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:''This article details an episode of the [[Battlestar Galactica (RDM)|re-imagined series]]. For information on the [[Battlestar Galactica (TOS)|original series]] episode of the same name, see [[The Hand of God (TOS)]].''
{{disline|This article details an episode of the [[Re-imagined Series]]. For information on the [[Original Series]] episode of the same name, see [[The Hand of God (TOS)]].}}


{{Episode Data|
{{Episode Data
  Image =[[Image:HandofGod.jpg|300px]]
| image =HandofGod.jpg
| Title=The Hand of God
| title=The Hand of God
| Series=[[Battlestar Galactica (RDM)|the Re-imagined Series]]
| series=
| Season=[[Season 1 (2004-05)|1]]
| season=1
| Episode=10
| episode=10
| Guests=
| guests=
| Writer=[[David Weddle]] <br> [[Bradley Thompson]]
| writer=[[David Weddle]] <br/> [[Bradley Thompson]]
| Story=
| story=
| Director=[[Jeff Woolnough]]
| director=[[Jeff Woolnough]]
| Production=1.10
| production=110
| Rating=
| rating= 2.2
| US Airdate=March 11 2005
| US airdate=2005-03-11
| UK Airdate=January 3 2005
| CAN airdate=2005-03-19
| DVD=March 28 2005 (UK)<br>September 20 2005 (US)
| UK airdate=2005-01-03
| Population=47,898
| dvd= {{Season 1 NTSC DVD release date}} '''US'''<br/>{{Season 1 PAL DVD release date}} '''UK'''
| Prev=[[Tigh Me Up, Tigh Me Down|Tigh Me Up,<br>Tigh Me Down]]
| population= 47898
| Next=[[Colonial Day]]
| oldpopulation= 47905
}}
| prev=[[Tigh Me Up, Tigh Me Down|Tigh Me Up,<br>Tigh Me Down]]
| next=[[Colonial Day]]
| podcast=Y
| podtitle=The Hand of God
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| amazon=y
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== Overview ==


: ''With the Fleet short of [[tylium|fuel]], ''[[Galactica]]'' launches a daring attack on a Cylon base.''
 
: ''With the [[The Fleet (RDM)|Fleet]] short of [[tylium (RDM)|fuel]], ''{{RDM|Galactica}}'' launches a daring attack on a Cylon base.''


== Summary ==  
== Summary ==  
* [[The Fleet (RDM)|The Fleet]] is almost out of fuel, and ''[[Galactica]]'' has [[Raptor|Raptors]] out scouting nearby star systems to find tylium ore - if they don't, the fleet can make two more [[FTL|Jumps]] at best  
* [[The Fleet (RDM)|The Fleet]] is almost out of fuel, and ''{{RDM|Galactica}}'' has [[Raptor]]s out scouting nearby star systems to find rare tylium ore —  if they don't, the fleet can make two more [[FTL|jumps]] at best.
* Aboard one of the Raptors, [[Sharon Valerii (Galactica copy)|Boomer]] and [[Crashdown]] find more than tylium – they find an asteroid full of the ore, complete with a Cylon base and refinery
* Aboard one of the Raptors, [[Sharon Valerii|Boomer]] and {{callsign|Crashdown}} find an asteroid filled with years' worth of tylium ore — unfortunately, the Cylons found it first and have built a [[Cylon Refinery|refinery base]] on it.
* Faced with hoping to locate tylium elsewhere using their remaining supplies of fuel, or taking the asteroid from the Cylons, [[William Adama|Adama]] opts to take the asteroid
* Faced with a choice between hoping to locate tylium elsewhere using their remaining supply of fuel, or taking the asteroid from the Cylons, [[William Adama|Adama]] opts for the latter.
* On ''[[Colonial One]]'', [[Laura Roslin]] reveals she is being affected by taking [[Chamalla]] extract to [[Elosha]] – her dreams about [[Leoben Conoy]] which occurred immediately before he was found on the ''[[Gemenon Traveler]]'' ([[Flesh and Bone]]), and her hallucination about snakes
* On ''[[Colonial One]]'', [[Laura Roslin]] reveals she is being affected by taking [[Chamalla]] extract to [[Elosha]], having prescient visions – her dreams about [[Leoben Conoy]] which occurred immediately [[Flesh and Bone|before he was found]] on the ''[[Gemenon Traveler]]'', and her hallucination about snakes.
* On hearing about the snakes, Elosha reveals an ancient text written by [[Pythia]] 3,600 years ago concerning the exodus of humankind
* On hearing about the snakes, Elosha reveals that it matches a prophecy in an ancient text written by [[Pythia]] 3,600 years ago concerning the exodus of humankind, which foretells that a dying Leader will lead the remnants of humanity to the promised land of Earth.
* [[Saul Tigh]] and [[Lee Adama]] draw up an initial plan to take the asteroid, but [[Kara Thrace]] comes up with an unconventional idea to accomplish the mission
* Colonel [[Saul Tigh|Tigh]] and [[Lee Adama|Apollo]] draw up an initial plan to take the asteroid, but Commander Adama decides to turn to [[Kara Thrace|Starbuck]] to come up with an unconventional idea to accomplish the mission, as she has a penchant for thinking "outside the box," and as machines the Cylons tend to predict more logical plans.
* Plans are drawn up for the attack on the Cylon base on the asteroid, and [[Gaius Baltar]] is involved in preparations. In doing so he completes his transition into “an instrument of God” as described by [[Number Six]]
* Plans are drawn up for the attack on the Cylon base on the asteroid, and [[Gaius Baltar]] becomes involved in preparations when Starbuck and Tigh show him recon photos of the refinery.  They tell him that they cannot simply nuke the base, as the radiation would render the tylium inert.  Baltar suggests that the best plan is to destroy the containers holding the volatile unrefined tylium precursor, which leads Tigh and Starbuck to ask him to identify the containers. Since he has no idea which are the correct structures, in his mind, Baltar asks his virtual Number Six for help, but she tells him it is in God's hands and He will "tell" Baltar where to point.  Baltar randomly picks an object in the base (though he doesn't tell the others that).  Baltar is terrified, telling Six he didn't hear God's voice, but she reassures him that "God doesn't always speak in ''words''".
* The attack is launched – at first everything appears to go wrong; but as the situation unfolds, it turns out that there is a plan-within-a-plan (courtesy of Thrace's unconventional thinking). Adama doesn’t trust anyone other than his immediate officers with the full details of the action - not even Roslin.
* Apollo is concerned that everyone thinks Starbuck is a better pilot than he is and would be better leading the mission.  Starbuck cannot fly in the attack, because in the [[Weight Room|weight room]] Commander Adama demonstrates that her knee has not yet fully recovered from its [[You Can't Go Home Again|injury]].  On the hangar deck, Commander Adama encourages Apollo, telling him he thinks Apollo really can pull off this mission, because he is his son.
* Even so, things do not go well until, in a daring maneuver, Lee Adama manages to destroy the Cylon base on the asteroid, and win the supplies of tylium for the Fleet.
* The attack is launched, and [[Battle for the Tylium Asteroid|the battle]] commences:  civilian mining ships jump in on one side of the Cylon base pretending to be on a survey mission, drawing off some Raiders from the base, while ''Galactica'' jumps in on the other side and launches a squadron of Vipers against it, which are confronted by the base's reserve Raiders.  The Raiders sent against the mining ships peel off and advance with the others on ''Galactica''.  Everything seems to be going wrong, but then Adama reveals that this was a feint, apparently only he and those directly involved in implementing the plan aware of the real plan.
*A second squadron of Vipers, led by Apollo, launches from inside of the mining ships.  While appearing to be merely bait, and dismissed as such by the Cylons, the ships are the real thrust of the attack.  With the raiders lured out of position by ''Galactica'', Apollo and his wing have a clear flight to the base.
*Once the Vipers reach the moon, however, things are far from easy:  the Cylon base has a formidable anti-air defense system, and the Vipers' missile attack fails as the Cylons are able to jam the missiles' tracking systems. 
*In a move of reckless improvisation worthy of Starbuck, Apollo avoids the Cylon defense grid by flying through its tylium mining tunnels to the center of the base, then dropping a pair of explosive charges at the supposed tylium-precursor container.
*Much to Baltar's surprise, his wild guess at which container held the volatile tylium-precursor was correct:  as Apollo flies away, the entire base explodes with the force of a 3-kiloton nuclear warhead.
*With their base destroyed, the Cylon Raiders go into a panic and are easy prey for ''Galactica''{{'|s}} Vipers to mop up.  All planes return to ''Galactica'' in a moment of celebration.  Civilian mining ships will be able to get enough tylium fuel from the asteroid to last the Fleet several years. 
*In Baltar's dream world, he expresses his astonishment to Number Six:  Baltar "realizes" that the only "logical" explanation is that God truly did guide his hand to the right point on the Cylon base.  The formerly atheist Baltar now accepts the possibility that he might truly be an instrument of God. . . .
 
[[Image:bsg-1-10.jpg|thumb|Adama and staff plan the attack.]]
[[Image:bsg-1-10.jpg|thumb|Adama and staff plan the attack.]]
=== On Caprica: ===
=== On Caprica ===
*[[Karl Agathon|Helo]] and [[Sharon Valerii (Caprica copy)|Valerii]] are hiding-out on a farm on their way to [[Delphi]]
*[[Karl Agathon|Helo]] and [[Sharon Agathon|Valerii]] are hiding out on a farm on their way to [[Delphi]].
*When Helo offers to fix a meal, Valerii is uncharacteristically sick, leading them to try and settle down for some sleep
*When Helo offers to prepare a meal, Valerii is uncharacteristically sick, leading them to try and settle down for some sleep.
*They are interrupted by the arrival of a troop of [[Cylon Centurion]]s - lead by another copy of Six.
*They are interrupted by the arrival of a troop of [[Cylon Centurion]]s - led by another copy of Number Six.
*Forcing a stunned Helo into action - he cannot believe the woman he saw Valerii kill is coming after them - Valerii forces him back on the run
*Forcing a stunned Helo into action — he cannot believe the woman he saw Sharon kill is coming after them —  Sharon forces him back on the run.


== Summary from SciFi.com ==
== Notes ==  
As its fuel supply dwindles, the fleet must seek out a new supply of tylium ore or risk becoming sitting ducks to any Cylon attack. A recon patrol finds an asteroid full of the fuel, but there's a catch — the Cylons have found it first and established a heavily guarded refining plant.
*Nine days have passed since the events of "[[Tigh Me Up, Tigh Me Down]]".
*The Celtic victory music played at the end of the episode after the Cylon base is destroyed is titled "Wander My Friends," written and composed by [[Bear McCreary]]. The lyrics and translation for the song given in the liner notes for the Season 1 soundtrack are reposted [[Soundtrack (Season 1)#Lyrics and Translations|on this page]], with permission. 
*[[Tylium]] ore is used to power FTL systems, but probably not through any fissionable reaction.
*Tylium has an energy density of about 5e14 J/kg, comparable to that of nuclear fusion.
*[[Cylon Culture#Technology and architecture|Cylon technology]] is clearly a Colonial off-shoot, as one would expect: from the use of tylium down to the shape of doorways.
*William Adama's father was [[Joseph Adama]].
*Sharon Valerii on Caprica may be pregnant.
*Lt. Gaeta mentions in passing to Apollo that the Colonials actually know where the [[Cylon homeworld]] is, or at least its rough location ("they'd build a refinery this far from their homeworld?" "Why not? They need fuel out here just as much as we do").
*There is an ancient text some 3,600 years old foretelling humanity’s flight – and apparently, Roslin’s leadership.
*Mark II Vipers can carry both missiles and munitions pods (bombs).
*The Mark VII Vipers all appear to be out of commission — even Apollo is now regularly flying a Mk II.
*Based on the conversation between Commander Adama and Starbuck in the gym, it appears that Mark II Viper thruster pedals use a mechanical flight control system rather than a "fly-by-wire" linkage. This fits the concept of minimizing the use of computers mentioned in the [[Miniseries]].  The same conversation also establishes that a Viper can accelerate at "six, seven G's,"
*The religious overtones to the human / Cylon struggle are becoming more pronounced, with a now-promised confrontation due at the "home of the Gods".
*The Fleet has a tylium refinery ship among its number.
*With the capture of the tylium mining facilities on the asteroid, the Colonials should be able to gather enough tylium to keep them going for about 2 years – assuming they can shift that much tylium to their refinery ship before the Cylons return.
*A railway line can be seen below the balcony of Baltar's Caprica house  at the end of the episode. Single track, mounted on apparently wooden (as opposed to concrete sleepers), on a bed of gravel, without any form of electrification (third rail or overhead wires).
*The title of this episode was also that of the 21st episode of the original series. Aside from both Adamas launching an offensive strike against Cylon forces, there is little comparison between the two episodes. However this is a coincidence; the writers weren't aware of this Original Series episode.
*[[Ronald D. Moore]] says in his podcast that [[Lee Adama]]'s flight through the tunnel is an homage to ''[[wikipedia:Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope|Star Wars]]''.


Kara devises a plan: Jump three decoy ships near the asteroid; when the Cylons attack, destroy their bases, leaving them stranded in space. It's a bold tactic, but it will take luck, skill and daring to pull it off.
== Analysis ==
 
*The introduction of the prophecy of [[Pythia]] further links the series' mythology to the ancient Greece of our own planet. In Greek mythology, the Pythia was the priestess at Apollo's oracle in Delphi. The name itself comes from Python, the dragon slain by Apollo. The Pythia operated as a vehicle for Apollo's will to be known to those on earth. A believer would make a sacrifice and present a question to a priest. The priest would then present the question to the Pythia. The Pythia sat on a bronze tripod in the adytum, or inner chamber of Apollo's temple. In this sacred chamber the spirit of Apollo overcame the Pythia and inspired the prophecy.
Meanwhile, President Roslin begins to hallucinate as a result of the Chamalla she's taking to combat her breast cancer. When she consults Elosha, a priestess who has used Chamalla to induce visions, she learns that her circumstances fulfill a 3,600-year-old prophecy.
**Pythia in ancient Greece was the Oracle of Delphi – and on Caprica, Helo and Sharon are making for the religious center of [[Delphi]].
 
*Following his seeking God’s forgiveness {{TRS|33}} and his repentance of his sins {{TRS|Six Degrees of Separation}}, Baltar finally becomes God’s "instrument". He literally becomes the hand of God referenced in the episode title: he is the one that points out the target that will destroy the Cylon base.
On Cylon-occupied Caprica, Sharon and Helo's flight from the Cylon overseers suddenly becomes more complicated when Sharon discovers she's pregnant.
*Over the last few weeks, Baltar has moved through the five emotional states that tend to guide human reactions to a new "truth" we’d rather not face:
--This section ©2005, [http://www.scifi.com SCI FI]. All rights reserved.
**Denial (dismissing the "disappearance" of the ''Olympic Carrier'' after the call from Dr. Amarak as anything more than a serendipitous event — [[33]])
**Anger (his outright hostility towards Six as she continues to "bore" him with talk of God — [[Six Degrees of Separation]])
**Bargaining (praying to God for his safety in return for his obedience — [[Six Degrees of Separation]])
**Depression (leaving the Situation Room without having "heard" God’s voice and facing up to the fact that he had to – again — lie) during this episode
**Acceptance (his messianic response to Six’s coaxing) at the end of this episode.
*Did the Cylons ''allow'' the Colonials to find an asteroid filled with fuel?
**Executive producer [[Ron Moore]] has stated numerous times that the Cylons are not letting the Fleet escape, but are actively trying to destroy it.
* Why does [[William Adama|Commander Adama]] order the fighters to pursue the fleeing [[Cylon Raiders]], instead of securing the area? One possibility for attacking the remaining fighters to prevent them from getting reinforcements from a distant [[Basestar (RDM)|basestar]]. ''(Although Adama will not have discovered this until later episodes, Raiders have the ability to make a jump ''much'' farther than any Colonial vessel.)''
**Adama may have been maximising the spike in morale after a successful military operation by letting the pilots finish what they started with limited risk (from attack by an actively retreating enemy force).
* Are the Colonials able to build ships, such as {{RDM|Viper}}s, from scratch?  Or can they take destroyed hulks and rebuild off them? (Answer: Vipers are frequently salvaged, but only to a point. [[Flight of the Phoenix|Yes, they can build from scratch]], although the result [[Blackbird|may not be a Viper]]. However, ''{{RDM|Pegasus}}'' is able to build Vipers from scratch, when she has the raw materials (metal ore, etc.) to do so {{TRS|Scar}}.)


== Questions ==
== Questions ==


* Why did [[William Adama|Commander Adama]] order the fighters to pursue the fleeing [[Cylon Raiders]], instead of securing the area? One possibility for attacking the remaining fighters to prevent them from getting reinforcements from a distant [[Basestar (RDM)|basestar]]. ''(Although Adama will not have discovered this until later episodes, Raiders have the ability to make a jump ''much'' farther than any Colonial vessel.)''
=== Answered Questions ===
* How many Vipers does ''Galactica'' actually have?  Do they have a contingency plan should the majority (or all) of the Vipers be destroyed?  Or are they simply fraked? (See [[Galactica (RDM)#Running Tallies|this article for a running tally by episode to-date]])
* Are the Colonials able to build ships, such as [[Viper (RDM)|Vipers]], from scratch?  Or can they take destroyed hulks and rebuild off them? (Answer: Vipers are frequently salvaged, but only to a point. [[Flight of the Phoenix|Yes, they can build from scratch]], although the result [[Blackbird|may not be a Viper]]. However, [[Pegasus (RDM)|''Pegasus'']] is able to build Vipers from scratch, when she has the raw materials (metal ore, etc) to do so. ([[Scar]]))
* How exactly can a 3,600 year old text foretell the exodus of humanity, and the leadership of [[Laura Roslin|President Roslin]]? ([[Sacred Scrolls|Answer]].)
* Does someone have time on their hands to build miniatures of the <i>new</i> Cylon Raiders for the [[Situation Room]]!?
* If [[Gaius Baltar]] read the Sacred Scrolls in "... the 6th grade", why, in spite of being the former Secretary of Education, doesn't [[Laura Roslin|President Roslin]] know who [[Pythia]] is?
**Answer:  According to RDM, the Sacred Scrolls are much like modern Earth religions, i.e. the vast majority of the general populace often knows many often-quoted phrases and the general philosophy of a religion, but that doesn't mean every person is a theology scholar.  Also, like Earth different sections of the Twelve Colonies are more religious than others.  [[The Twelve Colonies (RDM)#Caprica|Caprica]], for example, is quite secular in regards to religion, while [[Gemenon]] is religiously fundamentalist, believing in the literal truth of the Sacred Scrolls.
*Is Baltar truly an instrument of "God"?


== Analysis ==
{{answered questions|season=1|series=RDM|episode=The Hand of God}}


Another powerful episode – if unfortunately contrived in some areas - that did much to further several plot lines and again draw together so much of what has transpired in previous episodes.  
* How many {{RDM|Viper}}s does ''[[Galactica (TRS)|Galactica]]'' actually have?  Do they have a contingency plan should the majority of the Vipers be destroyed?
* How can a 3,600 year old text foretell the exodus of humanity, and the leadership of [[Laura Roslin]]?
* If [[Gaius Baltar]] read the Sacred Scrolls in "... the 6th grade," why, in spite of being the former Secretary of Education, doesn't President Roslin know who [[Pythia]] is?
* Is Baltar truly an instrument of "[[God (RDM)|God]]?"


The performances throughout were powerful, and it was in some ways good to see one or two of the characters falling back into their old ways – notably Starbuck sliding back towards her conceited, overly-confident “frak off, only I can do this” annoying in-yer-faceness, and Apollo with his “oh woe is me” routine. That both of these two – who have progressed so far in so many different ways in so short a time (36 days, to be exact) can be seen to still have the baggage of their formal lives kicking around their feet, ready to be tripped over, is again a point in BSG’s favour in portraying the reality of the human condition. No-one becomes an ideal role-model overnight – or over the course of a month.
=== Unanswered Questions ===


It’s also interesting to see how Roslin’s doubts concerning Adama’s humanity ([[Flesh and Bone]], [[Tigh Me Up, Tigh Me Down]]) have now reaped their harvest: Adama doesn’t trust her sufficiently enough to reveal all the details of tactical and strategic operations to her. In many respects, this side of their relationship is back to how it was back in "[[33]]". 
* Does someone have time on their hands to build miniatures of the ''new'' Cylon Raiders for the [[Situation Room]]?
* Did the 240 FTL jumps the Fleet executed in "33" contribute to the fuel shortage?


With the Helo / Valerii situation on Caprica, the procreation element appears to have come to the fore. Despite the time of day, Vallerii's vomiting smacked strongly of "morning sickness". If this is the case, the meaning behind her statement to Helo that she is the one the Cylons are after ([[Tigh Me Up, Tigh Me Down]] is doubly clear: not only do they want her back – they want what they suspect she may be carrying inside her. And now he’s seen Six again, Helo can’t go on much longer before he starts stringing at least some of it together.
== Official Statements ==
 
But of the entire episode, it is the opening of the Roslin and Baltar arcs that are the compelling.
 
Roslin is interesting on a number of levels. First off, there is the fact that she herself has some limited precognition, presumably as a result of the Chamalla treatment she is taking. But if it has happened once ([[Flesh and Bone]]), will it happen again? What will happen as her cancer grows, and she comes to rely on Chamalla and other medications to a greater degree. Oracles are not uncommon, it would appear from Colonial legend (Pythia) – could we see Roslin travel the road from purely political leader to a more pseudo-religious leader / Sybil; a possible counter-point to Baltar himself?
 
Then there is the reference to Pythia herself, and a further link to the ancient Greece of our own planet. In Greek mythology, the Pythia was the priestess at Apollo's oracle in Delphi. The name itself comes from Python, the dragon slain by Apollo.
 
The Pythia operated as a vehicle for Apollo's will to be known to those on earth. A believer would make a sacrifice and present a question to a priest. The priest would then present the question to the Pythia. The Pythia sat on a bronze tripod in the adytum, or inner chamber of Apollo's temple. In this sacred chamber the spirit of Apollo overcame the Pythia and inspired the prophecy.


Note the interesting potential resonances here:  
*''[[Katee Sackhoff]] discusses her dislike for Viper scenes, and why she wanted the writers to "break [her] knee again, please":''


*In our mythology, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pythia Pythia] was the servant of Apollo; in BSG, we see a woman foretold by the Colonial’s “Pythia” seeking the counsel of “Apollo” (Lee Adama), and using the knowledge he imparts to her to better understand the likes of Adama
: I despise [the Viper cockpit scenes]. It is very uncomfortable in that tight space. All of a sudden, you’re claustrophobic, you’re hot and sweaty, and then you’re cold, you have to pee, you need water, but you can’t drink it because you’ll have to pee again. . . .  You have these rubber space suits and you get stuck to the seat. Gross! Then there’s wind in your face and you are falling asleep because it is so hot. You are trying to memorise all this dialogue – 50 pages – all this technical mumbo jumbo. You’re like, ‘Break my knee again, please.’ That was the best thing that happened to me in season one.<ref>{{cite_news|first=Ian M.|last=Cullen|url=http://scifipulse.net/battlestarnews/Sackhoff_Vipers.html|title=Sackhoff Admits To Hating The Viper Scenes|publisher=SciFi Pulse|page=|date=30 January 2007|accessdate=9 February 2007|language=}}</ref>
*In our mythology, it is often inferred that Pythia’s trances were induced from chewing laurel leaves (hence depictions of her holding a sprig of laurel) – on BSG, Roslin’s “visions” are induced by her taking an herbal remedy known as [[Chamalla]] extract.
 
A further interesting – possibly coincidental – resonance is that the Pythia in ancient Greece were the oracle of Delphi – and on Caprica, Helo and Valerii are making for the religious centre of Delphi. 
 
On Baltar’s part, things are equally interesting – both in their religious context, and with the evolving situation with “his” Six.
 
Following his seeking God’s forgiveness ([[33]]) and his repentance of his sins ([[Six Degrees of Separation]]), Baltar finally becomes God’s “instrument”. He literally becomes the hand of God referenced in the episode title: he is the one that points out the target that will destroy the Cylon base.
 
This in itself is interesting. Over the last few weeks, we’ve seen Baltar move through the five emotional states that tend to guide our reactions to a new “truth” we’d rather not face:
 
*Denial (dismissing the “disappearance” of the ''Olympic Carrier'' after the call from Dr. Amorak as anything more than a serendipitous event - [[33]])
*Anger (his outright hostility towards Six as she continues to "bore" him with talk of God - [[Six Degrees of Separation]])
*Bargaining (praying to God for his safety in return for his obedience - [[Six Degrees of Separation]])
*Depression (leaving the Situation Room without having “heard” God’s voice & facing up to the fact that he had to – again - lie)
*Acceptance his messianic response to Six’s coaxing at the end of this episode.
 
Another interesting aspect of Baltar’s acceptance that he is indeed an “instrument of God” is in the fact that – as with many [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fundamental_Christianity fundamentalist Christian]] teachings here on Earth (which state that to truly become a Christian, one must undergo “death” and rebirth - hence the baptism) -  Baltar experiences his own “death” as Six apparently breaks his neck while in his fantasy world, and he is “reborn” in the present, facing Tigh and Starbuck, and points out the tylium precursor tanks on the asteroid.
 
Given all this, is it any wonder we have a somewhat messianic Baltar at the end of the episode?
 
But what is the driving force behind Baltar’s “conversion”? The concept of a pseudo-Christian God is very much a Cylon concept, being repeatedly expressed by both Baltar’s Six and Leoben Conoy. It is also a concept alien to Colonial thinking. Taking it as read that Baltar is a human – one who prides himself on being a rational genius and “above” the need for religious “flim-flam” - why should he fixate on a Cylon religious concept?
 
Could it simply be a part of his mind playing on something Six said to him before Caprica was attacked? Or could it be the fact that “his” Six really is something more than a simple manifestation of his own psychosis? That she is an ideology / personality “downloaded” into him?
 
Again, this episode points towards Six being an ideology / personality downloaded into Baltar. To dismiss all that has happened around Baltar as a simple string of coincidences he has been able to knit together into his own personal version of reality is, on the basis of the events in this episode, becoming increasingly hard to accept.
 
And it is Six who brings the story circle – returning to the writings of Pythia and the two and ten serpents – only in this case, an alternative meaning is deduced (by Baltar): the 12 serpents are in fact the 12 Vipers lead by Apollo on the raid on the Cylon base. And again, notice the careful counterpoint: when Roslin reveals her hallucination to Elosha, the priestess reveals the writings of Pythia to her, essentially anointing Roslin as the leader Pythia once foretold. In the closing scene we have Six using the same writings to finally convince Baltar that he is also “anointed” – an instrument of God.   
 
Is it mere coincidence that Six picks on the same passages as those identified by Elosha?
 
Away from these two threads, Adama further reconciles himself with his son – the scene played out in the Viper bay with the lighter is exceptionally well-handled, and fully in keeping with all that we’ve seen between Adama and Lee since the events of [[You Can’t Go Home Again]]. Indeed, in this, it is far more in keeping with the nature of both characters than the somewhat clumsy scene between Adama and Thrace that took place in Adama’s cabin during [[Act of Contrition]].
 
Similarly, and as mentioned, the re-bubbling of animosity between Lee Adama and Kara Thrace is handled by the writers and the actors with the right level of intensity that makes the situation so believable: Lee Adama’s resurfacing self-doubt; Thrace’s returning arrogance (born no doubt of her inability to fly herself): a careful mix that fully reminds us that there is still a lot of history to these characters – to all our cast – and past attitudes and doubts are not easily put aside.
 
Returning to the main thrust of the episode: the need of tylium and the attack on the Cylon base. In setting it up, the producers are making it clear that, as with the fall-out from the events of [[Water]], they are not going to forget logistical matters. We’ve had a water shortage, now we’ve had a fuel shortage. However, they’ve also very cleverly made it clear that such problems are not going to become an easy fall-back for writers stuck for ideas to use: in [[Water]] it was made abundantly clear that, saving sabotage or serious damage, ''[[Galactica]]'' can keep the majority of the fleet supplied with clean water (and it was intimated that other vessels in the fleet can take care of their own water needs). Here, it is fuel that is currently the issue of the day – providing the Cylon base is taken; we’re informed that fuel supplies needn’t be a problem for the fleet for another couple of years – again barring mishaps.  
 
But perhaps the most interesting question surrounding the entire tylium situation is: was it actually a set-up by the Cylons?
 
We know from Leoben Conoy’s promise to Starbuck ([[Flesh and Bone]]) that the Colonials are going to find Kobol. To do so, they are going to need fuel – and the chances are that the Cylons are aware of this fact, either through deduction (the Fleet has been burning fuel at a considerable rate – no fewer than 238 jumps in the first five days of the “chase”) or via possible contact with their agents within the Fleet. What better to ensure they reach Kobol that to not only provide them with raw tylium, but also with the facilities to rapidly mine it? Certainly, considering their vast numerical superiority (some 140 Raiders facing around 18-20 Vipers) – the Cylons gave up easily enough once the base had been destroyed.
 
Further, given the way they appear to set so much by Colonial religious writings – Six and Conoy both quoting scripture and ancient texts – allowing the Colonials to “win” the battle at the tylium asteroid could been seen as a means of fulfilling the prophesy quoted by Six to Baltar, and thus helping “ensure” the upcoming confrontation at Kobol.
 
Which is not to say the story is not without a few hiccups; for a start, how does a seasoned tactical officer like Tigh come up with a plan of attack on the Cylon base that is so fundamentally flawed in its concept from the outset: jumping the Galactica in “behind” the enemy, without considering the nature and extent of the enemy’s likely fighter patrols? One might forgive Lee Adama such a mistake – he’s hardly a veteran war planner; but Tigh? He of all people should know that this far outside of a friendly sphere of influence, when the enemy (the Colonials) have a warship capable of jumping in on them from any point in space, the Cylons are bound to have the most obvious hiding-places staked out with fighter patrols or automated scanning systems.  
 
No, the flawed planning is designed to open the door to Starbuck’s “out-of-the-box” thinking and the planting of the decoy mission. Sadly, while it does this, the way the opening is played diminishes Tigh for his lack of foresight.
 
Then there is the question of why is Starbuck so upset that the first part of the plan - the attack by Viper Strike Force One is going “wrong”? It is her plan – as Adama states – and so she should be aware that it is the “Strike Force” that is in fact the decoy, not the freighters. As such, the decoys stand a good chance of “being cut to pieces” – yet her reaction, in facing Adama is accusatory, as if she had no idea this would happen.
 
Next up is the fact that - despite the loss of their base – the Cylons have a massive numerical superiority over the Colonial Vipers (some 18-20 Vipers (after losses), split into two small groups facing-off against 140-ish Raiders) – yet they failed to ram this advantage home. Part of the Cylon plan? Possibly, but the way it was handled in the episode (the Raiders simply “bugging out”) doesn’t really support this. Nor does the idea of those same 140-odd Raiders simply running away from a force of just 8 Vipers (the remaining ships of Strike Force One) without making some attempt at taking out several more Vipers.
 
Finally, there is Adama’s apparently reckless response to the news the Cylons are bugging out – ordering his fighters after them when a) the Cylons do have a massive numerical superiority that could quickly put his fighters at risk; b) the Cylons have FTL and so could easily evade the Vipers (after drawing them out) prior to jumping, re-grouping and then jumping back in (to, say, launch an attack directly on ''Galactica'' herself while she is still sans fighters.  
 
But these really are minor glitches in what is otherwise an episode that again operates on several levels and cleverly interweaves a number of different threads.
 
== Notes ==
*Nine days have passed since the events of [[Tigh Me Up, Tigh Me Down]].
*Tylium ore is use to power FTL systems, but probably not through any fissionable reaction.
*Tylium has an energy density of about 5e14 J/kg, comparable to that of nuclear fusion.
*Cylon technology is clearly a Colonial off-shoot, as one would expect: from the use of tylium down to the shape of doorways.
*William Adama’s father was Joseph Adama.
*Sharon Valerii on Caprica may well be pregnant.
*Lt. Gaeta makes mention in passing conversation to Apollo that the Colonials actually know where the [[Cylon homeworld]] is ("they'd build a refinery this far from their homeworld?" "Why not? They need fuel out here just as much as we do").
*There is an ancient text some 3,600 years old foretelling humanity’s flight – and apparently, Roslin’s leadership.
*Mark II Vipers can carry both missiles and munitions pods (bombs).
*The Mark VII Vipers all appear to be out of commission - even Apollo is now regularly flying a Mk II.
*Based on the conversation between Commander Adama and Starbuck in the gym, it appears that Mark II Viper thruster pedals use a mechanical flight control system rather than a "fly-by-wire" linkage. This fits the concept of minimizing the use of computers mentioned in the [[miniseries]]. 
*The religious overtones to the human / Cylon struggle are becoming more pronounced, with a now-promised confrontation due at the “home of the Gods”.
*The Colonial fleet has a tylium refinery ship among its number.
*With the capture of the tylium mining facilities on the asteroid, the Colonials should be able to gather enough tylium to keep them going for about 2 years – assuming they can shift that much tylium to their refinery ship before the Cylons return.
*A railway line can be seen below the balcony of Baltar's Caprica house  at the end of the episode. Single track, mounted on apparently wooden (as oppsoed to conrete sleepers), on a bed of gravel, without any form of electrifcation (3rd rail or overhead wires).
*The "R&D TV Animation" skit consists of David Eick slicing Ron Moore's face open with a piece of paper.


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


*''Lee Adama sits with a battered Viper before the mission. He is joined by his father, who after a short conversation, Adama hands Lee a lighter:''
*''[[Lee Adama]] sits with a battered Viper before the mission. He is joined by his father who, after a short conversation, hands him a lighter:''
:'''Commander Adama:''' It belonged to your grandfather. My mother bought it for him when he was in law school. See the engraving on it?  
:'''[[William Adama]]:''' It belonged to [[Joseph Adama|your grandfather]]. My [[Evelyn Adama|mother]] bought it for him when he was in law school. See the engraving on it?  
:'''Lee Adama:''' (reading the name "Joseph Adama") Yes I...can barely make it out...
:'''Lee Adama:''' ''[Reading the name "Joseph Adama".]'' Yes, I . . . can barely make it out. . . .
:'''Commander Adama:''' He was a better father than I was. Dad used to carry that into court cases. He claimed he never lost unless he left it behind.  
:'''Adama:''' He was a better father than I was. Dad used to carry that into court cases. He claimed he never lost unless he left it behind.  
:'''Lee Adama:''' So you’re worried too.
:'''Lee:''' So you’re worried too.
:'''Commander Adama:''' About what?
:'''Adama:''' About what?
:'''Lee Adama:''' Sometimes it feels like the whole ship thinks...Starbuck...would do better.
:'''Lee:''' Sometimes it feels like the whole ship thinks . . . [[Kara Thrace|Starbuck]] . . . would do better.
:'''Commander Adama:''' I don’t.
:'''Adama:''' I don’t.
:'''Lee Adama:''' How can you be so sure?
:'''Lee:''' How can you be so sure?
:'''Commander Adama:''' Because you’re my son.
:'''Adama:''' Because you’re my son.
 
*''Commander Adama asks Starbuck to assist with developing a plan to attack the refinery:''
:'''Commander Adama:''' Captain Adama and Colonel Tigh are working on the plan now and I need some serious "out-of -the-box" thinking.
:'''Starbuck:''' "Out-of-the-box" is where I live.
 
*''During the briefing with Apollo, Tigh, Starbuck, Adama, and Roslin.''
:'''Commander Adama:''' Sometimes, you gotta roll the hard six.


== Official Statements ==
*''Commander Adama asks [[Kara Thrace]] to assist with developing a plan to attack the refinery:''
:'''William Adama:''' Captain Adama and Colonel [[Saul Tigh|Tigh]] are working on the plan now and I need some serious "out-of-the-box" thinking.
:'''Kara Thrace:''' "Out-of-the-box" is where I live.


<!-- Use bullets or standard paragraph form.  Please use links to sources!!! -->
*''During the briefing with Saul Tigh, Kara Thrace, [[Laura Roslin]] and both Adamas:''
<!-- If you wish to create the source within the Battlestar Wiki, then do so! -->
:'''William Adama:''' Sometimes, you have to roll the hard six.


== Guest stars ==
== Guest stars ==
*[[Michael Hogan]] as Colonel [[Saul Tigh]]
*[[Michael Hogan]] as Colonel [[Saul Tigh]]
*[[Tahmoh Penikett]] as Lt. [[Karl Agathon|Karl "Helo" Agathon]]
*[[Aaron Douglas]] as Chief [[Galen Tyrol]]
*[[Aaron Douglas]] as Chief Petty Officer [[Galen Tyrol]]
*[[Tahmoh Penikett]] as Lieutenant [[Karl Agathon|Karl "Helo" Agathon]]
*[[Nicki Clyne]] as Specialist [[Cally]]
*[[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]]
*[[Lorena Gale]] as [[Elosha]]
*[[Lorena Gale]] as [[Elosha]]
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Cailin+Stadnyk Cailin Stadnyk] as Ensign [[Davis]]
*[[Nicki Clyne]] as Specialist [[Cally Tyrol|Cally Henderson]]
*[[Bodie Olmos]] as Lt. [[Brendan Constanza|Brendan "Hot Dog" Constanza]]
*[[Cailin Stadnyk]] as Ensign [[Davis]]
*[[Lucianna Carro]] as Lt. [[Louanne Katraine|Louanne "Kat" Katraine]]
*[[Bodie Olmos]] as Lieutenant [[Brendan Costanza|Brendan "Hot Dog" Costanza]]
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Terry+Chen Terry Chen] as [[Perry|"Chuckles" Perry]]  
*[[Lucianna Carro]] as Lieutenant [[Louanne Katraine|Louanne "Kat" Katraine]]
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Christina+Schild Christina Schild] as [[Playa Palacios]]
*[[Terry Chen]] as Sergeant [[Donald Perry|Donald "Chuckles" Perry]]  
*[[Christina Schild]] as [[Playa Palacios|Playa Kohn]]
*[[Biski Gugushe]] as [[Sekou Hamilton]]
*[[Biski Gugushe]] as [[Sekou Hamilton]]
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Paul+Cummings Paul Cummings] as [[Fireball]]  
*[[Paul Cummings]] as "[[Fireball]]"
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Camille+Sullivan Camille Sullivan] as [[Stepchild]]
*[[Camille Sullivan]] as "[[Stepchild]]"


== Statistics ==
== References ==
<!-- All the odds and ends items go here. -->


== External Links ==
{{reflist}}
[http://www.scifi.com/battlestar/episodes/season01/110/ "The Hand of God"] at scifi.com


{{episode list (RDM season 1)}}
{{episode list (RDM season 1)}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Hand of God (RDM), The}}


[[Category:A to Z]]
[[Category:Episode Guide (RDM)]]
[[Category:Episode Guide (RDM)|Hand of God, The]]
[[Category:RDM]]
[[Category:Episodes written by Bradley Thompson]]
[[Category:Episodes written by Bradley Thompson]]
[[Category:Episodes written by David Weddle]]
[[Category:Episodes written by David Weddle]]
[[Category:Episodes directed by Jeff Woolnough]]
[[Category:Episodes directed by Jeff Woolnough]]
[[Category:RDM]]


[[es:La Mano de Dios]]
[[de:Die Hand Gottes]]
[[fr:Épisode:Le Minerai de tylium]]

Latest revision as of 17:42, 24 February 2024

Battlestar Wiki Story Arc Logo
This article details an episode of the Re-imagined Series. For information on the Original Series episode of the same name, see The Hand of God (TOS).
 Battlestar Wiki Story Arc Logo


The Hand of God
"The Hand of God"
An episode of the Re-imagined Series
Episode No. Season 1, Episode 10
Writer(s) David Weddle
Bradley Thompson
Story by
Director Jeff Woolnough
Assistant Director
Special guest(s)
Production No. 110
Nielsen Rating 2.2
US airdate USA 2005-03-11
CAN airdate CAN 2005-03-19
UK airdate UK 2005-01-03
DVD release 20 September 2005 US
28 March 2005 UK
Population 47,898 survivors (Population decline. 7)
Additional Info
Episode Chronology
Previous Next
Tigh Me Up,
Tigh Me Down 		The Hand of God Colonial Day
Related Information
Official Summary
R&D Skit – View
Podcast Transcript – 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



With the Fleet short of fuel, Galactica launches a daring attack on a Cylon base.

Summary

  • The Fleet is almost out of fuel, and Galactica has Raptors out scouting nearby star systems to find rare tylium ore — if they don't, the fleet can make two more jumps at best.
  • Aboard one of the Raptors, Boomer and Alex "Crashdown" Quartararo find an asteroid filled with years' worth of tylium ore — unfortunately, the Cylons found it first and have built a refinery base on it.
  • Faced with a choice between hoping to locate tylium elsewhere using their remaining supply of fuel, or taking the asteroid from the Cylons, Adama opts for the latter.
  • On Colonial One, Laura Roslin reveals she is being affected by taking Chamalla extract to Elosha, having prescient visions – her dreams about Leoben Conoy which occurred immediately before he was found on the Gemenon Traveler, and her hallucination about snakes.
  • On hearing about the snakes, Elosha reveals that it matches a prophecy in an ancient text written by Pythia 3,600 years ago concerning the exodus of humankind, which foretells that a dying Leader will lead the remnants of humanity to the promised land of Earth.
  • Colonel Tigh and Apollo draw up an initial plan to take the asteroid, but Commander Adama decides to turn to Starbuck to come up with an unconventional idea to accomplish the mission, as she has a penchant for thinking "outside the box," and as machines the Cylons tend to predict more logical plans.
  • Plans are drawn up for the attack on the Cylon base on the asteroid, and Gaius Baltar becomes involved in preparations when Starbuck and Tigh show him recon photos of the refinery. They tell him that they cannot simply nuke the base, as the radiation would render the tylium inert. Baltar suggests that the best plan is to destroy the containers holding the volatile unrefined tylium precursor, which leads Tigh and Starbuck to ask him to identify the containers. Since he has no idea which are the correct structures, in his mind, Baltar asks his virtual Number Six for help, but she tells him it is in God's hands and He will "tell" Baltar where to point. Baltar randomly picks an object in the base (though he doesn't tell the others that). Baltar is terrified, telling Six he didn't hear God's voice, but she reassures him that "God doesn't always speak in words".
  • Apollo is concerned that everyone thinks Starbuck is a better pilot than he is and would be better leading the mission. Starbuck cannot fly in the attack, because in the weight room Commander Adama demonstrates that her knee has not yet fully recovered from its injury. On the hangar deck, Commander Adama encourages Apollo, telling him he thinks Apollo really can pull off this mission, because he is his son.
  • The attack is launched, and the battle commences: civilian mining ships jump in on one side of the Cylon base pretending to be on a survey mission, drawing off some Raiders from the base, while Galactica jumps in on the other side and launches a squadron of Vipers against it, which are confronted by the base's reserve Raiders. The Raiders sent against the mining ships peel off and advance with the others on Galactica. Everything seems to be going wrong, but then Adama reveals that this was a feint, apparently only he and those directly involved in implementing the plan aware of the real plan.
  • A second squadron of Vipers, led by Apollo, launches from inside of the mining ships. While appearing to be merely bait, and dismissed as such by the Cylons, the ships are the real thrust of the attack. With the raiders lured out of position by Galactica, Apollo and his wing have a clear flight to the base.
  • Once the Vipers reach the moon, however, things are far from easy: the Cylon base has a formidable anti-air defense system, and the Vipers' missile attack fails as the Cylons are able to jam the missiles' tracking systems.
  • In a move of reckless improvisation worthy of Starbuck, Apollo avoids the Cylon defense grid by flying through its tylium mining tunnels to the center of the base, then dropping a pair of explosive charges at the supposed tylium-precursor container.
  • Much to Baltar's surprise, his wild guess at which container held the volatile tylium-precursor was correct: as Apollo flies away, the entire base explodes with the force of a 3-kiloton nuclear warhead.
  • With their base destroyed, the Cylon Raiders go into a panic and are easy prey for Galactica's Vipers to mop up. All planes return to Galactica in a moment of celebration. Civilian mining ships will be able to get enough tylium fuel from the asteroid to last the Fleet several years.
  • In Baltar's dream world, he expresses his astonishment to Number Six: Baltar "realizes" that the only "logical" explanation is that God truly did guide his hand to the right point on the Cylon base. The formerly atheist Baltar now accepts the possibility that he might truly be an instrument of God. . . .
Adama and staff plan the attack.

On Caprica

  • Helo and Valerii are hiding out on a farm on their way to Delphi.
  • When Helo offers to prepare a meal, Valerii is uncharacteristically sick, leading them to try and settle down for some sleep.
  • They are interrupted by the arrival of a troop of Cylon Centurions - led by another copy of Number Six.
  • Forcing a stunned Helo into action — he cannot believe the woman he saw Sharon kill is coming after them — Sharon forces him back on the run.

Notes

  • Nine days have passed since the events of "Tigh Me Up, Tigh Me Down".
  • The Celtic victory music played at the end of the episode after the Cylon base is destroyed is titled "Wander My Friends," written and composed by Bear McCreary. The lyrics and translation for the song given in the liner notes for the Season 1 soundtrack are reposted on this page, with permission.
  • Tylium ore is used to power FTL systems, but probably not through any fissionable reaction.
  • Tylium has an energy density of about 5e14 J/kg, comparable to that of nuclear fusion.
  • Cylon technology is clearly a Colonial off-shoot, as one would expect: from the use of tylium down to the shape of doorways.
  • William Adama's father was Joseph Adama.
  • Sharon Valerii on Caprica may be pregnant.
  • Lt. Gaeta mentions in passing to Apollo that the Colonials actually know where the Cylon homeworld is, or at least its rough location ("they'd build a refinery this far from their homeworld?" "Why not? They need fuel out here just as much as we do").
  • There is an ancient text some 3,600 years old foretelling humanity’s flight – and apparently, Roslin’s leadership.
  • Mark II Vipers can carry both missiles and munitions pods (bombs).
  • The Mark VII Vipers all appear to be out of commission — even Apollo is now regularly flying a Mk II.
  • Based on the conversation between Commander Adama and Starbuck in the gym, it appears that Mark II Viper thruster pedals use a mechanical flight control system rather than a "fly-by-wire" linkage. This fits the concept of minimizing the use of computers mentioned in the Miniseries. The same conversation also establishes that a Viper can accelerate at "six, seven G's,"
  • The religious overtones to the human / Cylon struggle are becoming more pronounced, with a now-promised confrontation due at the "home of the Gods".
  • The Fleet has a tylium refinery ship among its number.
  • With the capture of the tylium mining facilities on the asteroid, the Colonials should be able to gather enough tylium to keep them going for about 2 years – assuming they can shift that much tylium to their refinery ship before the Cylons return.
  • A railway line can be seen below the balcony of Baltar's Caprica house at the end of the episode. Single track, mounted on apparently wooden (as opposed to concrete sleepers), on a bed of gravel, without any form of electrification (third rail or overhead wires).
  • The title of this episode was also that of the 21st episode of the original series. Aside from both Adamas launching an offensive strike against Cylon forces, there is little comparison between the two episodes. However this is a coincidence; the writers weren't aware of this Original Series episode.
  • Ronald D. Moore says in his podcast that Lee Adama's flight through the tunnel is an homage to Star Wars.

Analysis

  • The introduction of the prophecy of Pythia further links the series' mythology to the ancient Greece of our own planet. In Greek mythology, the Pythia was the priestess at Apollo's oracle in Delphi. The name itself comes from Python, the dragon slain by Apollo. The Pythia operated as a vehicle for Apollo's will to be known to those on earth. A believer would make a sacrifice and present a question to a priest. The priest would then present the question to the Pythia. The Pythia sat on a bronze tripod in the adytum, or inner chamber of Apollo's temple. In this sacred chamber the spirit of Apollo overcame the Pythia and inspired the prophecy.
    • Pythia in ancient Greece was the Oracle of Delphi – and on Caprica, Helo and Sharon are making for the religious center of Delphi.
  • Following his seeking God’s forgiveness (TRS: "33") and his repentance of his sins (TRS: "Six Degrees of Separation"), Baltar finally becomes God’s "instrument". He literally becomes the hand of God referenced in the episode title: he is the one that points out the target that will destroy the Cylon base.
  • Over the last few weeks, Baltar has moved through the five emotional states that tend to guide human reactions to a new "truth" we’d rather not face:
    • Denial (dismissing the "disappearance" of the Olympic Carrier after the call from Dr. Amarak as anything more than a serendipitous event — 33)
    • Anger (his outright hostility towards Six as she continues to "bore" him with talk of God — Six Degrees of Separation)
    • Bargaining (praying to God for his safety in return for his obedience — Six Degrees of Separation)
    • Depression (leaving the Situation Room without having "heard" God’s voice and facing up to the fact that he had to – again — lie) during this episode
    • Acceptance (his messianic response to Six’s coaxing) at the end of this episode.
  • Did the Cylons allow the Colonials to find an asteroid filled with fuel?
    • Executive producer Ron Moore has stated numerous times that the Cylons are not letting the Fleet escape, but are actively trying to destroy it.
  • Why does Commander Adama order the fighters to pursue the fleeing Cylon Raiders, instead of securing the area? One possibility for attacking the remaining fighters to prevent them from getting reinforcements from a distant basestar. (Although Adama will not have discovered this until later episodes, Raiders have the ability to make a jump much farther than any Colonial vessel.)
    • Adama may have been maximising the spike in morale after a successful military operation by letting the pilots finish what they started with limited risk (from attack by an actively retreating enemy force).
  • Are the Colonials able to build ships, such as Vipers, from scratch? Or can they take destroyed hulks and rebuild off them? (Answer: Vipers are frequently salvaged, but only to a point. Yes, they can build from scratch, although the result may not be a Viper. However, Pegasus is able to build Vipers from scratch, when she has the raw materials (metal ore, etc.) to do so (TRS: "Scar").)

Questions

Answered Questions

For answers to the questions in this section, click here.
  • How many Vipers does Galactica actually have? Do they have a contingency plan should the majority of the Vipers be destroyed?
  • How can a 3,600 year old text foretell the exodus of humanity, and the leadership of Laura Roslin?
  • If Gaius Baltar read the Sacred Scrolls in "... the 6th grade," why, in spite of being the former Secretary of Education, doesn't President Roslin know who Pythia is?
  • Is Baltar truly an instrument of "God?"

Unanswered Questions

  • Does someone have time on their hands to build miniatures of the new Cylon Raiders for the Situation Room?
  • Did the 240 FTL jumps the Fleet executed in "33" contribute to the fuel shortage?

Official Statements

  • Katee Sackhoff discusses her dislike for Viper scenes, and why she wanted the writers to "break [her] knee again, please":
I despise [the Viper cockpit scenes]. It is very uncomfortable in that tight space. All of a sudden, you’re claustrophobic, you’re hot and sweaty, and then you’re cold, you have to pee, you need water, but you can’t drink it because you’ll have to pee again. . . . You have these rubber space suits and you get stuck to the seat. Gross! Then there’s wind in your face and you are falling asleep because it is so hot. You are trying to memorise all this dialogue – 50 pages – all this technical mumbo jumbo. You’re like, ‘Break my knee again, please.’ That was the best thing that happened to me in season one.[1]

Noteworthy Dialogue

  • Lee Adama sits with a battered Viper before the mission. He is joined by his father who, after a short conversation, hands him a lighter:
William Adama: It belonged to your grandfather. My mother bought it for him when he was in law school. See the engraving on it?
Lee Adama: [Reading the name "Joseph Adama".] Yes, I . . . can barely make it out. . . .
Adama: He was a better father than I was. Dad used to carry that into court cases. He claimed he never lost unless he left it behind.
Lee: So you’re worried too.
Adama: About what?
Lee: Sometimes it feels like the whole ship thinks . . . Starbuck . . . would do better.
Adama: I don’t.
Lee: How can you be so sure?
Adama: Because you’re my son.
  • Commander Adama asks Kara Thrace to assist with developing a plan to attack the refinery:
William Adama: Captain Adama and Colonel Tigh are working on the plan now and I need some serious "out-of-the-box" thinking.
Kara Thrace: "Out-of-the-box" is where I live.
  • During the briefing with Saul Tigh, Kara Thrace, Laura Roslin and both Adamas:
William Adama: Sometimes, you have to roll the hard six.

Guest stars

References

  1. ↑ Cullen, Ian M., "Sackhoff Admits To Hating The Viper Scenes", SciFi Pulse, 30 January 2007. Retrieved on 9 February 2007.
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 >

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