Written by Ronald D. Moore
Directed by Michael Rymer
“Yes, we’re tired. Yes, there is no relief. Yes, the Cylons keep coming after us time after time after time. And yes, we are still expected to do our jobs!”
Things to love (actually…adore) about the series opener of Battlestar Galactica:
1-The sheer exhaustion on display. The episode picks up four days after the end of the pilot, as the Cylons jump in to attack the fleet exactly thirty-three minutes after each hyperlight jump. Through amazing acting, gorgeous cinematography, wonderful make up, and a host of little details (look at the beat up nature of the Vipers — lightyears from the magical, endlessly spotless USS Voyager!), we are thrust right into the heart of this series, without any extraneous set up.
2-The growing sense of doom, and the unending sense of pain. The wall of photos struck very close to home…yet it’s a stunning reminder of how Galactica is the most intense, remarkable post-9/11 series on television. These people, whom we barely know, are already managing to touch us with their grief and their determination. Even more chilling is the white board, with its dropping population count: the total sum of humanity, reduced to marker writing on white plastic. It’s a brilliant and terrifying touch.
3-Consequences. There are CONSEQUENCES on display throughout this episode. Things happen, and have a permanent, lasting effect. Somewhere in the back room, Star Trek Voyager is hiding its head in shame.
4-Cylon-occupied Caprica. Are the Cylons messing with Helo’s mind? How did he survive? Did anyone else survive? Whatever is being set up with this sub-plot, it certainly grabs one’s attention, and makes for a welcome change of pace from the (otherwise brilliant) fleet-in-space settings.
5-Edward James Olmos as Commander Adama. When he says “I always look good”, you’d better believe it!
6-Number Six and Baltar. Good lord, there’s a tanker-load of electricity between them…and not just the sexual kind. Tricia Helfer’s constant, icy proclamations on behalf of God are the embodiment of Republican-America-on-speed…and all the more remarkable, considering her sexy outfits! (It’s the 7 of 9 seal of approval) Meanwhile, James Callis is doing an amazing job as Baltar ? anyone willing to take bets on where his destiny is going to lead him? It won’t be pleasant, I’m sure…
Welcome to another superb new television series. God knows we need them…now more than ever!
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