Battlestar Wiki - User contributions [en]

The Hand of God (TOS)

2008-08-13T13:06:42Z

Mjb0123:

:''This article details an episode of the [[Battlestar Galactica (TOS)|Original Series]]. For information on the [[Battlestar Galactica (RDM)|Re-imagined Series]] episode of the same name, see [[The Hand of God (RDM)]].''
{{Episode Data
| image = The_Hand_of_God (TOS).jpg
| title= The Hand of God
| series= tos
| forumthread=1545
| episode= 21
| guests=
| writer= [[Donald Bellisario]]
| story=
| director= [[Donald Bellisario]]
| production= 50930
| rating=
| extra= Series Finale
| US airdate= 1979-04-29
| UK airdate=
| dvd= 2004-12-28
| population=
| prev= [[Take the Celestra]]
| next= '''(End of Series)'''<br />(See ''[[Galactica 1980]]'')
| extra= [[bsp:The Hand of God|Script available on BattlestarPegasus.com]]
| hulu=Y
}}
== Overview ==

:''[[Adama (TOS)|Commander Adama]] decides to quit running from the [[Cylons (TOS)|Cylons]], and launches [[Battle at Galaxy's Edge|an all-out attack]] on a [[Basestar (TOS)|basestar]].''

== Summary ==

* [[Apollo (TOS)|Apollo]] is leading [[Sheba]], [[Starbuck (TOS)|Starbuck]], and [[Cassiopeia]] through some unknown parts of [[Galactica (TOS)|''Galactica'']] on something of a group date. Everyone is wearing hearing protection as they are in a loud section of the ship.

* They climb into some sort of a dome, and once the hatch is sealed they are able to take off their hearing protection.

* Apollo says that they are as high as you can get on ''Galactica'', directly over the main thrusters.

* Apollo opens up the shielding on the dome, revealing space all around them. Cassiopeia is frightened, but Apollo explains that they are safe as the walls are constructed from [[transparent tylinium]].

* Apollo explains that it is a [[Celestial chamber]]. When ''Galactica'' was launched 500 [[yahren]] ago, she had several chambers, but only one remains. They were used by navigators to take star sightings to double-check the calculations of the navigation computers.

* The scanners are set for long range [[Gamma frequency|Gamma frequencies]], an outdated method of communication. Sheba notices that they are receiving a signal on a Gamma frequency. Apollo recognizes something in the signal that looks like ships that used to be flown by [[The Twelve Colonies (TOS)|the Colonials]] many yahrens ago.

* The date group wakes up [[Boomer (TOS)|Boomer]] in order to leverage his electronics expertise to try to enhance the signal.

[[Image:Apollo_11.jpg|thumb|right|Boomer analyzing a Gamma frequency transmission.]]

* Boomer speculates that the signal could either be a harmonic signal, with a double or tripling of the original transmitting frequency, in which case the source would be relatively close. If the signal is at its original frequency it would have to be intergalactic to be so weak.

* [[Adama (TOS)|Adama]] orders ''Galactica'' to scan in the direction of the signal in order to see if it was a harmonic signal originating from nearby.

* A planetary system is detected in the direction of the transmission, so Adama orders Apollo to take a [[Viper (TOS)|Viper]] patrol into the system to take a closer look.

* Apollo, Starbuck, and Sheba fly towards the system. They detect five planets. Starbuck detects a [[Cylons (TOS)|Cylon]] [[Basestar (TOS)|basestar]] coming out from behind orbit of the third planet. The Vipers flee hoping they avoided detection.

* The basestar is located in a strategic location on the rim of the galaxy, forcing [[The Fleet (TOS)|the fleet]] to take a long detour if they want to avoid it. Adama thinks that the transmission they received was sent from the basestar as part of an elaborate trap.

* Adama is tired of running, and proposes attacking the basestar.

* Aboard the basestar, a Command Centurion checks the status. A [[Centurion (TOS)|Centurion]] reports a blip shortly before achieving orbit. The Command Centurion orders a [[Cylon Raider|fighter]] patrol to check the far side of the planet system just to be safe.

* Commander Adama and [[Tigh (TOS)|Colonel Tigh]] brief the Viper pilots. All Vipers squadrons will be launched in an attempt to draw out the Cylon Raiders. They will be outnumbered two to one. ''Galactica'' will attempt to flank around the star system and surprise the basestar, getting the first strike. After that it will be a slugfest.

* Apollo stays after the meeting examining the basestar model. He and Starbuck come up with a plan to use [[Baltar (TOS)|Baltar's]] Cylon fighter to sneak aboard the basestar and knock out its scanners, ensuring ''Galactica'' the first strike.

* Apollo is able to convince Adama of his plan, however Starbuck's knowledge of the interior of the basestar is too limited (after his brief stay during "[[War of the Gods, Part I (TOS)|War of the Gods, Part I]]"). Adama decides that the person who would be better able to help them with information would be Baltar himself.

* The Cylon Raiders have found nothing in their search, but the Command Centurion orders them to continue further into the galaxy as long as fuel permits.

[[Image:BaltarsBargain.jpg|thumb|right|Adama strikes a bargain with Baltar.]]

* Adama offers Baltar freedom in exchange for information. Adama would drop Baltar off on a habitable planet that they pass, leaving him with adequate provisions and shelter. Baltar is able to negotiate for a short range communication device as well. Baltar would be set free after the basestar has been destroyed.

* Inside Baltar's Raider, Boomer gives Apollo and Starbuck an identification transmitter, which would alert their fellow Viper pilots that they are friendly when they return from their mission.

* Cassiopeia asks for a word alone with Starbuck.

* With the raider to themselves, Sheba accuses Apollo of having a death wish since [[Serina]]'s loss, and reveals her feelings for him.

* Outside the raider, Cassiopeia is asking Starbuck why he has to be on every dangerous mission. Starbuck admits that he sees the danger, but chooses not to dwell on it.

* Boomer reminds Starbuck and Apollo not to lose the transmitter, or else they will likely be shot at. Starbuck says that if they do lose the transmitter that they'll just waggle their wings.

* Baltar explains that they can probably safely land without clearance. It will be assumed that there is a communications problem on the raider. A centurion will be sent if they don't have any fighters out. The control center is at the bottom of the central core, guarded by a single centurion. They can just destroy the computers outside the command room to blind the basestar.

* Apollo and Starbuck launch the Raider.

* Suddenly they are surrounded by Raiders. They appear to have stumbled into the returning patrol, and hope they can pass as a stray returning to the pack.

* The Cylons do not appear to notice that an extra raider has returned.

* ''Galactica'' launches all of her Vipers and begins her flanking maneuver.

* Apollo and Starbuck wait for the Centurions to disembark and leave the hangar before exiting. They make their way to the central core, and open the hatch. They look down the ladder and see a Centurion guard below.

* The Centurion looks up as they are climbing down the ladder, prompting a slow motion exchange of laser fire. The Centurion is destroyed, and the warriors are unharmed.

* They enter the computer room outside the control center, and Starbuck plants the charges while Apollo covers him.

* The basestar picks up the Vipers on its sensors. The Command Centurion orders all fighters dispatched to intercept the Vipers, and orders sensors to scan for ''Galactica''.

* A Centurion walks in on Starbuck planting the last charge, and is shot in the chest. Apollo and Starbuck flee up the ladder. As Apollo rushes up the ladder he drops the identification transmitter. With several Centurions on their tail, they continue up the ladder anyway.

* The charges detonate, killing the pursuing Centurions and blinding the basestar.

* The Vipers duel with the raiders. Both sides take losses but the raiders are getting the worst end of it.

* ''Galactica'' spots the basestar. Adama orders everyone to battle stations.

* ''Galactica'' gets the first shots in, severely damaging the basestar. The basestar detects ''Galactica'' and begins to return fire.

[[Image:CelestialChamber.jpg|thumb|right|Apollo scans Gamma frequencies for the signal.]]

* ''Galactica'' sustains heavy damage, but destroys the Cylon basestar.

* ''Galactica'' issues a recall order to all Vipers. They have not gotten any signal from the identification transmitter, but several Raiders have made suicide runs towards ''Galactica''.

* Adama nearly orders a Cylon Raider destroyed before Boomer stops him. He thinks it is Starbuck and Apollo because "they're waggling!"

* After they are safely aboard, Apollo returns to the Celestial chamber. Starbuck comes looking for him to return him to the victory celebration. Apollo is looking for another Gamma frequency signal. Dr. [[Wilker]]'s lab was destroyed in the battle, and the signal with it.

* Boomer has rigged a Gamma frequency signal booster, so that if any signal is out there Apollo hopes to pick it up. Apollo hopes that the signal came from Earth. Apollo expects that first contact will come in the form of routine video or radio scans.

* After they exit the Celestial chamber a clear transmission of the Apollo moon landing is received, with nobody there to see it.

== Notes ==
*This episode is both the season and series finale of [[Battlestar Galactica (TOS)|the Original Series]].
*The title was reused for the [[The Hand of God (RDM)|tenth episode]] of the [[Battlestar Galactica (RDM)|Re-imagined Series]]. Aside from both Adamas launching an offensive strike against Cylon forces, there is little comparison between the two episodes. The writers of the Re-imagined Series episode claimed that the naming of their episode and the offensive attack plans were coincidental; they weren't aware of this Original Series episode.
* Apollo gives the age of ''Galactica'' as being 500 [[yahren]]s (years) and given his comments on the removal of her [[celestial chamber]]s, it can be inferred that ''Galactica'' was updated throughout the years.
*The final episode of the Original Series shows not just one, but two authentic items of American space program output.
:*The first article, shown in the grainy Gamma transmissions, is camera footage from the return of the ascent stage of an [[w:Apollo Lunar Module|Apollo Lunar Module]]. Specifically, the footage was of ''Eagle'', the first lunar lander to reach the moon, piloted by [[w:Neil Armstrong|Neil Armstrong]] and [[w:Buzz Aldrin|Buzz Aldrin]] in July, 1969.
:*The central basestar core was in fact the interior of the mockup or backup vehicle of [[w:Skylab|Skylab]], the first United States space station, which was used from 1973 to 1974. Two flight-ready Skylabs were built; the flown station reentered the atmosphere in 1979 to great international fanfare and speculation as to its crash and debris site. The second flight-ready vehicle is available for viewing at the [[w:National Air and Space Museum|National Air and Space Museum]]. The mockup resides in the hands of the [[w:United States Space & Rocket Center|United States Space & Rocket Center]] and is undergoing restoration.

== Analysis ==

* Boomer speculates that the signal they recorded could have be on a harmonic frequency, doubling or quadrupling the original frequency. If it is a harmonic it comes from nearby. The planetary system they scouted has a large [[w:Jupiter|Jupiter]]-like [[w:gas giant|gas giant]], a [[w:Venus|Venus]]-like planet with a compressed [[w:carbon dioxide|carbon dioxide]] atmosphere, and a lifeless red [[w:Mars|Mars]]-like world. It have be [[w:Sol|our solar system]] but this isn't explored further for fear another Cylon basestar might be coming to investigate.
* As inferred from previous episodes, such as "[[Saga of a Star World]]", a Cylon [[basestar (TOS)|basestar]] and a Colonial [[battlestar (TOS)|battlestar]] are evenly matched.
* This episode suggests that Earth would most likely be far enough along technologically and politically to help their brothers from the Colonies. ''[[Galactica 1980]]'' proves otherwise, however.
*The episode creates a continuity error between the Original Series and its [[spin-off]], ''[[Galactica 1980]]'' in terms of time. ''Galactica 1980'' begins with ''Galactica'' arriving at Earth in 1980 after a 30 year journey. However, even if ''Galactica'' is picking up the Apollo landing "live" in this episode, there is only an 11 year difference between 1969, when the moon landing occurred and 1980 when ''Galactica'' makes it to Earth. As well, assuming the star system ''Galactica'' receives the signal in is not the Sol system, the transmissions from the 1969 moon landing (traveling at the speed of light) would take much, much longer to cross interstellar (if not intergalactic) space to reach ''Galactica''.
*Much like the Re-imagined Series, the setting of the Original Series is chronologically ambiguous relative to the real-world Earth. There is no definitive way to prove within the context of the Original Series just what time period the journey of ''Galactica'' and her fleet takes place in, only that it is some point after 1969. Only ''Galactica 1980'', with its debatable canonicity, gives a precise date marker relative to Earth, the year 1980.
*In theory, the first video transmission ''Galactica'' could receive from Earth would actually be the broadcast of the opening ceremonies of the [[w:1936 Summer Olympics|1936 Summer Olympics]] from Berlin, Germany which were infamously presided over by then-German Chancellor [[w:Adolf Hitler|Adolf Hitler]]. By that time however, ''Galactica'' would also have picked up many years-worth of radio signals as well. However, someone would have to be monitoring what they considered a superfluous and "ancient" set of signals. This is comparable to SETI monitoring radio transmissions and without people and funding, nobody monitors this data.

== Questions ==

*What is the fate of Baltar? Does Adama follow through with his promise to Baltar? If not, why not?
*Were it to occur, how would the civilians in the Fleet react to Baltar's release by Adama? What of the [[Quorum of Twelve (TOS)|Quorum of Twelve]]?
*Where is [[Lucifer]]?
*What of [[Boxey (TOS)|Boxey]] and [[Muffit]]? ([[Troy (1980)|Answer]])
*Would Starbuck and Cassiopeia be [[seal]]ed?
*Where is Apollo and Sheba's relationship going?
*What is the current state of [[Earth (TOS)|Earth]]? ([[Galactica 1980|Answer]])
*How old is the gamma frequency transmission ''Galactica'' receives?
*Do the Colonials believe in [[w:backups|backing up important data]]?
*Why doesn't Apollo attach a recording device to the gamma frequency booster that Boomer gave him?

== Noteworthy Dialogue ==
* ''Colonel Tigh briefs the [[Viper (TOS)|Viper]] pilots about the Cylon [[Basestar (TOS)|basestar]]:''
:'''Colonel Tigh''': She carries three hundred fighters. Has two long range mega pulsars... here... and here. And over a hundred defensive laser turrets. She's an orbiting killer... capable of destroying every ship we have... including the ''Galactica''.
:'''Starbuck''': (to Boomer) That's what I like about the Colonel... his optimism.

* ''Boomer gives Starbuck the IFF transponder:''
:'''Boomer''': Whatever happens, don't lose that transmitter. It's the only way we'll be able to tell you from the Cylons.
:'''Starbuck''': Well, if we do, we'll just waggle our wings.
:'''Boomer''': You would.

* ''Cassiopeia and Sheba watch Starbuck and Apollo take off from the [[Celestial chamber]].''
:'''Cassiopeia''': Why did I ever have to fall in love with a warrior?
:'''Sheba''': I don't know.

* ''A Cylon [[Raider (TOS)|Raider]] approaches ''Galactica'', and is about to be shot by the defensive systems.''
:'''Boomer''': No! Don't fire! It's them!
:'''Adama''': How do you know?
:'''Boomer''': They're waggling!
:'''Tigh''': Waggling?!

{{Episode List (TOS)}}

[[Category:A to Z|Hand of God, The (TOS)]]
[[Category:TOS|Hand of God, The (TOS)]]
[[Category:Episode Guide (TOS)|Hand of God, The (TOS)]]
[[Category:Episodes written by Donald Bellisario|Hand of God, The (TOS)]]
[[Category:Episodes directed by Donald Bellisario|Hand of God, The (TOS)]]
{{TOS}}

[[de:Die große Schlacht]]

Experiment in Terra

2008-08-12T20:17:45Z

Mjb0123:

: ''For other items of the same name, see: [[Experiment in Terra (disambiguation)]]''

{{Episode Data
| image = Experiment_in_Terra.jpg
| title= Experiment in Terra
| series= tos
| forumthread=1543
| episode= 19
| guests=
| writer= [[Glen A. Larson]]
| story=
| director= [[Rod Holcomb]]
| production= 50928
| rating=
| extra= [[Experiment in Terra (TV movie)|Re-released as a telemovie]]
| US airdate= 1979-03-18
| UK airdate=
| dvd= 2004-12-28
| population=
| prev= [[Baltar's Escape]]
| next= [[Take the Celestra]]
| hulu=Y
}}

== Overview ==

:''The [[Beings of Light|mysterious bright lights]] return again, transporting the bewildered [[Apollo (TOS)|Apollo]] to the planet [[Terra]] to avert war with the [[Eastern Alliance]]. Exposing a plan by the [[Arends|devious president]], Apollo has [[Starbuck (TOS)|Starbuck]] warn ''[[Galactica (TOS)|Galactica]]'', which lends the protective powers of its shields to avoid planetary holocaust.''

== Summary ==
*While on a recon patrol with [[Blue Squadron]] searching for an [[Eastern Alliance]] [[Eastern Alliance destroyer|destroyer]], Captain [[Apollo (TOS)|Apollo]]'s [[Viper (TOS)|Viper]] is again waylaid by the [[Beings of Light]] and brought aboard their [[Ship of Lights|ship.]]

*There he is told by [[John]] that he needs to help [[Terra]] and stop a war. Due to their lack of a substantive, corporeal form, they are unable to affect changes without need of a proxy (what Apollo sees is a projection or representation of their spirit). Apollo is also told by John that to the Terrans he will appear to be a missing warrior named Colonel [[Charlie Watts]], to allow him some credibility during his attempts. After this encounter, Apollo wakes up near Terra, an incredible distance from his previous position, and well outside the Vipers' fuel range for a safe return to ''Galactica''.

*[[Starbuck (TOS)|Starbuck]] and [[Boomer (TOS)|Boomer]] detect Apollo's distress signal at extreme range. Starbuck goes to help Apollo, while Boomer returns to ''[[Galactica (TOS)|Galactica]]''.

*Apollo is picked up after landing on Terra by [[Brenda Maxwell]] who was Charlie Watts' girlfriend and they return to her apartment. John again appears to Apollo and advises him he needs to reveal the truth about [[Lunar One]]. Whilst he is doing so, Brenda notifies the authorities of "Charlie's" return, believing him to need medical attention. Soon Officer [[Brace]] arrives and Apollo is taken into custody, and subsequently examined by Doctor [[Horning]].

*Back on ''Galactica'' Commander [[Adama (TOS)|Adama]] decides that the [[battlestar (TOS)|battlestar]] will temporarily leave the [[the Fleet (TOS)|fleet]] to investigate the beacon signal sent by both Apollo and Starbuck's Viper's, leaving behind two full squadrons of fighters to protect the civilians.

*Starbuck, having landed and found Apollo's Viper, gets into a gun fight with the local security force, stunning them all. He then sets off to find Apollo.

*After a brief discussion with John, Starbuck rescues Apollo, Brenda and her father [[General Maxwell]] who have just been imprisoned by Brace for questioning the [[Arends|Nationalist President's]] decisions regarding the Eastern Alliance. Brenda and General Maxwell realise what Apollo has been saying is true... he is not Charlie Watts.

*The Leaders of the Eastern Alliance confirm their plans to launch a surprise attack on the Nationalists whilst at the same time, in the Nationalist Precedium, The President announces that a peace agreement with the Eastern Alliance has just been reached. Starbuck and Brenda Maxwell leave to retrieve [[Viper 4|Starbuck's Viper]].

*The attack is begun, the Nationalist's missiles being automatically launched after detection of the Eastern Alliance's surprise move. ''Galactica'' arrives, and following Starbuck's instructions uses its weapons to destroy all missiles from both sides. This surprise turn of events forces the Eastern Alliance to sue for peace.

*John spirits Apollo away from he Precedium so he does not have to answer any questions from the President and General Maxwell. John then goes on to confirm to Apollo that Terra is not [[Earth (TOS)|Earth]], and their search for the [[Thirteenth Tribe (TOS)|Thirteenth Tribe]] will continue.

== Notes ==

* This is the last episode of a three episode arc, consisting of "[[Greetings from Earth]]", "[[Baltar's Escape]]", and "Experiment in Terra".
* An extended version of this episode was made into a [[TV movies|television movie]] with the [[Experiment in Terra (TV movie)|same title]].
*The Precedium on Terra was the French pavilion left over from [[Wikipedia:Expo '67|Expo '67]]. It is one of the few buildings from the fair still standing. It is now [[Wikipedia:Montreal Casino|Le Casino de Montréal]].
*The same stock shot of Le Casino de Montréal in this episode appears to also have been used for the Earth Defence Directorate on ''[[Wikipedia:Buck Rogers in the 25th Century (TV series)|Buck Rogers in the 25th Century]]''.
*[[Adama (TOS)|Adama]] misuses the word "[[sectar]]" as a measurement of time; an earlier episode notes that it is a unit of ''distance''. The word that the writer of this episode may have wanted to use either [[centar]] (an hour) or [[secton]] (a week).
*Some scenes of this episode were filmed at night at the [[Wikipedia:Vasquez_Rocks|Vasquez Rocks]], notably the scene where Starbuck lands his Viper on Terra.
*"[[w:Charlie Watts|Charlie Watts]]" is also the name of the drummer for the British rock group [[w:The Rolling Stones|The Rolling Stones]]. It is rumored but unconfirmed that Larsen had the character named after Watts as a tribute to his reportedly being a fan of the show.{{citation needed}}
*The "white uniforms" were reused in ''[[Galactica 1980]]'' as part of the "time travel" effect employed in the series.

== Analysis ==

* "Experiment in Terra" finishes off the arc started with "[[Greetings from Earth]]". It also serves as the last time the [[Beings of Light]] are seen in the entire series run, though this element will be reintroduced in "[[The Return of Starbuck]]", the final episode of ''[[Galactica 1980]]''.
* The episode was originally intended to be primarily about [[Starbuck (TOS)|Starbuck]], until it was rewritten for [[Apollo (TOS)|Apollo]] due to [[Richard Hatch]]'s insistence on having an episode focusing on his character, hence the shift in characterization in Starbuck and Apollo. This is understandable since a majority of the stand-alone character-driven episodes have focused on Starbuck: "[[The Long Patrol]]", "[[Murder on the Rising Star]]", and "[[The Man With Nine Lives]]".
* Many of the plot elements introduced in "Greetings from Earth" are closed in the episode, prime among them being the question of whether [[Terra]] is indeed the [[Earth (TOS)|Thirteenth Colony]]. However, the [[Lunar Colonies]] mentioned in both this episode and "Greetings" are never seen. The conditions on the Lunar Colonies, now apparently controlled by the Eastern Alliance, are merely word-of-mouth, forcing the viewer to presume much of what has happened on these Lunar settlements. Of course, the plight of these Colonies, from where [[Michael]] and [[Sarah Fowler]] (and children) came, is seemingly written as an afterthought.
* Much of the episode is an allegory of the [[w:Cold War|Cold War]], with [[w:fascism|fascism]] taking the place of [[w:Communism|Communism]] in the form of the [[Eastern Alliance]].
* This episode also reintroduces the concept of governmental authority as horribly flawed and inept, a recurring theme that has stuck with the series since "[[Saga of a Star World]]" and the episodes that have dealt with the [[Quorum of Twelve (TOS)|Quorum of Twelve]]. Interestingly enough, this theme has been running through the entire arc, from the Quorum's handling of affairs in "Greetings" to their removal of martial law (and diminishing [[Adama (TOS)|Adama]]'s authority) in "[[Baltar's Escape]]". As was the case in both episodes, it takes Adama and the [[Warrior]]s under his command to correct the errors in judgment, thus reinstilling the message that a strong military authority can right the wrongs of government.
* The teasing in the series thus far has reinforced the fact that there is, indeed, another group of humans in the galaxy. Whether these humans are descendants of the Thirteenth Tribe that left Kobol ages ago is still very much in question, though it is something that viewers are to assume.
*It is noteworthy that one of the writers of Battlestar Galactica, Donald P. Bellisario, would notably use the basic theme of this episode of putting the hero in the guise of a local accompanied by a "holographic" companion that no one could see again in the 1989 television show Quantum Leap. The similarities are quite obvious, especially given the Bellisario connection.

== Questions ==
*Why do the Beings of Light need proxies to do their bidding? Surely an advanced race would have resolved a more elegant solution than co-opting "primitives" for their needs?
*Bearing in mind the interest the Beings of Light had with the Terrans, did the Beings of Light share this same interest and concern in the Colonials before or during the [[Thousand-Yahren War]]?
*Why does ''[[Galactica (TOS)|Galactica]]'' leave the Fleet defenseless to protect Terra, particularly in lieu of Adama's comments in "The Living Legend", where Adama voices opposition to attacking [[Gamoray]] because it would leave the Fleet defenseless from a Cylon killing force?
*Are the Cylons still pursuing the Fleet? If they are, will they too happen across Terra and likely destroy that civilization?
*Why did John give Apollo the guise of Charlie Watts when Apollo immediately dumps this persona and introduces himself as Captain Apollo anyway? He then even tells the Precedium all about the Colonies but then is told to not say a word at the end to the leaders. Was this a writing mishap?
== Noteworthy Dialogue ==

* ''[[Apollo (TOS)|Apollo]] asks [[Brenda Maxwell]] for her name after she picks him up on [[Terra]]:''
: '''Apollo:''' What was your name?
: '''Brenda Maxwell:''' (remarking on "[[Charlie Watts]]'s" state) Amnesia.
: '''Apollo:''' Amnesia. That's a pretty name.

* ''Apollo reflects on [[John]]'s sense of humor:''
: '''Apollo:''' That's very funny. At least you have a sense of humor.
: '''John:''' In my job, dealing with primitive cultures, it's an absolute necessity.

* ''Upon learning that the Vipers are transmitting emergency beacons near Terra''
:'''Adama''': Tigh, plot a course for Terra.
:'''Tigh''': What velocity, sir?
:'''Adama''': [[Lightspeed]].
:'''Tigh''': Sir, it has been some time since the ''Galactica'' has been pushed to-
:'''Adama''': Lightspeed, Colonel.
:'''Tigh''': Yes, sir.

* ''Upon learning the Eastern Alliance has launched a nuclear attack''
:'''President Arends''': Well uh ... that's impossible. I have this treaty ...
:'''General Maxwell''': Well frame it! But hurry!

== Official Statements ==

* ''[[Richard Hatch]] discusses his "Starbuck"-esque role in this episode:''
: '''Richard Hatch:''' One of the biggest, well, kind of practical jokes was, there was an episode written for [[Dirk Benedict|Dirk [Benedict]]], and I got the episode and I…I was a little upset. I felt they were, you know, knocking Captain [[Apollo (TOS)|Apollo]]. I felt they were really pushing him aside and I said, I think it’s time that HE had a story, that you did something for this character rather than just letting him give orders and go march around the ship. So he, [[Glen A. Larson|Glen [Larson]]] said, you’re right, we really should, we need a story with Captain Apollo going down to HIS planet. So, about two hours later, the script I’d had, featuring Dirk, arrived at my house, and it had been…the two characters of Captain Apollo and [[Starbuck (TOS)|Starbuck]] were simply interchanged, they’d put my name where Starbuck was and put Starbuck where Apollo was. And I immediately got into the car and was seeking out Dirk to apologize, because I simply had no idea, I thought, down the road, the next story, maybe a couple of stories later he’d write one for Captain Apollo. He didn’t do that, he just took the very story that had probably been in Dirk’s hands, he’d been going “what a wonderful script I have here!” and two hours later he gets a script where he was now Captain Apollo and I’m Starbuck and literally he has not changed any lines. In any case I was very embarrassed and I found him at a party and I explained the whole situation to him and how sorry I was and he said, well, I understand, I just think you should go to Glen Larson and ask him to reverse it, put it back the other way. So I tried to find Glen Larson, and I told him, I appreciate the gesture, but the next time will you be a little more subtle? Sometimes you want to expand your character, you want to bring in new dimensions to the character and they gave Captain Apollo the chance to do a few things that he didn’t normally do on that show because, as you all know, Starbuck got to run around and have fun with the ladies and Captain Apollo…kind of had fun with himself…and from that time on they actually began to change, not change the characters, but to give Starbuck a little bit of the Captain Apollo quality and Captain Apollo a little bit of the Starbuck qualities, and they started to make the characters more well-rounded, and I appreciated that.<ref>{{cite_web|url=http://geocities.com/sjpaxton/galacon.html|title=1986 Galacon Q & A with Richard Hatch and Anne Lockhart|date=|accessdate=12 August 2007|last=Paxton|first=Susan J.|format=|language=}}</ref>

== Guest Stars ==
*[[Melody Anderson]] as [[Brenda Maxwell]]
*[[imdb:nm0533806|Peter D. Maclean]] as [[Arends|President Arends]]
*[[Edward Mulhare]] as [[John]]
*[[Nehemiah Persoff]] as [[Supreme Commandant|Eastern Alliance Leader]]
*[[Logan Ramsey]] as [[Moore]]
*[[Ken Swofford]] as [[General Maxwell]]
*[[imdb:nm0167368|Sidney Clute]] as [[Stone]]
*[[Ken Lynch|Kenneth Lynch]] as [[Horning|Dr. Horning]]
*[[imdb:nm0722468|Jordan Rhodes]] as [[Brace]]
*[[John de Lancie]] as Officer
*[[imdb:nm0547501|Russ Marin]] as [[Alliance Member]]
*[[Milt Jamin]] as [[Alliance Leader]]

== References ==

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

{{Episode List (TOS)}}

[[Category:A to Z]]
[[Category:Episode Guide (TOS)]]
[[Category:Episodes written by Glen A. Larson]]
[[Category:Episodes directed by Rod Holcomb]]
[[Category:TOS]]
{{TOS}}

[[de:Kriegsgefahr]]

John

2008-08-12T20:15:23Z

Mjb0123:

: ''For other persons with John as a first name, see: [[John (disambiguation)]].''

{{Character Data
|photo=John.jpg
|seen=Experiment in Terra
|actor=[[Edward Mulhare]]
}}

'''John''' is a so-called "[[Beings of Light|Being of Light]]".

He informs [[Apollo (TOS)|Apollo]] of the situation on [[Terra]], hoping that Apollo will be able to resolve it peacefully. John's chief concern was that any outcome concerning the planet will have drastic intergalactic consequences. Although the consequences aren't stated, it is presumed that the Terrans are instrumental in some sort of long-term plan.

John tells Apollo that his "physical appearance" was a reflection of intelligence (i.e., spirit), and that he could do nothing outside the colossus (presumably, the Ship of Lights itself. As such, Apollo's assistance is needed. John, like any other Being, apparently could cause memory blocks and unblock them, as well as work through them by giving them a protective aura. He also comments on the fact that he needed humor in order to communicate with other "primitive" races.

In the apartment of [[Brenda Maxwell]], Apollo speaks to John, who can't be heard or seen by anyone else. Under the guise of [[Charlie Watts]], Apollo appears to be somewhat mentally unstable.

John is instrumental in also recruiting [[Starbuck (TOS)|Starbuck]], who could hear him, but only see him after John gives him the protective aura. John then presumably talks to the Beings of Light by looking up in the sky, saying, "It's the best I can do with the material I've got. They're primitives!"

Ironically, John's objectives for Apollo to solve the Terran situation peaceably fail. [[Galactica (TOS)|''Galactica's'']] intervention forces the [[Eastern Alliance]] to accept the peace accord from the [[Nationalists]]. John does admit, however, after some pestering from Apollo, that Terra isn't [[Earth (TOS)|Earth]] and that they still had a long, interesting journey ahead of them ([[Experiment in Terra (TOS)|Experiment in Terra]]).

== Notes ==

*Evidently, the John character goes against the pre-established information given in "[[War of the Gods]]", for [[Iblis]] had a physical body outside of any [[Ship of Lights]] or anything remotely similar. This being the case, either John was lying or the Beings that are inclined to pure good do not have the capacity of a "physical" body outside of the Ship of Lights.

*Additionally, it is interesting that Starbuck managed to hear John, albeit unable to see him until John touched him. (Indeed, John touched Starbuck within the physical laws of the Universe, as Starbuck reacted to it.) Disproving yet again that he (and presumably other Beings of Light) can attempt some form of physical contact, at least on some level. Although Starbuck's past experience ([[War of the Gods]]) with the Beings may have something to do with it.

*Actor Edward Mulhare went on to co-star in a more successful [[Glen A. Larson]] TV series, ''[[Wikipedia:Knight Rider|Knight Rider]]''.

*It is noteworthy that one of the writers of Battlestar Galactica, Donald P. Bellisario, would notably use the basic theme of the episode "Experiment in Terra" again. He put the hero in the guise of a local accompanied by a "holographic" companion that no one could see in the 1989 television show Quantum Leap. The similarities are quite obvious, especially given the Bellisario connection.

[[Category:A to Z]]
[[Category:Beings of Light]]
[[Category:Characters]]
[[Category:Characters (TOS)]]
[[Category:One-Shot Characters (TOS)]]
[[Category:TOS]]

John

2008-08-12T20:13:46Z

Mjb0123:

: ''For other persons with John as a first name, see: [[John (disambiguation)]].''

{{Character Data
|photo=John.jpg
|seen=Experiment in Terra
|actor=[[Edward Mulhare]]
}}

'''John''' is a so-called "[[Beings of Light|Being of Light]]".

He informs [[Apollo (TOS)|Apollo]] of the situation on [[Terra]], hoping that Apollo will be able to resolve it peacefully. John's chief concern was that any outcome concerning the planet will have drastic intergalactic consequences. Although the consequences aren't stated, it is presumed that the Terrans are instrumental in some sort of long-term plan.

John tells Apollo that his "physical appearance" was a reflection of intelligence (i.e., spirit), and that he could do nothing outside the colossus (presumably, the Ship of Lights itself. As such, Apollo's assistance is needed. John, like any other Being, apparently could cause memory blocks and unblock them, as well as work through them by giving them a protective aura. He also comments on the fact that he needed humor in order to communicate with other "primitive" races.

In the apartment of [[Brenda Maxwell]], Apollo speaks to John, who can't be heard or seen by anyone else. Under the guise of [[Charlie Watts]], Apollo appears to be somewhat mentally unstable.

John is instrumental in also recruiting [[Starbuck (TOS)|Starbuck]], who could hear him, but only see him after John gives him the protective aura. John then presumably talks to the Beings of Light by looking up in the sky, saying, "It's the best I can do with the material I've got. They're primitives!"

Ironically, John's objectives for Apollo to solve the Terran situation peaceably fail. [[Galactica (TOS)|''Galactica's'']] intervention forces the [[Eastern Alliance]] to accept the peace accord from the [[Nationalists]]. John does admit, however, after some pestering from Apollo, that Terra isn't [[Earth (TOS)|Earth]] and that they still had a long, interesting journey ahead of them ([[Experiment in Terra (TOS)|Experiment in Terra]]).

== Notes ==

*Evidently, the John character goes against the pre-established information given in "[[War of the Gods]]", for [[Iblis]] had a physical body outside of any [[Ship of Lights]] or anything remotely similar. This being the case, either John was lying or the Beings that are inclined to pure good do not have the capacity of a "physical" body outside of the Ship of Lights.

*Additionally, it is interesting that Starbuck managed to hear John, albeit unable to see him until John touched him. (Indeed, John touched Starbuck within the physical laws of the Universe, as Starbuck reacted to it.) Disproving yet again that he (and presumably other Beings of Light) can attempt some form of physical contact, at least on some level. Although Starbuck's past experience ([[War of the Gods]]) with the Beings may have something to do with it.

*Actor Edward Mulhare went on to co-star in a more successful [[Glen A. Larson]] TV series, ''[[Wikipedia:Knight Rider|Knight Rider]]''.

*It is noteworthy that one of the writers of Battlestar Galactica, Donald P. Bellisario, would notably use the basic theme of this episode of putting the hero in the guise of a local accompanied by a "holographic" companion that no one could see again in the 1989 television show Quantum Leap. The similarities are quite obvious, especially given the Bellisario connection.

[[Category:A to Z]]
[[Category:Beings of Light]]
[[Category:Characters]]
[[Category:Characters (TOS)]]
[[Category:One-Shot Characters (TOS)]]
[[Category:TOS]]

Experiment in Terra

2008-08-12T20:02:36Z

Mjb0123:

: ''For other items of the same name, see: [[Experiment in Terra (disambiguation)]]''

{{Episode Data
| image = Experiment_in_Terra.jpg
| title= Experiment in Terra
| series= tos
| forumthread=1543
| episode= 19
| guests=
| writer= [[Glen A. Larson]]
| story=
| director= [[Rod Holcomb]]
| production= 50928
| rating=
| extra= [[Experiment in Terra (TV movie)|Re-released as a telemovie]]
| US airdate= 1979-03-18
| UK airdate=
| dvd= 2004-12-28
| population=
| prev= [[Baltar's Escape]]
| next= [[Take the Celestra]]
| hulu=Y
}}

== Overview ==

:''The [[Beings of Light|mysterious bright lights]] return again, transporting the bewildered [[Apollo (TOS)|Apollo]] to the planet [[Terra]] to avert war with the [[Eastern Alliance]]. Exposing a plan by the [[Arends|devious president]], Apollo has [[Starbuck (TOS)|Starbuck]] warn ''[[Galactica (TOS)|Galactica]]'', which lends the protective powers of its shields to avoid planetary holocaust.''

== Summary ==
*While on a recon patrol with [[Blue Squadron]] searching for an [[Eastern Alliance]] [[Eastern Alliance destroyer|destroyer]], Captain [[Apollo (TOS)|Apollo]]'s [[Viper (TOS)|Viper]] is again waylaid by the [[Beings of Light]] and brought aboard their [[Ship of Lights|ship.]]

*There he is told by [[John]] that he needs to help [[Terra]] and stop a war. Due to their lack of a substantive, corporeal form, they are unable to affect changes without need of a proxy (what Apollo sees is a projection or representation of their spirit). Apollo is also told by John that to the Terrans he will appear to be a missing warrior named Colonel [[Charlie Watts]], to allow him some credibility during his attempts. After this encounter, Apollo wakes up near Terra, an incredible distance from his previous position, and well outside the Vipers' fuel range for a safe return to ''Galactica''.

*[[Starbuck (TOS)|Starbuck]] and [[Boomer (TOS)|Boomer]] detect Apollo's distress signal at extreme range. Starbuck goes to help Apollo, while Boomer returns to ''[[Galactica (TOS)|Galactica]]''.

*Apollo is picked up after landing on Terra by [[Brenda Maxwell]] who was Charlie Watts' girlfriend and they return to her apartment. John again appears to Apollo and advises him he needs to reveal the truth about [[Lunar One]]. Whilst he is doing so, Brenda notifies the authorities of "Charlie's" return, believing him to need medical attention. Soon Officer [[Brace]] arrives and Apollo is taken into custody, and subsequently examined by Doctor [[Horning]].

*Back on ''Galactica'' Commander [[Adama (TOS)|Adama]] decides that the [[battlestar (TOS)|battlestar]] will temporarily leave the [[the Fleet (TOS)|fleet]] to investigate the beacon signal sent by both Apollo and Starbuck's Viper's, leaving behind two full squadrons of fighters to protect the civilians.

*Starbuck, having landed and found Apollo's Viper, gets into a gun fight with the local security force, stunning them all. He then sets off to find Apollo.

*After a brief discussion with John, Starbuck rescues Apollo, Brenda and her father [[General Maxwell]] who have just been imprisoned by Brace for questioning the [[Arends|Nationalist President's]] decisions regarding the Eastern Alliance. Brenda and General Maxwell realise what Apollo has been saying is true... he is not Charlie Watts.

*The Leaders of the Eastern Alliance confirm their plans to launch a surprise attack on the Nationalists whilst at the same time, in the Nationalist Precedium, The President announces that a peace agreement with the Eastern Alliance has just been reached. Starbuck and Brenda Maxwell leave to retrieve [[Viper 4|Starbuck's Viper]].

*The attack is begun, the Nationalist's missiles being automatically launched after detection of the Eastern Alliance's surprise move. ''Galactica'' arrives, and following Starbuck's instructions uses its weapons to destroy all missiles from both sides. This surprise turn of events forces the Eastern Alliance to sue for peace.

*John spirits Apollo away from he Precedium so he does not have to answer any questions from the President and General Maxwell. John then goes on to confirm to Apollo that Terra is not [[Earth (TOS)|Earth]], and their search for the [[Thirteenth Tribe (TOS)|Thirteenth Tribe]] will continue.

== Notes ==

* This is the last episode of a three episode arc, consisting of "[[Greetings from Earth]]", "[[Baltar's Escape]]", and "Experiment in Terra".
* An extended version of this episode was made into a [[TV movies|television movie]] with the [[Experiment in Terra (TV movie)|same title]].
*The Precedium on Terra was the French pavilion left over from [[Wikipedia:Expo '67|Expo '67]]. It is one of the few buildings from the fair still standing. It is now [[Wikipedia:Montreal Casino|Le Casino de Montréal]].
*The same stock shot of Le Casino de Montréal in this episode appears to also have been used for the Earth Defence Directorate on ''[[Wikipedia:Buck Rogers in the 25th Century (TV series)|Buck Rogers in the 25th Century]]''.
*[[Adama (TOS)|Adama]] misuses the word "[[sectar]]" as a measurement of time; an earlier episode notes that it is a unit of ''distance''. The word that the writer of this episode may have wanted to use either [[centar]] (an hour) or [[secton]] (a week).
*Some scenes of this episode were filmed at night at the [[Wikipedia:Vasquez_Rocks|Vasquez Rocks]], notably the scene where Starbuck lands his Viper on Terra.
*"[[w:Charlie Watts|Charlie Watts]]" is also the name of the drummer for the British rock group [[w:The Rolling Stones|The Rolling Stones]]. It is rumored but unconfirmed that Larsen had the character named after Watts as a tribute to his reportedly being a fan of the show.{{citation needed}}
*The "white uniforms" were reused in ''[[Galactica 1980]]'' as part of the "time travel" effect employed in the series.

== Analysis ==

* "Experiment in Terra" finishes off the arc started with "[[Greetings from Earth]]". It also serves as the last time the [[Beings of Light]] are seen in the entire series run, though this element will be reintroduced in "[[The Return of Starbuck]]", the final episode of ''[[Galactica 1980]]''.
* The episode was originally intended to be primarily about [[Starbuck (TOS)|Starbuck]], until it was rewritten for [[Apollo (TOS)|Apollo]] due to [[Richard Hatch]]'s insistence on having an episode focusing on his character, hence the shift in characterization in Starbuck and Apollo. This is understandable since a majority of the stand-alone character-driven episodes have focused on Starbuck: "[[The Long Patrol]]", "[[Murder on the Rising Star]]", and "[[The Man With Nine Lives]]".
* Many of the plot elements introduced in "Greetings from Earth" are closed in the episode, prime among them being the question of whether [[Terra]] is indeed the [[Earth (TOS)|Thirteenth Colony]]. However, the [[Lunar Colonies]] mentioned in both this episode and "Greetings" are never seen. The conditions on the Lunar Colonies, now apparently controlled by the Eastern Alliance, are merely word-of-mouth, forcing the viewer to presume much of what has happened on these Lunar settlements. Of course, the plight of these Colonies, from where [[Michael]] and [[Sarah Fowler]] (and children) came, is seemingly written as an afterthought.
* Much of the episode is an allegory of the [[w:Cold War|Cold War]], with [[w:fascism|fascism]] taking the place of [[w:Communism|Communism]] in the form of the [[Eastern Alliance]].
* This episode also reintroduces the concept of governmental authority as horribly flawed and inept, a recurring theme that has stuck with the series since "[[Saga of a Star World]]" and the episodes that have dealt with the [[Quorum of Twelve (TOS)|Quorum of Twelve]]. Interestingly enough, this theme has been running through the entire arc, from the Quorum's handling of affairs in "Greetings" to their removal of martial law (and diminishing [[Adama (TOS)|Adama]]'s authority) in "[[Baltar's Escape]]". As was the case in both episodes, it takes Adama and the [[Warrior]]s under his command to correct the errors in judgment, thus reinstilling the message that a strong military authority can right the wrongs of government.
* The teasing in the series thus far has reinforced the fact that there is, indeed, another group of humans in the galaxy. Whether these humans are descendants of the Thirteenth Tribe that left Kobol ages ago is still very much in question, though it is something that viewers are to assume.

== Questions ==
*Why do the Beings of Light need proxies to do their bidding? Surely an advanced race would have resolved a more elegant solution than co-opting "primitives" for their needs?
*Bearing in mind the interest the Beings of Light had with the Terrans, did the Beings of Light share this same interest and concern in the Colonials before or during the [[Thousand-Yahren War]]?
*Why does ''[[Galactica (TOS)|Galactica]]'' leave the Fleet defenseless to protect Terra, particularly in lieu of Adama's comments in "The Living Legend", where Adama voices opposition to attacking [[Gamoray]] because it would leave the Fleet defenseless from a Cylon killing force?
*Are the Cylons still pursuing the Fleet? If they are, will they too happen across Terra and likely destroy that civilization?
*Why did John give Apollo the guise of Charlie Watts when Apollo immediately dumps this persona and introduces himself as Captain Apollo anyway? He then even tells the Precedium all about the Colonies but then is told to not say a word at the end to the leaders. Was this a writing mishap?
== Noteworthy Dialogue ==

* ''[[Apollo (TOS)|Apollo]] asks [[Brenda Maxwell]] for her name after she picks him up on [[Terra]]:''
: '''Apollo:''' What was your name?
: '''Brenda Maxwell:''' (remarking on "[[Charlie Watts]]'s" state) Amnesia.
: '''Apollo:''' Amnesia. That's a pretty name.

* ''Apollo reflects on [[John]]'s sense of humor:''
: '''Apollo:''' That's very funny. At least you have a sense of humor.
: '''John:''' In my job, dealing with primitive cultures, it's an absolute necessity.

* ''Upon learning that the Vipers are transmitting emergency beacons near Terra''
:'''Adama''': Tigh, plot a course for Terra.
:'''Tigh''': What velocity, sir?
:'''Adama''': [[Lightspeed]].
:'''Tigh''': Sir, it has been some time since the ''Galactica'' has been pushed to-
:'''Adama''': Lightspeed, Colonel.
:'''Tigh''': Yes, sir.

* ''Upon learning the Eastern Alliance has launched a nuclear attack''
:'''President Arends''': Well uh ... that's impossible. I have this treaty ...
:'''General Maxwell''': Well frame it! But hurry!

== Official Statements ==

* ''[[Richard Hatch]] discusses his "Starbuck"-esque role in this episode:''
: '''Richard Hatch:''' One of the biggest, well, kind of practical jokes was, there was an episode written for [[Dirk Benedict|Dirk [Benedict]]], and I got the episode and I…I was a little upset. I felt they were, you know, knocking Captain [[Apollo (TOS)|Apollo]]. I felt they were really pushing him aside and I said, I think it’s time that HE had a story, that you did something for this character rather than just letting him give orders and go march around the ship. So he, [[Glen A. Larson|Glen [Larson]]] said, you’re right, we really should, we need a story with Captain Apollo going down to HIS planet. So, about two hours later, the script I’d had, featuring Dirk, arrived at my house, and it had been…the two characters of Captain Apollo and [[Starbuck (TOS)|Starbuck]] were simply interchanged, they’d put my name where Starbuck was and put Starbuck where Apollo was. And I immediately got into the car and was seeking out Dirk to apologize, because I simply had no idea, I thought, down the road, the next story, maybe a couple of stories later he’d write one for Captain Apollo. He didn’t do that, he just took the very story that had probably been in Dirk’s hands, he’d been going “what a wonderful script I have here!” and two hours later he gets a script where he was now Captain Apollo and I’m Starbuck and literally he has not changed any lines. In any case I was very embarrassed and I found him at a party and I explained the whole situation to him and how sorry I was and he said, well, I understand, I just think you should go to Glen Larson and ask him to reverse it, put it back the other way. So I tried to find Glen Larson, and I told him, I appreciate the gesture, but the next time will you be a little more subtle? Sometimes you want to expand your character, you want to bring in new dimensions to the character and they gave Captain Apollo the chance to do a few things that he didn’t normally do on that show because, as you all know, Starbuck got to run around and have fun with the ladies and Captain Apollo…kind of had fun with himself…and from that time on they actually began to change, not change the characters, but to give Starbuck a little bit of the Captain Apollo quality and Captain Apollo a little bit of the Starbuck qualities, and they started to make the characters more well-rounded, and I appreciated that.<ref>{{cite_web|url=http://geocities.com/sjpaxton/galacon.html|title=1986 Galacon Q & A with Richard Hatch and Anne Lockhart|date=|accessdate=12 August 2007|last=Paxton|first=Susan J.|format=|language=}}</ref>

== Guest Stars ==
*[[Melody Anderson]] as [[Brenda Maxwell]]
*[[imdb:nm0533806|Peter D. Maclean]] as [[Arends|President Arends]]
*[[Edward Mulhare]] as [[John]]
*[[Nehemiah Persoff]] as [[Supreme Commandant|Eastern Alliance Leader]]
*[[Logan Ramsey]] as [[Moore]]
*[[Ken Swofford]] as [[General Maxwell]]
*[[imdb:nm0167368|Sidney Clute]] as [[Stone]]
*[[Ken Lynch|Kenneth Lynch]] as [[Horning|Dr. Horning]]
*[[imdb:nm0722468|Jordan Rhodes]] as [[Brace]]
*[[John de Lancie]] as Officer
*[[imdb:nm0547501|Russ Marin]] as [[Alliance Member]]
*[[Milt Jamin]] as [[Alliance Leader]]

== References ==

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

{{Episode List (TOS)}}

[[Category:A to Z]]
[[Category:Episode Guide (TOS)]]
[[Category:Episodes written by Glen A. Larson]]
[[Category:Episodes directed by Rod Holcomb]]
[[Category:TOS]]
{{TOS}}

[[de:Kriegsgefahr]]

Lunar Seven

2008-08-12T18:24:14Z

Mjb0123:

'''Lunar Seven''' is a [[Terra|Terran]] colony.

The atmospheric pressure on Lunar Seven is approximately one-fifth the standard pressure of the [[The Twelve Colonies (TOS)|Twelve Colonies]]. The colonists selected for Lunar Seven were genetically altered to adapt them to the lower pressure.

[[Michael]] and [[Sarah Fowler]] and their children escape from here in the ''[[Lunar Avion]]'' after it is taken over by the [[Eastern Alliance]] ([[Greetings from Earth (TOS)|Greetings From Earth]]).

"Lunar Seven" may also be spelled "Luna Seven" as it shows on the readout of Adama's computer journal in the episode entitled "Baltar's Escape." This may be to prevent it from being related to Earth's Moon.

[[Category:A to Z]]
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Secton

2008-08-12T14:47:28Z

Mjb0123:

A '''secton''' is a Colonial measurement of time and analogous to one Earth week. Its plural form is "sectons".

In the novel ARMAGEDDON by Richard Hatch and Christopher Golden, the glossary of terms does not define "secton" but does define "week--ten days."

==See also==
*[[List of terms (TOS)]]

[[Category:A to Z]]
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[[Category:Terminology (TOS)]]
[[Category:Units of Time]]
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{{TOS}}

User:Mjb0123

2008-08-10T21:21:50Z

Mjb0123: New page: Battlestar Galactica is a rather recent passion of mine, even though I remember watching the show as a five- and six-year-old. I also remember the Cylon show at Universal Studios Hollywood...

Battlestar Galactica is a rather recent passion of mine, even though I remember watching the show as a five- and six-year-old. I also remember the Cylon show at Universal Studios Hollywood when I was a boy.

http://mjb0123.blogspot.com

Yahren

2008-08-08T14:36:37Z

Mjb0123:

A '''yahren''' is a Colonial measurement of time, analogous to an Earth '''[[Wikipedia:Year|year]]'''. The plural form is usually the same as the singular, "yahren", although "yahrens" is also used for the Colonial equivalent of "years" in some episodes.

==Notes==
* Within some fan circles, a yahren is considered to be around two-thirds (2/3) the length of an Earth year, thus helping to explain the relative longevity of Colonial people compared to Terran humans. This reasoning is picked up in [[Richard Hatch]]'s sequel novels. The glossary of terms in the first novel, ''[[Armaggedon]]'', reads "yahren--equivalent to a year; two hundred fifty days."

==Usage in the Re-imagined Series ==

* In the [[Battlestar Galactica (RDM)|Re-imagined Series]], time appears to be measured by the Colonials as is done on Earth with the term ''year''. Since a year is considered the time it takes for the real-world Earth to revolve once around the sun, the use of "year" is confusing, given that the Twelve Colonies consist of several Earth-type worlds that may orbit a sun or series of suns, or even exist in adjacent solar systems and so have revolution times that may differ dramatically. The Fleet stays on New Caprica for 380 "days" before the Cylon fleet arrives, and this is deemed to be approximately a year.
* Curiously, a brief mention of "yahren" appears in the documents visible at [[Armistice Station]] in the [[Miniseries]]. This should be treated as an homage to the Original Series, and not be taken too seriously, as the prop department has produced errors in some other documents shown on screen.

==See also==
*[[Thousand Yahren War]]
*[[List of terms (TOS)]]

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[[de:Yahren]]