Part 2 of 2
Written by Michael Angeli
Directed by Anthony Hemingway
“The Hybrid is always telling us something. They’re supposed to maintain operations on each ship, not vomit metaphysics.”
Well, that wasn’t quite the explosion I was expecting…more of an uncontrolled oozing from a broken egg. Six of One oozes with future possibilities: deep, dark, and thick with complications.
Let’s start with the resolution to the cliffhanger…and the fact that our weakened, ill President nearly blows off the head of a woman begging for understanding. Why is Roslin so determined not to believe Kara? Is the thought of dying alone (as Adama so bluntly puts it) keeping her from thinking rationally…or is it something else? We all knew that Kara wouldn’t die…but I didn’t think they’d play it this close to the line. In fact, the scene between a hung-over Adama and a frightened, exhausted Roslin could be one of the finest, purely dramatic scenes in the entire series.
Then again, this IS Battlestar Galactica. What else should I have expected?
The episode mutates into a story of muttered conversations, taking place in claustrophobic environments: the brig, Adama’s quarters, the Galactica mess hall…everyone’s sitting at a table, everyone is playing with words. There’s the sense that, after an introductory episode laying out the complications of the new season, it’s better to simply push them further and further along the intensity scale. In some respects, it’s extremely frustrating - who knows when the pay-off is going to occur? In other respects, it’s fantastic, because most Galactica pay-off’s have been worth the wait.
Let’s also look at the curve balls thrown by the episode. First of all, why the hell is Baltar seeing Baltar a la Number Six’s mental visits? Even the illusory Baltar doesn’t seem quite sure why he’s there; he seems positively playful with his own metaphysical existence. It certainly makes for some fascinating speculation; perhaps he’s learned to mentally project, just like the Cylons. Could this be the ultimate projection of his arrogance? Stay tuned…
Then there’s the sudden eruption of a Cylon civil war. It seems that the humanity that some of these Cylons have craved is finally coming to the fore…but the resistance is mighty. It’s the closest we come to some kind of explosion in this episode…and it leaves open as many possibilities as the Baltar-meets-Baltar scenario. It also increases my intense dislike of Cavil (Dean Stockwell is magnificently oily in the role).
So, all we have left to digest is: (1) Kara’s new, semi-secret mission to locate Earth a second time; (2) Lee’s new career as a politician; and (3) Tory’s dangerous game with Baltar. Since all of these are slow burns, let’s respond with random impressions:
(1) Didn’t see that one coming. I like surprises that end up being so satisfying.
(2) Lee DID kiss Kara goodbye, as I was hoping he would! Yes!
And…
(3) Hmm…will hold off on comment, until I get a more substantial feel for this.
Six of One is a dense, satisfying pudding with an intense, flavourful filling. Typical, high standard Galactica…and it bodes well for the future.
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