Bastille Day: Difference between revisions

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[[Image:bsg-1-03.jpg|thumb|"Bastille Day" (credit: Sci-Fi Channel)]]
{{Episode Data
| image =bsg-1-03.jpg
| title=Bastille Day
| series=
| season=1
| episode=3
| guests=[[Richard Hatch]] as [[Tom Zarek]]
| writer=[[Toni Graphia]]
| story=
| director=[[Alan Kroeker]]
| production=103
| rating= 2.3
| US airdate= 2005-01-21
| CAN airdate=2005-01-29
| UK airdate= 2004-11-01
| dvd= {{Season 1 NTSC DVD release date}} '''US'''<br/>{{Season 1 PAL DVD release date}} '''UK'''
| population=
| prev=[[Water]]
| next=[[Act of Contrition]]
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== Overview ==


: <i>Continuing from the events of [[Water]], the [[Battlestar]] [[Galactica]] and the fleet face a chronic water shortage. Their only recourse: persuade 1,500 prisoners on the transport vessel Astral Queen to help them mine water ice from a nearby Moon. </i>


:''After the Fleet finds water ice to replace that which was [[Water|lost in sabotage]], ''{{RDM|Galactica}}'' and the [[The Fleet (RDM)|Fleet]] face a shortage of manpower to mine the ice, turning to their [[Astral Queen|prisoner barge]] for help, with [[Tom Zarek|unexpected complications]].''


== Summary ==  
== Summary ==  
*The ''[[Galactica|Galactica's]]'' water supplies - critical to the fleet - have been sabotaged ([[33]])
*A source of water has been located on a nearby moon - but it is in the form of ice, and must be mined, which will require a crew of around 1,000
*As that number cannot be spared from ''Galactica's'' crew, and it is unlikely civilians will volunteer, an attempt is made to persuade the prisoners on the ''[[Astral Queen]]'' mine the ice in return for their freedom
*A delegation is sent to the ''Astral Queen'' and are confronted by [[Zarek, Tom|Tom Zarek]], a political prisoner, who has other ideas in mind
*The delegation is taken hostage as the prisoners take over the ship, and Zarek forces a show-down
*With [[Thrace, Kara|Starbuck]] leading marines aboard the ''Astral Queen'', and with orders to shoot Zarek given the chance, it is down to [[Adama, Lee|Lee Adama]] to defuse the situation
Elsewhere, [[Baltar, Gaius|Baltar]] is forced to stop equivocating over his [[Cylon detector]]


===In the Fleet===
* After ''{{RDM|Galactica}}''{{'|s}} extensive water supplies are sabotaged {{TRS|Water}}, a source of water is found on a nearby moon&mdash;but it is in the form of ice, and must be mined, which will require a crew of around 1,000.
* As that number cannot be spared from ''Galactica''{{'|s}} crew, and it is unlikely civilians will volunteer, it is determined to try and enlist the help of the prisoners on ''[[Astral Queen]]''.
* [[Laura Roslin|Roslin]] won’t have the prisoners forced into the work, so [[Lee Adama]] suggests the prisoners who volunteer could be awarded points to go towards their freedom.
* This idea does not go down well with Commander [[William Adama|Adama]], who is already at odds with his son over his new position as "special advisor" to the President.
* However, Roslin decides to send a delegation led by Lee Adama to ''Astral Queen'' to put the idea to the prisoners. To address Adama's fears that they might inadvertently release dangerous prisoners into the Fleet's community, [[Billy Keikeya]] is selected to go as well and screen the prisoners prior to selection.
* As a further snub to his son, Adama insists military personnel also go – one to assist in the screening, who will report directly to him – and one to ensure the selected prisoners can handle the equipment that will be used to extract the ice.
* [[Anastasia Dualla]] is "volunteered" by [[Billy Keikeya]] for the first role, [[Cally Henderson]] is eventually selected for the second.
* On ''Astral Queen'', Captain Adama outlines the deal to the prisoners: help us and earn points towards your freedom. No one volunteers.
* The nominated leader of the prisoners politely refuses the offer. Billy Keikeya recognizes him as [[Tom Zarek]], a political agitator from [[Sagittaron]].
* While Dualla and Keikeya argue the merits of Zarek as a "prisoner of conscience" or terrorist, with Keikeya almost idolizing him, Adama meets with Zarek to try and persuade him to help the fleet.
* On ''Galactica'', Commander Adama meets with [[Gaius Baltar]], who is still equivocating over his [[Cylon detector]]. When Adama pushes Baltar into a corner, the doctor tries to admit he can’t actually build the detector.
* This releases a torrent of anger from Baltar’s [[Virtual beings|virtual Six]], which terrifies him into submission. She instructs him on what to ask for in order to make the detector: a nuclear warhead.
* When virtual Six only reveals a part of how this can be used to make the detector, Baltar is forced to think things through himself, and realizes it will actually work. Adama agrees to let Baltar have a warhead.
* On ''Astral Queen'', Zarek's elaborately orchestrated break-out takes place, and ''Galactica’s'' delegation is taken hostage.
* With the ship in his control, Zarek demands the immediate resignation of President Roslin and her government on the grounds that, having never been elected, they do not represent the people.
* As Zarek uses Lee Adama to try and gain insight into the dynamic between Roslin and Commander Adama, an assault mission consisting of [[Marines]] and led by [[Kara Thrace|Kara "Starbuck" Thrace]] is assembled. A crack sharpshooter, Thrace is ordered by Adama to kill Zarek if she gets the chance. 
* Commander Adama tries to negotiate with Zarek himself, but is rebuffed. Lee Adama realizes the truth: Zarek wants the commander to send in the troops, believing a bloodbath aboard ''Queen'' will bring down Roslin’s government through scandal.
* The Marines and Starbuck arrive in the Raptors and cut their way into the ship.
* In the cells, a prisoner, [[Mason]], decides he doesn’t like the way Cally Henderson has been “mocking” him, and decides to teach her a lesson.
* Matters escalate as Mason attempts to rape Henderson, who bites off a piece of his ear. He shoots Henderson in retaliation, wounding her.
* Lee Adama and Zarek rush to the cell where the prisoner holds Henderson at bay. In the confusion, Captain Adama takes a sidearm and puts it to Zarek’s head, giving him a choice: die immediately, or work with his men to supply the Fleet with water, and in return he’ll get to keep ''Astral Queen'' and get his elections.
* The Marines then make their presence felt, as Thrace takes a shot at Zarek – who is saved by Lee Adama.
* Roslin and Adama are initially less than pleased at Captain Adama's arrangement, who is not concerned. The prisoners are helping with the water, even if they have control of ''Astral Queen'' they are still reliant on the Fleet for supplies, and under Colonial law, Roslin would have to face elections [[Lay Down Your Burdens, Part II|in seven months]].
* Later, Captain Adama informs Roslin that he didn’t mean to offend her with his views, and that when the elections come, he’ll vote for her. His honesty causes her to reveal the truth about her cancer and the fact that she might not be alive to run for re-election.


=== On Caprica ===
===On Caprica===  
*[[Helo]] and [[Valerii]] reach a relatively undamaged city
* [[Karl Agathon|Helo]] and [[Sharon Agathon|"Valerii"]] reach a relatively undamaged city.
*As they explore the city, they are observed by [[Doral]] and [[Six]] from a rooftop
* As they explore the city, they are observed by a [[Number Five]] and [[Number Six|Six]] from a rooftop.
*Doral and Six discuss their hertiage as Cylons - the "children of humanity", Six expressing regret that humans must be destroy. Doral is lees compassionate
* The Five and Six discuss their heritage as Cylons - the "children of humanity". While Six expresses regret that humans must be destroyed, the Five is less compassionate, citing that parents need to die to let the children come into their own.


== Notes ==


<!-- Use un-numbered bullets.  Use numbered list only when required.  -->
=== Continuity Notes ===


== Review ==
* Events here take place 2 days after those of "[[Water]]".
THE CYLONS WERE CREATED BY MAN. THEY REBELLED. THEY EVOLVED.  
* In the [[Miniseries]], ''[[Astral Queen]]'' is apparently a liner, rather than a prison ship.
THEY LOOK AND FEEL HUMAN. SOME OF THEM ARE PROGRAMMED TO THINK THEY ARE HUMAN. THERE ARE MANY COPIES. AND THE HAVE A PLAN.
** During a briefing, [[Billy Keikeya|Billy]] informs [[Laura Roslin|President Roslin]] that: "The Captain of ''Astral Queen'' wants you to know that he has nearly 500 convicted criminals under heavy guard in his cargo hold. They were being transported to a penal station when the attack happened."
** In the re-cap clip shown at the top of this episode, Keikeya's lines are re-dubbed so that he says, "The Captain of ''Astral Queen'' wants you to know that he has 1,500 prisoners under heavy guard."
** Instead of being taken to a penal station, as in the [[Miniseries]], [[Lee Adama]] states that the prisoners were being transferred to {{RDM|Caprica}} for parole hearings.
** For the purposes of the increased number of prisoners, ''Astral Queen'' becomes a prison ship.
* The Colonials will face a fuel shortage at [[The Hand of God (RDM)|some point]].
*Major [[Cottle]], ''Galactica''{{'|s}} ship doctor, is first mentioned in this episode, although he will not appear until the next episode.
*President Roslin's hair style changes starting with this episode, from the straight-down hairstyle she had since the [[Miniseries]], to the swept-back style which she would sport through the end of Season 2.
*''Galactica'' is referred to by Viper pilots as the "[[Big G]]."  This mirrors the nickname pilots have given to the aircraft carrier [[w:USS Enterprise|USS Enterprise]], the "Big E". The introduction of ''[[Pegasus (RDM)|Pegasus]]'' would later change this; ''Galactica'' would be nicknamed "[[The Bucket]]," with ''Pegasus'' being nicknamed "[[The Beast]]."


=== Re-cap ===
=== Production Notes ===
*The ''Astral Queen'' is carrying 500 prisoners ([[Mini-Series]])
*''[[Galactica]]'' has lost her water reserves ([[Water]])
*Helo is on Caprica with Valerii.


* Richard Hatch played the character of {{TOS|Apollo}} in the [[Original Series]] and is the first cast member of the 1978 show to participate in the [[Re-imagined Series]].
*This is one of only two Season 1 episodes to deal extensively with another ship in the Fleet. The other is "[[Colonial Day]], which features ''[[Cloud Nine]]'' heavily and has few scenes on ''Galactica''. Originally this was planned to happen more often, but building new sets turned out to be much more expensive than anticipated.
*This is the only regular-series episode in which [[Boxey (RDM)|Boxey]] appears, outside of his appearance in the [[Miniseries]]. According to the podcast, when the Miniseries was created, the writers envisioned Boxey as being a major recurring character in most episodes of the series.  However, on a case-by-case basis, they found that inserting a child like Boxey did not harmonize with many of the dark scripts on the series, and once the show got underway and found its flow, they simply couldn't think of ways to write him into upcoming scripts. By the beginning of Season 2, they realized they hadn't been using him, and officially decided to simply abandon the character and consciously never tried to use him again.
*Starting with this episode, [[Cally Henderson]] started to become a larger character on the series, as noted by Moore and Eick in the podcast (see [[Bastille Day#Official statements|Official Statements]], below). Originally she was supposed to die, but instead they rewrote the scene to give her an attention-getting grittiness and in turn, survival.
* The quip made by ''[[Astral Queen]]''{{'|s}} captain, "I'm a bus driver, not a warden," is a homage to the original ''Star Trek'' television series. It is similar to Doctor Leonard McCoy's trademark quote, "I'm a doctor, not a bricklayer," or whatever fits at the time in the latter portion of the statement.
* The setup for this plot might have been inspired by the TOS episode "[[The Gun on Ice Planet Zero, Part I]]". In both episodes, a group of criminals was conscripted from a prison ship to work on the icy surface of a hostile planet. A notable difference between the two episodes lies in how the workers were chosen. While the workers in "Bastille Day" were chosen in part for their expendability, the conscripts in "[[The Gun on Ice Planet Zero, Part I]]" were chosen for their expertise in harsh environments and in demolition work. Also different was the prisoners' motivation to take on the work. In "Bastille Day," the prisoners are offered the possibility of earning their freedom, whereas the prisoners in "[[The Gun on Ice Planet Zero, Part I]]" were offered nothing overtly other than the fear that the fleet might be destroyed without their services. A number of them take the assignment in the hopes of escaping during the action.
*According to the DVD commentary for the episode, the startling scene when Number Six yells in Baltar's face that "they're going to throw you out of an airlock!" was a visual homage taken from the film "[http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0099871/ Jacob's Ladder]," which has a similar startling close up shot.  Tricia Helfer was given scary makeup for the shot, but in such a slight way that it is difficult for the eye to see what's wrong with the shot, but the audience can tell on some level that something's wrong.  If you pause during her close-up shot, you can see that she's wearing contact lenses that make her eyes look unnaturally bright, and a mouthpiece of fake teeth which are bent out of shape and unnaturally large.
*The building seen in the first scene with Helo and Sharon is actually the [[wikipedia:Vancouver Public Library|Vancouver Public Library]], one of the most recognizable buildings in the city of Vancouver.
*The scene where [[Lee Adama]] holds his pistol to a kneeling [[Tom Zarek]] is a recreation of ''[[wikipedia:Dirty Harry|Dirty Harry]]'', according to [[David Eick]]'s comments in the DVD commentary. "That is the 'I know what you're thinking, punk' shot, down to the move, the lens, the distance of the camera away from the actor."


=== Teaser ===
== Analysis ==
 
*The Cylons didn't nuke every city on Caprica, although they did nuke most of them (including [[Caprica City]]). Ron Moore points out in the podcast that at first this was just a plot expediency: Helo needed an environment to interact with. Helo verbalizes the issue, saying "Why are some cities not nuked?" The answer to this question comes in the episode "[[Downloaded]]," when viewers see the Cylons rebuilding and inhabiting a city themselves. The intense radiation exposure killed most humans on [[Caprica]] without the necessity of destroying all infrastructure.
The teaser opens with a shot of the fleet standing-off a planetoid. The ''[[Galacitica|Galactica's]]'' intercom chimes, and is followed by an announcement that it is early morning, shipboard time. In [[Tigh, Saul|Tigh's]] quarters, the Colonel rises from his cot and helps himself to two bottle-caps of his booze. We then see him turn up in the briefing room bright and cheery, "So what do we have?"
*It seems strange that Helo would be shouting loudly to see if anyone might hear him, as this might draw Cylon attention. However, viewers can't tell how many hours Caprica-Valerii and Helo might have spent discovering that the city is (apparently) empty. Moreover, it has only been 12 days since the Cylon attack, and Helo has no idea how far over Caprica they have spread yet.
 
*The flight briefing Starbuck gives as acting-CAG seems a bit "out of character" compared to her personality as developed later in the series. She is in full "Top Gun" mode: wearing aviator sunglasses, sporting a cigar, and giving a very irreverent briefing. Actress Katee Sackhoff and the writers have said that after the first few episodes they learned to start adding "more of Katee into Starbuck," and Starbuck's character smoothed out a great deal by the middle of the season.  
[[Tyrol, Galen|Tyrol]] informs him they have scouted the entire ice moon and found it contains a subsurface ocean. But: temperatures of 180 and below have been registered, together with the venting of methane and CO2, "It's going to be a bitch to work down there, sir."
*Another oddity with this scene is that [[Boxey (RDM)|Boxey]]'s presence seems a bit forced (Moore and Eick point this out in the podcast). Why would Starbuck bring a 10 year old to a flight briefing on a military ship? The concept was that Boxey is an orphan kid adopted by the pilots, who lives with them and is sort of their mascot/gopher/helper. But that plot point was never fleshed out, leaving the impression that this kid is helping Starbuck give a briefing.
 
*At the end of the Miniseries, Tigh chooses to quit drinking. In "[[33]]," Commander Adama notes how good it is that Tigh isn't drinking anymore. However, Tigh has a relapse, having a few shots, and is a little tipsy in front of some crewmen (although he is not slurring his speech and stumbling over furniture).
Tigh tells Tyrol to lighten up: they're lucky to have found the water, and they have water riots breaking out all over the fleet. "Civilians! Whiny, civvie cry babies..." He points out that ''Galactica'' herself is "down to less than 10,000 JPs of water." He goes on to examine the results of water samples gathered by drilling the ice. The samples are 13% sodium chloride - salt water. Tigh is disgusted: the people can't drink salt water!
*The notion of Starbuck being a sharpshooter, "best shot in or ''out'' of the cockpit" stretches the credibility of these scenes: shooting in a Viper and shooting a sniper rifle are entirely different things.  The force of moving the plot forward and trying to include a major character becomes a bit obvious.  Ron Moore conceded this point in his [http://blogs.scifi.com/battlestar/2005/04/production-update-q-a.php blog entry] of April 11th, 2005:
 
Tyrol agrees and states that's why he had [[Cally]] tested the ice - which is pure water. Tigh is pleased by this: "A couple of lemons and we could make lemonade!" - A comment that raises a snigger from Cally. It is evident that event on two capfuls of booze, he is a slightly “happy” man. Trying to bring order back to the meeting Tyrol points out that they'll have to melt the ice before bringing it up to the ship. Specialist [[Socinus]] adds it will take "high-capacity heaters, expansion tanks, D-25 plasma torches, pyrex hoses, centrifical pumps...."
 
"Sounds like a lot of manpower?" Tigh observes. Tyrol admits it will take 1,000 men. Tigh wants to know where they are going to come from....
 
....And the camera cuts to [[Adama, William|Adama's]] quarters, as [[Roslin, Laura|Roslin]] states, "Slave labour." Adama points out "they" are prisoners who have been sentenced to hard labour. "And this is very hard labour. Not to mention physically dangerous." [[Adama, Lee|Lee]] points out that "their ship" wasn't designed for long-term incarceration, and that "these men" have been stuck in cramped cells for weeks - they might even prefer to get out and do something, even if it is dangerous.
 
Roslin agrees - providing they volunteer. The prisoners are not slaves, and she won't have them treated as such. Lee suggests they offer incentives to the prisoners: by doing the work, they can earn points towards their freedom and rehabilitation into the general populace. Adama is not happy: "You want to start releasing hardened criminals into the fleet?"  
 
Lee responds that the prisoners were on their way to Caprica for parole hearings, which means that some of them may be ready for release. Adama tries to object, but Roslin cuts him off, "Make it happen, Captain." She then instructs [[Keikeya, Billy|Billy]] to address Commander Adama's concerns by going along and setting up a screening procedure to "weed out" the hardened criminals. Adama insists on having a representative from the ''Galactica'' participate in the screening, who will report directly to him on security issues - a statement which surprises Lee. Billy suggests "Dee", meaning [[Dualla]]. Adama agrees, but also wants someone from the ground crew to attend as Roslin hides a smirk at Billy's use of the familiar when referring to Dualla. Adama justifies the ground crew selection in that the selected men must be able to handle the equipment. Roslin agrees.
 
As she turns to leave, Billy reminds her about a "doctor." Roslin then asks Adama about his medical officer. Adama replies he has a [[Doctor Cottle|Major Cottle]], and asks if anything is wrong. "Nothing urgent," Roslin replies, "Allergies." Adama informs her that Cottle is out among the fleet, checking medical conditions, but he'll inform the doctor that she wants to see him.
 
Out in the corridor, Roslin teases Billy about his selection of Dualla. When Billy states he's taking her strictly for the technical details, Roslin smiles with an "Uh-huh." At the same time, in another corridor, Lee catches up with Adama. "Something on your mind, Captain?" Adama asks. "I just thought you might have something you wanted to say?" Lee replies. Adama replies flatly: "I have nothing to say to the personal representative of the President."
 
Lee points out that he is still the Galactica's lead pilot. Adama responds that he has nothing to say to him, either. "Every man has to decide for themselves which side they're on," he adds. Angered, Lee replies that he didn't know they were picking sides, and walks off without a salute. Watching him go, Adama mutters, "That's why you haven't picked one yet."
 
The camera cuts away to a ship as it makes a beauty pass, the words ASTRAL QUEEN PRISON TRANSPORT VESSEL appearing on screen as she does so. Aboard her, Lee, together with Billy, Dualla and [[Cally]] is walking with the Captain and a guard. The Captain informs them that he has 1500 prisoners on board. He doesn't have their names or their files - they're just numbers. They arrive at a PA console, which the Captain activates and hands the microphone to Lee. "All right, they're all yours."
 
Lee addresses the prisoners, introducing himself as "Captain Lee Adama, personal representative of the president." He then outlines the situation – the fact that thousands are on the verge of dying," and asks for the prisoner's help to get the water, and that any man volunteering to help will be granted "freedom points" that can be used towards an early release. He asks anyone interested to step out of their cell. 


The doors to the cages open, but nothing happens. Then one man steps out of his cell: "Thank you for your offer,” he calls, “We...respectfully...decline."
<blockquote>"Kara might be the best shot in the fleet...but being a good shot is far from being a trained sniper. And she missed in that episode, a huge faux-paux for a scout sniper. In addition, she could not have been conducting unit training and sustainment training with the Marines...and fly her Viper.</blockquote>
Billy reacts as he recognises the speaker: "Oh my God...that's...that's [[Tom Zarek]]!"


"The terrorist?" Dualla questions, stepping forward, as chants break out in the cages below. Cups are banged on bars, building to a crescendo of noise as Zarek stand calmly in the aisle, looking up at Lee on the gantry, and the scene fades to the opening titles.
<blockquote>In the season finale, with the Marine boarding party assaulting into the President's office...her guards would have had to put down their guns..or they would have been shot quickly..or at least physically detained at gunpoint. There is no way a standoff that close would ensue."</blockquote>
 
=== Acts === 
 
In a control room aboard the ''[[Astral Queen]]'' her Captain asks, "So who the hell is [[Zarek, Tom|Tom Zarek]]?"
 
His voice edged with admiration, [[Billy]] replies that he is a freedom fighter, a prisoner of conscience. [[Dualla]] challenges him flatly: "He's a butcher." Billy replies that Zarek's colony was exploited by the other 11 for centuries, his people marginalised and brutalised. Dualla again cuts him off, reminding him that she is a Sagittaron, "and that man does not speak for all of us. He blew up a government building and there's no excuse for that."
 
As an argument threatens to engulf them, [[Cally]] reports to [[Adama, Lee|Lee]] that she's been watching the clock and that if they are going to get anyway, they need to move on. Lee agrees, stating Zarek has the prisoners united, so they must go through him. 
 
Meanwhile, on CYLON-OCCUPIED [[CAPRICA]], [[Agathon, Karl C.|Helo]] and [[Valerii, Sharon|Valerii]] have reached a city and considering Caprica was bombarded from space using nuclear weapons, it is looking in remarkably good shape – not even the windows have been blown-in by any shock waves. Helo is bellowing at the top of his voice for anyone who can help - an odd thing to be doing in "occupied territory". 
 
As the camera pans the city, we’re drawn down on the two of them, with the titles KARL C. AGATHON, CALLSIGN "HELO". DAY 12 ON CAPRICA appearing as Valerii pleads, "No more shouting, you're making me nervous." They move between two buildings, Valerii wondering where everyone is. "Dead," Helo replies, "In their beds, at their desks. Those that aren't probably ran for the hills..." Valerii accuses him of being morbid. He points out he's on the planet longer than her.
 
They are distracted by the sound of metal falling over and animal screams. Crossing to one of the building, they find a body on the sidewalk being eaten(?) by rats. Valerii reacts by almost vomiting. Helo puts a shot into the corpse to burn it. As smoke rises from off-camera, he realises Valerii is about to lose it and leads her away, hugging her and chiding her gently. As possible intimacy flares, he looks around, a little discomfited. "Let’s find a hospital and find some anti-radiation packs. We’ve got three days’ worth left." He steadies her as she look set to throw-up again, "Sharon, we made it this far, we're going to make it all the way...we're doing good, real good - someone must be watching over us!"
 
As they walk off together, we see them from the perspective of the roof of the building, and a voice states, "She's good," and we see [[Doral, Aaron|Doral]] and [[Number Six|Six]] watching Helo and Valerii. "So far," Six concedes. "Jealous?" Doral enquires. We look out over the city as Six and Doral walk. "This all makes me so sad," she states.  Doral points out that humanity would have destroyed itself anyway, so the Colonials deserved what they got. "We are the children of humanity," Six points out. "That makes them our parents in a sense."
 
"True," Doral replies. "But parents have to die. It's the only way children come into their own."
 
Back on the ''Astral Queen'', Lee enters [[Zarek]]'s cage, escorted by a guard. After "formalities" are sorted - prisoners are forbidden to talk unless asked a direct question - Lee is shut in Zarek's cell to talk, while the guard retreats down the corridor. As he does so, the prisoners start tapping on the bars of their cages as he passes....
 
In Zarek's cell, Lee gets to the point: the Colonials need Zarek's men to help them. Zarek replies that the prisoners are not his men, pointing out that as prisoners, Lee "owns" them: "You're the master, we're the slaves."
 
Outside the guard continues to walk, the tapping on cell bars following him.
 
Lee tries to appeal to Zarek as a man of principle - citing the book he wrote; the book that Zarek points out was written in a labour camp and had to be smuggled out as prisoners are not allowed freedom of expression. Lee admits to having read the book in college – despite it being a banned text - and that, while radical, it had caused him to challenge some of the things he had previously accepted. He uses this to try and convince Zarek that he understands him, but that Zarek needs to understand that people in the fleet are going to start dying.
 
Outside of the cell area, the guard has reached the upper catwalk where the controls to the cells reside. Calling out to a colleague, he pulls a telescoping nightstick, "It's time for your break," he announces, felling the other guard with a blow from the stick. He then crosses to the cage controls....
 
...On the bridge, Dualla and Billy are still arguing about Zarek, when the Captain notices the security monitors failing...
 
...In Zarek's cell, Lee opens up to Zarek: "All I want - all the president wants - is a chance for you to earn your freedom." Zarek nods, "Now you've said the truth. Freedom is earned."
 
...On the gantry, the renegade guard releases the door locks, and in the cell blocks, doors swing open. Hearing this, Lee turns, only to be told by Zarek: "Say where you are, Captain. It'll all be over soon."
 
In the control centre, the door bursts open, the guard, now armed, leading armed prisoners who quickly take control of the Captain, Billy, Dualla and Cally.
 
As more prisoners spill into the corridor in the cell block, Lee dashes from Zarek's cell and lays into four of the prisoners before being knocked to the floor. Zarek reclines on his cell bunk as we hear the sounds of fists striking flesh and more prisoners heap on Lee....
 
Later, in the Astral Queen’s control room, the renegade guard informs Zarek that the crew and the hostages have been put in separate cells. Lee Adama, bloodied and bruised is unconscious on the floor, a prisoner standing over him with a shotgun. Zarek thanks the guard, "I knew I could count on you."
 
In the cells, Dualla tries to reassure Billy everything is going to be all right. Billy isn't so sure, all his comments about freedom fighters now evaporated. Cally points out they won't be hurt because that won't get “them” what they want. "Which is what?" Billy asks.
 
On ''Galactica'', [[Balter, Gaius|Baltar]] has been summoned to [[Adama, William|Adama's]] quarters, but is slightly lost. Turning to retrace his steps, he sees [[Thrace, Kara|Starbuck]], swaggering down the corridor with [[Boxey]] in tow. "Lieutenant Thrace, how nice to see you!" Thrace smiles and strokes his jacket as she passes. "How nice to see you to!" she responds. "Really?" Baltar asks. "No," she laughs, sharing a high-five with Boxey.
 
Watching them go, Baltar mutters, "I wonder if she's a real blonde?" From beside him, and not a little cattily, Six replies, "I doubt it."
 
In the pilots’ [[ready room]], Starbuck - now smoking a cigar and wearing sunglasses - is apparently filling-in for Lee Adama while he is on the ''Astral Queen''. She proceeds to rib one of the pilots about his heavy landings. She asks Boxey who this might be, and is informed it is [[Saunders, Dwight|Flat Top]].
 
As the ribbing continues, [[Tigh, Saul|Tigh]] enters and stands at the back of the room. As Thrace dismisses the pilots, he steps forward, "There's no smoking in the ready room." Starbuck replies, "My room, my rules. Sir." Looking at Boxey, Tigh asks, "Where's your mommy?" Which earns him a surly, near-sneering reply of, "Dead. Where's yours?" Ignoring him, Tigh asks, "I'm looking for Boomer." Boxey again replies, equally surly, "It's 14:00. Boomer's in the tool room," then turns and walks out. After he's gone, Tigh turns on Thrace, laying into her about treating heavy landings as a joke. Her response is to state that shouting at people doesn't always get the best results - and she learned that at officer candidate school - a comment that earns her another, "You are right on the edge" warning from Tigh. "Careful you don't fall off," he adds. Sniffing at his breath Starbuck retorts, "Talking of falling off. Good to see you've found a way to quench your thirst," and she also walks out of the ready room.
 
On the ''Astral Queen'', Zarek enters the (locked) control room and starts examining the consoles. Watching him, Lee Adama informs him that there will be no negotiations while he is holding hostages. Zarek replies that he doesn't want to negotiate. He wants his crew to be treated like men, not animals. He then informs Lee they are going to talk. "What about?" Lee asks. "Your father," Zarek replies with a smile.
 
As the conversation starts, we cut to Adama's quarters. Baltar, having found his way there, is admiring a painting on the cabin wall as Adama pours them both a drink of water. Sensing something is wrong, Baltar starts babbling about the artist, attempting to flatter Adama - failing miserably. "Where's my [[Cylon detector]]?" Adama asks flatly.
 
Baltar starts making excuses as Adama sits, refusing to look at him, adding to Baltar's unease. Six appears to Baltar, "It's not working this time, Gaius," she mocks. "He can see right through you." This sets Baltar into another babble of excuses. "Cut the BS," Adama states quietly. "You said you had a way of detecting human from Cylon. Do you or don't you?"
 
For a moment Baltar freezes, summoning his courage, then states quietly, "I don't." Six is stunned by this, "What?" Glancing across the cabin to where she is apparently standing, Baltar continues that he doesn't believe that he is the right person for the work.
 
This causes Six to approach him, her look stern, "You have to do this," she tells him flatly. Baltar continues to babble to Adama, talking faster to try and cut her off: he's putting the job off because his subconscious telling him...telling him....that he's not the right man for the job...His tone becomes pleading, almost begging Adama.
 
Six interrupts him, moving between him and Adama, “Listen to me,” her voice is low and angry, “If you don't tell him what he wants to hear, he's going to find you out. And when he does, they're going to rip your head off..." The camera closes on her face as it twists into a mask of rage, "AND THROW YOUR BODY OUT OF AN AIRLOCK!"
 
The outburst shocks Baltar to the extent he drops his glass of water, smashing it. He apologies immediately to Adama, blaming his actions on a lack of sleep. Adama inhales deeply, his patience clearly running out. “Unfortunately, Doctor – for both of us – you’re the last man we have. So what's the game plan - Doc?"
 
Caught between the devil and the deep blue, Baltar steals a "peek" at Six, who is still angry. "This is what you say," she tells him, her voice menacing. Baltar then repeats her instructions, shocking himself as much as Adama when she has him ask for a nuclear warhead. 
 
On the ''Astral Queen'', Zarek is pumping Lee for information, asking him if his father's position is the reason Lee got to be the president's representative. When Lee replies this is hardly the case, Zarek surmises that Adama and Roslin don't get along.
 
"They have their differences," Lee allows, "But not when it comes to dealing with terrorists." This provokes an ironic smile from Zarek, "I thought you said you respected me. Read my book?" Lee nods, "That was before you resorted to violence and taking hostages." Zarek's smile fades. "It's always easier when the oppressed don't fight back, isn't it?"
 
On ''Galactica'', Adama looks up at Baltar, "A warhead."
 
Baltar continues to follow Six's prompting, explaining that "technically" he needs the plutonium inside - and at that point she snarls, "Figure out the rest for yourself." Baltar does, falteringly at first and then, perhaps realising he actually has something, he continues more firmly and sure of himself.
 
As he finishes his explanation, Adama states that the Galactica has only five nuclear warheads left aboard, "We may need them." Baltar agrees, stating he understands, and that if Adama considers the project low priority...Adama makes to pour his unfinished water back in the jug. "You'll get your warhead," he states quietly, and Six turns to Baltar, all smiles, "Good boy."
 
"Thank you," he replies to her, then realising he's spoken aloud, he looks at Adama, "Commander."
 
In the hanger deck equipment locker, Tyrol is trying to reassure Boomer following recent events ([[Water]]). The Master-at-Arms has been through the small arms locker and hasn't found anything connecting the missing explosives with her. Boomer is still worried. As they hug, the door opens, and Tigh enters with a growl, causing them to part in embarrassment. Tigh states he needs to speak to Boomer on her own, and Tyrol exits. Tigh then chastises Boomer for the relationship, pointing out everyone from Adama on down knows about it. "We're just friends," she protests. Tigh isn't deflected. "Back when the ship was being decommissioned, we let you get away with it. Hell we let everyone get away with murder. But that was then and this is now. We're at war, this is a combat unit and you're his superior officer. Put a stop to it. That's an order." He then leaves as he is summoned to [[CIC]].
 
He arrives in time to hear Zarek state the crew of the ''Astral Queen'' are his prisoners, but that they will not be harmed. Zarek goes on to make his demands in order to secure the release of his captives: 1. the immediate resignation of Laura Roslin as president; 2. open and free elections to choose a new leader. He concludes the broadcast - which has gone out to the entire fleet - with the words, "I make these demands not for me....but for you, the people. The survivors of the holocaust and the children of humanity's future. I am Tom Zarek, and this is the first day of a new era."
 
Following the broadcast, Adama jams the transmissions from the ''Astral Queen'' and contacts Roslin. She thinks the jamming is too late. Adama doesn't believe people will listen. Roslin states he has a lot to learn about public opinion and that there are those who would be willing to listen to Zarek - a prisoner of conscience ("a terrorist" Adama responds). She points out that rebellion is a contagious thing, and people are already rebelling as a result of the water crisis, and as such, they can't afford to destabilise her government. Adama agrees, and Roslin wants to know what he is "going in." Adama suggests she and Zarek talk first. Roslin responds that the government doesn't negotiate with terrorists. Adama replies that he didn't mean negotiate, he meant talk. She still refuses, even when Adama states he needs time to prepare. Roslin stands firm: her talking with Zarek gives his position legitimacy and recognition. 
 
As Adama comes of the call, promising to let Roslin know what happens, he joins Tigh and Starbuck at the plot table, where Starbuck is running through an assault scenario using three Raptors and armed personnel. As she explains the plan, Tigh pulls her up: "What's this 'we' crap?" Thrace looks at Adama as she answers, "I'm going with them." Tigh objects and Adama upholds the objection. "We have a few marines left aboard the ''Galactica'', Starbuck. Let them handle it." Starbuck points out the marines don't have a sniper - and that she's the best shot in or out of the cockpit. Tigh agrees with her, drawing a barely-hidden sideways look of surprise from Starbuck as she tries to suppress a smile. "Wonders never cease," Adama states, looking at the two of them. Then he confirms Thrace is on the mission and tells her that if she gets a clear shot at Zarek, she is to take it. "I want to control that ship immediately."
 
On the ''Astral Queen'', Dualla wonders how she drew this particular detail, and Billy owns up. A few cells away, a prisoner strolls up to Cally's cell. Words are exchanged, the prisoner believing Cally is mocking him. He warns her that he and "Tom" go back a long way, and that she should be nice to him. Cally rolls over in her cot, ignoring him. On ''Galactica'', the Raptors are prepared and the marines and Starbuck board them as engines wind up.
 
Back aboard the prison transport, Zarek challenges Lee: who voted for Laura Roslin? Lee replies that she was sworn in under the law. They argue the point, Zarek stating that they need to be "free" otherwise they are no different than the Cylons. As Lee walks away, Zarek tries a different approach, pointing out that Lee is named after a [[Lords of Kobol|Lord of Kobol]], one with conflicting responsibilities: god of the hunt and god of healing. He points out that while a god might be able to reconcile such conflicts, a mortal can’t. A mortal must pick a side. Has Lee picked a side?
 
At that point a call comes in from ''Galactica'': Adama wishes to speak to Zarek. "Zeus is calling," Zarek says, crossing to the comms console. Taking the call, Zarek allows Lee to briefly speak to his father. Lee tries to tell him where the others are being held, but Zarek stops him. "How long until you storm the ship?" he asks Adama. For his part, Adama responds that he hopes it won't be necessary, that the two of them can talk things out. Zarek isn't fooled, "Your men are on their way, even as we speak." He demands Adama gets Roslin to step down. Adama replies that won't happen. "Then I look forward to meeting your men," Zarek ends the contact.
 
Outside the ''Astral Queen'', three Raptors come up under the ship and invert themselves relative to her and clamp onto her hull.
 
On the prison block, Cally is taken by the prisoner who spoke to her earlier and led down the corridor, Billy and Dualla first trying to reassure her, and then calling for Lee.
 
In the control centre, Zarek and Apollo continue their conversation, Lee pointing out that it sounds as if his father is willing to talk. When Zarek doesn't respond, Lee realises the truth: Zarek wants Adama to send troops in. Outside, docking collars are extended to the hull of the Queen from the Raptors, a seal is formed and the collars pressurised. Plasmas torches start burning through the hull. Zarek admits that yes, he wants the troops to storm the Queen - he wants a massacre - but not for the reasons Lee puts to him: to "go out in a blaze of glory"; rather because he knows that if there is a bloody confrontation on the Astral Queen in which prisoners and hostages are killed, then the people will reject Roslin as their leader.
 
Starbuck and her teams make it into the Queen. In her cell, Duella tries to reassure Billy that Cally will be all right. The silence is shattered by a terrified scream - Cally. It shocks Duella and Billy. It shocks prisoners in the corridor and it freezes Starbuck and her team.
 
The only ones not to hear it are Zarek and Lee, who doesn't believe Zarek's statement; "You've been saying everything you're doing is for freedom. But the truth is it's all about Tom Zarek and his personal death wish." They are interrupted by the arrival of the renegade guard with the news that something has happened."
As they rush from the control centre, there is a single gunshot, which leads Starbuck to believe the hostages are being killed. She moves her team out at the double as another team moves board the ship and starts taking out prisoners. Then the sound of a man screaming fills the air...
 
...In the prison block, a crowd is gathering at one cell. Locked inside is the prisoner who took Cally, bleeding profusely from his right ear, and Cally herself, on the floor with a gunshot wound to her midriff. Zarek arrives and demands to know what is going on. The prisoner in the cell cries out that Cally bit his ear off. With bloodied mouth and clutching her wound, Cally screams, "Frak you!" before spitting out the rest of his ear.
 
Lee demands the door to the cell be opened. He turns to Zarek. "You said they weren't animals. What do you call this? He's going to kill her. DO something!"
 
Zarek rounds on him, blaming Lee. "You did this! You put him in a cage! You made him a monster!"
 
Above them, a prisoner on the gantry is taken out: the third team from ''Galactica'' has arrived. In the cell the prisoner threatens to shoot Cally again, as Starbuck takes up position on the gantry. Lee turns to Zarek. "He's going to kill her!" Zarek snarls back, "You reap what you sow!" As all eyes focus on the prisoner and Cally, Lee moves: striking the armed renegade guard, he grabs his firearm and in short order shots the prisoner and puts the gun to Zarek's head. Above him, Starbuck also takes aim, but her shot is partially obscured by Lee. She mutters for him to shoot Zarek. "How about it, Tom?" Lee asks, unaware of the ''Galactica's'' presence. "You still have a death wish? You ready to leave this world, right here. Right now?" Looking him in the eye, Zarek nods. "Yes."
 
"Too bad," Lee replies. He then tells Zarek he's going to tell his men to help secure the needed water, that they are going to earn their points and their freedom - and then Zarek will get his elections. He goes on to state that Zarek is right about democracy and the consent of the people, and the people of the fleet will have democracy: and Zarek can have it to, or a bullet.
 
Zarek wants to know how he can be sure Adama and Roslin will go along with what Lee is saying. Lee admits he doesn't but if he lets the hostages go, they'll leave the ship in his hands, and if the worst comes to the worst, he can still have his last stand here. "It's your choice," Lee concludes. "You reap what you sow."
 
Zarek agrees and orders the prisoners to lower their weapons. Lee shoots his way into the cell and checks Cally, assuring her she's going to be OK. Zarek follows him to check on the prisoner. In doing so, he exposes himself to Starbuck, who flicks on the laser targeting unit on her gun. Seeing the dot on Zarek's temple, Lee pulls him out of the line of fire under the cot and Starbuck fires, missing Zarek, but causing a panic. Lee orders a cease fire, a cry that is taken up by the marines, and for the first time the prisoners realise they are surrounded. Weapons are lowered and Lee calls to the marines for a medic.
 
Later, on ''Colonial One'', Lee faces Roslin, "I don't believe it," and Adama, "It's unacceptable." Lee looks at them both. "The prisoners have full control of the ''Astral Queen''. We evaced all the guards and support personnel. It's their ship." Adama responds that they are a threat to the entire fleet. Lee disagrees: they've been disarmed, their ship has no weapons. "The ship itself is a weapon!" Adama snaps in reply. Lee continues, stating the ''Astral Queen'' is totally dependent on the rest of the fleet for food and fuel and the prisoners have agreed to help with obtaining the water. Roslin confronts him on the subject of the elections he has committed her to holding. Lee points out that she is in effect serving out the remainder of President Adar's term, and as such, elections would have been due in 7 months anyway, he therefore only committed her to obeying the law.
 
Roslin and Adama are still indignant, both of them launching into counter-arguments. Lee cuts them both off. "I swore an oath to defend the Articles. The Articles say there is an election in seven months. Now if you're telling me we're throwing out the law, then I'm not a Captain," looking at Adama: "You're not a commander;" looking at Roslin, "And you are not the president and I don't owe either of you a damned explanation for anything."
 
Roslin and Adama exchange looks. "He's your son," she admits. "He's your advisor," Adama counters. Roslin agrees to the election and Adama steps up to his son. "I guess you've finally picked your side." He then leaves.
 
=== Tag ===
 
On ''Galactica'', Starbuck enters Tigh's cabin and produces a hip flask. Taking two cups, she hands one to Tigh and fills them both. Without a word, she salutes him with her cup and they both drink, Tigh somewhat suspiciously. "What the hell is this? Water?"
 
"You bet your ass. And there's plenty more where that came from," she smiles, refilling his cup. She then admits, "I have my flaws too." Tigh's face hardens, "The difference is, my flaws are personal. Yours are professional." The comment causes Thrace to almost choke on her second cup of water. Sipping at his, Tigh nods, "Thank you, Lieutenant. That will be all." Dismissed, Thrace turns and leaves, and Tigh finishes his drink.
 
In sickbay, Tyrol and two of his crew visit a recovering Cally. "Is it true you bit off his ear?" One of them asks. "He's lucky that's all I bit off," she states.
 
Back on ''Colonial One'', Roslin is resting when Lee Adama knocks on her cabin bulkhead. He apologises for disturbing her, but wanted to say goodbye before heading back to Galactica, and to explain he wasn't being disloyal in what he arranged with Zarek - and that in the election's she'll have his vote. This admission prompts Roslin to reveal her cancer to him; making Lee only the second person in the fleet to know about her condition.
 
=== Tag ===
 
On ''Galactica'', Starbuck enters Tigh's cabin and produces a hip flask. Taking two cups, she hands one to Tigh and fills them both. Without a word, she salutes him with her cup and they both drink, Tigh somewhat suspiciously. "What the hell is this? Water?"
 
"You bet your ass. And there's plenty more where that came from," she smiles, refilling his cup. She then admits, "I have my flaws too." Tigh's reply is immediate, "The difference is, my flaws are personal; yours are professional." The comment causes Starbuck to almost choke on her second cup of water. Sipping at his, Tigh nods, "Thank you, Lieutenant. That will be all." Dismissed, Thrace turns and leaves, and Tigh finishes his drink.
 
In sickbay, Tyrol and some of his crew visit a recovering Cally. "Is it true you bit off his ear?" Socinus asks. "He's lucky that's all I bit off," she replies. 
 
Back on ''Colonial One'', Roslin is resting when Lee Adama knocks on her cabin bulkhead. He apologises for disturbing her, but wanted to say goodbye before heading back to ''Galactica'', and to explain he wasn't being disloyal in what he arranged with Zarek - and that in the election's she'll have his vote. This admission prompts Roslin to reveal her cancer to him; making Lee only the second person in the fleet to know about her condition.


<blockquote>I think both comments are well taken and I concede the points. In both instances, we chose to go with the dramatic needs rather than the "real" choices. Making Kara the sniper was simply a way of providing more tension and drama into the final sequence of "Bastille Day" rather than going with a brand-new Marine sniper who the audience would have no investment in or identification with. Likewise, the stand-off aboad Colonial One would've probably never occured with real Marines and Secret Service agents, and indeed, early drafts of the script had the final beats playing out on either side of a barricaded hatch that separated the two sides. However, the feeling was that separating Laura et al from Tigh et al dissipated the drama and felt less suspenseful, so we decided to go for the stand-off. It's a judgement call, frankly. We're always striving to keep things as "real" as we can make them, but we are still producing a television series and we're telling a story, so sometimes we bend the rules to make the show more compelling or to avoid awkward scenes that actually slow it down and dissipate the momentum.</blockquote>


== Questions ==  
== Questions ==  


*Both Six and Zarek make references to "humanity's children", is there a connection?
=== Answered Questions ===
*Is Zarek genuinely willing to die for the cause of anarchy?
*Can Baltar really use a nuclear warhead to build a Cylon detector, or does Six have some other plan? ([[Flesh and Bone]]


== Analysis ==
{{answered questions|season=1|series=RDM|episode=Bastille Day}}


Another good episode, if a little contrived towards the end.
*Is [[Tom Zarek]] genuinely willing to die for his beliefs?
*Can [[Gaius Baltar]] really use a nuclear warhead to build a [[Cylon detector]], or does [[Head Six]] have some other plan?
*Will elections really be held in seven months?


Certainly, this is Lee Adama's episode through and through, and the kid is finding his feet: he stands by those principles he signed-up to in joining the military, he faces off against his father and risks earning Roslin's scorn, and he handles himself with Zarek admirably well.  He not only grows dimensionally as a character as the episode progresses he also matures as a man, finally and truly stepping out of his father's long shadow.
=== Unanswered Questions ===


[[Jamie Bamber]] turns in an excellent performance as Lee Adama, hitting his mark perfectly throughout, and his scenes with [[Richard Hatch]] are perfect for not only the dynamic that grows between the two characters, but also for the amount of background information that is very carefully crafted into the dialogue.  
: ''None yet.''


Indeed, alongside Jamie Bamber, this is very much Richard Hatch's episode. He turns in a fine performance as Zarek and one can instantly understand why he has been invited back. It would be interesting to put Hatch's Zarek face-to-face against Olmos' Adama; both hold a tremendous amount of power when on-screen.
== Official Statements ==
* ''In the DVD commentary for "Bastille Day," [[David Eick]] and [[Ronald D. Moore]] talk about [[Cally Henderson]], and how initial drafts had her being killed:''


It is interesting how the imagery abounds in this episode: how the old cliché that "one man's freedom fighter is another man's terrorist" is subtlety reviewed against the more traditional lines of argument (the byplay between Zarek and Lee Adama played out behind the deliberate verbalising of the cliché through Dualla and Billy); how the question of “taking sides” and reconciling conflicts are encompassed in Lee Adama’s ability to resolve the hostage situation through actions that are neither aligned with Adama or with Roslin.
:'''[[David Eick]]''': [[Nicki Clyne]], who you see here playing Cally, was somebody who in the [[Miniseries]], I remember [[Michael Rymer|Michael (Rymer)]] and I cast just on the basis of her look, 'cause we thought she was really cute, she kind of reminded us of a young [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001167/ Shelley Duvall]. [...] she turned out to be so good that we— in launching the series we started talking about ways to involve her and I'm very proud of a moment coming up where she does something rather nasty, that...
:'''[[Ronald D. Moore]]''': Well she almost died! '''She was gonna die in the intial drafts of this.'''
:'''Eick''': That's right! He kills her! He rapes and kills her! And they're telling us we're too dark ''this'' year.
:'''Moore''': Oh, I know. The second season is so much darker. And I don't think they even care.  Yeah, Cally, Nicki, I hate to tell ya, but the bullseye was on Nicki here. And I can't even tell you why we decided it was, no I take that back I think it was your note; you said you wanted Cally to fight back and really show some balls in this scene. She bit his ear off...
:'''Eick''': I said, "She bites his frakking ear off" and I was totally being...you know, just ''illustrative''! I didn't really mean it!
:'''Moore''': And I wrote, "she bites his ear off"!
:'''Eick''': "And I got the draft, and she bites his ear off! I was like "that's great!"
:'''Moore''': '''And from that moment on, I think, she really became part of the show'''. In a real sense, once she had gone through that and survived, and you know Tyrol and the gang come in and see her in the hospital at the end you kind of felt like she is one of the family.


Dynamics are strong elsewhere in the episode as well - most obviously between Baltar and, respectively, Six and Adama.
* ''[[Nicki Clyne]] discusses her appearance in the episode:''


The former dynamic again takes a new twist as this is the first time we see her "angry" with Baltar and able to go beyond gentle manipulation of his thoughts and move into outright domination of his conscious thinking.  
:"They used this mixture of corn syrup and coloring for the blood, which was extremely sticky...I had to squeeze this sponge of icky goo all over myself, and I had it on ''whole'' day.  I couldn't wipe off the blood for lunchtime and put it back on, because of continuity reasons. So for the entire day I had my shirt completely stuck to me, and my face was all sticky — it ''wasn't'' a nice feeling.  When I ate my lunch, no one wanted to sit with me.  I even forgot I had this guck on me.  I was walking around, throwing popcorn in my mouth and everyone was backing off and staring at me.  I'm going "Hey, what's your problem?" Then it occurred to me, "Oh yeah, I look like Death! Right. OK!""<ref>{{cite_magazine|quotes=|last=|first=|authorlink=|coauthors=|year=|month=|title=Battlestar  Galactica|magazine=Starlog|volume=|issue=348|pages=31|id=|url=|accessdate=}}</ref>


In his confrontation with Adama, Baltar manages to come across as simultaneously weak, intelligent, child-like and borne of wisdom beyond his years. Genius personified? Perhaps - but that is precisely what Baltar is supposed to be; albeit flawed, and [[James Callas]] combines all of it so powerfully on screen.
* ''[[Richard Hatch]] discusses the similarities between [[Tom Zarek]] and his portrayal of {{TOS|Apollo}} in the {{TOS|Battlestar Galactica|Original Series}}:''


As with previous episodes, "Bastille Day" continues to touch on pieces from the mini and earlier episodes. Despite all that is packed into this one, we still find three minutes in which the Boomer / detonator plot is moved forward, and we get the confirmation that the Boomer / Tyrol relationship is well-known throughout the ship. At the same time, Tigh's alcoholism is touched upon; and the Starbuck / Tigh conflict renews itself - this time with more subtlety than in the [[Mini Series]].
: Tom Zarek and Apollo share a tremendous passion to make a difference in the world around them and to protect human rights. Both very idealistic. But Tom due to his painful history and paying such a huge price for his fight against injustice has crossed over to the darker side of his nature. He struggles with that as he has truly lost faith in the political system, government, and the law.<ref>{{cite_web|url=http://forums.scifi.com/index.php?showtopic=2258854&st=120|title=Live Q&A with Brandon Jerwa and Richard Hatch|date=5 January 2007|accessdate=21 june 2007|last=|first=|format=|language=}}</ref>.
 
At the conclusion of the [[Mini Series|mini]], Tigh made overtures to Starbuck following her manoeuvres that rescued Lee Adama when his Viper was crippled. At the time, Starbuck rejected Tigh's attempts at reaching an understanding out-of-hand. Now, in "Bastille Day", it is Starbuck's turn to make overtures following Thigh's support of her in putting together the plan to re-take the ''Astral Queen'' - only to be rejected by Tigh. In keeping with one of the motifs of the episode, Starbuck reaps what she has sown.
 
However, there are a few minor irritants in the episode:
*The resolution to the hostage crisis being precipitated by problems within the ranks of the hostage-takers (Cally being taken away by another prisoner) came across as a trifle contrived, having been done often enough one way or another in the past to be considered in some ways trite.
*The way Helo, supposedly deep in enemy-held territory walks around town shouting at the top of his lungs – and act he could reasonably expect would bring any nearby Cylons down on him and Valerii like a tonne of bricks.  
*The fact that, despite hearing about and seeing the nuclear bombardment of Caprica in the mini-series, the city Helo and Valerii enter is totally undamaged. Not a broken window, not a collapsed building not a single uprooted tree. Given the size of the warheads the Cylons were using and the devastation they wrought (witness the shockwave that took out Baltar’s house in the mini-series), this is unfortunate. At least some of the skyline of the city could have been CGI’d to look as if it had been bombed.
 
 
--[[User:Ernestborg9|Colonial Archivist]] 09:49, 15 Jan 2005 (EST)
 
== Notes ==  
 
*Events here take place 4 days after those of [[Water]]
*The ''Astral Queen'' is actually a prison ship carrying some 1500 prisoners, and not 500 as stated in the [[Mini Series]]
*Starbuck is a crack shot with a rifle
*The Colonials are going to be facing a fuel shortage at some point
*Raptors are designed for marine assault and include an extendable docking skirt in their underside that can be pressurised (and possibly used in rescue operations?)
*Galactica has a small contingent of marines onboard - perhaps around the 15-30 mark
*Galactica has five "remaining" nuclear warheads
*The Lords or Kobol are the [[Olympian gods]] of Greek mythology.


== Noteworthy Dialogue ==
== Noteworthy Dialogue ==
On Cylon-occupied Caprica:
<b>Doral:</b> She's good. <b>Six:</b> So far. <b>Doral:</b> Jealous? <b>Six</b> This all makes me so sad. <b>Doral:</b> (matter-of-fact) They would have destroyed themselves anyway. They deserve what they got. <b>Six: </b> We're the <i>children of humanity</i>. That makes them our parents in a sense. <b>Doral</b> True - but parents have to die. It's the only way children come into their own. 
Later, aboard the 'Astral Queen', in a broadcast by Tome Zarek:
<b>Tom Zarek:</b> I make these demands not for me....but for you, the people. The survivors of the holocaust and the <i>children of humanity</i>'s future. I am Tom Zarek, and this is the first day of a new era.
-->


== Official Statements ==
*''On choosing sides:''
:'''[[William Adama]]''': Every man has to decide for themselves which side they are on.
:'''[[Lee Adama]]''': I didn't know we were picking sides. ''[walks off]''
:'''William Adama''': That's why you haven't picked one yet.


<!-- Use bullets or standard paragraph form. Please use links to sources!!! -->
*''On Cylon-occupied Caprica:''
<!-- If you wish to create the source within the Battlestar Wiki, then do so! -->
:'''Doral''': She's good.
:'''Six''': So far.
:'''Doral''': Jealous?
:'''Six''': [[Fall of the Twelve Colonies|This all]] makes me so sad.  
:'''Doral''': (matter-of-fact) They would have destroyed themselves anyway. They deserve what they got.
:'''Six''': We're the children of humanity. That makes them our parents in a sense.
:'''Doral''': True - but parents have to die. It's the only way children come into their own. 


== Statistics ==
*''Later, aboard ''Astral Queen'', in a broadcast by Tom Zarek:''
:'''Tom Zarek''': I make these demands not for me....but for you, the people. The survivors of the holocaust and the children of humanity's future. I am Tom Zarek, and this is the first day of a new era.


<!-- All the odds and ends items go here. -->
== Guest stars ==


=== Guest Stars ===
=== Credited ===
<!-- Please use this format when listing actor/characters. -->
<!-- Also don't forget to link characters through the Wiki by using the brackets: [[ ]] -->
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Ricard+Hatch Richard Hatch] as [[Zarek, Tom|Tom Zarek]]
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Alonso+Oyarzun Alonso Oyarzun] as [[Socinus]]
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Nicki+Clyne Nicki Clyne] as [[Cally]]
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Matthew+Bennett Matthew Bennett] as [[Doral,Aaron|Doral]]
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Pat+Adren+Dornal Pat Adren Dornal] as [[Wikens]]
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Ron+Selmour Ron Selmour] as [[Seaborne]]


<!-- Please link people to the Internet Movie DataBase (IMDB). -->
*[[Michael Hogan]] as Colonel [[Saul Tigh]]
<!-- Example of Link [http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Edward+James+Olomos Edward James Olmos] -->
*[[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]]
*[[Connor Widdows]] as [[Boxey]]
*[[Alonso Oyarzun]] as Specialist [[Socinus]]
*[[Nicki Clyne]] as Specialist [[Cally Tyrol|Cally Henderson]]
*[[Pat Adrien Dorval]] as [[Wilkens]]
*[[Ron Selmour]] as [[Seaborne]]
*[[Matthew Bennett]] as [[Aaron Doral]]
*[[Brent Stait]] as [[Mason]]
*[[Graham Young]] as [[Marine Lead (Constellation Team)|Marine #1]]
*[[Curtis Lee Hicks]] as [[Marine Sergeant (Bravo Team)|Marine #2]]
*[[Colby Johannson]] as [[Dwight Saunders|Dwight "Flat Top" Saunders]]


=== Writing & Direction ===
=== Uncredited ===


*Written by [http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Toni+Graphia Toni Graphia]
*[[Scott Nicholson]] as [[Starke]]/Stunt Guard #1 and Stunt Con #6<ref name="sheet">See: [[Sources:Bastille Day]]. Note that there are some misspellings on the call sheets.</ref>
*Directed by [http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Alan+Kroeker Alan Kroeker]
*[[Guy Bews]] as Stunt Guard #1<ref name="sheet2">See: [[Sources:Bastille Day#Day 6 of 7]]. Note that [[Starke]] is credited as "Stunt Guard #1" on Day 7, whereas Bews's character is called this on Day 6.</ref>
*[[Lou Bollo]] as Stunt Guard #2<ref name="sheet"/>
*[[Duane Dickinson]] as Stunt Guard #3<ref name="sheet"/>
*[[Tony Morelli]] as Stunt Con #1<ref name="sheet"/>
*[[Ernest Jackson]] as Stunt Con #2<ref name="sheet"/>
*[[Gaston Howard]] as Stunt Con #3<ref name="sheet"/>
*[[Scott Atea]] as Stunt Con #4<ref name="sheet"/>
*[[Simon Burnett]] as Stunt Con #5<ref name="sheet"/>
*[[Gerald Paets]] as Stunt Con #7<ref name="sheet"/>
*[[Charles Andre]] as Stunt Marine<ref name="sheet"/>
*[[Dave Hospes]] as [[Lee Adama]] (stunt)<ref name="sheet"/>


<!-- Please link people to the Internet Movie DataBase (IMDB). -->
== References ==
<!-- Example of Link [http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Edward+James+Olmos Edward James Olomos] -->


=== Production Notes ===
{{reflist}}


*Series: 1 (2004 / 2005)
{{episode list (RDM season 1)}}
*Production Number: 1.03
*Airdate Order: 3 (of 13)


=== First Run Air Dates & Releases ===
[[Category:Episodes written by Toni Graphia]]
[[Category:Episodes directed by Allan Kroeker]]
[[Category:RDM]]


*UK Airdate: 1 November 2004 (Sky One)
{{audio playback
*US Airdate: 28 January 2005 (Sci-Fi Channel)
| diff= 87913
*DVD Release: N/A
| filename= Bastilleday_episodeguide.mp3
}}


{{Category: Episode Guide}}
[[de:Meuterei auf der Astral Queen]]
[[fr:Épisode:Révolution]]

Latest revision as of 22:13, 20 February 2024

Bastille Day
"Bastille Day"
An episode of the Re-imagined Series
Episode No. Season 1, Episode 3
Writer(s) Toni Graphia
Story by
Director Alan Kroeker
Assistant Director
Special guest(s) Richard Hatch as Tom Zarek
Production No. 103
Nielsen Rating 2.3
US airdate USA 2005-01-21
CAN airdate CAN 2005-01-29
UK airdate UK 2004-11-01
DVD release 20 September 2005 US
28 March 2005 UK
Population survivors
Additional Info
Full Credits
Episode Chronology
Previous Next
Water Bastille Day Act of Contrition
Related Information
Official Summary
R&D SkitView
[[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



After the Fleet finds water ice to replace that which was lost in sabotage, Galactica and the Fleet face a shortage of manpower to mine the ice, turning to their prisoner barge for help, with unexpected complications.

Summary

In the Fleet

  • After Galactica's extensive water supplies are sabotaged (TRS: "Water"), a source of water is found on a nearby moon—but it is in the form of ice, and must be mined, which will require a crew of around 1,000.
  • As that number cannot be spared from Galactica's crew, and it is unlikely civilians will volunteer, it is determined to try and enlist the help of the prisoners on Astral Queen.
  • Roslin won’t have the prisoners forced into the work, so Lee Adama suggests the prisoners who volunteer could be awarded points to go towards their freedom.
  • This idea does not go down well with Commander Adama, who is already at odds with his son over his new position as "special advisor" to the President.
  • However, Roslin decides to send a delegation led by Lee Adama to Astral Queen to put the idea to the prisoners. To address Adama's fears that they might inadvertently release dangerous prisoners into the Fleet's community, Billy Keikeya is selected to go as well and screen the prisoners prior to selection.
  • As a further snub to his son, Adama insists military personnel also go – one to assist in the screening, who will report directly to him – and one to ensure the selected prisoners can handle the equipment that will be used to extract the ice.
  • Anastasia Dualla is "volunteered" by Billy Keikeya for the first role, Cally Henderson is eventually selected for the second.
  • On Astral Queen, Captain Adama outlines the deal to the prisoners: help us and earn points towards your freedom. No one volunteers.
  • The nominated leader of the prisoners politely refuses the offer. Billy Keikeya recognizes him as Tom Zarek, a political agitator from Sagittaron.
  • While Dualla and Keikeya argue the merits of Zarek as a "prisoner of conscience" or terrorist, with Keikeya almost idolizing him, Adama meets with Zarek to try and persuade him to help the fleet.
  • On Galactica, Commander Adama meets with Gaius Baltar, who is still equivocating over his Cylon detector. When Adama pushes Baltar into a corner, the doctor tries to admit he can’t actually build the detector.
  • This releases a torrent of anger from Baltar’s virtual Six, which terrifies him into submission. She instructs him on what to ask for in order to make the detector: a nuclear warhead.
  • When virtual Six only reveals a part of how this can be used to make the detector, Baltar is forced to think things through himself, and realizes it will actually work. Adama agrees to let Baltar have a warhead.
  • On Astral Queen, Zarek's elaborately orchestrated break-out takes place, and Galactica’s delegation is taken hostage.
  • With the ship in his control, Zarek demands the immediate resignation of President Roslin and her government on the grounds that, having never been elected, they do not represent the people.
  • As Zarek uses Lee Adama to try and gain insight into the dynamic between Roslin and Commander Adama, an assault mission consisting of Marines and led by Kara "Starbuck" Thrace is assembled. A crack sharpshooter, Thrace is ordered by Adama to kill Zarek if she gets the chance.
  • Commander Adama tries to negotiate with Zarek himself, but is rebuffed. Lee Adama realizes the truth: Zarek wants the commander to send in the troops, believing a bloodbath aboard Queen will bring down Roslin’s government through scandal.
  • The Marines and Starbuck arrive in the Raptors and cut their way into the ship.
  • In the cells, a prisoner, Mason, decides he doesn’t like the way Cally Henderson has been “mocking” him, and decides to teach her a lesson.
  • Matters escalate as Mason attempts to rape Henderson, who bites off a piece of his ear. He shoots Henderson in retaliation, wounding her.
  • Lee Adama and Zarek rush to the cell where the prisoner holds Henderson at bay. In the confusion, Captain Adama takes a sidearm and puts it to Zarek’s head, giving him a choice: die immediately, or work with his men to supply the Fleet with water, and in return he’ll get to keep Astral Queen and get his elections.
  • The Marines then make their presence felt, as Thrace takes a shot at Zarek – who is saved by Lee Adama.
  • Roslin and Adama are initially less than pleased at Captain Adama's arrangement, who is not concerned. The prisoners are helping with the water, even if they have control of Astral Queen they are still reliant on the Fleet for supplies, and under Colonial law, Roslin would have to face elections in seven months.
  • Later, Captain Adama informs Roslin that he didn’t mean to offend her with his views, and that when the elections come, he’ll vote for her. His honesty causes her to reveal the truth about her cancer and the fact that she might not be alive to run for re-election.

On Caprica

  • Helo and "Valerii" reach a relatively undamaged city.
  • As they explore the city, they are observed by a Number Five and Six from a rooftop.
  • The Five and Six discuss their heritage as Cylons - the "children of humanity". While Six expresses regret that humans must be destroyed, the Five is less compassionate, citing that parents need to die to let the children come into their own.

Notes

Continuity Notes

  • Events here take place 2 days after those of "Water".
  • In the Miniseries, Astral Queen is apparently a liner, rather than a prison ship.
    • During a briefing, Billy informs President Roslin that: "The Captain of Astral Queen wants you to know that he has nearly 500 convicted criminals under heavy guard in his cargo hold. They were being transported to a penal station when the attack happened."
    • In the re-cap clip shown at the top of this episode, Keikeya's lines are re-dubbed so that he says, "The Captain of Astral Queen wants you to know that he has 1,500 prisoners under heavy guard."
    • Instead of being taken to a penal station, as in the Miniseries, Lee Adama states that the prisoners were being transferred to Caprica for parole hearings.
    • For the purposes of the increased number of prisoners, Astral Queen becomes a prison ship.
  • The Colonials will face a fuel shortage at some point.
  • Major Cottle, Galactica's ship doctor, is first mentioned in this episode, although he will not appear until the next episode.
  • President Roslin's hair style changes starting with this episode, from the straight-down hairstyle she had since the Miniseries, to the swept-back style which she would sport through the end of Season 2.
  • Galactica is referred to by Viper pilots as the "Big G." This mirrors the nickname pilots have given to the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise, the "Big E". The introduction of Pegasus would later change this; Galactica would be nicknamed "The Bucket," with Pegasus being nicknamed "The Beast."

Production Notes

  • Richard Hatch played the character of Apollo in the Original Series and is the first cast member of the 1978 show to participate in the Re-imagined Series.
  • This is one of only two Season 1 episodes to deal extensively with another ship in the Fleet. The other is "Colonial Day, which features Cloud Nine heavily and has few scenes on Galactica. Originally this was planned to happen more often, but building new sets turned out to be much more expensive than anticipated.
  • This is the only regular-series episode in which Boxey appears, outside of his appearance in the Miniseries. According to the podcast, when the Miniseries was created, the writers envisioned Boxey as being a major recurring character in most episodes of the series. However, on a case-by-case basis, they found that inserting a child like Boxey did not harmonize with many of the dark scripts on the series, and once the show got underway and found its flow, they simply couldn't think of ways to write him into upcoming scripts. By the beginning of Season 2, they realized they hadn't been using him, and officially decided to simply abandon the character and consciously never tried to use him again.
  • Starting with this episode, Cally Henderson started to become a larger character on the series, as noted by Moore and Eick in the podcast (see Official Statements, below). Originally she was supposed to die, but instead they rewrote the scene to give her an attention-getting grittiness and in turn, survival.
  • The quip made by Astral Queen's captain, "I'm a bus driver, not a warden," is a homage to the original Star Trek television series. It is similar to Doctor Leonard McCoy's trademark quote, "I'm a doctor, not a bricklayer," or whatever fits at the time in the latter portion of the statement.
  • The setup for this plot might have been inspired by the TOS episode "The Gun on Ice Planet Zero, Part I". In both episodes, a group of criminals was conscripted from a prison ship to work on the icy surface of a hostile planet. A notable difference between the two episodes lies in how the workers were chosen. While the workers in "Bastille Day" were chosen in part for their expendability, the conscripts in "The Gun on Ice Planet Zero, Part I" were chosen for their expertise in harsh environments and in demolition work. Also different was the prisoners' motivation to take on the work. In "Bastille Day," the prisoners are offered the possibility of earning their freedom, whereas the prisoners in "The Gun on Ice Planet Zero, Part I" were offered nothing overtly other than the fear that the fleet might be destroyed without their services. A number of them take the assignment in the hopes of escaping during the action.
  • According to the DVD commentary for the episode, the startling scene when Number Six yells in Baltar's face that "they're going to throw you out of an airlock!" was a visual homage taken from the film "Jacob's Ladder," which has a similar startling close up shot. Tricia Helfer was given scary makeup for the shot, but in such a slight way that it is difficult for the eye to see what's wrong with the shot, but the audience can tell on some level that something's wrong. If you pause during her close-up shot, you can see that she's wearing contact lenses that make her eyes look unnaturally bright, and a mouthpiece of fake teeth which are bent out of shape and unnaturally large.
  • The building seen in the first scene with Helo and Sharon is actually the Vancouver Public Library, one of the most recognizable buildings in the city of Vancouver.
  • The scene where Lee Adama holds his pistol to a kneeling Tom Zarek is a recreation of Dirty Harry, according to David Eick's comments in the DVD commentary. "That is the 'I know what you're thinking, punk' shot, down to the move, the lens, the distance of the camera away from the actor."

Analysis

  • The Cylons didn't nuke every city on Caprica, although they did nuke most of them (including Caprica City). Ron Moore points out in the podcast that at first this was just a plot expediency: Helo needed an environment to interact with. Helo verbalizes the issue, saying "Why are some cities not nuked?" The answer to this question comes in the episode "Downloaded," when viewers see the Cylons rebuilding and inhabiting a city themselves. The intense radiation exposure killed most humans on Caprica without the necessity of destroying all infrastructure.
  • It seems strange that Helo would be shouting loudly to see if anyone might hear him, as this might draw Cylon attention. However, viewers can't tell how many hours Caprica-Valerii and Helo might have spent discovering that the city is (apparently) empty. Moreover, it has only been 12 days since the Cylon attack, and Helo has no idea how far over Caprica they have spread yet.
  • The flight briefing Starbuck gives as acting-CAG seems a bit "out of character" compared to her personality as developed later in the series. She is in full "Top Gun" mode: wearing aviator sunglasses, sporting a cigar, and giving a very irreverent briefing. Actress Katee Sackhoff and the writers have said that after the first few episodes they learned to start adding "more of Katee into Starbuck," and Starbuck's character smoothed out a great deal by the middle of the season.
  • Another oddity with this scene is that Boxey's presence seems a bit forced (Moore and Eick point this out in the podcast). Why would Starbuck bring a 10 year old to a flight briefing on a military ship? The concept was that Boxey is an orphan kid adopted by the pilots, who lives with them and is sort of their mascot/gopher/helper. But that plot point was never fleshed out, leaving the impression that this kid is helping Starbuck give a briefing.
  • At the end of the Miniseries, Tigh chooses to quit drinking. In "33," Commander Adama notes how good it is that Tigh isn't drinking anymore. However, Tigh has a relapse, having a few shots, and is a little tipsy in front of some crewmen (although he is not slurring his speech and stumbling over furniture).
  • The notion of Starbuck being a sharpshooter, "best shot in or out of the cockpit" stretches the credibility of these scenes: shooting in a Viper and shooting a sniper rifle are entirely different things. The force of moving the plot forward and trying to include a major character becomes a bit obvious. Ron Moore conceded this point in his blog entry of April 11th, 2005:

"Kara might be the best shot in the fleet...but being a good shot is far from being a trained sniper. And she missed in that episode, a huge faux-paux for a scout sniper. In addition, she could not have been conducting unit training and sustainment training with the Marines...and fly her Viper.

In the season finale, with the Marine boarding party assaulting into the President's office...her guards would have had to put down their guns..or they would have been shot quickly..or at least physically detained at gunpoint. There is no way a standoff that close would ensue."

I think both comments are well taken and I concede the points. In both instances, we chose to go with the dramatic needs rather than the "real" choices. Making Kara the sniper was simply a way of providing more tension and drama into the final sequence of "Bastille Day" rather than going with a brand-new Marine sniper who the audience would have no investment in or identification with. Likewise, the stand-off aboad Colonial One would've probably never occured with real Marines and Secret Service agents, and indeed, early drafts of the script had the final beats playing out on either side of a barricaded hatch that separated the two sides. However, the feeling was that separating Laura et al from Tigh et al dissipated the drama and felt less suspenseful, so we decided to go for the stand-off. It's a judgement call, frankly. We're always striving to keep things as "real" as we can make them, but we are still producing a television series and we're telling a story, so sometimes we bend the rules to make the show more compelling or to avoid awkward scenes that actually slow it down and dissipate the momentum.

Questions

Answered Questions

For answers to the questions in this section, click here.

Unanswered Questions

None yet.

Official Statements

David Eick: Nicki Clyne, who you see here playing Cally, was somebody who in the Miniseries, I remember Michael (Rymer) and I cast just on the basis of her look, 'cause we thought she was really cute, she kind of reminded us of a young Shelley Duvall. [...] she turned out to be so good that we— in launching the series we started talking about ways to involve her and I'm very proud of a moment coming up where she does something rather nasty, that...
Ronald D. Moore: Well she almost died! She was gonna die in the intial drafts of this.
Eick: That's right! He kills her! He rapes and kills her! And they're telling us we're too dark this year.
Moore: Oh, I know. The second season is so much darker. And I don't think they even care. Yeah, Cally, Nicki, I hate to tell ya, but the bullseye was on Nicki here. And I can't even tell you why we decided it was, no I take that back I think it was your note; you said you wanted Cally to fight back and really show some balls in this scene. She bit his ear off...
Eick: I said, "She bites his frakking ear off" and I was totally being...you know, just illustrative! I didn't really mean it!
Moore: And I wrote, "she bites his ear off"!
Eick: "And I got the draft, and she bites his ear off! I was like "that's great!"
Moore: And from that moment on, I think, she really became part of the show. In a real sense, once she had gone through that and survived, and you know Tyrol and the gang come in and see her in the hospital at the end you kind of felt like she is one of the family.
"They used this mixture of corn syrup and coloring for the blood, which was extremely sticky...I had to squeeze this sponge of icky goo all over myself, and I had it on whole day. I couldn't wipe off the blood for lunchtime and put it back on, because of continuity reasons. So for the entire day I had my shirt completely stuck to me, and my face was all sticky — it wasn't a nice feeling. When I ate my lunch, no one wanted to sit with me. I even forgot I had this guck on me. I was walking around, throwing popcorn in my mouth and everyone was backing off and staring at me. I'm going "Hey, what's your problem?" Then it occurred to me, "Oh yeah, I look like Death! Right. OK!""[1]
Tom Zarek and Apollo share a tremendous passion to make a difference in the world around them and to protect human rights. Both very idealistic. But Tom due to his painful history and paying such a huge price for his fight against injustice has crossed over to the darker side of his nature. He struggles with that as he has truly lost faith in the political system, government, and the law.[2].

Noteworthy Dialogue

  • On choosing sides:
William Adama: Every man has to decide for themselves which side they are on.
Lee Adama: I didn't know we were picking sides. [walks off]
William Adama: That's why you haven't picked one yet.
  • On Cylon-occupied Caprica:
Doral: She's good.
Six: So far.
Doral: Jealous?
Six: This all makes me so sad.
Doral: (matter-of-fact) They would have destroyed themselves anyway. They deserve what they got.
Six: We're the children of humanity. That makes them our parents in a sense.
Doral: True - but parents have to die. It's the only way children come into their own.
  • Later, aboard Astral Queen, in a broadcast by Tom Zarek:
Tom Zarek: I make these demands not for me....but for you, the people. The survivors of the holocaust and the children of humanity's future. I am Tom Zarek, and this is the first day of a new era.

Guest stars

Credited

Uncredited

References

  1. "Battlestar Galactica". Starlog (348): 31.
  2. Live Q&A with Brandon Jerwa and Richard Hatch (backup available on Archive.org) (in ). (5 January 2007). Retrieved on 21 june 2007.
  3. 3.00 3.01 3.02 3.03 3.04 3.05 3.06 3.07 3.08 3.09 3.10 See: Sources:Bastille Day. Note that there are some misspellings on the call sheets.
  4. See: Sources:Bastille Day#Day 6 of 7. Note that Starke is credited as "Stunt Guard #1" on Day 7, whereas Bews's character is called this on Day 6.