It's been over a year since Battlestar Galactica's third season concluded, but at long last, tonight brought us a new installment. And it wasn't a bad episode, but let's be real here -- nothing could have lived up to that kind of anticipation.
The real flaw tonight was that it was "incomplete." Not that I'm at all surprised; anyone who didn't expect a two-part episode (or more) for the season premiere was kidding themselves.
Yet at the same time, despite having more than one episode in which to spread out the story, things seemed overly crowded tonight. Again, probably not a huge surprise, given how chock full of story the current situation was. They had to deal with the Cylon attack, the return of Starbuck, the search for Earth, the fallout of the "four" realizing their Cylon identities, Baltar hiding away with his newfound cult, the shared dreams of Athena and Roslin and Caprica... (head spinning)... Because of all that stuff, there just weren't many real character moments, the parts that really make the show great. Two really did land for me, though.
First, there was Baltar who, after a lifetime of self-interest and unchecked survival instinct, actually reached a place where he was sincerely ready to die for someone else. This is a major moment for his character -- and notably, his "Head Six" changed in appearance and demeanor as well. James Callis played both the moment of Baltar's prayer and the moment of the knife at his throat extremely well.
Secondly, there was the scene between Admiral Adama and his son, where Lee decides not to go back to the cockpit. I found it to be a good moment not because of Lee's choice, but because his brother Zack was brought into the conversation. It was really just the briefest of moments, but the question "what if it was Zack returning now instead of Starbuck?" was a powerful one for those characters, and I think both actors made you feel that even with little dialogue.
Of course, all these balls in the air will still have to be juggled next week, so I expect another rather plot-heavy installment then. But I'm hopeful the show will get completely back on its game once the cliffhangers are resolved and the season is off and running.
In any case, Battlestar Galactica is back, and I'm glad to have it.
3 comments:
yay! I could hardly believe I was watching a new episode after sooooo long! and I was very glad they maintained the quality.
my favorite parts have always been Baltar's delusional dialogue interacting with the oblivious people around him. "yes, take my life!" aw yeah, great stuff! they have crafted a nice journey for him on the way to joining the craziness of his followers...
and I recognized Baltar's attacker from the tribunal that was airlocking the New Caprica police guys. I was like "run!!!!" it was a fun bit to use THAT guy in that scene.
I was not expecting Starbuck to have time traveled (??) but the memory loss and brand-new ship (with the same designation as the ship she left in??) is all great mysterious cool BSG that I've come to enjoy.
and I liked the scene with Anders and Starbuck where she said if she found out he was a cylon she would shoot him. hehe :) it was funny and creepy at the same time.
there is so much to happily wonder about it's overwhelming. and to know that the next new episode is only ONE WEEK (!) away seems almost unbelievable.
the only downer was the lame "will she shoot Roslyn?" ending. of course she won't! pretty weak for a cliffhanger.
the mole
While I'm sure Baltar seemed really good on paper when Moore et. al. were specing the characters years ago, James Callis has broadened and harnessed that character into one of most complex non-heroic non-villainous characters I've ever seen in a series or film.
I just hope this final season doesn't contain any overreaching Roddenberryesque message melodrama that peppered too much of last season.
It was a great episode, and a great start to the final journey towards Earth ... I agree with all of your praise for the character development of Baltar, and look forward to more developments in the complex relationship between the Adamas. They are flawed and glorious, these humans, and we love to watch and see what they will do next.
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