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You Can't Go Home Again: Difference between revisions

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[[Image:bsg-1-05.jpg|thumb|"You Can't Go Home Again" (credit: Sci-Fi Channel)]]
{{Episode Data
| image =Starbuck_cant_come_home.jpg
| title=You Can't Go Home Again
| series=
| season=1
| episode=5
| guests=
| writer=[[Carla Robinson]]
| story=
| director=[[Sergio Mimica-Gezzan]]
| production=105
| rating= 2.5
| US airdate=2005-02-04
| CAN airdate=2005-02-12
| UK airdate=2004-11-15
| dvd= {{Season 1 NTSC DVD release date}} '''US'''<br/>{{Season 1 PAL DVD release date}} '''UK'''
| population= 47954
| oldpopulation= 47958
| syfyname= you_can_t_go_home_again
| prev=[[Act of Contrition]]
| next=[[Litmus]]
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== Overview ==


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


: ''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]]...''


== Summary ==  
== Summary ==  


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


== Questions ==  
== Notes ==  
 
*[[Cylon Raider (RDM)|Cylon Raiders]] are bio-mechanical in nature, and their biomass uses a breathable, oxygen-rich mix suitable for humans.
*With almost 50% of fuel reserves gone, can the Galactica obtain additional supplies to keep her Vipers flying? ([[The Hand of God]])
*{{RDM|Viper}}s are atmosphere-capable  - indeed, it appears they may have been regularly used in the atmospheres of Colonial worlds, given they are equipped with a parachute.
*What use will be made of the captured Raider?
*Vipers can be refueled in space (and presumably in relatively calm atmospheres).
*How many more Cylon models include biological elements in their design?
* Starbuck'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.
*Could the first Cylons developed by humans have in fact been bio-mechanical, making the humano-Cylons the latest step in their evolution?
*Colonial [[flight suit]]s are capable of full life support, both planet-side (Starbuck) 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.
*Will Helo now go in search of the “missing” Valerii? ([[Litmus]])
*[[Raptor]] cabins can be depressurized and repressurized (Hot Dog's rescue), adding to their versatility.
*Will he question why the Cylon warrior left him unconscious in the restaurant, rather than taking him prisoner?
*[[Laura Roslin|Roslin]] has the same [["Lest We Forget"|image]] that the pilots touch when leaving the Ready Room.
*Colonials play billiard pool.
*The messy organic interior of the Raider was inspired by the ''[[w:Alien (film series)|Alien]]'' series, according to [[David Eick]] on the DVD commentary.
* The scene where [[Kara Thrace|Starbuck]], in a Cylon Raider, shakes off [[Lee Adama|Apollo]]'s attack is remarkably similar to a scene from the Original Series ("[[The Hand of God (TOS)|The Hand of God]]") in which [[Apollo (TOS)|Apollo]] and [[Starbuck (TOS)|Starbuck]] avoid being shot down in a Cylon Raider by waggling their wings.
* This story may have been inspired by the classic ''Galactica 1980'' episode "[[The Return of Starbuck]]" where Starbuck, after a space battle, is also forced to crash on a barren planet and soon discovers a crashed Cylon raider. He later uses parts of it to build a new ship.
*Baltar is requisitioning something that requires the President's authorization – the use of one of ''{{RDM|Galactica}}''{{'|s}} nuclear warheads for his research.
*[[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 sligthly modified Magimix 11062.


== Analysis ==
== Analysis ==
*On Caprica, the Cylons have apparently stepped up their manipulations of Helo a notch: and they appear determine to test / increase his feelings for Valerii. "Love", and possibly "procreation" seems to be at the heart of their manipulations. The evidence for this comes from the last few episodes:
**'''[[Water]]''': Helo 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]]''': Helo 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 Helo’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 Helo 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 Helo 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 Helo unconscious, but (surprisingly) alive;
**This episode: when Helo 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 Helo – although it does a pretty good job of shooting up the kitchen as a whole. Helo is surprisingly incurious about his survival. His concern about Caprica-Sharon's disappearance seems to overwhelm any suspicion. Besides, unlike the viewers, Helo 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 Helo ''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? Probably not, as Helo 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 does not appear to be the case.
*When did Starbuck 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.


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


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


But the show is not all Olmos’. [[McDonnell|Mary McDonnell]] also gets a chance to stretch her character away from the “ex-school teacher” and slightly insecure politico we’ve seen to date. In [[You Can’t Go Home Again]], Roslin fairly blossoms into leadership, demonstrating she can be shown – but not necessarily lead. Her confrontation with Adama and his son is a marvel to watch. Until now, she has played a finely balanced game with them both, realising that she needs each of them to support her position, while also being aware of the gulf lying between the two of them.
{{answered questions|season=1|series=RDM|episode=You Can't Go Home Again}}


But here, confronted with a Lee Adama fresh from his new-found convictions first seen in [[Bastille Day]] and closely allied to his father – both of them operating out of personal loyalty, she demonstrates that while she may need them both, she doesn’t rely on them. Her developing relationships with them both may suffer strain and breakage as a result but she’s not going to pussyfoot. The needs of the many DO outweigh the needs of the one, and it is time Adama and Lee realised that. 
*With almost 50% of [[tylium (RDM)|fuel]] reserves gone, can ''[[Galactica (RDM)|Galactica]]'' obtain additional supplies to keep her {{RDM|Viper}}s flying?
*What use will be made of the captured [[Raider (RDM)|Raider]]?
*How many more Cylon spacecraft include biological elements in their design?
*Will [[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]]?


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


And what of Tigh and Lee Adama? But – most importantly of all, how will the CIC crew regard Adama in the future? Can there be no repercussions after all that we’ve seen? Perhaps. Forgiveness was very much in evidence throughout the last act of the episode:  Adama to Thrace, Roslin to Adama, Adama and Tigh. But – the episode title pretty much says it all: you can’t go home again, and a lot has been said in this episode  - as in “Act” - that simply can’t be ignored. RDM has avoided the “reset” button so far; it’s going to be interesting to see if he can continue to avoid it in the future, and allow the shift in dynamics between the characters to play itself out over time.  
: ''None yet.''


On Caprica, the Cylons have apparently stepped up their manipulations of Helo a notch: and they appear determine to test / increase his feelings for Valerii. “Love”, and possibly “procreation” seems to be at the heart of their manipulations. The evidence for this comes from the last few episodes:
== Official Statements ==
 
*<b>[[33]]</b>: Helo scans the airwaves, failing to find any other signals. Valerii makes a comment about them being the only two people left on the planet, and the way she says it makes it hard to keep the words “Adam and Eve” from popping into one’s head – especially with all the other religious motifs that have surrounded our insight into Cylon aims (even if they are from “Six’s” perspective)
*<b>[[Act of Contrition]]</b>: 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.
*<b>This episode</b>: When Helo suggests they pack up and leave the shelter, Valerii’s look is, for a moment, distinctly odd, and she challenges him with, “Unless you can think of a reason to stay here”, which comes close to being sultry in its undertone. Helo takes this to mean remaining in the fallout shelter, which he refers to as “home”. But they are in many ways already “home”: on Caprica, and Valerii’s comment seems tilted in this regard – seeking if he has identified a reason to stay on Caprica (i.e. her). Disappointment is almost evident when he states they should move on
*<b>This episode</b>: No sooner is the decision made to move on than Cylon warriors turn up. In the ensuing firefight the surviving warrior <i>makes no attempt</i> to either kill or capture Helo,  Instead settling on simply shooting up the place and ending the usefulness of a range of kitchen appliances and tools.
*<b>This episode</b>: When Helo comes-to, Valerii is gone, and he’s no longer thinking about leaving the planet – he’s only concerned with what has happened to Valerii.
 
That the attraction is there is obvious:  witness his shy embarrassment following Valerii’s "spontaneous" hug when they first hear the radio broadcast (“33”). It is fair to say that Valerii’s disappearance is the first attempt to ratch-up Helo’s feelings for her.
 
However, there is no potential weakness in this element of the story: During the fight in the restaurant, the Cylon warrior clearly made only a token attempt at killing Helo – although it was a pretty good effort in shooting up the kitchen as a whole. That he was not killed or at least taken prisoner again, should, by rights, alert Helo to the fact that something here isn’t quite right where the Cylons are concerned: why shoot-up the place and then not even bother to check whether he is dead or alive?
 
Turning to Baltar’s Six: this episode seems to suggest a subtle delineation between her and the Cylons. Previously, she has referred to them as “we” – implying she is still a part of them. Here she refers to the Cylons very much in the third person: “they”. Is this indicative of a possible shift in her loyalties, or just a simple turn of phrase, signifying nothing?
 
As to the Cylons themselves, “You Can’t” holds perhaps the most surprising revelation of all: that Raiders are bio-mechanical constructs. Until now, everything has apparently pointed to all but the humano-Cylons being mechanical constructs. "You Can't" turns this upside down, and raises a number of questions:


*Are all Cylons bio-mechanical? Probably not, as Helo puts a shot straight through the head of a Cylon Warrior. Were there any organic matter to be contained therein, one would expect blood and/or gore to exit the wound. This does not appear to be the case.
* ''[[Bear McCreary]] discusses the "Cylon Theme" and its relation to this episode:''
*Did the Cylons have developed bio-mechanical capabilities themselves, and used them first in a basic form with the Raiders, before going on to develop the humanoid constructs?
: "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>{{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>
*Could it mean that the very first Cylons developed by the Colonials were actually bio-mechanical in nature, rather than pure androids?
 
If the latter proves to be the case, it would certainly put a new angle on the conversation between Six and Doral on Caprica ([[Bastille Day]]) when they both refer to the Cylons as humanity’s children – as indeed the Six on Caprica did when talking to Baltar in the mini. It might also give a deeper reason for the initial Cylon revolt.
 
Of the entire episode, the Starbuck / Raider element is the most niggling. Both deeply fascinating for revealing more about Cylons, it is also causes a few winces given the ease with which she patched the ship and got it flying again – and with enough skill to survive a dogfight with Lee Adama. 
 
In this respect, “You Can’t” was as contrived as [[Act of Contrition]] – but with the difference that the contrivances were somewhat more subtle and the story – for the most part – flowed a lot better than with [[Act of Contrition]].
 
== Notes ==
*[[Cylon Raider|Cylon Raiders]] are bio-mechanical in nature, and their biomass uses a breathable, oxygen-rich mix suitable for humans
*[[Viper|Vipers]] are atmospheric-capable  - indeed, it appears they may have been regularly used in the atmospheres of Colonial worlds, given they appear to be equipped with a parachute
*Vipers can be refuelled in space (and presumably in relatively calm atmospheres)
*[[Thrace, Kara |Starbuck's]] damaged [[Viper]] disintegrates around her upon re-entry, compelling her to eject. The [[Cylon Raider]] that she disables and forces down on the moon is, when she finds it, notably spaceworthy.
*Colonial flight suits are capable of full life support, both planet-side ([[Thrace, Kara|Starbuck]]) and in space ([[Constanza|Hot Dog]]). In the case of Vipers, the back section of the pilot’s seat appears in effect to be a life-support backpack that detaches from the rest of the seat following ejection
*[[Raptor]] cabins can apparently be depressurised and repressurised (Hot Dog’s rescue), adding to their versatility
*Non-oxygen atmospheres play havoc with Viper and Raptor engine systems, suggesting they are designed to operate in an O2-rich atmosphere
*[[Roslin, Laura|Roslin]] has the same image that the pilots touch when leaving the Ready Room
*Colonials play pool!
*Baltar is requisitioning something that requires the president’s authorisation – the use of one of the ''[[Galactica|Galactica’s]] nukes for his research?
*[[Adama, William|William Adama]] is not above letting personal feelings rise above professional requirements.


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


<!-- You can use bullets here, or you can use standard paragraph form. -->
*''[[Kara Thrace|Starbuck]] to the crashed [[Cylon Raider (RDM)|Cylon Raider]]:''
<!-- Try to keep to the following format
    <b>Person 1:</b> Question
    <b>Person 2:</b> Reply
    <b>Person 1:</b> Statement
 
    and so on, and so on...
-->
 


:'''Starbuck''': Are you... alive?


== Official Statements ==
*''Starbuck upon entering the crashed Cylon Raider:''


<!-- Use bullets or standard paragraph form. Please use links to sources!!! -->
:'''Starbuck''': You bite me, I'll bite you back.
<!-- If you wish to create the source within the Battlestar Wiki, then do so! -->


== Statistics ==
*''The Adamas discuss their recent actions:''
:'''[[Lee Adama|Apollo]]''': I want you to know, I think [[Laura Roslin|she]]'s wrong. I think we have come to terms with what happened to [[Zak Adama|Zak]].<br/>
:'''[[William Adama]]''': I haven't.<br/>
:'''Apollo''': I need to know something: Why did you do this? Why did we do this? Is it for Kara? For Zak? For what?<br/>
:'''Adama''': Kara was family. You do whatever you have to do. Sometimes you break the rules.<br/>
:'''Apollo''': And if it was me down there instead?<br/>
:'''Adama''': You don't have to ask that.<br/>
:'''Apollo''': Are you sure?<br/>
:'''Adama''': If it were you... we'd never leave.<br/>


<!-- All the odds and ends items go here. -->
*''The confrontation between Commander [[William Adama|Adama]], [[Lee Adama|Apollo]], Colonel [[Saul Tigh|Tigh]], and President [[Laura Roslin|Roslin]] over the [[SAR]] mission for [[Kara Thrace|Starbuck]]:''
:'''Tigh:''' (walking in with Roslin) President Roslin.<br/>
:'''Adama:''' Madam President.<br/>
:'''Roslin:''' Skip the formalities. You both know [[Skirmish over the Red Moon|why I'm here]].<br/>
:'''Adama:''' Termination of a [[Kara Thrace|pilot]]'s rescue mission is a military decision. <br/>
:'''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 [[Act of Contrition|last link]] to [[Zak Adama|Zak]].<br/>
:'''Apollo:''' You don't know anything about my brother.<br/>
:'''Roslin:''' Don't even begin, Captain. You've lost perspective, as have [[William Adama|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 [[The Fleet (RDM)|fleet]] to possible attack every moment we stay here.<br/>
:'''Adama:''' We've been at risk of an attack since [[Miniseries|day one]]. [[Cylons (RDM)|Cylons]] won't be missing their patrol for at least one more day.<br/>
:'''Roslin:''' (steps closer to Adama) Colonel Tigh. How much aviation [[Tylium|fuel]] has been expended in this operation?<br/>
:'''Tigh:''' Forty-three percent of reserves.<br/>
:'''Roslin:''' Almost half. That's unacceptable. An operation into the [[Red Moon|moon]]'s atmosphere that has put one third of [[Lee Adama|your]] fighters out of action. That is also completely unacceptable.<br/>
:'''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/>


=== Guest Stars ===
*''Lee sees "Starbuck" written on the bottom of the Raider he's fighting and realizes the truth''
<!-- Please use this format when listing actor/characters. -->
:'''Lee:''' ''(laughs)'' Its Starbuck!
<!-- Also don't forget to link characters through the Wiki by using the brackets: [[ ]] -->
:'''Adama:''' ''(stunned)'' What?!
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Alonso+Oyarzun Alonso Oyarzun] as [[Socinus]]
:'''Lee:''' Say again, the Raider is marked "Starbuck." Its written under the frakking wing!
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Bodie+Olmos Bodie Olmos] as [[Constanza|Constanza / Hot Dog]]
:''(Everyone in CIC is cheering while Tigh and Adama are clearly stunned by this revelation)''
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Donnelly+Rhodes Donnelly Rhodes] as [[Doctor Cottle]]
:'''Adama:''' Bring it into the bay, but if it does ''anything'', take it out!
<!-- Please link people to the Internet Movie DataBase (IMDB). -->
:'''Lee:''' Yes, sir but I'm telling you its ''got'' to be her! This thing is flying with some ''serious'' attitude!
<!-- Example of Link [http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Edward+James+Olomos Edward James Olmos] -->
:''Lee escorts the Raider to ''Galactica'' and they waggle their wings at each other''


=== Writing & Direction ===
*''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!


*Written by [http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Carla+Robinson Carla Robinson]
*''Chief Tyrol walks around the Cylon Raider''
*Directed by [http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Sergio+Mimica-Gezzan Sergio Mimica-Gezzan]
:'''Tyrol:''' Your ass belongs to ''me'' now.


<!-- Please link people to the Internet Movie DataBase (IMDB). -->
== Guest stars ==
<!-- Example of Link [http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Edward+James+Olmos Edward James Olomos] -->
*[[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]]
*[[Samuel Witwer]] as Lieutenant [[Alex Quartararo|Alex "Crashdown" Quartararo]]
*[[Donnelly Rhodes]] as Dr. [[Sherman Cottle]]
*[[Alonso Oyarzun]] as Specialist [[Socinus]]
*[[Bodie Olmos]] as [[Brendan Costanza|Brendan "Hot Dog" Costanza]]


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


=== First Run Air Dates & Releases ===
{{episode list (RDM season 1)}}


*UK Airdate: 15 November 2004 (Sky One)
[[Category:Episodes written by Carla Robinson]]
*US Airdate: (Sci-Fi Channel)
[[Category:Episodes directed by Sergio Mimica-Gezzan]]
*DVD Release: N/A
[[Category:RDM]]


{{Category: Episode Guide}}
[[de:Kein Weg zurück]]
{{Category: A to Z}}
[[fr:Épisode:Crash sur la lune]]

Latest revision as of 04:13, 16 February 2024

You Can't Go Home Again
"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 USA 2005-02-04
CAN airdate CAN 2005-02-12
UK airdate UK 2004-11-15
DVD release 20 September 2005 US
28 March 2005 UK
Population 47,954 survivors (Population decline. 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
[[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



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]

  • Kara 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.
  • Adama immediately orders a search started, and Lee Adama leads it in a Viper.
  • On the surface of a small moon, Starbuck 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 Starbuck’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 Starbuck 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, Starbuck determines to try and make her way to high ground, where she stands a better chance of being seen. Along the way, she asks the Lords of Kobol for help, and comes across 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 the 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, Starbuck 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 Starbuck’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.
  • Realising 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 – Starbuck 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]

  • Helo and Valerii are still hiding in the “fallout shelter”, but Helo determines they must move on.
  • A pair of Cylon Centurions arrive, apparently conducting a search. A firefight ensues between Helo and the Centurions.
  • Helo destroys one of the Centurions but is knocked unconscious by the other, and when he awakens, Valerii is gone.

Notes[edit]

  • Cylon Raiders are bio-mechanical in nature, and their biomass uses a breathable, oxygen-rich mix suitable for humans.
  • Vipers are atmosphere-capable - indeed, 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).
  • Starbuck'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 (Starbuck) 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 (Hot Dog's rescue), adding to their versatility.
  • Roslin has the same image that the pilots touch when leaving the Ready Room.
  • Colonials play billiard pool.
  • The messy organic interior of the Raider was inspired by the Alien series, according to David Eick on the DVD commentary.
  • The scene where Starbuck, 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.
  • This story may have been inspired by the classic Galactica 1980 episode "The Return of Starbuck" where Starbuck, after a space battle, is also forced to crash on a barren planet and soon discovers a crashed Cylon raider. He later uses parts of it to build a new ship.
  • Baltar is requisitioning something that requires the President's authorization – the use of one of Galactica's nuclear warheads for his research.
  • 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 sligthly modified Magimix 11062.

Analysis[edit]

  • On Caprica, the Cylons have apparently stepped up their manipulations of Helo a notch: and they appear determine to test / increase his feelings for Valerii. "Love", and possibly "procreation" seems to be at the heart of their manipulations. The evidence for this comes from the last few episodes:
    • Water: Helo 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: Helo 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 Helo’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 Helo 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 Helo 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 Helo unconscious, but (surprisingly) alive;
    • This episode: when Helo 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 Helo – although it does a pretty good job of shooting up the kitchen as a whole. Helo is surprisingly incurious about his survival. His concern about Caprica-Sharon's disappearance seems to overwhelm any suspicion. Besides, unlike the viewers, Helo 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 Helo 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? Probably not, as Helo 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 does not appear to be the case.
  • When did Starbuck 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.

Questions[edit]

Answered Questions[edit]

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 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]

None yet.

Official Statements[edit]

  • Bear McCreary discusses the "Cylon Theme" and its relation to this episode:
"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!"[1]

Noteworthy Dialogue[edit]

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.
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]

References[edit]

  1. ↑ McCreary, Bear (10 November 2006). The Themes of Battlestar Galactica, Part II (backup available on Archive.org) . (blog) Retrieved on 25 November 2006.
Re-imagined Series Episode List — Miniseries and Season 1


Battlestar Galactica (Re-Imagined) Miniseries (2003): Miniseries, Night 1 | Miniseries, Night 2

Battlestar Galactica (Re-Imagined) Season 1 (2004-2005) Episode List

33 | Water | Bastille Day | Act of Contrition | You Can't Go Home Again | Litmus | Six Degrees of Separation | Flesh and Bone | Tigh Me Up, Tigh Me Down | The Hand of God | Colonial Day | Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part I | Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part II | Next Season Episode >

Re-imagined Series definition: the process of using the FTL engines to make an near-instantaneous apparent faster-than-light transport of a ship from one point in space to another

Re-imagined Series definition: derogatory term for Cylons in general

Re-imagined Series definition: initial skills training; can refer to basic military indoctrination, and arms and ground training (TRS: "Fragged"); and basic flight training (TRS: "Miniseries")

Re-imagined Series definition: all-purpose vulgarism; Colonial version of "fuck" (see: frak)

Re-imagined Series definition: nerve center or "bridge" of a battlestar, see: Combat Information Center

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