Written by David Weddle & Bradley Thompson
Directed by Michael Nankin
“The President says we’re defending humanity for a bright, shiny future…on Earth…which you and I will never see.”
Kara “Starbuck” Thrace is one screwed up, depressed, near-alcoholic cocktail of emotions…and she is, by far, the most magnificent, three-dimensional character on Galactica. Which says a great deal, considering how well rounded even the most minor members of the cast become on this show!
David Weddle & Bradley Thompson are the writers who seem to know Starbuck best, having already explored her inner demons in the previous season with Act of Contrition and You Can’t Go Home Again. This episode acts like a companion piece to that show — demonstrating that even Starbuck can’t ignore the changes that have happened to her in the last year. It’s an ugly, brutal, terribly journey…but one that ends with a momentous emotional release.
It’s fascinating to watch as Katee Sackhoff manages to steer Starbuck into near-self destruction: becoming a lush on Tigh’s level; getting increasingly distracted from her duties and her patrols; unable to get over her emotional hang up over Samuel Anders; and — in what could be the most amazing scene of the episode — her attempt at a quick screw with Apollo…which leads to a hideous, near-explosion of truthfulness between them…about what they’ve become. The first kiss, and then the slap…that was desperation, frustration, and anger. That second kiss? WOW! That was from a deep, black depth that’s going to come back to haunt both of them.
And then, in the middle of all this build up to death and destruction…she let’s go. She decides to live for others, and live for herself. She let’s Kat have the kill of Scar, she graciously handles losing the top gun cup, and she finds her emotional release in realizing she remembers the names of everyone they’ve lost, even though she claimed the opposite, earlier in the episode. It’s one of the most beautiful yet achingly sad moments I’ve witnessed in quite some time.
Add in an intimate scene with Cylon-Sharon about lost friendships and memories, a flashback cycle that (after three episodes in a row) is finally effective by manipulating an incredible build up of emotions, and some absolutely gorgeous special effects in the asteroid field…and the end result is a near flawless episode of Galactica. It cleanses the palate after last week’s lesser fare.
9
Written by Peter Noah
Directed by Nelson McCormick
“You knew you’d hear from me.”
“It gave me a chance to hone my turn-down.”
“It’s why I didn’t do it over the phone.”
“You’re showing up does have a nice nostalgic signature.”
“Style points!”
See Josh try to build an administration from the ground up.
See Josh attempt to get through everything on his agenda without actually trying to sleep…though he manages to shave the back of his neck!
See Josh nearly implode as everything — trying to persuade Sam to return, the state of his relationship with Donna, Santos apparently ignoring him about the Kazakhstan situation — threatens to make his increasingly pale head explode.
See Sam return in a glorious taste of the old days, finishing off with a great speech that puts Josh in his place…and a wonderful non-sequitur moment, alone in the President-Elect’s office with Santos. God bless you, Rob Lowe.
See Donna stake a claim to her man by offering him unconditional terms. Watch Donna as she considers an offer to become the new First Lady’s Chief of Staff. Luxuriate in Janel Moloney’s wonderful, confident, assured presence and poise throughout the episode.
Watch President Bartlet and President-to-Be Santos engage in good cop/bad cop with the Russians and Chinese, under everyone’s noses. Silly staffers!
See Donna and Josh making out in a plane, as they jet off to a well-earned tropical holiday. Watch Josh’s abandoned blackberry buzz its un-answering self off the desk in his empty office…and enjoy a slightly odd, surprising, yet ultimately satisfying episode of The West Wing.
8.5
