Katee Sackoff and Grace Park on BATTLESTAR GALACTICA.
© Sci Fi Channel

Mania Grade: A-
Reviewed Format: TV Show
Network: Sci-Fi Channel
Original Airdate: 19 August 2005
Cast: Edward James Olmos, Mary McDonnell, Katee Sackoff, Jamie Bamber, James Callis, Tricia Helfer, Grace Park
Creator: Glen A. Larson
Developer: Ronald D. Moore
Writers: David Eick
Director: Sergio Mimica-Gezzan

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BATTLESTAR GALACTICA - Home, Part One

This episode is about loss and it makes its theme clear in the attempt to replace Apollo as commander of Galactica's air group with George Burch, a decision even Colonel Tigh wouldn't take in a drunken stupor. With Roslin, the fleet has lost its direction and its faith. Adama too, spends the hour unsure of his actions. Philosophy aside, the story succeeds in reminding the audience that even at the most chaotic times, these characters are truly something special. Apollo's reflexive attack on Boomer, Roslin's backstabbing order to space Boomer, and Adama's final solution to the schism within the fleet all add shadings of color to an already multi-faceted ensemble.

Of course, relatively quiet episodes like this one, offer a moment to dwell on the details. There's nothing like specificity to create verisimilitude and BATTLESTAR GALACTICA is incredible at dealing with the minutiae in a way that enhances the narrative without detracting attention from it. Starbuck's kindergarten flirtations with Apollo are an excellent example. The inherent emotional immaturity of these two characters goes straight back to their damaged social development and their interaction rings true on a subconscious level with what the viewer has seen of similarly stunted adolescents in real life. Number Six's assertion that that human's are "masters of self-destruction" is a wonderful observation made all the more pertinent by the fact that she utters it to Baltar as he smokes. Moments like this reinforce the philosophy of the dialogue in ways that barely even register, but build to something more substantial in the back of the viewer's mind.

The devil is in the details, and, speaking of the devil, he's been known to quote scripture to suit his ends. No doubt this was on Roslin's mind as she followed Boomer into the forests of Kobol to find the tomb of Athena. That Boomer refutes her Cylon heritage on behalf of her human compatriots is at once expected and disconcerting. We know from Baltar's interrogation that the Boomer aboard Galactica honestly loved Tyrol and Roslin believes, despite programming, that the Caprican Boomer loves Helo and cherishes their unborn child. Though the full shape and scale of the Cylon plan remains a mystery, there can be little doubt that it will eventually arrive in the same territory explored by STAR TREK: THE MOTION PICTURE, but with infinitely more satisfying results. The Cylons seek an audience with their gods, but the outcome of such a meeting...well, that'll be the day...as they say.