Dune universe]] showcases a classic example where a specific political and religious faction (the [[Wikipedia:Bene Tleilax|Bene Tleilax]]) uses the technology to produce clones.
*Helo and Caprica-Valerii's child is the first Human/Cylon hybrid conceived in love, and as a result appears to be the first and only successful hybrid; it seems that no other embryo survived nearly as long as it already has (it is now about five weeks old, since its conception in "[[Six Degrees of Separation]]").
*Boomer served aboard ''Galactica'' for two years, which means the Cylons had begun infiltrating Colonial society from at least that long ago. This matches the length of time of Six's affair with Baltar while on Caprica, suggesting that Cylon agent infiltration occurred around two years prior to the events of the miniseries.
*According to Simon's study (either from a Cylon dossier on Thrace or from medical exams) Starbuck was the victim of frequent physical abuse as a child; she's suffered many bone fractures in childhood, and all of her fingers have been broken at some point. This is consistant with the comments made by Leoben Conoy to Starbuck during their interrogation scenes. [[Flesh and Bone]]
*Caprica-Valerii is aware of [[Leoben Conoy]] #2's interrogation by Starbuck in "[[Flesh and Bone]]," even of specific things he said during it, suggesting that Cylon agents sometimes have a collective knowledgebase (''not'' a collective consciousness; see "[[Downloaded]]" for this confirmation) to occasionally draw from. This is supported by Boomer's information to [[Gaius Baltar]] of the number of Cylon agents remaining in the Fleet in "[[Resistance]]," as only such a knowledgebase would allow Boomer to know of this data.
*This episode introduces the fifth confirmed [[Cylon agent]], [[Simon]].
*According to a deleted scene, this episode takes place a week after "[[Fragged]]."
*After the final commercial break, as Simon enters Starbuck's room (right before she stabs him) you can see that her room is number "254". Not so coincidentally, this scene takes place in Season 2, episode #5, and this is the start of Act #4.
*Starbuck has the last line in this episode: "Let's go [[Home,_Part_I|home]]!"

== Noteworthy Dialogue ==

*''Cylons discussing the surgical testing they are performing on Starbuck'':
:'''Simon:''' ...pending lab test results on ovaries, complete removal will proceed tomorrow. They've lab tested positive and subject will be removed to processing facility for final disposition.
:'''Number Six:''' Is that regret I hear in your voice, Simon?
:'''Simon:''' If it is, it certainly is none of your concern.

*''Explanation of the Human/Cylon hybrid project:''
:'''Valerii:''' They were conducting research, into Human/Cylon breeding programs.
:'''Starbuck:''' Human/Cylon?
:'''Helo:''' 'Call them "Farms"...your gunshot wound looks fine...
:'''Starbuck:''' So "Farms", that's great...what were they going to do, 'knock me up with some Cylon kid?
:'''Valerii:''' They were going to try to. We haven't been very successful so far.
:'''Anders:''' Supposedly they can't reproduce...you know, ''biologically'', so they've been trying every which-way to produce offspring.
:'''Starbuck:''' Why?
:'''Valerii:''' Procreation. It's one of God's commandments; "be fruitful". We can't fulfill it, we've tried. So we decided--
:'''Starbuck:''' To rape human women?!
:'''Valerii:''' You know, if you agreed to bear children it would be voluntary, maybe even set you up with someone you like.
:'''Starbuck:''' And you two kids? (looking at Helo and Caprica-Sharon)
:'''Valerii:''' We're different.
:'''Starbuck:''' What the frak is that supposed to mean?
:'''Helo:''' They have this theory; maybe the one thing they were missing was '''love'''. So Sharon and I...were set up...
:'''Starbuck:''' To fall in love?! They didn't ask [[Sue-Shaun]] if she wanted to fall in love, alright! They put a tube in her, and they hooked her up to a machine!
:'''Valerii:''' They know who you are, Kara. You're special. Leoben told you that. You have a destiny.
:'''Helo:''' (pointing out the other scar on Starbuck's lower abdomen) Starbuck what's the second scar?
:'''Starbuck:''' I don't know. I don't think I want to know now. You know?
:'''Valerii:''' No.
:'''Anders:''' Alright, how many women do they have in these "Farms"?
:'''Valerii:''' Hundreds, maybe thousands. I don't know, I haven't accessed that data.

*''Adama wonders aloud about the nature of Cylons and humans''
:'''Tyrol:''' I don't believe she [Cally] was in her right mind when she shot Boomer--
:'''Adama:''' Did you love her, Chief?
:'''Tyrol:''' 'Scuse me?
:'''Adama:''' Boomer. Did you love her?
:'''Tyrol:''' Thought I did.
:'''Adama:''' Well, when you think you love somebody, you love them. That's what love is. Thoughts... She was a Cylon. A machine! Is that what Boomer was, a machine? A thing?
:'''Tyrol:''' That's what she turned out to be.
:'''Adama:''' She was more than that to us. She was more than that to me. She was a vital, living person aboard my ship for almost two years! She couldn't have been just a machine. Could you love a machine?
:'''Tyrol:''' No, sir. Guess I couldn't have.
:'''Adama:''' Cally discharged a firearm without permission, endangering life of her fellow shipmate. 30 days in the brig. Dismissed.
:'''Tyrol:''' Thank you, sir.
:'''Adama:''' You'll see her again, Chief.
:'''Tyrol:''' Excuse me?
:'''Adama:''' There are many copies. You'll see her again.

*''Simon, talking about Starbuck's reluctance to have children but also perhaps talking about the Cylons' view of themselves (and maybe the "human" Cylons).''
:'''Simon:''' Children of abusive parents often fear passing along that abuse to their own children.

== Guest stars ==
*[[Richard Hatch]] as [[Tom Zarek]]
*[[Aaron Douglas]] as Chief Petty Officer [[Galen Tyrol]]
*[[Nicki Clyne]] as Specialist [[Cally]]
*[[Michael Trucco]] as [[Samuel Anders]]
*[[Tamara Lashley]] as [[Sue-Shaun]]
*[[Rick Worthy]] as [[Simon]]

{{episode list (RDM season 2)}}

[[Category:A to Z|Farm, The]]
[[Category:Episode Guide (RDM)|Farm, The]]
[[Category:Episodes written by Carla Robinson]]
[[Category:Episodes directed by Rod Hardy]]
[[Category:RDM]]

[[es:La Granja]]

The Farm

2007-01-29T21:13:30Z

Cyborg: Love as a theme analysis

:''This page covers the episode "The Farm." For the Farms themselves, see [[Farms]].''
{{Episode Data
| image = Galacticafarm.jpg
| title=The Farm
| series=
| season=2
| episode=5
| guests=
| writer=[[Carla Robinson]]
| story=
| director=[[Rod Hardy]]
| production=205
| rating= 2.0
| US airdate=2005-08-12
| UK airdate=2006-02-07
| dvd= {{Season 2.0 NTSC DVD release date}} '''US''' {{Season 2 PAL DVD release date}} '''UK'''
| podcast = Y
| population=47,857
| prev=[[Resistance (episode)|Resistance]]
| next=[[Home, Part I]]
}}

== Overview ==
:''[[Kara Thrace]] is shot and wakes up in a remote hospital facility on [[The Twelve Colonies (RDM)#Caprica|Caprica]], and learns that her friendly doctor has his own plans for her future.''

== Summary ==

=== On Caprica ===

*[[Kara Thrace|Starbuck]], [[Karl Agathon|Helo]], and two members of the Resistance ([[Samuel Anders|Anders]] and [[Sue-Shaun]], who were introduced in the last episode) devise a plan to escape from [[The Twelve Colonies (RDM)#Caprica|Caprica]] by commandeering a [[Heavy Raider]] from a nearby airstrip. They will fit as many people as possible onto the craft, and will dispatch a rescue mission for the remainder upon return to ''[[Galactica]]''.
*As the team is about to assault the airstrip, they are ambushed, and Thrace is hit by a bullet that grazes off her head and gets lodged in her abdomen. She loses consciousness.
*Thrace wakes up in a hospital. She is being attended to by a doctor named [[Simon]], who tells her that she was brought into the hospital by Anders, and that Anders died from a shrapnel wound. Thrace is devastated.
*Thrace spends the next few days conversing with Simon, who muses that women capable of bearing children are a rare "commodity" now that the [[Cylons (RDM)|Cylons]] have nuked the Colonies, and suggests that Thrace should consider giving birth to a child.
*Simon speculates that Thrace's reluctance to have children stems from her mother having abused her when she was young, as evidenced by a pattern of fractures in her fingers. This topic upsets her.
*Thrace wakes to discover a new scar on her abdomen. Simon tells her it's from an operation he did to stop some bleeding, but Thrace doesn't believe him, particularly after he calls her "Starbuck"--her pilot call sign, which she has never told him.
*Thrace fakes sleep after crimping her intravenous drip filled with sedative. When Simon leaves, she follows him into the hallway, where she overhears him having a conversation with a copy of [[Number Six]] about the "complete removal" of her ovaries scheduled for the next day.
*A short time later, Thrace stabs Simon with a broken mirror shard and escapes the room. Lurching around the deserted hospital, she stumbles upon a room full of semi-conscious women wired horrifically to machines. Among them is [[Sue-Shaun]], who begs Thrace to destroy the "baby machines" and end their misery. She obliges with a prayer, a pair of medical tongs, and a primal scream.
*Thrace staggers outside, braining a Six model with a fire extinguisher in the process, only to find a another Simon standing there to greet her. At that moment, [[Karl Agathon|Helo]] and the rest of the resistance emerge from the woods. They pepper Simon with bullets, but soon get bogged down in a firefight with a squad of [[Cylon Centurion|Centurions]]. A second rescue occurs in as many minutes: [[Sharon Valerii (Caprica copy)|Caprica-Valerii]] swoops down in a stolen Heavy Raider and blows the Centurions away.
*Thrace relates her experiences in the hospital to the others. Valerii explains that the [[Cylon agent|humanoid Cylons]] have a flaw which renders them unable to reproduce biologically. The Cylons have been holding human women in "farms" to try to implant them with human/Cylon embryos. This effort has failed, however, leading the Cylons to believe that conception requires "love." Based on this theory, Valerii was able to conceive with Helo because of their love for each other.
*Helo, Sharon, and Starbuck leave Caprica on the Heavy Raider. Starbuck promises [[Samuel Anders|Anders]] to return someday to rescue the Resistance. In the meantime, Anders says he will try to destroy as many farms as he can.

===On ''Galactica'' and In The Fleet===

*Commander Adama returns to duty, and is greated by applause in [[CIC]]. He tells the crew that he loves them all.
*To try to rally support to the president, Zarek wants [[Lee Adama]] to make a recording denouncing his father. Adama stops in the middle of it and says he can't go through with it. It's left to [[Laura Roslin]] to win over the [[The Fleet (RDM)|Fleet]].
* Roslin plays the "religious card." She transfers to the ''[[Astral Queen]]'' from where she transmits a message imploring the Fleet to follow her and the path the [[Lords of Kobol]] have set out for her. An infuriated and staunchly secular Adama doesn't board the ''Astral Queen'' because he thinks only three or four ships would seriously listen to her "religious nonsense." Instead, 24 ships ("almost a third of the Fleet") leave with her.
*Cally is thrown in the brig for killing [[Sharon Valerii (Galactica copy)|Sharon "Boomer" Valerii]], now known as a Cylon agent and traitor. Chief Tyrol implores Commander Adama to release her, due to her trauma by events on Kobol. Adama gives her a light sentence of charging her with discharging a firearm without permission: Cally will spend only one month in the brig.
*Adama asks Tyrol if he could love Boomer despite the fact that she was a machine. Tyrol isn't quite sure, but it becomes apparent that Adama is asking himself the question as much as he is Tyrol; Adama loved all of his pilots like his children.
*Adama visits Boomer's body in the morgue. He asks "Why?" then breaks down crying over her body.

== Questions ==
*Caprica-Valerii says that she knows that [[Leoben Conoy]] told Kara Thrace she was special during his interrogation aboard ''Galactica''. How could she have known this? How do the Cylon agents communicate to each other?
*Will we see Simon again? ([[Downloaded|Answer]]) Is he one of the eight Cylon agents hiding in the Fleet?
*How did Simon know Anders' name?
*Why does the Caprica resistance seem more concerned about Thrace's disappearance than Sue-Shaun's? Did Thrace's love interest generate the greater concern?
*Could Commander Adama's evident grief upon viewing the corpse of Boomer in the ship's morgue mean that they were personally involved at some point? Or, perhaps, did the level of humanity that Boomer showed cause Adama to mourn her loss as he would a daughter or daughter-figure such as Kara Thrace?
*Would any viable embryos harvested by the Cylons be accelerated into mature adults or placed ''in vitro'' into a host? Would the host be Cylon or human? ([[Hera|Answer]], [[A Measure of Salvation|Result of Answer]])

== Analysis ==
*What exactly did the Cylons do to Thrace's ovaries? Simon tells Six: "...pending lab test results on sample for ovaries, complete removal will proceed tomorrow". Starbuck escapes right after this, which means that the opportunity to "completely remove" her ovaries did not occur. This suggests at the very least that Starbuck can still have children. However, female humans only have '''two''' ovaries: how can you have a "sample" one? The sample could just mean that Simon took several eggs from one of Starbuck's ovaries to see if they were viable for conceiving children.
*It would seem that the Cylons at least obtained several sample egg cells from Starbuck. Will this lead to developments later on?
*In Ron D. Moore's blog entry for October 14, 2005, after finishing the last scripts for season two he jokingly says he has "the reward of time spent thinking about something besides Kara's missing ovaries ("Now, where did I leave those ovaries? They were right here a minute ago...") ". What is meant by this?
*Love as a theme. Kara 'Starbuck' Thrace was abused as a child. In the last episode she said that everyone seems to fight to get their old life back and she fights because it's all she knows how to do. Will Starbuck find something worth fighting for? In this episode she seems to develop affections to Anders. In the meanwhile we reveal how important 'love' is for the Cylons: love is considered essential for Cylon procreation. In the first episode, Number Six asked Dr. Baltar several times if he loved her. Number Six also said that "God is love". That was after she tried to conceive from him.

== Notes ==
*This episode's opening credits marks the return of the "blipvert" effect used in the first season episodes, which Ron D. Moore uses as an homage to "Space: 1999."
*As of the opening credits, the fleet population is now 47,857, a net loss of 4 since "[[Resistance (episode)|Resistance]]". This reflects the deaths of four civilians on board the [[Gideon]] in that episode, but apparently not that of Boomer. Was she removed from the count immediately after her assassination attempt?
*According to [[Felix Gaeta|Gaeta]], this episode takes place "a week" after Apollo docked at ''[[Cloud Nine]]'' in the last episode, although apparently Adama hasn't been well enough to resume command until very recently.
*24 ships, almost a third of the Fleet, have left with Roslin for Kobol.
**This would mean the total Fleet consisted of over 72 ships. In the [[Miniseries]], there are only about 40 FTL-capable ships able to rendezvous with ''Galactica'' at [[Ragnar Anchorage]]. This continuity error is similar to the 500-1500 prisoner error. ([[Bastille Day]] and [[Miniseries]])
*Boomer's body is now in the morgue.
*Number Six mentioned that "procreation is one of God's commandments" in the first episode, "[[33]]." This could mean that the Cylons are trying to procreate out of a feeling that they are sinning by not being able to have children on their own.
*The concept of women connected to machines for the purposes of controlled reproduction is a venerable one in science fiction; the [[Wikipedia:Dune universe|Dune universe]] showcases a classic example where a specific political and religious faction (the [[Wikipedia:Bene Tleilax|Bene Tleilax]]) uses the technology to produce clones.
*Helo and Caprica-Valerii's child is the first Human/Cylon hybrid conceived in love, and as a result appears to be the first and only successful hybrid; it seems that no other embryo survived nearly as long as it already has (it is now about five weeks old, since its conception in "[[Six Degrees of Separation]]").
*Boomer served aboard ''Galactica'' for two years, which means the Cylons had begun infiltrating Colonial society from at least that long ago. This matches the length of time of Six's affair with Baltar while on Caprica, suggesting that Cylon agent infiltration occurred around two years prior to the events of the miniseries.
*According to Simon's study (either from a Cylon dossier on Thrace or from medical exams) Starbuck was the victim of frequent physical abuse as a child; she's suffered many bone fractures in childhood, and all of her fingers have been broken at some point. This is consistant with the comments made by Leoben Conoy to Starbuck during their interrogation scenes. [[Flesh and Bone]]
*Caprica-Valerii is aware of [[Leoben Conoy]] #2's interrogation by Starbuck in "[[Flesh and Bone]]," even of specific things he said during it, suggesting that Cylon agents sometimes have a collective knowledgebase (''not'' a collective consciousness; see "[[Downloaded]]" for this confirmation) to occasionally draw from. This is supported by Boomer's information to [[Gaius Baltar]] of the number of Cylon agents remaining in the Fleet in "[[Resistance]]," as only such a knowledgebase would allow Boomer to know of this data.
*This episode introduces the fifth confirmed [[Cylon agent]], [[Simon]].
*According to a deleted scene, this episode takes place a week after "[[Fragged]]."
*After the final commercial break, as Simon enters Starbuck's room (right before she stabs him) you can see that her room is number "254". Not so coincidentally, this scene takes place in Season 2, episode #5, and this is the start of Act #4.
*Starbuck has the last line in this episode: "Let's go [[Home,_Part_I|home]]!"

== Noteworthy Dialogue ==

*''Cylons discussing the surgical testing they are performing on Starbuck'':
:'''Simon:''' ...pending lab test results on ovaries, complete removal will proceed tomorrow. They've lab tested positive and subject will be removed to processing facility for final disposition.
:'''Number Six:''' Is that regret I hear in your voice, Simon?
:'''Simon:''' If it is, it certainly is none of your concern.

*''Explanation of the Human/Cylon hybrid project:''
:'''Valerii:''' They were conducting research, into Human/Cylon breeding programs.
:'''Starbuck:''' Human/Cylon?
:'''Helo:''' 'Call them "Farms"...your gunshot wound looks fine...
:'''Starbuck:''' So "Farms", that's great...what were they going to do, 'knock me up with some Cylon kid?
:'''Valerii:''' They were going to try to. We haven't been very successful so far.
:'''Anders:''' Supposedly they can't reproduce...you know, ''biologically'', so they've been trying every which-way to produce offspring.
:'''Starbuck:''' Why?
:'''Valerii:''' Procreation. It's one of God's commandments; "be fruitful". We can't fulfill it, we've tried. So we decided--
:'''Starbuck:''' To rape human women?!
:'''Valerii:''' You know, if you agreed to bear children it would be voluntary, maybe even set you up with someone you like.
:'''Starbuck:''' And you two kids? (looking at Helo and Caprica-Sharon)
:'''Valerii:''' We're different.
:'''Starbuck:''' What the frak is that supposed to mean?
:'''Helo:''' They have this theory; maybe the one thing they were missing was '''love'''. So Sharon and I...were set up...
:'''Starbuck:''' To fall in love?! They didn't ask [[Sue-Shaun]] if she wanted to fall in love, alright! They put a tube in her, and they hooked her up to a machine!
:'''Valerii:''' They know who you are, Kara. You're special. Leoben told you that. You have a destiny.
:'''Helo:''' (pointing out the other scar on Starbuck's lower abdomen) Starbuck what's the second scar?
:'''Starbuck:''' I don't know. I don't think I want to know now. You know?
:'''Valerii:''' No.
:'''Anders:''' Alright, how many women do they have in these "Farms"?
:'''Valerii:''' Hundreds, maybe thousands. I don't know, I haven't accessed that data.

*''Adama wonders aloud about the nature of Cylons and humans''
:'''Tyrol:''' I don't believe she [Cally] was in her right mind when she shot Boomer--
:'''Adama:''' Did you love her, Chief?
:'''Tyrol:''' 'Scuse me?
:'''Adama:''' Boomer. Did you love her?
:'''Tyrol:''' Thought I did.
:'''Adama:''' Well, when you think you love somebody, you love them. That's what love is. Thoughts... She was a Cylon. A machine! Is that what Boomer was, a machine? A thing?
:'''Tyrol:''' That's what she turned out to be.
:'''Adama:''' She was more than that to us. She was more than that to me. She was a vital, living person aboard my ship for almost two years! She couldn't have been just a machine. Could you love a machine?
:'''Tyrol:''' No, sir. Guess I couldn't have.
:'''Adama:''' Cally discharged a firearm without permission, endangering life of her fellow shipmate. 30 days in the brig. Dismissed.
:'''Tyrol:''' Thank you, sir.
:'''Adama:''' You'll see her again, Chief.
:'''Tyrol:''' Excuse me?
:'''Adama:''' There are many copies. You'll see her again.

*''Simon, talking about Starbuck's reluctance to have children but also perhaps talking about the Cylons' view of themselves (and maybe the "human" Cylons).''
:'''Simon:''' Children of abusive parents often fear passing along that abuse to their own children.

== Guest stars ==
*[[Richard Hatch]] as [[Tom Zarek]]
*[[Aaron Douglas]] as Chief Petty Officer [[Galen Tyrol]]
*[[Nicki Clyne]] as Specialist [[Cally]]
*[[Michael Trucco]] as [[Samuel Anders]]
*[[Tamara Lashley]] as [[Sue-Shaun]]
*[[Rick Worthy]] as [[Simon]]

{{episode list (RDM season 2)}}

[[Category:A to Z|Farm, The]]
[[Category:Episode Guide (RDM)|Farm, The]]
[[Category:Episodes written by Carla Robinson]]
[[Category:Episodes directed by Rod Hardy]]
[[Category:RDM]]

[[es:La Granja]]

Battlestar Wiki talk:Standards and Conventions

2007-01-29T19:06:40Z

Cyborg: /* Notes and Analysis */

:'''''Note''': Individual discussions which we believe have reached consensus have been archived.''

{{archive-header
| archivenumber = 01
| number = 1
| start = September 10th, 2005
| end = November 31st, 2005
| items = {{archive-item|01|Verb Tense}} {{archive-item|01|Ship Naming, Abbrevation and Capitalization Standards}} {{archive-item|01|Signing Your Work}} {{archive-item|01|Spelling}} {{archive-item|01|Single-name Address}} {{archive-item|01|Episode Links and Formatting}} {{archive-item|01|Proposed Guidelines for Dispute Resoluton on Speculative Matters}} {{archive-item|01|Quorum of Twelve}} {{archive-item|01|Namespaces|end=y}}
|}}
{{archive-header
| archivenumber = 02
| number = 2
| start = December 1st, 2005
| end = February 5th, 2006
| items = {{archive-item|02|Disambiguation}} {{archive-item|02|Image Sizes}} {{archive-item|02|Image Credit}} {{archive-item|02|The Freakin' Quote-o-Matic}} {{archive-item|02|Links}} {{archive-item|02|HTML}} {{archive-item|02|Verb Tense 2}} {{archive-item|02|Ranks and Locations}} {{archive-item|02|Image Format}} {{archive-item|02|Image Control Station}} {{archive-item|02|Dates}} {{archive-item|02|Battle pages formatting}} {{archive-item|02|Ages}} {{archive-item|02|Ship gender}} {{archive-item|02|XHTML Compliance}} {{archive-item|02|Policy?}} {{archive-item|02|Replacement and retirement of the term "Humano-Cylon"}} {{archive-item|02|Punctuation|end=Y}}
|}}
{{archive-header
| archivenumber = 03
| number = 3
| start = March 17th, 2006
| end = April 25th, 2006
| items = {{archive-item|03|After Questions...now Analysis?}} {{archive-item|03|Disambiguation Location}} {{archive-item|03|Cast pages Overview section}} {{archive-item|03|Template Font Size and Design}} {{archive-item|03|Succession Boxes}} {{archive-item|03|Regarding excerpts from larger articles in other pages}} {{archive-item|03|Regarding succession box formats}} {{archive-item|03|Archives Pages|end=Y}}
|}}

== Battlestar Wiki should be... ==

...always in ''italics''. If it happens to become bold, that is fine, but always ''italiced''. Any comments --[[User:Shane|Shane]] ([[User_Talk:Shane|T]] - [[Special:Contributions/Shane|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/Shane|E]]) 15:32, 25 April 2006 (CDT)

:That strikes me as annoying, not particularly useful, and exceedingly hard to impose on the vast number of existing instances. --[[User:CalculatinAvatar|CalculatinAvatar]] 22:23, 25 April 2006 (CDT)

:: Concur. -- [[User:Joe Beaudoin Jr.|Joe Beaudoin]] [[User talk:Joe Beaudoin Jr.|So say we all]] - [[Battlestar Wiki:Site support|Donate]] 11:55, 5 May 2006 (CDT)

:::Is there not a word censor feature on the wiki, to perhaps change all instances of Battlestar Wiki into ''Battlestar Wiki''? --[[User:Mercifull|Mercifull]] ([[User talk:Mercifull|Talk]]/[[Special:Contributions/Mercifull|Contribs]]) 04:16, 11 July 2006 (CDT)

== Outline rules ==

I've mentioned this before [[#Cast pages Overview section|on this page]], but it's getting really annoying now. It seems so stupid to have an "Overview" section and force the TOC above it in every article. The first paragraph should be the overview or introduction section. It doesn't need a header. For example: In [[Greek mythology]], the "Introduction" Section should just be the first paragraph. And look at [[Dean Stockwell]], Someone has added an "Overview" section and the used _ _TOC_ _ to force the wiki to behave badly. That article should not even have a TOC! Another example: [[Donner]], should not have an "Overview" header, but at least they didn't add a TOC. This is most obvious in episode articles like [[Lay Down Your Burdens, Part I]]. The "Overview" section should just be the first paragraph. Is this a policy? I can't seem to find it anywhere. Can someone explain why we ignore standard wiki format, standard outline rules, and common sense?

If this is talked about somewhere else, please point me there.

--[[User:Bp|Bp]] 10:55, 5 May 2006 (CDT)

: No, it is not a policy. Merely a style choice that was never really hammered down. Now, with articles like [[Donner]], I don't see the point of a header (which I removed). Now, on the other hand... in regards to the episode articles... the primary format was taken from [http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/lurker.html The Lurker's Guide to Babylon 5], which [http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/us/guide/022.html includes the overview header]. So that's where ''that'' came from. And it makes sense there, in my view. By the way, and I don't mean to sound sarcastic, but what is "standard Wiki format"? -- [[User:Joe Beaudoin Jr.|Joe Beaudoin]] [[User talk:Joe Beaudoin Jr.|So say we all]] - [[Battlestar Wiki:Site support|Donate]] 12:11, 5 May 2006 (CDT)
::Standard wiki style is the style that MediaWiki was designed to use. It isn't a coincidence that the TOC is added after the first paragraph by default. The overview should be an immediately available brief summary or introduction in a standard place in every article: the very first line. It is more efficient for quick browseing because it doesn't require any extra clicking or scrolling, and it makes more sense. The Dean Stockwell article is a perfect example of ''breaking'' the design by forcing the TOC to the top. What also makes it standard is it's use on Wikipedia. Not trying to be a jerk, --[[User:Bp|Bp]] 12:24, 5 May 2006 (CDT)

:: Good point. :-) What has everyone else to say about it? -- [[User:Joe Beaudoin Jr.|Joe Beaudoin]] [[User talk:Joe Beaudoin Jr.|So say we all]] - [[Battlestar Wiki:Site support|Donate]] 12:59, 5 May 2006 (CDT)

:::I agree with Bp. It's a pity we haven't been more zealous about this. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 14:57, 5 May 2006 (CDT)

:::I agree: headers have been somewhat zealous. --[[User:The Merovingian|The Merovingian]] ([[Special:Contributions/The Merovingian|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/The Merovingian|E]]) 15:20, 5 May 2006 (CDT)
::::I'm not sure that word means what you think it means. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 17:06, 5 May 2006 (CDT)

::::Let me s'plain. My father was killed by a six-fingered man...---[[User:The Merovingian|The Merovingian]] ([[Special:Contributions/The Merovingian|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/The Merovingian|E]]) 17:08, 5 May 2006 (CDT)
::It's been about a week now and it doesn't look like there is any objection, so what is the next step? Can I just start changing them? --[[User:Bp|Bp]] 18:55, 11 May 2006 (CDT)

:::I would be fine with your going ahead with the changes... except for the episode pages, as moving the overview above the TOC there appears quite disconcerting, in my view. (I've tried it, and I was adverse to it from an asthetic point of view, likely because of the Lurker's Guide.) -- [[User:Joe Beaudoin Jr.|Joe Beaudoin]] [[User talk:Joe Beaudoin Jr.|So say we all]] - [[Battlestar Wiki:Site support|Donate]] 21:46, 11 May 2006 (CDT)

:::: I agree with BP. I prefer not saying "Here's an introduction:". It's kind of like, "Can I ask you a question?" No need to introduce the introduction. Peter and I had gone through a handful of pages a long time ago and written introductions, or moved stuff up to make an intro paragraph. I think it might have been characters mostly, but I honestly can't remember. Maybe I dreamed it. Anyway, I went and played with Lay Down Your Burdens, Pt. 1 (since the link was handy) and, at least in preview mode, I think I like the overview to have no header and appear above the TOC. However, I acknowledge that others might disagree, so maybe we should have a vote, singling out Episode pages. If you're really wanting to get going on doing a lot of these edits, BP, I'd say start with non-Episode pages until we get that sorted. Lord knows there's plenty of 'em. --[[User:Day|Day]] ([[User talk:Day|Talk]] - [[Battlestar Wiki:Administrators' noticeboard|Admin]]) 23:15, 24 June 2006 (CDT)

== "Battle" Pages Format and Guideline Proposal ==

Per the [[Fall of New Caprica]] talk, the "Battle" pages do require standardization, so I propose the following qualifiers for the future.

"Guidelines for creating a "Battle" page:

* Any major military confrontation in an episode should have a Battle page.
* Battle pages are generally ''military conflict summaries'', NOT episode summaries. Use the episode articles to summarize events and conversations not related to the Battle page's focus. Likewise, avoid the use of quotes unless it has critical importance to the page. Use narrative format as a general rule.
* The content of the article should only include battle summaries, tactics, ship movements, major decisions of key political or military characters related to the welfare of the ships, their crew or the colonists.
* Battle pages are appropriate for troop-level fighting (such as the [[Battle of Kobol]]), but focus must be kept on the relevant events and less on the general mood and actions of all characters.
* Battle pages should not include real-world Earth discussions, comparisons or contrasts. If a particular tactic or technology is used that has an Earth equivalent that deserves clarification, place that information in a relevant existing or new article and add the link to the Battle page as appropriate.
* A Battle page works best with direct military conflict (whether or not fire is exchanged between combatants), but can be adjusted for certain political events that have a serious military consequence with direct conflict potential. While the "Fall of New Caprica" event is not a battle, the change of power is in effect a "win/lose" consequence that could have grave tactical ramifications.
* Each Battle page uses a summary template. If you have difficulty in defining the content of the summary template, then it is likely that the content is inappropriate for a Battle page, and should be entered in another article.

Battlestar Wiki's "Battle" articles are based on a similar design used on Wikipedia. Two useful examples to aid contributors include Wikipedia's [[Wikipedia:World War II|World War II]] article and the [[Battle of the Resurrection Ship]] article."

Comments on this? --[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 17:58, 10 May 2006 (CDT)

:I originally wrote a rather long treatise on how to handle Battle pages, towards the [[Battlestar Wiki talk:Standards and Conventions#Battle pages|top of our discussion]] here at #11. Anyone might want to read that for my previous expounding on the subject. Anyway, my guideline for what to include was based on Wikipedia, but once again I find myself looking at Memory Alpha for their articles on the Battle of Wolf 359 or Battle of Cardassia, etc.

:Here is where I must disagree: battle pages should only be made for when shots are actually exchanged. I didn't think "Galactica Vs. Pegasus" should be an article, though it got voted in it was with much contention, and sort of shows the "borderline" of the most extreme case which might be in here. But "Fall of New Caprica" should be deleted or heavily altered. It wasn't a battle at all. I like SteelViper's thoughts on the subject, that "Fall of Saigon" is an "even" in wikipedia but not a battle, so we should remove battle template boxes and such from it at the very ''least''. Still, a lot of work needs to be done on these and I'll find time in the next few days.

:Nextly, --->It looks really awkward to put the entire battle article in the present tense/active voice, and we should not do that. Look at how Memory Alpha or Wikipedia writes battle pages. It sounds very awkward, and unlike a character bio or episode guide, a battle is one finite event and really should not use this. --[[User:The Merovingian|The Merovingian]] ([[Special:Contributions/The Merovingian|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/The Merovingian|E]]) 19:22, 10 May 2006 (CDT)
:: I totally agree with Spencerian. One point, though that I want to comment on, anytime an Episode shows miltary personal consipring and uses force against any target (weather that would be Galacicia v. Peaguas). That's about it. --[[User:Shane|Shane]] ([[User_Talk:Shane|T]] - [[Special:Contributions/Shane|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/Shane|E]]) 20:57, 10 May 2006 (CDT)

:::Would you want to include the Galactica's boarding of Colonial One or the GIdeon then? I think that's a little excessive (although I agree with the inclusion of the fall of New Caprica, as I've stated above, and don't think that's seriously up for debate) --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 22:27, 10 May 2006 (CDT)

::::Really excessive, there. --[[User:The Merovingian|The Merovingian]] ([[Special:Contributions/The Merovingian|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/The Merovingian|E]]) 22:54, 10 May 2006 (CDT)
::::Even I think that is "excessive". But that is not vs. a miltary target. It is civilian. --[[User:Shane|Shane]] ([[User_Talk:Shane|T]] - [[Special:Contributions/Shane|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/Shane|E]]) 23:29, 10 May 2006 (CDT)

:::::I think we were confused by your use of the phrase "any target" above. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 00:02, 11 May 2006 (CDT)
::::::On a side note... {{tl|Battle Data}} is up for review. --[[User:Shane|Shane]] ([[User_Talk:Shane|T]] - [[Special:Contributions/Shane|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/Shane|E]]) 23:58, 11 May 2006 (CDT)

:::::::It looks good to me. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 03:03, 12 May 2006 (CDT)

::::::::I'm not keen on the phrase "Attacker/Defender" in there. --[[User:The Merovingian|The Merovingian]] ([[Special:Contributions/The Merovingian|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/The Merovingian|E]]) 06:11, 12 May 2006 (CDT)

::::::::I can understand using "attacker" and "defender" from a differentation standpoint, although it may be better to use something more generic. But how does this new template differ from the previously used template? I'm unclear why this template would be used. --[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 11:17, 12 May 2006 (CDT)
:::::::::Color scheme. --[[User:Shane|Shane]] ([[User_Talk:Shane|T]] - [[Special:Contributions/Shane|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/Shane|E]]) 11:47, 12 May 2006 (CDT)
::::::::::More specifically, a central location where you could control/maintain the color sheme (and "classes" for the css) rather than having to individually update individual battle boxes each time a change needed to be made. The current pages use a "hand-made" table, rather than a template (which made sense when there weren't many battles). --[[User:Steelviper|Steelviper]] 11:59, 12 May 2006 (CDT)
:::::::::::Got it. --[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 15:53, 13 May 2006 (CDT)

===Battle Page Verb Tense===

''An earlier thread also appears on [[User talk:The Merovingian#Battle Pages Verb Tense|The Merovingian's user talk page]].''

If you look, [http://www.battlestarwiki.org/wiki/Battlestar_Wiki:Standards_and_Conventions#Verb_Tense Standards and Conventions] for Verb Tense says that historical events are excepted: Battles are an exception, as they're not in the episode guide but written as a historical event. They have awkward flow when they're in the present tense. I like what SteelViper said a while ago: Galactica vs. Pegasus represented the '''extreme'' "borderline" of what constitutes such a page, but really what justifies a battle page I wrote in my treatise above at #11: shots actually have to be fired, and it has to be just more than a minor skirmish; something resulting in the loss of a viper ''might'' qualify: for example, the Skirmish over the Red Moon counts, shooting only two Raiders in "Final Cut" with no Viper loses does not, and the events of "Scar" don't count as a battle because it was low-level fighting drawn out over a month (wikipedia would never list "battle of that mission where one American pilot shot down one Japanese pilot", etc.) It kind of depends on the scale. I'm cleaning these up...--[[User:The Merovingian|The Merovingian]] ([[Special:Contributions/The Merovingian|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/The Merovingian|E]]) 19:49, 30 May 2006 (CDT)

:Your interpretation is not correct, Merv. "Historical events" are flashbacks or other events that occur outside of the "start" of the aired chronological events of the show in the "present" time of the characters just before the Cylon attack. The historical range is the start of the miniseries to the end of season 2 right now. Any flashbacks of events that occur prior are indeed "historical." The flashback of Adama and Tigh's first meeting as shown in "Scattered" are historical. The events of '''all battles''' shown to date are in the "present" and are NOT historical, per the reason we use present tense in fiction and the reason for our policy. If the show were to show a battle that occurred before the series and miniseries, then that works for past tense. Many character bios also speak in past tense under the same guidelines with their flashback history. Wikipedia does what it does because it (1) has that as its policy and (2) is speaking of actual human events of the past. I don't want to even go into what Memory Alpha does (how they keep the chronological, retconned, and contradictory world of ''Star Trek'' together in a wiki is more magical than logical) except that they have their own rules. And we have ours, here, that have been discussed and established as consensus, and thus policy. Consensus does NOT expire, but can be reentertained for change at a later time--again, through consensus. You cannot change a page just because no one has talked about the ''idea'' of changing the tense. You really need to ask the group first before making such dramatic changes against the policy. --[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 17:52, 4 June 2006 (CDT)

I'm revisiting these articles. I still find the "historical" writing of these articles to be distracting, but (with Merv no longer here) I'm hoping other voices will be heard on whether we should keep battle pages to past tense and not our typical present tense. I'm a bit ambivalent about it, but I also don't want to make exceptions to our present-tense policy without making it crystal clear. Merv went through all the pages not long ago to put them in past tense, with no consensus as shown in this thread. Comments? --[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 12:19, 11 September 2006 (CDT)
: Sure, I'll chime in here. I think that bringing the battle series of pages in line with the verb tense we've established at S&C is fine. I've always found that the battle series seemed to feel "outside" of the Wiki for some reason -- and that reason may very well be because of the verb tense issue. On another subject, I would also like to entertain the prospect of including major ground assaults as well, given that we may likely see ground asasults in the ''Caprica'' mini series and so forth. -- [[User:Joe Beaudoin Jr.|Joe Beaudoin]] [[User talk:Joe Beaudoin Jr.|So say we all]] - [[Battlestar Wiki:Site support|Donate]] 12:38, 11 September 2006 (CDT)
::I don't think there was any major consensus against ground assaults in general gaining battle recognition, just that the "Fall of New Caprica" (as far as we've seen anyway) didn't constitute a significant battle. As for tense, I'd lean towards maintaining uniformity regarding reporting on episodic content. Otherwise you have a rule that says "always use active voice for episodic content, except on battlepages, tuesday's, and Joe's talk page (where past progressive subjunctive should be used (was being used, perhaps?)". --[[User:Steelviper|Steelviper]] 12:53, 11 September 2006 (CDT)
:Concur. --[[User:Shane|Shane]] ([[User_Talk:Shane|T]] - [[Special:Contributions/Shane|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/Shane|E]]) 21:21, 11 September 2006 (CDT)

::SV's take on it is spot-on; we seemed to have too many exceptions to in-universe articles. I won't rush into it (awaiting here for any further dissent or comment) but may redo these in a month or so. --[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 07:47, 12 September 2006 (CDT)

:Non-concur. That is, if you want the opinion of someone who is not an admin but a fan of military history and also a US military officer. It simply makes more sense to have battles in past! I recently made a bunch of edits to [[Battle of New Caprica]], among them, writing the page in past tense. Not long after, I was reverted, so went back and made the tense changes to my edits and reapplied them. I can understand the allure of having all the "present" events written about in that tense, for that keeps the energy level of the descriptions greater than the general consensus of "some historical account." Battles are afforded some special level of awe in our English language, however, even those we are discussing that only occurred on Friday evenings. Writing battles, specifically, in past tense would give them the more respected "what grandpa told me" factor. True, this could be extended to political battles, Raptor rescues, and all the various things that we see on a regular basis on the show, so I do not pretend to know a clear way of delineating the limits of what would be good fodder for past tense. That, I suppose, is the greatest argument for having the standard be uniform. The reason writing battles in present tense feels so unnatural is that writing is supposed to be an organized practice. Battles, on the other hand, are inherently not organized. Giving structure--"now factor"--to battles gives them a false sense of perspective. Present tense implies that someone, somewhere on or viewing the field of battle has an holistic understanding of all that is occurring. This has not been the case since the 18th century. Witnesses or participants describing what they saw are often gruesome and/or shocking narratives, but they are rarely more encompassing than the limited breadth of their adrenaline-induced tunnel vision. Battle accounts being in past tense lends weight to the credibility of the study of what happened, that because the author has taken the time to analyze the significant actions and critical points of the battle, only then is it able to be put into a cohesive story. Putting battles, only, in past tense, would be affording them the added level of dignity that our society traditionally provides them. - [[User:Keithustus|Keithustus]] 11:25, 22 October 2006 (CDT)

::Thanks, Keithustus. As you can see from this long thread, there has been sizeable discussion on the matter. My adminship just involves extra cleanup and policy management, so otherwise don't take my comments with any extra level of authority than any other contributor. A past contributor reverted the convention of present tense in the series of articles without consensus, which I returned to their current status.

Your comments are pretty eliquent and may bring new arguments against the convention use, so rather than debating the merits, let's review the notion again with comments from other contributors on these particular pages, should anyone care to comment again. For now, as all other battle pages follow the current convention, let's avoid revert wars and leave things as they are until consensus deems otherwise. A week may be sufficient for this, and you can drop a note on the [[Battlestar Wiki:Wikipedian Quorum]] to draw attention to this question. --[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 11:58, 22 October 2006 (CDT)

=="The" Galactica==
This is discussed in the front page of this policy, #5 "Ships". It says we shouldn't refer to ''Galactica'' as "the ''Galactica''". We've usually eliminated this from new articles. However, I've been rewatching much of the series in marathon recently, and I've realized that in ''practially every episode'' someone (even Admiral Adama) refers to it as "the ''Galactica''. ***They actually use both terms '''interchangeably''' on the show. This is really just a minor point and not drastically affecting anything, I'm just saying that in light of this we should loosen up on the restrictions on that; seeing as "Galactica" (with no definate article "the") is also correct, that means we don't have to go through every article in the entire wiki and change things. I'm just saying, in all future articles, we should be more lax about this. Because I've asked aquintances who served in the Navy and they've told me that vessels were referred to as "the Indianapolis", "The Los Angeles", etc. etc. Agree, disagree?--[[User:The Merovingian|The Merovingian]] ([[Special:Contributions/The Merovingian|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/The Merovingian|E]]) 16:25, 26 May 2006 (CDT)

:They (the writers) may make the characters say anything they wish. However, since we are intended as a reference, we need to stick to one way of doing things to keep things from looking odd, at the least. Thus, no definite articles on ship names. Now, there is a convention problem on the TOS pages where we have exactly this problem, which calls for us to conventionize it--despite that almost all times the term used on the show is almost always "the ''Galactica.'' The RDM show, as with all things, will fall out of its own convention, but for our purposes of keeping things orderly, we cannot take that luxury. --[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 20:22, 26 May 2006 (CDT)

::Well, I really don't understand what you're trying to convey: the writers and the show itself doesn't have a convention, so we should try to establish an arbitrary convention? My big point is: you're saying that "the show might fall out of its own convention"....but I was never convinced that this ''was'' a convention. At what point did it become apparent that there was a "don't use the definative article" rule in existence? Is what I'm asking. And If BSG TOS almost always refers to it as "The"....wouldn't that mean that, purely within the realm of TOS, saying "The Galactica" is a convention? I don't understand why just "Galactica" is currently supposed to be a convention---->I mean, do modern navies say that? Because I've checked around and US Navy vessels use the definate article "The" as well. It doesn't make a difference.--[[User:The Merovingian|The Merovingian]] ([[Special:Contributions/The Merovingian|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/The Merovingian|E]]) 20:31, 26 May 2006 (CDT)

::: When we were originally discussing this (it was one of the earliest discussions of this project), I thought we determined that the US Navy did refrain from using the definite article when refering to a ship, at least in official documents. I'm not saying there's no way we could have been/are wrong, but I'd be much more interested to see how various news papers, Navy press releases, etc. refer to ships. In speaking, people tend to be much more lax, but I'd prefer to borrow from, say, the AP handbook on this. In fact, I have a friend who is a journalist and keeps track of this kind of thing. Should I ask him what the AP rules on this? Does anyone care what they say? --[[User:Day|Day]] ([[User talk:Day|Talk]] - [[Battlestar Wiki:Administrators' noticeboard|Admin]]) 22:33, 26 May 2006 (CDT)

::::Oh yeah, Day, exactly; if you can find some thing that says official documents do not use "the" that would be great confirmation. --[[User:The Merovingian|The Merovingian]] ([[Special:Contributions/The Merovingian|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/The Merovingian|E]]) 10:23, 27 May 2006 (CDT)

::::: Got it. The relevant text will follow, but the Navy has a whole [http://www.news.navy.mil/tools/view_styleguide.asp?sort=S Style Guide].

:::::: '''ship names''' - For first reference always include USS, the ship's name and the hull number: USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75).

:::::: Exceptions: Do not use "USS" for ships before 1909; or if she is not yet in commission; or she has been decommissioned and you are referring to the ship in her present state.

:::::: There is no hyphen in the hull number. In All Hands text, the ship name is in italics. On second reference, use only the ship's name. Do not use "the" in front of a ship's name: "USS San Jose," not "the USS San Jose."

:::::: Ships are to be referred to as "she" or "her."

:::::: Ships' nicknames are placed inside quotation marks on first reference only. USS LaSalle (AGF 3), the "Great White Ghost," sailed into San Diego.

:::::: Ship names are not in all caps. Use USS Seattle, not USS SEATTLE.

::::: So that's what the US Navy has to say about it, anyway. We can take it or leave it, but it would be pretty easy just to steal it wholesale. --[[User:Day|Day]] ([[User talk:Day|Talk]] - [[Battlestar Wiki:Administrators' noticeboard|Admin]]) 21:21, 28 May 2006 (CDT)

::::::Steal it wholesale :) Thanks: that's a definative answer. --[[User:The Merovingian|The Merovingian]] ([[Special:Contributions/The Merovingian|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/The Merovingian|E]]) 21:58, 28 May 2006 (CDT)
:::::::Concur. Steal it and cite it. --[[User:Steelviper|Steelviper]] 22:04, 28 May 2006 (CDT)
:::::::Whatever floats the boat, gentlemen, so long as it keeps us to a standard. Mind you, what the US Navy uses is not necessarily what the Colonial Fleet uses, so if I were to see a conflict (based on consistency of usage in episodes), this is something we should review. --[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 10:25, 29 May 2006 (CDT)

Incorperated into the Ships section. --[[User:Day|Day]] ([[User talk:Day|Talk]] - [[Battlestar Wiki:Administrators' noticeboard|Admin]]) 03:47, 15 June 2006 (CDT)

== American vs British English Style Usage ==

This wiki started with several initial contributors from the U.K. As such, these contributions were written in the Queen's English (things such as ''centre'' and not the American English ''center'', for example). As ''Battlestar'' season 1 aired in the U.S. and American contributions increased, there is a predominant usage of American English in the wiki. I noted that [[User:Noneofyourbusiness|one user]] had recently edited a page, correcting some misspellings but also changing correct American English words to their British counterpart. I asked Joe about this very early on in my editing last year, and he noted that we should use American English. I commented on None's talk page about this, adding the following (which I recommend as policy):

*Please use American English for wiki contributions in the English version of ''Battlestar Wiki'' whereever possible.
*If you are British, please feel free to add your contributions in the "Queen's English" as this will make it easier for you to contribute. However, please do not re-edit correctly spelled American English edits to their British counterparts unless you are rewriting whole paragraphs, sections, or articles.''
Commments? --[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 14:47, 1 June 2006 (CDT)
:I must say I am to blame as well for doing this once or twice. When going through pages correcting typos using spell checkers I also found myself accidently "correcting" american spellings for british. Oops --[[User:Mercifull|Mercifull]] 15:14, 1 June 2006 (CDT)

::I believe this policy is already stated on the main S&C page, but you can feel free to clarify it if you feel that's necessary. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 16:49, 1 June 2006 (CDT)

::: Yeah. I thought that was pretty clear, but go ahead and make it more so, if you want, Spence. --[[User:Day|Day]] ([[User talk:Day|Talk]] - [[Battlestar Wiki:Administrators' noticeboard|Admin]]) 19:59, 1 June 2006 (CDT)

:I agree completely, Spencerian. --[[User:The Merovingian|The Merovingian]] ([[Special:Contributions/The Merovingian|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/The Merovingian|E]]) 12:30, 2 June 2006 (CDT)

Clarified the existing policy. I didn't see the phrase "American English" in my scan. This doesn't apply to the non-English versions of the wiki, so someone with proper or appropriate fluency should restate the policy for these wiki versions so we don't have European Spanish and Mexican Spanish confusions, to take one example. --[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 19:13, 4 June 2006 (CDT)

==Comics Canonicity==
I'm worried about information from [[Battlestar Galactica 0]]. I'm not sure it's entirely canon (i.e. aside from just that it's a comic, they've got Cylons making cloned copies of humans before "Pegasus" when Ron Moore said that they haven't done that ''yet'', and if they didn't they'd make a big deal out of it). ---->Anyway, I like what Memory Alpha does: we shouldn't remove the actual articles for things found in the comic, "[[Third Colonial Conflict]]", etc., however, they shouldn't find their way into normal RIC articles, like the Timeline, character bios, etc. etc. You know. So I don't think these articles should be deleted, but I think we should develop a new template to put at the top of each that says "This is from a comic, not canon", and that we shouldn't mix them into standard articles. What's everyone else's thoughts (after seeing the stuff)?--[[User:The Merovingian|The Merovingian]] ;sup>([[Special:Contributions/The Merovingian|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/The Merovingian|E]]) 13:14, 2 June 2006 (CDT)
: I concur. We should keep the stuff, but note that it isn't canon and ensure that it doesn't spill over into the canon articles. -- [[User:Joe Beaudoin Jr.|Joe Beaudoin]] [[User talk:Joe Beaudoin Jr.|So say we all]] - [[Battlestar Wiki:Site support|Donate]] 13:29, 2 June 2006 (CDT)
: We could also move these articles as subpages of the comic, so they don't proliferate the canon namespace. -- [[User:Joe Beaudoin Jr.|Joe Beaudoin]] [[User talk:Joe Beaudoin Jr.|So say we all]] - [[Battlestar Wiki:Site support|Donate]] 13:32, 2 June 2006 (CDT)
::I agree, but I don't know how to do that. --[[User:The Merovingian|The Merovingian]] ([[Special:Contributions/The Merovingian|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/The Merovingian|E]]) 13:37, 2 June 2006 (CDT)
:::That's not a problem. I could do that, if there's consensus to do so. -- [[User:Joe Beaudoin Jr.|Joe Beaudoin]] [[User talk:Joe Beaudoin Jr.|So say we all]] - [[Battlestar Wiki:Site support|Donate]] 13:49, 2 June 2006 (CDT)
*The comics are fully within BSG canon. The writer and producers have said that several times and it says so in BSG 0. However, since you have made it clear that this "encyclopedia" is not interested in anything except episodes that have already aired, I'll save you the trouble of doing anything further with it. [[User:Kuralyov|Kuralyov]] 13:58, 2 June 2006 (CDT)
**All we can do is ask about it directly in the blog, but seriously, I think what RDM did was give it a 5 minute once over, realize they weren't killing off Baltar by making his head explode or say that Apollo and Starbuck are long lost brother and sister, and then gave it the go-ahead for merchandise/publicity. Until we get more word from RDM on the particulars, I don't think a "holding pattern" of keeping it segregated could hurt. --[[User:The Merovingian|The Merovingian]] ([[Special:Contributions/The Merovingian|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/The Merovingian|E]]) 14:18, 2 June 2006 (CDT)
** Kuralyov, where have the producers and writers said that these works are canon? Please provide some links to interviews and so forth. Thanks. :-) -- [[User:Joe Beaudoin Jr.|Joe Beaudoin]] [[User talk:Joe Beaudoin Jr.|So say we all]] - [[Battlestar Wiki:Site support|Donate]] 14:38, 2 June 2006 (CDT)

::This is a simple issue. The comics are canon within their own continuity. Where they interesect the main continuity in a purely perfunctory manner (such as [[Zak Adama]]), it should be fine to footnote the incident. When large liberties are taken, we can resort to namespaced articles as necessary. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 19:43, 2 June 2006 (CDT)

:::I concur with Peter on this. I really loved the first issue, but what happens in the comic may not necessarily reflect what's aired in the main series and should be labeled or tagged as such. I'm even OK with using the episode template to further define its continuity (which forces "episode" pages to delineate things) and we already have all the tools, and it also invites discussion. I may move this first comic page to this format just to kill several birds with one stone about this topic to show what I mean. --[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 17:59, 4 June 2006 (CDT)

::: Then we need to define what a "large liberty" is so that we know it when we see it. I'd be fine including these events as full cannon if someone can show me RDM saying it's cool. Otherwise, we might take a hint from Lucasarts and develop a kind of "level" of cannonicity, or else treat the comic kind of liek the video game: strangely related in some ways, but not really... right. If you take my meaning. If not, I'll try to explain again. --[[User:Day|Day]] ([[User talk:Day|Talk]] - [[Battlestar Wiki:Administrators' noticeboard|Admin]]) 23:16, 2 June 2006 (CDT)

::::Hm. Good point, and Merv's concern makes more sense to me in terms of the edits on [[Timeline (RDM)]]. What if we put all semi-canonical plot points (comics, novels, etc.) in their own section of the concerned articles, to avoid mingling content? --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 02:29, 3 June 2006 (CDT)

::::"like the video game: strangely related in some ways, but not really... right." My thoughts exactly. Well I don't really agree with your idea Peter, though I would not actively oppose it if you decide to do it. --[[User:The Merovingian|The Merovingian]] ([[Special:Contributions/The Merovingian|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/The Merovingian|E]]) 07:44, 3 June 2006 (CDT)

:::::The difference is that the video game does not take place in the same continuity as RDM at all, whereas the comics do have to acknolwedge RDM continuity - just not vice-versa. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 09:45, 3 June 2006 (CDT)

:::::: I've not played it, but my impression was that the video game was supposed to have happened to Bill in the Cylon War, right? So, isn't it supposed to be part of the continuity? Or does it have some kind of big details that make it obvious that it wasn't, really, intended to be in-continuity (as opposed to things like Twelve Colonies = 12 planets vs. TC = 1 planet that would show it being related, but at an early stage in development of the show)? --[[User:Day|Day]] ([[User talk:Day|Talk]] - [[Battlestar Wiki:Administrators' noticeboard|Admin]]) 23:35, 4 June 2006 (CDT)

:::::::I wish it were that easy. The game created or added elements that were to be used in the Singer/DeSanto revival and derived elements from TOS. The William Adama there is actually the one that works more like the original Adama of TOS. There is an Imperious Leader there, with a name, and he seems more like an organic being TOS Cylon. So for the sake of keeping things together, the VG is its own continuity that's really neither TOS or RDM. See [[Video Game]] for more. --[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 14:18, 5 June 2006 (CDT)

==Our Name==
I note that shane has been italicizing "Battlestar Wiki" wherever he includes it. Do we like this? I suppose it's the style we'd use if we were referring to, say, ''Britannica'', but it seems a little self-important to me. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 00:17, 15 June 2006 (CDT)
:To note, for reference, I started doing this after I saw a few other places (got to be back around count 40 in my contribs). When Battlestar Wiki refers to itself, "Battestar Wiki uses the etc etc." it not supposed to be quoted, but if a verb follows or preceds (i.e "These are images used exclusively on ''Battlestar Wiki''.") with "on" being the verb refering to the site. If Battelstar Wiki was talking, yes it be non-italixized. But most of the times we refer to ''Battlestar Wiki''. A great place that ''Battlestar Wiki'' is italicized is {{tl|Project}}. "This page is one of ''Battlestar Wiki'''s many projects." implying Battlestar Wiki. Am I making any sence? :) --[[User:Shane|Shane]] ([[User_Talk:Shane|T]] - [[Special:Contributions/Shane|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/Shane|E]]) 00:36, 15 June 2006 (CDT)
:In different places on this page it's used several different ways.. ''Battlestar Wiki'', BattlestarWiki, and Battlestar Wiki. I don't know, but I can tell you that having ''Battlestar Wiki'' as two words, needs to standout instead of Battlestar Wiki. Wikipieda can get away with this because it's just one word. --[[User:Shane|Shane]] ([[User_Talk:Shane|T]] - [[Special:Contributions/Shane|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/Shane|E]]) 00:43, 15 June 2006 (CDT)
:Another note, [http://www.battlestarwiki.org/wiki/Battlestar_Wiki_talk:Standards_and_Conventions#Battlestar_Wiki_should_be... above...] --[[User:Shane|Shane]] ([[User_Talk:Shane|T]] - [[Special:Contributions/Shane|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/Shane|E]]) 00:45, 15 June 2006 (CDT)
::It seems like consensus was against italics above. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 00:57, 15 June 2006 (CDT)
:::I ''still'' feel that it should be italizied, and I know joe agreed with CA, but if I had to talk about this issue now, this is how I feel. Granted there are occatiosn when it shouldn't but in most case it has been italiced. I really think its of option in style. Just typing this, I relzied why we should italized. The namespace Battlestar Wiki. This can make it stand out if it's in a project page or text seperate from the namespace. --[[User:Shane|Shane]] ([[User_Talk:Shane|T]] - [[Special:Contributions/Shane|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/Shane|E]]) 01:05, 15 June 2006 (CDT)

:::: As ever, if we do something other than whatever's default (normal text, in this case) I think we should find some outside convention and steal it. When quoting the title of a web page for a bibliography (or Sources Cited page), [[Wikipedia:MLA style manual#Citation|MLA Style]] mandates the use of underlining. This is somewhat problematic, since current XHTML/CSS standards advise the use of or over or and sometimes browsers interpret em and strong differently (though we should theoretically be able to over-ride this by specifically styling them in our style sheet). I'd rather, I think, just do without the italics (or any other special styling), if for no other reason than it's easier. --[[User:Day|Day]] ([[User talk:Day|Talk]] - [[Battlestar Wiki:Administrators' noticeboard|Admin]]) 03:33, 15 June 2006 (CDT)

== Quotes ==

Since we been doing this alot, the "Action" before a quote... should it be in...

<pre>
<nowiki>
''[ Action ]'' 
Line 1
Line 2
-- [[33]]
</nowiki></pre>

--[[User:Shane|Shane]] ([[User_Talk:Shane|T]] - [[Special:Contributions/Shane|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/Shane|E]]) 12:42, 20 June 2006 (CDT)

:It seems neater without the brackets. Is the brackets a standard we follow? --[[User:Gougef|FrankieG]] 13:25, 20 June 2006 (CDT)
::I seen it two different ways. I think the Brackts have it "stand out" if it was an action before any text and () actions that are in a line of a quote, should be done that way. "(Sarcastic) shane's a geek" -- shane --[[User:Shane|Shane]] ([[User_Talk:Shane|T]] - [[Special:Contributions/Shane|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/Shane|E]]) 13:29, 20 June 2006 (CDT)
::I don't think there IS a standard yet (which is what Shane was pointing out). So let's figure out how it should be done, and apply that. The transcripts from sadgeezer use italics, but we do use an awful lot of italics already in our quotes. --[[User:Steelviper|Steelviper]] 13:34, 20 June 2006 (CDT)
:::Just thought that there may be a pre-existing standard on the brackets. Is italics used for more than the episode name? I glad that we I having this discussion. I have been working on quotes and trying to guess how to do things ( not in the existing standards) by looking at the existing quotes. Also, after thinking about Shane's () in the quote, the [] makes sense. --[[User:Gougef|FrankieG]] 15:09, 20 June 2006 (CDT)

:::: Has anyone ever worked with play scripts and/or screen plays? I bet there's a standard there we might be able to jack. If we don't like it, maybe the AP has a standard for out-of-flow quotes (or maybe not) and we could steal/adapt that. I'll go looking for the AP rules, if someone else happens to know about scripts, that would be awesome. Then, we'll at least know what other, "official" things are doing. If we don't want to do what they're doing, we don't have to. --[[User:Day|Day]] ([[User talk:Day|Talk]] - [[Battlestar Wiki:Administrators' noticeboard|Admin]]) 23:23, 24 June 2006 (CDT)

::::: Okay. Apparenly the AP guideline is to avoid this style of quoting. So... I looked at a screenplay, and it is ugly... or, as you might say, frugly (or however we'd alter that so the F is for Frak). So, I was thinking that, in the case where the "action" is actually contextual information, rather than real movement or verbs, it could be placed in the attribution. You'll see this a lot with single-speaker quotes in dropquotes in, say, Newsweek. Example:

::::::: "Blah blah blah." 
::::::: --Administrator [[User:Day|Day]], regarding all this quotes formatting discussion (''[[The Battlestar Galactica Drinking Game|This is Not an Episode]]'')

::::: For multi-person quotes, this would look like this:

::::::: '''Captain [[Lee Adama]]''': Nobody's expecting a miracle. 
::::::: '''Chief [[Galen Tyrol]]''': Maybe that's the problem. 
::::::: --Regarding the construction of the [[Blackbird]], ''Laura'' (''[[Flight of the Phoenix]]'')

::::: What do you guys think about that? That still leaves up in the air things where the action really is action, but mayeb we should be including different quotes than those, anyway. --[[User:Day|Day]] ([[User talk:Day|Talk]] - [[Battlestar Wiki:Administrators' noticeboard|Admin]]) 01:15, 25 June 2006 (CDT)

:::::: Never thought of that.... maybe three different styles... the orginal way, my action way, and the day way (group "think" process). --[[User:Shane|Shane]] ([[User_Talk:Shane|T]] - [[Special:Contributions/Shane|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/Shane|E]]) 17:46, 25 June 2006 (CDT)

== Adjustment to Links to Episodes ==

The current policy appears to be missing a significant item. I recommend adjustment to the policy as follows:

:When referring to episodes in text, use quote marks. This helps keep them distinct from other text. This is especially useful for unwieldly episode name such as "[[Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part I]]".
:*Example: "In the episode "[[Pegasus (episode)|Pegasus]]", ''Galactica'' finds ''[[Pegasus (RDM)|Pegasus]]''."

:When using an episode to cite a source, use parenthesis, but do not place quotes around the episode name. Citations go inside the sentence's punctuation.
:*Example: "''Galactica'' finds ''Pegasus'' ([[Pegasus (episode)|Pegasus]])."

:When referencing successive episodes within parentheses, place each episode name within quotes, separating them by commas placed within the quotes. (Do not place quotes around the name of Miniseries, as this is a designation and not an actual episode name.)

:*Example: Lee Adama is moody often ([[Miniseries]], "[[33]]," "[[Water]]," "[[The Hand of God]]").

This convention is widely used throughout most articles and greatly aids in identifying episode names within a lengthy citation. If it seems contrary in that we add quotes to successive episodes within parentheses but not in a single episode citation, a consistent convention may be to place quotes around ALL episode citations, parentheticals or not. I dinged Shane on this, not realizing we still hadn't properly defined this in policy. In any case, quotes are important when we have titles that are identical to other objects: Pegasus is a prime example, as is Resurrection Ship. Comment? --[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 16:01, 23 June 2006 (CDT)

:if these are source, which in which () is being used for, and since only things in quotes should be something in text, it would be bad to do this within the () inline ref symbols. --[[User:Shane|Shane]] ([[User_Talk:Shane|T]] - [[Special:Contributions/Shane|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/Shane|E]]) 16:13, 23 June 2006 (CDT)
:Plus just adding "" makes it confusing. If it is going to happen, it should be around all of them, but I think it is an unnessary format. It will also look bad in the middle of text. --[[User:Shane|Shane]] ([[User_Talk:Shane|T]] - [[Special:Contributions/Shane|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/Shane|E]]) 08:23, 24 June 2006 (CDT)
:I have no problem in adding this convention in, as we already use it anyway. -- [[User:Joe Beaudoin Jr.|Joe Beaudoin]] [[User talk:Joe Beaudoin Jr.|So say we all]] - [[Battlestar Wiki:Site support|Donate]] 18:49, 24 June 2006 (CDT)
::where? I don't see any article like this. --[[User:Shane|Shane]] ([[User_Talk:Shane|T]] - [[Special:Contributions/Shane|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/Shane|E]]) 18:52, 24 June 2006 (CDT)

:::I agree. We've been using this convention in an unofficial fashion for a long time. We should make it official--[[User:The Merovingian|The Merovingian]] ([[Special:Contributions/The Merovingian|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/The Merovingian|E]]) 20:33, 24 June 2006 (CDT)

:::: You know? I thought this ''was'' a convention. I think Merv and Peter (primarily) hashed this idea out on some talk page way ago. It may have been CA and Spence. This is how well I recall the event. Anyway, I think the above, just as it's written, would be awesome. Does anyone think we should note that the Miniseries doesn't get quotes because it's not a title (not because it's the first in the list), or shall we trust people to glean that? I'm generally a fan of being explicit, personally. --[[User:Day|Day]] ([[User talk:Day|Talk]] - [[Battlestar Wiki:Administrators' noticeboard|Admin]]) 23:44, 24 June 2006 (CDT)

:::::OK, then. Since time and practice has created this standard ''de facto'' and a consensus appears reached, I will add/amend the proposed text I wrote earlier as policy. No quotes in single-episode references, but do so in multi-episode parentheticals. --[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 13:06, 11 July 2006 (CDT)

==Revising the Episode Guide re Analysis sections==

Some of our Analysis sections in the episode guides some more like reviews...and several from season one sound...''deeply'' POV. There's this user that hasn't been around for a year called ernestborg9 who just wrote his own mini-reviews of each episode. Case in point "[[Colonial Day]]", he starts off by saying "This is the most poorly-conceived and executed episode in BSG's first season.". Not only is this POV....it's blatantly wrong. I mean it's POV for me to say it, but there *is* room to critique episodes for their faults, but this was I think consensus will agree one of the better scripts: I mean even Ron Moore in the podcasts thinks that like Bastille Day was the worst because it was the early season and they were still finding their footing for a few episodes. And "comparatively worst" doesn't equal "actually bad". Yes, we could say "Black Market was not well put together", but that's more of a report on consensus, and either way we phrased it more gingerly----->My point in all of this is, '''a lot of the Analysis sections sound more like reviews''' especially ones from season one, which I tended to not try to fix up before as they were "done" already, but now that I sit through and read them again, I can't believe we've kept these up as long as we have. What is a "good" Analysis, if "Colonial Day" has a bad one? Well I think by [[Pegasus (episode)]] we'd worked out what can and cannot be in an Analysis section...I remember MORE stuff in there that we cut out (stuff going off on that Cain is the only visible woman on the ship and has some dominatrix like jungle queen hold on her crew...read the history page, this was actually in there at one point) but we edited it down. ----->'''Yes, we do "play it loose" with the Analysis section and should on the whole continue to do so, on a consensus-led case by case basis'''. Analysis *is* the section for making theories...though theories grounded in *evidence*, that is, no wild speculation, but from something in the episode. It should still be a "we play it loose" section of the articles, but they shouldn't sound like POV mini-reviews. We can't say "this episode was bad", though we CAN say "this episode was poorly edited together, major plot points were confusing or poorly presented" (i.e. Black Market) or even for Epiphanies "the Roslin cancer cure was very abrupt and a little quick". Such things are fine. Major thing is that it's supposed to be a "bullleted list" like you see above, not a long three paragraph review of sorts (unless, say, one bulleted point actually runs on that long, which they can, but what I specifically mean is that if you look at Colonial Day and ones like it, it's just a "prose" review, rather than bulleted point by point analysis. --------------------------------->We should retain a "Bloopers" section, such as on "[[Scattered]]", only if needed (there normally aren't a lot of mistakes, but occassionally it can be put in). However, we should remove the "Nitpicks" section from all articles and just merge it into "Analysis".

A lot of the early episode guides on BattlestarWiki, not to mention for the Miniseries, don't fit the standard format that we kind of worked out by the second season.

I would like to try to revise all of these, however I don't want it to be *my own* POV, so I'd like to work on this with everyone to bring these sections back into standardization. --[[User:The Merovingian|The Merovingian]] ([[Special:Contributions/The Merovingian|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/The Merovingian|E]]) 17:33, 9 July 2006 (CDT)

== Category's - A, B, and C ==

While I been working on my articles on Wikipieda, I found out alot of the article's category's are in A, B, C order. Templates don't seem to matter, but user created templates are in A, B, and C order and I think we should adopt this here. Templates like {{tl|featured article}}, {{tl|featured picture}}, and {{tl|quality article}} should be placed below user created categories so they are dead last. Anyway.. that's about it. [[User:Shane|Shane]] ([[User_Talk:Shane|T]] - [[Special:Contributions/Shane|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/Shane|E]]) 04:08, 11 July 2006 (CDT)
:What does that mean?--[[User:The Merovingian|The Merovingian]] ([[Special:Contributions/The Merovingian|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/The Merovingian|E]]) 12:28, 11 July 2006 (CDT)
:I'm curious, too, Shane. Note that this idea appears to a system-wide configuration, not a policy consideration. It may be more appropriate to suggest this on the Think Tank first. --[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 12:56, 11 July 2006 (CDT)
::Maybe he is talking about the order in which category tags (and "tag" templates) are added to individual articles? --[[User:Steelviper|Steelviper]] 12:59, 11 July 2006 (CDT)
::Not really since the cat's are already there. For example... on the [[Kara Thrace]] page... you have these categories here:
<pre>
[[Category:A to Z|Thrace, Kara]]
[[Category:Characters|Thrace, Kara]]
[[Category:RDM|Thrace, Kara]]
[[Category:People from Caprica|Thrace, Kara]]
</pre>

would change to do:

<pre>
[[Category:A to Z|Thrace, Kara]]
[[Category:Characters|Thrace, Kara]]
[[Category:People from Caprica|Thrace, Kara]]
[[Category:RDM|Thrace, Kara]]
</pre>

:No really impact other than it's in alphicaltiial order from: 0-9 to A-Z by first character. [[User:Shane|Shane]] ([[User_Talk:Shane|T]] - [[Special:Contributions/Shane|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/Shane|E]]) 13:02, 11 July 2006 (CDT)

::Although the current situation doesn't bother me, I have no objection to Shane's suggestion. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 15:43, 11 July 2006 (CDT)
::Also helps with the "programs" that read webpages for the deaf. :) [[User:Shane|Shane]] ([[User_Talk:Shane|T]] - [[Special:Contributions/Shane|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/Shane|E]]) 15:46, 11 July 2006 (CDT)

::: Man. If you'd've used the phrase "alphabetical order" rather than "A, B and C" I'd have understood from the get-go. Anyway, now I get it, I see no reason not to have this as a convention. Tangentally, Shane: Why "programs"? Are they not simply programs? Are you implying that they are somehow less of a program than any other utility for some reason? I'm baffled. --[[User:Day|Day]] ([[User talk:Day|Talk]] - [[Battlestar Wiki:Administrators' noticeboard|Admin]]) 17:01, 11 July 2006 (CDT)
:::Misspelling for me... --[[User:Shane|Shane]] ([[User_Talk:Shane|T]] - [[Special:Contributions/Shane|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/Shane|E]]) 17:14, 11 July 2006 (CDT)

::: *bump*

:: I approve, due to a deep love for the sorting of lists. --[[User:CalculatinAvatar|CalculatinAvatar]]([[Special:Contributions/CalculatinAvatar|C]]-[[User talk:CalculatinAvatar|T]]) 16:57, 24 July 2006 (CDT)

:: Great idea. I find myself doing this on articles that I edit, but that's probably because I tend to alpha sort things every day anyway. -- [[User:Joe Beaudoin Jr.|Joe Beaudoin]] [[User talk:Joe Beaudoin Jr.|So say we all]] - [[Battlestar Wiki:Site support|Donate]] 17:02, 24 July 2006 (CDT)

== Episode "Guide" Format ==
:''See also [[Battlestar_Wiki_talk:Episode_Standardization#Structure_Change]]'' --[[User:Shane|Shane]] ([[User_Talk:Shane|T]] - [[Special:Contributions/Shane|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/Shane|E]]) 13:32, 24 July 2006 (CDT)

== "Original Series" vs. "original series" ==

I've been running across pages, such as the [[Sublight Propulsion]] article, where the original series is treated as a proper noun (i.e. "Original Series"). The same with "Re-Imagined Series". I propose that we stick to a format and keep with it. Preferrably, as neither examples are proper nouns, I propose that they not be treated as such. Thoughts? -- [[User:Joe Beaudoin Jr.|Joe Beaudoin]] [[User talk:Joe Beaudoin Jr.|So say we all]] - [[Battlestar Wiki:Site support|Donate]] 15:45, 11 August 2006 (CDT)
:All lower case. --[[User:Shane|Shane]] ([[User_Talk:Shane|T]] - [[Special:Contributions/Shane|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/Shane|E]]) 16:15, 11 August 2006 (CDT)

:Disagree. Title Case. The name of the show isn't "battlestar galactica." The terms "the Original Series" and "the Re-imagined Series" serve as proper nouns we use here in lieu of typing "original 'Battlestar Galactica'" and "'re-imagined "Battlestar Galactica'" all the time. They may not be true proper nouns, but they are useful shorthand here, are clear in usage, and easier on the eyes than the "e.e. cummings" style. They must have an article, however. Further, they visually serve as well as the fully typed out name with its capitalization. --[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 20:00, 11 August 2006 (CDT)

:: That's a good point... <s>A question though, are you saying that we must have articles (namely redirects) for [[Original Series]] and [[Re-Imagined Series]]?</s> Nevermind. I just visisted those and discovered that I created redirects using those names... Where's the dunce hat? -- [[User:Joe Beaudoin Jr.|Joe Beaudoin]] [[User talk:Joe Beaudoin Jr.|So say we all]] - [[Battlestar Wiki:Site support|Donate]] 20:12, 11 August 2006 (CDT)

:::Umm. Merc has to create one. :) {{tl|duncehat}} --[[User:Shane|Shane]] ([[User_Talk:Shane|T]] - [[Special:Contributions/Shane|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/Shane|E]]) 20:44, 11 August 2006 (CDT)

I disagree with Shane and Joe and agree with Spencerian: "Original Series" and "Re-imagined Series" are proper nouns and should be capitalized, always. Indeed, up until now I've actually always corrected "original series" (lower case) to "Original Series" when I encounter it. Sort of like "Star Trek: The Original Series (TOS)", BSG TOS is a proper noun. --[[User:The Merovingian|The Merovingian]] ([[Special:Contributions/The Merovingian|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/The Merovingian|E]]) 23:50, 11 August 2006 (CDT)

:I concur based upon the principle that ''proper noun'' means "a noun identifying a unique entity." As I interpret that, it should be ''Original Series'', as it names a unique entity. (This is not synonymous with uniquely naming an entity, e.g. ''John'' is a proper noun by any account.) The same reasoning would apply to ''Re-imagined Series'', though the ''i'' should not be uppercase by the rules for capitalization of hyphenated words. --[[User:CalculatinAvatar|CalculatinAvatar]]([[Special:Contributions/CalculatinAvatar|C]]-[[User talk:CalculatinAvatar|T]]) 05:00, 12 August 2006 (CDT)

== Proper notation of TV, book, and movie titles ==

We're pretty inconsistent in properly marking titles of shows, books and films. Unfortunately, my online research on MLA style hasn't yielded much to help, nor does what I found appear to work, since underlining isn't a good idea here.

I recommend the following be added in the standard of citing film, TV, and book titles on the wiki:

:"When citing a film or television show, place the title in italics.

::"The new ''Battlestar Galactica'' series is dark and dismal compared to the Original Series, and is a far cry from the utopian view in ''Star Trek''."

:When citing an television show's episode title, a book or other publication such as a comic, or other merchandise title, place the title in quotations.

::The new book, "[[Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion]]," tells more about the series, but lovers of collectibles might like the "[[Hasbro Titanium Collection]]."

:::or

::In the episode, "[[Valley of Darkness]]," Apollo is anything but moody.

Comments? Or have I missed this convention elsewhere? --[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 12:22, 27 September 2006 (CDT)
:Good call. I've missed it also if it exists. I've been wanting one, though, for all the references to TV, books, and movies that RDM makes during podcasts. Italics will probably work fine, with the only place it would be confusing being when RDM refers to the series as Galactica (not talking about the ship). Pretty isolated scenario, though, and it shouldn't spoil it for all the other shows. --[[User:Steelviper|Steelviper]] 12:41, 27 September 2006 (CDT)
::For him, I think we can make an exception. :) Any other comments? --[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 10:45, 30 September 2006 (CDT)
:::Sounds good. If we agree, I will update the cite templates so they are up to date also. --[[User:Shane|Shane]] ([[User_Talk:Shane|T]] - [[Special:Contributions/Shane|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/Shane|E]]) 11:21, 30 September 2006 (CDT)
::::I know I'm not one of you senior guys, but I agree too. And yeah, for RDM we can sure as frak make an exception. --[[User:BklynBruzer|BklynBruzer]] 18:12, 30 September 2006 (CDT)
:::::You have just as much a voice as anyone. We admins are just [[Mop Boy]]s with no extra weight in opinions. Thanks for adding your comment! --[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 21:36, 30 September 2006 (CDT)

Current convention appears to use quotes from episode titles. How do we feel about this? Should we switch those to italics? --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 20:39, 30 September 2006 (CDT)
:<s>Poop. To keep it consistent, we should, although I remember when we debated and decided on the episode quotations convention. It might be a good thing as episode titles in parentheses will stand out a bit more. I say, "Yeah, those too."</s> I rescind that. We should treat episodes of a television show as a book, so we should keep them in quotations. Thus, no change. I adjusted the text above to reflect that. --[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 21:41, 30 September 2006 (CDT)

== [[Wikipedia:Wikipedia:Article size|Wikipedia:Article Size]] ==

Led me to [[Wikipedia:Wikipedia:Summary style|Wikipedia:Summary style]]. I think we should work on this for us. --[[User:Shane|Shane]] ([[User_Talk:Shane|T]] - [[Special:Contributions/Shane|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/Shane|E]]) 05:30, 11 October 2006 (CDT)
:Neat. Worth looking into at least. Especially with the work that Spence has had to do on some of the more prominent characters... --[[User:Steelviper|Steelviper]] 14:37, 12 October 2006 (CDT)
::Yep. Definitely deserves some reading. We probably have another 2-4 years of the show, and we have to manage the character bios at least. My rule has been that, if the info is already in the episode summary, then it needn't be in the character bio UNLESS the reason details the character's motivations based on their history. Character motivations, in turn, are too much to add to episode summaries, thus the "balance." --[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 16:47, 12 October 2006 (CDT)

== American style punctuation with episode titles ==

This has already been shortly discussed before, but this is slightly different. The wiki uses the the American convention of always placing commas and periods inside the quotation marks. Nevermind that this makes no logical sense whatsoever, as the writer should distinguish if the puntuation mark actually belongs to the quote itself or the containing sentence. But I don't want to go into that here.

I think there should be one exception to this: episode titles

The rule is inconsistently applied in this case, but most people place commas after the title. Every now and then though you'll see something like 'When Tyrol did something in "[[Fragged]]," or....' Which just looks silly IMHO. It's not even a real quote. The quotation marks are just used to make clear that it's an episode title. So the comma should go outside.

Maybe this could be added to the page. That American rules apply in all cases but episode titles (if anyone else agrees of course). --[[User:Serenity|Serenity]] 06:36, 29 December 2006 (CST)

: I haven't any problem with this. (I honestly don't care for the commas or periods inside the quotation marks, either, as I agree that it makes no sense when reading.) -- [[User:Joe Beaudoin Jr.|Joe Beaudoin]] [[User talk:Joe Beaudoin Jr.|So say we all]] - [[Battlestar Wiki:Site support|Donate]] 06:40, 29 December 2006 (CST)

::As with everything else, a convention is to keep consistency, the hobgoblin of an encyclopedia. The placement of the comma within an episode title may not seem to matter if one is consistent about it. Right now we move to place them within. If we say, "It's OK not to do so for episodes, but everywhere else should do so," then we give our contributors one extra hobgoblin to remember. I understand if it makes little sense, but trying to stick to one placement (1) keeps visual consistency, and (2) prevents having to remember all the ABA/MLA and other rules. I'm in favor of leaving it as-is as we will have to scour most of our articles to undo that. I guess I don't see the gray here when it comes to consistency, but it won't be the end of the world if we adapt Serenity's suggestion. --[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 12:16, 29 December 2006 (CST)

:::You do have a point about conventions becoming too complicated, but as far as I can see, many if not most people place them outside already even if they use the American rules otherwise (This isn't a huge problem). It would be far, far more work to "correct" articles by moving them inside than making an exception for titles and moving them outside when necessary --[[User:Serenity|Serenity]] 14:11, 29 December 2006 (CST)

== Notes and Analysis ==

What should be the difference between Notes and Analysis sections? It should be stated in this article. {{unsigned|Cyborg}}
:I have no idea if it's actually stated anywhere, but traditionally, Notes concerns noteworthy things (like "Before this episode aired, Actor confirmed that Character would return to ''Galactica'' in this episode"), whereas Analysis, well, analyzes events in the episode. BTW, remember to sign your comments with two dashes and four tildes (<nowiki>--~~~~</nowiki>). --[[User:Catrope|Catrope]] 15:32, 28 January 2007 (CST)

:Analysis is more for explaining and perhaps speculating about events in the episodes. Things that need to be elaborated further. Notes should be small, obvious things, that don't require any explination or interpretation. Moreover, all behind-the-scenes information goes there. For example information gleaned from podcasts or actor interviews; things that aren't evident from watching the episode alone. --[[User:Serenity|Serenity]] 15:49, 28 January 2007 (CST)

: I acknowledge your comments. However, I think many articles don't follow them. In my opinion that calls for a new section in this "Standards and Conventions" article. --13:06, 29 January 2007 (CST)

Battlestar Wiki talk:Standards and Conventions

2007-01-28T21:18:28Z

Cyborg: /* American style punctuation with episode titles */

Resistance (episode)

2007-01-28T20:44:47Z

Cyborg: /* Notes */

:''This page covers the episode titled "Resistance." For other meanings, see "[[Resistance]]".''

{{Episode Data
| image = Sharondeath.jpg
| title= Resistance
| series=
| season=2
| episode=4
| guests=
| writer=[[Toni Graphia]]
| story=
| director=[[Alan Kroeker]]
| production= 204
| rating= 1.9
| US airdate=2005-08-05
| UK airdate=2006-01-31
| dvd= {{Season 2.0 NTSC DVD release date}} '''US''' {{Season 2 PAL DVD release date}} '''UK'''
| podcast = Y
| population=47,861
| prev=[[Fragged]]
| next=[[The Farm]]
}}

== Overview ==
:''Riots break out in [[The Fleet (RDM)|The Fleet]] over Tigh's declaration of martial law, and a group of ''Galactica'' crewmembers led by [[Lee Adama]] smuggle [[Laura Roslin]] out of the brig and into [[Tom Zarek]]'s hands. Meanwhile, [[Kara Thrace]] and [[Karl Agathon]] fall in with a group of humans who survive on [[The Twelve Colonies (RDM)#Caprica|Caprica]] and started a resistance movement.''

== Summary ==

=== On ''Galactica'' ===

*After returning to ''[[Galactica (RDM)|Galactica]]'' (after being rescued from [[Kobol]] in the last episode, [[Galen Tyrol|Chief Tyrol]] is arrested and interrogated by [[Saul Tigh|Colonel Tigh]], who believes that Tyrol may be a [[Cylons (RDM)|Cylon]]. Although Tyrol states otherwise, Tigh believes that, because of the Chief's relationship with [[Sharon Valerii (Galactica copy)|Sharon "Boomer" Valerii]], now a known Cylon agent, he can't be trusted. Tyrol is then put into the same brig as Valerii, and warns her to stay away.
*[[Gaius Baltar]] is questioned by [[Cally]] on why no one will help Tyrol. Baltar lies by telling her that his [[Cylon detector]] was flawed, and that he will try to prove that Tyrol is innocent. Cally threatens to reveal what he did to [[Crashdown]] if he doesn't help her.
*After arriving in [[CIC]], Baltar is questioned by Tigh on why the Cylon detector failed to screen out Valerii. Baltar makes up an convenient technical excuse that Tigh dismisses as so much [[technobabble]]. The acting commander orders Baltar to test Tyrol. When Baltar suggests he should assume the role of acting president if [[Laura Roslin]] is incompacitated, Tigh tells him he has no power under martial law.
*Lt. [[Felix Gaeta|Gaeta]] alerts Tigh to a number of ships in the [[The Fleet (RDM)|Fleet]] that refuse to supply ''Galactica'' with food, water, and [[tylium]], and also protest [[Laura Roslin]]'s incarceration.
*On his way to the brig, [[Lee Adama]] meets [[Anastasia Dualla]] in the hall, who tells him that [[William Adama|Commander Adama]] is still sedated, and that there is a lot of protest and dissention within the Fleet. Dualla also tells young Adama that Tigh's alcohol problem is spinning out of control.
*In his quarters, Tigh tries to figure out a way to get the needed supplies from the protesting ships. [[Ellen Tigh]] tells him that he needs to assert his authority by belittling him. This prompts Tigh to send a stern warning to the other ships, warning them to either resupply ''Galactica'' or face consequences.
*In the brig, Captain Adama tells Roslin that she still holds significant influence on some members of the Fleet (as evidenced by her growing relationship with Corporal [[Venner]]), which prompts Roslin to state something bad is going to happen in the Fleet.
*With the supply ships still refusing to supply ''Galactica'', Tigh orders squadrons of Colonial [[Marines]] to board the ships and take the supplies by any means necessary.
*On the transport ship ''[[Gideon]]'', a group of Marines, led by Lt. [[Joe Palladino|Joe "Hammerhead" Palladino]], attempt to take food supplies off the ship. The civilians grow angrier and fight the troops. A noise that sounds like a gunshot is heard, and the marines fire on the crowd in response, killing 4 civilians.
*Tigh realizes that he has made a bigger mess out of the supply problem. The riot prompts Roslin to realize that this action will splinter the Fleet, which will make them easy targets for the Cylons. Roslin tells Captain Adama that she needs to leave ''Galactica'' as soon as possible. Adama tells her he will come along and has also figured out a way to get off the ship.
*Tigh tells his wife that he is not fit for command, and he knows that she was manipulating him into using strong-arm tactics to resupply ''Galactica''. Ellen tells her husband that if she didn't motivate him, he would never stop drinking, which prompts Ellen and Tigh to start fighting, but instead, they start making love.
*In the brig, Boomer tells Tyrol that she still loves him, but Tyrol dismisses her. Baltar enters the room to test Tyrol to prove he is really human. When injected with a syringe, Tyrol goes into a state of shock from a toxin that Baltar uses. He tells Boomer that he covered up her true nature as a Cylon from the rest of the Fleet, and that if she wants to save Tyrol, she must reveal how many Cylon agents remain in [[The Fleet (RDM)|The Fleet]]. Under duress, Valerii tells Baltar that there are eight other Cylons in the Fleet. Baltar revives Tyrol.
*Captain Adama begins the escape plan, closing down a causeway on the ship for maintenance, securing a [[Raptor]] with which to leave the ship, and bringing Roslin from the brig to the shuttle bay, along with [[Elosha]]. When Roslin tells [[Billy Keikeya]] to board the ship, he tells her that he will be staying behind, because he does not want to be part of a civil war.
*On the bridge, Tigh learns that Captain Adama and Roslin have escaped on a Raptor authorized to launch for use by Dr. [[Cottle]]. Despite the chance to destroy the ship, Tigh holds the fire order on the Raptor, which escapes to ''[[Cloud Nine]]''.
*Upon arriving on ''Cloud Nine'', Roslin learns that Captain Adama has enlisted the help of [[Tom Zarek]] to hide within the Fleet until they can muster enough support to overthrow ''Galactica''.
*As Ellen complains to her husband for not firing on Captain Adama, Commander Adama arrives in the room, having recovered enough to walk and move again, and asks what's happened on the ship. Tigh tells Adama that he messed things up badly, and Adama tells Tigh that they will fix the problem together. Ellen Tigh, in the meanwhile, leaves the room on Adama's request, her hand grasping harshly at the door frame in apparent frustration in the change of events as she leaves.
*Tyrol is released from his cell. Baltar tells him that Boomer will be sent to new, fortified cell for testing. As Boomer is led down the corridor, as she heckled and yelled at by crew members, Cally steps from in the crowd and shoots Valerii point-blank in the abdomen. As Cally is taken into custody, the dying Boomer tells Tyrol she loves him, and passes away.
[[Image:Resistance-Anders_Starbuck.jpg|Starbuck and Anders playing a game of pyramid.|thumb]]

=== On Caprica ===

*[[Karl Agathon|Helo]] and [[Kara Thrace|Starbuck]] are lost in the wilderness, and are subsequently shot at by a group of humans. It eventually leads to a standoff between the two groups, but Starbuck manages to convince the humans that they are not Cylons. When asked about their identities, Helo recognizes the group as members of a [[pyramid (RDM)|pyramid]] team called the [[Caprica Buccaneers]].
*The pyramid team-turned-resistance fighters have been attacking the Cylons and stealing supplies from them for weeks. They escaped the [[Fall of the Twelve Colonies|Cylon attack]] as they were away for training in the remote mountains at the time.
*The Buccaneers take Helo and Starbuck to an [[Delphi Union High School|abandoned high school]], where they stay for the night. Starbuck, intrigued, challenges the leader of the group, [[Samuel Anders|Anders]], to a game of pyramid.

== Questions ==
*What will Commander Adama do to resolve the crisis now that he has regained consciousness? ([[Home, Part I|Answer 1]] and [[Home, Part II|Answer 2]].)
*What will happen to President Roslin, now on the run? ([[Home, Part I|Answer 1]] and [[Home, Part II|Answer 2]].)
*What will happen to Cally now that she has killed Boomer? ([[The Farm|Answer 1]] and [[Flight of the Phoenix|Answer 2]])
*Could the fact that Cally shoots ''Galactica''-Boomer mean that Cally is a Cylon?
*Could Boomer return to the show, to be reunited with Chief Tyrol, after having her consciousness transferred to another body? ([[Downloaded|Answer 1]] and [[Lay Down Your Burdens, Part II|Answer 2]])
*Chief Tyrol mentions that he once served aboard battlestar ''[[Pegasus (RDM)|Pegasus]]''; will this be significant when the ''Pegasus'' is discovered by ''Galactica''? (When he gets in trouble, [[Pegasus (episode)|the answer appears to be "no."]])
*When was the survivor count updated to include the deaths of [[Tarn]] and [[Socinus]] on [[Kobol]]? Clearly not after the survivors were returned to ''Galactica'', or the decrement between this episode and the last would be 3, not 1. Did the decrement of 1 between "[[Scattered]]" and "[[Valley of Darkness]]" refer to [[Tarn]]'s death, or to [[Flyboy]]'s before the opening credits?
*Eight ships in total refuse to resupply ''Galactica''. Tigh orders "a Raptor and an armed marine boarding party for every ship refusing the resupply order." Gaeta explains that they are short on manpower, but says nothing about equipment shortages. A caption then identifies "''Galactica'' Boarding Party Six". Is it possible that ''Galactica'' was able to deploy eight Raptors following the destruction of two in "[[Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part I]]", and the scrapping of an additional Raptor in "[[Fragged]]" (which in that episode was necessary to muster even two Raptors)? Were the boarding parties deployed sequentially, not simultaneously? If so, why would manpower shortage be a concern?

== Analysis ==

*Continuing from the events of last episode, "[[Fragged]]," Cally has indeed threatened Dr. Baltar with revealing that he [[Wikipedia:Frag (military)|fragged]] [[Crashdown]] in return for demanding that he help Chief Tyrol.
*Baltar has a working [[Cylon detector]] ([[Flesh and Bone]]) and access to blood samples from every Colonial in the Fleet. It could well be that he already knows how many Cylon infiltrators are in the fleet, and was actually testing Boomer to see if she did, too. Before Cally shot her, he was intending to interrogate her further -- perhaps this was a trial run of the method he intended to use to extract vital information from her subconscious?
**However, Baltar told Six that it would take around 60 years to test everyone in the Fleet because one person's complete test would take 11 hours; he doesn't know how many are in the fleet.
***It takes him less than two minutes to determine Boomer's true nature in "[[Flesh and Bone]]". Whatever reason Baltar has for giving the 11 hour estimate clearly doesn't preclude him determining unambiguous positives in a more reasonable timeframe.
***It has been (approximately, see timeline issues below) 26 days since "[[Tigh Me Up, Tigh Me Down]]", during which only one result was produced (for [[Ellen Tigh]]), minus the 3 days Baltar spent attending [[Quorum of Twelve|Quorum]] sessions and 2 days stranded on [[Kobol]]. The remaining 20 day period would only be sufficient to produce an additional 43 results. Tigh's chagrin that "no one's results are definitive" may imply that a substantially greater number have been produced.
**As of "[[Home, Part I]]", this line of inquiry is somewhat moot. Baltar does not know the ''identity'' of the remaining Cylon infiltrators, and regrets not asking Boomer before her death.
*[[Saul Tigh|Tigh]]'s authority on the ship appears to have grown more tenuous. Numerous officers and crew are now willing to actively assist in [[Laura Roslin|Roslin]]'s escape. [[Anastasia Dualla|Dualla]], Dr. [[Cottle]] and [[Lee Adama]] are all directly involved. [[Felix Gaeta|Gaeta]] assists indirectly by denying knowledge of the unusual transmissions detected prior to the jail break even after asking Dualla about them earlier.
*[[Felix Gaeta|Gaeta]], who we learned to know as a very correct officer, lies to Col. Tigh when he asks for any unusual transmissions after President Roslin's escape.

== Notes ==
*As of the opening credits, the fleet population is now 47,861, reflecting the death of [[Crashdown]] in "[[Fragged]]".
** Does (or will) this count discriminate between humans and Cylons? Was Boomer ever removed from this count?
*This episode gave no direct indication of its date. All the first season episodes identified the date during their Caprica segments, and the first three episodes of this season have taken place on the same day as "[[Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part II]]". There are a few possible indicators of time elapsed:
**Tyrol is in a holding cell. He apparently hasn't been there for long, and his arm is still in a sling.
**Baltar's numerous facial cuts and scrapes are still somewhat visible.
**Apollo has been gone from the officer's card game long enough to be missed. His last game was on Day 50.
**Apollo asks Dualla how his father is doing "this morning", and Dualla's response implies that this is at least the second time he's asked her. His first opportunity to do so would have been on the morning of Day 52. [[Ronald D. Moore]]'s [[podcast]] says that this conversation has been a "routine happening each day", i.e., more than twice. This puts this episode at Day 54 at least.
**In the episode "[[Final Cut]]", we learn that Tigh was in command for "over a week", which unfortunately tells little - the next episode, where Adama finally resumes command, takes place "the next week" after this one.
* Boomer dies in this episode, shot by [[Cally]]. There is still the Valerii copy on Caprica, which will reappear in the next episode, and in later episodes be taken aboard ''Galactica'' ([[Home, Part II]]).
**Boomer dies in a manner that mirrors what happened to [[Wikipedia:Lee Harvey Oswald|Lee Harvey Oswald]] (the assassin of U.S. President John F. Kennedy). Oswald himself is shot at point blank range by a man named [[Wikipedia:Jack Ruby|Jack Ruby]] while being transferred to another prison. According to an [http://www.spankwagon.net/audio/std/STD-2005-08-24.mp3 interview] with Aaron Douglas, the scene was intentionally meant to resemble the infamous video of Ruby shooting Oswald: before it was shot, all of the Marine and crew extras were shown the Ruby video, and instructed to copy the reactions of specific guards in the video to make the scene more closely resemble the assasination.
*The shooting on the ''Gideon'' was inspired by the [[Wikipedia:Kent State shootings|Kent State Shootings]]. Some have also stated that it is somewhat similar to the [[Wikipedia:Boston Massacre|Boston Massacre]], which helped spark the [[Wikipedia:American Revolutionary War|American Revolutionary War]]. [[Ronald D. Moore]]'s podcast says that this scene was directly inspired by the Boston Massacre. A group of armed soldiers, not trained or equipped as riot police, are being pelted with objects (albeit non-lethal ones) by a hostile crowd and react with the training and equipment that they have when a threat is perceived.
*Tigh's accusing of Chief Tyrol being a Cylon reminds Communists' witch hunt.
*If Boomer is to be believed, there are eight more Cylons hiding in the Fleet. It has already been established that there are only 12 Cylons models in existence, and four have already been revealed in the Fleet ([[Shelly Godfrey]], [[Leoben Conoy]], [[Aaron Doral]], and now [[Sharon Valerii (Galactica copy)|Boomer]]), so each of the as-yet-unknown models may have a representative copy hiding in the Fleet. (Three new Cylon infiltrators, one found on [[The Farm|Caprica]], and one [[D'anna Biers|female]] and [[Cavil|male]] have been identified to viewers since this episode.)
**Boomer produced this number under extreme duress. It is possible that she simply fabricated it, or that Baltar was relying on "God" to produce it for her, as he himself did in "[[The Hand of God (RDM)|The Hand of God]]". Furthermore, Balter counts down "10, 9" stopping before 8.
**Baltar asserted during the scene that Boomer had the information in her subconscious, so this may have been a way of producing it from extreme duress.
***It is intruiging to note that later in season 2 in the episode "[[Downloaded]]", it will be revealed that "Sharon Valerii" is really "Cylon model Number ''Eight''".
*Commander Adama has regained consciousness.
*There is a small resistance movement on Caprica comprising as of now 53 people, and [[Karl Agathon|Helo]] and [[Kara Thrace|Starbuck]] have joined up with them.
*Chief [[Galen Tyrol|Tyrol]] has been serving on battlestars since he was 18. Other battlestars he has served on include the ''[[Columbia]]'', ''[[Atlantia]]'', and ''[[Pegasus (RDM)|Pegasus]]''.
**According to an interview on [http://www.spankwagon.net/audio/std/STD-2005-08-24.mp3 Subject2Discussion], actor Aaron Douglas (who plays Tyrol) said that a connection between this line, and the later arrival of ''[[Pegasus (RDM)|Pegasus]]'', never occurred to him until a fan asked him about it at a convention after the episode had aired. Douglas is unaware if the writers intended any further backstory behind this for Tyrol, or if they were just throwing out battlestar names.
*First mention of the battlestar ''Pegasus'' in the Re-imagined Series.
*First time that Chief Tyrol's first name, "Galen", has been spoken on screen. Previously it was only known from an entry in Ron D. Moore's blog.
*Baltar's Six considers the term "[[toaster]]" to be a "racial epithet".
*Apollo can pilot a Raptor. He brought a pilot along with him in "[[Fragged]]".
*"[[Brendan Constanza|Hot Dog]]" Constanza is now leading [[Combat Air Patrol]]s.
*This episode introduces a conspiracy to free Laura Roslin from imprisonment. (see; [[Laura Roslin faction]])
*One of ''Galactica's'' Raptors is aboard ''[[Cloud Nine]]''. It was all ''Galactica'' could do to muster two Raptors in "[[Fragged]]", although they had four in operation earlier that day in "[[Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part II]]". Will ''Cloud Nine'' return the vehicle, and if not, will this further hamper ''Galactica's'' ability to deploy marines within the Fleet?
*[[Tylium]] is used to fuel the maneuvering thrusters on the [[Viper (RDM)|Viper]] craft, as well as the FTL engines for the rest of the fleet.
*The background music in the scene where Lee Adama says goodbye to his unconscious father is a faint echo of "Wander my Friends", the victory music from "[[The Hand of God (RDM)|The Hand of God]]".
*Dualla has indicated that she would prefer him to be in command, as opposed to the frequently inebriated Tigh. She also casts a friendlier-than-usual glance at Apollo's backside as he is escorted to the brig.
*Col. Tigh derides Dr. Baltar for using "[[Technobabble|technobabble]]" pseudoscientific explanations frequently used on RDM's old ''"[[Wikipedia:Star Trek: The Next Generation|Star Trek: The Next Generation]]"'' series.
*Six and Ellen Tigh are both blonds who drive the men to action by whispering over their shoulders.

== Noteworthy Dialogue ==

* ''Baltar tries to explain the failure of his Cylon detector:''
:'''Saul Tigh:''' What the hell's the matter with your Cylon detector, doctor? You gave the assassin a pass.
:'''Gaius Baltar:''' Yes, but that was a beta test. A preliminary. Clearly I've perfected my methodology and she slipped through.
:'''Saul Tigh:''' So what the hell are you telling me here, that we are back to square one? That no one's results are definitive?
:'''Gaius Baltar:''' No, I am-
:'''Saul Tigh:''' That we have no way of knowing who are the Cylons among us?
:'''Gaius Baltar:''' -not saying that, since Valerii's test- since the assassin's test I've developed a new set of protocols which should eliminate any errors - anomalies - that popped up earlier. Look, if you let me test the chief's blood, I might be able to tell once and for all if-
:'''Saul Tigh:''' No "if"! I want a definitive answer, no more of your weaselly [[technobabble]]. He's a Cylon or he's not. So get down there and do something right for a change.
:'''Gaius Baltar''': I am the Vice President. Legally speaking, if the President is incapacitated, shouldn't I take over her-
:'''Saul Tigh''': Legally speaking, I have declared martial law, that makes you nobody.

* ''In ''Galactica's'' brig, Tyrol is led into a cell with Sharon Valerii:''
:'''Sharon Valerii:''' (crying) Chief? I thought you were on Kobol?
:(Tyrol is shoved into the cell, and Sharon tries to hug him)
:'''Chief Tyrol:''' Don't you talk to me. Don't come near me. Don't even touch me. If you do, I will kill you.

* ''In one of ''Galactica's'' corridors:''
:'''Cally:''' They locked the Chief up with Boomer. Tigh thinks he's a Cylon.
:'''Gaius Baltar:''' I know. I'm going to see the Colonel now. If anyone's going to find a way to clear the Chief, or...
:'''Cally:''' Or what? Throw him out the airlock like a piece of garbage? If Commander Adama were in charge, this would have never happened.
:'''Gaius Baltar:''' Yes, but he's not in charge, is he?

* ''Chief Tyrol has been wrongly accued of being a Cylon, and Cally pleads with Baltar for help:''
:'''Cally:''' I've known the Chief for years. He's no Toaster!
:'''Baltar:''' He was involved with Lieutenant Valerii, who most certainly is a Toaster.
:'''Number Six:''' That word is racist! I don't like it!
:'''Cally:''' Sure...he's shown some bad judgment getting involved with her. But that doesn't mean he's a Toaster. You've got to help him.
:'''Number Six:''' Say something, Gaius. Tell her you won't have racial epithets used in your presence!

* ''Mechanics are building a new brig cell to imprison suspected Cylons:''
:'''Cally:''' They're putting the Chief in there, you know.
:'''Jammer:''' I don't care if they put a giant parakeet in here. Colonel says build a cell, we build a cell.
:'''Cally:''' This isn't right. He's one of us!
:'''Jammer:''' No, he's one of them. He always was. We just never saw it.
:'''Cally:''' No, he's innocent! She tricked him!
:'''Jammer:''' Wow, such loyalty. Were you fracking him too? (Cally slams Jammer into a wall, then punches him in the face. Hard) You want to get pissed at someone, you get pissed at Boomer! She's the one who put the Chief in the cell here, not us!

* ''After Lee Adama and President Roslin arrive on ''Cloud Nine'':''
:'''Lee Adama:''' Well, we're home free for now.
:'''Tom Zarek:''' (standing in the hangar bay) Good to see you, Madam President.
:'''Laura Roslin:''' Captain Apollo, what is Mr. Zarek doing here?
:'''Lee Adama:''' Once Tigh gets over his initial shock, he'll send troops out to search for us, and if we're going to make it, we have to keep on the move. I figured Mr. Zarek here is the only one in the fleet with enough shady friends around to hide us.
:'''Tom Zarek:''' (to Laura) I love the way he puts that.
:'''Laura Roslin:''' Well, Mr. Zarek, it would seem that the enemy of my enemy is my friend.
:'''Tom Zarek:''' Call me Tom.

* Galactica-''Sharon''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s dying words:''
:'''Sharon Valerii:''' I love you, Chief...

== Official Statements ==

* '''[[Nicki Clyne]] comments on [[Cally]]'s motivations in shooting [[Sharon Valerii (Galactica copy)|Boomer]] from [http://scifibrain.ign.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2384&Itemid=0 Scifibrain's March 17, 2006 interview]:'''
*# I think Boomer represented all the things that were wrong for her at that time, including her relationship with [[Galen Tyrol|Tyrol]]. So, I think she just saw Boomer as this symbol of what was wrong for her at the time. She couldn’t see any other way to deal with it.
*# ''On whether or not Cally was guilty for killing [[Sharon Valerii (Galactica copy)|Boomer]]:'' That is a tough one, and I think about that a lot, because I don’t think it is right to kill anything. I don’t think it can ever be a positive feeling. At the time, she felt like there was no other way, and that was her only option, but I am sure upon reflection in the brig, or when she got back to work, that she saw how it affected Tyrol. That she, she shows a lot of wondering. There is actually a [[List of Deleted Scenes (RDM)|scene that got cut]] [in "[[Flight of the Phoenix]]"], but she finally approaches the Chief, when she is finally sick of him ignoring her, after she has gotten out of jail, she says, "If I had a chance, I would do it all over again."

== Guest stars ==
*[[Richard Hatch]] as [[Tom Zarek]]
*[[Aaron Douglas]] as Chief Petty Officer [[Galen Tyrol]]
*[[Nicki Clyne]] as Specialist [[Cally]]
*[[Lorena Gale]] as [[Elosha]]
*[[Michael Trucco]] as [[Samuel Anders]]
*[[Kate Vernon]] as [[Ellen Tigh]]
*[[Donnelly Rhodes]] as Dr. [[Cottle]]
*[[Dominic Zamprogna]] as [[Jammer]]
*[[Chris Shields]] as Corporal [[Venner]]
*[[Bodie Olmos]] as Lt. [[Brendan Constanza|Brendan "Hot Dog" Constanza]]
*[[Leah Cairns]] as Lt. [[Margaret Edmondson|Margaret "Racetrack" Edmondson]]
*[[Tamara Lashley]] as [[Sue-Shaun]]
*[[Jeremy Guilbaut]] as Lt. [[Joe Palladino|Joe "Hammerhead" Palladino]]
*[[Heather Doerksen]] as "Marine With A Sandwich"
*[[Curtis Lee Hicks]] as "Marine Sergeant"

{{episode list (RDM season 2)}}

[[Category:Episodes written by Toni Graphia]]
[[Category:Episodes directed by Allan Kroeker]]
[[Category:RDM]]

Resistance (episode)

2007-01-28T20:36:45Z

Cyborg: /* Notes */

:''This page covers the episode titled "Resistance." For other meanings, see "[[Resistance]]".''

{{Episode Data
| image = Sharondeath.jpg
| title= Resistance
| series=
| season=2
| episode=4
| guests=
| writer=[[Toni Graphia]]
| story=
| director=[[Alan Kroeker]]
| production= 204
| rating= 1.9
| US airdate=2005-08-05
| UK airdate=2006-01-31
| dvd= {{Season 2.0 NTSC DVD release date}} '''US''' {{Season 2 PAL DVD release date}} '''UK'''
| podcast = Y
| population=47,861
| prev=[[Fragged]]
| next=[[The Farm]]
}}

== Overview ==
:''Riots break out in [[The Fleet (RDM)|The Fleet]] over Tigh's declaration of martial law, and a group of ''Galactica'' crewmembers led by [[Lee Adama]] smuggle [[Laura Roslin]] out of the brig and into [[Tom Zarek]]'s hands. Meanwhile, [[Kara Thrace]] and [[Karl Agathon]] fall in with a group of humans who survive on [[The Twelve Colonies (RDM)#Caprica|Caprica]] and started a resistance movement.''

== Summary ==

=== On ''Galactica'' ===

*After returning to ''[[Galactica (RDM)|Galactica]]'' (after being rescued from [[Kobol]] in the last episode, [[Galen Tyrol|Chief Tyrol]] is arrested and interrogated by [[Saul Tigh|Colonel Tigh]], who believes that Tyrol may be a [[Cylons (RDM)|Cylon]]. Although Tyrol states otherwise, Tigh believes that, because of the Chief's relationship with [[Sharon Valerii (Galactica copy)|Sharon "Boomer" Valerii]], now a known Cylon agent, he can't be trusted. Tyrol is then put into the same brig as Valerii, and warns her to stay away.
*[[Gaius Baltar]] is questioned by [[Cally]] on why no one will help Tyrol. Baltar lies by telling her that his [[Cylon detector]] was flawed, and that he will try to prove that Tyrol is innocent. Cally threatens to reveal what he did to [[Crashdown]] if he doesn't help her.
*After arriving in [[CIC]], Baltar is questioned by Tigh on why the Cylon detector failed to screen out Valerii. Baltar makes up an convenient technical excuse that Tigh dismisses as so much [[technobabble]]. The acting commander orders Baltar to test Tyrol. When Baltar suggests he should assume the role of acting president if [[Laura Roslin]] is incompacitated, Tigh tells him he has no power under martial law.
*Lt. [[Felix Gaeta|Gaeta]] alerts Tigh to a number of ships in the [[The Fleet (RDM)|Fleet]] that refuse to supply ''Galactica'' with food, water, and [[tylium]], and also protest [[Laura Roslin]]'s incarceration.
*On his way to the brig, [[Lee Adama]] meets [[Anastasia Dualla]] in the hall, who tells him that [[William Adama|Commander Adama]] is still sedated, and that there is a lot of protest and dissention within the Fleet. Dualla also tells young Adama that Tigh's alcohol problem is spinning out of control.
*In his quarters, Tigh tries to figure out a way to get the needed supplies from the protesting ships. [[Ellen Tigh]] tells him that he needs to assert his authority by belittling him. This prompts Tigh to send a stern warning to the other ships, warning them to either resupply ''Galactica'' or face consequences.
*In the brig, Captain Adama tells Roslin that she still holds significant influence on some members of the Fleet (as evidenced by her growing relationship with Corporal [[Venner]]), which prompts Roslin to state something bad is going to happen in the Fleet.
*With the supply ships still refusing to supply ''Galactica'', Tigh orders squadrons of Colonial [[Marines]] to board the ships and take the supplies by any means necessary.
*On the transport ship ''[[Gideon]]'', a group of Marines, led by Lt. [[Joe Palladino|Joe "Hammerhead" Palladino]], attempt to take food supplies off the ship. The civilians grow angrier and fight the troops. A noise that sounds like a gunshot is heard, and the marines fire on the crowd in response, killing 4 civilians.
*Tigh realizes that he has made a bigger mess out of the supply problem. The riot prompts Roslin to realize that this action will splinter the Fleet, which will make them easy targets for the Cylons. Roslin tells Captain Adama that she needs to leave ''Galactica'' as soon as possible. Adama tells her he will come along and has also figured out a way to get off the ship.
*Tigh tells his wife that he is not fit for command, and he knows that she was manipulating him into using strong-arm tactics to resupply ''Galactica''. Ellen tells her husband that if she didn't motivate him, he would never stop drinking, which prompts Ellen and Tigh to start fighting, but instead, they start making love.
*In the brig, Boomer tells Tyrol that she still loves him, but Tyrol dismisses her. Baltar enters the room to test Tyrol to prove he is really human. When injected with a syringe, Tyrol goes into a state of shock from a toxin that Baltar uses. He tells Boomer that he covered up her true nature as a Cylon from the rest of the Fleet, and that if she wants to save Tyrol, she must reveal how many Cylon agents remain in [[The Fleet (RDM)|The Fleet]]. Under duress, Valerii tells Baltar that there are eight other Cylons in the Fleet. Baltar revives Tyrol.
*Captain Adama begins the escape plan, closing down a causeway on the ship for maintenance, securing a [[Raptor]] with which to leave the ship, and bringing Roslin from the brig to the shuttle bay, along with [[Elosha]]. When Roslin tells [[Billy Keikeya]] to board the ship, he tells her that he will be staying behind, because he does not want to be part of a civil war.
*On the bridge, Tigh learns that Captain Adama and Roslin have escaped on a Raptor authorized to launch for use by Dr. [[Cottle]]. Despite the chance to destroy the ship, Tigh holds the fire order on the Raptor, which escapes to ''[[Cloud Nine]]''.
*Upon arriving on ''Cloud Nine'', Roslin learns that Captain Adama has enlisted the help of [[Tom Zarek]] to hide within the Fleet until they can muster enough support to overthrow ''Galactica''.
*As Ellen complains to her husband for not firing on Captain Adama, Commander Adama arrives in the room, having recovered enough to walk and move again, and asks what's happened on the ship. Tigh tells Adama that he messed things up badly, and Adama tells Tigh that they will fix the problem together. Ellen Tigh, in the meanwhile, leaves the room on Adama's request, her hand grasping harshly at the door frame in apparent frustration in the change of events as she leaves.
*Tyrol is released from his cell. Baltar tells him that Boomer will be sent to new, fortified cell for testing. As Boomer is led down the corridor, as she heckled and yelled at by crew members, Cally steps from in the crowd and shoots Valerii point-blank in the abdomen. As Cally is taken into custody, the dying Boomer tells Tyrol she loves him, and passes away.
[[Image:Resistance-Anders_Starbuck.jpg|Starbuck and Anders playing a game of pyramid.|thumb]]

=== On Caprica ===

*[[Karl Agathon|Helo]] and [[Kara Thrace|Starbuck]] are lost in the wilderness, and are subsequently shot at by a group of humans. It eventually leads to a standoff between the two groups, but Starbuck manages to convince the humans that they are not Cylons. When asked about their identities, Helo recognizes the group as members of a [[pyramid (RDM)|pyramid]] team called the [[Caprica Buccaneers]].
*The pyramid team-turned-resistance fighters have been attacking the Cylons and stealing supplies from them for weeks. They escaped the [[Fall of the Twelve Colonies|Cylon attack]] as they were away for training in the remote mountains at the time.
*The Buccaneers take Helo and Starbuck to an [[Delphi Union High School|abandoned high school]], where they stay for the night. Starbuck, intrigued, challenges the leader of the group, [[Samuel Anders|Anders]], to a game of pyramid.

== Questions ==
*What will Commander Adama do to resolve the crisis now that he has regained consciousness? ([[Home, Part I|Answer 1]] and [[Home, Part II|Answer 2]].)
*What will happen to President Roslin, now on the run? ([[Home, Part I|Answer 1]] and [[Home, Part II|Answer 2]].)
*What will happen to Cally now that she has killed Boomer? ([[The Farm|Answer 1]] and [[Flight of the Phoenix|Answer 2]])
*Could the fact that Cally shoots ''Galactica''-Boomer mean that Cally is a Cylon?
*Could Boomer return to the show, to be reunited with Chief Tyrol, after having her consciousness transferred to another body? ([[Downloaded|Answer 1]] and [[Lay Down Your Burdens, Part II|Answer 2]])
*Chief Tyrol mentions that he once served aboard battlestar ''[[Pegasus (RDM)|Pegasus]]''; will this be significant when the ''Pegasus'' is discovered by ''Galactica''? (When he gets in trouble, [[Pegasus (episode)|the answer appears to be "no."]])
*When was the survivor count updated to include the deaths of [[Tarn]] and [[Socinus]] on [[Kobol]]? Clearly not after the survivors were returned to ''Galactica'', or the decrement between this episode and the last would be 3, not 1. Did the decrement of 1 between "[[Scattered]]" and "[[Valley of Darkness]]" refer to [[Tarn]]'s death, or to [[Flyboy]]'s before the opening credits?
*Eight ships in total refuse to resupply ''Galactica''. Tigh orders "a Raptor and an armed marine boarding party for every ship refusing the resupply order." Gaeta explains that they are short on manpower, but says nothing about equipment shortages. A caption then identifies "''Galactica'' Boarding Party Six". Is it possible that ''Galactica'' was able to deploy eight Raptors following the destruction of two in "[[Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part I]]", and the scrapping of an additional Raptor in "[[Fragged]]" (which in that episode was necessary to muster even two Raptors)? Were the boarding parties deployed sequentially, not simultaneously? If so, why would manpower shortage be a concern?

== Analysis ==

*Continuing from the events of last episode, "[[Fragged]]," Cally has indeed threatened Dr. Baltar with revealing that he [[Wikipedia:Frag (military)|fragged]] [[Crashdown]] in return for demanding that he help Chief Tyrol.
*Baltar has a working [[Cylon detector]] ([[Flesh and Bone]]) and access to blood samples from every Colonial in the Fleet. It could well be that he already knows how many Cylon infiltrators are in the fleet, and was actually testing Boomer to see if she did, too. Before Cally shot her, he was intending to interrogate her further -- perhaps this was a trial run of the method he intended to use to extract vital information from her subconscious?
**However, Baltar told Six that it would take around 60 years to test everyone in the Fleet because one person's complete test would take 11 hours; he doesn't know how many are in the fleet.
***It takes him less than two minutes to determine Boomer's true nature in "[[Flesh and Bone]]". Whatever reason Baltar has for giving the 11 hour estimate clearly doesn't preclude him determining unambiguous positives in a more reasonable timeframe.
***It has been (approximately, see timeline issues below) 26 days since "[[Tigh Me Up, Tigh Me Down]]", during which only one result was produced (for [[Ellen Tigh]]), minus the 3 days Baltar spent attending [[Quorum of Twelve|Quorum]] sessions and 2 days stranded on [[Kobol]]. The remaining 20 day period would only be sufficient to produce an additional 43 results. Tigh's chagrin that "no one's results are definitive" may imply that a substantially greater number have been produced.
**As of "[[Home, Part I]]", this line of inquiry is somewhat moot. Baltar does not know the ''identity'' of the remaining Cylon infiltrators, and regrets not asking Boomer before her death.
*[[Saul Tigh|Tigh]]'s authority on the ship appears to have grown more tenuous. Numerous officers and crew are now willing to actively assist in [[Laura Roslin|Roslin]]'s escape. [[Anastasia Dualla|Dualla]], Dr. [[Cottle]] and [[Lee Adama]] are all directly involved. [[Felix Gaeta|Gaeta]] assists indirectly by denying knowledge of the unusual transmissions detected prior to the jail break even after asking Dualla about them earlier.
*[[Felix Gaeta|Gaeta]], who we learned to know as a very correct officer, lies to Col. Tigh when he asks for any unusual transmissions after President Roslin's escape.

== Notes ==
*As of the opening credits, the fleet population is now 47,861, reflecting the death of [[Crashdown]] in "[[Fragged]]".
** Does (or will) this count discriminate between humans and Cylons? Was Boomer ever removed from this count?
*This episode gave no direct indication of its date. All the first season episodes identified the date during their Caprica segments, and the first three episodes of this season have taken place on the same day as "[[Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part II]]". There are a few possible indicators of time elapsed:
**Tyrol is in a holding cell. He apparently hasn't been there for long, and his arm is still in a sling.
**Baltar's numerous facial cuts and scrapes are still somewhat visible.
**Apollo has been gone from the officer's card game long enough to be missed. His last game was on Day 50.
**Apollo asks Dualla how his father is doing "this morning", and Dualla's response implies that this is at least the second time he's asked her. His first opportunity to do so would have been on the morning of Day 52. [[Ronald D. Moore]]'s [[podcast]] says that this conversation has been a "routine happening each day", i.e., more than twice. This puts this episode at Day 54 at least.
**In the episode "[[Final Cut]]", we learn that Tigh was in command for "over a week", which unfortunately tells little - the next episode, where Adama finally resumes command, takes place "the next week" after this one.
* Boomer dies in this episode, shot by [[Cally]]. There is still the Valerii copy on Caprica, which will reappear in the next episode, and in later episodes be taken aboard ''Galactica'' ([[Home, Part II]]).
**Boomer dies in a manner that mirrors what happened to [[Wikipedia:Lee Harvey Oswald|Lee Harvey Oswald]] (the assassin of U.S. President John F. Kennedy). Oswald himself is shot at point blank range by a man named [[Wikipedia:Jack Ruby|Jack Ruby]] while being transferred to another prison. According to an [http://www.spankwagon.net/audio/std/STD-2005-08-24.mp3 interview] with Aaron Douglas, the scene was intentionally meant to resemble the infamous video of Ruby shooting Oswald: before it was shot, all of the Marine and crew extras were shown the Ruby video, and instructed to copy the reactions of specific guards in the video to make the scene more closely resemble the assasination.
*The shooting on the ''Gideon'' was inspired by the [[Wikipedia:Kent State shootings|Kent State Shootings]]. Some have also stated that it is somewhat similar to the [[Wikipedia:Boston Massacre|Boston Massacre]], which helped spark the [[Wikipedia:American Revolutionary War|American Revolutionary War]]. [[Ronald D. Moore]]'s podcast says that this scene was directly inspired by the Boston Massacre. A group of armed soldiers, not trained or equipped as riot police, are being pelted with objects (albeit non-lethal ones) by a hostile crowd and react with the training and equipment that they have when a threat is perceived.
*If Boomer is to be believed, there are eight more Cylons hiding in the Fleet. It has already been established that there are only 12 Cylons models in existence, and four have already been revealed in the Fleet ([[Shelly Godfrey]], [[Leoben Conoy]], [[Aaron Doral]], and now [[Sharon Valerii (Galactica copy)|Boomer]]), so each of the as-yet-unknown models may have a representative copy hiding in the Fleet. (Three new Cylon infiltrators, one found on [[The Farm|Caprica]], and one [[D'anna Biers|female]] and [[Cavil|male]] have been identified to viewers since this episode.)
**Boomer produced this number under extreme duress. It is possible that she simply fabricated it, or that Baltar was relying on "God" to produce it for her, as he himself did in "[[The Hand of God (RDM)|The Hand of God]]". Furthermore, Balter counts down "10, 9" stopping before 8.
**Baltar asserted during the scene that Boomer had the information in her subconscious, so this may have been a way of producing it from extreme duress.
***It is intruiging to note that later in season 2 in the episode "[[Downloaded]]", it will be revealed that "Sharon Valerii" is really "Cylon model Number ''Eight''".
*Commander Adama has regained consciousness.
*There is a small resistance movement on Caprica comprising as of now 53 people, and [[Karl Agathon|Helo]] and [[Kara Thrace|Starbuck]] have joined up with them.
*Chief [[Galen Tyrol|Tyrol]] has been serving on battlestars since he was 18. Other battlestars he has served on include the ''[[Columbia]]'', ''[[Atlantia]]'', and ''[[Pegasus (RDM)|Pegasus]]''.
**According to an interview on [http://www.spankwagon.net/audio/std/STD-2005-08-24.mp3 Subject2Discussion], actor Aaron Douglas (who plays Tyrol) said that a connection between this line, and the later arrival of ''[[Pegasus (RDM)|Pegasus]]'', never occurred to him until a fan asked him about it at a convention after the episode had aired. Douglas is unaware if the writers intended any further backstory behind this for Tyrol, or if they were just throwing out battlestar names.
*First mention of the battlestar ''Pegasus'' in the Re-imagined Series.
*First time that Chief Tyrol's first name, "Galen", has been spoken on screen. Previously it was only known from an entry in Ron D. Moore's blog.
*Baltar's Six considers the term "[[toaster]]" to be a "racial epithet".
*Apollo can pilot a Raptor. He brought a pilot along with him in "[[Fragged]]".
*"[[Brendan Constanza|Hot Dog]]" Constanza is now leading [[Combat Air Patrol]]s.
*This episode introduces a conspiracy to free Laura Roslin from imprisonment. (see; [[Laura Roslin faction]])
*One of ''Galactica's'' Raptors is aboard ''[[Cloud Nine]]''. It was all ''Galactica'' could do to muster two Raptors in "[[Fragged]]", although they had four in operation earlier that day in "[[Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part II]]". Will ''Cloud Nine'' return the vehicle, and if not, will this further hamper ''Galactica's'' ability to deploy marines within the Fleet?
*[[Tylium]] is used to fuel the maneuvering thrusters on the [[Viper (RDM)|Viper]] craft, as well as the FTL engines for the rest of the fleet.
*The background music in the scene where Lee Adama says goodbye to his unconscious father is a faint echo of "Wander my Friends", the victory music from "[[The Hand of God (RDM)|The Hand of God]]".
*Dualla has indicated that she would prefer him to be in command, as opposed to the frequently inebriated Tigh. She also casts a friendlier-than-usual glance at Apollo's backside as he is escorted to the brig.
*Col. Tigh derides Dr. Baltar for using "[[Technobabble|technobabble]]" pseudoscientific explanations frequently used on RDM's old ''"[[Wikipedia:Star Trek: The Next Generation|Star Trek: The Next Generation]]"'' series.
*Six and Ellen Tigh are both blonds who drive the men to action by whispering over their shoulders.

== Noteworthy Dialogue ==

* ''Baltar tries to explain the failure of his Cylon detector:''
:'''Saul Tigh:''' What the hell's the matter with your Cylon detector, doctor? You gave the assassin a pass.
:'''Gaius Baltar:''' Yes, but that was a beta test. A preliminary. Clearly I've perfected my methodology and she slipped through.
:'''Saul Tigh:''' So what the hell are you telling me here, that we are back to square one? That no one's results are definitive?
:'''Gaius Baltar:''' No, I am-
:'''Saul Tigh:''' That we have no way of knowing who are the Cylons among us?
:'''Gaius Baltar:''' -not saying that, since Valerii's test- since the assassin's test I've developed a new set of protocols which should eliminate any errors - anomalies - that popped up earlier. Look, if you let me test the chief's blood, I might be able to tell once and for all if-
:'''Saul Tigh:''' No "if"! I want a definitive answer, no more of your weaselly [[technobabble]]. He's a Cylon or he's not. So get down there and do something right for a change.
:'''Gaius Baltar''': I am the Vice President. Legally speaking, if the President is incapacitated, shouldn't I take over her-
:'''Saul Tigh''': Legally speaking, I have declared martial law, that makes you nobody.

* ''In ''Galactica's'' brig, Tyrol is led into a cell with Sharon Valerii:''
:'''Sharon Valerii:''' (crying) Chief? I thought you were on Kobol?
:(Tyrol is shoved into the cell, and Sharon tries to hug him)
:'''Chief Tyrol:''' Don't you talk to me. Don't come near me. Don't even touch me. If you do, I will kill you.

* ''In one of ''Galactica's'' corridors:''
:'''Cally:''' They locked the Chief up with Boomer. Tigh thinks he's a Cylon.
:'''Gaius Baltar:''' I know. I'm going to see the Colonel now. If anyone's going to find a way to clear the Chief, or...
:'''Cally:''' Or what? Throw him out the airlock like a piece of garbage? If Commander Adama were in charge, this would have never happened.
:'''Gaius Baltar:''' Yes, but he's not in charge, is he?

* ''Chief Tyrol has been wrongly accued of being a Cylon, and Cally pleads with Baltar for help:''
:'''Cally:''' I've known the Chief for years. He's no Toaster!
:'''Baltar:''' He was involved with Lieutenant Valerii, who most certainly is a Toaster.
:'''Number Six:''' That word is racist! I don't like it!
:'''Cally:''' Sure...he's shown some bad judgment getting involved with her. But that doesn't mean he's a Toaster. You've got to help him.
:'''Number Six:''' Say something, Gaius. Tell her you won't have racial epithets used in your presence!

* ''Mechanics are building a new brig cell to imprison suspected Cylons:''
:'''Cally:''' They're putting the Chief in there, you know.
:'''Jammer:''' I don't care if they put a giant parakeet in here. Colonel says build a cell, we build a cell.
:'''Cally:''' This isn't right. He's one of us!
:'''Jammer:''' No, he's one of them. He always was. We just never saw it.
:'''Cally:''' No, he's innocent! She tricked him!
:'''Jammer:''' Wow, such loyalty. Were you fracking him too? (Cally slams Jammer into a wall, then punches him in the face. Hard) You want to get pissed at someone, you get pissed at Boomer! She's the one who put the Chief in the cell here, not us!

* ''After Lee Adama and President Roslin arrive on ''Cloud Nine'':''
:'''Lee Adama:''' Well, we're home free for now.
:'''Tom Zarek:''' (standing in the hangar bay) Good to see you, Madam President.
:'''Laura Roslin:''' Captain Apollo, what is Mr. Zarek doing here?
:'''Lee Adama:''' Once Tigh gets over his initial shock, he'll send troops out to search for us, and if we're going to make it, we have to keep on the move. I figured Mr. Zarek here is the only one in the fleet with enough shady friends around to hide us.
:'''Tom Zarek:''' (to Laura) I love the way he puts that.
:'''Laura Roslin:''' Well, Mr. Zarek, it would seem that the enemy of my enemy is my friend.
:'''Tom Zarek:''' Call me Tom.

* Galactica-''Sharon''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s dying words:''
:'''Sharon Valerii:''' I love you, Chief...

== Official Statements ==

* '''[[Nicki Clyne]] comments on [[Cally]]'s motivations in shooting [[Sharon Valerii (Galactica copy)|Boomer]] from [http://scifibrain.ign.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2384&Itemid=0 Scifibrain's March 17, 2006 interview]:'''
*# I think Boomer represented all the things that were wrong for her at that time, including her relationship with [[Galen Tyrol|Tyrol]]. So, I think she just saw Boomer as this symbol of what was wrong for her at the time. She couldn’t see any other way to deal with it.
*# ''On whether or not Cally was guilty for killing [[Sharon Valerii (Galactica copy)|Boomer]]:'' That is a tough one, and I think about that a lot, because I don’t think it is right to kill anything. I don’t think it can ever be a positive feeling. At the time, she felt like there was no other way, and that was her only option, but I am sure upon reflection in the brig, or when she got back to work, that she saw how it affected Tyrol. That she, she shows a lot of wondering. There is actually a [[List of Deleted Scenes (RDM)|scene that got cut]] [in "[[Flight of the Phoenix]]"], but she finally approaches the Chief, when she is finally sick of him ignoring her, after she has gotten out of jail, she says, "If I had a chance, I would do it all over again."

== Guest stars ==
*[[Richard Hatch]] as [[Tom Zarek]]
*[[Aaron Douglas]] as Chief Petty Officer [[Galen Tyrol]]
*[[Nicki Clyne]] as Specialist [[Cally]]
*[[Lorena Gale]] as [[Elosha]]
*[[Michael Trucco]] as [[Samuel Anders]]
*[[Kate Vernon]] as [[Ellen Tigh]]
*[[Donnelly Rhodes]] as Dr. [[Cottle]]
*[[Dominic Zamprogna]] as [[Jammer]]
*[[Chris Shields]] as Corporal [[Venner]]
*[[Bodie Olmos]] as Lt. [[Brendan Constanza|Brendan "Hot Dog" Constanza]]
*[[Leah Cairns]] as Lt. [[Margaret Edmondson|Margaret "Racetrack" Edmondson]]
*[[Tamara Lashley]] as [[Sue-Shaun]]
*[[Jeremy Guilbaut]] as Lt. [[Joe Palladino|Joe "Hammerhead" Palladino]]
*[[Heather Doerksen]] as "Marine With A Sandwich"
*[[Curtis Lee Hicks]] as "Marine Sergeant"

{{episode list (RDM season 2)}}

[[Category:Episodes written by Toni Graphia]]
[[Category:Episodes directed by Allan Kroeker]]
[[Category:RDM]]

Resistance (episode)

2007-01-28T20:26:59Z

Cyborg: /* Notes */

:''This page covers the episode titled "Resistance." For other meanings, see "[[Resistance]]".''

{{Episode Data
| image = Sharondeath.jpg
| title= Resistance
| series=
| season=2
| episode=4
| guests=
| writer=[[Toni Graphia]]
| story=
| director=[[Alan Kroeker]]
| production= 204
| rating= 1.9
| US airdate=2005-08-05
| UK airdate=2006-01-31
| dvd= {{Season 2.0 NTSC DVD release date}} '''US''' {{Season 2 PAL DVD release date}} '''UK'''
| podcast = Y
| population=47,861
| prev=[[Fragged]]
| next=[[The Farm]]
}}

== Overview ==
:''Riots break out in [[The Fleet (RDM)|The Fleet]] over Tigh's declaration of martial law, and a group of ''Galactica'' crewmembers led by [[Lee Adama]] smuggle [[Laura Roslin]] out of the brig and into [[Tom Zarek]]'s hands. Meanwhile, [[Kara Thrace]] and [[Karl Agathon]] fall in with a group of humans who survive on [[The Twelve Colonies (RDM)#Caprica|Caprica]] and started a resistance movement.''

== Summary ==

=== On ''Galactica'' ===

*After returning to ''[[Galactica (RDM)|Galactica]]'' (after being rescued from [[Kobol]] in the last episode, [[Galen Tyrol|Chief Tyrol]] is arrested and interrogated by [[Saul Tigh|Colonel Tigh]], who believes that Tyrol may be a [[Cylons (RDM)|Cylon]]. Although Tyrol states otherwise, Tigh believes that, because of the Chief's relationship with [[Sharon Valerii (Galactica copy)|Sharon "Boomer" Valerii]], now a known Cylon agent, he can't be trusted. Tyrol is then put into the same brig as Valerii, and warns her to stay away.
*[[Gaius Baltar]] is questioned by [[Cally]] on why no one will help Tyrol. Baltar lies by telling her that his [[Cylon detector]] was flawed, and that he will try to prove that Tyrol is innocent. Cally threatens to reveal what he did to [[Crashdown]] if he doesn't help her.
*After arriving in [[CIC]], Baltar is questioned by Tigh on why the Cylon detector failed to screen out Valerii. Baltar makes up an convenient technical excuse that Tigh dismisses as so much [[technobabble]]. The acting commander orders Baltar to test Tyrol. When Baltar suggests he should assume the role of acting president if [[Laura Roslin]] is incompacitated, Tigh tells him he has no power under martial law.
*Lt. [[Felix Gaeta|Gaeta]] alerts Tigh to a number of ships in the [[The Fleet (RDM)|Fleet]] that refuse to supply ''Galactica'' with food, water, and [[tylium]], and also protest [[Laura Roslin]]'s incarceration.
*On his way to the brig, [[Lee Adama]] meets [[Anastasia Dualla]] in the hall, who tells him that [[William Adama|Commander Adama]] is still sedated, and that there is a lot of protest and dissention within the Fleet. Dualla also tells young Adama that Tigh's alcohol problem is spinning out of control.
*In his quarters, Tigh tries to figure out a way to get the needed supplies from the protesting ships. [[Ellen Tigh]] tells him that he needs to assert his authority by belittling him. This prompts Tigh to send a stern warning to the other ships, warning them to either resupply ''Galactica'' or face consequences.
*In the brig, Captain Adama tells Roslin that she still holds significant influence on some members of the Fleet (as evidenced by her growing relationship with Corporal [[Venner]]), which prompts Roslin to state something bad is going to happen in the Fleet.
*With the supply ships still refusing to supply ''Galactica'', Tigh orders squadrons of Colonial [[Marines]] to board the ships and take the supplies by any means necessary.
*On the transport ship ''[[Gideon]]'', a group of Marines, led by Lt. [[Joe Palladino|Joe "Hammerhead" Palladino]], attempt to take food supplies off the ship. The civilians grow angrier and fight the troops. A noise that sounds like a gunshot is heard, and the marines fire on the crowd in response, killing 4 civilians.
*Tigh realizes that he has made a bigger mess out of the supply problem. The riot prompts Roslin to realize that this action will splinter the Fleet, which will make them easy targets for the Cylons. Roslin tells Captain Adama that she needs to leave ''Galactica'' as soon as possible. Adama tells her he will come along and has also figured out a way to get off the ship.
*Tigh tells his wife that he is not fit for command, and he knows that she was manipulating him into using strong-arm tactics to resupply ''Galactica''. Ellen tells her husband that if she didn't motivate him, he would never stop drinking, which prompts Ellen and Tigh to start fighting, but instead, they start making love.
*In the brig, Boomer tells Tyrol that she still loves him, but Tyrol dismisses her. Baltar enters the room to test Tyrol to prove he is really human. When injected with a syringe, Tyrol goes into a state of shock from a toxin that Baltar uses. He tells Boomer that he covered up her true nature as a Cylon from the rest of the Fleet, and that if she wants to save Tyrol, she must reveal how many Cylon agents remain in [[The Fleet (RDM)|The Fleet]]. Under duress, Valerii tells Baltar that there are eight other Cylons in the Fleet. Baltar revives Tyrol.
*Captain Adama begins the escape plan, closing down a causeway on the ship for maintenance, securing a [[Raptor]] with which to leave the ship, and bringing Roslin from the brig to the shuttle bay, along with [[Elosha]]. When Roslin tells [[Billy Keikeya]] to board the ship, he tells her that he will be staying behind, because he does not want to be part of a civil war.
*On the bridge, Tigh learns that Captain Adama and Roslin have escaped on a Raptor authorized to launch for use by Dr. [[Cottle]]. Despite the chance to destroy the ship, Tigh holds the fire order on the Raptor, which escapes to ''[[Cloud Nine]]''.
*Upon arriving on ''Cloud Nine'', Roslin learns that Captain Adama has enlisted the help of [[Tom Zarek]] to hide within the Fleet until they can muster enough support to overthrow ''Galactica''.
*As Ellen complains to her husband for not firing on Captain Adama, Commander Adama arrives in the room, having recovered enough to walk and move again, and asks what's happened on the ship. Tigh tells Adama that he messed things up badly, and Adama tells Tigh that they will fix the problem together. Ellen Tigh, in the meanwhile, leaves the room on Adama's request, her hand grasping harshly at the door frame in apparent frustration in the change of events as she leaves.
*Tyrol is released from his cell. Baltar tells him that Boomer will be sent to new, fortified cell for testing. As Boomer is led down the corridor, as she heckled and yelled at by crew members, Cally steps from in the crowd and shoots Valerii point-blank in the abdomen. As Cally is taken into custody, the dying Boomer tells Tyrol she loves him, and passes away.
[[Image:Resistance-Anders_Starbuck.jpg|Starbuck and Anders playing a game of pyramid.|thumb]]

=== On Caprica ===

*[[Karl Agathon|Helo]] and [[Kara Thrace|Starbuck]] are lost in the wilderness, and are subsequently shot at by a group of humans. It eventually leads to a standoff between the two groups, but Starbuck manages to convince the humans that they are not Cylons. When asked about their identities, Helo recognizes the group as members of a [[pyramid (RDM)|pyramid]] team called the [[Caprica Buccaneers]].
*The pyramid team-turned-resistance fighters have been attacking the Cylons and stealing supplies from them for weeks. They escaped the [[Fall of the Twelve Colonies|Cylon attack]] as they were away for training in the remote mountains at the time.
*The Buccaneers take Helo and Starbuck to an [[Delphi Union High School|abandoned high school]], where they stay for the night. Starbuck, intrigued, challenges the leader of the group, [[Samuel Anders|Anders]], to a game of pyramid.

== Questions ==
*What will Commander Adama do to resolve the crisis now that he has regained consciousness? ([[Home, Part I|Answer 1]] and [[Home, Part II|Answer 2]].)
*What will happen to President Roslin, now on the run? ([[Home, Part I|Answer 1]] and [[Home, Part II|Answer 2]].)
*What will happen to Cally now that she has killed Boomer? ([[The Farm|Answer 1]] and [[Flight of the Phoenix|Answer 2]])
*Could the fact that Cally shoots ''Galactica''-Boomer mean that Cally is a Cylon?
*Could Boomer return to the show, to be reunited with Chief Tyrol, after having her consciousness transferred to another body? ([[Downloaded|Answer 1]] and [[Lay Down Your Burdens, Part II|Answer 2]])
*Chief Tyrol mentions that he once served aboard battlestar ''[[Pegasus (RDM)|Pegasus]]''; will this be significant when the ''Pegasus'' is discovered by ''Galactica''? (When he gets in trouble, [[Pegasus (episode)|the answer appears to be "no."]])
*When was the survivor count updated to include the deaths of [[Tarn]] and [[Socinus]] on [[Kobol]]? Clearly not after the survivors were returned to ''Galactica'', or the decrement between this episode and the last would be 3, not 1. Did the decrement of 1 between "[[Scattered]]" and "[[Valley of Darkness]]" refer to [[Tarn]]'s death, or to [[Flyboy]]'s before the opening credits?
*Eight ships in total refuse to resupply ''Galactica''. Tigh orders "a Raptor and an armed marine boarding party for every ship refusing the resupply order." Gaeta explains that they are short on manpower, but says nothing about equipment shortages. A caption then identifies "''Galactica'' Boarding Party Six". Is it possible that ''Galactica'' was able to deploy eight Raptors following the destruction of two in "[[Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part I]]", and the scrapping of an additional Raptor in "[[Fragged]]" (which in that episode was necessary to muster even two Raptors)? Were the boarding parties deployed sequentially, not simultaneously? If so, why would manpower shortage be a concern?

== Analysis ==

*Continuing from the events of last episode, "[[Fragged]]," Cally has indeed threatened Dr. Baltar with revealing that he [[Wikipedia:Frag (military)|fragged]] [[Crashdown]] in return for demanding that he help Chief Tyrol.
*Baltar has a working [[Cylon detector]] ([[Flesh and Bone]]) and access to blood samples from every Colonial in the Fleet. It could well be that he already knows how many Cylon infiltrators are in the fleet, and was actually testing Boomer to see if she did, too. Before Cally shot her, he was intending to interrogate her further -- perhaps this was a trial run of the method he intended to use to extract vital information from her subconscious?
**However, Baltar told Six that it would take around 60 years to test everyone in the Fleet because one person's complete test would take 11 hours; he doesn't know how many are in the fleet.
***It takes him less than two minutes to determine Boomer's true nature in "[[Flesh and Bone]]". Whatever reason Baltar has for giving the 11 hour estimate clearly doesn't preclude him determining unambiguous positives in a more reasonable timeframe.
***It has been (approximately, see timeline issues below) 26 days since "[[Tigh Me Up, Tigh Me Down]]", during which only one result was produced (for [[Ellen Tigh]]), minus the 3 days Baltar spent attending [[Quorum of Twelve|Quorum]] sessions and 2 days stranded on [[Kobol]]. The remaining 20 day period would only be sufficient to produce an additional 43 results. Tigh's chagrin that "no one's results are definitive" may imply that a substantially greater number have been produced.
**As of "[[Home, Part I]]", this line of inquiry is somewhat moot. Baltar does not know the ''identity'' of the remaining Cylon infiltrators, and regrets not asking Boomer before her death.
*[[Saul Tigh|Tigh]]'s authority on the ship appears to have grown more tenuous. Numerous officers and crew are now willing to actively assist in [[Laura Roslin|Roslin]]'s escape. [[Anastasia Dualla|Dualla]], Dr. [[Cottle]] and [[Lee Adama]] are all directly involved. [[Felix Gaeta|Gaeta]] assists indirectly by denying knowledge of the unusual transmissions detected prior to the jail break even after asking Dualla about them earlier.
*[[Felix Gaeta|Gaeta]], who we learned to know as a very correct officer, lies to Col. Tigh when he asks for any unusual transmissions after President Roslin's escape.

== Notes ==
*As of the opening credits, the fleet population is now 47,861, reflecting the death of [[Crashdown]] in "[[Fragged]]".
** Does (or will) this count discriminate between humans and Cylons? Was Boomer ever removed from this count?
*This episode gave no direct indication of its date. All the first season episodes identified the date during their Caprica segments, and the first three episodes of this season have taken place on the same day as "[[Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part II]]". There are a few possible indicators of time elapsed:
**Tyrol is in a holding cell. He apparently hasn't been there for long, and his arm is still in a sling.
**Baltar's numerous facial cuts and scrapes are still somewhat visible.
**Apollo has been gone from the officer's card game long enough to be missed. His last game was on Day 50.
**Apollo asks Dualla how his father is doing "this morning", and Dualla's response implies that this is at least the second time he's asked her. His first opportunity to do so would have been on the morning of Day 52. [[Ronald D. Moore]]'s [[podcast]] says that this conversation has been a "routine happening each day", i.e., more than twice. This puts this episode at Day 54 at least.
**In the episode "[[Final Cut]]", we learn that Tigh was in command for "over a week", which unfortunately tells little - the next episode, where Adama finally resumes command, takes place "the next week" after this one.
* Boomer dies in this episode, shot by [[Cally]]. There is still the Valerii copy on Caprica, which will reappear in the next episode, and in later episodes be taken aboard ''Galactica'' ([[Home, Part II]]).
**Boomer dies in a manner that mirrors what happened to [[Wikipedia:Lee Harvey Oswald|Lee Harvey Oswald]] (the assassin of U.S. President John F. Kennedy). Oswald himself is shot at point blank range by a man named [[Wikipedia:Jack Ruby|Jack Ruby]] while being transferred to another prison. According to an [http://www.spankwagon.net/audio/std/STD-2005-08-24.mp3 interview] with Aaron Douglas, the scene was intentionally meant to resemble the infamous video of Ruby shooting Oswald: before it was shot, all of the Marine and crew extras were shown the Ruby video, and instructed to copy the reactions of specific guards in the video to make the scene more closely resemble the assasination.
*The shooting on the ''Gideon'' was inspired by the [[Wikipedia:Kent State shootings|Kent State Shootings]]. Some have also stated that it is somewhat similar to the [[Wikipedia:Boston Massacre|Boston Massacre]], which helped spark the [[Wikipedia:American Revolutionary War|American Revolutionary War]]. [[Ronald D. Moore]]'s podcast says that this scene was directly inspired by the Boston Massacre. A group of armed soldiers, not trained or equipped as riot police, are being pelted with objects (albeit non-lethal ones) by a hostile crowd and react with the training and equipment that they have when a threat is perceived.
*If Boomer is to be believed, there are eight more Cylons hiding in the Fleet. It has already been established that there are only 12 Cylons models in existence, and four have already been revealed in the Fleet ([[Shelly Godfrey]], [[Leoben Conoy]], [[Aaron Doral]], and now [[Sharon Valerii (Galactica copy)|Boomer]]), so each of the as-yet-unknown models may have a representative copy hiding in the Fleet. (Three new Cylon infiltrators, one found on [[The Farm|Caprica]], and one [[D'anna Biers|female]] and [[Cavil|male]] have been identified to viewers since this episode.)
**Boomer produced this number under extreme duress. It is possible that she simply fabricated it, or that Baltar was relying on "God" to produce it for her, as he himself did in "[[The Hand of God (RDM)|The Hand of God]]". Furthermore, Balter counts down "10, 9" stopping before 8.
**Baltar asserted during the scene that Boomer had the information in her subconscious, so this may have been a way of producing it from extreme duress.
***It is intruiging to note that later in season 2 in the episode "[[Downloaded]]", it will be revealed that "Sharon Valerii" is really "Cylon model Number ''Eight''".
*Commander Adama has regained consciousness.
*There is a small resistance movement on Caprica comprising as of now 53 people, and [[Karl Agathon|Helo]] and [[Kara Thrace|Starbuck]] have joined up with them.
*Chief [[Galen Tyrol|Tyrol]] has been serving on battlestars since he was 18. Other battlestars he has served on include the ''[[Columbia]]'', ''[[Atlantia]]'', and ''[[Pegasus (RDM)|Pegasus]]''.
**According to an interview on [http://www.spankwagon.net/audio/std/STD-2005-08-24.mp3 Subject2Discussion], actor Aaron Douglas (who plays Tyrol) said that a connection between this line, and the later arrival of Battlestar [[Pegasus (RDM)|Pegasus]], never occurred to him until a fan asked him about it at a convention after the episode had aired. Douglas is unaware if the writers intended any further backstory behind this for Tyrol, or if they were just throwing out battlestar names.
*First mention of the battlestar ''Pegasus'' in the Re-imagined Series.
*First time that Chief Tyrol's first name, "Galen", has been spoken on screen. Previously it was only known from an entry in Ron D. Moore's blog.
*Baltar's Six considers the term "[[toaster]]" to be a "racial epithet".
*Apollo can pilot a Raptor. He brought a pilot along with him in "[[Fragged]]."
*Cadet "[[Brendan Constanza|Hot Dog]]" Constanza is now leading [[Combat Air Patrol]]s.
*This episode introduces a conspiracy to free Laura Roslin from imprisonment. (see; [[Laura Roslin faction]])
*One of ''Galactica's'' Raptors is aboard ''[[Cloud Nine]]''. It was all ''Galactica'' could do to muster two Raptors in "[[Fragged]]", although they had four in operation earlier that day in [[Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part II]]. Will ''Cloud Nine'' return the vehicle, and if not, will this further hamper ''Galactica's'' ability to deploy marines within the fleet?
*[[Tylium]] is used to fuel the maneuvering thrusters on the [[Viper (RDM)|Viper]] craft, as well as the FTL engines for the rest of the fleet.
*The background music in the scene where Lee Adama says goodbye to his unconscious father is a faint echo of "Wander my Friends", the victory music from "[[The Hand of God (RDM)|The Hand of God]]".
*Dualla has indicated that she would prefer him to be in command, as opposed to the frequently inebriated Tigh. She also casts a friendlier-than-usual glance at Apollo's backside as he is escorted to the brig.
*Col. Tigh derides Dr. Baltar for using "[[Technobabble|technobabble]]" pseudoscientific explanations frequently used on RDM's old ''"[[Wikipedia:Star Trek: The Next Generation|Star Trek: The Next Generation]]"'' series.

== Noteworthy Dialogue ==

* ''Baltar tries to explain the failure of his Cylon detector:''
:'''Saul Tigh:''' What the hell's the matter with your Cylon detector, doctor? You gave the assassin a pass.
:'''Gaius Baltar:''' Yes, but that was a beta test. A preliminary. Clearly I've perfected my methodology and she slipped through.
:'''Saul Tigh:''' So what the hell are you telling me here, that we are back to square one? That no one's results are definitive?
:'''Gaius Baltar:''' No, I am-
:'''Saul Tigh:''' That we have no way of knowing who are the Cylons among us?
:'''Gaius Baltar:''' -not saying that, since Valerii's test- since the assassin's test I've developed a new set of protocols which should eliminate any errors - anomalies - that popped up earlier. Look, if you let me test the chief's blood, I might be able to tell once and for all if-
:'''Saul Tigh:''' No "if"! I want a definitive answer, no more of your weaselly [[technobabble]]. He's a Cylon or he's not. So get down there and do something right for a change.
:'''Gaius Baltar''': I am the Vice President. Legally speaking, if the President is incapacitated, shouldn't I take over her-
:'''Saul Tigh''': Legally speaking, I have declared martial law, that makes you nobody.

* ''In ''Galactica's'' brig, Tyrol is led into a cell with Sharon Valerii:''
:'''Sharon Valerii:''' (crying) Chief? I thought you were on Kobol?
:(Tyrol is shoved into the cell, and Sharon tries to hug him)
:'''Chief Tyrol:''' Don't you talk to me. Don't come near me. Don't even touch me. If you do, I will kill you.

* ''In one of ''Galactica's'' corridors:''
:'''Cally:''' They locked the Chief up with Boomer. Tigh thinks he's a Cylon.
:'''Gaius Baltar:''' I know. I'm going to see the Colonel now. If anyone's going to find a way to clear the Chief, or...
:'''Cally:''' Or what? Throw him out the airlock like a piece of garbage? If Commander Adama were in charge, this would have never happened.
:'''Gaius Baltar:''' Yes, but he's not in charge, is he?

* ''Chief Tyrol has been wrongly accued of being a Cylon, and Cally pleads with Baltar for help:''
:'''Cally:''' I've known the Chief for years. He's no Toaster!
:'''Baltar:''' He was involved with Lieutenant Valerii, who most certainly is a Toaster.
:'''Number Six:''' That word is racist! I don't like it!
:'''Cally:''' Sure...he's shown some bad judgment getting involved with her. But that doesn't mean he's a Toaster. You've got to help him.
:'''Number Six:''' Say something, Gaius. Tell her you won't have racial epithets used in your presence!

* ''Mechanics are building a new brig cell to imprison suspected Cylons:''
:'''Cally:''' They're putting the Chief in there, you know.
:'''Jammer:''' I don't care if they put a giant parakeet in here. Colonel says build a cell, we build a cell.
:'''Cally:''' This isn't right. He's one of us!
:'''Jammer:''' No, he's one of them. He always was. We just never saw it.
:'''Cally:''' No, he's innocent! She tricked him!
:'''Jammer:''' Wow, such loyalty. Were you fracking him too? (Cally slams Jammer into a wall, then punches him in the face. Hard) You want to get pissed at someone, you get pissed at Boomer! She's the one who put the Chief in the cell here, not us!

* ''After Lee Adama and President Roslin arrive on ''Cloud Nine'':''
:'''Lee Adama:''' Well, we're home free for now.
:'''Tom Zarek:''' (standing in the hangar bay) Good to see you, Madam President.
:'''Laura Roslin:''' Captain Apollo, what is Mr. Zarek doing here?
:'''Lee Adama:''' Once Tigh gets over his initial shock, he'll send troops out to search for us, and if we're going to make it, we have to keep on the move. I figured Mr. Zarek here is the only one in the fleet with enough shady friends around to hide us.
:'''Tom Zarek:''' (to Laura) I love the way he puts that.
:'''Laura Roslin:''' Well, Mr. Zarek, it would seem that the enemy of my enemy is my friend.
:'''Tom Zarek:''' Call me Tom.

* Galactica-''Sharon''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s dying words:''
:'''Sharon Valerii:''' I love you, Chief...

== Official Statements ==

* '''[[Nicki Clyne]] comments on [[Cally]]'s motivations in shooting [[Sharon Valerii (Galactica copy)|Boomer]] from [http://scifibrain.ign.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2384&Itemid=0 Scifibrain's March 17, 2006 interview]:'''
*# I think Boomer represented all the things that were wrong for her at that time, including her relationship with [[Galen Tyrol|Tyrol]]. So, I think she just saw Boomer as this symbol of what was wrong for her at the time. She couldn’t see any other way to deal with it.
*# ''On whether or not Cally was guilty for killing [[Sharon Valerii (Galactica copy)|Boomer]]:'' That is a tough one, and I think about that a lot, because I don’t think it is right to kill anything. I don’t think it can ever be a positive feeling. At the time, she felt like there was no other way, and that was her only option, but I am sure upon reflection in the brig, or when she got back to work, that she saw how it affected Tyrol. That she, she shows a lot of wondering. There is actually a [[List of Deleted Scenes (RDM)|scene that got cut]] [in "[[Flight of the Phoenix]]"], but she finally approaches the Chief, when she is finally sick of him ignoring her, after she has gotten out of jail, she says, "If I had a chance, I would do it all over again."

== Guest stars ==
*[[Richard Hatch]] as [[Tom Zarek]]
*[[Aaron Douglas]] as Chief Petty Officer [[Galen Tyrol]]
*[[Nicki Clyne]] as Specialist [[Cally]]
*[[Lorena Gale]] as [[Elosha]]
*[[Michael Trucco]] as [[Samuel Anders]]
*[[Kate Vernon]] as [[Ellen Tigh]]
*[[Donnelly Rhodes]] as Dr. [[Cottle]]
*[[Dominic Zamprogna]] as [[Jammer]]
*[[Chris Shields]] as Corporal [[Venner]]
*[[Bodie Olmos]] as Lt. [[Brendan Constanza|Brendan "Hot Dog" Constanza]]
*[[Leah Cairns]] as Lt. [[Margaret Edmondson|Margaret "Racetrack" Edmondson]]
*[[Tamara Lashley]] as [[Sue-Shaun]]
*[[Jeremy Guilbaut]] as Lt. [[Joe Palladino|Joe "Hammerhead" Palladino]]
*[[Heather Doerksen]] as "Marine With A Sandwich"
*[[Curtis Lee Hicks]] as "Marine Sergeant"

{{episode list (RDM season 2)}}

[[Category:Episodes written by Toni Graphia]]
[[Category:Episodes directed by Allan Kroeker]]
[[Category:RDM]]