Battlestar Wiki - User contributions [en]

Talk:Faith/Archive 1

2008-05-12T20:31:46Z

MathewBurrack: /* Comment by Leoben re. Harbringer of Death */ new section

== Writer and director source ==
The infobox says Michael Nankin has directed "Faith", and that Seamus Kevin Fahey has written it. What's our source for this? Also note that Edward James Olmos [http://www.galactica.tv/battlestar-galactica-2003---interviews/edward-james-olmos-galactica.tv-interview.html has said] he'd direct "episode six". Of course he could also be counting "Razor" as an episode and mean Into the West, or there could've been a change of plans... --[[User:Catrope|Catrope]]<sup>([[User talk:Catrope|Talk to me]] or [[Special:Emailuser/Catrope|e-mail me]])</sup> 13:01, 17 November 2007 (CST)
:Obviously the article where the story information comes from (footnote 2): http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/entertainment_tv/2007/09/battlestar-ga-1.html --[[User:Serenity|Serenity]] 13:08, 17 November 2007 (CST)

== ¡Very intense! ==

This is at least one of the top 5 episode in the series. Unfortunately, this is not an Encyclopædic observation. One of us shall figure out how to summarize it properly.
:Perhaps you would be interested in commenting on the [http://www.battlestarforum.com/showthread.php?t=1040 battlestar forum]? [[User:OTW|OTW]] 09:14, 12 May 2008 (UTC)

== Name spelling ==

We need to determine Emily Kowalski's proper spelling. I believe I have it right in the initial ep summary; the other spelling is grammatically off. --[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 14:35, 10 May 2008 (UTC)
: Just checked the credits on Hulu. It's "Kowalski". The other spelling came from a certain [http://www.imdb.com septic system]. -- [[User:Joe Beaudoin Jr.|Joe Beaudoin]] <sup>[[User talk:Joe Beaudoin Jr.|So say we all]] - [[Battlestar Wiki:Site support|Donate]] - [[bsp:|Battlestar Pegasus]]</sup> 22:37, 10 May 2008 (UTC)

== Location-based summary? ==

I think a location-based summary (i.e. "On ''Demetrius''", "On a baseship" and "On ''Galactica''") makes more sense than an act-based summary for this episode. --[[User:Catrope|Catrope]]<sup>([[User talk:Catrope|Talk to me]] or [[Special:Emailuser/Catrope|e-mail me]])</sup> 14:51, 10 May 2008 (UTC)
:Yeah, that would be better here. Any other opinions?

== Gas Giant ==

I don't recall seeing any rings around the gas giant, and last episode Starbuck painted a very different gas giant with visible rings. We know what the comet is, but it looks like her "giant gas planet with rings" is still up for grabs. [[User:INH|INH]] 00:17, 11 May 2008 (UTC)
: It's an artistic depiction... doesn't make it accurate. Also, her clarity and mental status is questionable, at best. Like the people on ''Demetrius'', we can't place our full trust in Thrace or anything she has to say. -- [[User:Joe Beaudoin Jr.|Joe Beaudoin]] <sup>[[User talk:Joe Beaudoin Jr.|So say we all]] - [[Battlestar Wiki:Site support|Donate]] - [[bsp:|Battlestar Pegasus]]</sup> 00:24, 11 May 2008 (UTC)

== Possible Ship of Lights reference? ==

When Starbuck sees the Basestar near the Gas Giant I can't help but notice the startling similarity to that and the Ship of Lights from the original series. If I recall correctly the Ship of Light was responsible for ressurrecting Apollo. The pilots in the orginal series would also hear music similar to how Starbuck could hear the music. They are both visually similar. Being both shown as emitting blue light. {{unsigned|Adamgnome}}
:I though that from the painting already. But I don't put any deeper meaning whatsoever in it. For me, it's a visual homage at most -- [[User:Serenity|Serenity]] 11:00, 12 May 2008 (UTC)

== The ship Aurora in the fleet after New Caprica ==

I heard Emily mention the [[Aurora (ship)|Aurora]] when she gave the bandana to Roslin. Can we add that in or shall I now?--[[User:CoreyDanian]] 1.36 CST May 12 2008
:It's already noted on the ship page and doesn't really add anything here.

== Death count ==

I may have missed it in other comments, but should it not be 2. We lost both Emily Kowalski and Jean.
:The population count for [[Guess What's Coming to Dinner]] will probably fall by two to account for this. I can't see where in this article it's inaccurate. [[User:OTW|OTW]] 09:12, 12 May 2008 (UTC)

The article is flawless, what i meant was the change in the popluation. I am new here, so the population count reflects the last episode. [[The-Dude]] 10.24, 12 May 2008 (UTC)
:The count reflects the one in the opening credits, which only accounts for deaths up to and including the teaser. For a somewhat more accurate one see [[survivor count]] -- [[User:Serenity|Serenity]] 10:37, 12 May 2008 (UTC)

== Comment by Leoben re. Harbringer of Death ==

OK, I added a comment after the first time viewing this episode that Leoben appeared to directly mention the hybrid's "harbringer" line at the start of Act 4, as a subnote to the question section about whether Kara will tell anyone about the line (no need to tell if they already heard). I watched the episode a second time and he clearly states something about Kara leading them all to their death, although it was very quiet so it was difficult to make out every word. Yet I noticed today my note has been deleted. Is there a reason why? I don't see anything in the discussion section about it...thanks!

Faith

2008-05-12T03:57:44Z

MathewBurrack:

{{Episode Data
| image=4x06 - Faith - Promo 1.jpg
| title= Faith
| season= 4
| episode= 6
| forumthread= 1040
| guests=
| writer=[[Seamus Kevin Fahey]]
| story=
| director=[[Michael Nankin]]
| production=408
| rating=
| US airdate=9 May 2008
| CAN airdate=9 May 2008
| UK airdate=13 May 2008
| dvd=
| oldpopulation=39676
| population=39675
| prev= [[The Road Less Traveled]]
| next= [[Guess What's Coming to Dinner]]
| imdb=0993930
| hulu=Y
}}

== Overview ==
:''The cancer-stricken President [[Laura Roslin]] and hotheaded pilot [[Kara Thrace]] both must make difficult leaps of faith in order to accept an uneasy alliance with the Cylons.''

== Summary ==

=== Teaser ===
*Angry and defiant at [[Karl Agathon]]'s refusal to [[The Road Less Traveled|obey orders]] to travel to a [[Basestar (RDM)|basestar]], [[Kara Thrace]] attempts to jump the ship herself when [[Sharon Agathon|Athena]] restrains her.
*Agathon orders [[Felix Gaeta|Gaeta]] to jump the ship back to ''Galactica''. [[Samuel Anders]] points out that they will be returning as mutineers, but Agathon responds that Admiral Adama will sort things out.
*Anders intervenes with a sidearm, shooting Gaeta in the leg to stop him from following Agathon's order to jump back to the Fleet. Chaos ensues as Marines arrive.
*Everyone stands down as Gaeta is attended to, in severe pain from a leg wound.
*Realizing that taking the ''[[Demetrius]]'' itself to the baseship would be too great a risk, Thrace rescinds her original order, suggesting to fly their only [[Raptor]] to the baseship with Athena and Anders as crew, taking [[Leoben Conoy]] with them. Agathon initially objects but realizes it's the best compromise. He tells her that she has only 15 hours to complete her mission before the ''Demetrius'' must jump to rendezvous with the [[The Fleet (RDM)|Fleet]] or be left behind.

===Act 1===
*[[Tory Foster]] is packing things up on ''[[Colonial One]]''. [[Laura Roslin]] is at her desk, bald and not wearing her wig. She tells Foster to keep things going as she finishes the last two [[diloxin]] treatments, where she'll be on ''[[Galactica]]'' and indisposed during that time. Roslin tries to encourage Foster to watch out for sudden moves by the [[Quorum of Twelve (RDM)|Quorum]].
*On day 58 of their mission, the crew prepares the Raptor. Athena promises to work with Thrace as does [[Jean Barolay]], who appreciates Thrace's strong reputation.
*The Raptor jumps and finds a massive graveyard of dead baseships and [[Raider (RDM)|Raiders]] floating dead in space. Thrace is amazed. They are by a large gas giant in a trinary star system, just as her visions suggested.
*On the ''Demetrius'', Gaeta is heavily medicated with [[morpha]] for the pain. He asks Agathon not to have Dr. [[Cottle]] amputate his leg, as he realizes that the longer he doesn't get advanced care, the more likely [[w:gangrene|gangrene]] will set in.
*The Raptor carefully searches for the baseship amidst the exploding ordnance. Thrace can hear "music" (Leoben confirms this is a rare trait among some Cylons as well) and takes control to fly the Raptor towards the gas giant. She sees the comet she expected, but not in the form; Leoben's stricken baseship is flying past, trailing gas that gives it a comet-like appearance.
*When approaching the baseship, the Raptor is hit by a piece of debris hurtled at them from an explosion and impacting the cockpit canopy.

===Act 2===
*Thrace awakens to find the Raptor safely landed within the baseship interior.
*Athena arrives to find herself surrounded by an army of other [[Number Eight]]s, who recognize her independence from all things Cylon. They ask her to help mutiny against the [[Number Six|Sixes]], whom they feel have been making a series of mistakes. Athena rejects them, telling them to find their own individuality and help her or get out of her way.
*In sickbay, amidst [[Gaius Baltar]]'s voice on [[wireless]] discussing his [[God (RDM)|God]], Roslin encounters a woman in [[sickbay]], [[Emily Kowalski]], who is gravely ill with cancer as well. When Roslin tries to turn off the wireless and Baltar, the woman becomes very upset and yells for Roslin to leave.
*Thrace's meeting with the surviving leaders of the baseship does not go well, but Leoben succeeds in convincing [[Natalie]] that they must work together.
*Athena accesses the [[datastream]] to determine how to mate the Raptor's jump drive to the baseship. Doing so requires disconnecting the Hybrid. As the group preps, Anders slowly reaches down to touch the [[data-font]] but pulls his hand back when Thrace calls his name.
*A Six sees [[Jean Barolay]] and recognizes her as the human who killed her on [[New Caprica]]. When Barolay doesn't show any remorse and says she would do the same again, the Six attacks her and smashes her head into the Raptor's hull, which kills Barolay. Anders pounces on the Six and is ready to kill the Cylon when Thrace manages to talk him down.
*The Six that killed Barolay speaks to Natalie, obviously dealing with psychological trauma from the death on New Caprica that she had not been able to shake. After kissing the distraught Six, Natalie grabs Anders's hand and pulls the trigger on his gun, killing the Six permanently as there is no [[Resurrection Ship]] nearby, carrying out a form of justice for the Colonials, who are shocked.
*Roslin meets again with Emily Kowalski, who gives her a scarf, a present. The two make small talk of what they will do after they get well. She warns Roslin that her sickness will get worse and to be prepared.

===Act 3===
*Thrace arrives in the Hybrid's chamber, who seems to ignore her, discussing ship functions but repeating one phrase in particular.

*In sickbay, Emily Kowalski tells Roslin why she listens to Baltar. After speaking to Cottle, she tells of a dream where she saw people standing on the opposite side of a river: dead loved ones. She felt a presence, a warm loving presence that calmed her. Roslin questions the dream but Emily notes that the dream is real.

*Thrace and Natalie continue to listen to the [[Hybrid utterances|Hybrid's utterances]]. Leoben instructs Thrace to listen carefully, not to hurry the construct.

*Athena is ready to activate the jump augmentations and disconnect the Hybrid. Irritated at getting nowhere with the Hybrid, Thrace orders the jump.
*When it is unplugged, the Hybrid makes an inhuman scream, which causes a guarding [[Cylon Centurion]] (still in [[Telencephalic inhibitor|sentient mode]]) to fire in defense, severely wounding an Eight before the group manages to take the Centurion down.

*The Hybrid gives Thrace a coherent message as the Eight's blood mixes with the fluid in her tank: The dying leader will discover the truth about the [[Opera House]], the missing Three will be used to find the Five, who come from the home of the [[Thirteenth Tribe (RDM)|Thirteenth Tribe]], and that she, Thrace, is the harbinger of death that will take all to their end. Thrace is horrified at the message. The Hybrid then deactivates.

*Kowalski and Roslin continue to discuss the authenticity of the [[Religion in the Twelve Colonies (RDM)|Lords of Kobol]] and Baltar's God. Roslin becomes upset when she talks of her mother's death from cancer and the striking lack of anything noble or calming at that moment. As Kowalski tries to comfort her, the woman suddenly has a violent seizure of pain. Cottle arrives with medication, but tells Roslin that Kowalski's end is near.

===Act 4===
*As the group waits, the dying Eight speaks to Athena, who reaches out for her, but hesitates when she wants to touch her hand. Anders steps in to tenderly comfort the Cylon as she dies, astonished at how similar she is to a human.

*The group deciphers the Hybrid's message. All come to the conclusion that the final five Cylons came from the Thirteenth Tribe and so must also know the way to Earth. The boxed [[Number Three]]s will lead them to the Final Five. Anders is unnerved by the conversation, likely fearing the exposure of his Cylon identity. The group leave to meet the ''Demetrius'', with Anders leaving last, still puzzled that he is drawn to help the Eight.

*Kowalski's vision of a river comes to pass in a dream Roslin experiences. The two stand on a boat, looking at a shore where human figures begin to appear, smiling and waving at Kowalski. Kowalski disappears to meet them, materializing on the shore. Roslin feels joy, then sees her own mother, smiling and waiting for Roslin to join her. She tells her she is not yet ready, stepping away from the boat's side, as the dream ends.

*Awakening from her dream, Roslin goes to see Kowalski but finds her bed empty. She died some time while she slept. Only her wireless receiver remains, still switched on.

*''Demetrius'' is prepping to leave as seconds count down but Agathon lets the clock run over in hesitation and to the crew's astonishment. Just as he is about to order the jump, the baseship arrives and broadcasts a Colonial identity. After communication is established, Agathon enthusiastically begins to prep both ships to leave for the Fleet.

*On ''Galactica'', Roslin meets with [[William Adama]] in his quarters. She tells him that something may be truthful in Baltar's words, but Adama is reluctant. A sorrowful Adama talks of Thrace's death and return, [[Lee Adama|his son's]] [[Crossroads, Part I|resignation from the military]], and laments all the crew he sent with Thrace, wondering if he will see them again. But Roslin comforts him. The two smile as Adama tells her that Roslin helped him to believe that they really will find Earth.

== Notes ==

*Baltar's radio broadcast contains a number of phrases from the "To be or not to be" soliloquy of Hamlet, including "shuffle off this mortal coil," and "the undiscover'd country, from whose bourn no traveler returns." These phrases refer to death and the afterlife, respectively. The full text of the soliloquy can be found [http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/The_Tragedy_of_Hamlet%2C_Prince_of_Denmark/Act_3 here].

== Analysis ==
* Even though Baltar is preaching for the "one true [[God (RDM)|God]]", the symbolism of a boat crossing a river to the land of the dead is very similar to the Greek legends involving the [[w:Styx|River Styx]]. It can be expected that Baltar borrows some of his teachings from an established religion that people are familiar with. This also parallels the rise of Christianity, which adopted things from other religions, including some rites of the established Roman polytheistic religions.
* Emily Kowalski's description of the [[Religion in the Twelve Colonies (RDM)#The Lords of Kobol|Lords of Kobol]] and their behavior is quite consistent with that of Greek mythology.
* When speaking of her mother's death, Laura Roslin mentions the [[w:Elysium|Fields of Elysium]], a portion of the Greek underworld where heroic or virtuous souls end up after death that bears a resemblance to heaven in Christianity. It appears that the Colonials view of the afterlife is almost identical to that of the ancient Greeks.
*Roslin believes that the Lords of Kobol are not to be taken seriously but are metaphors. Roslin's mother took them more literally. This mirrors real life in which some people take the Jewish [[w:Torah|Torah]] ([[w:Old Testament|Old Testament]]), the Christian Bible ([[w:New Testament|New Testament]]) and the Islamic [[w:Koran|Koran]] as literal word for word truth and an accurate record of events, while others believe the stories are metaphors to be used as guidelines in life, but not hard pronouncements or actual history.
* Some of the writers' misdirection from "[[He That Believeth in Me]]" becomes clear. The "giant gas planet with rings", assumed to be [[w:Jupiter|Jupiter]] or [[w:Saturn|Saturn]], is revealed to be at the site of the [[Cylon Civil War|Cylon battle]]. Moreover, the comet is a damaged and drifting basestar. This also explains how Conoy was able to help Thrace paint the scene in the previous episode, since he had already witnessed it himself.
* A close-up of Kara Thrace in the Hybrid's chamber evokes the [[Eye of Jupiter]], with Thrace's blue eye at the center, ringed by her bloodied eyebrow and blonde hair.
* With its inhibitor removed, the Centurion in the Hybrid's chamber seems visibly more aware of its environment. It turns its head to gaze at each member of the group as they enter, and again at Thrace as she questions the Hybrid. This contrasts with what was seen previously, when Centurions on guard duty simply stand immobile unless they perceive a threat, or are given a direct order.

== Questions ==
* Are the Centurions capable of getting an IFF signal from a humanoid Cylon, like a Raider does? Could one have exposed Anders if he had made direct eye contact?
* What does the Hybrid's statement that the five come from the home of the thirteenth mean?
** Were they made on Earth, the home of the thirteenth tribe? Or did they voyage to Earth from Cylon/Colonial space and then return?
** Does "the thirteenth" refer to "[[The One Whose Name Cannot Be Spoken]]" mentioned in "[[The Eye of Jupiter]]", to whom the [[Temple of Five]] was dedicated?
* Will Thrace tell anyone about the Hybrid calling her "the harbinger of death"?
**Comments by Leoben at the start of Act 4 seem to indicate that he heard the "harbringer" line from the hybrid as well, as did the others in the group.
* Will Helo and the others have to answer for their mutiny?
* How will Gaeta's injury affect his duties? Will his leg be amputated?
* What would have happened if Anders had put his hand in the datastream?
* Why should the Cylons have any trouble figuring out the Raptor's FTL system? They have previously used Raptors ([[Torn]]).
* How will the Fleet respond when the ''Demetrius'' returns with the shipwrecked basestar in tow?

== Official Statements ==





== Noteworthy Dialogue ==

* ''An [[Eight]] discussing mutiny with [[Sharon Agathon]]:''
: '''Sharon Agathon:''' You guys make me sick.
: '''Eight:''' Why?
: '''Agathon:''' Because you pick your side and you stick. You don't cut and run when things get ugly. Otherwise you'll never have anything. No love. No family. No life to call your own.

* ''[[Emily Kowalski]] and [[Laura Roslin]] discuss the [[Lords of Kobol]]:''
: '''Emily Kowalski:''' Oh, Laura. And the [[Lords of Kobol (RDM)|Lords of Kobol]] are real? Reigning from a metaphysical mountaintop in those silly outfits? [[Zeus]]? Handing out fates out of an urn like they were lottery tickets? 'You're gonna work on a [[tylium]] ship. You're gonna be an admiral. Your family's gonna be evaporated in [[Fall of the Twelve Colonies|an attack]] on the [[The Twelve Colonies (RDM)|Colonies]] but you'll survive for three more years on a moldy compartment on a freighter 'til your body starts to eat itself up alive.' Those are the gods that you worship? Capricious, vindictive...
: '''Laura Roslin:''' But they're not meant to be taken literally. They're metaphors, Emily.
: '''Kowalski:''' I don't need metaphors. I need answers.

* ''Laura Roslin on her mother's death:''
: "You're like my mother. She wasn't satisfied with metaphors either. She was convinced that [[Aphrodite]] herself was gonna swoop her away when she died. And she believed it even when the [[diloxin]] and the radiation failed to stop her cancer. She was a teacher! She was... oh, she was something to behold. And the head of a classroom. And her students— Her students loved her. They'd walk through fire for her and then they see this woman who seemed so eternal. She withered away and I find myself having to change her diaper because she couldn't even— At the moment she died there was no gleaming fields of Elysium stretched out before her. There was this dark, black abyss. And she was terrified. She was so scared."

== Guest Stars ==

* [[Michael Trucco]] as Ensign [[Samuel Anders]]
* [[Tahmoh Penikett]] as [[Karl Agathon]]
* [[Rekha Sharma]] as [[Tory Foster]]
* [[Alessandro Juliani]] as Lieutenant [[Felix Gaeta]]
* [[Callum Keith Rennie]] as [[Number Two]] / [[Leoben Conoy (New Caprica copy)|Leoben Conoy]]
* [[Donnelly Rhodes]] as Doctor [[Cottle]]
* [[Bodie Olmos]] as Lieutenant [[Brendan Costanza|Brendan "Hotdog" Costanza]]
* [[Alisen Down]] as [[Jean Barolay]]
* [[Tiffany Lyndall-Knight]] as [[Hybrid]]
* [[Jennifer Halley]] as Ensign [[Diana Seelix|Diana "Hardball" Seelix]]
* [[Nana Visitor]] as [[Emily Kowalski]]
* [[Alana Husband]] as Nurse [[Sashon]]
* [[Leo Li Chiang]] as the [[tattooed pilot]] (uncredited)

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

==External Links==
*Composer [[Bear McCreary]] on the episode's score: [http://www.bearmccreary.com/blog/?p=313]

{{Episode list (RDM season 4)}}

[[Category:RDM]]

[[de:Faith]]

Escape Velocity

2008-04-28T13:24:28Z

MathewBurrack:

{{Episode Data
| image=4x04 - Escape Velocity - Promo 1.jpg
| title= Escape Velocity
| season= 4
| episode= 4
| forumthread= 954
| guests=
| writer=[[Jane Espenson]]
| story=
| director=[[Edward James Olmos]]
| production=406
| rating=
| US airdate=25 April 2008
| UK airdate=
| dvd=
| population=39675
| oldpopulation=39676
| prev= [[The Ties That Bind]]
| next= [[The Road Less Travelled]]
| hulu=y
| unbox=B0018ENBMQ
}}

== Overview ==
: ''Religious freedom is debated and defended as the messianic [[Gaius Baltar]] promotes his belief in one true God. Meanwhile, [[Galen Tyrol]] tries to cope with the death of his [[Callandra Tyrol|wife]] and fails.''

== Summary ==


=== Teaser ===

* In a makeshift temple aboard ''[[Galactica (RDM)|Galactica]]'', [[Galen Tyrol]] performs a ritual commemoration ceremony in the memory of his wife, [[Callandra Henderson Tyrol]]. In attendance are [[Laura Roslin]], Admiral [[William Adama|Adama]], Delegate [[Lee Adama]], [[Tory Foster]], Colonel [[Saul Tigh]] and [[Anthony Figurski]].
* After the priestess ends the service, Roslin (wearing a wig) tells Adama that she likes the ceremony, insinuating that she wants Adama to perform the same service for her when she dies.
* Tyrol is given condolences by people as they leave the temple. Foster asks Roslin why they have to do "these things at dawn", to which Roslin replies that they have to.
* After Roslin gives her condolences, Tyrol grabs a hold of both Foster and Tigh, who hastily offer their condolences. As they walk out, they complain that Tyrol almost attracted attention to themselves.
* Delegate Adama offers his condolences as Tyrol stares off after Foster and Tigh; Adama leaves without a response from Tyrol.
* Tigh enters the surveillance room adjoining [[Caprica-Six]]'s brig. The Marines inform him that she continues her same routine. When broaching the topic of how Six doesn't go nuts, the [[Unnamed Galactica and Pegasus crew (RDM)#Blonde female Marine|female Marine]] replies that she probably turns off her brain, prompting interest from Tigh.
* Tigh enters the brig, informing Six that her request to see [[Hera Agathon]] has been denied. Six notes that Tigh already told her this, and asks what else he wants from her. During the discussion, Tigh sees [[Ellen Tigh]] in place of Six. Tigh, unsure of what to make of it, tells Six to stay back from him. Six notes that he visits her every day, but doesn't ask questions any more. Tigh leaves, with her saying that she'll see him tomorrow.
* In his quarters, Tyrol sits while [[Nicholas Tyrol]] cries. Foster and Tigh gruffly admonish Tyrol for his behavior at the service.
* Tigh inquires after the baby. Tyrol notes that Nicholas probably needs to be changed; Tigh goes about doing so.
* Foster asks Tyrol if he believes Cally killed herself because of him. Tyrol brings up the alleged affair between them, to which Foster replies that they didn't have one. Tyrol voices his concerns over which of his memories were real, and whether or not there was ever an action in his life that wasn't programmed. Foster espouses what, according to Tigh, is "[[Gaius Baltar|Baltar]]'s crap" when she tells Tyrol that they, as [[humanoid Cylons|Cylons]], don't need guilt since they are perfect. Tigh, on the other hand, believes that Tyrol is feeling what men feel after the death of a loved one. Tigh continues by telling Tyrol that he'll see Cally every day, while referencing his own experience of [[Torn|hearing]] and [[Virtual Ellen|seeing]] his dead wife. Tigh finishes by saying that Tyrol feels what he needs to feel, but not at the expense of being outed as Cylons, while Foster says to think about what they are and embrace their Cylon attributes.

=== Act 1 ===

=== Act 2 ===

=== Act 3 ===

=== Act 4 ===

== Notes ==
* [[Cally Tyrol]]'s full first name is Callandra. The spelling is confirmed in [http://www.bearmccreary.com/blog/?p=246 Bear McCreary's blog post] for this episode. The episode also marks the first onscreen mention of her birth name, Henderson.
* The [[survivor count]] now accounts for Callandra Tyrol's death in "[[The Ties That Bind]]".
* A costuming error in the teaser shows [[Saul Tigh]] wearing the rank insignia of an [[Military Ranks (RDM)|admiral]]. This is noticeable in the scene where Tigh and [[Tory Foster]] confront [[Galen Tyrol]] in Tyrol's quarters after the memorial service.
* The [[diloxin]] treatment [[Laura Roslin]] receives has forced her to wear a wig, since her hair loss began more than 22 days ago in "[[Six of One]]".
* Another of the [[Lords of Kobol (RDM)|Lords of Kobol]] is revealed: [[Asclepius]]. Asclepius is known to the Colonials as the god of healing.
* Unlike "[[The Ties That Bind]]", [[Tom Zarek]] is not present at the [[Quorum of Twelve (RDM)|Quorum of Twelve]] meetings on ''[[Colonial One]]'' in this episode. The reason for his absence is unexplained.
* [[w:Escape velocity|Escape velocity]] is the minimum initial velocity an unaccelerated object needs to escape a body's gravitational field.
* Tory Foster confirms that the [[Final Five]] are stronger than humans.
* [[Redwing]] previously appeared in "[[Exodus, Part II]]" as [[Hot Dog]]'s wingman.

== Analysis ==

=== Characters ===
* [[Galen Tyrol]]'s insubordination that leads Admiral Adama to demote him may have been a deliberate act, conscious or unconscious, to maintain the safety of the ship. While not stated explicitly, Tyrol has been implied to have fears of working against the interest of the Fleet. This fear is almost certainly magnified when he forgets to swap out a burned out component for a new one on [[Margaret Edmondson|Racetrack]]'s Raptor, which subsequently crashes. While his memory lapse may have been innocently brought on by the continuing stress of discovering himself to be a Cylon, the resulting subterfuge, and his wife's death, the experience of [[Sharon Valerii]] with her memory lapses, unconscious acts of sabotage, and the attempted murder of then Commander Adama, are probably on his mind. This is indicated during the tirade against Cally, Adama, and his life in general in [[Joe's bar]]. A demotion in disgrace and transfer could ensure the safety of the ship, without raising any unwanted questions as an official resignation probably would.
* Tyrol continues to have feelings for Sharon Valerii, as he admits to [[William Adama]] and everyone else present in Joe's Bar. Tyrol notes many of [[Cally Tyrol|Cally]]'s weaknesses, including her nagging, nosy nature (which lead to her death in "[[The Ties That Bind]]"), and grows annoyed at Adama's willingness to turn Cally into an angel, when he believes that she is unworthy of that. His feelings for Valerii were likely renewed upon realizing that he is a Cylon, which makes a possible association with Valerii much more acceptable to him.
* Foster continues to embrace her Cylon nature and Baltar's teachings. She tells Tigh and Tyrol to turn off the guilt, that they are perfect and different from humans. Tigh, however, can't turn off his feelings and spends much of the episode wondering if [[Caprica-Six]] can.
* A part of the book that Adama reads to Roslin, ''[[Searider Falcon]]'', has some deeper significance to both of them, just like ''[[Love and Bullets]]'' in the previous episode: "I wasn't afraid to die. I was afraid of the emptiness that I felt inside. I couldn't feel anything. And that's what scared me. You came into my thoughts. I felt them. It felt good." This is emphasized by the fact that he closes the book and recites the passage, almost as if the words are his. It is also possible that the passage has additional significance for Adama, since by his admission he normally stops reading after it.
* Roslin's wig is strikingly reminiscent of [[Helena Cain]]'s hairstyle in "[[Pegasus (episode)|Pegasus]]" and "[[Resurrection Ship, Part I|Resurrection Ship, Parts I]] and [[Resurrection Ship, Part II|II]]". This is a visual counterpoint to her increasing ruthlessness as she confronts her impending death.

=== Story ===
* Delegate [[Reza Chronides]] mentions [[Mithraism]], thus further establishing the existence of other religions in the Twelve Colonies. The [[Sons of Ares]] are another religious group, described as [[w:fundamentalism|fundamenalist]].
**This is particularly notable in the context of Baltar's cult, because [[w:Mithraism|Mithraism]] had many things in common with [[w:Christianity|Christianity]]. Yet Christians were prosecuted far more by the ([[w:polytheism|polytheistic]]) Romans, while Mithraism spread throughout the empire and particularly the army, before Christianity became the official religion and [[w:Paganism|paganism]] illegal. This furthers the connection of the [[Religion in the Twelve Colonies (RDM)#The Lords of Kobol|Lords of Kobol]] to the Roman/Greek gods and of Baltar to [[w:Jesus Christ|Christ]].
***However, Baltar's monotheistic theology, while similar on the surface with Judeo-Christian-Islamic beliefs, differs in at least one key aspect: There is no sin. People are perfect. God loves things that are perfect. Perfect things have no faults, therefore God loves one including one's faults. Hence, there is nothing wrong with one despite the questionable things done in life. This is different than in Christian tradition in that while God/Jesus may love one anyway, one still must renounce sin in order to be in His grace. If not, one will not be rewarded in the after life. In other words, serious faults would cause one to be rejected by God in some way. This is unlike Baltar's theology in which God would never reject a person under any circumstance because he or she is perfect regardless of their faults or sins. Under this world view God would regard [[Tory Foster]] as perfect and guiltless despite her murder of [[Cally Tyrol]], which she has convinced herself that she is.
*The [[Sons of Ares]] act with military precision, have access to gas grenades and knowledge about the ship's security procedures. From this it is likely that many of them are soldiers and not civilians. This may be expected from a group dedicated to the [[Ares|god of war]].
* [[Hamish McCall|Hamish "Skulls" McCall]] and [[Margaret Edmondson|Margaret "Racetrack" Edmondson]] have notoriously bad luck with the [[RCS|reaction control systems]] on the [[Raptor]]s that they are assigned to. An error with the RCS thrusters also occurs in "[[Dirty Hands]]", then attributed to impurities in the [[tylium]] fuel. This is the third Raptor mishap to befall the pair, the first being their FTL malfunction causing their mis-jump to the [[New Caprica]] system in "[[Lay Down Your Burdens, Part I]]".
* When facing down the Marines, the way in which Baltar is standing up, when the scene shifts to [[virtual Six]] being absent, it still appears as though he is being lifted up, which puzzles the Marines and Baltar's followers. This marks the first time where virtual Six does something to Baltar that isn't clearly presented like Baltar is doing it to himself. While that is still possible, it is implied that virtual Six can actually affect things physically. This, along with the [[virtual Baltar]] appearing to Baltar in "[[Six of One]]" and both virtual beings consistently knowing information that neither Baltar or Caprica-Six could actually know, hints that there is something more to them than simply being illusions. What they are, of course, remains a matter of debate.
** This lends further credence to the theory that virtual Six may be able to interact with the physical world, and possibly hints at the true explanation of [[Shelly Godfrey]]'s strange appearance and disappearance in the episode "[[Six Degrees of Separation]]".
* The scene where Baltar violently confronts the Colonials during their prayer service seems based on the biblical narrative of [[Wikipedia:Jesus and the money changers|Jesus and the money changers]].

== Questions ==

* Will Lee Adama grow more sympathetic towards Baltar's group?
* Will Roslin learn that Foster is associating with Baltar?
* Will Tyrol seriously consider Foster's words?
* Will Foster clash with Tigh and Tyrol, as their different attitudes towards their Cylon nature develop?
* Are Tyrol and Tigh's hallucinations merely the result of grief and guilt, or are they using [[projection]]?
* Do Tigh and Six have sex?
* What of [[Nicholas Tyrol]]? Will his father take care of the child?
* Are Tyrol's statements about Cally's negative attributes heartfelt, or merely a result of rage and anger?
* Now that it is clear that Foster lied to Tyrol about the death of Cally, how will Tyrol react should he discover the truth?
* What will Tyrol's new duties be after his demotion to specialist?
* Does Lee Adama notice Tory Foster during Baltar's service?

== Official Statements ==





== Noteworthy Dialogue ==



== Guest Stars ==

* [[Michael Hogan]] as Colonel [[Saul Tigh]]
* [[Rekha Sharma]] as [[Tory Foster]]
* [[Aaron Douglas]] as Chief [[Galen Tyrol]]
* [[Michael Trucco]] as Ensign [[Samuel Anders]]
* [[Kate Vernon]] as "[[Virtual beings#Saul Tigh's Virtual Ellen|Virtual Ellen]]"
* [[Don Thompson]] as [[Anthony Figurski]]
* [[Leah Cairns]] as Lieutenant [[Margaret Edmonson|Margaret "Racetrack" Edmonson]]
* [[Colin Lawrence]] as Lieutenant [[Hamish McCall|Hamish "Skulls" McCall]]
* [[Keegan Connor Tracy]] as [[Jeanne]]
* [[Donna Soares]] as [[Unnamed civilians in the Fleet (RDM)#Gemenon Delegate|Speaking Delegate #1]] (Gemenon Delegate)
* [[Andrew McIlroy]] as [[Jacob Cantrell]]
* [[Judith Maxie]] as [[Unnamed civilians in the Fleet (RDM)#Picon Delegate|Picon Delegate]]
* [[Iris Paluly]] as [[Unnamed civilians in the Fleet (RDM)#Speaking Delegate #2|Speaking Delegate #2]]
* [[Marilyn Norry]] as [[Reza Chronides]]
* [[Lara Gilchrist]] as [[Paulla Schaffer]]
* [[Leela Savasta]] as [[Tracey Anne]]
* [[Finn R. Devitt]] as [[Nicholas Tyrol]] (credited as "Baby Nicky")
* [[Heather Doerksen]] as [[Unnamed Galactica and Pegasus crew (RDM)#Blonde female Marine|Surveillance Marine]]
* [[Laara Sadiq]] as [[Unnamed civilians in the Fleet (RDM)#Priestess|Priestess]]
* [[Karen Austin]] as [[Lilly]]
* [[Steve Lawlor]] as [[Unnamed Galactica and Pegasus crew (RDM)#Marine guard|Marine at Baltar's]]
* [[Hector Johnson]] as [[Unnamed Galactica and Pegasus crew (RDM)#Marine Lieutenant|Marine Lieutenant]]
* [[Lee Jefferies]] as [[Redwing|"Redwing" McKay]]
* Unknown as [[Unnamed Galactica and Pegasus crew (RDM)#"Mr. Officious"|"Mr. Officious"]]
* Unknown as [[Unnamed civilians in the Fleet (RDM)#Sons of Ares leader|Sons of Ares leader]]

== External Links ==
*Composer [[Bear McCreary]] on the episode's score: http://www.bearmccreary.com/blog/?p=246

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

{{Episode list (RDM season 4)}}

[[Category:RDM]]
[[Category:Episodes written by Jane Espenson]]
[[Category:Episodes directed by Edward James Olmos]]

[[de:Escape Velocity]]
[[ms:Escape Velocity]]

Escape Velocity

2008-04-26T21:53:45Z

MathewBurrack:

Escape Velocity

2008-04-26T19:36:35Z

MathewBurrack:

Talk:Escape Velocity/Archive 1

2008-04-26T19:21:16Z

MathewBurrack: /* Analysis re. Adama's book reading */ new section

{{newsection link}}

== The Lord of Kobol reference ==

During the service by Chief Tyrol he utters the like "...and the Lords of Kobol, as many and as varied as mortal men..."

Could this be taken literally, and suggest some new connection between the Colonials and the Lords of Kobol? It feels like the sort of cryptic clue the writes would drop in.

12 Colonies, 12 Cylon models, and perhaps 12 Gods? {{unsigned|DarthS}}

== Analysis re. Adama's book reading ==

I noticed there was a comment on the Analysis section about Adama reciting the passage, even though he said they were to the part he hadn't read before. Actually, he states that they are ''getting'' to the part he hasn't passed before, so they hadn't actually reached it yet, so if anything, these would be the parts he would remember the most, since it would be where he always stops after.

If anything, it seems like some double-symbolism could be read in to the fact that he would always stop reading after that particular passage...

(I don't know how to edit the page itself, or even if it's appropriate to, hence why I wanted to comment here instead).

[[User:MathewBurrack|MathewBurrack]] 19:21, 26 April 2008 (UTC)