You Can't Go Home Again: Difference between revisions
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| image =Starbuck_cant_come_home.jpg | | image =Starbuck_cant_come_home.jpg | ||
| title=You Can't Go Home Again | | title=You Can't Go Home Again | ||
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| episode=5 | | episode=5 | ||
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| next=[[Litmus]] | | next=[[Litmus]] | ||
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}} | : ''Continuing from the events of "[[Act of Contrition]]", Commander [[William Adama|Adama]] and Captain [[Lee Adama]] risk the security of [[The Fleet (RDM)|the Fleet]] as they try to locate a downed [[Kara Thrace]].'' | ||
: ''Continuing from the events of "[[Act of Contrition]]", Commander [[William Adama|Adama]] and Captain [[Lee Adama]] risk the security of [[The Fleet (RDM)|the Fleet]] as they try to locate a downed | |||
== Summary == | == Summary == | ||
* [[ | * {{Callsign|Starbuck}} is missing [[Skirmish Over the Red Moon|following a dogfight]] with [[Cylon Raider (RDM)|Cylon Raiders]] {{TRS|Act of Contrition}}. While he was forced out of the fight, {{callsign|Hot Dog}} is convinced her [[Viper (RDM)|Viper]] was not destroyed. | ||
* [[William | * [[William Adama]] immediately orders a search started, and [[Lee Adama]] leads it in a Viper. | ||
* On the surface of a small moon, | * On the surface of a [[Red moon|small moon]], Thrace awakes to find herself being dragged by a strong wind catching her parachute. Before she can cut herself free of the parachute lines, which have tangled about her legs, she is dragged a considerable distance, smashing her knee in the process. | ||
* When the initial space search fails to locate | * When the initial space search fails to locate Thrace's Viper, [[Felix Gaeta|Gaeta]] suggests she may be on a [[Red Moon|moon orbiting the gas giant]]. Adama orders a low-level search of the moon's surface. At the same time he accepts an offer from [[Laura Roslin|Roslin]] to have the ships of the Fleet continue the space search. Lt. Gaeta calculates that Thrace has around 46 hours of air left in her oxygen tanks. | ||
* [[Saul Tigh|Tigh]] is worried that if they remain in the area too much longer, the Cylons might find them. | * [[Saul Tigh|Tigh]] is worried that if they remain in the area too much longer, the Cylons might find them. | ||
* Aware she is probably being searched for, | * Aware she is probably being searched for, Thrace determines to try and make her way to high ground, where she stands a better chance of being seen. Along the way, she asks the [[Lords of Kobol]] for help, and comes across a downed [[Cylon Raider (RDM)|Cylon Raider]] from the confrontation leading to her crash. | ||
* As the search of the moon continues, the dust-laden atmosphere begins to have its effect on | * As the search of the moon continues, the dust-laden atmosphere begins to have its effect on ''[[Galactica (RDM)|Galactica]]''{{'|s}} Vipers: 13 are grounded due to mechanical problems. The constant flying is causing other problems: ''[[Galactica (RDM)|Galactica]]''{{'|s}} fuel reserves for her fighters are being used at an alarming rate. | ||
* Tigh also points out that the Fleet is now spread right across the star system, leaving it vulnerable to attack should the Cylons show up. | * Tigh also points out that [[The Fleet (TRS)|the Fleet]] is now spread right across the star system, leaving it vulnerable to attack should the Cylons show up. | ||
* On the moon, | * On the moon, Thrace is determined to make the Raider space-worthy, and sets about accessing it – only to find it is bio-mechanical: inside the vehicle is a mass of organs, veins and tubes. | ||
* As time passes, Adama and Lee further risk the Fleet by pulling in the [[Combat Air Patrol|CAP]] Vipers to assist with the search. | * As time passes, Adama and Lee further risk the Fleet by pulling in the [[Combat Air Patrol|CAP]] Vipers to assist with the search. | ||
* When the timer in the [[CIC]] indicates | * When the timer in the [[CIC]] indicates Thrace's air has (presumably) expired, Adama continues the search, relieving Tigh of his duties when he challenges the order. | ||
* With her air supply all but gone, Starbuck manages to find an oxygen supply hose in the Raider and seals the insides of the vehicle so she can breathe. She then sets out trying to work out how the Raider flies. | * With her air supply all but gone, Starbuck manages to find an oxygen supply hose in the Raider and seals the insides of the vehicle so she can breathe. She then sets out trying to work out how the Raider flies. | ||
* As Lee and Adama continue to monitor the search of the moon, Roslin arrives on ''Galactica''. Determined to put a stop to things, she challenges both Adama and Lee concerning their single-mindedness and the way it is putting the survival of the fleet and mankind at risk. | * As Lee and Adama continue to monitor the search of the moon, Roslin arrives on ''[[Galactica (RDM)|Galactica]]''. Determined to put a stop to things, she challenges both Adama and Lee concerning their single-mindedness and the way it is putting the survival of the fleet and mankind at risk. | ||
* | * Realizing they have perhaps gone too far, Adama calls off the search and orders the Fleet readied to [[FTL|jump]]. | ||
* With the Fleet successfully away, ''Galactica'' is about to jump herself when a Cylon Raider appears. Vipers are prepped for launch, however a malfunction with ''Galactica'''s launch tubes allows only Capt. Adama's Viper to launch. | * With the Fleet successfully away, ''[[Galactica (RDM)|Galactica]]'' is about to jump herself when a Cylon Raider appears. Vipers are prepped for launch, however a malfunction with ''[[Galactica (RDM)|Galactica]]''{{'|s}} [[Launch tube (TRS)|launch tubes]] allows only Capt. Adama's Viper to launch. | ||
* Making contact with the Raider, Lee discovers the truth – | * Making contact with the Raider, Lee discovers the truth – Thrace is piloting [[Starbuck's Raider|the Raider]]; she used tape to write her name on the bottom of the Raider and flew formation with Lee's Viper. He escorts her back to ''[[Galactica (RDM)|Galactica]]'', where she lands and is taken to [[sickbay]]. | ||
* Visiting her in sickbay later, Adama congratulates her on her performance – an indirect way of letting her know she is forgiven for Zak. | * Visiting her in sickbay later, Adama congratulates her on her performance – an indirect way of letting her know she is forgiven for [[Zak Adama|Zak]]. | ||
===On Caprica=== | ===On Caprica=== | ||
* | * {{callsign|Helo}} and [[Sharon Valerii (Caprica copy)|Valerii]] are still hiding in the "fallout shelter", but Agathon determines they must move on. | ||
* A pair of [[Cylon Centurion]]s arrive, apparently conducting a search. A firefight ensues between | * A pair of [[Cylon Centurion]]s arrive, apparently conducting a search. A firefight ensues between Agathon and the Centurions. | ||
* | * Agathon destroys one of the Centurions but is knocked unconscious by the other, and when he awakens, Valerii is gone. | ||
== Notes == | == Notes == | ||
=== In-Universe === | |||
*[[Cylon Raider (RDM)|Cylon Raiders]] are bio-mechanical in nature, and their biomass uses a breathable, oxygen-rich mix suitable for humans. | *[[Cylon Raider (RDM)|Cylon Raiders]] are bio-mechanical in nature, and their biomass uses a breathable, oxygen-rich mix suitable for humans. | ||
* | *{{RDM|Viper}}s are atmosphere-capable; it appears they may have been regularly used in the atmospheres of Colonial worlds, given they are equipped with a parachute. | ||
*Vipers can be refueled in space (and presumably in relatively calm atmospheres). | *Vipers can be refueled in space (and presumably in relatively calm atmospheres). | ||
* | * Thrace's damaged Viper disintegrates around her upon re-entry, compelling her to eject. The Raider that she disables and forces down on the moon is, when she finds it, notably space-worthy. | ||
*Colonial [[flight suit]]s are capable of full life support, both planet-side ( | *Colonial [[flight suit]]s are capable of full life support, both planet-side (Thrace) and in space ({{callsign|Hot Dog}}). In the case of Vipers, the back section of the pilot's seat appears in effect to be a life-support backpack that detaches from the rest of the seat following ejection. | ||
*[[Raptor]] cabins can be depressurized and repressurized ( | *[[Raptor]] cabins can be depressurized and repressurized (Costanza's rescue), adding to their versatility. | ||
*[[Laura Roslin|Roslin]] has the same [["Lest We Forget"|image]] that the pilots touch when leaving the Ready Room. | *[[Laura Roslin|Roslin]] has the same [["Lest We Forget"|image]] that the pilots touch when leaving the Ready Room. | ||
*Colonials play billiard pool. | *Colonials play billiard pool. | ||
*[[William Adama]] is capable of letting personal feelings rise above professional duty. | *[[William Adama]] is capable of letting personal feelings rise above professional duty. | ||
*The toaster used by {{callsign|Helo}} on Caprica that triggers the attack of the Centurions in the kitchen appears to be a slightly modified Magimix 11062. | |||
*Following events in this episode, Kara Thrace suffers from an injured knee for the rest of the first season.<ref group="development" name="moore_companion_kara_knee_injury">{{cite book |author=[[David Bassom]] |title=[[Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion]] |pages=62}}</ref> | |||
=== Military Observations === | |||
* Following the hangar deck accident in the previous episode, ''[[Galactica (RDM)|Galactica]]'' has a remaining contingent of 40 Vipers, but the dust-laden atmosphere of the [[red moon]] grounds 13 of them due to mechanical problems. | |||
* The constant flying during the search mission causes ''[[Galactica (RDM)|Galactica]]''{{'|s}} fuel reserves for her fighters to be used at an alarming rate. | |||
* The Fleet becomes dangerously spread across the star system during the search, leaving it vulnerable to Cylon attack. | |||
=== Real-World and Production === | |||
*The messy organic interior of the Raider was inspired by [[w:Xenomorph|Xenomorph]] hive designs depicted in the ''[[w:Alien (film series)|Alien]]'' series, according to [[David Eick]] on the DVD commentary. | |||
* The scene where {{callsign|Starbuck}}, in a Cylon Raider, shakes off [[Lee Adama|Apollo]]'s attack is remarkably similar to a scene from the {{OS|The Hand of God|prose=y}} in which [[Apollo (TOS)|Apollo]] and [[Starbuck (TOS)|Starbuck]] avoid being shot down in a Cylon Raider by waggling their wings. | |||
* While there are parallels to the {{G80|The Return of Starbuck|prose=y}}--where [[Starbuck (1980)|Starbuck]], after [[Battle near Planet Starbuck|a space battle]], is also forced to crash on a [[Planet Starbuck|barren planet]], discovers a [[Raider (1980)|Cylon Raider]] and uses it to build [[Hybrid craft|a new ship]] in the hopes of escaping--[[Carla Robinson]] was neither aware of that episode nor that series when writing this script. .<ref group="development" name="bassom_companion_robinson_galactica_1980_disclaimer">{{cite book |author=[[David Bassom]] |title=[[Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion]] |pages=60}}</ref> | |||
* The episode was filmed at a gravel pit in Port Coquitlam, Vancouver, which was situated some twenty minutes away from Vancouver Film Studios.<ref group="production" name="bassom_companion_port_coquitlam_location">{{cite book |author=[[David Bassom]] |title=[[Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion]] |pages=62}}</ref> Art director [[Douglas McLean]] noted that the location effectively created a hostile and barren place.<ref group="production" name="bassom_companion_mclean_location_assessment">{{cite book |author=[[David Bassom]] |title=[[Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion]] |pages=62}}</ref> | |||
* Director of photography [[Steve McNutt]] color-corrected the footage on location to create the strange, hostile alien environment, with visual effects supervisor [[Gary Hutzel]] noting that they augmented some elements afterwards but most of the effect was achieved through McNutt's on-location work.<ref group="production" name="bassom_companion_mcnutt_color_correction">{{cite book |author=[[David Bassom]] |title=[[Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion]] |pages=62}}</ref> | |||
=== Writing and Development === | |||
* Picking up from events in "[[Act of Contrition]]," the episode was designed to serve several important functions.<ref group="development" name="bassom_companion_moore_episode_functions">{{cite book |author=[[David Bassom]] |title=[[Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion]] |pages=60}}</ref> The episode shows Thrace's ingenuity in getting the Cylon up and running, gives her an injury that she would suffer from for the rest of the season, and provides the characters with a [[Starbuck's Raider|captured Cylon Raider]].<ref group="development" name="bassom_companion_moore_episode_functions" /> | |||
* The episode marked staff writer [[Carla Robinson]]'s first scripting assignment on ''Battlestar Galactica''.<ref group="development" name="bassom_companion_robinson_first_script">{{cite book |author=[[David Bassom]] |title=[[Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion]] |pages=60}}</ref> Robinson seized the opportunity to propel Kara Thrace on a physical and emotional rollercoaster ride, with the episode completing Thrace's emotional journey and forcing her to face the demons of her past. | |||
* Robinson chose the title as a homage to [[w:Thomas_Wolfe|Thomas Wolfe]], seeing the Thrace storyline as being reminiscent of the character story in Wolfe's novel of the same name.<ref group="development" name="bassom_companion_robinson_title_inspiration">{{cite book |author=[[David Bassom]] |title=[[Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion]] |pages=61}}</ref> According to Robinson, "Starbuck has 'come home' by the end of the episode, but things will never be quite the same for her." | |||
* One aspect of Thrace's fight for survival that was carefully debated by the show's writing staff was her ability to revive and fly a Cylon Raider.<ref group="development" name="bassom_companion_thompson_raider_systems">{{cite book |author=[[David Bassom]] |title=[[Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion]] |pages=61}}</ref> [[Bradley Thompson]] noted they asked themselves what happens if you want to fly a Cylon craft and what the systems would be like, ultimately guessing that Thrace was able to get pitch, roll, yaw and power out of that fusion of machine and biology. | |||
* In Robinson's first draft of the episode's script, Thrace actually communicated with the Cylon Raider while she attempted to repair it.<ref group="development" name="bassom_companion_robinson_raider_communication">{{cite book |author=[[David Bassom]] |title=[[Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion]] |pages=61}}</ref> Thompson confirmed they were going to have them talking, but realized it might have looked "pretty wacky" and didn't give them as much to play with as they'd hoped. | |||
* The inside of the Cylon Raider was custom designed to fit [[Katee Sackhoff]], according to production designer [[Richard Hudolin]].<ref group="production" name="bassom_companion_hudolin_raider_design">{{cite book |author=[[David Bassom]] |title=[[Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion]] |pages=61}}</ref> Hudolin noted that Sackhoff was very excited about working with the set and didn't complain despite getting covered in "goop" during filming. | |||
* [[Ronald D. Moore]] had written in the [[Series Bible]] that Thrace injured her knee years before the series and had to reinvent her life as a result.<ref group="development" name="bassom_companion_moore_series_bible_knee">{{cite book |author=[[David Bassom]] |title=[[Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion]] |pages=62}}</ref> Moore wanted her to revisit that injury in this episode, making it interesting to have her suffer the same type of injury again. Of further note, Sackhoff experienced a similar injury earlier in her life, which resulted in her choosing to pursue acting. | |||
=== Direction and Performance === | |||
* The episode was directed by [[Sergio Mimica-Gezzan]], a distinguished filmmaker who had served as assistant director on the Steven Spielberg movies ''[[w:Schindler's List|Schindler's List]]'' and ''[[w:Saving Private Ryan|Saving Private Ryan]]''.<ref group="production" name="bassom_companion_mimica_gezzan_background">{{cite book |author=[[David Bassom]] |title=[[Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion]] |pages=63}}</ref> Mimica-Gezzan made his episodic television directing debut with ''Battlestar Galactica''. | |||
* The episode proved to be exceptionally challenging for [[Katee Sackhoff]].<ref group="production" name="bassom_companion_sackhoff_physical_demands">{{cite book |author=[[David Bassom]] |title=[[Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion]] |pages=62}}</ref> She wore a pack on her back that weighed between thirty and fifty pounds because it contained air tanks that blew air into her helmet to keep it clear. The heavy equipment caused her to sweat, after which they would blow freezing cold air on her to propel smoke into the scene. | |||
* Sackhoff became so sick during filming that when shooting the scenes inside the Cylon Raider, she had the flu, making her sickly appearance in those scenes authentic rather than acted.<ref group="production" name="bassom_companion_sackhoff_flu_filming">{{cite book |author=[[David Bassom]] |title=[[Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion]] |pages=62}}</ref> | |||
* The "honey pot" shelter where [[Tahmoh Penikett]] filmed a battle with [[Cylon Centurion|Cylon Centurions]] was in a Vancouver café, The Alibi Room<ref group="external">{{Cite web|url=https://scoutmagazine.ca/dig-it-drinking-up-101-years-of-history-in-the-building-that-houses-the-alibi-room/|title=Drinking Up 101 Years Of History In The Building That Houses The “Alibi Room”|author=Stevie Wilson|date=9 May 2014|publisher=ScoutMagazine.ca|accessdate=28 August 2025}}</ref>, with the Centurions being entirely computer-generated and added during post-production.<ref group="production" name="bassom_companion_penikett_centurion_battle">{{cite book |author=[[David Bassom]] |title=[[Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion]] |pages=62}}</ref> | |||
== Analysis == | == Analysis == | ||
*On Caprica, the Cylons have apparently stepped up their manipulations of | *On Caprica, the Cylons have apparently stepped up their manipulations of Agathon a notch: and they appear determine to test / increase his feelings for Valerii. "Love", and possibly "procreation" seems to be at the heart of their manipulations. The evidence for this comes from the last few episodes: | ||
**'''[[Water]]''': | **'''[[Water]]''': Agathon scans the airwaves, failing to find any other signals. Caprica-Sharon makes a comment about them being the only two people left on the planet, and the way she says it makes it hard to keep the words "Adam and Eve" from popping into one's head – especially with all the other religious motifs that have surrounded our insight into Cylon aims (even if they are from "Six's" perspective); | ||
**'''[[Water]]''': | **'''[[Water]]''': Agathon is obviously attracted to Caprica-Sharon, as evidenced by his embarrassment following the "spontaneous" hug she gives him when they first hear the radio broadcast. Sharon's disappearance seems to be the first Cylon attempt to accentuate Agathon's feelings for her; | ||
**'''[[Act of Contrition]]''': as a result of the (clearly-planted) "radio broadcast", they come across a fully-equipped radiation shelter, which does not appear to have been used, and which is more than cozily set-up for a long duration stay for two people; | **'''[[Act of Contrition]]''': as a result of the (clearly-planted) "radio broadcast", they come across a fully-equipped radiation shelter, which does not appear to have been used, and which is more than cozily set-up for a long duration stay for two people; | ||
**This episode: when | **This episode: when Agathon suggests they pack up and leave the shelter, Sharon's look is, for a moment, distinctly odd, and she challenges him with a slightly sultry "Unless you can think of a reason to stay here." Valerii's comment seems calculated to give Agathon an opportunity to express a physical interest in her. Her disappointment is evident when he says they should move on; | ||
**This episode: no sooner is the decision made to move on than Cylon Centurions turn up. The ensuing firefight leaves | **This episode: no sooner is the decision made to move on than Cylon Centurions turn up. The ensuing firefight leaves Agathon unconscious, but (surprisingly) alive; | ||
**This episode: when | **This episode: when Agathon revives, Caprica-Sharon is gone, and he's no longer thinking about leaving the planet – he's only concerned with what has happened to Sharon. | ||
*During the fight in the restaurant, the Cylon Centurion clearly makes only a token attempt to kill | *During the fight in the restaurant, the Cylon Centurion clearly makes only a token attempt to kill Agathon – although it does a pretty good job of shooting up the kitchen as a whole. Agathon is surprisingly incurious about his survival. His concern about Caprica-Sharon's disappearance seems to overwhelm any suspicion. Besides, unlike the viewers, Agathon has simply been given no outside reason to suspect that the Cylons want to keep him alive and that he is in an "experiment" of theirs. However, as [[Season 1 (2004-05)|Season 1]] progresses Agathon ''does'' start to gradually suspect that something is amiss. | ||
*This episode seems to suggest a subtle demarcation between Baltar's hallucinatory Number Six and the other Cylons. Previously, she has referred to them as "we" – implying she is still a part of them. Here she refers to the Cylons very much in the third person: "they". Is this indicative of a possible shift in her loyalties, that the Cylons truly are totally unaware of her presence, or is she simply manipulating Baltar? | *This episode seems to suggest a subtle demarcation between Baltar's [[Messenger Six|hallucinatory Number Six]] and the other Cylons. Previously, she has referred to them as "we" – implying she is still a part of them. Here she refers to the Cylons very much in the third person: "they". Is this indicative of a possible shift in her loyalties, that the Cylons truly are totally unaware of her presence, or is she simply manipulating Baltar? | ||
*Are all Cylons bio-mechanical? | *Are all Cylons bio-mechanical? They are not, as Agathon puts a shot straight through the head of a Cylon Centurion. If any organic matter were contained therein, one would expect blood and/or gore to exit the wound. This is not the case. | ||
== Questions == | == Questions == | ||
*With almost 50% of fuel reserves gone, can ''Galactica'' obtain additional supplies to keep her | === Answered Questions === | ||
*What use will be made of the captured Raider | |||
*How many more Cylon spacecraft include biological elements in their design? | {{answered questions|season=1|series=RDM|episode=You Can't Go Home Again}} | ||
*Will | |||
*Will he question why the | *With almost 50% of [[tylium (RDM)|fuel]] reserves gone, can ''[[Galactica (RDM)|Galactica]]'' obtain additional supplies to keep her {{RDM|Viper}}s flying? | ||
*Did the Cylons develop bio-mechanical capabilities first in a basic form with the Raiders, before going on to develop the | *What use will be made of the captured [[Raider (RDM)|Raider]]? | ||
*How many more Cylon spacecraft include biological elements in their design? | |||
*Will {{callsign|Karl Agathon}} now go in search of the [[Sharon Agathon|"missing" Valerii]]? | |||
*Will he question why the [[Centurion (RDM)|Centurion]] left him unconscious in the restaurant, rather than taking him prisoner? | |||
*Did the Cylons develop bio-mechanical capabilities first in a basic form with the Raiders, before going on to develop the [[Humanoid Cylons|humanoid constructs]]? | |||
=== Unanswered Questions === | |||
* When did Thrace write her name on the underside of [[Starbuck's Raider|the Raider's wings]]? Considering that she didn't know that she could fly the craft when she found it, one would think that she does it before leaving the moon. However, by that time she has used her flight suit to stuff the hole in the hull. | |||
== Official Statements == | == Official Statements == | ||
* ''[[Bear McCreary]] discusses the "Cylon Theme" and its relation to this episode:'' | * ''[[Bear McCreary]] discusses the "Cylon Theme" and its relation to this episode:'' | ||
: | : '''McCreary:''' This theme was originally performed using pots, pans and [[toaster]]s for the metallic effects. It was composed before I had seen 'You Can't Go Home Again', which includes a scene where Helo battles centurions in a cafe kitchen and bullets ricochet off pots, pans and a toaster!<ref group="external" name="mccreary_blog_cylon_theme_kitchen">{{cite_web|url=http://www.bearmccreary.com/html/blog/blog013.htm|title=The Themes of Battlestar Galactica, Part II|date=10 November 2006|accessdate=25 November 2006|last=McCreary|first=Bear|format=blog|language=English}}</ref> | ||
* ''[[Katee Sackhoff]] on the episode's significance:'' | |||
: '''Sackhoff:''' I love both those episodes. Kara really goes through the whole gamut of emotions in them, from telling the only person that she knows loves her that she was responsible for the death of his son, to being faced with the fact she might never see him again and might die not knowing if he has forgiven her — or if she even forgives herself. There's also a little flirtation between [[Leland Adama|Lee]] and Kara at the end, which I think is nice too. So I thought the storytelling was just really powerful.<ref group="commentary" name="bassom_companion_sackhoff_episode_emotional_journey">{{cite book |author=[[David Bassom]] |title=[[Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion]] |pages=63}}</ref> | |||
* ''[[David Eick]] on director [[Sergio Mimica-Gezzan]]:'' | |||
: '''Eick:''' Sergio was the discovery of the year. He had never directed an episode of television before and he turned out one of the season's best-directed episodes! It was quite something.<ref group="commentary" name="bassom_companion_eick_mimica_gezzan_praise">{{cite book |author=[[David Bassom]] |title=[[Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion]] |pages=63}}</ref> | |||
* ''[[Carla Robinson]] on the title's inspiration:'' | |||
: '''Robinson:''' I chose the title "You Can't Go Home Again" as a homage to [[w:Thomas_Wolfe|Thomas Wolfe]] because I saw the Starbuck storyline as being reminiscent of the character story in [[w:You_Can't_Go_Home_Again|Wolfe's novel [of the same name]]]. Starbuck has 'come home' by the end of the episode, but things will never be quite the same for her.<ref group="development" name="bassom_companion_robinson_title_inspiration">{{cite book |author=[[David Bassom]] |title=[[Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion]] |pages=61}}</ref> | |||
* ''[[Carla Robinson]] on the episode's themes:'' | |||
: '''Robinson:''' The episode completes Starbuck's emotional journey and forces her to face the demons of her past. The physical scars she incurs on this ordeal further remind her of the choices she has made.<ref group="development" name="bassom_companion_robinson_emotional_journey">{{cite book |author=[[David Bassom]] |title=[[Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion]] |pages=60}}</ref> | |||
* ''[[Ronald D. Moore]] on the episode's purpose:'' | |||
: '''Moore:''' The episode is really about Kara and how much she means to Adama and Lee. It shows her ingenuity in getting the Cylon up and running, and gives her an injury that she would suffer from for the rest of the season. Getting our characters a Cylon Raider was another key element of the episode as well.<ref group="development" name="bassom_companion_moore_episode_functions">{{cite book |author=[[David Bassom]] |title=[[Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion]] |pages=60}}</ref> | |||
* ''[[Katee Sackhoff]] on the physical demands:'' | |||
: '''Sackhoff:''' That and the season finale were the most physically demanding episodes of the year for me. It was horrible — I had a pack on my back that weighed between thirty and fifty pounds, because it contained air tanks that blew air into my helmet to keep it clear. That was heavy! I would be sweating because it was so heavy, and they would then blow freezing cold air on me to propel the smoke into the scene.<ref group="production" name="bassom_companion_sackhoff_physical_demands">{{cite book |author=[[David Bassom]] |title=[[Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion]] |pages=62}}</ref> | |||
* ''[[Katee Sackhoff]] on filming while sick:'' | |||
: '''Sackhoff:''' I got so sick doing those scenes that when it came to shooting the stuff inside the Cylon, I had the flu. So me looking sick in those scenes isn't me acting — I was shooting scenes and then throwing up! But it worked for the episode. It made it very realistic!<ref group="production" name="bassom_companion_sackhoff_flu_filming">{{cite book |author=[[David Bassom]] |title=[[Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion]] |pages=62}}</ref> | |||
* ''[[Tahmoh Penikett]] on the Centurion battle:'' | |||
: '''Penikett:''' I had the time of my life doing that! I got to play action man! It was great fun pretending the Cylons were actually there and getting to shoot at them as I jumped around.<ref group="production" name="bassom_companion_penikett_centurion_battle">{{cite book |author=[[David Bassom]] |title=[[Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion]] |pages=62}}</ref> | |||
* ''[[Richard Hudolin]] on the Raider interior design:'' | |||
: '''Hudolin:''' The inside of the Cylon Raider was actually custom designed to fit Katee. She was very excited about that. She's just such a great gal — she got all this goop over her while we were filming, and she didn't complain at all! Katee just got in there and was just fabulous. It worked out really well.<ref group="production" name="bassom_companion_hudolin_raider_design_2">{{cite book |author=[[David Bassom]] |title=[[Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion]] |pages=61-62}}</ref> | |||
* ''[[Bradley Thompson]] on Raider systems:'' | |||
: '''Thompson:''' We all worked very closely with [[Carla Robinson|Carla]] on that. We asked ourselves what happens if you want to fly a Cylon craft? What do you have to deal with? What are the systems like? After a lot of discussion, we guessed that Kara was able to get pitch, roll, yaw and power out of that fusion of machine and biology.<ref group="development" name="bassom_companion_thompson_raider_systems">{{cite book |author=[[David Bassom]] |title=[[Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion]] |pages=61}}</ref> | |||
== Noteworthy Dialogue == | == Noteworthy Dialogue == | ||
*'' | *''{{callsign|Starbuck}} to the crashed [[Cylon Raider (RDM)|Cylon Raider]]:'' | ||
:'''Starbuck''': Are you... alive? | :'''Starbuck''': Are you... alive? | ||
| Line 113: | Line 175: | ||
:'''Adama''': If it were you... we'd never leave.<br/> | :'''Adama''': If it were you... we'd never leave.<br/> | ||
*''The confrontation between Commander [[William Adama|Adama]], [[Lee Adama|Apollo]], Colonel [[Saul Tigh|Tigh]], and President [[Laura Roslin|Roslin]] over the [[SAR]] mission for | *''The confrontation between Commander [[William Adama|Adama]], [[Lee Adama|Apollo]], Colonel [[Saul Tigh|Tigh]], and President [[Laura Roslin|Roslin]] over the [[SAR]] mission for {{callsign|Starbuck}}:'' | ||
:'''Tigh:''' (walking in with Roslin) President Roslin.<br/> | :'''Tigh:''' (walking in with Roslin) President Roslin.<br/> | ||
:'''Adama:''' Madam President.<br/> | :'''Adama:''' Madam President.<br/> | ||
| Line 127: | Line 189: | ||
:'''Adama:''' Crap. Unacceptable. Whatever you feel about this, the recovery of one pilot is a military matter. | :'''Adama:''' Crap. Unacceptable. Whatever you feel about this, the recovery of one pilot is a military matter. | ||
:'''Roslin:''' All right. It's military. Fine. And you're both officers. And you're both honorable men. And you're both perfectly aware you are putting the lives of over [[The Fleet (RDM)|45,000 people]] and the future of this civilization at risk for your personal feelings. Now, if it's the two of you, of all people, that can live with that, than the human race doesn't stand a chance. Clear your heads. (leaves the room).<br/> | :'''Roslin:''' All right. It's military. Fine. And you're both officers. And you're both honorable men. And you're both perfectly aware you are putting the lives of over [[The Fleet (RDM)|45,000 people]] and the future of this civilization at risk for your personal feelings. Now, if it's the two of you, of all people, that can live with that, than the human race doesn't stand a chance. Clear your heads. (leaves the room).<br/> | ||
*''Lee sees "Starbuck" written on the bottom of the Raider he's fighting and realizes the truth'' | |||
:'''Lee:''' ''(laughs)'' Its Starbuck! | |||
:'''Adama:''' ''(stunned)'' What?! | |||
:'''Lee:''' Say again, the Raider is marked "Starbuck." Its written under the frakking wing! | |||
:''(Everyone in CIC is cheering while Tigh and Adama are clearly stunned by this revelation)'' | |||
:'''Adama:''' Bring it into the bay, but if it does ''anything'', take it out! | |||
:'''Lee:''' Yes, sir but I'm telling you its ''got'' to be her! This thing is flying with some ''serious'' attitude! | |||
:''Lee escorts the Raider to ''[[Galactica (RDM)|Galactica]]'' and they waggle their wings at each other'' | |||
*''Kara has just made a dramatic rescue of herself and Lee has come to see her'' | |||
:'''Kara:''' ''(referring to her Raider)'' [[Starbuck's Raider|Like my new toy?]] | |||
:'''Lee:''' When you take a souvenir, you don't mess around! | |||
*''Chief Tyrol walks around the Cylon Raider'' | |||
:'''Tyrol:''' Your ass belongs to ''me'' now. | |||
== Guest stars == | == Guest stars == | ||
| Line 135: | Line 213: | ||
*[[Paul Campbell]] as [[Billy Keikeya]] | *[[Paul Campbell]] as [[Billy Keikeya]] | ||
*[[Alessandro Juliani]] as Lieutenant [[Felix Gaeta]] | *[[Alessandro Juliani]] as Lieutenant [[Felix Gaeta]] | ||
*[[Samuel Witwer]] as [[Crashdown]] | *[[Samuel Witwer]] as Lieutenant [[Alex Quartararo|Alex "Crashdown" Quartararo]] | ||
*[[Donnelly Rhodes]] as Dr. [[Cottle]] | *[[Donnelly Rhodes]] as Dr. [[Sherman Cottle]] | ||
*[[Alonso Oyarzun]] as Specialist [[Socinus]] | *[[Alonso Oyarzun]] as Specialist [[Socinus]] | ||
*[[Bodie Olmos]] as [[Brendan Costanza|Brendan "Hot Dog" Costanza]] | *[[Bodie Olmos]] as [[Brendan Costanza|Brendan "Hot Dog" Costanza]] | ||
==References== | == References == | ||
=== Commentary and Interviews === | |||
{{reflist|group=commentary}} | |||
=== Development and Creative Process === | |||
{{reflist|group=development}} | |||
=== Production History === | |||
{{reflist|group=production}} | |||
=== External Sources and Reviews === | |||
{{reflist|group=external}} | |||
{{episode list (RDM season 1)}} | {{episode list (RDM season 1)}} | ||
| Line 150: | Line 239: | ||
[[de:Kein Weg zurück]] | [[de:Kein Weg zurück]] | ||
[[ | [[fr:Épisode:Crash sur la lune]] | ||
Latest revision as of 19:44, 28 August 2025
| |||
| "You Can't Go Home Again" An episode of the Re-imagined Series | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Episode No. | Season 1, Episode 5 | ||
| Writer(s) | Carla Robinson | ||
| Story by | |||
| Director | Sergio Mimica-Gezzan | ||
| Assistant Director | |||
| Special guest(s) | |||
| Production No. | 105 | ||
| Nielsen Rating | 2.5 | ||
| US airdate |  2005-02-04
| ||
| CAN airdate |  2005-02-12
| ||
| UK airdate |  2004-11-15
| ||
| DVD release | 20 September 2005 US 28 March 2005 UK | ||
| Population | 47,954 survivors ( 4)
| ||
| Additional Info | |||
| Full Credits | |||
| Episode Chronology | |||
| Previous | Next | ||
| Act of Contrition | You Can't Go Home Again | Litmus | |
| Related Information | |||
| Official Summary | |||
| R&D Skit – View | |||
| Deleted Scenes | |||
| [[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 | |||
- Continuing from the events of "Act of Contrition", Commander Adama and Captain Lee Adama risk the security of the Fleet as they try to locate a downed Kara Thrace.
Summary
edit source- Kara "Starbuck" Thrace is missing following a dogfight with Cylon Raiders (TRS: "Act of Contrition"). While he was forced out of the fight, Brendan "Hot Dog" Costanza is convinced her Viper was not destroyed.
- William Adama immediately orders a search started, and Lee Adama leads it in a Viper.
- On the surface of a small moon, Thrace awakes to find herself being dragged by a strong wind catching her parachute. Before she can cut herself free of the parachute lines, which have tangled about her legs, she is dragged a considerable distance, smashing her knee in the process.
- When the initial space search fails to locate Thrace's Viper, Gaeta suggests she may be on a moon orbiting the gas giant. Adama orders a low-level search of the moon's surface. At the same time he accepts an offer from Roslin to have the ships of the Fleet continue the space search. Lt. Gaeta calculates that Thrace has around 46 hours of air left in her oxygen tanks.
- Tigh is worried that if they remain in the area too much longer, the Cylons might find them.
- Aware she is probably being searched for, Thrace determines to try and make her way to high ground, where she stands a better chance of being seen. Along the way, she asks the Lords of Kobol for help, and comes across a downed Cylon Raider from the confrontation leading to her crash.
- As the search of the moon continues, the dust-laden atmosphere begins to have its effect on Galactica's Vipers: 13 are grounded due to mechanical problems. The constant flying is causing other problems: Galactica's fuel reserves for her fighters are being used at an alarming rate.
- Tigh also points out that the Fleet is now spread right across the star system, leaving it vulnerable to attack should the Cylons show up.
- On the moon, Thrace is determined to make the Raider space-worthy, and sets about accessing it – only to find it is bio-mechanical: inside the vehicle is a mass of organs, veins and tubes.
- As time passes, Adama and Lee further risk the Fleet by pulling in the CAP Vipers to assist with the search.
- When the timer in the CIC indicates Thrace's air has (presumably) expired, Adama continues the search, relieving Tigh of his duties when he challenges the order.
- With her air supply all but gone, Starbuck manages to find an oxygen supply hose in the Raider and seals the insides of the vehicle so she can breathe. She then sets out trying to work out how the Raider flies.
- As Lee and Adama continue to monitor the search of the moon, Roslin arrives on Galactica. Determined to put a stop to things, she challenges both Adama and Lee concerning their single-mindedness and the way it is putting the survival of the fleet and mankind at risk.
- Realizing they have perhaps gone too far, Adama calls off the search and orders the Fleet readied to jump.
- With the Fleet successfully away, Galactica is about to jump herself when a Cylon Raider appears. Vipers are prepped for launch, however a malfunction with Galactica's launch tubes allows only Capt. Adama's Viper to launch.
- Making contact with the Raider, Lee discovers the truth – Thrace is piloting the Raider; she used tape to write her name on the bottom of the Raider and flew formation with Lee's Viper. He escorts her back to Galactica, where she lands and is taken to sickbay.
- Visiting her in sickbay later, Adama congratulates her on her performance – an indirect way of letting her know she is forgiven for Zak.
On Caprica
edit source- Karl "Helo" Agathon and Valerii are still hiding in the "fallout shelter", but Agathon determines they must move on.
- A pair of Cylon Centurions arrive, apparently conducting a search. A firefight ensues between Agathon and the Centurions.
- Agathon destroys one of the Centurions but is knocked unconscious by the other, and when he awakens, Valerii is gone.
Notes
edit sourceIn-Universe
edit source- Cylon Raiders are bio-mechanical in nature, and their biomass uses a breathable, oxygen-rich mix suitable for humans.
- Vipers are atmosphere-capable; it appears they may have been regularly used in the atmospheres of Colonial worlds, given they are equipped with a parachute.
- Vipers can be refueled in space (and presumably in relatively calm atmospheres).
- Thrace's damaged Viper disintegrates around her upon re-entry, compelling her to eject. The Raider that she disables and forces down on the moon is, when she finds it, notably space-worthy.
- Colonial flight suits are capable of full life support, both planet-side (Thrace) and in space (Brendan "Hot Dog" Costanza). In the case of Vipers, the back section of the pilot's seat appears in effect to be a life-support backpack that detaches from the rest of the seat following ejection.
- Raptor cabins can be depressurized and repressurized (Costanza's rescue), adding to their versatility.
- Roslin has the same image that the pilots touch when leaving the Ready Room.
- Colonials play billiard pool.
- William Adama is capable of letting personal feelings rise above professional duty.
- The toaster used by Karl "Helo" Agathon on Caprica that triggers the attack of the Centurions in the kitchen appears to be a slightly modified Magimix 11062.
- Following events in this episode, Kara Thrace suffers from an injured knee for the rest of the first season.[development 1]
Military Observations
edit source- Following the hangar deck accident in the previous episode, Galactica has a remaining contingent of 40 Vipers, but the dust-laden atmosphere of the red moon grounds 13 of them due to mechanical problems.
- The constant flying during the search mission causes Galactica's fuel reserves for her fighters to be used at an alarming rate.
- The Fleet becomes dangerously spread across the star system during the search, leaving it vulnerable to Cylon attack.
Real-World and Production
edit source- The messy organic interior of the Raider was inspired by Xenomorph hive designs depicted in the Alien series, according to David Eick on the DVD commentary.
- The scene where Kara "Starbuck" Thrace, in a Cylon Raider, shakes off Apollo's attack is remarkably similar to a scene from the Original Series' "The Hand of God" in which Apollo and Starbuck avoid being shot down in a Cylon Raider by waggling their wings.
- While there are parallels to the Galactica 1980's "The Return of Starbuck"--where Starbuck, after a space battle, is also forced to crash on a barren planet, discovers a Cylon Raider and uses it to build a new ship in the hopes of escaping--Carla Robinson was neither aware of that episode nor that series when writing this script. .[development 2]
- The episode was filmed at a gravel pit in Port Coquitlam, Vancouver, which was situated some twenty minutes away from Vancouver Film Studios.[production 1] Art director Douglas McLean noted that the location effectively created a hostile and barren place.[production 2]
- Director of photography Steve McNutt color-corrected the footage on location to create the strange, hostile alien environment, with visual effects supervisor Gary Hutzel noting that they augmented some elements afterwards but most of the effect was achieved through McNutt's on-location work.[production 3]
Writing and Development
edit source- Picking up from events in "Act of Contrition," the episode was designed to serve several important functions.[development 3] The episode shows Thrace's ingenuity in getting the Cylon up and running, gives her an injury that she would suffer from for the rest of the season, and provides the characters with a captured Cylon Raider.[development 3]
- The episode marked staff writer Carla Robinson's first scripting assignment on Battlestar Galactica.[development 4] Robinson seized the opportunity to propel Kara Thrace on a physical and emotional rollercoaster ride, with the episode completing Thrace's emotional journey and forcing her to face the demons of her past.
- Robinson chose the title as a homage to Thomas Wolfe, seeing the Thrace storyline as being reminiscent of the character story in Wolfe's novel of the same name.[development 5] According to Robinson, "Starbuck has 'come home' by the end of the episode, but things will never be quite the same for her."
- One aspect of Thrace's fight for survival that was carefully debated by the show's writing staff was her ability to revive and fly a Cylon Raider.[development 6] Bradley Thompson noted they asked themselves what happens if you want to fly a Cylon craft and what the systems would be like, ultimately guessing that Thrace was able to get pitch, roll, yaw and power out of that fusion of machine and biology.
- In Robinson's first draft of the episode's script, Thrace actually communicated with the Cylon Raider while she attempted to repair it.[development 7] Thompson confirmed they were going to have them talking, but realized it might have looked "pretty wacky" and didn't give them as much to play with as they'd hoped.
- The inside of the Cylon Raider was custom designed to fit Katee Sackhoff, according to production designer Richard Hudolin.[production 4] Hudolin noted that Sackhoff was very excited about working with the set and didn't complain despite getting covered in "goop" during filming.
- Ronald D. Moore had written in the Series Bible that Thrace injured her knee years before the series and had to reinvent her life as a result.[development 8] Moore wanted her to revisit that injury in this episode, making it interesting to have her suffer the same type of injury again. Of further note, Sackhoff experienced a similar injury earlier in her life, which resulted in her choosing to pursue acting.
Direction and Performance
edit source- The episode was directed by Sergio Mimica-Gezzan, a distinguished filmmaker who had served as assistant director on the Steven Spielberg movies Schindler's List and Saving Private Ryan.[production 5] Mimica-Gezzan made his episodic television directing debut with Battlestar Galactica.
- The episode proved to be exceptionally challenging for Katee Sackhoff.[production 6] She wore a pack on her back that weighed between thirty and fifty pounds because it contained air tanks that blew air into her helmet to keep it clear. The heavy equipment caused her to sweat, after which they would blow freezing cold air on her to propel smoke into the scene.
- Sackhoff became so sick during filming that when shooting the scenes inside the Cylon Raider, she had the flu, making her sickly appearance in those scenes authentic rather than acted.[production 7]
- The "honey pot" shelter where Tahmoh Penikett filmed a battle with Cylon Centurions was in a Vancouver café, The Alibi Room[external 1], with the Centurions being entirely computer-generated and added during post-production.[production 8]
Analysis
edit source- On Caprica, the Cylons have apparently stepped up their manipulations of Agathon a notch: and they appear determine to test / increase his feelings for Valerii. "Love", and possibly "procreation" seems to be at the heart of their manipulations. The evidence for this comes from the last few episodes:
- Water: Agathon scans the airwaves, failing to find any other signals. Caprica-Sharon makes a comment about them being the only two people left on the planet, and the way she says it makes it hard to keep the words "Adam and Eve" from popping into one's head – especially with all the other religious motifs that have surrounded our insight into Cylon aims (even if they are from "Six's" perspective);
- Water: Agathon is obviously attracted to Caprica-Sharon, as evidenced by his embarrassment following the "spontaneous" hug she gives him when they first hear the radio broadcast. Sharon's disappearance seems to be the first Cylon attempt to accentuate Agathon's feelings for her;
- Act of Contrition: as a result of the (clearly-planted) "radio broadcast", they come across a fully-equipped radiation shelter, which does not appear to have been used, and which is more than cozily set-up for a long duration stay for two people;
- This episode: when Agathon suggests they pack up and leave the shelter, Sharon's look is, for a moment, distinctly odd, and she challenges him with a slightly sultry "Unless you can think of a reason to stay here." Valerii's comment seems calculated to give Agathon an opportunity to express a physical interest in her. Her disappointment is evident when he says they should move on;
- This episode: no sooner is the decision made to move on than Cylon Centurions turn up. The ensuing firefight leaves Agathon unconscious, but (surprisingly) alive;
- This episode: when Agathon revives, Caprica-Sharon is gone, and he's no longer thinking about leaving the planet – he's only concerned with what has happened to Sharon.
- During the fight in the restaurant, the Cylon Centurion clearly makes only a token attempt to kill Agathon – although it does a pretty good job of shooting up the kitchen as a whole. Agathon is surprisingly incurious about his survival. His concern about Caprica-Sharon's disappearance seems to overwhelm any suspicion. Besides, unlike the viewers, Agathon has simply been given no outside reason to suspect that the Cylons want to keep him alive and that he is in an "experiment" of theirs. However, as Season 1 progresses Agathon does start to gradually suspect that something is amiss.
- This episode seems to suggest a subtle demarcation between Baltar's hallucinatory Number Six and the other Cylons. Previously, she has referred to them as "we" – implying she is still a part of them. Here she refers to the Cylons very much in the third person: "they". Is this indicative of a possible shift in her loyalties, that the Cylons truly are totally unaware of her presence, or is she simply manipulating Baltar?
- Are all Cylons bio-mechanical? They are not, as Agathon puts a shot straight through the head of a Cylon Centurion. If any organic matter were contained therein, one would expect blood and/or gore to exit the wound. This is not the case.
Questions
edit sourceAnswered Questions
edit source- For answers to the questions in this section, click here.
- With almost 50% of fuel reserves gone, can Galactica obtain additional supplies to keep her Vipers flying?
- What use will be made of the captured Raider?
- How many more Cylon spacecraft include biological elements in their design?
- Will Karl "Helo" Agathon now go in search of the "missing" Valerii?
- Will he question why the Centurion left him unconscious in the restaurant, rather than taking him prisoner?
- Did the Cylons develop bio-mechanical capabilities first in a basic form with the Raiders, before going on to develop the humanoid constructs?
Unanswered Questions
edit source- When did Thrace write her name on the underside of the Raider's wings? Considering that she didn't know that she could fly the craft when she found it, one would think that she does it before leaving the moon. However, by that time she has used her flight suit to stuff the hole in the hull.
Official Statements
edit source- Bear McCreary discusses the "Cylon Theme" and its relation to this episode:
- McCreary: This theme was originally performed using pots, pans and toasters for the metallic effects. It was composed before I had seen 'You Can't Go Home Again', which includes a scene where Helo battles centurions in a cafe kitchen and bullets ricochet off pots, pans and a toaster![external 2]
- Katee Sackhoff on the episode's significance:
- Sackhoff: I love both those episodes. Kara really goes through the whole gamut of emotions in them, from telling the only person that she knows loves her that she was responsible for the death of his son, to being faced with the fact she might never see him again and might die not knowing if he has forgiven her — or if she even forgives herself. There's also a little flirtation between Lee and Kara at the end, which I think is nice too. So I thought the storytelling was just really powerful.[commentary 1]
- David Eick on director Sergio Mimica-Gezzan:
- Eick: Sergio was the discovery of the year. He had never directed an episode of television before and he turned out one of the season's best-directed episodes! It was quite something.[commentary 2]
- Carla Robinson on the title's inspiration:
- Robinson: I chose the title "You Can't Go Home Again" as a homage to Thomas Wolfe because I saw the Starbuck storyline as being reminiscent of the character story in Wolfe's novel [of the same name]. Starbuck has 'come home' by the end of the episode, but things will never be quite the same for her.[development 5]
- Carla Robinson on the episode's themes:
- Robinson: The episode completes Starbuck's emotional journey and forces her to face the demons of her past. The physical scars she incurs on this ordeal further remind her of the choices she has made.[development 9]
- Ronald D. Moore on the episode's purpose:
- Moore: The episode is really about Kara and how much she means to Adama and Lee. It shows her ingenuity in getting the Cylon up and running, and gives her an injury that she would suffer from for the rest of the season. Getting our characters a Cylon Raider was another key element of the episode as well.[development 3]
- Katee Sackhoff on the physical demands:
- Sackhoff: That and the season finale were the most physically demanding episodes of the year for me. It was horrible — I had a pack on my back that weighed between thirty and fifty pounds, because it contained air tanks that blew air into my helmet to keep it clear. That was heavy! I would be sweating because it was so heavy, and they would then blow freezing cold air on me to propel the smoke into the scene.[production 6]
- Katee Sackhoff on filming while sick:
- Sackhoff: I got so sick doing those scenes that when it came to shooting the stuff inside the Cylon, I had the flu. So me looking sick in those scenes isn't me acting — I was shooting scenes and then throwing up! But it worked for the episode. It made it very realistic![production 7]
- Tahmoh Penikett on the Centurion battle:
- Penikett: I had the time of my life doing that! I got to play action man! It was great fun pretending the Cylons were actually there and getting to shoot at them as I jumped around.[production 8]
- Richard Hudolin on the Raider interior design:
- Hudolin: The inside of the Cylon Raider was actually custom designed to fit Katee. She was very excited about that. She's just such a great gal — she got all this goop over her while we were filming, and she didn't complain at all! Katee just got in there and was just fabulous. It worked out really well.[production 9]
- Bradley Thompson on Raider systems:
- Thompson: We all worked very closely with Carla on that. We asked ourselves what happens if you want to fly a Cylon craft? What do you have to deal with? What are the systems like? After a lot of discussion, we guessed that Kara was able to get pitch, roll, yaw and power out of that fusion of machine and biology.[development 6]
Noteworthy Dialogue
edit source- Kara "Starbuck" Thrace to the crashed Cylon Raider:
- Starbuck: Are you... alive?
- Starbuck upon entering the crashed Cylon Raider:
- Starbuck: You bite me, I'll bite you back.
- The Adamas discuss their recent actions:
- Apollo: I want you to know, I think she's wrong. I think we have come to terms with what happened to Zak.
- William Adama: I haven't.
- Apollo: I need to know something: Why did you do this? Why did we do this? Is it for Kara? For Zak? For what?
- Adama: Kara was family. You do whatever you have to do. Sometimes you break the rules.
- Apollo: And if it was me down there instead?
- Adama: You don't have to ask that.
- Apollo: Are you sure?
- Adama: If it were you... we'd never leave.
- The confrontation between Commander Adama, Apollo, Colonel Tigh, and President Roslin over the SAR mission for Kara "Starbuck" Thrace:
- Tigh: (walking in with Roslin) President Roslin.
- Adama: Madam President.
- Roslin: Skip the formalities. You both know why I'm here.
- Adama: Termination of a pilot's rescue mission is a military decision.
- Roslin: That's a bunch of crap. It's not military. It's personal. Neither of you can let go of Kara Thrace because she's your last link to Zak.
- Apollo: You don't know anything about my brother.
- Roslin: Don't even begin, Captain. You've lost perspective, as have you. Under normal circumstances, it would just be sad that the two of you can't come to terms with Zak's death. In this situation, you are putting your pilots at risk, and you're exposing the entire fleet to possible attack every moment we stay here.
- Adama: We've been at risk of an attack since day one. Cylons won't be missing their patrol for at least one more day.
- Roslin: (steps closer to Adama) Colonel Tigh. How much aviation fuel has been expended in this operation?
- Tigh: Forty-three percent of reserves.
- Roslin: Almost half. That's unacceptable. An operation into the moon's atmosphere that has put one third of your fighters out of action. That is also completely unacceptable.
- Adama: Crap. Unacceptable. Whatever you feel about this, the recovery of one pilot is a military matter.
- Roslin: All right. It's military. Fine. And you're both officers. And you're both honorable men. And you're both perfectly aware you are putting the lives of over 45,000 people and the future of this civilization at risk for your personal feelings. Now, if it's the two of you, of all people, that can live with that, than the human race doesn't stand a chance. Clear your heads. (leaves the room).
- Lee sees "Starbuck" written on the bottom of the Raider he's fighting and realizes the truth
- Lee: (laughs) Its Starbuck!
- Adama: (stunned) What?!
- Lee: Say again, the Raider is marked "Starbuck." Its written under the frakking wing!
- (Everyone in CIC is cheering while Tigh and Adama are clearly stunned by this revelation)
- Adama: Bring it into the bay, but if it does anything, take it out!
- Lee: Yes, sir but I'm telling you its got to be her! This thing is flying with some serious attitude!
- Lee escorts the Raider to Galactica and they waggle their wings at each other
- Kara has just made a dramatic rescue of herself and Lee has come to see her
- Kara: (referring to her Raider) Like my new toy?
- Lee: When you take a souvenir, you don't mess around!
- Chief Tyrol walks around the Cylon Raider
- Tyrol: Your ass belongs to me now.
Guest stars
edit source- Michael Hogan as Colonel Saul Tigh
- Aaron Douglas as Chief Galen Tyrol
- Tahmoh Penikett as Lieutenant Karl "Helo" Agathon
- Kandyse McClure as Petty Officer Anastasia Dualla
- Paul Campbell as Billy Keikeya
- Alessandro Juliani as Lieutenant Felix Gaeta
- Samuel Witwer as Lieutenant Alex "Crashdown" Quartararo
- Donnelly Rhodes as Dr. Sherman Cottle
- Alonso Oyarzun as Specialist Socinus
- Bodie Olmos as Brendan "Hot Dog" Costanza
References
edit sourceCommentary and Interviews
edit sourceDevelopment and Creative Process
edit source- ↑ David Bassom. Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion, p. 62.
- ↑ David Bassom. Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion, p. 60.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 David Bassom. Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion, p. 60.
- ↑ David Bassom. Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion, p. 60.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 David Bassom. Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion, p. 61.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 David Bassom. Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion, p. 61.
- ↑ David Bassom. Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion, p. 61.
- ↑ David Bassom. Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion, p. 62.
- ↑ David Bassom. Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion, p. 60.
Production History
edit source- ↑ David Bassom. Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion, p. 62.
- ↑ David Bassom. Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion, p. 62.
- ↑ David Bassom. Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion, p. 62.
- ↑ David Bassom. Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion, p. 61.
- ↑ David Bassom. Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion, p. 63.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 David Bassom. Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion, p. 62.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 David Bassom. Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion, p. 62.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 David Bassom. Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion, p. 62.
- ↑ David Bassom. Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion, p. 61-62.
External Sources and Reviews
edit source- ↑ Stevie Wilson (9 May 2014). Drinking Up 101 Years Of History In The Building That Houses The “Alibi Room” (backup available on Archive.org) (in English). ScoutMagazine.ca. Retrieved on 28 August 2025.
- ↑ McCreary, Bear (10 November 2006). The Themes of Battlestar Galactica, Part II (backup available on Archive.org) . (blog) Retrieved on 25 November 2006.