Friday, March 06, 2009

Islanded in a Stream of Stars

I thought the "whole" of tonight's Battlestar Galactica wasn't too extraordinary tonight. We're well past the point now where any one story is being told within the confines of a single episode; instead, many plot threads are leading up to the ultimate conclusion. So there wasn't really one narrative like the recent mutiny episodes, or the finding of Earth, or some such to rally around.

However, there were many smaller "parts" which transcended the whole, a number of really outstanding scenes and moments sprinkled throughout the episode.

Helo's scene with Adama, pleading for a chance to go after his daughter and breaking down when refused, was probably the strongest material the character has ever been given on the show, and actor Tahmoh Penikett really delivered.

The nice callback between Roslin and Adama, to their happy time on New Caprica, was a quiet and sweet scene.

The wonderfully crafted funeral montage was deeply moving, with its overlapping and intercut eulogies from several different religions and values.

The scenes between Boomer and Hera hit entirely different emotions. Boomer's threat near the beginning to drug the child to shut her up was particularly horrific, and yet the final scene involving the two, in which Hera pleads to Boomer for help, was just as effective.

I didn't find Adama's breakdown this episode as compelling as he's had facing earlier trials this season, though the final scene between he and Tigh was another triumph. The last shot, pulling back on the two as they sit side by side, spent, was perfect.

Just two weeks remain...

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

I thought the whole "surprise, Anders can control the ship!" moment was cool since it seemed logical and they had apparently been setting up those dominoes all season. again Tigh had the perfect reaction. (quick unplug him!)

also like Starbuck putting her own picture on the wall, and Baltar "outing" her. but we did think it was a little unlike Starbuck to just slap him, she shoulda gave him a windup-slugging!

I was thinking "what the frak?!" during the medicinal weed smoking scene between the two LEADERS. kind of a contrast between realism and whatever type of message they want to send the audience.

Helo's scene was the best. and Adama trying to tell him he knows what it's like to loose a kid. that was all very well done.

and I knew there was some good left in Boomer!

the mole