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[[Image:bsg-1-11.jpg|thumb|"Colonial Day" (credit: Sci-Fi Channel)]]
{{disline|This article refers to the [[List of All Episodes|episode]] "Colonial Day".  For the holiday itself, see [[Colonial Day (holiday)]].}}
{{Episode Data
| image =bsg-1-11.jpg
| title=Colonial Day
| series=
| season=1
| episode=11
| guests=[[Richard Hatch]] as [[Tom Zarek]]
| writer=[[Carla Robinson]]
| story=
| goof= Y
| director=[[Jonas Pate]]
| production=111
| rating= 2.3
| US airdate=2005-03-18
| CAN airdate=2005-03-26
| UK airdate=2005-01-10
| dvd= {{Season 1 NTSC DVD release date}} '''US'''<br/>{{Season 1 PAL DVD release date}} '''UK'''
| population= 47898
| oldpopulation= 47898
| podcast=y
| prev=[[The Hand of God (RDM)|The Hand of God]]
| next=[[Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part I]]
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: <i>This article refers to the [[Episode Guide|episode]] "Colonial Day".  For the holiday itself, see [[Colonial Day (holiday)]].</i>


== Overview ==


: <i>Colonial Day is due, and [[Roslin]] is using it to institute an interim [[Quorum of Twelve]]; then [[Zarek, Tom|Tom Zarek]], duly selected as the representative of [[Sagittaron]], stands for the post of Vice President, a position Roslin is determined he will not hold. </i>
: ''Colonial Day is due, and [[Laura Roslin]] is using the occasion to institute an interim [[Quorum of Twelve (RDM)|Quorum of Twelve]]; then [[Tom Zarek]], duly selected as the representative of [[Sagittaron]], stands for the post of Vice President, a position Roslin is determined he will not hold.''


== Summary ==  
== Summary ==  
*[[Colonial Day]] - the anniversary of the signing of the [[Articles of Colonisation]] is due
*[[Roslin, Laura|Roslin]] has chosen it to unveil a new [[Quorum of Twelve]]
*However, a crisis erupts when terrorist/criminal [[Zarek, Tom|Tom Zarek]] is selected to represent [[Sagittaron]] – and he accepts
*As the Quorum is convened, Zarek increases the crisis by insisting that the vacant post of Vice President is filled, in case anything should happen to Roslin – a move that is surprisingly seconded by [[Baltar, Gaius|Gaius Baltar]] – Tom Zarek is thereupon nominated as a vice presidential candidate
*Roslin responds by pushing [[Gray, Wallace|Wallace Gray]], her policy-maker into standing as an alternative candidate
*Manipulating the media, Zarek makes headway in his desire to secure the position as Vice President, with Roslin hampered by what may be the makings of an attempt on her life – possibly orchestrated by Zarek
*Surprisingly, it is Gaius Baltar who comes to her aid, giving an eloquent speech through the media that reminds the people of Roslin’s qualities – and Zarek’s background. As a result, Roslin has Gray relinquish his position as her nominee in favour of Baltar
*Baltar wins the nomination – through Roslin’s final intervention in an official capacity – but Zarek makes it clear matters are far from over: there is still the presidential elections due in 6 months.


=== On Caprica: ===
*[[Colonial Day (holiday)|Colonial Day]], the annual anniversary of the signing of the [[Articles of Colonization]], has arrived. President [[Laura Roslin|Roslin]] has formed a new [[Quorum of Twelve (RDM)|Quorum of Twelve]], the legislative branch of the Colonial [[Government]], and has decided to have her unveiling of the new Quorum coincide with the patriotic holiday.
*[[Agathon, Karl C.|Helo]] and [[Valerii, Sharon#Caprica Valerii|Valerii]] have reached [[Delphi]]  
*A tension erupts when terrorist/criminal [[Tom Zarek]] wins nomination as [[Sagittaron]] representitive on the Quorum.  Roslin feels she cannot remove him, as he won the election fairly (many on Sagittaron view him as a hero of their downtrodden Tribe).
*Helo considers the humano-Cylons to be human "replicants", created by the Cylons using human DNA.  
*At the first meeting of the Quorum, Zarek creates a crisis by insisting that the vacant post of Vice President be filled by a special vote of the Quorum, in case anything should happen to Roslin – a move that is surprisingly seconded by [[Gaius Baltar]] (when prodded by Number Six)– Tom Zarek is thereupon nominated as a vice presidential candidate.  He has been using his men on the Astral Queen to perform technical favors for several other ships, which has gained him support from many of them.  Additionally he plays on various dissatisfactions in the refugee fleet.
*Valerii uses this idea as a means of testing his possible feelings towards her, should she reveal her true identity
*Roslin responds by pushing [[Wallace Gray]], a presidential aide, into standing as an alternative candidate.
*Later, as they try to enter the Cylon base at Delphi, Helo sees another Valerii, and realises the truth which sets him on the run from the base – and Valerii herself
*Manipulating the [[Colonial Gang|media]], Zarek makes headway in his desire to secure the position as Vice President, while a man named [[Valance]] plots in secret to carry out an assassinate plot against Roslin – possibly orchestrated by Zarek.
*Surprisingly, it is Gaius Baltar who comes to her aid:  flashing his pre-attack charisma, he gives an eloquent speech to the media that reminds the people of Roslin’s qualities and Zarek’s questionable background (trying to look supportive of Roslin and look more favorable). Roslin realizes that Baltar is quite popular in the Fleet (particularly following the unmasking of a [[Six Degrees of Separation|Cylon plot to discredit him]]) and has Gray relinquish his position as her nominee in favor of Baltar.
*Baltar wins the nomination through a close vote, as the Quorum is evenly split, but as president Roslin is allowed to cast the tie breaking vote which enables Baltar's victory but Zarek makes it clear matters are far from over: there is still the presidential elections due in 6 months. Roslin introduces Baltar as the victor at the Colonial Day Celebration. 


=== On Caprica ===
*[[Karl Agathon]] and [[Sharon Agathon|Caprica-Valerii]] have reached the outskirts of [[Delphi]].
*Agathon ponders how he could have seen two women who look exactly the same helping the Cylons, after recently seeing a [[Number Six]] copy leading a squad of [[Centurion (RDM)|Centurions]].  Quickly putting two and two together, he considers the [[humanoid Cylon]]s to be some sort of human "replicants," created by the Cylons using human DNA.  Agathon realizes that this would explain the [[Fall of the Twelve Colonies|rapid fall]] of the [[The Twelve Colonies of Kobol|Twelve Colonies]], as the humanoid Cylons must have infiltrated the Colonies to soften them up for an invasion.
*Caprica-Sharon uses this idea as a means of testing his possible feelings towards her, should she reveal her true identity.  She starts to say that maybe the humanoid Cylons are misled, or that their attack on the Colonies were wrong and they might doubt that it was the right thing to do (her own current thoughts), but Agathon dismisses this as he feels they're just more Cylons.
*Later, as they try to enter the Cylon base at Delphi, Agathon sees [[Number Eight|another Valerii copy]], and instantly realizes the truth, flashing through his adventures on Caprica and all of the coincidences surrounding his escape—at which point he immediately runs away from both Caprica-Sharon and the base.


--[[User:Ernestborg9|Colonial Archivist]] 10:40, 26 Jan 2005 (EST)
== Notes ==
 
*10 days have passed since the events of "[[The Hand of God (RDM)|The Hand of God]]".
== Questions ==
*The office of the President operates in conjunction with the Quorum of Twelve, a council of representatives of the Twelve Colonies.
 
*The Articles of Colonization were signed 52 years ago.
*Just how much freedom of movement within the fleet have Zarek’s people gained since the events of [[Water]]?
**Given the Twelve Colonies have been inhabited for millennia, the Articles therefore don't directly relate to the settlement of these worlds.
*Will Zarek be able to use this apparent freedom to rally support for the forthcoming elections?
**However, given the timeframe (52 years) and its proximity to the first Cylon War, perhaps the original articles were the document that united the Twelve Colonies to fight the threat of the Cylons, and became the basis for their peaceful co-operation after the war.
*Was Zarek really behind the suspected attempt on Roslin’s life?
*Issues surrounding the distribution of food and medical supplies are beginning to cause concern within the Fleet.
**If she had been assassinated before he secured the position of Vice President, he would have a prime suspect. Similarly, had she been assassinated after secured the vice presidency, he would still have been a prime suspect
*Despite being "isolated" aboard ''[[Astral Queen]]'' {{TRS|Bastille Day}}, Zarek has managed to use his time to build up contacts within the Fleet and offer assistance to other vessels - so much so that the representative from Virgon is only too willing to throw his support behind Zarek.
**As the Vice President, he would have every opportunity to build a track record as an effective politician, and thus stand as a highly competent alternative to Roslin in the elections
*Apparently convicted felons lose their citizenship under Sagittarion penal law but have it automatically reinstated after they finish serving their sentences. This included the right to vote and to stand for election.
*How does the Quorum of Twelve relate to the Office of the President? Does it function in a similar manner to the US Congress?
*This episode contains the detailed look at the Cylon [[Heavy Raider]], which is seen landing on Cylon-occupied {{RDM|Caprica}}.
*After Valance's assassination, the whiteboard on ''[[Colonial One]]'' shows 47,898 survivors in the Fleet, a net loss of 7 since "[[Tigh Me Up, Tigh Me Down]]".
*This episode is the first to show (however briefly) a version of [[Number Eight]] other than Boomer and the Sharon with Helo, except possibly the [[Miniseries, Night 2|Miniseries]].
*Boomer only appears in this episode briefly, dancing with [[Felix Gaeta]] at the gala after Baltar's election.
*Dr. Baltar apparently didn't give consent or even know of his nomination to a seat in the Quorum of Twelve, thus making it a little unclear how exactly the elections took place without a preexisting list of candidates.
**It is possible that there was a list of official candidates, and Baltar won as a write-in candidate. Alternatively, the quorum members could have been chosen through a caucus system on each ship.
*[[James McManus]], host of [[The Colonial Gang]], doesn't seem to mind using [[frak|the F-word]] on the air.
*The controversy surrounding whether [[Laura Roslin]] would shake [[Tom Zarek]]'s hand intentionally mirrored that at the signing of the [[wikipedia:Oslo Accords|Oslo Accords]] in 1993 about whether [[wikipedia:Yitzhak Rabin|Yitzhak Rabin]] would shake hands with [[wikipedia:Yasser Arafat|Yasser Arafat]].
*Tom Zarek's statement to Laura Roslin, "I shaved very close this morning in preparation for getting smacked by you," is a direct quote from the 1970 movie ''[[IMDB:tt0066206|Patton]]''.


== Analysis ==
== Analysis ==
*By this point in the late first season, the writers and actors seem to have gained an increasingly better grasp of the story they are trying to tell, and the dialogue, characterization, and plot developments are flowing much more smoothly than in the early learning-curve period of "[[Water]]" and "[[Bastille Day]]".
*It seems a small cheat that ''Cloud 9'' has not been seen before, but this is explained as that she was heavily damaged and undergoing repairs until now.
*It is slightly odd that [[Wallace Gray]] is supposedly one of Roslin's top aides and has played a large role in the work of her administration, but has not been seen until now.  Of course, this is the mechanics of introducing new characters on a tv series at play.  However, Roslin ''is'' often followed around by many nameless aides with the implication that there are more working for her "off screen" than a given episode focuses on (in the podcasts, Ron Moore and David Eick have said that they feel they make Roslin seem more official onscreen). 
*It is ironic that Baltar himself makes no drive to put himself on the road to power; Roslin (and other major characters) make him vice president because they prefer him over Zarek (even though Roslin admits that she does not like Baltar or particularly trust him, and admits that it is a "choose the devil you know" situation).
*Caprica-Sharon is showing more symptoms of being pregnant, as well as guilt over the Cylon attack on the Twelve Colonies. She now feels the attack was wrong and the Cylons are misguided/self-deluded.
*During Season 1, several critics and fans expressed that they thought it odd that Helo never suspected Caprica-Sharon of being a [[humanoid Cylon]] at all.  However, this is an unfair criticism: Helo was not present on ''Galactica'' when the existence of humanoid Cylon models was revealed, and very probably during their experiment the Cylons attempted to avoid exposing Helo to humanoid models (after his initial "capture" by a single Number Six).  Helo only sees a second Number Six copy in this episode because it is after he and Caprica-Sharon went on the run from the Cylons for real, after Caprica-Sharon's change of heart. —— Putting these accusations of Helo's unperceptiveness to rest, in this episode, soon after seeing a second Number Six (in "[[The Hand of God (RDM)|The Hand of God]]") Helo ''on his own'' theorizes that the Cylons must have created human models or DNA replicants of some sort, who must have been infiltrating Colonial society as [[w:Trojan Horse|Trojan Horses]], explaining the rapid fall of the Twelve Colonies.  Later, when Helo sees another Sharon-model Cylon copy, after recovering from his shock the events of the past two months instantly fit together in his mind, he realizes he has been duped, and he (prudently) runs away.
*Reporter [[James McManus]] states that Colonial Day will coincide with the first meeting of the interim [[Quorum of Twelve (RDM)|Quorum of Twelve]], but Commander Adama also gives the day as "Colonial Day" at Baltar's victory gala, two days later. It is likely that the first meeting of the Quorum of Twelve is a multi-day event, during which Colonial Day would take place.


This is the most poorly-conceived and executed episode in BSG's first season. While it does make valid points about the nature and structure of Colonial society within the fleet (or at least [[Zarek, Tom|Tom Zarek]] makes them <i>very</i> briefly), outside of the [[Helo]]/[[Valerii]] situation on [[Caprica]], the storyline here is ultimately transparent and weak.
== Questions ==


Specifically:
=== Answered Questions ===


*There has been no real sight nor sound of the Cloud Nine (admittedly a wonderfully-ironic name) in the fleet until now - and this is being passed off as being because she has been "under repair".
{{answered questions|season=1|series=RDM|episode=Colonial Day}}
*"[[Wallace Gray]]" is allegedly the power behind Roslin's throne, setting her agenda and policies, overseeing the distribution of food and medical supplies - essentially performing the role of her Chief of Staff / right-hand-man yet never once has he been previously mentioned or seen! Wallace Gray is so clearly a plot tool - and a badly-handled one at that: first he doesn't want the VP nomination, but accepts because Roslin needs him; then when asked to step down, he comes off in an embittered huff (presumably never to be seen again)
*Zarek's challenge for the position of Veep is an obvious construction to lay the path for Gaius Baltar to become the Vice President
**It is surprising that, after her somewhat vicious words to him in [[Six Degrees of Separation]], [[Roslin]] can face off with [[Baltar]] without so much as an apology for past actions - it has already been established ([[Secrets and Lies]]) that since that event she has barely spoken to him - and it hardly seems likely she'd use their time together in the ''Galactica's'' [[Situation Room]] to make her apologies / overtures of friendship ([[The Hand of God]])
**It is equally surprising that Baltar's ego doesn't offer greater resistance to her request. True, she is to a degree pandering to his desire to be back in the limelight - but given his nature, such an open "forgive and forget" doesn't entirely sit with his nature
*Baltar's ascendancy to the position of Vice President is badly telegraphed - given the synopsis, it is apparent as soon as [[Starbuck]] informs Baltar he has been selected as Caprica's representative in the Quorum
*The intrigue around Valance and his gun, etc., is heavy-handed and comes across either as illogical or as padding for a storyline otherwise short on action
*Security is meant to be heavy aboard the ''[[Cloud Nine]]'' - yet there is ''no'' intervention from any security personnel in what amounts to a brawl in the bar
*Why, when [[Lee Adama]] has expressed concern over just about every aspect of security on the ''Cloud Nine'', is Valance held on the ship in an obviously insecure area (air vent access) - rather than being shipped back to the ''Galactica'', with her brig, for proper interrogation?


Indeed, it is the Valance sub-plot which is most poorly explained / illogical. Assuming Valance [[was]] working for Zarek, and was on the ''Cloud Nine'' to kill Roslin - then his presence undermines Zarek as a clever manipulator. Positioning himself for the roll of Vice President, getting the vote and then having Roslin killed  - all at the same event - would inevitably point the finger at Zarek and place him at the centre of a major investigation, under the control of [[William Adama]], which is unlikely to relent until his complicity has been proven. In short, he would be paralysing his ability to act <i>as</i> the President.
*Just how much freedom of movement within the [[The Fleet (RDM)|Fleet]] have [[Tom Zarek|Zarek]]’s people gained since the events of "[[Bastille Day]]?"
*Will Zarek be able to use this apparent freedom to rally support for the forthcoming elections?
*How does the [[Quorum of Twelve (RDM)|Quorum of Twelve]] relate to the Office of the President? Does it function in a similar manner to the United States Congress?


As Lee Adama himself states to Starbuck - once Zarek has secured the position of Vice President, he can have Roslin taken care of at any time. Indeed, given the resources now clearly at his disposal (witness the Virgon representative's comment about Zarek's people coming to his aid ahead of Roslin's), there is no reason not to suppose Zarek could arrange for Roslin to meet with an "accident" - perhaps a failure with her shuttle as she moves around the fleet - which would make his complicity very much hard to prove.
=== Unanswered Questions ===


That said, there is still some excellent acting in the episode - especially where Baltar is concerned. His interview with the press and particularly his "exclusive" to Playa Palacios in the toilets and both particularly noteworthy examples of [[James Callis|James Callis’]] marvellous handling of the character but this still doesn't compensate for the rest of the time spent on ''Cloud Nine''.
* Was Zarek really behind the suspected attempt on [[Laura Roslin|Roslin]]’s life?
* Who killed [[Valance]]?


But other than this, the major story arc is a missed opportunity. Presented with a chance to explore the state of Colonial society within the fleet, and address key issues, the producers frittered the opportunity away with shallow intrigue and hollow political manoeuvring. The West Wing this was most certainly not.
== Official Statements ==
 
The only time the episode truly comes alive is during the all-too-brief scenes on Caprica. These scenes beautifully-encapsulates all we need to know and feel:
 
*Valerii's attempt to probe Helo about his feelings, using his "replicant" theory
*Valerii is showing more symptoms of being pregnant
*They reach Delphi and the chance of a ship off the planet
*Helo is suddenly - and quite unexpectedly - confronted with Valerii's true nature.
 
This is excellent stuff, but amounts to less than 10 minutes of screen time, and it unfortunately, isn't enough to lift this episode.


Still, every show tends to misfire once or twice through the course of a season - some managing to do so a lot more frequently. We're fortunate that this is the first - and hopefully only - hiccup in what has otherwise been a highly-successful first season.
{{from_RDM_blog}}


== Notes ==
* ''"I'm part of the nitpick brigade, but since the Colonies are obviously modeled after the US system of government, right down to the line of succession, are legislative and judicial branches? If so what are they called and will we see any manifestation of either branch take shape as series progresses?"''
*10 days have passed since the events of [[The Hand of God]]
*The office of the President operates in conjunction with the Quorum of Twelve, a council of representatives of the 12 colonies
*The Articles of Colonisation were signed 52 years ago
**Given the 12 colonies have been inhabited for millenia, the Articles therefore don't directly relate to the settlement of thses worlds
**However, given the timeframe (52 years) and its proximity to the first Cylon War, perhaps the original articles were the document that united the 12 colonies to fight the treat of the Cylons, and became the bases for their peaceful co-operation after the war 
*Issues surrounding the distribution of food and medical supplies are beginning to cause concern within the fleet
*Despite being "isolated" aboard the ''[[Astral Queen]]'' ([[Bastille Day]]), Zarek has managed to use his time to build up contacts within the fleet and offer assistance to other vessels - so much so that the representative from Virgon is only too willing to throw his support behind Zarek.
*Apparntly convicted felons lose their citizenship under Sagittarian penal law but have it automatically reinstated after they finish serving their sentences.  This included the right to vote and to stand for election.


--[[User:Ernestborg9|Colonial Archivist]] 18:54, 27 Jan 2005 (EST)
:In Episode 11, "Colonial Day" we'll see the reinstatement of the [[Quorum of Twelve (RDM)|Quorum of Twelve]], a political body established in the [[Battlestar Galactica (TOS)|original series]], which seems to be a cross between a US style Senate and the UN Security Council, where each Colony has a single vote. Presumably there was also a larger representative legislative body and some kind of separate judiciary. There is also a religious body, (unnamed thus far) that acts in some advisory capacity to the government, along the lines of the British House of Lords. Although we haven't dealt with it yet, [[Elosha]] was probably a member of this body.


== Noteworthy Dialogue ==
== Noteworthy Dialogue ==


<i>Helo and Valerii have arrived in the vicinty of the Cylon base at Delphi, and the talk turns to the two women "helping" the Cylons</i>
* ''Tom Zarek is walking through ''Cloud 9''{{'|s}} simulated environment while talking to reporters:''
: '''Tom Zarek:''' We are facing a situation so unique, so specific, that we not only need new leadership, but a whole new way of thinking.
: '''Reporter:''' Like blowing up a building or two?
: '''Tom Zarek:''' If things weren’t so serious, I’d say that was funny.  Look, there’s no economy, there’s no market, no industry, no capital.  Money’s worthless.  And yet we’re all held hostage by the idea of the way things used to be.


<b>Helo:</b> (Standing as Valerii crouches with her back to him, getting some food) I'm trying to make sense out of two women would sell [out] to the Cylons.<br>
:Look where we are (on Cloud 9, which resembles a natural environment). This man (points to gardener) wakes up every morning, tugs on his boots, and goes to work in this garden. Why? Because it’s his ''job''?!  What job? He labors, but he gets no benefits. And he’s not the only one. Many of us are still going through the motions of our old lives. The lawyers still act like lawyers, but they have no clients.  Businessmen still act like businessmen, but have no business!  President Roslin and her policies are all about holding on to a fantasy!
<b>Valerii:</b> (keeping her back to him) And?<br>
<b>Helo:</b> I can't fathom why anybody would want to help the toasters...and they just happen to be twins? It's too weird.<br>
<b>Valerii:</b> You got a better explanation?<br>
<b>Helo:</b> Do you think the Cylons could be messing with human DNA? (Valerii reacts, mouth opening as she looks away). Cloning people or something?<br>
<b>Valerii:</b> (gathering herself and looking over her shoulder at Helo) Could be.<br>
<b>Helo:</b> (nodding and crouching) That would explain how they took us by surprise. They had these...replicated humans infiltrating the colonies, laying the groundwork for the surprise attack.<br>
<b>Valerii:</b> (pausing, as if considering this) You know, if they were human clones, that means they're capable of...complex emotions - maybe even love. Maybe they were misguided in the way they were indoctrinated...<br>
<b>Helo:</b> (interrupting) Wait a minute! They're not human! No human could do the things they've done - killed billions of innocent people (Valerii looks away, hurt)<br>
<b>Helo</b>. They've got to be frakking Cylons, just like the rest of them...


== Official Statements ==
: We want to survive; we need to completely restructure our lives.  We need to think about the community of citizens.  The group, not the individual.  We need to completely free ourselves of the past and operate as a collective.


<!-- Use bullets or standard paragraph form. Please use links to sources!!! -->
* ''Karl Agathon and Valerii have arrived in the vicinity of the Cylon base at Delphi, and the talk turns to the two women "helping" the Cylons:''
<!-- If you wish to create the source within the Battlestar Wiki, then do so! -->
:'''Agathon:''' (Standing as Valerii crouches with her back to him, getting some food) I'm trying to make sense out of two women we saw with the Cylons.
:'''Sharon Valerii:''' (keeping her back to him) And?
:'''Agathon:''' I can't fathom why anybody would want to help the toasters...and they just happen to be twins? It's too weird.
:'''Sharon Valerii:''' You got a better explanation?
:'''Agathon:''' Do you think the Cylons could be messing with human DNA? (Valerii reacts, mouth opening as she looks away). Cloning people or something?
:'''Sharon Valerii:''' (gathering herself and looking over her shoulder at Helo) Could be.
:'''Agathon:''' (nodding and crouching) That would explain how they took us by surprise. They had these...replicated humans infiltrating the colonies, laying the groundwork for the surprise attack.
:'''Sharon Valerii:''' (pausing, as if considering this) You know, if they were human clones, that means they're capable of...complex emotions - maybe even love. Maybe they were misguided in the way they were indoctrinated...
:'''Agathon:''' (interrupting) Whatever they are, they're not human! No human could do the things they've done - killed billions of innocent people (Valerii looks away, hurt)
:'''Agathon:''' They've got to be frakking Cylons, just like the rest of them...


* ''"I'm part of the nitpick brigade, but since the Colonies are obviously modelled after the US system of government, right down to the line of succession, are legislative and judicial branches? If so what are they called and will we see any manifestation of either branch take shape as series progresses?"''
* ''Gaius Baltar is interviewed by [[The Colonial Gang]]:''
:'''[[James McManus]]:''' We're here with Dr. Gaius Baltar, representative of Caprica. Dr. Baltar, I have one question: is President Roslin's political career terminal, or is there hope of resuscitating it?
:'''Gaius Baltar:''' Laura Roslin's political career is very much alive, and to underestimate her would be a very serious mistake.
:'''Number Six:''' You miss the limelight, don't you Gaius?
:'''Gaius Baltar:''' Yes, I have.
:'''James McManus:''' You have what, Dr. Baltar?
:'''Gaius Baltar:''' Nothing. You were saying?
:'''James McManus:''' Yes. So you seriously believe that this schoolteacher is able to handle the job of presidency?
:'''Gaius Baltar:''' Well I'm glad to hear it, because I think all of us have had teachers who have made a profound impact on our lives. History is full of examples of leaders who have come from the most humble beginnings, and have risen to meet the challenge posed by cataclysmic events. It's very easy to be sitting there in your armchairs ... criticize Laura Roslin for the tough decisions that she has to make every day - especially if you're someone like Tom Zarek, who's never shouldered any real responsibility in your life. To be fair to Tom, how could he? He's been in prison for the last twenty years. Now that he's had a drastic personality makeover, he's posing like he's the savior to all your ills! I think you all have a short memory, really. ... What I have to say is, we must survive, and we will survive. And we will do so through the values that have made our colonies great: courage, truth, justice, liberty, with a firm and deep resolve to make tomorrow better, not just for ourselves, but for our children.


:In Episode 11, "Colonial Day" we'll see the reinstatement of the [[Quorum of Twelve]], a political body established in the [[Battlestar Galactica (TOS)|original series]], which seems to be a cross between a US style Senate and the UN Security Council, where each Colony has a single vote. Presumably there was also a larger representative legislative body and some kind of separate judiciary. There is also a religious body, (unnamed thus far) that acts in some advisory capacity to the government, along the lines of the British House of Lords. Although we haven't dealt with it yet, [[Elosha]] was probably a member of this body. -- {{from_RDM_blog}}
* ''Baltar and Six discuss jealousy and women, prompted by [[Playa Palacios]]{{'}} behavior:''
: '''Gaius Baltar''': She's only human. (notes Six's reaction) You're not jealous?
: '''Number Six''': Love isn't about sex, Gaius.
: '''Gaius Baltar''': Now there's an enlightened point of view.
: '''Number Six''': I've been thinking... and as far as I'm concerned, you can have any woman you want. But always remember, I have your heart.  
: '''Gaius Baltar''': Yes, of course you do.  
: '''Number Six''': (deadly serious) I can always rip it out of your chest if I need to.  
: '''Gaius Baltar''': (coughs, as if in reaction to a pain in his chest)


== Statistics ==
== Guest stars ==
*[[Michael Hogan]] as Colonel [[Saul Tigh]]
*[[Aaron Douglas]] as Chief [[Galen Tyrol]]
*[[Tahmoh Penikett]] as Lieutenant [[Karl Agathon|Karl "Helo" Agathon]]
*[[Kandyse McClure]] as Petty Officer [[Anastasia Dualla]]
*[[Paul Campbell]] as [[Billy Keikeya]]
*[[Alessandro Juliani]] as Lieutenant [[Felix Gaeta]]
*[[Kate Vernon]] as [[Ellen Tigh]]
*[[Robert Wisden]] as [[Wallace Gray]]
*[[David Kaye]] as [[James McManus]]
*[[Alex Zahara]] as [[Valance]]
*[[Patrick Gallagher]] as [[Leon Grimes]]
*[[Malcolm Stewart]] as [[Marshall Bagott]]
*[[Nicki Clyne]] as Specialist [[Cally Tyrol|Cally Henderson]]
*[[Cailin Stadnyk]] as Ensign [[Davis]]
*[[Christina Schild]] as [[Playa Palacios]]
*[[Biski Gugushe]] as [[Sekou Hamilton]]
*[[James Ashcroft]] as Spectator #1
*[[Patricia Idlette]] as [[Sarah Porter]]
*[[Mario Battista]] as [[Unnamed civilians in the Fleet (RDM)#Gardener|Gardener]]
*Uncredited as [[Robin Wenutu]]
*Uncredited as [[Safiya Sanne]]
*Uncredited as [[Eladio Puasha]]
*Uncredited as [[Perah Enyeto]]
*Uncredited as [[Alisander Asiel]]
*Uncredited as [[Miksa Burian]]
*Uncredited as [[Elrad Hunt]]
*Uncredited as [[Oswyn Eriku]]


<!-- All the odds and ends items go here. -->
{{episode list (RDM season 1)}}


=== Guest Stars ===
[[Category:Episodes written by Carla Robinson]]
<!-- Please use this format when listing actor/characters. -->
[[Category:Episodes directed by Jonas Pate]]
<!-- Also don't forget to link characters through the Wiki by using the brackets: [[ ]] -->
[[Category:RDM]]
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Richard+Hatch Richard Hatch] as [[Zarek, Tom|Tom Zarek]]
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Kate+Vernon Kate Vernon] as [[Tigh, Ellen|Ellen Tigh]]
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Robert+Wisden Robert Wisden] as [[Gray, Wallace|Wallace Gray]]
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Alex+Zahara Alex Zahara] as [[Valance]]
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Malcolm+Stewart Malcolm Stewart] as [[Bagott, Marshall|Marshall Bagott]]
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+David+Kaye David Kaye] as [[Macmanus,James|James Macmanus]]
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Nicki+Cylne Nicki Cylne] as [[Cally]]
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Cailin+Stadnyk Cailin Stadnyk] as [[Ensign Davis]]
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Christina+Schild Christina Schild] as [[Palacios, Playa|Playa Palacios]]
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Biski+Gugushe Biski Gugushe] as [[Hamilton, Sekou|Sekou Hamilton]]
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+James+Ashcroft James Ashcroft] as Spectator #1
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Patricia+Idlette Particia Idlette] as [[Parker, Sarah|Sarah Parker]]
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Mario+Battista Mario Battista] as Gardner
 
<!-- Please link people to the Internet Movie DataBase (IMDB). -->
<!-- Example of Link [http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Edward+James+Olomos Edward James Olmos] -->


=== Writing & Direction ===
[[de:Der Zwölferrat]]
 
[[fr:Épisode:La Fête coloniale]]
*Written by [http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Carla+Robinson Carla Robinson]
*Directed by [http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Jonas+Pate Jonas Pate]
 
<!-- Please link people to the Internet Movie DataBase (IMDB). -->
<!-- Example of Link [http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Edward+James+Olmos Edward James Olomos] -->
 
=== Production Notes ===
*Series 1 (2004 / 2005)
*Production Number: 1.11
*Airdate Order: 11 (of 13)
 
=== First Run Air Dates & Releases ===
 
*UK Airdate: 10 January 2005 (Sky One)
*US Airdate:  (Sci-Fi Channel)
*DVD Release: 28 March, 2005 (UK)
 
[[Category: A to Z]]
[[Category: Episode Guide (RDM)]]
[[Category:RDM]]

Latest revision as of 06:26, 14 July 2024


Colonial Day
"Colonial Day"
An episode of the Re-imagined Series
Episode No. Season 1, Episode 11
Writer(s) Carla Robinson
Story by
Director Jonas Pate
Assistant Director
Special guest(s) Richard Hatch as Tom Zarek
Production No. 111
Nielsen Rating 2.3
US airdate USA 2005-03-18
CAN airdate CAN 2005-03-26
UK airdate UK 2005-01-10
DVD release 20 September 2005 US
28 March 2005 UK
Population 47,898 survivors (No population change.)
Additional Info
Full Credits
Episode Chronology
Previous Next
The Hand of God Colonial Day Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part I
Related Information
Official Summary
R&D SkitView
Podcast TranscriptView
Continuity Errors PresentView
[[IMDB:tt{{{imdb}}}|IMDb entry]]
Listing of props for this episode
Related Media
Photo Gallery @ BW Media
Promotional Materials
Online Purchasing
Amazon: Standard Definition | High Definition
iTunes: USA | Canada | UK



Colonial Day is due, and Laura Roslin is using the occasion to institute an interim Quorum of Twelve; then Tom Zarek, duly selected as the representative of Sagittaron, stands for the post of Vice President, a position Roslin is determined he will not hold.

Summary

  • Colonial Day, the annual anniversary of the signing of the Articles of Colonization, has arrived. President Roslin has formed a new Quorum of Twelve, the legislative branch of the Colonial Government, and has decided to have her unveiling of the new Quorum coincide with the patriotic holiday.
  • A tension erupts when terrorist/criminal Tom Zarek wins nomination as Sagittaron representitive on the Quorum. Roslin feels she cannot remove him, as he won the election fairly (many on Sagittaron view him as a hero of their downtrodden Tribe).
  • At the first meeting of the Quorum, Zarek creates a crisis by insisting that the vacant post of Vice President be filled by a special vote of the Quorum, in case anything should happen to Roslin – a move that is surprisingly seconded by Gaius Baltar (when prodded by Number Six)– Tom Zarek is thereupon nominated as a vice presidential candidate. He has been using his men on the Astral Queen to perform technical favors for several other ships, which has gained him support from many of them. Additionally he plays on various dissatisfactions in the refugee fleet.
  • Roslin responds by pushing Wallace Gray, a presidential aide, into standing as an alternative candidate.
  • Manipulating the media, Zarek makes headway in his desire to secure the position as Vice President, while a man named Valance plots in secret to carry out an assassinate plot against Roslin – possibly orchestrated by Zarek.
  • Surprisingly, it is Gaius Baltar who comes to her aid: flashing his pre-attack charisma, he gives an eloquent speech to the media that reminds the people of Roslin’s qualities and Zarek’s questionable background (trying to look supportive of Roslin and look more favorable). Roslin realizes that Baltar is quite popular in the Fleet (particularly following the unmasking of a Cylon plot to discredit him) and has Gray relinquish his position as her nominee in favor of Baltar.
  • Baltar wins the nomination through a close vote, as the Quorum is evenly split, but as president Roslin is allowed to cast the tie breaking vote which enables Baltar's victory – but Zarek makes it clear matters are far from over: there is still the presidential elections due in 6 months. Roslin introduces Baltar as the victor at the Colonial Day Celebration.

On Caprica

  • Karl Agathon and Caprica-Valerii have reached the outskirts of Delphi.
  • Agathon ponders how he could have seen two women who look exactly the same helping the Cylons, after recently seeing a Number Six copy leading a squad of Centurions. Quickly putting two and two together, he considers the humanoid Cylons to be some sort of human "replicants," created by the Cylons using human DNA. Agathon realizes that this would explain the rapid fall of the Twelve Colonies, as the humanoid Cylons must have infiltrated the Colonies to soften them up for an invasion.
  • Caprica-Sharon uses this idea as a means of testing his possible feelings towards her, should she reveal her true identity. She starts to say that maybe the humanoid Cylons are misled, or that their attack on the Colonies were wrong and they might doubt that it was the right thing to do (her own current thoughts), but Agathon dismisses this as he feels they're just more Cylons.
  • Later, as they try to enter the Cylon base at Delphi, Agathon sees another Valerii copy, and instantly realizes the truth, flashing through his adventures on Caprica and all of the coincidences surrounding his escape—at which point he immediately runs away from both Caprica-Sharon and the base.

Notes

  • 10 days have passed since the events of "The Hand of God".
  • The office of the President operates in conjunction with the Quorum of Twelve, a council of representatives of the Twelve Colonies.
  • The Articles of Colonization were signed 52 years ago.
    • Given the Twelve Colonies have been inhabited for millennia, the Articles therefore don't directly relate to the settlement of these worlds.
    • However, given the timeframe (52 years) and its proximity to the first Cylon War, perhaps the original articles were the document that united the Twelve Colonies to fight the threat of the Cylons, and became the basis for their peaceful co-operation after the war.
  • Issues surrounding the distribution of food and medical supplies are beginning to cause concern within the Fleet.
  • Despite being "isolated" aboard Astral Queen (TRS: "Bastille Day"), Zarek has managed to use his time to build up contacts within the Fleet and offer assistance to other vessels - so much so that the representative from Virgon is only too willing to throw his support behind Zarek.
  • Apparently convicted felons lose their citizenship under Sagittarion penal law but have it automatically reinstated after they finish serving their sentences. This included the right to vote and to stand for election.
  • This episode contains the detailed look at the Cylon Heavy Raider, which is seen landing on Cylon-occupied Caprica.
  • After Valance's assassination, the whiteboard on Colonial One shows 47,898 survivors in the Fleet, a net loss of 7 since "Tigh Me Up, Tigh Me Down".
  • This episode is the first to show (however briefly) a version of Number Eight other than Boomer and the Sharon with Helo, except possibly the Miniseries.
  • Boomer only appears in this episode briefly, dancing with Felix Gaeta at the gala after Baltar's election.
  • Dr. Baltar apparently didn't give consent or even know of his nomination to a seat in the Quorum of Twelve, thus making it a little unclear how exactly the elections took place without a preexisting list of candidates.
    • It is possible that there was a list of official candidates, and Baltar won as a write-in candidate. Alternatively, the quorum members could have been chosen through a caucus system on each ship.
  • James McManus, host of The Colonial Gang, doesn't seem to mind using the F-word on the air.
  • The controversy surrounding whether Laura Roslin would shake Tom Zarek's hand intentionally mirrored that at the signing of the Oslo Accords in 1993 about whether Yitzhak Rabin would shake hands with Yasser Arafat.
  • Tom Zarek's statement to Laura Roslin, "I shaved very close this morning in preparation for getting smacked by you," is a direct quote from the 1970 movie Patton.

Analysis

  • By this point in the late first season, the writers and actors seem to have gained an increasingly better grasp of the story they are trying to tell, and the dialogue, characterization, and plot developments are flowing much more smoothly than in the early learning-curve period of "Water" and "Bastille Day".
  • It seems a small cheat that Cloud 9 has not been seen before, but this is explained as that she was heavily damaged and undergoing repairs until now.
  • It is slightly odd that Wallace Gray is supposedly one of Roslin's top aides and has played a large role in the work of her administration, but has not been seen until now. Of course, this is the mechanics of introducing new characters on a tv series at play. However, Roslin is often followed around by many nameless aides with the implication that there are more working for her "off screen" than a given episode focuses on (in the podcasts, Ron Moore and David Eick have said that they feel they make Roslin seem more official onscreen).
  • It is ironic that Baltar himself makes no drive to put himself on the road to power; Roslin (and other major characters) make him vice president because they prefer him over Zarek (even though Roslin admits that she does not like Baltar or particularly trust him, and admits that it is a "choose the devil you know" situation).
  • Caprica-Sharon is showing more symptoms of being pregnant, as well as guilt over the Cylon attack on the Twelve Colonies. She now feels the attack was wrong and the Cylons are misguided/self-deluded.
  • During Season 1, several critics and fans expressed that they thought it odd that Helo never suspected Caprica-Sharon of being a humanoid Cylon at all. However, this is an unfair criticism: Helo was not present on Galactica when the existence of humanoid Cylon models was revealed, and very probably during their experiment the Cylons attempted to avoid exposing Helo to humanoid models (after his initial "capture" by a single Number Six). Helo only sees a second Number Six copy in this episode because it is after he and Caprica-Sharon went on the run from the Cylons for real, after Caprica-Sharon's change of heart. —— Putting these accusations of Helo's unperceptiveness to rest, in this episode, soon after seeing a second Number Six (in "The Hand of God") Helo on his own theorizes that the Cylons must have created human models or DNA replicants of some sort, who must have been infiltrating Colonial society as Trojan Horses, explaining the rapid fall of the Twelve Colonies. Later, when Helo sees another Sharon-model Cylon copy, after recovering from his shock the events of the past two months instantly fit together in his mind, he realizes he has been duped, and he (prudently) runs away.
  • Reporter James McManus states that Colonial Day will coincide with the first meeting of the interim Quorum of Twelve, but Commander Adama also gives the day as "Colonial Day" at Baltar's victory gala, two days later. It is likely that the first meeting of the Quorum of Twelve is a multi-day event, during which Colonial Day would take place.

Questions

Answered Questions

For answers to the questions in this section, click here.
  • Just how much freedom of movement within the Fleet have Zarek’s people gained since the events of "Bastille Day?"
  • Will Zarek be able to use this apparent freedom to rally support for the forthcoming elections?
  • How does the Quorum of Twelve relate to the Office of the President? Does it function in a similar manner to the United States Congress?

Unanswered Questions

  • Was Zarek really behind the suspected attempt on Roslin’s life?
  • Who killed Valance?

Official Statements

From RDM's Sci-Fi Channel Blog

  • "I'm part of the nitpick brigade, but since the Colonies are obviously modeled after the US system of government, right down to the line of succession, are legislative and judicial branches? If so what are they called and will we see any manifestation of either branch take shape as series progresses?"
In Episode 11, "Colonial Day" we'll see the reinstatement of the Quorum of Twelve, a political body established in the original series, which seems to be a cross between a US style Senate and the UN Security Council, where each Colony has a single vote. Presumably there was also a larger representative legislative body and some kind of separate judiciary. There is also a religious body, (unnamed thus far) that acts in some advisory capacity to the government, along the lines of the British House of Lords. Although we haven't dealt with it yet, Elosha was probably a member of this body.

Noteworthy Dialogue

  • Tom Zarek is walking through Cloud 9's simulated environment while talking to reporters:
Tom Zarek: We are facing a situation so unique, so specific, that we not only need new leadership, but a whole new way of thinking.
Reporter: Like blowing up a building or two?
Tom Zarek: If things weren’t so serious, I’d say that was funny. Look, there’s no economy, there’s no market, no industry, no capital. Money’s worthless. And yet we’re all held hostage by the idea of the way things used to be.
Look where we are (on Cloud 9, which resembles a natural environment). This man (points to gardener) wakes up every morning, tugs on his boots, and goes to work in this garden. Why? Because it’s his job?! What job? He labors, but he gets no benefits. And he’s not the only one. Many of us are still going through the motions of our old lives. The lawyers still act like lawyers, but they have no clients. Businessmen still act like businessmen, but have no business! President Roslin and her policies are all about holding on to a fantasy!
We want to survive; we need to completely restructure our lives. We need to think about the community of citizens. The group, not the individual. We need to completely free ourselves of the past and operate as a collective.
  • Karl Agathon and Valerii have arrived in the vicinity of the Cylon base at Delphi, and the talk turns to the two women "helping" the Cylons:
Agathon: (Standing as Valerii crouches with her back to him, getting some food) I'm trying to make sense out of two women we saw with the Cylons.
Sharon Valerii: (keeping her back to him) And?
Agathon: I can't fathom why anybody would want to help the toasters...and they just happen to be twins? It's too weird.
Sharon Valerii: You got a better explanation?
Agathon: Do you think the Cylons could be messing with human DNA? (Valerii reacts, mouth opening as she looks away). Cloning people or something?
Sharon Valerii: (gathering herself and looking over her shoulder at Helo) Could be.
Agathon: (nodding and crouching) That would explain how they took us by surprise. They had these...replicated humans infiltrating the colonies, laying the groundwork for the surprise attack.
Sharon Valerii: (pausing, as if considering this) You know, if they were human clones, that means they're capable of...complex emotions - maybe even love. Maybe they were misguided in the way they were indoctrinated...
Agathon: (interrupting) Whatever they are, they're not human! No human could do the things they've done - killed billions of innocent people (Valerii looks away, hurt)
Agathon: They've got to be frakking Cylons, just like the rest of them...
James McManus: We're here with Dr. Gaius Baltar, representative of Caprica. Dr. Baltar, I have one question: is President Roslin's political career terminal, or is there hope of resuscitating it?
Gaius Baltar: Laura Roslin's political career is very much alive, and to underestimate her would be a very serious mistake.
Number Six: You miss the limelight, don't you Gaius?
Gaius Baltar: Yes, I have.
James McManus: You have what, Dr. Baltar?
Gaius Baltar: Nothing. You were saying?
James McManus: Yes. So you seriously believe that this schoolteacher is able to handle the job of presidency?
Gaius Baltar: Well I'm glad to hear it, because I think all of us have had teachers who have made a profound impact on our lives. History is full of examples of leaders who have come from the most humble beginnings, and have risen to meet the challenge posed by cataclysmic events. It's very easy to be sitting there in your armchairs ... criticize Laura Roslin for the tough decisions that she has to make every day - especially if you're someone like Tom Zarek, who's never shouldered any real responsibility in your life. To be fair to Tom, how could he? He's been in prison for the last twenty years. Now that he's had a drastic personality makeover, he's posing like he's the savior to all your ills! I think you all have a short memory, really. ... What I have to say is, we must survive, and we will survive. And we will do so through the values that have made our colonies great: courage, truth, justice, liberty, with a firm and deep resolve to make tomorrow better, not just for ourselves, but for our children.
  • Baltar and Six discuss jealousy and women, prompted by Playa Palacios' behavior:
Gaius Baltar: She's only human. (notes Six's reaction) You're not jealous?
Number Six: Love isn't about sex, Gaius.
Gaius Baltar: Now there's an enlightened point of view.
Number Six: I've been thinking... and as far as I'm concerned, you can have any woman you want. But always remember, I have your heart.
Gaius Baltar: Yes, of course you do.
Number Six: (deadly serious) I can always rip it out of your chest if I need to.
Gaius Baltar: (coughs, as if in reaction to a pain in his chest)

Guest stars