Written by Michael Angeli
Directed by Sergio Mimica-Gezzan
“So what did you take from me?”
“I was thinkin’ the photograph that you carry…the girl…the pilot. But you’ve had enough stolen from you already.”
The Son Also Rises is growing on me. It has a different pace, a different style, and a different sensibility to what’s come before. In the aftermath of Starbuck’s demise, Battlestar Galactica offers a quiet (maybe too quiet) episode that manages to bring with it the winds of change.
With Starbuck out of the way, there’s a definite feeling that the over-arching plot of the series is pushing ahead into new territory. A major new addition to the cast, the Galactica crew coming to terms with their loss (very badly, and very realistically), and the two Adamas setting themselves on a collision course. Throw in the build up to Baltar’s trial, and a surprising attempt by a long time semi-regular to blow Baltar to hell…the end result is the most plot-heavy episode in some time. Luckily, Michael Angeli’s script maneuvers the cast into their positions with chess-like precision, and director Sergio Mimica-Gezzan keeps up a good pace without throwing in unnecessary or distracting artistry.
The main showcase of the episode is the introduction of Mark Sheppard as Baltar’s defence attorney, Romo Lampkin. He’s a master manipulator of emotions (his subtle interview with Caprica-Six), a blunt irritant (carrying his ex-wife’s cat everywhere he goes, insulting Lee to make a point), and a kleptomaniac of epic scale. And yet, he’s also capable of surprising honesty, especially with Lee…with whom he seems to be developing quite a bond. Is it for real? Or is it part of some unrevealed manipulation…such as the mind games he plays with Baltar and his pen. Only time will tell…but the fascination factor ensures that I’ll keep watching.
The fallout from Starbuck’s demise is also nicely handled, if nothing I didn’t expect. The Admiral and his son seem to be torn asunder by it, adversely affecting their relationship…the deck crew have become cynical realists, with Cally as their voice (her deconstruction of humanity’s failings in the face of the Cylon threat is devastating)…and Sam is drunk and inconsolable. Yet, as the Adama family falls apart, as the fleet gears up for the trial of the millennium, as Baltar seems to become a paranoid figure straight out of The X-Files (ironic, considering Sheppard was a guest star in that series’ first season)…Lee and Sam take the first step in dealing with their loss…perhaps cementing a new friendship. I could have predicted all of this happening…but the actors sell it, and that’s what counts in my book.
My friends James & Erin didn’t like this episode very much…but once again, I can’t agree with them. It isn’t the first time we disagree (just read both of our reviews about the second series finale to Doctor Who), but this episode seems to speak to me far more than it did to them. I found it intriguing, compelling, and even a bit loopy-in-a-good-way. Still, as someone once said, that’s democracy for you. 
In any event, if everyone agreed all the time…life would be exceedingly dull.
It’s definitely one of the most transitional episodes in quite some time – and, instead of a conclusion, is just…stops – but I found it very addictive viewing. Superficially, Lampkin might not be the right sort of man for Baltar’s defense counsel, but (1) there’s probably not much choice left in the fleet; and (2) a normal lawyer is going to be extremely boring from a dramatic point of view…and I’m willing to bet Lampkin won’t be boring in any way. Someone that cunning I’d definitely want in my corner…
…if he’s in anyone’s corner but his own. 
7.5
