Written by Ronald D. Moore
Directed by Martia Grabiak
“I don’t suppose we have a plan B?”
“Plans B, C, D and E are the same as plan A; get off the planet and get back to the ship.”
Water is an exercise in style and set-up…and one hell of a Boomer acid trip.
Ron Moore is on record as saying that Galactica allows him to explore the themes, styles, and character points that he helped to develop on Star Trek DS9. One of the most important techniques is the ability to successfully lay pipe: the DS9 staffers’ term for laying the groundwork of what was still to come. Water does this extremely well.
The primary plot — the sabotage of the water tanks, and the search for a new supply — allows for the exploration of all sorts of fleet goodies that the writing staff will get to play with in short order. We get everything from a taste of investigation procedures (filmed in a glorious, All The President’s Men style), to the set up of character dynamics (eg. between the Adama family and the President; between Starbuck and Baltar), and the revelation of Adama’s discovery that there is a Cylon on board, and they look like us. Plus, a sampling of some gorgeous visuals, such as the most magnificent depcition of planets in space, and the tanker pulling up to Galactica for water reclamation. In short, it’s a solid piece of set up, full of all sorts of delicious, geeky touches and character moments that set the path for the future.
Then there’s Boomer…and OH MY GOD, are we screwed or what!
What’s scarier? Her ability to scare the Chief into helping her hide what’s going on out of love? Her near-failure at reporting the discovery of water? Her suddenly robotic march at the end? Could she be a Cylon…?
Well DUH! Let’s ask the very VERY confused Hilo, back on Caprica, who’s got his own Boomer to deal with. Again, more set up…but I’m really liking this Caprica sub-plot — an aspect totally ignored in the original series. Whatever our Galactica-Boomer is going through, I’m sure it’ll be nothing compared to what’s in store for Caprica-Boomer and Hilo.
Water is simply set up, set up, set up. But so stylishly packaged, with superb direction, and (once again) fabulous music. I can live with set up when it’s this juicy.
8
