Battlestar Wiki - User contributions [en]

Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part II

2005-02-01T18:13:16Z

Gizmojumpjet: /* Nods */

[[Image:bsg-klg2-1.jpg|thumb|"Kobol's Last Gleaming Part 2" (credit: Sci-Fi Channel)]]
== Overview ==
''Starbuck has gone to Caprica. Adama insists Roslin must stand down as President. When she refuses, he is forced to deal with that situation while simultaneously adapting the plan to rid themselves of the Cylon baseship over Kobol''

== Summary ==
*[[Raptor]] 1 is down on [[Kobol]] and is on fire, as the crew struggle to get out and remove the boides of the dead and injured, [[Baltar, Gaius|Baltar]] becomes trapped by fire in the back of the vehicle
* [[Crashdown]] tries to help him, but Baltar is too terrified to move. [[Number Six|Six]] appears and gives Baltar the strength to escape by giving the impression ''she'' is helping him out of the ship
* As they get clear, the ship explodes, and Baltar wanders into the long grass before collapsing, as the rest of the crew start checking on their injured
* [[Adama, William|Adama]] challenges [[Roslin, Laura|Roslin]] over [[Thrace, Kara|Starbuck's]] actions with the [[Cylon Raider]] and she admits her role
* Adama requests her resignation as President. Roslin refuses. He states he is terminating her presidency. When she reveals the press are recording the conversation, he hangs up
* He isolates ''[[Colonial One]]' using the [[CAP]] to physically isolate it, and by jamming all communications from it. He then orders [[Tigh, Saul|Colonel Tigh]] and [[Adama, Lee|Lee Adama]] to set-up a strike force to take ''Colonial One''
* Visiting [[Valerii, Sharon#"Boomer" Valerii|Boomer]] in sickbay, Adama asks her to fly a dangerous mission: take a Raptor fitted with a Cylon [[IFF]] transponder, jump to the Cylon [[Baseship|baseship]] and drop a nuclear bomb into its landing bay before jumping clear
* The strike team flies to an isolated ''Colonial One'' aboard two Raptors, lead by Tigh and Lee Adama, and they start cutting their way into the ship
* Boomer's Raptor makes it through the Cylon perimeter around the baseship, but the bombe release mechanism fails, forcing them to land inside the basestar and attempt a manual removal of the bomb
* While there, Boomer encounters a number of her "sisters". While she tries to claim she is human, they inform her she cannot escape destiny
* After she leaves on the Raptor, her "sisters" make no attempt to disarm or remove the bomb
* On Kobol, Baltar recognises Six "saved" him, and she takes him to see exactly why he has been chosen by God, ans she walks him towards the ruined Tomb of Athena
* Entering it, he is shown the "face of things to come", apparently a baby in a crib, the "first of the new generation of God's children" - and he is to be their protector
* Roslin refuses Adama's final request to yield and her security team ready themselves for an assault and the strike team access the ship
* A confrontation ensues between Colonial forces and Roslin's security. It is broken only when Lee Adama sides with his conscience, and turns on Tigh. Afraid of a bloodbth, Roslin surrenders and Lee Adama is arrested
* Roslin is returned to the ''Galactica'' and placed in the brig, while Lee Adama is in irons in CIC
* Boomer and Racetrack arrive in CIC following the success of the attack on the baseship, and as he thanks them, Boomer shoots Adama twice at close range, seriously wounding him

=== On Caprica: ===
* [[Valerii, Sharon#Caprica Valerii|Valerii]] has taken [[Agathon, Karl C.|Helo]] to hide near the [[Delphi]] Museum of The Colonial (something)
* She is aware of the importance of the [[Arrow of Apollo]]
* They have discussed the fact that she is a Cylon (rather than a Cylon-created human clone as Helo suggested ([[Colonial Day]]))
* She reveals the her relationship with him is important as it brings the Cylons closer to God. She also reveals she is pregnant
* Starbuck completes her long-range jump and arrives over [[Caprica]]. Passing through Cylon lines, she sets down in Delphi and heads for the museum
* [[Locating the Arrow of Apollo]] she is confronted by [[Number Six|Six]] and a fight ensues in which Starbuck is initially badly beaten, before a last-minute rush sends them both over a landing, killing Six
* Helo comes to Starbuck's aid, and she panics when she sees Valerii, but Helo stops Starbuck from shooting her, citing that she's pregnant

--[[User:Ernestborg9|Colonial Archivist]] 19:36, 24 Jan 2005 (EST)

== Questions ==
* Are Adama's wounds fatal?
* What will be public reaction when the news of [[Roslin, Laura|Roslin's]] arrest finally breaks through the communication's embargo?
* Who will take over as the civil leader with Roslin in the brig and [[Baltar, Gaius|Baltar]] "lost" somewhere on the surface of [[Kobol]]?
* How will [[Tigh, Saul|Tigh]] rise to the demands of command?
* What is the baby in the crib?
** The offspring from Valerii and [[Agathon, Karl C.|Helo]]?
** The future offspring of Baltar and a corporeal [[Number Six|Six]]?
* If the Cylons understand the significance of the Arrow of Apollo (and by extension, the Tomb of Athena), why don't they use them themselves find [[Earth]]?
** Are the Cylons genuinely interested in Earth, or has it simply been a means to bring them to Kobol?
* If they want the humans to find Earth, why try and prevent Starbuck from taking the Arrow in the first place?
* Why didn't the sound of Starbuck's Raider landing attract Helo's attention sooner? He's across the road from the museum, and so could hardly fail to see it touch down, or see Starbuck climb the steps to the museum itself.
* How did Six know Starbuck's name so readily? Is this a pointer to her being in communication with her "sister" in Baltar's head? Or having been in communication with Conoy ([[Flesh and Bone]])?
* Did Boomer sabotage the bomb release mechanism, thus forcing herself into landing on the baseship?
* Why didn't [[Racetrack]] raise concerns about [[Valerii, Sharon|Boomer's]] ability to survive in a vacuum on their return to the ''[[Galactica]]''?
* Did the IFF transponders genuinely work, or did the Cylons simply allow Starbuck's Raider to pass and the Raptor to reach the baseship in order for Starbuck and Boomer to continue along their "paths"?
* How many operational [[Raptor|Raptors]] does the ''Galactica'' have? [[Water]] give the impression she had five. A total of six are used in Part I and Part II of "Kobol's Last Gleaming".

== Analysis ==
An extraordinary ending to a remarkable first season; not by any means a traditional cliff-hanger episode so frequently used by sci-fi writers, it nevertheless fulfils the same purpose by both bringing several of the on-going arcs of the season together, without actually tying the thread together nor leaving them dangling in the wind. The result is to confirm much of the speculation developed throughout the first season, while simultaneously opening the overall arc of the series by providing both crises and a glimpse of the future.

As with “Kobol’s Last Gleaming, Part 1”, music plays an important part of the episode – particularly with reference to Baltar’s visions in the ruins of Kobol, where the string orchestration used in the teaser of Part 1 becomes the motif for Baltar’s transition from confused pawn to willing participant in the Cylon’s plan. Similarly, music is used to indicate Boomer’s shifts between her human and Cylon selves. And the counterpoint couldn’t be more interesting: while both utilise strings, the harmony around Baltar’s enlightenment indicates - as Six points out – the rhythm of his life falling into line with God’s will, whereas the discordant working of strings around Boomer’s contact with her “sisters” underscores the final collapse of her human will, opening the door to her Cylon personality to take control of her conscious actions and shoot Adama when the time comes.

And it is with Boomer that some of the arcs of season one draw together: yes, Valerii on Caprica is pregnant; yes love and procreation were the keys to Cylon desire with her and Helo; yes her true nature would be revealed to her crewmates – if not directly through her actions in shooting Adama, then certainly through Starbuck’s return to the Galactica. While Starbuck is liable to be thrown into the brig on her return, that’s no reason for Tigh and others not to believe claims about Boomer in light of what she has seen on Caprica and what has happened in CIC.

Another element that is finally revealed is what the Cylon’s really want out of Baltar – but this in itself raises questions. Not only about his relationship with Six, but also about the future of the Helo / Valerii storyline, and those questions centre on what he saw in the crib.

That he was seeing into the future is clear: but is the child he sees the product of Helo’s relationship with Valerii, or his own (future) relationship with a corporeal Six? On the one hand, much of what is seen points to the child being born of Valerii: she admits her condition to Helo (and thus opens the door to him remaining on Caprica with her while Starbuck returns to the Galactica with the Arrow) and the Cylons were apparently aiming for her to become pregnant by Helo (or at least, Doral and Six showed no surprised when she reported her lovemaking with him). But – Six’s words to Baltar as she prepares him to see the future are interesting: “You are the guardian and protector of a new generation of God’s children,” – a somewhat neutral explanation that comes before she smiles, catches her breath and adds, “The first member of our family will be with us soon, Gaius.” This could be a reference to the fact that Valerii is pregnant; however the shift to the possessive “our family” and “with us” could be seen to indicate the child could be Baltar’s own.

And again, how much more of an effective guardian and protector will Baltar be, if he is in fact protecting his own offspring, rather than that of another Cylon / human relationship? And if this is the case, where does that leave the Valerii / Helo relationship?

This episode also reveals some more about Six: if the offspring on the crib she sees with Baltar is that of Valerii and Helo, then it would more or less confirm that she is in contact with corporeal Cylons elsewhere – how else would she know of the developing Valerii / Helo situation otherwise as it started after her “death”? Similarly, it is interesting to note the degree of savagery involved in the beating Six gives Starbuck. In many respects, it mirrors the beating she gave Valerii in “Litmus”; at the time, the viciousness she showed seemed to be linked to the jealousy evident between her and Valerii. We now know that Six has been affected by Baltar’s reaction to sleeping with Starbuck (“Kobol’s Last Gleaming, Part 1”); could the physical beating Starbuck receives be a manifestation of the jealousy she feels for what happened on the Galactica, transmitted to her corporeal sister?

But the key question is what will happen to Adama? It is very hard to conceive of the series progressing without his presence. While the ensemble cast is one of the best put together on-screen, and while many of them – Callis in particular – have put in powerful performances, it is fair to say that Olmos is very much the anchor of this series. Without his strength and gravitas, Battlestar Galactica could end up drifting very badly. Therefore, while it will be interesting to see what new dynamics may develop while Adama is out of commission – how will Tigh handle the vagaries of command, who will he nominate as his XO, etc, – it is essential Adama’s presence is felt sooner rather than later in the next season.

While discussing Adama, it may be interesting to note that his shooting almost brings the story full-circle. As he was dying on [[Ragnar Anchorage]], the [[humano-Cylon]] [[Conoy, Leoben|Leoben Conoy]] warns Adama that, “Sooner or later, the day comes when you can’t hide from the things you’ve done” ([[Mini-Series]]). Adama has waged war on the Cylons – both as a young officer during the Cylon War and now in his efforts to protect his people and the fleet. He has just been responsible for the destruction of a Cylon baseship, complete with many copies of Valerii; and now Valerii has shot him.

And how will the fleet react once word of Roslin’s arrest breaks through the communications blackout the Galactica inflicted on Colonial One? What can the civilians do? In many respects Adama holds all the cards – or would do, were he in a fit condition. His ship is the key to the protection of the fleet. She is pretty much unassailable, and without her facilities, 16,000 people in the fleet would very soon be without water (“Water”). Therefore, it is hard to see anyone stepping too far out of line when it comes to making major decisions: where the fleet will go, what it will do, etc. But within the civilian community, it is hard not so see repercussions: Roslin has been arrested; Baltar is missing, possibly dead. Who is available to take the civil reigns? Wallace Gray (“Colonial Day”)? Tom Zarek (“Bastille Day”; “Colonial Day”). Is it a coincidence that not too long before, at the Quorum of Twelve, Zarek himself raised the spectre of a military coup – and that’s more-or-less what they now have on their hands?

All told, this episode generates outstanding drama that demands a successful renewal and second season. It brings what has been an excellent first season to a powerful close, reflecting the almost unbroken run of quality drama evidenced by the show. Indeed the overall quality in terms of production, writing, casting and acting more than demonstrates both Ronald Moore and David Eick are correct in limiting the show to 13-episode runs.

--[[User:Ernestborg9|Colonial Archivist]] 19:36, 24 Jan 2005 (EST)

== Notes ==
* This episode takes place directly after those of [[Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part I]]
* Cylon vessels are indeed capable of very long-range jumps
* [[Delphi]] was once a cultural centre on Caprica, and apparently held a lot of historical / religious artefacts
* Cylon basestars appear bio-mechanical, like like Raiders
* In [[Water]] it was apparently established that the ''Galactica'' had 5 [[Raptor|Raptors]] on board: [[Adama, William|Adama]] orders all Raptors to survey local star systems for water bearing planets, 5 are dispatched. This episode reveals ''Galactica'' actually has 6: 1 is destroyed over [[Kobol]], one crashes on Kobol; three take part in the raid on ''[[Colonial One]]'', 1 simultaneously carries a nuclear warhead to the Cylon basestar,

===Nods===
The use of [[IFF]] transponders by the Cylons is an indirect nod to [[TOS Battlestar Galactica|the original series]], in which [[Apollo (TOS)|Apollo]] and [[Starbuck (TOS)|Starbuck]] use an IFF-type device to identify their [[Cylon Raider|Original Series Raider]] to Colonial forces when they launch an attack on a Cylon Basestar ([[The Hand of God (TOS)]])

== Noteworthy Dialogue ==

== Official Statements ==

== Statistics ==



=== Guest Stars ===



*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Lorena+Gale Lorena Gale] as [[Elosha]]
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Alonso+Oyarzun Alonso Oyarzun] as [[Socinus]]
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Nicki+Clyne Nicki Clyne] as [[Cally]]
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Jim+Shield Jim Shield] as [[Karna]]
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Leah+Cairns Leah Cairns] as [[Racetrack]]
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Warren+Christie Warren Christie] as Gound Crew #1
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Jen+Halley Jen Halley] as Ground Crew #2



=== Writing & Direction ===

*Story by [http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+David+Eick David Eick]
*Teleplay by [http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Ronald+D.+Moore Ronald D. Moore]
*Directed by [http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Michael+Rymer) Michael Rymer]




=== Production Notes ===

*Series: 1 (2004 / 2005)
*Production Number: 1.13
*Airdate Order: 13 (of 13)

=== First Run Air Dates & Releases ===

*UK Airdate: 24 January 2005 (Sky One)
*US Airdate: (Sci-Fi Channel)
*DVD Release: N/A

[[Category: A to Z]]
[[Category: Episode Guide (Re-imagined)]]

Frak

2005-02-01T16:22:47Z

Gizmojumpjet: /* Definition */

== Definition ==

Frak is an expletive analogous to the English word ''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuck fuck]''.

== Usage ==

It is used much like its English counterpart, i.e. "Frakkin' rats."/"Fuckin' rats."

It is a multipurpose and adaptable term, for it is capable of being used as a term describing the act of sex (ex: [[Tyrol]]'s just fraked [[Boomer|Sharon]]!) or can be used to denote one's hatred of something (ex: Frakin' [[Cylons]]).

Raptor

2005-01-31T19:35:44Z

Gizmojumpjet:

== Overview ==

[[Image:Raptor-1.jpg|thumb|Colonial Raptor (credit: Sky One)]]

The Raptor is a multi-role vehicle used by the Colonial Defence Force. It is generally operated by a crew of two, is capable of atmospheric flight and is also equipped with a short-range [[FTL]] jump engine, allowing it to make short faster-than-light hops.

The Raptor is designed to fulfil a number of roles, the primary being that of reconnaissance / scout operations. Additionally, the Raptor can also undertake the following roles:
*Electronic countermeasures platform supporting [[Viper]] operations ([[Mini-Series]], [[33]])
*Marine assault carrier ([[Bastille Day]]
*Ambulance / evac vehicle [[Mini-Series]]
*General purpose transport [[Flesh and Bone]], [[Secrets and Lies]].

As an [[ECM]] platform, the Raptor contains a full suite of electronic countermeasure and monitoring tools, enabling it to:
*Jam transmissions from other spacecraft [[Mini-Series]], [[33]])
*Scramble control signals used by guided weapons ([[Mini-Series]])
*Undertake IFF operations for Viper squadrons ([[Mini-Series]])

In the role of a scout, the Raptor can operate independently of, or in concert with, other Raptors and Vipers ([[The Hand of God]]) and:

*Undertake short and medium-range scans to detect radio, heat or other signatures from other vessels
*Scan planetary surfaces for signs of life, energy output, or to assess mineral or other content / location ([[Water]], [[The Hand of God]])
*Scout ahead of its parent warship, scouting star systems, etc., to look for any signs of hostile intent, etc., prior to the parent ship jumping-in ([[Mini-Series]])
*Undertake search & rescue operations.

As a transport vehicle, a Raptor is capable of carrying around 8-10 adults in addition to the 2-person crew. As a marine assault vehicle, it can carry a squad of some eight marines plus their equipment ([[Bastille Day]]).

Due to its size, the Raptor is not launched via a battlerstar's launch tube; instead it is lunched from the forward end of a flight pod.

Typically, a Battlestar operates with a single squadron of 8-10 Raptors: 1 Raptor assigned to each operational Viper squadron aboard the battlestar, and potentially two "reserve" Raptors.

=== Atmospheric Operations ===
The Raptor is designed for atmospheric as well as space-based operations. However, a critical element to atmospheric operations is that to remain airborne is fuel: once in an atmosphere, the engines must be run constantly to retain lift surfaces. Depending on the conposition of the atmosphere itself, this can place severe strain on the Raptor's engines ([[You Can't Go Home Again]]).

Due to their overall configuration and bulk, Raptors may also suffer from poor handling at low speeds, and rely heavily on directed thrust to remain airborne.

=== Life Support ===
The main flight deck / cabin of a Raptor is fully pressurised. However, crews operate in flight suits and helmets to help protect them against any hull breach [[Mini-Series]]. The cabin can also be depressuried and used in space rescue operations ([[You Can't Go Home Again]].

== Technical Specifications ==

[[Image:Raptor-2.jpg|thumb|Colonial Raptor (credit: Galactica2003)]]

=== Dimensions ===
*Length: (approx) 28ft
*Beam: (approx) 20ft (wingtip to wingtip)
*Height: (approx): 15ft

*Mass: 50 tonnes ([[Mini-Series]])

=== Propulsion ===
*2x sublight engines mounted aft
*1x small-scale [[FTL]] system
*[[RCS]] points

=== Aramaments ===
*Offensive: None
*Defensive: Decoy drones and flares; reduced electronic signature to avoid detection

=== Crew ===
*Pilot
*[[ECO]]

== Layout ==

The Raptor is a boxey vehicle but for purpose, not style. The forward section of the vehicle contains the flight deck, with side-by-side seats for the pilot and ECO (who occupies the rear section of the vehicle during normal operations). This opens into the main body of the vehicle, which contains bulkhead-mounted racks of of electronics equipment and sensors. A large canopy provides good forward and side visibility for the crew, which is no doubt of considerable benefit during atmospheric flight. A section of this canopy can be jettisoned in an emergency, to allow the crew to eject using the flight deck seats. Access is gained via a large hydraulic door mounted on the port side of the vehicle provides access to the vehicle. In addition, a floor-mounted hatchway provides a further point of egress. This is linked to a docking skirt that can be extended from the underside of a Raptor, anabling it to dock with other vessels and the crew achieve access (e.g. in the case of an assault, allowing marines to force an entry into a hostile vessel ([[Bastille Day]])).

Aft of the pressurised flight deck and crew area is the jump system and main sublight engines. Winglets either side of the hull help to give stability during atmospheric manoeuvres and have landing thrusters mounted under them, which may use vectored thrust from the main sublight engines.

== Notes ==

*The Raptor is the vehicle piloted by [[Valerii, Sharon|Lt. Sharon "Boomer" Valerii]]
*At the time of the [[Cylon attack]], the ''[[Galactica]]' had five operational Raptors aboard ([[Water]])
*The design of the Raptor was based on the US Army's Apache helicopter


--[[User:Ernestborg9|Colonial Archivist]] 12:36, 17 Jan 2005 (EST)

[[Category:A to Z]]
[[Category:Colonial Craft]]
[[Category:Technology]]

Raptor

2005-01-31T19:34:58Z

Gizmojumpjet: /* Overview */

User:Gizmojumpjet

2005-01-31T00:54:37Z

Gizmojumpjet: adding additional irony

== Introduction ==

"Gizmo Jumpjet" has recently taken a break from political blogging to indulge in some of his more enjoyable if less profound pastimes, such as collecting antiquities and watching sci-fi. Also, college. He was extremely excited to hear about the new ''Galactica'' series and was wholly enraged that the Brits got to screen the new series first. He managed to find some comfort in the well-crafted episode guides of the Battlestar Wiki, which will, it is hoped, tide him over until all of the episodes have aired in the United States.

== Trivia ==

"Gizmo Jumpjet" lives in Houston, Texas and is of Welsh/German extraction. He collects ancient Roman and Greek coins when he has spare cash, focusing particularly on the silver antoniniani of Gordian III. Recently he has decided to begin collecting Victorian ephemera, such as straight razors. He was an avid tabletop wargamer until he realized what a foolish waste of time and money it was.

"Gizmo Jumpjet" was a fan of the original ''Galactica'' series, but recently seeing it again on the SciFi channel made him realize how foolish kids can be. He's greatly relieved that the new series seems not to suck. He'd watch it anyway, though, since he loves any story that takes place on a space ship, except Andromeda, because it '''sucks bigtime'''.

He is currently working on reading the entire Sherlock Holmes [http://www.bakerstreet221b.de/canon/ Canon], which can probably be blamed for his recent interest in the the UK's Victorian era. He's very impressed with Holmes' adventures.

"Gizmo Jumpjet" was always a good speller and won't hesitate to hunt out typos, no matter in what dark corner of the wiki they may choose to hide their worthless sevles.

"Gizmo Jumpjet" is extremely good looking, witty, charming, and wealthy, which, as you might imagine, tends to make him rather popular with the ladies. How he manages to find so much time to do things like work on a Battlestar Wiki is anyone's guess...

[[Category:Wikipedians]]

User:Gizmojumpjet

2005-01-31T00:49:14Z

Gizmojumpjet: /* Introduction */

== Introduction ==

"Gizmo Jumpjet" has recently taken a break from political blogging to indulge in some of his more enjoyable if less profound pastimes, such as collecting antiquities and watching sci-fi. Also, college. He was extremely excited to hear about the new ''Galactica'' series and was wholly enraged that the Brits got to screen the new series first. He managed to find some comfort in the well-crafted episode guides of the Battlestar Wiki, which will, it is hoped, tide him over until all of the episodes have aired in the United States.

== Trivia ==

"Gizmo Jumpjet" lives in Houston, Texas and is of Welsh/German extraction. He collects ancient Roman and Greek coins when he has spare cash, focusing particularly on the silver antoniniani of Gordian III. Recently he has decided to begin collecting Victorian ephemera, such as straight razors. He was an avid tabletop wargamer until he realized what a foolish waste of time and money it was.

"Gizmo Jumpjet" was a fan of the original ''Galactica'' series, but recently seeing it again on the SciFi channel made him realize how foolish kids can be. He's greatly relieved that the new series seems not to suck. He'd watch it anyway, though, since he loves any story that takes place on a space ship, except Andromeda, because it '''sucks bigtime'''.

He is currently working on reading the entire Sherlock Holmes [http://www.bakerstreet221b.de/canon/ Canon], which can probably be blamed for his recent interest in the the UK's Victorian era. He's very impressed with Holmes' adventures.

"Gizmo Jumpjet" was always a good speller and won't hesitate to hunt out typos, no matter in what dark corner of the wiki they may choose to hide their worthless selves.

"Gizmo Jumpjet" is extremely good looking, witty, charming, and wealthy, which, as you might imagine, tends to make him rather popular with the ladies. How he manages to find so much time to do things like work on a Battlestar Wiki is anyone's guess...

[[Category:Wikipedians]]

The Twelve Colonies of Kobol

2005-01-29T22:02:26Z

Gizmojumpjet: /* Origins */ fixing broken link

==[[TOS Battlestar Galactica|Origins]]==
The Twelve Colonies were introduced in the [[TOS Battlestar Galactica|original Battlestar Galactica]]. They were located in an unnamed multi-star system within the [[Cyranus Galaxy]], and had been at war with the alien [[Cylons]] for 1,000 yahrens (years).

The original Twelve colonies were:
*[[Aeries]]
*[[Caprica#The Original Series|Caprica]]
*[[Gemoni]]
*[[Picon#The Original Series|Picon]]
*[[Sagitaria]]
*[[Scorpion#The Original Series|Scorpion]]
*[[Tauron#The Original Series|Tauron]]
*[[Virgon#The Original Series|Virgon]]

==[[RDM Battlestar Galactica|Re-imagined Universe]]==

In the re-imagined Battlestar Galactica, the twelve colonies were originally located on a single world - [[Kobol]] (early draft of the [[Mini-Series]] script). However, this was later revised to twelve separate worlds, in keeping with the original concept.

It is unclear whether all twelve colonies are orbiting a single star or not, or what the name of this star might be. However, the 2003 [[Video Game]] proposed the home system for the twelve colonies is called [[Cyrannus]]. This has yet to be accepted as [[canon]] in the new television series.

Within the re-imagined series, the twelve colonies are:
*[[Arilon]]
*[[Aquaria]]
*[[Canceron]]
*[[Caprica]]
*[[Gemenon]]
*[[Leonon]]
*[[Libron]]
*[[Picon]]
*[[Sagittaron]]
*[[Scorpion]]
*[[Tauron]]
*[[Virgon]]

--[[User:Ernestborg9|Colonial Archivist]] 13:21, 29 Jan 2005 (EST)--[[User:Ernestborg9|Colonial Archivist]] 13:37, 20 Jan 2005 (EST)

[[Category:A to Z|Twelve Colonies, The]]
[[Category:Twelve Colonies|*]]
[[Category:Twelve Colonies (TOS)|*]]

User:Kuralyov

2005-01-29T21:59:54Z

Gizmojumpjet:

Kuralyov enjoys science fiction, Arthurian legend, Classical Greco-Roman history, alternate history, and left-wing politics. I never saw the original "Battlestar Galactica," and given the average quality of the Sci-Fi Channel's productions didn't know what to expect, but I now am sure glad I watched the mini-series and got hooked to the new BSG.

Can someone please tell me what the hell "Zoic" means?

==Zoic==

Zoic is an effects studio. Their website can be found [http://www.zoicstudios.com here].

Astral Queen

2005-01-27T22:08:39Z

Gizmojumpjet:

[[Image:Bsg-astral-1.jpg|thumb|The Astral Queen (credit: Gabriel C. Koerner)]]

The ''Astral Queen'' is a former FTL-capable liner now given over to transporting prisoners between worlds. At the time of the [[Cylon attack]], she was originally said to be carrying 500 prisoners ([[Mini-Series]]) to their pardon hearings on Caprica [[Bastille Day]]. However, this was later increased to a count of 1,500 prisoners.

Following sabotage aboard the [[Battlestar]] ''[[Galactica]]'', which destroyed the majority of the fleet's water reserves [[Water]], [[Lee Adama]] was sent to the ''Astral Queen'' to try an enlist the aid of the prisoners to help obtain fresh water supplies from an ice-bound moon [[Bastille Day]]. However, once on board, he meets with the prisoner's spokesman - [[Tom Zarek]], who orchestrates a break-out and take-over of the ship.

The situation is resolved jointly by a marine assault from the ''Galactica'' and by Lee Adama agreeing to the core of Zarek's demands: that free and fair elections are held within the fleet to appoint a new president at the end of [[Laura Roslin]]'s term - some seven months from the date of the revolt on the ''Astral Queen''. In return for his surrender and the assistance of the prisoners in obtaining the much-needed water ice for the fleet, Lee Adama leaves Zarek and his men in control of the ''Astral Queen'', much to the chagrin of both President Roslin and Commander [[William Adama]] himself.

==Note==
The design and function of the ''Astral Queen'' is an acknowledgement of the [[TOS Battlestar Galactica|original series]], in which an identical design of vessel was defined as the [[TOS Prison Barge]].

--[[User:Ernestborg9|Colonial Archivist]] 21:38, 8 Jan 2005 (EST)

[[Category:A to Z]]
[[Category:Colonial Craft]]

Athena

2005-01-27T01:57:48Z

Gizmojumpjet: /* Introduction */ ~fixing broken internal link

[[Image:Bsg-ath-tomb.jpg|thumb|Ruins on Kobol, Thought to be the Tomb of Athena, as seen by Laura Roslin (credit: Sky One / Sci-Fi Channel)]]

==Introduction==

One of the [[Lords of Kobol]], worshipped by modern-day Colonials.

Her exact function is unclear, however, her tomb is on [[Kobol]] ([[Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part I]], [[Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part II]]), which suggests that the Lords of Kobol may not be immortal, but can suffer death, either through natural causes, or due to accident or other event.

Athena's tomb is one of the keys to finding [[Earth]], the other being the [[Arrow of Apollo]], and [[Roslin, Laura|laura Roslin]] sends Lieutenant [[Thrace, Kara| Kara "Starbuck" Thrace]] to [[Caprica]] against [[Adama, William|Adama's]] orders to retrieve the Arrow after the fleet comes across Kobol.

== Notes ==

===Greek Mythology===

In Greek mythology, Athena is the daughter of Zeus who sprang from his forehead as a full grown adult in armour, the result of Zeus having turned her mother into a fly and swallowing her immediately after bedding her. She is the goddess of the city, handicrafts and agriculture and fierce in battle – but will only fight to protect the state and home from outside enemies. The favourite of Zeus’ offspring, a virgin goddess imbued with wisdom, reason, and purity.

===Possible Parallel===

Athena was the protector of the state and home. Kobol was subject to a cataclysmic event that forced its people to leave in a mass exodus. Could war be behind the both events. The Greek Gods are pernicious. Were the [[Lords of Kobol]]? Did Athena fall protecting a city [[Kobol]]?

==Internal Links==
[[Greek Gods|Olympian Pantheon]]

== External Links ==

Wikipedia entry for [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Athena Athena].

--[[User:Gizmojumpjet|Colonial Historiographer]] 10:43, 25 Jan 2005 (EST)

[[Category:A to Z]]
[[category:Colonial Religion]]

You Can't Go Home Again

2005-01-26T21:23:32Z

Gizmojumpjet: /* Notes */ ~added interesting observation about downed Cylon Raider

[[Image:bsg-1-05.jpg|thumb|"You Can't Go Home Again" (credit: Sci-Fi Channel)]]

== Overview ==

: Continuing from the events of [[Act of Contrition]], [[Adama]] and Lee risk the security of the Fleet as they try to located a downed Starbuck... 

== Summary ==

* [[Thrace, Kara|Starbuck]] is missing following a dogfight with [[Cylon Raider|Cylon Raiders]] ([[Act of Contrition]]). While he was forced out of the fight, [[Constanza|Hot Dog]] is convinced her [[Viper]] was not destroyed
* [[Adama, William|Adama]] immediately orders a search started, and [[Adama, Lee|Lee Adama]] leads it in a Viper
* On the surface of a small moon, Starbuck finds herself being dragged by a strong wind catching her parachute. Before she can cut herself free of the parachute lines, which have tangled about her legs, she is dragged a considerable distance, smashing her knee in the process
* When the initial space search fails to locate Starbuck’s Viper, [[Gaeta]] suggests she may be on the moon. Adama orders a low-level search of the moon’s surface. At the same time he accepts an offer from [[Roslin, Laura|Roslin]] to have the ships of the fleet continue the space search
* If Starbuck is on the moon, Gaeta calculates that she has some 46 hours of air left in her tanks
* [[Tigh, Saul|Tigh]] is worried that if they remain in the area too much longer, the Cylons might find them
* Aware she is probably being looked for, Starbuck determines to try and make her way to high ground, where she stands a better chance of being seen. Along the way, she asks the Lords of Kobol for help, and comes across an intact Cylon Raider she shot down in the dogfight
* As the search of the moon continues, the dust-laden atmosphere begins to have its effect on the ''[[Galactica|Galactica’s]] Vipers: 13 are grounded due to mechanical problems. The constantly flying is causing other problems: the Galactica’s fuel reserves for her fighters is being used at an alarming rate
* Tigh also points out that the fleet is now spread right across the star system, leaving it vulnerable to attack should the Cylons show up
* On the moon, Starbuck is determined to make the Raider flyable, and sets about accessing it – only to find it is bio-mechanical: inside the vehicle is a mass of organs, veins and tubes
* As time passes, Adama and Lee further risks the fleet by pulling in the [[Combat Air Patrol|CAP]] Vipers to assist with the search
* When the clocks indicate Starbuck’s air has expired, Adama continues the search, relieving Tigh of his duties when he argues
* With her air almost gone, Starbuck manages to find an oxygen supply in the Raider and seals the insides of the vehicle so she can breathe. She then sets out trying to work out how the Raider flies
* As Lee and Adama continue to monitor the search of the moon, Roslin arrives on the ''Galactica'', determined to put a stop to things
* Challenging both Adama and Lee concerning their single-mindedness and the way it is putting the survival of mankind at risk
* Realising they have perhaps gone too far, Adama calls off the search and orders the fleet made ready to jump
* With the fleet successfully away, ''Galactica'' is about to jump herself when a Cylon Raider appears. Lee Adama launches in a Viper to intercept it
* Sent to intercept the Raider, Lee discovers the truth – it is Starbuck, and he escorts her back to the Galactica
* Visiting her in sickbay later, Adama congratulates her on her performance – an indirect way of letting her know she is forgiven for Zak.

===On Caprica===
* [[Agathon, Karl C.|Helo]] and [[Valerii, Sharon|Valerii]] are still hiding in the “fallout shelter”, but Helo determines they must move on
* Cylon warriors arrive, apparently conducting a search
* Helo is knocked unconscious, and when he comes-to, Valerii is gone.

== Questions ==

*With almost 50% of fuel reserves gone, can the Galactica obtain additional supplies to keep her Vipers flying? ([[The Hand of God]])
*What use will be made of the captured Raider?
*How many more Cylon models include biological elements in their design?
*Could the first Cylons developed by humans have in fact been bio-mechanical, making the humano-Cylons the latest step in their evolution?
*Will Helo now go in search of the “missing” Valerii? ([[Litmus]])
*Will he question why the Cylon warrior left him unconscious in the restaurant, rather than taking him prisoner?

== Analysis ==

Following-on from [[Act of Contrition]] this is again very much a character-driven episode in which the action is secondary to the developing and changing dynamics between the principal players. As with “Act”, it is also one where [[Olmos, Edward James|Edward James Olmos]] is able again to demonstrate his range and power as an actor: never has so much fury been portrayed on-screen with a single wide-eyed look as when Adama confronts Tigh. Of equal measure is the way in which Adama’s public loss of control in CIC is handled. Here is a man who is perhaps the closest thing to a deity his crew are ever likely to meet. Throughout the mini and the series, his demeanour has always been one of calm, understated authority. Never has he so much as raised his voice in public to achieve his needs. Where Tigh is bellicose and strutting, Adama is the calm eye at the centre of whatever raging storm of crisis might otherwise engulf CIC.

Until mid-way through this episode, where Adama’s signals a subtle shift in dynamics: his personal involvement is now clearly affecting his ability to command; his decision making is becoming increasingly subjective. In contrast, the bellicose martinet in Tigh shifts as well, becoming the more objective, reasoned voice of command. For the first time the officer buried within is revealed, and Tigh grows accordingly in stature.

But the show is not all Olmos’. [[McDonnell|Mary McDonnell]] also gets a chance to stretch her character away from the “ex-school teacher” and slightly insecure politico we’ve seen to date. In [[You Can’t Go Home Again]], Roslin fairly blossoms into leadership, demonstrating she can be shown – but not necessarily lead. Her confrontation with Adama and his son is a marvel to watch. Until now, she has played a finely balanced game with them both, realising that she needs each of them to support her position, while also being aware of the gulf lying between the two of them.

But here, confronted with a Lee Adama fresh from his new-found convictions first seen in [[Bastille Day]] and closely allied to his father – both of them operating out of personal loyalty, she demonstrates that while she may need them both, she doesn’t rely on them. Her developing relationships with them both may suffer strain and breakage as a result but she’s not going to pussyfoot. The needs of the many DO outweigh the needs of the one, and it is time Adama and Lee realised that.

Indeed, it is in this that Starbuck’s dilemma on the moon is very much a secondary consideration to the story and the audience. What holds here is the way the dynamics between the characters ebb and flow. Adama and Tigh draw apart, Roslin and Lee draw apart, but Adama and Lee - perhaps for the first time in Lee’s adult life – draw together, forcing Tigh and Roslin into an uneasy alliance. How will this affect their future relationships? Will Roslin be able to confide in Lee Adama? Will Lee and his father finally come to an understanding and allow each other into their respective worlds as father and son? Will Tigh be able to reconcile his friendship and respect for Adama with his abrupt – and wholly unwarranted – dismissal from CIC?

And what of Tigh and Lee Adama? But – most importantly of all, how will the CIC crew regard Adama in the future? Can there be no repercussions after all that we’ve seen? Perhaps. Forgiveness was very much in evidence throughout the last act of the episode: Adama to Thrace, Roslin to Adama, Adama and Tigh. But – the episode title pretty much says it all: you can’t go home again, and a lot has been said in this episode - as in “Act” - that simply can’t be ignored. RDM has avoided the “reset” button so far; it’s going to be interesting to see if he can continue to avoid it in the future, and allow the shift in dynamics between the characters to play itself out over time.

On Caprica, the Cylons have apparently stepped up their manipulations of Helo a notch: and they appear determine to test / increase his feelings for Valerii. “Love”, and possibly “procreation” seems to be at the heart of their manipulations. The evidence for this comes from the last few episodes:

*[[33]]: Helo scans the airwaves, failing to find any other signals. Valerii makes a comment about them being the only two people left on the planet, and the way she says it makes it hard to keep the words “Adam and Eve” from popping into one’s head – especially with all the other religious motifs that have surrounded our insight into Cylon aims (even if they are from “Six’s” perspective)
*[[Act of Contrition]]: As a result of the (clearly-planted) "radio broadcast", they come across a fully-equipped radiation shelter, which does not appear to have been used, and which is more than cozily set-up for a long duration stay for two people.
*This episode: When Helo suggests they pack up and leave the shelter, Valerii’s look is, for a moment, distinctly odd, and she challenges him with, “Unless you can think of a reason to stay here”, which comes close to being sultry in its undertone. Helo takes this to mean remaining in the fallout shelter, which he refers to as “home”. But they are in many ways already “home”: on Caprica, and Valerii’s comment seems tilted in this regard – seeking if he has identified a reason to stay on Caprica (i.e. her). Disappointment is almost evident when he states they should move on
*This episode: No sooner is the decision made to move on than Cylon warriors turn up. In the ensuing firefight the surviving warrior makes no attempt to either kill or capture Helo, Instead settling on simply shooting up the place and ending the usefulness of a range of kitchen appliances and tools.
*This episode: When Helo comes-to, Valerii is gone, and he’s no longer thinking about leaving the planet – he’s only concerned with what has happened to Valerii.

That the attraction is there is obvious: witness his shy embarrassment following Valerii’s "spontaneous" hug when they first hear the radio broadcast (“33”). It is fair to say that Valerii’s disappearance is the first attempt to ratch-up Helo’s feelings for her.

However, there is no potential weakness in this element of the story: During the fight in the restaurant, the Cylon warrior clearly made only a token attempt at killing Helo – although it was a pretty good effort in shooting up the kitchen as a whole. That he was not killed or at least taken prisoner again, should, by rights, alert Helo to the fact that something here isn’t quite right where the Cylons are concerned: why shoot-up the place and then not even bother to check whether he is dead or alive?

Turning to Baltar’s Six: this episode seems to suggest a subtle delineation between her and the Cylons. Previously, she has referred to them as “we” – implying she is still a part of them. Here she refers to the Cylons very much in the third person: “they”. Is this indicative of a possible shift in her loyalties, or just a simple turn of phrase, signifying nothing?

As to the Cylons themselves, “You Can’t” holds perhaps the most surprising revelation of all: that Raiders are bio-mechanical constructs. Until now, everything has apparently pointed to all but the humano-Cylons being mechanical constructs. "You Can't" turns this upside down, and raises a number of questions:

*Are all Cylons bio-mechanical? Probably not, as Helo puts a shot straight through the head of a Cylon Warrior. Were there any organic matter to be contained therein, one would expect blood and/or gore to exit the wound. This does not appear to be the case.
*Did the Cylons have developed bio-mechanical capabilities themselves, and used them first in a basic form with the Raiders, before going on to develop the humanoid constructs?
*Could it mean that the very first Cylons developed by the Colonials were actually bio-mechanical in nature, rather than pure androids?

If the latter proves to be the case, it would certainly put a new angle on the conversation between Six and Doral on Caprica ([[Bastille Day]]) when they both refer to the Cylons as humanity’s children – as indeed the Six on Caprica did when talking to Baltar in the mini. It might also give a deeper reason for the initial Cylon revolt.

Of the entire episode, the Starbuck / Raider element is the most niggling. Both deeply fascinating for revealing more about Cylons, it is also causes a few winces given the ease with which she patched the ship and got it flying again – and with enough skill to survive a dogfight with Lee Adama.

In this respect, “You Can’t” was as contrived as [[Act of Contrition]] – but with the difference that the contrivances were somewhat more subtle and the story – for the most part – flowed a lot better than with [[Act of Contrition]].

== Notes ==
*[[Cylon Raider|Cylon Raiders]] are bio-mechanical in nature, and their biomass uses a breathable, oxygen-rich mix suitable for humans
*[[Viper|Vipers]] are atmospheric-capable - indeed, it appears they may have been regularly used in the atmospheres of Colonial worlds, given they appear to be equipped with a parachute
*Vipers can be refuelled in space (and presumably in relatively calm atmospheres)
*[[Thrace, Kara |Starbuck's]] damaged [[Viper]] disintegrates around her upon re-entry, compelling her to eject. The [[Cylon Raider]] that she disables and forces down on the moon is, when she finds it, notably spaceworthy.
*Colonial flight suits are capable of full life support, both planet-side ([[Thrace, Kara|Starbuck]]) and in space ([[Constanza|Hot Dog]]). In the case of Vipers, the back section of the pilot’s seat appears in effect to be a life-support backpack that detaches from the rest of the seat following ejection
*[[Raptor]] cabins can apparently be depressurised and repressurised (Hot Dog’s rescue), adding to their versatility
*Non-oxygen atmospheres play havoc with Viper and Raptor engine systems, suggesting they are designed to operate in an O2-rich atmosphere
*[[Roslin, Laura|Roslin]] has the same image that the pilots touch when leaving the Ready Room
*Colonials play pool!
*Baltar is requisitioning something that requires the president’s authorisation – the use of one of the ''[[Galactica|Galactica’s]] nukes for his research?
*[[Adama, William|William Adama]] is not above letting personal feelings rise above professional requirements.

== Noteworthy Dialogue ==




== Official Statements ==




== Statistics ==



=== Guest Stars ===


*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Alonso+Oyarzun Alonso Oyarzun] as [[Socinus]]
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Bodie+Olmos Bodie Olmos] as [[Constanza|Constanza / Hot Dog]]
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Donnelly+Rhodes Donnelly Rhodes] as [[Doctor Cottle]]



=== Writing & Direction ===

*Written by [http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Carla+Robinson Carla Robinson]
*Directed by [http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Sergio+Mimica-Gezzan Sergio Mimica-Gezzan]




=== Production Notes ===
*Series: 1 (2004 / 2005)
*Production Number: 1.05
*Airdate Order: 5 (of 13)

=== First Run Air Dates & Releases ===

*UK Airdate: 15 November 2004 (Sky One)
*US Airdate: (Sci-Fi Channel)
*DVD Release: N/A

{{Category: Episode Guide}}
{{Category: A to Z}}

You Can't Go Home Again

2005-01-26T21:18:28Z

Gizmojumpjet: /* Notes */

[[Image:bsg-1-05.jpg|thumb|"You Can't Go Home Again" (credit: Sci-Fi Channel)]]

== Overview ==

: Continuing from the events of [[Act of Contrition]], [[Adama]] and Lee risk the security of the Fleet as they try to located a downed Starbuck... 

== Summary ==

* [[Thrace, Kara|Starbuck]] is missing following a dogfight with [[Cylon Raider|Cylon Raiders]] ([[Act of Contrition]]). While he was forced out of the fight, [[Constanza|Hot Dog]] is convinced her [[Viper]] was not destroyed
* [[Adama, William|Adama]] immediately orders a search started, and [[Adama, Lee|Lee Adama]] leads it in a Viper
* On the surface of a small moon, Starbuck finds herself being dragged by a strong wind catching her parachute. Before she can cut herself free of the parachute lines, which have tangled about her legs, she is dragged a considerable distance, smashing her knee in the process
* When the initial space search fails to locate Starbuck’s Viper, [[Gaeta]] suggests she may be on the moon. Adama orders a low-level search of the moon’s surface. At the same time he accepts an offer from [[Roslin, Laura|Roslin]] to have the ships of the fleet continue the space search
* If Starbuck is on the moon, Gaeta calculates that she has some 46 hours of air left in her tanks
* [[Tigh, Saul|Tigh]] is worried that if they remain in the area too much longer, the Cylons might find them
* Aware she is probably being looked for, Starbuck determines to try and make her way to high ground, where she stands a better chance of being seen. Along the way, she asks the Lords of Kobol for help, and comes across an intact Cylon Raider she shot down in the dogfight
* As the search of the moon continues, the dust-laden atmosphere begins to have its effect on the ''[[Galactica|Galactica’s]] Vipers: 13 are grounded due to mechanical problems. The constantly flying is causing other problems: the Galactica’s fuel reserves for her fighters is being used at an alarming rate
* Tigh also points out that the fleet is now spread right across the star system, leaving it vulnerable to attack should the Cylons show up
* On the moon, Starbuck is determined to make the Raider flyable, and sets about accessing it – only to find it is bio-mechanical: inside the vehicle is a mass of organs, veins and tubes
* As time passes, Adama and Lee further risks the fleet by pulling in the [[Combat Air Patrol|CAP]] Vipers to assist with the search
* When the clocks indicate Starbuck’s air has expired, Adama continues the search, relieving Tigh of his duties when he argues
* With her air almost gone, Starbuck manages to find an oxygen supply in the Raider and seals the insides of the vehicle so she can breathe. She then sets out trying to work out how the Raider flies
* As Lee and Adama continue to monitor the search of the moon, Roslin arrives on the ''Galactica'', determined to put a stop to things
* Challenging both Adama and Lee concerning their single-mindedness and the way it is putting the survival of mankind at risk
* Realising they have perhaps gone too far, Adama calls off the search and orders the fleet made ready to jump
* With the fleet successfully away, ''Galactica'' is about to jump herself when a Cylon Raider appears. Lee Adama launches in a Viper to intercept it
* Sent to intercept the Raider, Lee discovers the truth – it is Starbuck, and he escorts her back to the Galactica
* Visiting her in sickbay later, Adama congratulates her on her performance – an indirect way of letting her know she is forgiven for Zak.

===On Caprica===
* [[Agathon, Karl C.|Helo]] and [[Valerii, Sharon|Valerii]] are still hiding in the “fallout shelter”, but Helo determines they must move on
* Cylon warriors arrive, apparently conducting a search
* Helo is knocked unconscious, and when he comes-to, Valerii is gone.

== Questions ==

*With almost 50% of fuel reserves gone, can the Galactica obtain additional supplies to keep her Vipers flying? ([[The Hand of God]])
*What use will be made of the captured Raider?
*How many more Cylon models include biological elements in their design?
*Could the first Cylons developed by humans have in fact been bio-mechanical, making the humano-Cylons the latest step in their evolution?
*Will Helo now go in search of the “missing” Valerii? ([[Litmus]])
*Will he question why the Cylon warrior left him unconscious in the restaurant, rather than taking him prisoner?

== Analysis ==

Following-on from [[Act of Contrition]] this is again very much a character-driven episode in which the action is secondary to the developing and changing dynamics between the principal players. As with “Act”, it is also one where [[Olmos, Edward James|Edward James Olmos]] is able again to demonstrate his range and power as an actor: never has so much fury been portrayed on-screen with a single wide-eyed look as when Adama confronts Tigh. Of equal measure is the way in which Adama’s public loss of control in CIC is handled. Here is a man who is perhaps the closest thing to a deity his crew are ever likely to meet. Throughout the mini and the series, his demeanour has always been one of calm, understated authority. Never has he so much as raised his voice in public to achieve his needs. Where Tigh is bellicose and strutting, Adama is the calm eye at the centre of whatever raging storm of crisis might otherwise engulf CIC.

Until mid-way through this episode, where Adama’s signals a subtle shift in dynamics: his personal involvement is now clearly affecting his ability to command; his decision making is becoming increasingly subjective. In contrast, the bellicose martinet in Tigh shifts as well, becoming the more objective, reasoned voice of command. For the first time the officer buried within is revealed, and Tigh grows accordingly in stature.

But the show is not all Olmos’. [[McDonnell|Mary McDonnell]] also gets a chance to stretch her character away from the “ex-school teacher” and slightly insecure politico we’ve seen to date. In [[You Can’t Go Home Again]], Roslin fairly blossoms into leadership, demonstrating she can be shown – but not necessarily lead. Her confrontation with Adama and his son is a marvel to watch. Until now, she has played a finely balanced game with them both, realising that she needs each of them to support her position, while also being aware of the gulf lying between the two of them.

But here, confronted with a Lee Adama fresh from his new-found convictions first seen in [[Bastille Day]] and closely allied to his father – both of them operating out of personal loyalty, she demonstrates that while she may need them both, she doesn’t rely on them. Her developing relationships with them both may suffer strain and breakage as a result but she’s not going to pussyfoot. The needs of the many DO outweigh the needs of the one, and it is time Adama and Lee realised that.

Indeed, it is in this that Starbuck’s dilemma on the moon is very much a secondary consideration to the story and the audience. What holds here is the way the dynamics between the characters ebb and flow. Adama and Tigh draw apart, Roslin and Lee draw apart, but Adama and Lee - perhaps for the first time in Lee’s adult life – draw together, forcing Tigh and Roslin into an uneasy alliance. How will this affect their future relationships? Will Roslin be able to confide in Lee Adama? Will Lee and his father finally come to an understanding and allow each other into their respective worlds as father and son? Will Tigh be able to reconcile his friendship and respect for Adama with his abrupt – and wholly unwarranted – dismissal from CIC?

And what of Tigh and Lee Adama? But – most importantly of all, how will the CIC crew regard Adama in the future? Can there be no repercussions after all that we’ve seen? Perhaps. Forgiveness was very much in evidence throughout the last act of the episode: Adama to Thrace, Roslin to Adama, Adama and Tigh. But – the episode title pretty much says it all: you can’t go home again, and a lot has been said in this episode - as in “Act” - that simply can’t be ignored. RDM has avoided the “reset” button so far; it’s going to be interesting to see if he can continue to avoid it in the future, and allow the shift in dynamics between the characters to play itself out over time.

On Caprica, the Cylons have apparently stepped up their manipulations of Helo a notch: and they appear determine to test / increase his feelings for Valerii. “Love”, and possibly “procreation” seems to be at the heart of their manipulations. The evidence for this comes from the last few episodes:

*[[33]]: Helo scans the airwaves, failing to find any other signals. Valerii makes a comment about them being the only two people left on the planet, and the way she says it makes it hard to keep the words “Adam and Eve” from popping into one’s head – especially with all the other religious motifs that have surrounded our insight into Cylon aims (even if they are from “Six’s” perspective)
*[[Act of Contrition]]: As a result of the (clearly-planted) "radio broadcast", they come across a fully-equipped radiation shelter, which does not appear to have been used, and which is more than cozily set-up for a long duration stay for two people.
*This episode: When Helo suggests they pack up and leave the shelter, Valerii’s look is, for a moment, distinctly odd, and she challenges him with, “Unless you can think of a reason to stay here”, which comes close to being sultry in its undertone. Helo takes this to mean remaining in the fallout shelter, which he refers to as “home”. But they are in many ways already “home”: on Caprica, and Valerii’s comment seems tilted in this regard – seeking if he has identified a reason to stay on Caprica (i.e. her). Disappointment is almost evident when he states they should move on
*This episode: No sooner is the decision made to move on than Cylon warriors turn up. In the ensuing firefight the surviving warrior makes no attempt to either kill or capture Helo, Instead settling on simply shooting up the place and ending the usefulness of a range of kitchen appliances and tools.
*This episode: When Helo comes-to, Valerii is gone, and he’s no longer thinking about leaving the planet – he’s only concerned with what has happened to Valerii.

That the attraction is there is obvious: witness his shy embarrassment following Valerii’s "spontaneous" hug when they first hear the radio broadcast (“33”). It is fair to say that Valerii’s disappearance is the first attempt to ratch-up Helo’s feelings for her.

However, there is no potential weakness in this element of the story: During the fight in the restaurant, the Cylon warrior clearly made only a token attempt at killing Helo – although it was a pretty good effort in shooting up the kitchen as a whole. That he was not killed or at least taken prisoner again, should, by rights, alert Helo to the fact that something here isn’t quite right where the Cylons are concerned: why shoot-up the place and then not even bother to check whether he is dead or alive?

Turning to Baltar’s Six: this episode seems to suggest a subtle delineation between her and the Cylons. Previously, she has referred to them as “we” – implying she is still a part of them. Here she refers to the Cylons very much in the third person: “they”. Is this indicative of a possible shift in her loyalties, or just a simple turn of phrase, signifying nothing?

As to the Cylons themselves, “You Can’t” holds perhaps the most surprising revelation of all: that Raiders are bio-mechanical constructs. Until now, everything has apparently pointed to all but the humano-Cylons being mechanical constructs. "You Can't" turns this upside down, and raises a number of questions:

*Are all Cylons bio-mechanical? Probably not, as Helo puts a shot straight through the head of a Cylon Warrior. Were there any organic matter to be contained therein, one would expect blood and/or gore to exit the wound. This does not appear to be the case.
*Did the Cylons have developed bio-mechanical capabilities themselves, and used them first in a basic form with the Raiders, before going on to develop the humanoid constructs?
*Could it mean that the very first Cylons developed by the Colonials were actually bio-mechanical in nature, rather than pure androids?

If the latter proves to be the case, it would certainly put a new angle on the conversation between Six and Doral on Caprica ([[Bastille Day]]) when they both refer to the Cylons as humanity’s children – as indeed the Six on Caprica did when talking to Baltar in the mini. It might also give a deeper reason for the initial Cylon revolt.

Of the entire episode, the Starbuck / Raider element is the most niggling. Both deeply fascinating for revealing more about Cylons, it is also causes a few winces given the ease with which she patched the ship and got it flying again – and with enough skill to survive a dogfight with Lee Adama.

In this respect, “You Can’t” was as contrived as [[Act of Contrition]] – but with the difference that the contrivances were somewhat more subtle and the story – for the most part – flowed a lot better than with [[Act of Contrition]].

== Notes ==
*[[Cylon Raider|Cylon Raiders]] are bio-mechanical in nature, and their biomass uses a breathable, oxygen-rich mix suitable for humans
*[[Viper|Vipers]] are atmospheric-capable - indeed, it appears they may have been regularly used in the atmospheres of Colonial worlds, given they appear to be equipped with a parachute
*Vipers can be refuelled in space (and presumably in relatively calm atmospheres)
*Colonial flight suits are capable of full life support, both planet-side ([[Thrace, Kara|Starbuck]]) and in space ([[Constanza|Hot Dog]]). In the case of Vipers, the back section of the pilot’s seat appears in effect to be a life-support backpack that detaches from the rest of the seat following ejection
*[[Raptor]] cabins can apparently be depressurised and repressurised (Hot Dog’s rescue), adding to their versatility
*Non-oxygen atmospheres play havoc with Viper and Raptor engine systems, suggesting they are designed to operate in an O2-rich atmosphere
*[[Roslin, Laura|Roslin]] has the same image that the pilots touch when leaving the Ready Room
*Colonials play pool!
*Baltar is requisitioning something that requires the president’s authorisation – the use of one of the ''[[Galactica|Galactica’s]] nukes for his research?
*[[Adama, William|William Adama]] is not above letting personal feelings rise above professional requirements.

== Noteworthy Dialogue ==




== Official Statements ==




== Statistics ==



=== Guest Stars ===


*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Alonso+Oyarzun Alonso Oyarzun] as [[Socinus]]
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Bodie+Olmos Bodie Olmos] as [[Constanza|Constanza / Hot Dog]]
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Donnelly+Rhodes Donnelly Rhodes] as [[Doctor Cottle]]



=== Writing & Direction ===

*Written by [http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Carla+Robinson Carla Robinson]
*Directed by [http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Sergio+Mimica-Gezzan Sergio Mimica-Gezzan]




=== Production Notes ===
*Series: 1 (2004 / 2005)
*Production Number: 1.05
*Airdate Order: 5 (of 13)

=== First Run Air Dates & Releases ===

*UK Airdate: 15 November 2004 (Sky One)
*US Airdate: (Sci-Fi Channel)
*DVD Release: N/A

{{Category: Episode Guide}}
{{Category: A to Z}}

You Can't Go Home Again

2005-01-26T21:15:19Z

Gizmojumpjet: /* Summary */

[[Image:bsg-1-05.jpg|thumb|"You Can't Go Home Again" (credit: Sci-Fi Channel)]]

== Overview ==

: Continuing from the events of [[Act of Contrition]], [[Adama]] and Lee risk the security of the Fleet as they try to located a downed Starbuck... 

== Summary ==

* [[Thrace, Kara|Starbuck]] is missing following a dogfight with [[Cylon Raider|Cylon Raiders]] ([[Act of Contrition]]). While he was forced out of the fight, [[Constanza|Hot Dog]] is convinced her [[Viper]] was not destroyed
* [[Adama, William|Adama]] immediately orders a search started, and [[Adama, Lee|Lee Adama]] leads it in a Viper
* On the surface of a small moon, Starbuck finds herself being dragged by a strong wind catching her parachute. Before she can cut herself free of the parachute lines, which have tangled about her legs, she is dragged a considerable distance, smashing her knee in the process
* When the initial space search fails to locate Starbuck’s Viper, [[Gaeta]] suggests she may be on the moon. Adama orders a low-level search of the moon’s surface. At the same time he accepts an offer from [[Roslin, Laura|Roslin]] to have the ships of the fleet continue the space search
* If Starbuck is on the moon, Gaeta calculates that she has some 46 hours of air left in her tanks
* [[Tigh, Saul|Tigh]] is worried that if they remain in the area too much longer, the Cylons might find them
* Aware she is probably being looked for, Starbuck determines to try and make her way to high ground, where she stands a better chance of being seen. Along the way, she asks the Lords of Kobol for help, and comes across an intact Cylon Raider she shot down in the dogfight
* As the search of the moon continues, the dust-laden atmosphere begins to have its effect on the ''[[Galactica|Galactica’s]] Vipers: 13 are grounded due to mechanical problems. The constantly flying is causing other problems: the Galactica’s fuel reserves for her fighters is being used at an alarming rate
* Tigh also points out that the fleet is now spread right across the star system, leaving it vulnerable to attack should the Cylons show up
* On the moon, Starbuck is determined to make the Raider flyable, and sets about accessing it – only to find it is bio-mechanical: inside the vehicle is a mass of organs, veins and tubes
* As time passes, Adama and Lee further risks the fleet by pulling in the [[Combat Air Patrol|CAP]] Vipers to assist with the search
* When the clocks indicate Starbuck’s air has expired, Adama continues the search, relieving Tigh of his duties when he argues
* With her air almost gone, Starbuck manages to find an oxygen supply in the Raider and seals the insides of the vehicle so she can breathe. She then sets out trying to work out how the Raider flies
* As Lee and Adama continue to monitor the search of the moon, Roslin arrives on the ''Galactica'', determined to put a stop to things
* Challenging both Adama and Lee concerning their single-mindedness and the way it is putting the survival of mankind at risk
* Realising they have perhaps gone too far, Adama calls off the search and orders the fleet made ready to jump
* With the fleet successfully away, ''Galactica'' is about to jump herself when a Cylon Raider appears. Lee Adama launches in a Viper to intercept it
* Sent to intercept the Raider, Lee discovers the truth – it is Starbuck, and he escorts her back to the Galactica
* Visiting her in sickbay later, Adama congratulates her on her performance – an indirect way of letting her know she is forgiven for Zak.

===On Caprica===
* [[Agathon, Karl C.|Helo]] and [[Valerii, Sharon|Valerii]] are still hiding in the “fallout shelter”, but Helo determines they must move on
* Cylon warriors arrive, apparently conducting a search
* Helo is knocked unconscious, and when he comes-to, Valerii is gone.

== Questions ==

*With almost 50% of fuel reserves gone, can the Galactica obtain additional supplies to keep her Vipers flying? ([[The Hand of God]])
*What use will be made of the captured Raider?
*How many more Cylon models include biological elements in their design?
*Could the first Cylons developed by humans have in fact been bio-mechanical, making the humano-Cylons the latest step in their evolution?
*Will Helo now go in search of the “missing” Valerii? ([[Litmus]])
*Will he question why the Cylon warrior left him unconscious in the restaurant, rather than taking him prisoner?

== Analysis ==

Following-on from [[Act of Contrition]] this is again very much a character-driven episode in which the action is secondary to the developing and changing dynamics between the principal players. As with “Act”, it is also one where [[Olmos, Edward James|Edward James Olmos]] is able again to demonstrate his range and power as an actor: never has so much fury been portrayed on-screen with a single wide-eyed look as when Adama confronts Tigh. Of equal measure is the way in which Adama’s public loss of control in CIC is handled. Here is a man who is perhaps the closest thing to a deity his crew are ever likely to meet. Throughout the mini and the series, his demeanour has always been one of calm, understated authority. Never has he so much as raised his voice in public to achieve his needs. Where Tigh is bellicose and strutting, Adama is the calm eye at the centre of whatever raging storm of crisis might otherwise engulf CIC.

Until mid-way through this episode, where Adama’s signals a subtle shift in dynamics: his personal involvement is now clearly affecting his ability to command; his decision making is becoming increasingly subjective. In contrast, the bellicose martinet in Tigh shifts as well, becoming the more objective, reasoned voice of command. For the first time the officer buried within is revealed, and Tigh grows accordingly in stature.

But the show is not all Olmos’. [[McDonnell|Mary McDonnell]] also gets a chance to stretch her character away from the “ex-school teacher” and slightly insecure politico we’ve seen to date. In [[You Can’t Go Home Again]], Roslin fairly blossoms into leadership, demonstrating she can be shown – but not necessarily lead. Her confrontation with Adama and his son is a marvel to watch. Until now, she has played a finely balanced game with them both, realising that she needs each of them to support her position, while also being aware of the gulf lying between the two of them.

But here, confronted with a Lee Adama fresh from his new-found convictions first seen in [[Bastille Day]] and closely allied to his father – both of them operating out of personal loyalty, she demonstrates that while she may need them both, she doesn’t rely on them. Her developing relationships with them both may suffer strain and breakage as a result but she’s not going to pussyfoot. The needs of the many DO outweigh the needs of the one, and it is time Adama and Lee realised that.

Indeed, it is in this that Starbuck’s dilemma on the moon is very much a secondary consideration to the story and the audience. What holds here is the way the dynamics between the characters ebb and flow. Adama and Tigh draw apart, Roslin and Lee draw apart, but Adama and Lee - perhaps for the first time in Lee’s adult life – draw together, forcing Tigh and Roslin into an uneasy alliance. How will this affect their future relationships? Will Roslin be able to confide in Lee Adama? Will Lee and his father finally come to an understanding and allow each other into their respective worlds as father and son? Will Tigh be able to reconcile his friendship and respect for Adama with his abrupt – and wholly unwarranted – dismissal from CIC?

And what of Tigh and Lee Adama? But – most importantly of all, how will the CIC crew regard Adama in the future? Can there be no repercussions after all that we’ve seen? Perhaps. Forgiveness was very much in evidence throughout the last act of the episode: Adama to Thrace, Roslin to Adama, Adama and Tigh. But – the episode title pretty much says it all: you can’t go home again, and a lot has been said in this episode - as in “Act” - that simply can’t be ignored. RDM has avoided the “reset” button so far; it’s going to be interesting to see if he can continue to avoid it in the future, and allow the shift in dynamics between the characters to play itself out over time.

On Caprica, the Cylons have apparently stepped up their manipulations of Helo a notch: and they appear determine to test / increase his feelings for Valerii. “Love”, and possibly “procreation” seems to be at the heart of their manipulations. The evidence for this comes from the last few episodes:

*[[33]]: Helo scans the airwaves, failing to find any other signals. Valerii makes a comment about them being the only two people left on the planet, and the way she says it makes it hard to keep the words “Adam and Eve” from popping into one’s head – especially with all the other religious motifs that have surrounded our insight into Cylon aims (even if they are from “Six’s” perspective)
*[[Act of Contrition]]: As a result of the (clearly-planted) "radio broadcast", they come across a fully-equipped radiation shelter, which does not appear to have been used, and which is more than cozily set-up for a long duration stay for two people.
*This episode: When Helo suggests they pack up and leave the shelter, Valerii’s look is, for a moment, distinctly odd, and she challenges him with, “Unless you can think of a reason to stay here”, which comes close to being sultry in its undertone. Helo takes this to mean remaining in the fallout shelter, which he refers to as “home”. But they are in many ways already “home”: on Caprica, and Valerii’s comment seems tilted in this regard – seeking if he has identified a reason to stay on Caprica (i.e. her). Disappointment is almost evident when he states they should move on
*This episode: No sooner is the decision made to move on than Cylon warriors turn up. In the ensuing firefight the surviving warrior makes no attempt to either kill or capture Helo, Instead settling on simply shooting up the place and ending the usefulness of a range of kitchen appliances and tools.
*This episode: When Helo comes-to, Valerii is gone, and he’s no longer thinking about leaving the planet – he’s only concerned with what has happened to Valerii.

That the attraction is there is obvious: witness his shy embarrassment following Valerii’s "spontaneous" hug when they first hear the radio broadcast (“33”). It is fair to say that Valerii’s disappearance is the first attempt to ratch-up Helo’s feelings for her.

However, there is no potential weakness in this element of the story: During the fight in the restaurant, the Cylon warrior clearly made only a token attempt at killing Helo – although it was a pretty good effort in shooting up the kitchen as a whole. That he was not killed or at least taken prisoner again, should, by rights, alert Helo to the fact that something here isn’t quite right where the Cylons are concerned: why shoot-up the place and then not even bother to check whether he is dead or alive?

Turning to Baltar’s Six: this episode seems to suggest a subtle delineation between her and the Cylons. Previously, she has referred to them as “we” – implying she is still a part of them. Here she refers to the Cylons very much in the third person: “they”. Is this indicative of a possible shift in her loyalties, or just a simple turn of phrase, signifying nothing?

As to the Cylons themselves, “You Can’t” holds perhaps the most surprising revelation of all: that Raiders are bio-mechanical constructs. Until now, everything has apparently pointed to all but the humano-Cylons being mechanical constructs. "You Can't" turns this upside down, and raises a number of questions:

*Are all Cylons bio-mechanical? Probably not, as Helo puts a shot straight through the head of a Cylon Warrior. Were there any organic matter to be contained therein, one would expect blood and/or gore to exit the wound. This does not appear to be the case.
*Did the Cylons have developed bio-mechanical capabilities themselves, and used them first in a basic form with the Raiders, before going on to develop the humanoid constructs?
*Could it mean that the very first Cylons developed by the Colonials were actually bio-mechanical in nature, rather than pure androids?

If the latter proves to be the case, it would certainly put a new angle on the conversation between Six and Doral on Caprica ([[Bastille Day]]) when they both refer to the Cylons as humanity’s children – as indeed the Six on Caprica did when talking to Baltar in the mini. It might also give a deeper reason for the initial Cylon revolt.

Of the entire episode, the Starbuck / Raider element is the most niggling. Both deeply fascinating for revealing more about Cylons, it is also causes a few winces given the ease with which she patched the ship and got it flying again – and with enough skill to survive a dogfight with Lee Adama.

In this respect, “You Can’t” was as contrived as [[Act of Contrition]] – but with the difference that the contrivances were somewhat more subtle and the story – for the most part – flowed a lot better than with [[Act of Contrition]].

== Notes ==
*[[Cylon RAider|Cylon Raiders]] are bio-mechanical in nature, and their biomass uses a breathable, oxygen-rich mix suitable for humans
*[[Viper|Vipers]] are atmospheric-capable - indeed, it appears they may have been regularly used in the atmospheres of Colonial worlds, given they appear to be equipped with a parachute
*Vipers can be refuelled in space (and presumably in relatively calm atmospheres)
*Colonial flight suits are capable of full life support, both planet-side ([[Thrace, Kara|Starbuck]]) and in space ([[Constanza|Hot Dog]]). In the case of Vipers, the back section of the pilot’s seat appears in effect to be a life-support backpack that detaches from the rest of the seat following ejection
*[[Raptor]] cabins can apparently be depressurised and repressurised (Hot Dog’s rescue), adding to their versatility
*Non-oxygen atmospheres play havoc with Viper and Raptor engine systems, suggesting they are designed to operate in an O2-rich atmosphere
*[[Roslin, Laura|Roslin]] has the same image that the pilots touch when leaving the Ready Room
*Colonials play pool!
*Baltar is requisitioning something that requires the president’s authorisation – the use of one of the ''[[Galactica|Galactica’s]] nukes for his research?
*[[Adama, William|William Adama]] is not above letting personal feelings rise above professional requirements.

== Noteworthy Dialogue ==




== Official Statements ==




== Statistics ==



=== Guest Stars ===


*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Alonso+Oyarzun Alonso Oyarzun] as [[Socinus]]
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Bodie+Olmos Bodie Olmos] as [[Constanza|Constanza / Hot Dog]]
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Donnelly+Rhodes Donnelly Rhodes] as [[Doctor Cottle]]



=== Writing & Direction ===

*Written by [http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Carla+Robinson Carla Robinson]
*Directed by [http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Sergio+Mimica-Gezzan Sergio Mimica-Gezzan]




=== Production Notes ===
*Series: 1 (2004 / 2005)
*Production Number: 1.05
*Airdate Order: 5 (of 13)

=== First Run Air Dates & Releases ===

*UK Airdate: 15 November 2004 (Sky One)
*US Airdate: (Sci-Fi Channel)
*DVD Release: N/A

{{Category: Episode Guide}}
{{Category: A to Z}}

The Hand of God (RDM)

2005-01-26T20:34:06Z

Gizmojumpjet: fixed typo

[[Image:bsg-1-10.jpg|thumb|"The Hand of God" (credit: Sci-Fi Channel)]]

== Overview ==

: With the fleet short of fuel, the ''[[Galactica]]'' launches a daring attack on a Cylon base

== Summary ==
* The fleet is almost out of fuel, and the ''[[Galactica]]'' has [[Raptor|Raptors]] out scouting nearby star systems to find tylium ore - if they don't, the fleet can make two more jumps at best
* Aboard one of the Raptors, [[Valerii, Sharon|Boomer]] and [[Crashdown]] find more than tylium – they find an asteroid full of the ore, complete with a Cylon base and refinery
* Faced with hoping to locate tylium elsewhere using their remaining supplies of fuel, or taking the asteroid from the Cylons, [[Adama, William|Adama]] opts to take the asteroid
* On ''[[Colonial One]]', [[Roslin, Laura|Roslin]] reveals she is being affected by taking [[Kamala]] extract to [[Elosha]] – her dreams about [[Conoy, Leoben|Conoy]] which occurred immediately before he was found on the ''[Gemenon Traveller]]'' ([[Flesh and Bone]]), and her hallucination about snakes
* On hearing about the snakes, Elosha reveals an ancient text written by [[Pythia]] 3,600 years ago concerning the exodus of humankind
* [[Tigh, Saul|Tigh]] and [[Adama, Lee|Lee Adama]] draw up an initial plan to take the asteroid, but [[Starbuck]] comes up with an alternative idea, which is presented to Roslin, who gives her approval
* Plans are drawn up for the attack on the Cylon base on the asteroid, and [[Baltar, Gaius|Baltar]] is involved in preparations. In doing so he completes his transition into “an instrument of God”
* The attack is launched – at first everything appears to go wrong; but as the situation unfolds, it turns out that there is a plan-within-a-plan – Adama doesn’t trust anyone other than his immediate officers with the full details of the action - not even Roslin
* Even so, things do not go well, until in a daring manoeuvre, Lee Adama manages to destroy the Cylon base on the asteroid, and win the supplies of tylium for the fleet.

=== On Caprica: ===
*[[Agathon, Karl C.|Helo]] and [[Valerii, Sharon|Valerii]] are hiding-out on a farm on their way to [[Delphi]]
*When Helo offers to fix a meal, Valerii is uncharacteristically sick, leading them to try and settle down for some sleep
*They are interrupted by the arrival of a troop of Cylon warriors - lead by a corporeal Six!
*Forcing a stunned Helo into action - he cannot believe the woman he saw Valerii kill is coming after them - Valerii forces him back on the run

--[[User:Ernestborg9|Colonial Archivist]] 10:38, 26 Jan 2005 (EST)

== Analysis ==

Another powerful episode – if unfortunately contrived in some areas - that did much to further several plot lines and again draw together so much of what has transpired in previous episodes.

The performances throughout were powerful, and it was in some ways good to see one or two of the characters falling back into their old ways – notably Starbuck sliding back towards her conceited, overly-confident “frak off, only I can do this” annoying in-yer-faceness, and Apollo with his “oh woe is me” routine. That both of these two – who have progressed so far in so many different ways in so short a time (36 days, to be exact) can be seen to still have the baggage of their formal lives kicking around their feet, ready to be tripped over, is again a point in BSG’s favour in portraying the reality of the human condition. No-one becomes an ideal role-model overnight – or over the course of a month.

It’s also interesting to see how Roslin’s doubts concerning Adama’s humanity ([[Flesh and Bone]], [[Secrets and Lies]]) have now reaped their harvest: Adama doesn’t trust her sufficiently enough to reveal all the details of tactical and strategic operations to her. In many respects, this side of their relationship is back to how it was back in [[33]].

With the Helo / Valerii situation on Caprica, the procreation element appears to have come to the fore. Despite the time of day, Vallerii's vomiting smacked strongly of "morning sickness". If this is the case, the meaning behind her statement to Helo that she is the one the Cylons are after ([[Secrets and Lies]] is doubly clear: not only do they want her back – they want what they suspect she may be carrying inside her. And now he’s seen Six again, Helo can’t go on much longer before he starts stringing at least some of it together.

But of the entire episode, it is the opening of the Roslin and Baltar arcs that are the compelling.

Roslin is interesting on a number of levels. First off, there is the fact that she herself has some limited precognition, presumably as a result of the Kamala treatment she is taking. But if it has happened once ([[Flesh and Bone]]), will it happen again? What will happen as her cancer grows, and she comes to rely on Kamala and other medications to a greater degree. Oracles are not uncommon, it would appear from Colonial legend (Pythia) – could we see Roslin travel the road from purely political leader to a more pseudo-religious leader / Sybil; a possible counter-point to Baltar himself?

Then there is the reference to Pythia herself, and a further link to the ancient Greece of our own planet. In Greek mythology, the Pythia was the priestess at Apollo's oracle in Delphi. The name itself comes from Python, the dragon slain by Apollo.

The Pythia operated as a vehicle for Apollo's will to be known to those on earth. A believer would make a sacrifice and present a question to a priest. The priest would then present the question to the Pythia. The Pythia sat on a bronze tripod in the adytum, or inner chamber of Apollo's temple. In this sacred chamber the spirit of Apollo overcame the Pythia and inspired the prophecy.

Note the interesting potential resonances here:

*In our mythology, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pythia Pythia] was the servant of Apollo; in BSG, we see a woman foretold by the Colonial’s “Pythia” seeking the counsel of “Apollo” (Lee Adama), and using the knowledge he imparts to her to better understand the likes of Adama
*In our mythology, it is often inferred that Pythia’s trances were induced from chewing laurel leaves (hence depictions of her holding a sprig of laurel) – on BSG, Roslin’s “vision” are induced by her taking an herbal remedy known as Kamala extract.

A further interesting – possibly coincidental – resonance is that the Pythia in ancient Greece were the oracle of Delphi – and on Caprica, Helo and Valerii are making for the religious centre of Delphi.

On Baltar’s part, things are equally interesting – both in their religious context, and with the evolving situation with “his” Six.

Following his seeking God’s forgiveness ([[33]]) and his repentance of his sins ([[Six Degrees of Separation]]), Baltar finally becomes God’s “instrument”. He literally becomes the hand of God referenced in the episode title: he is the one that points out the target that will destroy the Cylon base.

This in itself is interesting. Over the last few weeks, we’ve seen Baltar move through the five emotional states that tend to guide our reactions to a new “truth” we’d rather not face:

*Denial (dismissing the “disappearance” of the ''Olympic Carrier'' after the call from Dr. Amorak as anything more than a serendipitous event - [[33]])
*Anger (his outright hostility towards Six as she continues to "bore" him with talk of God - [[Six Degrees of Separation]])
*Bargaining (praying to God for his safety in return for his obedience - [[Six Degrees of Separation]])
*Depression (leaving the Situation Room without having “heard” God’s voice & facing up to the fact that he had to – again - lie)
*Acceptance his messianic response to Six’s coaxing at the end of this episode.

Another interesting aspect of Baltar’s acceptance that he is indeed an “instrument of God” is in the fact that – as with many [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fundamental_Christianity fundamentalist Christian]] teachings here on Earth (which state that to truly become a Christian, one must undergo “death” and rebirth - hence the baptism) - Baltar experiences his own “death” as Six apparently breaks his neck while in his fantasy world, and he is “reborn” in the present, facing Tigh and Starbuck, and points out the tylium precursor tanks on the asteroid.

Given all this, is it any wonder we have a somewhat messianic Baltar at the end of the episode?

But what is the driving force behind Baltar’s “conversion”? The concept of a pseudo-Christian God is very much a Cylon concept, being repeatedly expressed by both Baltar’s Six and Leoben Conoy. It is also a concept alien to Colonial thinking. Taking it as read that Baltar is a human – one who prides himself on being a rational genius and “above” the need for religious “flim-flam” - why should he fixate on a Cylon religious concept?

Could it simply be a part of his mind playing on something Six said to him before Caprica was attacked? Or could it be the fact that “his” Six really is something more than a simple manifestation of his own psychosis? That she is an ideology / personality “downloaded” into him?

Again, this episode points towards Six being an ideology / personality downloaded into Baltar. To dismiss all that has happened around Baltar as a simple string of coincidences he has been able to knit together into his own personal version of reality is, on the basis of the events in this episode, becoming increasingly hard to accept.

And it is Six who brings the story circle – returning to the writings of Pythia and the two and ten serpents – only in this case, an alternative meaning is deduced (by Baltar): the 12 serpents are in fact the 12 Vipers lead by Apollo on the raid on the Cylon base. And again, notice the careful counterpoint: when Roslin reveals her hallucination to Elosha, the priestess reveals the writings of Pythia to her, essentially anointing Roslin as the leader Pythia once foretold. In the closing scene we have Six using the same writings to finally convince Baltar that he is also “anointed” – an instrument of God.

Is it mere coincidence that Six picks on the same passages as those identified by Elosha?

Away from these two threads, Adama further reconciles himself with his son – the scene played out in the Viper bay with the lighter is exceptionally well-handled, and fully in keeping with all that we’ve seen between Adama and Lee since the events of [[You Can’t Go Home Again]]. Indeed, in this, it is far more in keeping with the nature of both characters than the somewhat clumsy scene between Adama and Thrace that took place in Adama’s cabin during [[Act of Contrition]].

Similarly, and as mentioned, the re-bubbling of animosity between Lee Adama and Kara Thrace is handled by the writers and the actors with the right level of intensity that makes the situation so believable: Lee Adama’s resurfacing self-doubt; Thrace’s returning arrogance (born no doubt of her inability to fly herself): a careful mix that fully reminds us that there is still a lot of history to these characters – to all our cast – and past attitudes and doubts are not easily put aside.

Returning to the main thrust of the episode: the need of tylium and the attack on the Cylon base. In setting it up, the producers are making it clear that, as with the fall-out from the events of [[Water]], they are not going to forget logistical matters. We’ve have a water shortage, now we’ve had a fuel shortage. However, they’ve also very cleverly made it clear that such problems are not going to become an easy fall-back for writers stuck for ideas to use: in [[Water]] it was made abundantly clear that, saving sabotage or serious damage, the [[Galactica]] can keep the majority of the fleet supplied with clean water (and it was intimated that other vessels in the fleet can take care of their own water needs). Here, it is fuel that is currently the issue of the day – providing the Cylon base is taken; we’re informed that fuel supplies needn’t be a problem for the fleet for another couple of years – again barring mishaps.

But perhaps the most interesting question surrounding the entire tylium situation is: was it actually a set-up by the Cylons?

We know from Leoben Conoy’s promise to Starbuck ([[Flesh and Bone]]) that the Colonials are going to find Kobol. To do so, they are going to need fuel – and the chances are that the Cylons are aware of this fact, either through deduction (the fleet has been burning fuel at a considerable rate – no fewer than 238 jumps in the first five days of the “chase”) or via possible contact with their agents within the fleet. What better to ensure they reach Kobol that to not only provide them with raw tylium, but also with the facilities to rapidly mine it? Certainly, considering their vast numerical superiority (some 140 Raiders facing around 18-20 Vipers) – the Cylons gave up easily enough once the base had been destroyed.

Further, given the way they appear to set so much by Colonial religious writings – Six and Conoy both quoting scripture and ancient texts – allowing the Colonials to “win” the battle at the tylium asteroid could been seen as a means of fulfilling the prophesy quoted by Six to Baltar, and thus helping “ensure” the upcoming confrontation at Kobol.

Which is not to say the story is not without a few hiccups; for a start, how does a seasoned tactical officer like Tigh come up with a plan of attack on the Cylon base that is so fundamentally flawed in its concept from the outset: jumping the Galactica in “behind” the enemy, without considering the nature and extent of the enemy’s likely fighter patrols? One might forgive Lee Adama such a mistake – he’s hardly a veteran war planner; but Tigh? He of all people should know that this far outside of a friendly sphere of influence, when the enemy (the Colonials) have a warship capable of jumping in on them from any point in space, the Cylons are bound to have the most obvious hiding-places staked out with fighter patrols or automated scanning systems.

No, the flawed planning is designed to open the door to Starbuck’s “out-of-the-box” thinking & the planting of the decoy mission. Sadly, while it does this, the way the opening is played diminishes Tigh for his lack of foresight.

Then there is the question of why is Starbuck so upset that the first part of the plan - the attack by Viper Strike Force One is going “wrong”? It is her plan – as Adama states – and so she should be aware that it is the “Strike Force” that is in fact the decoy, not the freighters. As such, the decoys stand a good chance of “being cut to pieces” – yet her reaction, in facing Adama is accusatory, as if she had no idea this would happen.

Next up is the fact that - despite the loss of their base – the Cylons have a massive numerical superiority over the Colonial Vipers (some 18-20 Vipers (after losses), split into two small groups facing-off against 140-ish Raiders) – yet they failed to ram this advantage home. Part of the Cylon plan? Possibly, but the way it was handled in the episode (the Raiders simply “bugging out”) doesn’t really support this. Nor does the idea of those same 140-odd Raiders simply running away from a force of just 8 Vipers (the remaining ships of Strike Force One) without making some attempt at taking out several more Vipers.

Finally, there is Adama’s apparently reckless response to the news the Cylons are bugging out – ordering his fighters after them when a) the Cylons do have a massive numerical superiority that could quickly put his fighters at risk; b) the Cylons have FTL and so could easily evade the Vipers (after drawing them out) prior to jumping, re-grouping and then jumping back in (to, say, launch an attack directly on Galactica herself while she is still sans fighters.

But these really are minor glitches in what is otherwise an episode that again operates on several levels and cleverly interweaves a number of different threads.

== Unanswered Questions ==

* Why did [[Adama, William|Commander Adama]] order the fighters to pursue the fleeing [[Cylon Raiders]], instead of securing the area?
* How many Vipers does Galactica actually have? Do they have a contingency plan should the a majority (or all) of the Vipers be destroyed? Or are they simply fraked?
* Are the Colonials able to build ships, such as [[Vipers]], from scratch? Or can they take destroyed hulks and rebuild off them?
* How exactly can a 3,600 year old text fortell the exodus of humanity, and the leadership of [[Roslin, Laura|President Roslin]]?
* Does someone have time on their hands to build miniatures of the new Cylon Raiders for the [[Situation Room]]!?

== Notes ==
*Nine days have passed since the events of [[Secrets and Lies]]
*Tylium ore is use to power FTL systems, but probably not through any fissionable reaction
*Cylon technology is clearly a Colonial off-shoot, as one would expect: from the use of tylium down to the shape of doorways
*William Adama’s father was Joseph Adama
*Sharon Valerii on Capica may well be pregnant
*There is an ancient text some 3,600 years old foretelling humanity’s flight – and apparently, Roslin’s leadership
*Mark II Vipers can carry both missiles and munitions pods (bombs)
*The Mark VII Vipers all appear to be out of commission - even Apollo is now regularly flying a Mk II
*The religious overtones to the human / Cylon struggle are becoming more pronounced, with a now-promised confrontation due at the “home of the Gods”
*The Colonial fleet has a tylium refinery ship among its number
*With the capture of the tylium mining facilities on the asteroid, the Colonials should be able to gather enough tylium to keep them going for about 2 years – assuming they can shift that much tylium to their refinery ship before the Cylons return

== Noteworthy Dialogue ==

Lee Adama sits with a battered Viper before the mission. He is joined by his father, who after a short conversation, Adama hands lee a lighter

Adama: It belonged to you grandfather. My mom bought it for him when he was in law school. See the engraving on it? Lee: (reading the name "Joseph Adama") Yes I, um, can barely make it out... Adama: He was a better father than I was. Dad used to carry that into court cases; claimed he never lost unless he left it behind. Lee So you’re worried too. Adama: About what? Lee: Sometimes it feels like the whole ship thinks...Starbuck...would do better. Adama: I don’t. Lee: How can you be so sure? Adama: Because you’re my son.

== Official Statements ==




== Statistics ==



=== Guest Stars ===


*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Lorena+Gale Lorena Gale] as [[Elosha]]
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Nicki+Cylne Nicki Cylne] as [[Cally]]
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Cailin+Stadnyk Cailin Stadnyk] as [[Ensign Davis]]
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Bodie+Olmos Bodie Olmos] as [[Constanza|Constanza / Hot Dog]]
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Lucianna+Carro Lucianna Carro] as [[Katraine|Katraine / Kat]]
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Terry+Chen Terry Chen] as [[Perry|Perry / Chuckles]]
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Christina+Schild Christina Schild] as [[Kohn, Playa|Playa Kohn]]
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Biski+Gugushe Biski Gugushe] as [[Hamilton, Sekou|Sekou Hamilton]]
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Paul+Cummings Paul Cummings] as [[Fireball]]
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Camille+Sullivan Camille Sullivan] as [[Stepchild]]




=== Writing & Direction ===

*Written by [http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+David+Wheddle David Wheddle] and [http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Bradley+Thompson Bradley Thompson]
*Directed by [http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Jeff+Woolnough Jeff Woolnough]




=== Production Notes ===
*Series 1 (2004 / 2005)
*Production Number: 1.10
*Airdate Order: 10 (of 13)

=== First Run Air Dates & Releases ===

*UK Airdate: 3 January 2005 (Sky One)
*US Airdate: (Sci-Fi Channel)
*DVD Release: N/A

{{Category: Episode Guide}}
{{Category: A to Z}}

User:Gizmojumpjet

2005-01-26T20:28:58Z

Gizmojumpjet: /* Trivia */

== Introduction ==

"Gizmo Jumpjet" has recently taken a break from political blogging to indulge in some of his more enjoyable if less profound pastimes, such as collecting antiquities and watching sci-fi. Also, college. He was extremely excited to hear about the new ''Galactica'' series and wholly enraged that the Brits got to screen the new series first, he managed to find some comfort in the well-crafted episode guides of the Battlestar Wiki, which will, it is hoped, tide him over until all of the episodes have aired in the United States.

== Trivia ==

"Gizmo Jumpjet" lives in Houston, Texas and is of Welsh/German extraction. He collects ancient Roman and Greek coins when he has spare cash, focusing particularly on the silver antoniniani of Gordian III. Recently he has decided to begin collecting Victorian ephemera, such as straight razors. He was an avid tabletop wargamer until he realized what a foolish waste of time and money it was.

"Gizmo Jumpjet" was a fan of the original ''Galactica'' series, but recently seeing it again on the SciFi channel made him realize how foolish kids can be. He's greatly relieved that the new series seems not to suck. He'd watch it anyway, though, since he loves any story that takes place on a space ship, except Andromeda, because it '''sucks bigtime'''.

He is currently working on reading the entire Sherlock Holmes [http://www.bakerstreet221b.de/canon/ Canon], which can probably be blamed for his recent interest in the the UK's Victorian era. He's very impressed with Holmes' adventures.

"Gizmo Jumpjet" was always a good speller and won't hesitate to hunt out typos, no matter in what dark corner of the wiki they may choose to hide their worthless selves.

"Gizmo Jumpjet" is extremely good looking, witty, charming, and wealthy, which, as you might imagine, tends to make him rather popular with the ladies. How he manages to find so much time to do things like work on a Battlestar Wiki is anyone's guess...

User:Gizmojumpjet

2005-01-26T20:28:05Z

Gizmojumpjet: /* Introduction */

== Introduction ==

"Gizmo Jumpjet" has recently taken a break from political blogging to indulge in some of his more enjoyable if less profound pastimes, such as collecting antiquities and watching sci-fi. Also, college. He was extremely excited to hear about the new ''Galactica'' series and wholly enraged that the Brits got to screen the new series first, he managed to find some comfort in the well-crafted episode guides of the Battlestar Wiki, which will, it is hoped, tide him over until all of the episodes have aired in the United States.

== Trivia ==

"Gizmo Jumpjet" lives in Houston, Texas and is of Welsh/German extraction. He collects ancient Roman and Greek coins when he has spare cash, focusing particularly on the silver antoniniani of Gordian III. Recently he has decided to begin collecting Victorian ephemera, such as straight razors. He was an avid tabletop wargamer until he realized what a foolish waste of time and money it was.

"Gizmo Jumpjet" was a fan of the original ''Galactica'' series, but recently seeing it again on the SciFi channel made him realize how foolish kids can be. He's greatly relieved that the new series seems not to suck. He'd watch it anyway, though, since he loves any story that takes place on a space ship, except Andromeda, because it '''sucks bigtime'''.

He is currently working on reading the entire Sherlock Holmes [http://www.bakerstreet221b.de/canon/ Canon], which can probably be blamed for his recent interest in the the UK's Victorian era.

"Gizmo Jumpjet" was always a good speller and won't hesitate to hunt out typos, no matter in what dark corner of the wiki they may choose to hide their worthless selves.

"Gizmo Jumpjet" is extremely good looking, witty, charming, and wealthy, which, as you might imagine, tends to make him rather popular with the ladies. How he manages to find so much time to do things like work on a Battlestar Wiki is anyone's guess...

User:Gizmojumpjet

2005-01-26T20:25:35Z

Gizmojumpjet:

== Introduction ==

"Gizmo Jumpjet" has recently taken a break from political blogging to indulge in some of his more enjoyable if less profound pastimes, such as collecting antiquities and watching sci-fi. Extremely excited about the new ''Galactica'' series and wholly enraged that the Brits got to screen the new series first, he managed to find some comfort in the well-crafted episode guides of the Battlestar Wiki, which will, it is hoped, tide him over until all of the episodes have aired in the United States.

== Trivia ==

"Gizmo Jumpjet" lives in Houston, Texas and is of Welsh/German extraction. He collects ancient Roman and Greek coins when he has spare cash, focusing particularly on the silver antoniniani of Gordian III. Recently he has decided to begin collecting Victorian ephemera, such as straight razors. He was an avid tabletop wargamer until he realized what a foolish waste of time and money it was.

"Gizmo Jumpjet" was a fan of the original ''Galactica'' series, but recently seeing it again on the SciFi channel made him realize how foolish kids can be. He's greatly relieved that the new series seems not to suck. He'd watch it anyway, though, since he loves any story that takes place on a space ship, except Andromeda, because it '''sucks bigtime'''.

He is currently working on reading the entire Sherlock Holmes [http://www.bakerstreet221b.de/canon/ Canon], which can probably be blamed for his recent interest in the the UK's Victorian era.

"Gizmo Jumpjet" was always a good speller and won't hesitate to hunt out typos, no matter in what dark corner of the wiki they may choose to hide their worthless selves.

"Gizmo Jumpjet" is extremely good looking, witty, charming, and wealthy, which, as you might imagine, tends to make him rather popular with the ladies. How he manages to find so much time to do things like work on a Battlestar Wiki is anyone's guess...

User talk:Ernestborg9

2005-01-26T19:58:25Z

Gizmojumpjet:

Sorry about the deletion. Don't know how I could have overlooked the existing article.

I blame the interface.

=)

The interface should give a warning. However, it's not a problem as the original page has been restored.

Best to double-check before making an entry, using the SEARCH function. I'm hoping a revisied home page that includes leading Categories will soon be up and running which will make searches easier.

== Review Removal ==

Hey buddy, I noticed that the lengthy reviews were getting taken out of the episode summaries. Might I ask what was the impetus of that decision? 
--[[User:Gizmojumpjet|Colonial Historiographer]] 14:58, 26 Jan 2005 (EST)

Executive officer

2005-01-26T17:46:12Z

Gizmojumpjet: fixing broken wikitag.

The second in command aboard a [[Battlestar]], reporting directly to the Commanding Officer.

Aboard the [[Battlestar]] ''[[Galactica]]'' this position is held by [[Tigh, Saul|Saul Tigh]]. He is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the ship, and takes command in [[Adama, William|William Adama's]] absence.

=== Note ===

Executive Officer is a military term in this context, used in several branches of the armed forces worldwide (naval, marines, air force). Certain forces, such as the British Army use the term "2i/c" (signifying second in command) in preference to XO.

[[Category:A to Z]]
[[Category:Terminology]]

The Hand of God (RDM)

2005-01-26T17:39:43Z

Gizmojumpjet: /* Analysis */

[[Image:bsg-1-10.jpg|thumb|"The Hand of God" (credit: Sci-Fi Channel)]]

== Overview ==

: With the fleet short of fuel, the ''[[Galactica]]'' launches a daring attack on a Cylon base

== Summary ==
* The fleet is almost out of fuel, and the ''[[Galactica]]'' has [[Raptor|Raptors]] out scouting nearby star systems to find tylium ore - if they don't, the fleet can make two more jumps at best
* Aboard one of the Raptors, [[Valerii, Sharon|Boomer]] and [[Crashdown]] find more than tylium – they find an asteroid full of the ore, complete with a Cylon base and refinery
* Faced with trying to locate tylium elsewhere using their remaining supplies of fuel, or taking the asteroid from the Cylons, [[Adama, William|Adama]] opts to take the asteroid
* On ''[[Colonial One]]', [[Roslin, Laura|Roslin]] reveals she is being affected by taking [[Kamala]] extract to [[Elosha]] – her dreams about [[Conoy, Leoben|Conoy]] which occurred immediately before he was found on the ''[Gemenon Traveller]]'' ([[Flesh and Bone]]), and her hallucination about snakes
* On hearing about the snakes, Elosha reveals an ancient text written by [[Pythia]] 3,600 years ago concerning the exodus of humankind
* [[Tigh, Saul|Tigh]] and [[Adama, Lee|Lee Adama]] draw up an initial plan to take the asteroid, but [[Starbuck]] comes up with an alternative idea, which is presented to Roslin, who gives her approval
* Plans are drawn up for the attack on the Cylon base on the asteroid, and [[Baltar, Gaius|Baltar]] is involved in preparations. In doing so he completes his transition into “an instrument of God”
* The attack is launched – at first everything appears to go wrong; but as the situation unfolds, it turns out that there is a plan-within-a-plan – Adama doesn’t trust anyone other than his immediate officers with the full details of the action - not even Roslin
* Even so, things do not go well, until in a daring manoeuvre, Lee Adama manages to destroy the Cylon base on the asteroid, and win the supplies of tylium for the fleet.

=== On Caprica: ===
*[[Agathon, Karl C.|Helo]] and [[Valerii, Sharon|Valerii]] are hiding-out on a farm on their way to [[Delphi]]
*When Helo offers to fix a meal, Valerii is uncharacteristically sick, leading them to try and settle down for some sleep
*They are interrupted by the arrival of a troop of Cylon warriors - lead by a corporeal Six!
*Forcing a stunned Helo into action - he cannot believe the woman he saw Valerii kill is coming after them - Valerii forces him back on the run

--[[User:Ernestborg9|Colonial Archivist]] 10:38, 26 Jan 2005 (EST)

== Analysis ==

Another powerful episode – if unfortunately contrived in some areas - that did much to further several plot lines and again draw together so much of what has transpired before in previous episodes.

The performances throughout were powerful, and it was in some ways good to see one or two of the characters falling back into their old ways – notably Starbuck sliding back towards her conceited, overly-confident “frak off, only I can do this” annoying in-yer-faceness, and Apollo with his “oh woe is me” routine. That both of these two – who have progressed so far in so many different ways in so short a time (36 days, to be exact) can be seen to still have the baggage of their formal lives kicking around their feet, ready to be tripped over, is again a point in BSG’s favour in portraying the reality of the human condition. No-one becomes an ideal role-model overnight – or over the course of a month.

It’s also interesting to see how Roslin’s doubts concerning Adama’s humanity ([[Flesh and Bone]], [[Secrets and Lies]]) have now reaped their harvest: Adama doesn’t trust her sufficiently enough to reveal all the details of tactical and strategic operations to her. In many respects, this side of their relationship is back to how it was back in [[33]].

With the Helo / Valerii situation on Caprica, the procreation element appears to have come to the fore. Despite the time of day, Vallerii's vomiting smacked strongly of "morning sickness". If this is the case, the meaning behind her statement to Helo that she is the one the Cylons are after ([[Secrets and Lies]] is doubly clear: not only do they want her back – they want what they suspect she may be carrying inside her. And now he’s seen Six again, Helo can’t go on much longer before he starts stringing at least some of it together.

But of the entire episode, it is the opening of the Roslin and Baltar arcs that are the compelling.

Roslin is interesting on a number of levels. First off, there is the fact that she herself has some limited precognition, presumably as a result of the Kamala treatment she is taking. But if it has happened once ([[Flesh and Bone]]), will it happen again? What will happen as her cancer grows, and she comes to reply on Kamala and other medications to a greater degree. Oracles are not uncommon, it would appear from Colonial legend (Pythia) – could we see Roslin travel the road from purely political leader to a more pseudo-religious leader / Sybil; a possible counter-point to Baltar himself?

Then there is the reference to Pythia herself, and a further link to the ancient Greece of our own planet. In Greek mythology, the Pythia was the priestess at Apollo's oracle in Delphi. The name itself comes from Python, the dragon slain by Apollo.

The Pythia operated as a vehicle for Apollo's will to be known to those on earth. A believer would make a sacrifice and present a question to a priest. The priest would then present the question to the Pythia. The Pythia sat on a bronze tripod in the adytum, or inner chamber of Apollo's temple. In this sacred chamber the spirit of Apollo overcame the Pythia and inspired the prophecy.

Note the interesting potential resonances here:

*In our mythology, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pythia Pythia] was the servant of Apollo; in BSG, we see a woman foretold by the Colonial’s “Pythia” seeking the counsel of “Apollo” (Lee Adama), and using the knowledge he imparts to her to better understand the likes of Adama
*In our mythology, it is often inferred that Pythia’s trances were induced from chewing laurel leaves (hence depictions of her holding a sprig of laurel) – on BSG, Roslin’s “vision” are induced by her taking an herbal remedy known as Kamala extract.

A further interesting – possibly coincidental – resonance is that the Pythia in ancient Greece were the oracle of Delphi – and on Caprica, Helo and Valerii are making for the religious centre of Delphi.

On Baltar’s part, things are equally interesting – both in their religious context, and with the evolving situation with “his” Six.

Following his seeking God’s forgiveness ([[33]]) and his repentance of his sins ([[Six Degrees of Separation]]), Baltar finally becomes God’s “instrument”. He literally becomes the hand of God referenced in the episode title: he is the one that points out the target that will destroy the Cylon base.

This in itself is interesting. Over the last few weeks, we’ve seen Baltar move through the five emotional states that tend to guide our reactions to a new “truth” we’d rather not face:

*Denial (dismissing the “disappearance” of the ''Olympic Carrier'' after the call from Dr. Amorak as anything more than a serendipitous event - [[33]])
*Anger (his outright hostility towards Six as she continues to "bore" him with talk of God - [[Six Degrees of Separation]])
*Bargaining (praying to God for his safety in return for his obedience - [[Six Degrees of Separation]])
*Depression (leaving the Situation Room without having “heard” God’s voice & facing up to the fact that he had to – again - lie)
*Acceptance his messianic response to Six’s coaxing at the end of this episode.

Another interesting aspect of Baltar’s acceptance that he is indeed an “instrument of God” is in the fact that – as with many [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fundamental_Christianity fundamentalist Christian]] teachings here on Earth (which state that to truly become a Christian, one must undergo “death” and rebirth - hence the baptism) - Baltar experiences his own “death” as Six apparently breaks his neck while in his fantasy world, and he is “reborn” in the present, facing Tigh and Starbuck, and points out the tylium precursor tanks on the asteroid.

Given all this, is it any wonder we have a somewhat messianic Baltar at the end of the episode?

But what is the driving force behind Baltar’s “conversion”? The concept of a pseudo-Christian God is very much a Cylon concept, being repeatedly expressed by both Baltar’s Six and Leoben Conoy. It is also a concept alien to Colonial thinking. Taking it as read that Baltar is a human – one who prides himself on being a rational genius and “above” the need for religious “flim-flam” - why should he fixate on a Cylon religious concept?

Could it simply be a part of his mind playing on something Six said to him before Caprica was attacked? Or could it be the fact that “his” Six really is something more than a simple manifestation of his own psychosis? That she is an ideology / personality “downloaded” into him?

Again, this episode points towards Six being an ideology / personality downloaded into Baltar. To dismiss all that has happened around Baltar as a simple string of coincidences he has been able to knit together into his own personal version of reality is, on the basis of the events in this episode, becoming increasingly hard to accept.

And it is Six who brings the story circle – returning to the writings of Pythia and the two and ten serpents – only in this case, an alternative meaning is deduced (by Baltar): the 12 serpents are in fact the 12 Vipers lead by Apollo on the raid on the Cylon base. And again, notice the careful counterpoint: when Roslin reveals her hallucination to Elosha, the priestess reveals the writings of Pythia to her, essentially anointing Roslin as the leader Pythia once foretold. In the closing scene we have Six using the same writings to finally convince Baltar that he is also “anointed” – an instrument of God.

Is it mere coincidence that Six picks on the same passages as those identified by Elosha?

Away from these two threads, Adama further reconciles himself with his son – the scene played out in the Viper bay with the lighter is exceptionally well-handled, and fully in keeping with all that we’ve seen between Adama and Lee since the events of [[You Can’t Go Home Again]]. Indeed, in this, it is far more in keeping with the nature of both characters than the somewhat clumsy scene between Adama and Thrace that took place in Adama’s cabin during [[Act of Contrition]].

Similarly, and as mentioned, the re-bubbling of animosity between Lee Adama and Kara Thrace is handled by the writers and the actors with the right level of intensity that makes the situation so believable: Lee Adama’s resurfacing self-doubt; Thrace’s returning arrogance (born no doubt of her inability to fly herself): a careful mix that fully reminds us that there is still a lot of history to these characters – to all our cast – and past attitudes and doubts are not easily put aside.

Returning to the main thrust of the episode: the need of tylium and the attack on the Cylon base. In setting it up, the producers are making it clear that, as with the fall-out from the events of [[Water]], they are not going to forget logistical matters. We’ve have a water shortage, now we’ve had a fuel shortage. However, they’ve also very cleverly made it clear that such problems are not going to become an easy fall-back for writers stuck for ideas to use: in [[Water]] it was made abundantly clear that, saving sabotage or serious damage, the [[Galactica]] can keep the majority of the fleet supplied with clean water (and it was intimated that other vessels in the fleet can take care of their own water needs). Here, it is fuel that is currently the issue of the day – providing the Cylon base is taken; we’re informed that fuel supplies needn’t be a problem for the fleet for another couple of years – again barring mishaps.

But perhaps the most interesting question surrounding the entire tylium situation is: was it actually a set-up by the Cylons?

We know from Leoben Conoy’s promise to Starbuck ([[Flesh and Bone]]) that the Colonials are going to find Kobol. To do so, they are going to need fuel – and the chances are that the Cylons are aware of this fact, either through deduction (the fleet has been burning fuel at a considerable rate – no fewer than 238 jumps in the first five days of the “chase”) or via possible contact with their agents within the fleet. What better to ensure they reach Kobol that to not only provide them with raw tylium, but also with the facilities to rapidly mine it? Certainly, considering their vast numerical superiority (some 140 Raiders facing around 18-20 Vipers) – the Cylons gave up easily enough once the base had been destroyed.

Further, given the way they appear to set so much by Colonial religious writings – Six and Conoy both quoting scripture and ancient texts – allowing the Colonials to “win” the battle at the tylium asteroid could been seen as a means of fulfilling the prophesy quoted by Six to Baltar, and thus helping “ensure” the upcoming confrontation at Kobol.

Which is not to say the story is not without a few hiccups; for a start, how does a seasoned tactical officer like Tigh come up with a plan of attack on the Cylon base that is so fundamentally flawed in its concept from the outset: jumping the Galactica in “behind” the enemy, without considering the nature and extent of the enemy’s likely fighter patrols? One might forgive Lee Adama such a mistake – he’s hardly a veteran war planner; but Tigh? He of all people should know that this far outside of a friendly sphere of influence, when the enemy (the Colonials) have a warship capable of jumping in on them from any point in space, the Cylons are bound to have the most obvious hiding-places staked out with fighter patrols or automated scanning systems.

No, the flawed planning is designed to open the door to Starbuck’s “out-of-the-box” thinking & the planting of the decoy mission. Sadly, while it does this, the way the opening is played diminishes Tigh for his lack of foresight.

Then there is the question of why is Starbuck so upset that the first part of the plan - the attack by Viper Strike Force One is going “wrong”? It is her plan – as Adama states – and so she should be aware that it is the “Strike Force” that is in fact the decoy, not the freighters. As such, the decoys stand a good chance of “being cut to pieces” – yet her reaction, in facing Adama is accusatory, as if she had no idea this would happen.

Next up is the fact that - despite the loss of their base – the Cylons have a massive numerical superiority over the Colonial Vipers (some 18-20 Vipers (after losses), split into two small groups facing-off against 140-ish Raiders) – yet they failed to ram this advantage home. Part of the Cylon plan? Possibly, but the way it was handled in the episode (the Raiders simply “bugging out”) doesn’t really support this. Nor does the idea of those same 140-odd Raiders simply running away from a force of just 8 Vipers (the remaining ships of Strike Force One) without making some attempt at taking out several more Vipers.

Finally, there is Adama’s apparently reckless response to the news the Cylons are bugging out – ordering his fighters after them when a) the Cylons do have a massive numerical superiority that could quickly put his fighters at risk; b) the Cylons have FTL and so could easily evade the Vipers (after drawing them out) prior to jumping, re-grouping and then jumping back in (to, say, launch an attack directly on Galactica herself while she is still sans fighters.

But these really are minor glitches in what is otherwise an episode that again operates on several levels and cleverly interweaves a number of different threads.

== Unanswered Questions ==

* Why did [[Adama, William|Commander Adama]] order the fighters to pursue the fleeing [[Cylon Raiders]], instead of securing the area?
* How many Vipers does Galactica actually have? Do they have a contingency plan should the a majority (or all) of the Vipers be destroyed? Or are they simply fraked?
* Are the Colonials able to build ships, such as [[Vipers]], from scratch? Or can they take destroyed hulks and rebuild off them?
* How exactly can a 3,600 year old text fortell the exodus of humanity, and the leadership of [[Roslin, Laura|President Roslin]]?
* Does someone have time on their hands to build miniatures of the new Cylon Raiders for the [[Situation Room]]!?

== Notes ==
*Nine days have passed since the events of [[Secrets and Lies]]
*Tylium ore is use to power FTL systems, but probably not through any fissionable reaction
*Cylon technology is clearly a Colonial off-shoot, as one would expect: from the use of tylium down to the shape of doorways
*William Adama’s father was Joseph Adama
*Sharon Valerii on Capica may well be pregnant
*There is an ancient text some 3,600 years old foretelling humanity’s flight – and apparently, Roslin’s leadership
*Mark II Vipers can carry both missiles and munitions pods (bombs)
*The Mark VII Vipers all appear to be out of commission - even Apollo is now regularly flying a Mk II
*The religious overtones to the human / Cylon struggle are becoming more pronounced, with a now-promised confrontation due at the “home of the Gods”
*The Colonial fleet has a tylium refinery ship among its number
*With the capture of the tylium mining facilities on the asteroid, the Colonials should be able to gather enough tylium to keep them going for about 2 years – assuming they can shift that much tylium to their refinery ship before the Cylons return

== Noteworthy Dialogue ==

Lee Adama sits with a battered Viper before the mission. He is joined by his father, who after a short conversation, Adama hands lee a lighter

Adama: It belonged to you grandfather. My mom bought it for him when he was in law school. See the engraving on it? Lee: (reading the name "Joseph Adama") Yes I, um, can barely make it out... Adama: He was a better father than I was. Dad used to carry that into court cases; claimed he never lost unless he left it behind. Lee So you’re worried too. Adama: About what? Lee: Sometimes it feels like the whole ship thinks...Starbuck...would do better. Adama: I don’t. Lee: How can you be so sure? Adama: Because you’re my son.

== Official Statements ==




== Statistics ==



=== Guest Stars ===


*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Lorena+Gale Lorena Gale] as [[Elosha]]
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Nicki+Cylne Nicki Cylne] as [[Cally]]
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Cailin+Stadnyk Cailin Stadnyk] as [[Ensign Davis]]
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Bodie+Olmos Bodie Olmos] as [[Constanza|Constanza / Hot Dog]]
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Lucianna+Carro Lucianna Carro] as [[Katraine|Katraine / Kat]]
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Terry+Chen Terry Chen] as [[Perry|Perry / Chuckles]]
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Christina+Schild Christina Schild] as [[Kohn, Playa|Playa Kohn]]
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Biski+Gugushe Biski Gugushe] as [[Hamilton, Sekou|Sekou Hamilton]]
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Paul+Cummings Paul Cummings] as [[Fireball]]
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Camille+Sullivan Camille Sullivan] as [[Stepchild]]




=== Writing & Direction ===

*Written by [http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+David+Wheddle David Wheddle] and [http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Bradley+Thompson Bradley Thompson]
*Directed by [http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Jeff+Woolnough Jeff Woolnough]




=== Production Notes ===
*Series 1 (2004 / 2005)
*Production Number: 1.10
*Airdate Order: 10 (of 13)

=== First Run Air Dates & Releases ===

*UK Airdate: 3 January 2005 (Sky One)
*US Airdate: (Sci-Fi Channel)
*DVD Release: N/A

{{Category: Episode Guide}}
{{Category: A to Z}}

The Hand of God (RDM)

2005-01-26T17:38:50Z

Gizmojumpjet: /* Summary */ fixing dreaded typo.

[[Image:bsg-1-10.jpg|thumb|"The Hand of God" (credit: Sci-Fi Channel)]]

== Overview ==

: With the fleet short of fuel, the ''[[Galactica]]'' launches a daring attack on a Cylon base

== Summary ==
* The fleet is almost out of fuel, and the ''[[Galactica]]'' has [[Raptor|Raptors]] out scouting nearby star systems to find tylium ore - if they don't, the fleet can make two more jumps at best
* Aboard one of the Raptors, [[Valerii, Sharon|Boomer]] and [[Crashdown]] find more than tylium – they find an asteroid full of the ore, complete with a Cylon base and refinery
* Faced with trying to locate tylium elsewhere using their remaining supplies of fuel, or taking the asteroid from the Cylons, [[Adama, William|Adama]] opts to take the asteroid
* On ''[[Colonial One]]', [[Roslin, Laura|Roslin]] reveals she is being affected by taking [[Kamala]] extract to [[Elosha]] – her dreams about [[Conoy, Leoben|Conoy]] which occurred immediately before he was found on the ''[Gemenon Traveller]]'' ([[Flesh and Bone]]), and her hallucination about snakes
* On hearing about the snakes, Elosha reveals an ancient text written by [[Pythia]] 3,600 years ago concerning the exodus of humankind
* [[Tigh, Saul|Tigh]] and [[Adama, Lee|Lee Adama]] draw up an initial plan to take the asteroid, but [[Starbuck]] comes up with an alternative idea, which is presented to Roslin, who gives her approval
* Plans are drawn up for the attack on the Cylon base on the asteroid, and [[Baltar, Gaius|Baltar]] is involved in preparations. In doing so he completes his transition into “an instrument of God”
* The attack is launched – at first everything appears to go wrong; but as the situation unfolds, it turns out that there is a plan-within-a-plan – Adama doesn’t trust anyone other than his immediate officers with the full details of the action - not even Roslin
* Even so, things do not go well, until in a daring manoeuvre, Lee Adama manages to destroy the Cylon base on the asteroid, and win the supplies of tylium for the fleet.

=== On Caprica: ===
*[[Agathon, Karl C.|Helo]] and [[Valerii, Sharon|Valerii]] are hiding-out on a farm on their way to [[Delphi]]
*When Helo offers to fix a meal, Valerii is uncharacteristically sick, leading them to try and settle down for some sleep
*They are interrupted by the arrival of a troop of Cylon warriors - lead by a corporeal Six!
*Forcing a stunned Helo into action - he cannot believe the woman he saw Valerii kill is coming after them - Valerii forces him back on the run

--[[User:Ernestborg9|Colonial Archivist]] 10:38, 26 Jan 2005 (EST)

== Analysis ==

Another powerful episode – if unfortunately contrived in some areas - that did much to further several plot lines and again draw together so of what has gone before in previous episodes.

The performances throughout were powerful, and it was in some ways good to see one or two of the characters falling back into their old ways – notably Starbuck sliding back towards her conceited, overly-confident “frak off, only I can do this” annoying in-yer-faceness, and Apollo with his “oh woe is me” routine. That both of these two – who have progressed so far in so many different ways in so short a time (36 days, to be exact) can be seen to still have the baggage of their formal lives kicking around their feet, ready to be tripped over, is again a point in BSG’s favour in portraying the reality of the human condition. No-one becomes an ideal role-model overnight – or over the course of a month.

It’s also interesting to see how Roslin’s doubts concerning Adama’s humanity ([[Flesh and Bone]], [[Secrets and Lies]]) have now reaped their harvest: Adama doesn’t trust her sufficiently enough to reveal all the details of tactical and strategic operations to her. In many respects, this side of their relationship is back to how it was back in [[33]].

With the Helo / Valerii situation on Caprica, the procreation element appears to have come to the fore. Despite the time of day, Vallerii's vomiting smacked strongly of "morning sickness". If this is the case, the meaning behind her statement to Helo that she is the one the Cylons are after ([[Secrets and Lies]] is doubly clear: not only do they want her back – they want what they suspect she may be carrying inside her. And now he’s seen Six again, Helo can’t go on much longer before he starts stringing at least some of it together.

But of the entire episode, it is the opening of the Roslin and Baltar arcs that are the compelling.

Roslin is interesting on a number of levels. First off, there is the fact that she herself has some limited precognition, presumably as a result of the Kamala treatment she is taking. But if it has happened once ([[Flesh and Bone]]), will it happen again? What will happen as her cancer grows, and she comes to reply on Kamala and other medications to a greater degree. Oracles are not uncommon, it would appear from Colonial legend (Pythia) – could we see Roslin travel the road from purely political leader to a more pseudo-religious leader / Sybil; a possible counter-point to Baltar himself?

Then there is the reference to Pythia herself, and a further link to the ancient Greece of our own planet. In Greek mythology, the Pythia was the priestess at Apollo's oracle in Delphi. The name itself comes from Python, the dragon slain by Apollo.

The Pythia operated as a vehicle for Apollo's will to be known to those on earth. A believer would make a sacrifice and present a question to a priest. The priest would then present the question to the Pythia. The Pythia sat on a bronze tripod in the adytum, or inner chamber of Apollo's temple. In this sacred chamber the spirit of Apollo overcame the Pythia and inspired the prophecy.

Note the interesting potential resonances here:

*In our mythology, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pythia Pythia] was the servant of Apollo; in BSG, we see a woman foretold by the Colonial’s “Pythia” seeking the counsel of “Apollo” (Lee Adama), and using the knowledge he imparts to her to better understand the likes of Adama
*In our mythology, it is often inferred that Pythia’s trances were induced from chewing laurel leaves (hence depictions of her holding a sprig of laurel) – on BSG, Roslin’s “vision” are induced by her taking an herbal remedy known as Kamala extract.

A further interesting – possibly coincidental – resonance is that the Pythia in ancient Greece were the oracle of Delphi – and on Caprica, Helo and Valerii are making for the religious centre of Delphi.

On Baltar’s part, things are equally interesting – both in their religious context, and with the evolving situation with “his” Six.

Following his seeking God’s forgiveness ([[33]]) and his repentance of his sins ([[Six Degrees of Separation]]), Baltar finally becomes God’s “instrument”. He literally becomes the hand of God referenced in the episode title: he is the one that points out the target that will destroy the Cylon base.

This in itself is interesting. Over the last few weeks, we’ve seen Baltar move through the five emotional states that tend to guide our reactions to a new “truth” we’d rather not face:

*Denial (dismissing the “disappearance” of the ''Olympic Carrier'' after the call from Dr. Amorak as anything more than a serendipitous event - [[33]])
*Anger (his outright hostility towards Six as she continues to "bore" him with talk of God - [[Six Degrees of Separation]])
*Bargaining (praying to God for his safety in return for his obedience - [[Six Degrees of Separation]])
*Depression (leaving the Situation Room without having “heard” God’s voice & facing up to the fact that he had to – again - lie)
*Acceptance his messianic response to Six’s coaxing at the end of this episode.

Another interesting aspect of Baltar’s acceptance that he is indeed an “instrument of God” is in the fact that – as with many [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fundamental_Christianity fundamentalist Christian]] teachings here on Earth (which state that to truly become a Christian, one must undergo “death” and rebirth - hence the baptism) - Baltar experiences his own “death” as Six apparently breaks his neck while in his fantasy world, and he is “reborn” in the present, facing Tigh and Starbuck, and points out the tylium precursor tanks on the asteroid.

Given all this, is it any wonder we have a somewhat messianic Baltar at the end of the episode?

But what is the driving force behind Baltar’s “conversion”? The concept of a pseudo-Christian God is very much a Cylon concept, being repeatedly expressed by both Baltar’s Six and Leoben Conoy. It is also a concept alien to Colonial thinking. Taking it as read that Baltar is a human – one who prides himself on being a rational genius and “above” the need for religious “flim-flam” - why should he fixate on a Cylon religious concept?

Could it simply be a part of his mind playing on something Six said to him before Caprica was attacked? Or could it be the fact that “his” Six really is something more than a simple manifestation of his own psychosis? That she is an ideology / personality “downloaded” into him?

Again, this episode points towards Six being an ideology / personality downloaded into Baltar. To dismiss all that has happened around Baltar as a simple string of coincidences he has been able to knit together into his own personal version of reality is, on the basis of the events in this episode, becoming increasingly hard to accept.

And it is Six who brings the story circle – returning to the writings of Pythia and the two and ten serpents – only in this case, an alternative meaning is deduced (by Baltar): the 12 serpents are in fact the 12 Vipers lead by Apollo on the raid on the Cylon base. And again, notice the careful counterpoint: when Roslin reveals her hallucination to Elosha, the priestess reveals the writings of Pythia to her, essentially anointing Roslin as the leader Pythia once foretold. In the closing scene we have Six using the same writings to finally convince Baltar that he is also “anointed” – an instrument of God.

Is it mere coincidence that Six picks on the same passages as those identified by Elosha?

Away from these two threads, Adama further reconciles himself with his son – the scene played out in the Viper bay with the lighter is exceptionally well-handled, and fully in keeping with all that we’ve seen between Adama and Lee since the events of [[You Can’t Go Home Again]]. Indeed, in this, it is far more in keeping with the nature of both characters than the somewhat clumsy scene between Adama and Thrace that took place in Adama’s cabin during [[Act of Contrition]].

Similarly, and as mentioned, the re-bubbling of animosity between Lee Adama and Kara Thrace is handled by the writers and the actors with the right level of intensity that makes the situation so believable: Lee Adama’s resurfacing self-doubt; Thrace’s returning arrogance (born no doubt of her inability to fly herself): a careful mix that fully reminds us that there is still a lot of history to these characters – to all our cast – and past attitudes and doubts are not easily put aside.

Returning to the main thrust of the episode: the need of tylium and the attack on the Cylon base. In setting it up, the producers are making it clear that, as with the fall-out from the events of [[Water]], they are not going to forget logistical matters. We’ve have a water shortage, now we’ve had a fuel shortage. However, they’ve also very cleverly made it clear that such problems are not going to become an easy fall-back for writers stuck for ideas to use: in [[Water]] it was made abundantly clear that, saving sabotage or serious damage, the [[Galactica]] can keep the majority of the fleet supplied with clean water (and it was intimated that other vessels in the fleet can take care of their own water needs). Here, it is fuel that is currently the issue of the day – providing the Cylon base is taken; we’re informed that fuel supplies needn’t be a problem for the fleet for another couple of years – again barring mishaps.

But perhaps the most interesting question surrounding the entire tylium situation is: was it actually a set-up by the Cylons?

We know from Leoben Conoy’s promise to Starbuck ([[Flesh and Bone]]) that the Colonials are going to find Kobol. To do so, they are going to need fuel – and the chances are that the Cylons are aware of this fact, either through deduction (the fleet has been burning fuel at a considerable rate – no fewer than 238 jumps in the first five days of the “chase”) or via possible contact with their agents within the fleet. What better to ensure they reach Kobol that to not only provide them with raw tylium, but also with the facilities to rapidly mine it? Certainly, considering their vast numerical superiority (some 140 Raiders facing around 18-20 Vipers) – the Cylons gave up easily enough once the base had been destroyed.

Further, given the way they appear to set so much by Colonial religious writings – Six and Conoy both quoting scripture and ancient texts – allowing the Colonials to “win” the battle at the tylium asteroid could been seen as a means of fulfilling the prophesy quoted by Six to Baltar, and thus helping “ensure” the upcoming confrontation at Kobol.

Which is not to say the story is not without a few hiccups; for a start, how does a seasoned tactical officer like Tigh come up with a plan of attack on the Cylon base that is so fundamentally flawed in its concept from the outset: jumping the Galactica in “behind” the enemy, without considering the nature and extent of the enemy’s likely fighter patrols? One might forgive Lee Adama such a mistake – he’s hardly a veteran war planner; but Tigh? He of all people should know that this far outside of a friendly sphere of influence, when the enemy (the Colonials) have a warship capable of jumping in on them from any point in space, the Cylons are bound to have the most obvious hiding-places staked out with fighter patrols or automated scanning systems.

No, the flawed planning is designed to open the door to Starbuck’s “out-of-the-box” thinking & the planting of the decoy mission. Sadly, while it does this, the way the opening is played diminishes Tigh for his lack of foresight.

Then there is the question of why is Starbuck so upset that the first part of the plan - the attack by Viper Strike Force One is going “wrong”? It is her plan – as Adama states – and so she should be aware that it is the “Strike Force” that is in fact the decoy, not the freighters. As such, the decoys stand a good chance of “being cut to pieces” – yet her reaction, in facing Adama is accusatory, as if she had no idea this would happen.

Next up is the fact that - despite the loss of their base – the Cylons have a massive numerical superiority over the Colonial Vipers (some 18-20 Vipers (after losses), split into two small groups facing-off against 140-ish Raiders) – yet they failed to ram this advantage home. Part of the Cylon plan? Possibly, but the way it was handled in the episode (the Raiders simply “bugging out”) doesn’t really support this. Nor does the idea of those same 140-odd Raiders simply running away from a force of just 8 Vipers (the remaining ships of Strike Force One) without making some attempt at taking out several more Vipers.

Finally, there is Adama’s apparently reckless response to the news the Cylons are bugging out – ordering his fighters after them when a) the Cylons do have a massive numerical superiority that could quickly put his fighters at risk; b) the Cylons have FTL and so could easily evade the Vipers (after drawing them out) prior to jumping, re-grouping and then jumping back in (to, say, launch an attack directly on Galactica herself while she is still sans fighters.

But these really are minor glitches in what is otherwise an episode that again operates on several levels and cleverly interweaves a number of different threads.

== Unanswered Questions ==

* Why did [[Adama, William|Commander Adama]] order the fighters to pursue the fleeing [[Cylon Raiders]], instead of securing the area?
* How many Vipers does Galactica actually have? Do they have a contingency plan should the a majority (or all) of the Vipers be destroyed? Or are they simply fraked?
* Are the Colonials able to build ships, such as [[Vipers]], from scratch? Or can they take destroyed hulks and rebuild off them?
* How exactly can a 3,600 year old text fortell the exodus of humanity, and the leadership of [[Roslin, Laura|President Roslin]]?
* Does someone have time on their hands to build miniatures of the new Cylon Raiders for the [[Situation Room]]!?

== Notes ==
*Nine days have passed since the events of [[Secrets and Lies]]
*Tylium ore is use to power FTL systems, but probably not through any fissionable reaction
*Cylon technology is clearly a Colonial off-shoot, as one would expect: from the use of tylium down to the shape of doorways
*William Adama’s father was Joseph Adama
*Sharon Valerii on Capica may well be pregnant
*There is an ancient text some 3,600 years old foretelling humanity’s flight – and apparently, Roslin’s leadership
*Mark II Vipers can carry both missiles and munitions pods (bombs)
*The Mark VII Vipers all appear to be out of commission - even Apollo is now regularly flying a Mk II
*The religious overtones to the human / Cylon struggle are becoming more pronounced, with a now-promised confrontation due at the “home of the Gods”
*The Colonial fleet has a tylium refinery ship among its number
*With the capture of the tylium mining facilities on the asteroid, the Colonials should be able to gather enough tylium to keep them going for about 2 years – assuming they can shift that much tylium to their refinery ship before the Cylons return

== Noteworthy Dialogue ==

Lee Adama sits with a battered Viper before the mission. He is joined by his father, who after a short conversation, Adama hands lee a lighter

Adama: It belonged to you grandfather. My mom bought it for him when he was in law school. See the engraving on it? Lee: (reading the name "Joseph Adama") Yes I, um, can barely make it out... Adama: He was a better father than I was. Dad used to carry that into court cases; claimed he never lost unless he left it behind. Lee So you’re worried too. Adama: About what? Lee: Sometimes it feels like the whole ship thinks...Starbuck...would do better. Adama: I don’t. Lee: How can you be so sure? Adama: Because you’re my son.

== Official Statements ==




== Statistics ==



=== Guest Stars ===


*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Lorena+Gale Lorena Gale] as [[Elosha]]
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Nicki+Cylne Nicki Cylne] as [[Cally]]
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Cailin+Stadnyk Cailin Stadnyk] as [[Ensign Davis]]
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Bodie+Olmos Bodie Olmos] as [[Constanza|Constanza / Hot Dog]]
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Lucianna+Carro Lucianna Carro] as [[Katraine|Katraine / Kat]]
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Terry+Chen Terry Chen] as [[Perry|Perry / Chuckles]]
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Christina+Schild Christina Schild] as [[Kohn, Playa|Playa Kohn]]
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Biski+Gugushe Biski Gugushe] as [[Hamilton, Sekou|Sekou Hamilton]]
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Paul+Cummings Paul Cummings] as [[Fireball]]
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Camille+Sullivan Camille Sullivan] as [[Stepchild]]




=== Writing & Direction ===

*Written by [http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+David+Wheddle David Wheddle] and [http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Bradley+Thompson Bradley Thompson]
*Directed by [http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Jeff+Woolnough Jeff Woolnough]




=== Production Notes ===
*Series 1 (2004 / 2005)
*Production Number: 1.10
*Airdate Order: 10 (of 13)

=== First Run Air Dates & Releases ===

*UK Airdate: 3 January 2005 (Sky One)
*US Airdate: (Sci-Fi Channel)
*DVD Release: N/A

{{Category: Episode Guide}}
{{Category: A to Z}}

Kobol

2005-01-26T15:42:42Z

Gizmojumpjet: fixing typo.

==Overview==
Kobol is said to be the original home of mankind, once shared with the [[Lords of Kobol]].

Kobol is a verdant world of seas and continents, the latter having large swathes of woodland, grassland and forests ([[Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part I]]).

Kobol was a place where humans and the god dwelt in harmony, the seat of power being the [[City of the Gods]], itself dominated by the Forum and Opera House ([[Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part I]]).

==Great Exodus==
The Great Exodus from Kobol took place some 2,000 years prior to the events of the [[re-imagined|new Battestar Galactica]]. At that time, the 12 tribes departed Kobol for the [[Cyrannus]] system ([[Video Game]]).

It is unclear whether the gods themselves departed Kobol at this time. However, given their presence is not seen amoung the 12 colonies, it is possible they remained on Kobol. This may be the reason why not everyone departed Kobol at the time of the Great Exodus.

Certainly, it is known that the [[Thirteenth Tribe]] departed Kobol some time after the main exodus ([[Mini-Series]]), to seek a planet known as "([[Earth]])". The gods may also have abandoned Kobol at this time to travel with the Thirteenth Tribe.

==Religious Texts==
During the time humans lived on Kobol, many texts were written, some of which have survived through time, and are regarded by some as religious artefacts, and by others the documenting of myths and legends. Chief among these writings are those of [[Pythia]], who wrote some 1,600 years prior to the Great Exodus, fortelling of another exodus featuring a "caravan of the heavens" lead by someone dying of a "wasting disease" ([[The Hand of God]]). This exodus would lead humanity to a new home, although the leader would die before he/she could enter the new home.

Some of the writings of Pythia have apparently come true: [[Roslin, Laura|President Laura Roslin]], the civil leader of the Colonial fleet is dying of cancer - which can be considered a wasting disease. Fuether, she has several visions, including one of 12 snakes ([[The Hand of God]]) that is specifically foretold by Pythia.

==Rediscovering Kobol==
Kobol is re-discovered by chance when the ''[[Galactica]]'' dispatches her [[Raptor|Raptors]] to locate planets which may provide materials needed to re-supply the fleet ([[Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part I]].

Following the discovery - predicted by the [[humano-Cylon]] [[Conoy, Leoben|Leoben Conoy]], Roslin becomes convinced that Kobol will lead the fleet to Earth, providing the [[Tomb of Athena]] can be accessed. To do this, the [[Arrow of Apollo]] must be retreived from [[Caprica]].

However, before the surface of Kobol can be reached safely (and the crew of a crashed Raptor rescued), and [[Cylon]] force lead by a [[basestar]] must be eliminated. It is planned to use the captured Cylon [[Raider]] to help with this, but before any plan can be put into action, [[Thrace, Kara|Lt. "Starbuck" Thrace]] uses the Raider to go to Caprica in an attempt to recover the Arrow. [[Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part I]].

==Kobol In the Original Series ==

In the [[Original Series|original series]] Kobol was also the mother world from which humanity originated. In that series, it was an ecological / environmental disaster that lead to the migration. During the migration, 12 tribes set out for the stars, but became lost in a starless void before stumbling into the worlds that would become the new twelve colonies of mankind, while the 13th again headed for a world called "Earth".

Kobol is rediscovered in the episode [[Lost Planet of the Gods, Part I]], which sees a team from the ''[[Galactica]]'' arrive among the ruins of [[Eden]], the planet's largest city. Here they seek to enter the tomb of the [[Ninth Lord of Kobol]] in order to find clues as to the route taken by the Thirteeth Tribe ([[Lost Planet of the Gods, Part II]]). A [[TOS Cylon|Cylon]] attack prevents them from doing so.

===Similarities with the [[Re-imagined|New Galactica]]===

Both series of Galactica utilise Kobol in similar ways:

*It is the original home of mankind
*It is found by chance by both fleets
*A tomb may hold the key to the location of Earth
**[[Ninth Lord of Kobol]] - [[Lost Planet of the Gods, Part I]]
**[[Tomb of Athena]] - [[Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part I]]
*The Colonials encounter Cylons at both.

==Origins of "Kobol"==
"Kobol" originally appears to have derived from "Kolob" which, according to the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_articles_about_Mormonism Mormon] [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_of_Abraham Book of Abraham] is the "star nearest unto God". [[Glen A. Larson]], creator of the original series is a member of the of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_of_Jesus_Christ_of_Latter-day_Saints Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints], and as such used Mormon imagery within the show, together with elements of Eygptian imagery that tend to reflect the time of Abraham and the Israelites.

Additional information in preparation, and will be uploaded shortly

[[Category:A to Z]]
[[Category:Colonial History]]
[[Category:Colonial Religion]]
[[Category:Planets]]

More to be added

Caprica

2005-01-26T15:41:36Z

Gizmojumpjet: fixing typo.

Caprica City is the civil administration centre for the 12 colonies, and the seat of the President and the [[Quorum of Twelve]].

It is a large blue-green planet, similar to Earth. It's largest centre of population is [[Caprica City]], while other large centres of population include [[Dephi]]. Prior to the [[Cylon Attack|Cylon attack]], the population was widely spread between cities suchas Caprica City and Delphi, and smaller hamlets such as [[Oasis]].

The seat of all three branches of [[Colonial Government|Colonial government]].

===Caprica in the Original Series===
In the original series, Caprica was said to be the world that led the technological renaissance among the Twelve Colonies of Man, rediscovering space flight along the way.

== Notable Natives ==

Commander [[Adma, William|William "Husker" Adama]]. 
Captain [[Adama, Lee|Lee "Apollo" Adama]]. 
Doctor [[Baltar, Gaius]] - Vice President of the 12 Colonies survivors; Science Advisor to [[Roslin, Laura|President Laura Roslin]] 
Lieutenant [[Thrace, Kara|Kara "Starbuck" Thrace]]

[[Category:A to Z]]
[[Category:Planets]]
[[Category:Twelve Colonies]]

Artemis

2005-01-25T21:09:34Z

Gizmojumpjet:

One of the [[Lords of Kobol]], worshipped by modern-day Colonials.

Her exact function is unclear, however, given the role of [[Apollo]] appears to reflect that of Apollo within the [[Greek Gods|Greek Olympian Pantheon]], it is probable that she fulfils the same role as the Greek Artemis of legend.

[[Thrace, Kara|Kara "Starbuck" Thrace]] prays the [[Lords of Kobol]] while holding figurines of Artemiss and [[Aphrodite]], following the "death" of [[Conoy, Leoben|Leoben Conoy]] aboard the ''[[Gememon Traveller]]'' ([[Flesh and Bone]]. In doing so, she fulfils her "role" in help his soul find God, and confirms his statement that she is a worshipper of these two [[Lords of Kobol|Lords]].

== Notes ==

===Greek Mythology===

In Greek mythology, Artemis was one of the twelve [[Greek Gods|Olympians]]. She was the daughter of [[Zeus]] and [[Leto]], and the twin sister of [[Apollo]]. This virgin goddess was worshipped as the goddess of the moon, the hunt, wild animals, healing, the wilderness, chastity, and childbirth.

Consistent with her roles of goddess of the moon and of the hunt, she is often portrayed in art with a bow and arrows, with the crescent moon above her head.

As with Apollo (god of healing who also gave rise to sickness such as rabies and leprosy), Artemis was said to be the cause of women dying in labour as well as being the goddess of childbirth.

== External Links ==

Wikipedia entry for [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artemis Artemis].

--[[User:Gizmojumpjet|Colonial Historiographer]] 10:43, 25 Jan 2005 (EST)

[[Category:A to Z]]
[[category:Colonial Religion]]

Apollo, Lord of Kobol

2005-01-25T20:32:03Z

Gizmojumpjet: /* Greek Mythology */

One of the [[Lords of Kobol]] worshipped by modern-day Colonials.

Apollo is the son of [[Zeus]], and regarded in Colonial religion as the god the god of the hunt and the god of healing. In this, his role somewhat mirrors that of Apollo of the [[Greek Gods|Olympian Pantheon]] of ancient greece.

Within Colonial religion, Apollo is symbolised by the [[Arrow of Apollo]].

==Notes==

===Greek Mythology===
In Greek mythology, Apollo (Greek: Apollon) is the son of [[Zeus]] and [[Leto]] and the twin to [[Artemis]], with whom he shares lordship over the hunt. In his role as the god of healing, he also fulfilled the contradictory role of the bringer of plagues such as rabies and leprosy.

From the perspective of Battlestar Galactica, Apollo in Greek mythology, Apollo was said to have dominion colonists, and the parton saints of flocks and herds. As the god of healing, he also purified those guilty of murder.

These points all map onto the character of [[Adama, Lee|Lee Adama]]:

* As CAG, he is responsible for operating the [[Combat Air Patrol|Combat Air Patrols]] that protect the Colonists within the fleet (which could be regarded as a flock or herd)

* Within [[Bastille Day]], he provided a means by which [[Zarek, Tom|Tom Zarek's]] past acts (including blowing up a government building and killing people ([[Bastille Day]]) could be "purified" through hard labour in support of the fleet, thus bringing about Zarek's apparent reformation and return to society ([[Colonial Day]]).

Apollo is also linked to two further symbols of Greek mythology used within the Battlestar Galactica universe: the [[Pythia]], who were regarded as the mouth of Apoll, who occupied the temple at [[Delphi]].

===External Links===
Wikipedia entry for [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apollo_%28god%29 Apollo]

[[Category:A to Z]]
[[Category:Colonial Religion]]

Apollo, Lord of Kobol

2005-01-25T20:31:33Z

Gizmojumpjet: /* Greek Mythology */

One of the [[Lords of Kobol]] worshipped by modern-day Colonials.

Apollo is the son of [[Zeus]], and regarded in Colonial religion as the god the god of the hunt and the god of healing. In this, his role somewhat mirrors that of Apollo of the [[Greek Gods|Olympian Pantheon]] of ancient greece.

Within Colonial religion, Apollo is symbolised by the [[Arrow of Apollo]].

==Notes==

===Greek Mythology===
In Greek mythology, Apollo (Greek: Apollon) is the son of [[Zeus]] and [[Leto]] and the twin to [[Artemis]], with whom he shares lordship over the hunt. In his role as the god of healing, he also fulfilled the contradictory role of the bringer of plagues such as rabies and leprosy.

From the perspective of Battlestar Galactica, Apollo in Greek mythology, Apollo was said to have dominion colonists, and the parton saints of flocks and herds. As the god of healing, he also purified those guilty of murder.

These points all map onto the character od [[Adama, Lee|Lee Adama]]:

* As CAG, he is responsible for operating the [[Combat Air Patrol|Combat Air Patrols]] that protect the Colonists within the fleet (which could be regarded as a flock or herd)

* Within [[Bastille Day]], he provided a means by which [[Zarek, Tom|Tom Zarek's]] past acts (including blowing up a government building and killing people ([[Bastille Day]]) could be "purified" through hard labour in support of the fleet, thus bringing about Zarek's apparent reformation and return to society ([[Colonial Day]]).

Apollo is also linked to two further symbols of Greek mythology used within the Battlestar Galactica universe: the [[Pythia]], who were regarded as the mouth of Apoll, who occupied the temple at [[Delphi]].

===External Links===
Wikipedia entry for [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apollo_%28god%29 Apollo]

[[Category:A to Z]]
[[Category:Colonial Religion]]

Aphrodite

2005-01-25T16:56:03Z

Gizmojumpjet:

== Introduction ==

Aphrodite was the Greek goddess of love and beauty. Two accounts of her birth exists in Greek mythology. According to one, she was born full-grown out of sea foam after Cronos cut off the genitals of Uranus and the elder god's blood and semen dripped into the sea. According to Homer's ''Iliad'' she was the daughter of the original oracular goddess Dione.

The word ''aphrodisiac'' is derived from her name.

== Worship ==

Along with [[Artemis]], she is worshipped by the privately pious [[Thrace, Kara |Kara "Starbuck" Thrace]]. ([[Mini-Series]], [[Flesh and Bone]])

== External Links ==

Wikipedia entry for [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aphrodite Aphrodite]. 
Wikipedia entry for [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aphrodisiac Aphrodisiac].

--[[User:Gizmojumpjet|Colonial Historiographer]] 10:58, 25 Jan 2005 (EST)

[[category:A to Z]]
[[category:Colonial Religion]]

Thomas Zarek

2005-01-25T16:35:55Z

Gizmojumpjet: /* Before the Holocaust */

[[Image:Tom_zarek_001.jpg|thumb|Tom Zarek ([[Bastille Day]]) Credit: Sky One/Universal Studios]]

== Overview ==

Position: Representing Sagittaron on the [[Quorum of Twelve]]

Age: Early 50s

Martial Status: Single

Children: None

Prisoner Number: [[893893]]

(Played by [[Hatch, Richard|Richard Hatch]])

A political activist for more than 30 years, fighting what he considered injustices against Sagittaron. Imprisoned for some 20-25 years after blowing up a government building there. Under consideration for parole at the time of the [[Cylon Attack|Cylon attack]].

== Biography ==

=== Before the Holocaust ===

Tom Zarek is a charasmatic, eloquent and ideological political agitator who was incarcerated for destroying a government building on [[Sagittaron]]. His 20-year incarceration lead him to be onboard the ''[[Astral Queen]]'', a [[FTL]]-capable prison ship that survived the holocaust. Through means unknown, he managed to become the figurehead for all the incarcerated persons aboard the ''[[Astral Queen]]'', and almost managed to take control of the ship through force. ([[Bastille Day]])

Zarek came from [[Sagittaron]], a colony known to be mistreated by the other eleven [[Colonies]]. Through his experiences on that colony, he became an advocate of freedom from slavery. Zarek became a voice for the disenfranchised and, along with publishing a book that was virtaully banned throughout the [[Colonies]], actively sought to fight against injustices.

To some he is considered a terrorist and nusiance for his tactics, which included the destruction of a government building that resulted in an unspecified loss of life. He believes in the efficacy of violence as a means of change, going as so far as to go to prison over a "matter of conscience" and his refusal of President [[Adar]]'s politically motivated conditional pardon. (The condition being that he would publicly apologize and pledge to give up violence as a means of change.)

Even some of his own Sagittarons have an intense dislike of him, including Petty Officer [[Dualla]]. Despite this, he became a public figure whose name had weight and almost became legendary, thanks to public opinion. ([[Bastille Day]])

== After the Exodus ==

After avoiding the [[Astral Queen]] commander's desire to euthanise the prisoners (thanks to President [[Laura Roslin]]'s humanitarian decision), (see: [[Mini-Series]]) Zarek apparently plotted to escape captivity. With the water shortage and the discovery of a planet that could replenish the lost water ([[Water]]), Commander [[Adam, William|Adama]], [[Tigh, Saul|Colonel Tigh]] and President [[Laura Roslin]] reluctantly elect to utilize the prisoners as badly needed manpower -- the condition being that they would not be treated as slaves and they would agree of their own volition. ([[Bastille Day]])

After an unsuccessful attempt by [[Lee Adama]] to persuade the prisoners to help in the recovery efforts, Zarek's sprung the prisoners' escape plan. The prisoners, under Zarek's command, usurped control of the [[Astral Queen]], and taking her crew and visitors (the [[Galactica]] contingent) as prisoners. Zarek then laid out his terms: the resignation of [[Laura Roslin]] and her ministers, and the free and open elections for a new president, as he deemed her occupancy of that position to be illegitimate and illegal.

Unfortunately, Zarek's aims were not in keeping with his demands; he wanted a bloodbath to ensue, believing that all that people understood was violence, and that the bloodbath would destroy any credibility that [[Adama, William|William Adama]] and [[Roslin, Laura|Laura Roslin]] had.

When the situation deteriorated near the point of catastrophe for all involved, Tom Zarek, who was ready to sacrifice his life for his beliefs, was swayed by [[Lee Adama]]'s promise that he would uphold the [[Articles of Colonization]] and hold open elections for a new president, as well as give the ship over to the prisoners as a show of good faith.

== Attempts for Political Power ==
With a degree of freedom obtained by the prisoners - including control of the ''Astral Queen'', Zarek engaged in a steady effort to gain the goodwill of others of influence within the fleet. This effort included physical acts of support for other ships in the fleet (such as fixing the air filtration system on the ship occupied by [[Bagott, Marshall|Marshall Bagott]], a politican from Virgon (and later a member of the new [[Quorum of Twelve]]) - [[Colonial Day]]). The result of his efforts was to be nominated as the Representative of [[Sagittaron]] on the Quorum of Twelve, from which he was able to make a bid for the position of Vice President, with the support of those he had previously assisted, and possibly badgered ([[Colonial Day]]).

While Zarek's attempt at the Vice Presidency failed due to Doctor [[Baltar, Gaius|Gaius Baltar]] replacing [[Gray, Wallace|Wallace Gray]] as the alternative candidate, he has made it clear he will be standing against Roslin in the ellections.

== Notes ==

Tom Zarek is portrayed by actor [[Hatch, Richard|Richard Hatch]], who portrayed the original [[Apollo]] in the 1978 [[Battlestar Galactica]] series.

Felix Gaeta

2005-01-25T16:32:50Z

Gizmojumpjet:

[[Image:Bsg-gaeta-1.jpg|thumb|Lt. Gaeta (credit: Sci-Fi Channel)]]

Full Name: ? Gaeta

Rank: Lieutenant

Age: Mid-20s (?)

Marital Status: Single

Children: None

Current position: Tactical Officer [[Battlestar]] ''[[Galactica]]'', formerly part of the 75th Battlestar Group

(Played by: [[Alessandro Juliani]])

Lieutenant Gaeta is a young, capable officer in the Colonial military. For the three years prior to the Cylon attack on the [[Twelve Colonies | twelve colonies]], he has served as [[William Adama]]'s Tactical Officer aboard the ''Galactica''.

He is a stickler for detail and highly efficient. This, and his overall ability have led William Adama to rely heavily on him as a member of Galactica's command crew, despite his relative youth and junior rank.

As well as performing the role of Tactical Officer, Gaeta is also responsible for the management of the ship's [[FTL]] systems. This includes both calculating FTL jumps, and initiating the jump itself.

Following the Cylon attack, and as a result of his having studied biogenetics, Lt. Gaeta was selected by Adama to assist Dr. [[Gaius Baltar]] in the development of the much-needed [[Cylon detector]] ([[Water]]). During his time working with Baltar, Gaeta has developed a certain respect and liking for the doctor - despite the latter's apparent eccentricities. So much so, that when a woman called "[[Shelly Godfrey]]" arrived on-board the ''Galactica'', Gaeta worked hard to try and prove Baltar's innocence of the charges levelled against him ([[Six Degrees of Separation]]). Although he is ultimately successful, he fails to follow-up on the fact that the photogrpahic evidence supplied by "Shelly Godfrey" looked as if the evidence itself had been faked in such a way to ensure it is exposed as a forgery.

[[Category:A to Z]]
[[Category:Characters]]

Felix Gaeta

2005-01-25T16:32:22Z

Gizmojumpjet:

[[Image:Bsg-gaeta-1.jpg|thumb|Lt. Gaeta (credit: Sci-Fi Channel)]]

Full Name: ? Gaeta

Rank: Lieutenant

Age: Mid-20s (?)

Marital Status: Single

Children: None

Current position: Tactical Officer [[Battlestar]] ''[[Galactica]]'', formerly part of the 75th Battlestar Group

(Played by: [[Alessandro Juliani]])

Lieutenant Gaeta is a young, capable officer in the Colonial military. For the three years prior to the Cylon attack on the [[twelve colonies]], he has served as [[William Adama]]'s Tactical Officer aboard the ''Galactica''.

He is a stickler for detail and highly efficient. This, and his overall ability have led William Adama to rely heavily on him as a member of Galactica's command crew, despite his relative youth and junior rank.

As well as performing the role of Tactical Officer, Gaeta is also responsible for the management of the ship's [[FTL]] systems. This includes both calculating FTL jumps, and initiating the jump itself.

Following the Cylon attack, and as a result of his having studied biogenetics, Lt. Gaeta was selected by Adama to assist Dr. [[Gaius Baltar]] in the development of the much-needed [[Cylon detector]] ([[Water]]). During his time working with Baltar, Gaeta has developed a certain respect and liking for the doctor - despite the latter's apparent eccentricities. So much so, that when a woman called "[[Shelly Godfrey]]" arrived on-board the ''Galactica'', Gaeta worked hard to try and prove Baltar's innocence of the charges levelled against him ([[Six Degrees of Separation]]). Although he is ultimately successful, he fails to follow-up on the fact that the photogrpahic evidence supplied by "Shelly Godfrey" looked as if the evidence itself had been faked in such a way to ensure it is exposed as a forgery.

[[Category:A to Z]]
[[Category:Characters]]

Number Five

2005-01-25T16:31:25Z

Gizmojumpjet: /* PR Executive (Doral #1) */

[[Image:Bsg-doral.jpg|thumb|"Aaron Doral" (credit: Sci-Fi Channel)]]

== Overview ==

Category: [[Cylon]]

Type: [[Humano-Cylon]]

Sex: Male

Played by: [[Matthew Bennett]]

Aaron Doral appear to be a man in his mid-thirties. He is initially encountered aboard the [[Battlestar]] ''[[Galactica]]'', where he is operating as a Public Relations executive. Later he is active both within the fleeing Colonial fleet and on Caprica.

== Roles ==

=== PR Executive (Doral #1) ===

On first being encountered, Doral appears to be exactly what he claims: a PR executive ([[Mini-Series]]). He is charged with coordinating the ceremony surrounding the ''Galactica's'' final decommissioning and hand-over to the civilian authorities represented by Education Minister [[Laura Roslin]].

In the role of PR executive, he is efficient, polite and carries the correct about the difference to those around him to enable him to carry out his work without ruffling feathers, while at the same time being able to marshall and manage the media.

Following Gaius Baltars' arrival on the ''Galactica'', Doral becomes the fall-guy Baltar needs to divert any suspicions he feels may otherwise be directed at him following the Cylon incursion into the [[Twelve Colonies | twelve colonies]]. In this, he is partially steered by Six - although the selection of Doral as his fall-guy appears to be Baltar's own choice [[Mini-Series]].

Arrested and thrown into the brig, Doral loudly proclaims his innocence of all charges, citing his backgound and upbringing: that he was born in [[Oasis]], a hamlet near Caprica City, grew up on the south side of Caprica city itself before going to Geminon, where he studied public relations at the Kobol Colleges ([[Mini-Series]]).

Later, after being left at the [[Ragnar Anchorage]] space station, Doral exhibits all of the symptoms initially shown by Humano-Cylon [[Leoben Conoy]], confirming the fact that he is a Cylon and that, however "coincidentally", Baltar selected the "right" man.

Given his protestations of innocence, and the palpable level of fear he demonstrated within the brig, it is possible that the Doral on ''Galactica'' was one of the Cylons that - like Sharon "[[Boomer]]" Valerii, was programmed to think he genuinely was human, until the radiation around Ragnar began to affects his silica pathways, causing his underlying Cylon identity to come to the fore.

In selecting Doral as his victim, Baltar accidently - assuming it wasn't so form of subconscious prompting from Six - acheived two goals: firstly, he increased his value to the Colonials by "developing" his first "[[Cylon detector]]". Secondly, he enabled a Cylon agent to pass on intel to its peers from a place where direct communications - because of the radiation - was impossible. Unfortunately, at the time of his arrest, Doral hadn't gained the information he may have needed to be of more value: Adama's intentions for the ''Galactica'' and the fleet.

However, any supposition that Doral was running in "human" mode while aboard ''Galactica'' must be offset against he actions while aboard ''[[Colonial One]]'', when he was firstly obstructive when Roslin started organising things and later tried to delay the departure of the [[FTL]]-capable vessels when a Cylon attack was known to be imminent.

Where these acts - particularly the second one - provoked by Doral's "human" side being concerned for "his" fellow citizens - or were they deliberate acts of a fully-aware Cylon, designed to confuse and delay?

=== Caprican Overseer (Doral #2) ===

On Caprica, Doral performs the role of a Cylon overseer, working with [[Number Six]] to ensure their experiment involving the stranded [[Karl C. Agathon]] and [[Valerii]] either reaches its desired conclusion, or is suitably terminated ([[Litmus]], [[Secrets and Lies]]).

In this, he shows both a harder attitude towards humans than Six. When she expresses regret that the destruction of humanity was necessary in order for the Cylons to achieve their ends, he is not so forgiving:

*Six This all makes me so sad.
*Doral: (matter-of-fact) They would have destroyed themselves anyway. They deserve what they got.
*Six: We're the children of humanity. That makes them our parents in a sense.
*Doral True - but parents have to die. It's the only way children come into their own.

([[Bastille Day]])

Later, however, when Six is distainful of Valerii's apparent feelings for Agathon when the Caprican experiment goes away, Doral is more sympathetic, wondering what it must be like to be driven by passion that marks Agathon's action: "Even in his anguish he seemed....so alive." ([[Secrets and Lies]]).

=== Suicide Bomber (Doral #3) ===

Doral also turns up on ''Galactica'' as a suicide bomber ([[Litmus]]), using explosives he steals from a small-arms locker to create a primitive bomb he detonates in a carridor of the ship after being challenged by [[William Adama]].

At the time of the explosion, it is suggested by [[Starbuck]] that Doral's intended target was [[Gaius Baltar]]. This is possibly the case, and if so, would tend to indicate that each type of Cylon hidden within the fleet may be operating independently of other models (hence [[Leoben Conoy]] may well have made an innocent statement to [[Starbuck]] when he said he had no idea as to how many Cylons are in the fleet ([[Flesh and Bone]]). After all, any attmept to kill Baltar would be counter to Six's attempts to draw him further into the Cylon sphere of influence through her use of religion. Certainly, beyond a malicious desire to upset Baltar (which it did), there is little direct evidence to back-up Starbuck's claim - from Sergeant [[Hadrian]]'s invesitgation into the matter, it is established the small arms locker used by Doral is located realtively close to the flight pod (where Doral would have come aboard) - therefore, the fact that it is on C Deck, the same deck as Baltar's lab, may have been coincidental.

Certainly, given the fact the locker was on the same deck as Baltar's lab, Doral appeared to spend a lot of time wandering around the ship before setting off his bomb. Was he perhaps looking for a target of opportunity? Trying to get elsewhere, such as [[CIC]]?

--[[User:Ernestborg9|Colonial Archivist]] 10:28, 10 Jan 2005 (EST)

[[Category:A to Z]]
[[Category:Characters]]
[[Category: The Cylons]]

Colonial One

2005-01-25T16:24:52Z

Gizmojumpjet:

Type: Government Transport, formally Colonial Heavy 798 
Capacity: Approx 100-150 standard; up to 500 under emergency conditions 
Propulsion: 2 x sublight engines; 4 x commercial-rated [[FTL]] drive pods; manoeuvring thrusters.

[[Image:Bsg-C-Heavy-1.jpg|thumb|Colonial One / Colonial Heavy 798 (credit: Sci-Fi Channel)]]

''Colonial One'' is a standard Caprican-designed liner converted for government use as a long-range transport. As such, its normal passenger capacity has been greatly reduced to make way for the offices and cabins required by government personnel when undertaking official visits.

A large main cabin aboard the ship provides seating accommodation for dignitaries and press alike, while forward of this are small, more personal quarters reserved for ministers and their guests. Despite its conversion for government use, ''Colonial Heavy 798'' retained its own docking bay, large enough to take a Colonial shuttle, and also boasts a cargo hold big enough to house a Viper-sized craft ([[Mini-Series]]). The large capacity hold probably indicates that ships of this type may have been used by the Colonial government in times of emergency or disaster to render aid and supplies.

At the time of the Cylon attack on the [[Twelve Colonies | twelve colonies]], ''Colonial Heavy 798'' was being used to ferry Education Minister [[Laura Roslin]], her entourage and members of the Colonial media to / from the decommissioning ceremonies for the [[Battlestar]] ''[[Galactica]]''. Following the attack, under the direct orders of Minister Roslin, the ship engaged in rescue missions, locating and gathering civilian vessels stuck in space.

Following the confirmation that President Adar and the rest of his cabinet were either dead or missing, [[Laura Roslin]] was sworn-in as the new President, and ''Coloinal Heavy 798'' was re-named ''Colonial One'', in recognition of its status in transporting the President. While the vessel doubtless lacks many of the facilities and systems the original ''Colonial One'' would have boasted, [[Roslin]] has nevertheless made it her base of operations, thus helping to keep her civilian administration physically distinct from [[William Adama]]'s military leadership.

--[[User:Ernestborg9|Colonial Archivist]] 21:59, 8 Jan 2005 (EST)

[[Category:A to Z]]
[[Category:Colonial Craft]]

Colonial One

2005-01-25T16:23:47Z

Gizmojumpjet:

Type: Government Transport, formally Colonial Heavy 798 
Capacity: Approx 100-150 standard; up to 500 under emergency conditions 
Propulsion: 2 x sublight engines; 4 x commercial-rated [[FTL]] drive pods; manoeuvring thrusters.

[[Image:Bsg-C-Heavy-1.jpg|thumb|Colonial One / Colonial Heavy 798 (credit: Sci-Fi Channel)]]

''Colonial One'' is a standard Caprican-designed liner converted for government use as a long-range transport. As such, its normal passenger capacity has been greatly reduced to make way for the offices and cabins required by government personnel when undertaking official visits.

A large main cabin aboard the ship provides seating accommodation for dignitaries and press alike, while forward of this are small, more personal quarters reserved for ministers and their guests. Despite its conversion for government use, ''Colonial Heavy 798'' retained its own docking bay, large enough to take a Colonial shuttle, and also boasts a cargo hold big enough to house a Viper-sized craft ([[Mini-Series]]). The large capacity hold probably indicates that ships of this type may have been used by the Colonial government in times of emergency or disaster to render aid and supplies.

At the time of the Cylon attack on the [[twelve colonies]], ''Colonial Heavy 798'' was being used to ferry Education Minister [[Laura Roslin]], her entourage and members of the Colonial media to / from the decommissioning ceremonies for the [[Battlestar]] ''[[Galactica]]''. Following the attack, under the direct orders of Minister Roslin, the ship engaged in rescue missions, locating and gathering civilian vessels stuck in space.

Following the confirmation that President Adar and the rest of his cabinet were either dead or missing, [[Laura Roslin]] was sworn-in as the new President, and ''Coloinal Heavy 798'' was re-named ''Colonial One'', in recognition of its status in transporting the President. While the vessel doubtless lacks many of the facilities and systems the original ''Colonial One'' would have boasted, [[Roslin]] has nevertheless made it her base of operations, thus helping to keep her civilian administration physically distinct from [[William Adama]]'s military leadership.

--[[User:Ernestborg9|Colonial Archivist]] 21:59, 8 Jan 2005 (EST)

[[Category:A to Z]]
[[Category:Colonial Craft]]

Aphrodite

2005-01-25T16:21:25Z

Gizmojumpjet: /* Introduction */

Aphrodite

2005-01-25T16:14:41Z

Gizmojumpjet: /* Worship */

== Introduction ==

Aphrodite was the Greek goddess of love and beauty. The word ''aphrodisiac'' is derived from her name.

== Worship ==

Along with [[Artemis]], she is worshipped by the privately pious [[Thrace, Kara |Kara "Starbuck" Thrace]]. ([[Mini-Series]], [[Flesh and Bone]])

== External Links ==

Wikipedia entry for [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aphrodite Aphrodite]. 
Wikipedia entry for [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aphrodisiac Aphrodisiac].

--[[User:Gizmojumpjet|Colonial Historiographer]] 10:58, 25 Jan 2005 (EST)

[[category:Colonial Religion]]

Aphrodite

2005-01-25T16:14:21Z

Gizmojumpjet: /* Introduction */

== Introduction ==

Aphrodite was the Greek goddess of love and beauty. The word ''aphrodisiac'' is derived from her name.

== Worship ==

Along with Artemis, she is worshipped by the privately pious [[Thrace, Kara |Kara "Starbuck" Thrace]]. ([[Mini-Series]], [[Flesh and Bone]])

== External Links ==

Wikipedia entry for [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aphrodite Aphrodite]. 
Wikipedia entry for [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aphrodisiac Aphrodisiac].

--[[User:Gizmojumpjet|Colonial Historiographer]] 10:58, 25 Jan 2005 (EST)

[[category:Colonial Religion]]

Talk:Willaim Adama/Archive 1

2005-01-25T16:13:18Z

Gizmojumpjet:

Can we delete or rename this horrible page?

--[[User:Gizmojumpjet|Colonial Historiographer]] 11:13, 25 Jan 2005 (EST)

Aphrodite

2005-01-25T16:12:23Z

Gizmojumpjet:

== Introduction ==

Aphrodite was the Greek goddess of love and beauty. The word aphrodisiac is derived from her name.

== Worship ==

Along with Artemis, she is worshipped by the privately pious [[Thrace, Kara |Kara "Starbuck" Thrace]]. ([[Mini-Series]], [[Flesh and Bone]])

== External Links ==

Wikipedia entry for [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aphrodite Aphrodite]. 
Wikipedia entry for [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aphrodisiac Aphrodisiac].

--[[User:Gizmojumpjet|Colonial Historiographer]] 10:58, 25 Jan 2005 (EST)

[[category:Colonial Religion]]

Artemis

2005-01-25T16:11:36Z

Gizmojumpjet:

== Introduction ==

In Greek mythology, Artemis was the daugter of [[Zeus]] and [[Leto]], and the twin sister of [[Apollo]]. This virgin goddess was worshipped as the goddess of the moon, the hunt, wild animals, healing, the wilderness, chastity, and childbirth.

Consistent with her roles of goddess of the moon and of the hunt, she is often portrayed in art with a bow and arrows, with the crescent moon above her head.

== Worship ==

The privately pious [[Thrace, Kara | Kara "Starbuck" Thrace]] often prays to Artemis and [[Aphrodite]]. This interest in Artemis seems to be inspired more by the goddess' role as goddess of the hunt rather than goddess of chastity.

== External Links ==

Wikipedia entry for [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artemis Artemis].

--[[User:Gizmojumpjet|Colonial Historiographer]] 10:43, 25 Jan 2005 (EST)

[[category:Colonial Religion]]

Artemis

2005-01-25T16:08:14Z

Gizmojumpjet:

Felix Gaeta

2005-01-25T16:07:38Z

Gizmojumpjet:

[[Image:Bsg-gaeta-1.jpg|thumb|Lt. Gaeta (credit: Sci-Fi Channel)]]

Full Name: ? Gaeta

Rank: Lieutenant

Age: Mid-20s (?)

Marital Status: Single

Children: None

Current position: Tactical Officer [[Battlestar]] ''[[Galactica]]'', formerly part of the 75th Battlestar Group

(Played by: [[Alessandro Juliani]])

Lieutenant Gaeta is a young, capable officer in the Colonial military. LFor the three years prior to the Cylon attack on the [[twelve colonies]], he has served as [[William Adama]]'s Tactical Officer aboard the ''Galactica''.

He is a stickler for detail and highly efficient. This, and his overall ability have led William Adama to rely heavily on him as a member of Galactica's command crew, despite his relative youth and junior rank.

As well as performing the role of Tactical Officer, Gaeta is also responsible for the management of the ship's [[FTL]] systems. This includes both calculating FTL jumps, and initiating the jump itself.

Following the Cylon attack, and as a result of his having studied biogenetics, Lt. Gaeta was selected by Adama to assist Dr. [[Gaius Baltar]] in the development of the much-needed [[Cylon detector]] ([[Water]]). During his time working with Baltar, Gaeta has developed a certain respect and liking for the doctor - despite the latter's apparent eccentricities. So much so, that when a woman called "[[Shelly Godfrey]]" arrived on-board the ''Galactica'', Gaeta worked hard to try and prove Baltar's innocence of the charges levelled against him ([[Six Degrees of Separation]]). Although he is ultimately successful, he fails to follow-up on the fact that the photogrpahic evidence supplied by "Shelly Godfrey" looked as if the evidence itself had been faked in such a way to ensure it is exposed as a forgery.

[[Category:A to Z]]
[[Category:Characters]]

The Twelve Colonies of Kobol

2005-01-25T16:06:38Z

Gizmojumpjet: /* Re-imagined Universe */

==Origins==
The Twelve Colonies were introduced in the [[Original Series|original Battlestar Galactica]]. They were located in an unnamed multi-star system within the [[Cyranus Galaxy]], and had been at war with the alien [[Cylons]] for 1,000 yahrens (years).

The original Twelve colonies were:
*Aeries
*Caprica
*Gemoni
*Picon
*Sagitaria
*Scorpion
*Tauron
*Virgon

==Re-imagined Universe==

In the [[Re-imagined|re-imagined Battlestar Galactica]], the twelve colonies were originally located on a single world - [[Kobol]] (early draft of the [[Mini-Series]] script). However, this was later revised to twelve separate worlds, in keeping with the original concept.

It is unclear whether all twelve colonies are orbiting a single star or not, or what the name of this star might be. However, the 2003 [[Video Game]] proposed the home system for the twelve colonies is called [[Cyrannus]]. This has yet to be accepted as [[canon]] in the new television series.

Within the re-imagined series, the twelve colonies are:
*[[Arilon]]
*[[Aquaria]]
*[[Canceron]]
*[[Caprica]]
*[[Gememon]]
*[[Leonon]]
*[[Libron]]
*[[Picon]]
*[[Sagittaron]]
*[[Scorpion]]
*[[Tauron]]
*[[Virgon]]

--[[User:Ernestborg9|Colonial Archivist]] 13:37, 20 Jan 2005 (EST)

The Twelve Colonies of Kobol

2005-01-25T16:06:14Z

Gizmojumpjet: /* Re-imagined Universe */

==Origins==
The Twelve Colonies were introduced in the [[Original Series|original Battlestar Galactica]]. They were located in an unnamed multi-star system within the [[Cyranus Galaxy]], and had been at war with the alien [[Cylons]] for 1,000 yahrens (years).

The original Twelve colonies were:
*Aeries
*Caprica
*Gemoni
*Picon
*Sagitaria
*Scorpion
*Tauron
*Virgon

==Re-imagined Universe==

In the [[Re-imagined|re-imagined Battlestar Galactica]], the 12 colonies were originally located on a single world - [[Kobol]] (early draft of the [[Mini-Series]] script). However, this was later revised to twelve separate worlds, in keeping with the original concept.

It is unclear whether all twelve colonies are orbiting a single star or not, or what the name of this star might be. However, the 2003 [[Video Game]] proposed the home system for the twelve colonies is called [[Cyrannus]]. This has yet to be accepted as [[canon]] in the new television series.

Within the re-imagined series, the twelve colonies are:
*[[Arilon]]
*[[Aquaria]]
*[[Canceron]]
*[[Caprica]]
*[[Gememon]]
*[[Leonon]]
*[[Libron]]
*[[Picon]]
*[[Sagittaron]]
*[[Scorpion]]
*[[Tauron]]
*[[Virgon]]

--[[User:Ernestborg9|Colonial Archivist]] 13:37, 20 Jan 2005 (EST)

Miniseries, Night 1

2005-01-25T16:03:47Z

Gizmojumpjet: /* Overview */

== Overview ==

: ''After 40 years of peace with the Humanity's bastard children, the [[Cylons]], Humanity finds itself victim of a genocidal attack and the survivors are forced to flee from their [[Twelve Colonies | twelve colonies]] in the Cyrannus system.''

== Backplot ==



* The [[Cylons]] were created by the [[Colonials]] as a labor and military force. 40 years prior, the Cylons turned on their Human creators and the [[Cylon War]] ensued. The Cylons were exiled from the [[12 Colonies]] and were never seen again in any known form.
* The [[Galactica|Battlestar Galactica]] is the last relic from the Cylon War and is being decomissioned. It was slated to be turned into a museum piece.
* The Colonies, who were once technophobic due to the Cylons, are recovering from their phobia and are integrating technology back into their normal lives and, as a result, military crafts.
* The Cylons are capable of infiltrating any networked computer system and disrupting electrical equipment.
* The Colonials descended from a mother world, known as [[Kobol]].
* There is a myth about a [[Earth|13th Colony of Kobol]], known as [[Earth]].

== Questions ==



* What happened to the Cylons over the course of their 40 year exile?
* What events transpired that made the [[Cylons]] hate their human masters? When did this occur?
* Where is the Cylon homeworld?
* Are there other life forms or powers that exist in the universe?
* Does Earth truly exist, despite Cmdr. [[Adama, William|Adama's]] disbelief?
* What happened to [[Helo]] on [[Caprica]]? ([[33|Answer]])
* We know of 7 of 12 Cylon models: [[Valerii, Sharon|Boomer]], [[Number 6]], [[Doral, Aaron|Aaron Doral]], [[Cylon Centurion (old)]], [[Cylon Raider]], [[Cylon Centurion (new)]], and [[Conoy, Leoben|Leoben Conoy]]. What are the other 5?
* If the Cylons hate Humanity with the passion that they do, why did they mimic human form? Was it for strategic purposes or was there something greater?

== Analysis ==



=== Noted Improvements from the Original ===

* The basic story is still present: robotic [[Cylons]] surprisingly attack the 12 Colonies resulting in a holocaust, thus forcing a "rag-tag, fugitive fleet" to coalesce around the last surviving [[battlestar]], [[Galactica]], to seek a mythical [[13th Colony]] where refugees hope to find shelter from the [[Cylons]]. However, many of the fine details are changed, such as:
** The Cylons were created by Humanity, not by a reptilian race (also called Cylons) who hated Humanity.
** The ''Galactica'' is a 50 year old relic on the verge of decommission.
** The names of "Apollo", "Boomer", and "Starbuck" are changed to call signs. Characters have the standard First, Middle and Last Names.
** The futuristic (and often confusing) terminology used to denote distances, measuring, and time in the original series have been replaced with understandable terminology. "Year" was known as a "yahren" in the original.
** The ship designs, save for some revisions to the [[Viper|Mark II Viper]] and the [[Galactica]] and a few noteworthy background ships (such as the [[Freighter Geminon]] and the [[Botanical Ship]], have been redone.
** The [[Quorum of Twelve]], is not mentioned in the mini-series, and has apparently been replaced by a setup similar to the United States [[WikiPedia:executive branch|executive branch]]. There is a president, vice president, and secretaries (the [[Quorum of Twelve|Quorum]] does not make an appearance until episode 1.11 [[Colonial Day]], in which it appears somewhat similar to the
** Instead of the out worldly, Egyptian-esque clothing and city designs (i.e. pyramids) seen in the original, the clothing and cities are more contemporary in design and function.
* The relationships and characters from the original have been changed slighly as well.
** [[TOS Boomer|Boomer]], who was played as a male character by [[Herb Jefferson Jr.]] in the original, is now the call-sign of a female Lieutenant [[Valerii, Sharon|Sharon Valerii]] ([[Grace Park]]).
** [[TOS Starbuck|Starbuck]], who was played as a male character by [[Dirk Benedict]] in the original, is now the call-sign of a female Lieutenant [[Thrace, Kara|Kara Thrace]] ([[Katee Sackhoff]])
** "Adama" is now a surname.
** The character of [[TOS Adama]], potrayed by [[Lorne Greene]] in the original, now is known as [[Adama, William|William "Husker" Adama]] ([[Edward James Olmos]]). He is a man about to retire, is estranged from his son [[Adama, Lee|Lee]], and is not as religious as the original portrayal of Adama.
** [[TOS Apollo]], portrayed by [[Original Series]] continuation activist [[Richard Hatch]], is the call sign of [[Adama, Lee|Lee Adama]] ([[Jamie Bamber]]). He is a flawed character who hates his father, believing him to be ultimately responsible for the death of [[Adama, Zak|Zack Adama]], and is questioning his life's choices.
** [[TOS Baltar]], who was willingly complicit in the destruction of the [[12 Colonies]] due to his thirst for power, is now a computer genius whose fullname is [[Baltar, Gaius|Gaius Baltar]]. Instead of being the imposing, methodical and mischevious Baltar (portrayed by the late [[James Colicos]]), Gaius ([[James Callis]]) is a cowardly, egotistical man whose ultimate failing for bombshell women is his fait accompli. His betrayal of the human race was, mostly, due to his lust for [[Number 6]], whom he allowed unfettered access to the [[Colonial Defense Mainframe]].
** The character of Colonel [[ TOS Tigh]], portrayed by [[Terry Carter]], is now separated from his wife and seeing out the rest of his career from inside a bottle in the form of Colonel [[Tigh, Saul|Saul Tigh]] ([[Michael Hogan]]) who hasn't seen military action in a long while.
* The show has taken a more realistic turn. Realistic science, which was painfully absent in the original series, is applied in this series. From the movement of the space vessels to the tactics used in space, to even the noticeabley diminished sounds in space (yes, it is muted, which is unrealistic -- but a necessary evil foisted upon the show by the higher-ups), the feeling of realism is in place. Realism is also affirmed by the documentary, hand-held camera style with the use of "snap zooms" and other guerilla documentarian niceities.
* Certain models of Cylons appear human, right down to the blood -- it would take complex tests just to screen for these Humanoid Cylons. Not only is this a budget-saver, but it also generates some very disturbing questions. For one, the Cylons have now managed to merge in with human society, making it easier to manipulate from within. This mirrors terrorist methods of infiltration and delivering destructive results to heavy population centers (a la suicide bombers). It also brings up interesting questions regarding cross-species mating: Can Humanoid Cylons mate with their Human creators?

=== Plot and Character Analyses ===

Since plot and character are so intertwined, both will be covered here.

==== Armistice Station ====

The Armistice Station gave us a chance to understand the conflict between the Cylons and Humanity. It also introduced us to the new Cylons and broke away from conventions set in Science Fiction. Instead of storming the station, the Cylons used [[Number 6]] and sexually assaulted the Armistice Officer. Question is, why was the Armistice Officer assaulted sexually instead of physically? The answer is three fold:

# This defied those who would make the claim that [[Battlestar Galactica]] is a "rip-off" of Star Wars; the same claim that was made against the original.
# This showed that the Cylons understood the devestating affect of sexual molestation. Since when did a Human expect for a Cylon to attack Humanity in this way?
# There is a drive within the Cylons to understand - and possibly experience the sensations of being truly alive.

The armistice station was destroyed by ahe Cylon [[Basestar|base star]]. Though this was a dramatic blow, this does seem rather unnecessary from a logical point of view. The Cylons present were more than enough to subdue the Armistice Officer and be able to keep the station for future purposes.

==== Commander William Adama & Nostalgia ====

With the [[Galactica]]'s future being a museum piece with gift shops, Commander William Adama is ready to retire, albeit reluctantly. Adama heads to retirement with tredipation, unsure of what he would do with the remainder of his life. His crew will ultimately be disbanded and good-byes are abound. There is a sense of a ship seeing its last days, despite some of the joy that some of the crew members have in continuing their military careers.

Adama is presented with his reconditioned Viper, which was rusting in a junkyard on [[Sagittaron]], as well as a picture of himself and his two sons when he was younger.

This is a touching moment, demonstrating the crew's affection for him as a person. It also establishes Adama's legitimacy as a war-hardened commander in the series quite nicely.

==== Starbuck & Tigh Card Fight ====

The "card fight" between a Lieutenant and Colonel sparked a bit of controversy in the fan community before it aired. In the original draft, [[Thrace, Kara|Starbuck]] got off free without being thrown in the brig. However, given the fan's astute observation of a disturbing lack of disciplinary action against Starbuck for striking a superior, the aftermath was changed.

The scene demonstrates Starbuck's mistrust of authority and the antagonistic relationship between [[Tigh, Saul|Tigh]] and herself. The touch of classic Starbuck elements, i.e. the gambling and [[fumarello]] smoking, is a nice homage to the original that fits in nicely. [[Katee Sackhoff]]'s portrayal tells viewers that this isn't the same Starbuck from the original, as she is clearly unbalanced.

Tigh himself comes off as a grouchy, inebriated old man who has seen his glory days, which hammers home the fact that the good ship Galactica is seeing its last days. When he puts Starbuck in the brig, she knows she's stepped over the line -- but so has he, given that he flipped over the table first.

It also nicely puts Starbuck in a confined place from a story standpoint, allowing other characters to be introduced.

==== Laura Roslin's Cancer Storyline ====

The cancer story line for the Secretary of Education [[Laura Roslin]] seems a bit over-the-top from a superficial standpoint, which distracts from the main story. Yet having the cancer story-line helps show that smaller tragedies don't cease simply because another one looms ahead. It also reveals Roslin's vulnerability and puts her character in a realistic ethical conundrum, where she is more concerned about her own well-being when billions of people have been victims of the Cylon genocide.

The scene where she checks her breast does seem extraneous and could have been handled better from a story point of view.

==== The Infanticide Debate ====

One of the more emotional and argued points in the whole mini-series is not the sex changes of two main characters, and certainly not the major change in the Cylons, but the incident where [[Number 6]] kills an infant in the market place.

The question during the debate focused on the immorality of the act and was purported by those against the re-imagining as being an indicator that the source material wasn't being taken seriously.

The intent of the act was never questioned. It is simply assumed that Number 6 killed the baby out of cold blood.

The doubt of Number 6's intent, or possible lack thereof, still surrounds this scene. It was obvious that Number 6 was puzzled by the fraility of the baby and questioned as to how the neck could support the weight of the baby's head. Many items can be deduced from that scene, a few follow:

# It was a deliberate act. Cold and ruthless. Nothing more.
# Number 6 has feelings and is rational. Due to her knowledge of the impending attack and the expectation that the entire human race could be eradicated, could the act be merciful?
# Could it be an act of spite? In "[[33]]", her mental image asked [[Baltar, Gaius|Gaius Baltar]] if he wanted children. With begs the question: Can Humanoid Cylons propogate their race through Human childbirth?
# Could it be a simple lack of knowledge? If so, the infanticide was accidental, and Number 6 had no way of knowing.
# She did demonstrate curiousity as to how much the neck could support. Could the death have been an unethical experiment on her part?

The most disturbing aspect of the whole debate lies in the assumed assumption that a single act of infanticide is unacceptable, whereas the genocide of the entire human race (including born and unborn infants) by Cylon hands seems to be more palatable.

==== The "Glowing Spine" Scene ====

One of the major inconsitencies in the mini-series was gleaned from this scene. The fact is established that Humano-Cylons were, for all intents and purposes, organic. Also established was, even with the most thorough of tests, it is almost impossible to screen Human from Cylon. Thus begs the question: What caused the spine to glow? It certainly wasn't a human reaction to sex. Since the Cylons went to the very painstaking process of creating an undetectable Humanoid Cylon model, it is conceivable that glowing spinal columns -- and more to the point the chemicals that would cause the aformentioned reaction -- would arouse undue suspicion and thwart Cylon plans.

Note: Comments from members of the production crew have since suggested that the only reason the glowing spine was included was that it "looked cool" at the time, and in retrospect, may have been a mistake.

==== "Humanity's children are returning home... today." ====

It is interesting to note Baltar's ability to deceive himself even when the human race is being eradicated.

; Additional information can be added later on. Feel free to do so.

== Notes ==



* Initially, there were 12 [[battlestar|battlestars]], one representing each Colony. Battlestar [[Galactica]] represented [[Caprica]]. These were built with antiquated technolgies, as were their fighter craft, to avoid the [[Cylons]]'s tactical advantage of disrupting complex electrical and computer equipment.
* Networked computers were susceptible to Cylon infiltration, forcing the Colonials to react by reducing their dependance on technology.
* The fleet has been greatly expanded since then, with at least 36 and possibly as many as 120 battlestars, although it is by no means certain all the vessels in the fleet follow the ''Galactica'' design.
* As the Colonials became more confident of their security, integrated systems were re-introduced to their civilian and military craft.
* The Cylons believe in [[God]], whereas the Colonials believe in a pantheon of [[Gods]] mirroring the [[Greek Gods|12 Olympian gods]] of Greek mythology.
* Cylons are also called "chrome toasters", mainly for their original apperance (a nod to the original series).
* All pilots have call signs.

===Blooper Moments===
* At the time of her first FTL jump, ''Galactica'' retracts her flight pods. However, when the jump is made, the ship is shown with the pods still extended.

=== Nods ===

* The Firefly-class ship, Serenity, from the sci-fi series Firefly makes a brief appearance. It can be seen flying above [[Roslin, Laura|Laura Roslin]] when she is about to hear her prognosis of breast cancer on Caprica.
* The fanfare just prior to [[Adama, William|Commander Adama's]] speech is taken from [[Stu Phillips]]'s theme for the [[TOS Battlestar Galactica|original Battlestar Galactica]].
* The pilot [[Jolly]] makes a brief (verbal) appearance, just prior to the Cylon's massacre of the squad lead by [[Spencer, James|James Spencer]], Galactica's previous [[CAG]]. It is not the same actor that played [[TOS Jolly|Jolly]] in the original.
* The original [[TOS Cylon Basestar|Cylon Basestar]] can be briefly seen in the Galactica museum.
* President [[Roslin]] makes a point of calling [[Adama, Lee|Lee Adama]] "Captain [[Apollo]]", saying that it has a nice ring to it.

== Noteworthy Dialogue ==




==== Adama's Speech at the Galactica's Decommissioning Ceremony ====

"The Cylon War is long over, yet we must not forget the reasons why so many sacrificed so much in the cause of freedom. The cost of wearing the uniform can be high, but --

"Sometimes it's too high.

"You know, when we fought the Cylons, we did it to save ourselves from extinction. But we never answered the question, why? Why are we as a people worth saving? We still commit murder because of greed, spite, jealousy. And we still visit all of our sins upon our children. We refuse to accept the responsibility for anything that we've done.

"Like we did with the Cylons. We decided to play God, create life. When that life turned against us, we comforted ourselves in the knowledge that it really wasn't our fault, not really. You cannot play God then wash your hands of the things that you've created. Sooner or later, the day comes when you can't hide from the things that you've done anymore."

== Official Statements ==




=== Edward James Olmos' (EJO) Statements Regarding the Mini-Series ===

After the announcement of Edward James Olmos' involvement in the mini-series, portraying a role that was previously done by Candian actor Lorne Greene, many fans contacted him. As is evidenced by the quotes before, Olmos demonstrates his honesty and reaction to the mail, most of which could be classified as fairly negative.

From his [http://hometown.aol.com/ejowebmistress/ official website]:

*"I must say one thing and will say this very clearly. If you are a person who really has a strict belief in the original, I would not advise that you watch this program...We really don't stand true to the kind of characters that were built around the original. It definitely does break the mold. Some of the characters' names are the same, but the intent and the way that we are building the reality is completely not the reality that was built in the original." -- 7/03

*"I'm going to be the first one to say it really clearly. Please tell your readers, do not watch this program...[P]eople get really, really angry. You've got to remember that this is a show that was only on . . . in the late '70s, and to this day has a very strong fan base. Tens of thousands of people who write to each other for 25 years over a program that is not on the air and is not even being rerun. "They didn't want this at all, and I didn't know any of this. . . . All of a sudden, my e-mails went through the roof. Suddenly I was accused of teaming up with Ron Moore and creating just a slap in the face of all these people, and I didn't want to slap anybody."

*"Trust me, don't watch it. If you are a real, real staunch 'Battlestar Galactica' person, don't watch it. . . . Just don't write to me, all right? I warned you. I was honest."

*"I've gotten some really strong, strong mail. . . . They're really bitter. They're very angry. And I know the Sci Fi Channel wants to say that everybody's going to enjoy it. They're not."

== Statistics ==



=== Guest Stars ===




*[[Callum Keith Rennie]] as [[Conoy, Leoben|Leoben Conoy]]
*[[Matthew Bennett]] as [[Doral, Aaron|Aaron Doral]]
*[[Paul Campbell]] as [[Keykeiya, Billy|Billy]]
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Barclay+Hope Barclay Hope] as Transport Pilot
*[[Gale, Lorena|Lorena Gale]] as [[Elosha|Priestess Elosha]]
*[[McClure, Kandyse|Kandyse McClure]] as [[Dualla]]
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Connor+Widdows Connor Widdows] as [[Boxey]]
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+John+Mann John Mann] as [[Spence, Jackson|CAG]]
*[[Juliani, Alessandro|Alessandro Juliani]] as Lieutenant [[Gaeta]]
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Nicki+Clyne Nicki Clyne] as Deckhand [[Cally]]
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Michael+Eklund Michael Eklund] as Deckhand [[Prosna]]
*[[Penikett, Tahmoh|Tahmoh Penikett]] as [[Agathon, Karl C.|Karl C. Agathon/Helo]]
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Haili+Page Haili Page] as [[Cami]]
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Alonso+Oyarzun Alonso Oyarzun] as Deckhand [[Socinus]]
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Ty+Olsson Ty Olsson] as Captain [[Kelly]]
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Ron+Blecker Ron Blecker] as Launch Officer
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Ryan+Robbins Ryan Robbins] as Armistice Officer
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Tim+Henry Tim Henry] as Doctor (on Caprica)
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Dwesi+Ameyaw Dwesi Ameyaw] as Liner Captain of [[Botonical Ship]]
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Brenda+McDonald Brenda McDonald] as Old Woman (who though she forgot her glasses)
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Suleka+Mathew Suleka Mathew] as [[Kellan Brody]]
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Erin+Karpluk Erin Karpluk] as Woman #1
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Jenn+Griffin Jenn Griffin] as Woman #2
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+BJ+Harrison BJ Harrison] as Woman #3
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Moneca+Delain Moneca Delain] as Blonde Woman
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Zahf+Pardo Zahf Pardo] as Man #1
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Robert+Lewis Robert Lewis] as Man #2
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Denzal+Sinclaire Denzal Sinclaire] as Man #3
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Nadine+Wright Nadine Wright] as [[Chantara]]
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Michael+Soltis Michael Soltis] as Chantara's Husband
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Fred+Keating Fred Keating] as Junior Reporter
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Lymari+Nadal Lymari Nadal] as [[Giana]]
*[[Gugushi, Biski|Biski Gugushe]] as Pilot #1
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Nahanni+Arntzen Nahanni Arntzen] as Pilot #2
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Nogel+Vonas Nogel Vonas] as Pilot #3
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Ryan+Nelson Ryan Nelson] as Pilot #4




=== Writing & Direction ===

*Written by [[Ronald D. Moore]] and [[Glen A. Larson|Christopher Eric James]]
*Based off a story by [[Glen A. Larson]]
*Directed by [[Michael Rymer]]




=== First Run Air Dates & Releases ===

*UK Airdate: 17 February 2004
*US Airdate: 8 December 2003, 9 December 2003 (2-night engagement, Sci-Fi Channel)
*Canadian Airdate: 17 January 2004
*DVD Release: 28 December 2004

{{Category: Episode Guide}}
{{Category: A to Z}}

Aphrodite

2005-01-25T16:00:03Z

Gizmojumpjet: /* Introduction */

Aphrodite

2005-01-25T15:59:25Z

Gizmojumpjet: /* Introduction */

== Introduction ==

Aphrodite was the Greek goddess of love and beauty. The word aphrodesiac is derived from her name.

== Worship ==

Along with Artemis, she is worshipped by the privately pious [[Thrace, Kara |Kara "Starbuck" Thrace]]. ([[Mini-Series]], [[Flesh and Bone]])

== External Links ==

Wikipedia entry for [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aphrodite Aphrodite]. 
Wikipedia entry for [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aphrodisiac Aphrodisiac].

--[[User:Gizmojumpjet|Colonial Historiographer]] 10:58, 25 Jan 2005 (EST)

Aphrodite

2005-01-25T15:59:06Z

Gizmojumpjet: /* External Links */

== Introduction ==

Aphrodite was the Greek goddess of love and beauty.

== Worship ==

Along with Artemis, she is worshipped by the privately pious [[Thrace, Kara |Kara "Starbuck" Thrace]]. ([[Mini-Series]], [[Flesh and Bone]])

== External Links ==

Wikipedia entry for [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aphrodite Aphrodite]. 
Wikipedia entry for [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aphrodisiac Aphrodisiac].

--[[User:Gizmojumpjet|Colonial Historiographer]] 10:58, 25 Jan 2005 (EST)

Aphrodite

2005-01-25T15:58:42Z

Gizmojumpjet: /* External Links */

== Introduction ==

Aphrodite was the Greek goddess of love and beauty.

== Worship ==

Along with Artemis, she is worshipped by the privately pious [[Thrace, Kara |Kara "Starbuck" Thrace]]. ([[Mini-Series]], [[Flesh and Bone]])

== External Links ==

Wikipedia entry for [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aphrodite Aphrodite]. 
Wikipedia entry for [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aphrodisiac Aphrodesiac].

--[[User:Gizmojumpjet|Colonial Historiographer]] 10:58, 25 Jan 2005 (EST)

Aphrodite

2005-01-25T15:58:23Z

Gizmojumpjet:

== Introduction ==

Aphrodite was the Greek goddess of love and beauty.

== Worship ==

Along with Artemis, she is worshipped by the privately pious [[Thrace, Kara |Kara "Starbuck" Thrace]]. ([[Mini-Series]], [[Flesh and Bone]])

== External Links ==

Wikipedia entry for [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aphrodite Aphrodite].
Wikipedia entry for [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aphrodisiac Aphrodesiac].

--[[User:Gizmojumpjet|Colonial Historiographer]] 10:58, 25 Jan 2005 (EST)

The Twelve Colonies of Kobol

2005-01-25T15:55:44Z

Gizmojumpjet: /* Origins */

==Origins==
The Twelve Colonies were introduced in the [[Original Series|original Battlestar Galactica]]. They were located in an unnamed multi-star system within the [[Cyranus Galaxy]], and had been at war with the alien [[Cylons]] for 1,000 yahrens (years).

The original Twelve colonies were:
*Aeries
*Caprica
*Gemoni
*Picon
*Sagitaria
*Scorpion
*Tauron
*Virgon

==Re-imagined Universe==

In the [[Re-imagined|re-imagined Battlestar Galactica]], the 12 colonies were originally located on a single world - [[Kobol]] (early draft of the [[Mini-Series]] script). However, this was later revised to 12 separate worlds, in keeping with the original concept.

It is unclear whether all 12 colonies are orbiting a single star or not, or what the name of this star might be. However, the 2003 [[Video Game]] proposed the home system for the 12 colonies is called [[Cyrannus]]. This has yet to be accepted as [[canon]] in the new television series.

Within the re-imagined series, the twelve colonies are:
*[[Arilon]]
*[[Aquaria]]
*[[Canceron]]
*[[Caprica]]
*[[Gememon]]
*[[Leonon]]
*[[Libron]]
*[[Picon]]
*[[Sagittaron]]
*[[Scorpion]]
*[[Tauron]]
*[[Virgon]]

--[[User:Ernestborg9|Colonial Archivist]] 13:37, 20 Jan 2005 (EST)