BSG SkyCap Review/Recap A Disquiet Follows my Soul - Part 2
And we're back…with lots more to talk about.
Let's jump back in, shall we?
BRIEF PAUSE FOR SCENE BREAKDOWN AND OPINION:
Interesting this: Zarek's little motion…
In prison, you start to confuse your hope and dreams with reality. You start to [pause for effect] believe that because you want something to happen, pardons, a parole, appeal, a writ, you start to believe that it will happen. You live on wishes…the way things should be instead of the way they are. And all because you can't face reality.
[sighs]
The leaders of this fleet are succumbing to wishful thinking because they can't face reality and the reality is that the Roslin/Adama administration has led us nowhere. Earth was a mirage…a fantasy they dangled in front of us for four long years in order to maintain power. A fantasy they dreamed up as a way to hold on and control the government over the democratic wishes of the population.
So now…what is out feckless and dispirited leadership doing to solidify their position after failing us so miserably? Turning to the Cylons. [snorts] For help. Aren't the Cylons the reason we're out here in the first place? Aren't they the enemy? Or are they suddenly our friends if that helps keep Roslin/Adama in power?
OH
MY
GODS
Tom Zarek is the human equivalent to Leoben…using lies and half truths to twist things and frak with people's heads.
And fuck yeah…point of order. Cut the speechification and make the damn motion already.
But before he does that…where the flaming hell should I begin? This is brilliantly written. Seriously. And Richard Hatch flawlessly sets in motion what I think might be, scarily, his best kept master plan ever. So…let's start at the beginning, shall we…
How ironic is it that Zarek uses his time in prison as a reminder to the Occupation, life on the ships, etc, etc, etc. I mean I get that he served his time…but yeah…this is the guy leading the government? The one who has huge allusions to a grand escape to FREEDOM FOR THE PEOPLE!! You know…he might as well pound his chest and shout it to the fleet…except he doesn't have to…he's got the representatives of the fleet lapping it up like cream of algae.
Playing on the wishes and dreams and everything they want and make themselves believe could happen then twisting it to reflect on Roslin and Adama's so called failure is masterful. As is spinning the tale that they all but faked the whole concept of earth to keep their chokehold on the fleet. See…part truth, part lie…all Tom Zarek pulling the strings.
He talks about fantasies dreamed up to hold onto power and mow down the democratic wishes of the people…which leads him to the Cylons. The enemy. The reason they're out there in the first place. How soon he forgets what happened when Roslin and Adama did let the process work and the freedom loving people elected Baltar as President and hey…Zarek as VP. That righteous path led them directly to the executioners block.
And of course, the feckless and dispirited leadership are nowhere to be found because they're too busy calling the Cylons friend to keep themselves in control. He conveniently doesn't mention ANYTHING about planning for the future when they run out of food and fuel. But that's not Zarek's style. Gaining the objective of the moment is how he plays the game. And with Roslin and Adama more or less on vacation and not paying attention…it gives Zarek all the ammo he needs to turn the tide to HIS perceived reality of setting everyone on the glorious path to his wildly desired freedom.
And that's the problem with his pretty little speech. Sure there are some truths in there…but they're horribly skewed and the lone voice of opposition…Lee…is not enough to quell the stupidly shortsighted Quorum members as they vote Zarek's way.
What an awesome example of the way a democracy of the people and for the people can be an epic fail. Especially when Zarek is at the helm working his own agenda. The truly remarkable part? All this trashing of the supposed power mad Roslin/Adama administration hides the real grab for power initiated by Zarek, who is rewarded for his efforts by getting exactly what he wants.
A ginormous poke in the eye for Laura and Bill.
Yet with all that said…it's also easy to see why mistrust and fear is so easily played on. And Zarek is a man whose good intentions are often swallowed up by his old habits. So as simple as it is to point the finger at him and say 'You're so, so wrong'…it's just as effortless to look at the leadership role vacated by Roslin and hear nothing but empty silence.
So…what are we left with?
Zarek's motion passes…No Cylon will board a ship in the fleet without its people's permission.
Roslin/Adama DO NOT make the call.
Unity doesn't rate over fear and hatred.
Zarek chalks a win on the scoreboard…
And, oh yeah…Lee holding the bag.
*shock*
But he looks mighty fine going it alone, while Zarek all but gloats over the victory.
BACK TO ACTION:
*Of Running and Toothbrushes*
Gads…ANOTHER long, mad dash through the ship. *sigh* I'm fast becoming very cranky about these. No…if it was like the jogs in S1, I wouldn't be…but yeah…right now? Over it.
Hmm…Adama asleep at the wheel…er desk…bottle of booze nearby. Methinks this is all going to lead somewhere…and I may not like it.
More running. *finger twirl of joy*
Oops…Papadama has to wake up from his nap…moving a bit slow, too. *Anvil Drop Moment*
More running. And if we couldn't figure out by the pants earlier…it's Roslin.
Uh oh…news doesn’t appear to be good.
Roslin runs.
Adama hangs up the phone. What the frak…son of a-
Roslin runs some more.
Adama grimaces…pops more pills.
And Roslin runs some more.
Brushing teeth. He does know that overbrushing can totally wear away the enamel, right? Especially the back and forth kind he does. What? I used to be a dental assistant. It's up and down people. UP AND DOWN. *LOL*
I will say he looks uber tired…compared to the glowiness of Roslin. Those kind of contrasts are really pinging with me right now.
Oh yeah…she's still running. Picking up speed…getting some WTF looks.
Brushy McBrushster is still going at it. I'm thinking that working out a pissy moment on your teeth isn't such a good idea. Just saying.
More WTF looks from people as Roslin STILL CONTINUES TO RUN…until OH! Hi, Bill.
Okay…how the hell did he get from his robe into his shirt in the 2.5 seconds it took Roslin to finish that last leg? Seriously. *LOL*
BRIEF PAUSE FOR RANDOM COMMENTARY:
Yeah…I'm poking fun because well, we just had Kara's Run For News of Great Importance and I know it was over nine months ago for us and all, but yeah…I can go for four or five eps and not see anyone running now. : )
And just to be contrary…the quick cuts back and forth between Roslin and Adama are kinda cool. The study of contrasts appeals to me. Compared to earlier when Laura was all stiff and um, creaky? And Adama had some energy…this is sharply opposite. It looked like Bill had to kind of heave himself out of the chair…not in a bad way…sleeping like that can't be comfortable or kind to the body. And Roslin started out a little wobbly on her trek, but is full of giddy breathlessness by the time she reaches Bill. THAT part I like.
Roslin's 'It's a big ship' is another bit I enjoyed…along with 'Did you run the whole route?' from Adama. And I loved Roslin saying it's more than she's run in…a long time. I mean think about it? Her demeanor is sooooo different from what we normally see and I'm hoping that's a good thing. I can see it going several different ways here, from the crew of Galactica being bowled over that their president is mucking about the ship sans power suit and heels to them being pissed that she's not doing her job because she's supposed to be sick and dying, yet she's out and about getting all flushed and looking good.
That compliment from Bill was sweet…except she's not supposed to look that way. She should be looking crapped out from her Diloxin treatment…that she skipped…again. Which leads us to this gem of a convo:
Roslin: I changed my mind.
Adama: Like hell. You never intended to go.
Roslin: Caught. Send me to the brig. I can run there.
Adama: Cottle says you're experiencing a moment of euphoria as your body recovers from the toxicity of the treatments.
Roslin: So much for doctor/patient confidentiality.
Adama: Well the president's health is a security issue.
Roslin: My resignation will be on your desk in an hour.
And that's followed up with side step and a dosido from Roslin…because Adama stops her and tells her he won't hand the presidency over to Zarek.
Roslin's response? The status quo will have to do. Except that it won't…and I love the appeal Bill makes to her. They need her. Zarek has the Quorum in an uproar, the press is going crazy and the government is spinning out of control. They NEED her. He keeps it all professionally on point…but the plea is intensely personal.
HE needs her.
When Roslin responds by calmly telling him to take his hands off her…once again, I find Adama's role reversed with someone he cares deeply for. Roslin is usually the one who puts things on a personal level and she sorta does the exact opposite here…even though it's ALL about her. It's just an interesting thing to me.
She's played her role in the farce…dying leader guiding the people to blah, blah, blah. It's almost like she can't decide between being so massively pissed at the universe she can't deal or just plain old lost because without the payoff she expected there's nothing left, which is basically what she tells Adama.
Me? I think it's both. I don't believe she can't bear to be thrust into some other role right now and living for today seems pretty damn good to her at the moment. And I can also see how she could be mad as hell that tomorrow is going to be in short supply for her.
And yeah…it is selfish that she wants to live for today…but it's also heartbreaking to watch her question whether she's earned the right. How can Bill say no? He can't.
It's one of those things where I want to thwap him upside the head for…but I'm also kind of blown away by how much he's changed to actually do it. You know?
BACK TO ACTION:
*What manner of forgiveness are you seeking?*
Wow…Baltar is rather pissed at the One True God, yeah? Listen to this:
Baltar: What manner of forgiveness are you seeking? Is it that of disobedient children? Are you? Are you children?
Yeah, yeah…give me a sec…this ties in sort of nicely in just a bit.
And I love that he sheepishly admits that well of course some are children. One is sitting right in front of him…but what about the rest of them?
Hmm…asking some interesting questions. Have they transgressed against their father's divine word? Are they being punished for their multitude of sins? Is this really their lot? To be led by a father to a promised land. And what is up with the Flockleteer telling him to keep talking?
Interesting…Tyrol's there?
Wow…Baltar's really getting into it now. Paradise is smashed to bits. Are these the actions of a father toward his children…and *ping* it's like a light bulb goes off…interesting.
This is where things start to tie in on a couple of levels:
Baltar: What have you done? What have you done to deserve this punishment? What sins have you committed? What dark thoughts have you harbored to condemn you…condemn you to wander through the universe without hope. Without light. So you have to ask yourself, what kind of a father abandons his own children to despair and loneliness. Perhaps we are not the ones in needs of forgiveness. Perhaps we're not. Perhaps we have been wronged. Perhaps it is god who should come down here and beg for your forgiveness. Am I right? Am I right?
And the crowd goes wild…with Tyrol standing in the background taking it all in.
BRIEF PAUSE FOR RANDOM COMMENTARY:
So…as I watched this for the recap a couple of things occurred to me. In a very weird way Baltar could almost be referring to Roslin/Adama when he rails at God. And I love that parallel. Because on a subconscious level…I can see how he could go there, even if he's not aware of it himself.
And on a totally different level…you've got Tyrol listening to him talking about a father abandoning his children when they've done nothing wrong…and wow…how profound is that? Nicky's certainly done nothing wrong…so will Tyrol abandon him? I hope that's what he's thinking about.
Which leads us to the reveal of Nicky's father. And it's actually quite cool how it goes down…I mean the Flock Palace is total chaos as the crowd continues to shout their outrage to whatever deity is listening…the camera moves away from Tyrol and finds Hot Dog in the crowd…and it's just there…he's looking for Tyrol…who spots him and starts to make his way toward the pilot.
And you guessed it…they meet up in the middle of the crowd and Hot Dog tries to be cool about it…he didn't know…they should talk. Right. Tyrol nods like he's okay with that idea then WHAM! Game on as Tyrol tries to put Hot Dog through any solid surface possible and the crowd's attention is suddenly diverted away from Baltar to them. And that leaves Gaius alone to sit and ponder/pout/be apathetic while he smokes another one.
Fun times.
I am left wondering about the odd way Baltar seemed to start out all mopey only to get really pumped up and righteous then fell back to kinda being 'meh' again. Or maybe that's not what it is…maybe Baltar shocked himself with his vehemence because wow…he actually feels let down by the One True God he chose to get behind. *shrugs* Who knows?
But here's hoping something interesting comes out of that.
BACK TO ACTION:
*Mutiny and JUMP!*
Wow…22 ships are either refusing to allow the jump drive upgrades or not bothering to answer Galactica's hails. Score for Zarek.
Oh Gaeta…a lot of people are gonna want you to choke on all that bitterness. *sigh*
Damn…is anyone else confused? I think we're missing a plot point. How are the Cylons willing to make the upgrades when the Quorum/Roslin hasn't said they'd get their full non-negotiable deal? The only thing the Quorum voted on was giving the civilian ships the right to refuse access, right? *shrugs* Maybe we missed something before Zarek's speechification.
Ouch. Deciding it's a military decision is NOT gonna go over well. At least Gaeta remembered to say 'sir' this time. And yeah…it's OBVIOUS Felix has a big ass problem with that. Duh.
Frak. See? The tylium crew just mutinied…killing a Cylon and two marines. Time to scramble the MARDET alert team and the assault Raptor and it better be quick. The Hetei Kan just pulled out of formation and are spinning up their FTL. FRAK.
Damn right Adama wants to talk to whoever's in charge…not that they seem interested. Their drive is spooled and ready to go.
Methinks Athena better get a move on or things might just get ugly.
Ah…they just did. Hoshi reports the crew of the Hetei Kan is communication with Colonial One…and no, Helo…it's NOT the president. It's her wannabe successor whispering sweet nothings to the tylium ship's crew. Not.gonna.end.well. Just saying.
MmHmm. Zarek's leading his revolution…getting to fulfill his dream of glory. Assuring the panicked crewman of the tylium ship they don't have to worry about the Raptor and Vipers headed their way. Sound familiar? *nods* I have no doubt he wouldn't mind a bloodbath…but we know he'll have something else up his sleeve, too. Zarek is nothing if not prepared.
I mean he all but dares Adama to retaliate in some form with this:
PanicGuy: What should we do Mr. Vice President?
Zarek: Every citizen has the right to protect themselves from oppression. Take whatever measures you deem necessary.
Does this not imply that Zarek's been planning this long term? At least a bit? And if not long term, then he's at least been working behind the scenes to set this in motion. IT'S THE TYLIUM SHIP for frak's sake. You can't blow it up because…um…fuel for the fleet. So Zarek's been working with someone off the grid because it sounds like the crew mutinied, which I would take to mean they've removed their captain from command.
Kind of brilliant in a totally whacked way.
Oh…yeah…Adama is NOT thrilled.
Yep…the Vipers fire warning shots while Athena maneuvers the Raptor for boarding…but guess what? Doesn't get the chance because JUMP! The ship goes bye-bye. Frrraaaaakk.
Ohhh…kind of cool to see how that affected the smaller ships. *end geek moment*
Heh…there are days Adama really hates his job. Frakkin' A.
Methinks Adama has the idea this was all pre-planned too…Athena gets to arrest the Vice President. Deadly force is authorized if he resists. Raise your hand if you think Adama is just hoping he does? *nods* Exactly.
Wow…not only does Felix not look so good…but we're treated to another Anvil Drop Moment. He's not real happy Adama authorized deadly force.
Seriously. Not.going.to.end.well.
BRIEF PAUSE FOR RANDOM COMMENTARY:
I quite love this next part with Tyrol and Hot Dog. Say what you will about the retcon…call Cally whatever you want…I never think it's that cut and dried or black and white in BSG verse. And I, for one, truly like this turn of events.
These two guys portray the tense/clueless/do the right thing for the kid stuff really well. I mean if it can be bandied about that Cally is a ho bag…it most certainly can be assumed that Hot Dog isn't exactly inexperienced. Remember the rash? *nods* Exactly. So get comfy with whatever you have to in your head to deal with the concept that Hot Dog is a dad…who has ZERO clue of how to be one.
Yet, he's not running away…he's getting his chance to talk about it with Tyrol…they stand watch over Nicky's bed in sickbay. It's kind of great:
Hot Dog: I don't know anything about being a father.
Tyrol: It sucks. [pause] Except for the parts that don't.
And I'm right there with him when it looks like he wants to just walk out the damn door and not look back. But he can't. Instead he decides to give Costanza his first lesson in parenting:
You're kid's in the hospital. You never leave him alone…no matter what. Someone is always there.
Hot Dog gets first shift.
Dad.
Seriously? Awesome.
And there's more…how long does Hot Dog sit there? And I kind of love that he wants to know…because Costanza isn't exactly balking at taking on the responsibility for Nicky…but he's gonna have questions. Lots of them.
And Tyrol's answer is quite perfect for the situation. Hot Dog can sit there until Tyrol gets back…and that'll be when he sobers up.
Exactly.
BACK TO RECAPPAGE:
*Murder and Extortion*
Remember my snark about the 'rents being on vacation? Apparently at least one of them is keeping an eye on things. And it's beyond cool.
Zarek must've decided to play nice because he's still breathing and cooling his heels in the brig.
Wow…that's quite the big file Adama just tossed on the floor. Hopefully it'll nail Zarek.
HA! Sworn statements, transcripts of wireless conversations, shipping records…Woo!! Wow…they go back a year and have one theme…the buying and selling of the VP's office. Interesting.
Frak me…this is excellent:
Zarek: So this is a conversation about extortion?
Adama: No. About law and order. But you can call it what you want.
Honestly? Zarek WOULD automatically assume it's about blackmail. That says LOADS about where his head is and what he expects Adama to do, IMO.
Adama: You see I believe that you would walk happily to the gallows or languish in a cell for the rest of your life if you could do it as a martyr to your cause.
YES! How dead on is that assessment? It's probably Zarek's biggest weakness, which feeds into his biggest obsession of FREEDOM FOR EVERYONE (as long as it fits with his plan and definition).
Adama: But the idea of being publicly humiliated as a corrupt politician with your hand in the till...well that would scare you. Somehow I don't think that the legend and the myth of Tom Zarek, the political prisoner and a man of conscience, can survive the airing of that much dirty laundry.
SCORE! Put a mark in the Adama column. At least my guess is that's what we'll be doing.
Zarek: You really think the fleet is going to sit still for a long and politically motivated trial? While you make an alliance with the Cylons?
Adama: I think without the Tylium ship we're not going anywhere. We're gonna sit here for a long time. At least we won't be bored.
I'm sorry…that's hysterical. Zarek may have just been hoisted by his own petard.
Zarek: You think I know where the Tylium ship is.
Duh.
Adama: Yes I do.
Zarek: Why?
Um…because you all but told them to jump during your little pep talky speech, yeah?
Adama: Because I know that you do. Read the file. Some juicy stuff. Make a great story for the press.
Ahh…it just occurred to me that Zarek also knows that Adama knows he knows because Adama listened to their wireless conversation. *looks at typing* Yeah…try to follow that one. *LOL*
Zarek: Murder and extortion. You know what the difference is between you and I, Admiral? You wear that uniform and I don't.
Hmm…Zarek makes a good point…BUT…THAT is the difference. If Zarek wants to put on a uniform…so be it. Something tells me he might find it too restrictive for his tastes. And that's why he doesn't.
He works better in the shadows and it because of that…what he does is viewed differently. I could probably write for days why Zarek is trapped by his own circumstances…but I'll refrain. Maybe it'll end up as a character review after the series wraps.
To go off on a bit of a different tangent…I'm not sure what, if any, symbolism there is to Zarek scribbling on the paper then wadding it up and tossing it on the deck…but wow, it could be fun to speculate about it considering Adama has stopped several times now to pick similar stuff up.
Anyway…Zarek gets to cool his heels for a while until Adama checks what I'm assuming are coordinates out. He also grabs the hefty file so Zarek will be bored senseless while he waits. *LOL* Oh yeah…Zarek shouldn't eat the food either.
RANDOM SIDE NOTE:
The music for this scene is damn awesome. Per usual…I love what Bear comes up with.
BACK TO RECAPPAGE:
*File it this*
Hee hee…Adama appealed to Zarek's intellect and Tigh asks if he should send in a medic. I'm dying.
Wow…color Tigh observant. Adama looks like hell…feels like it, too. Maybe he should see a medic.
Interesting. Now Tigh is saying Adama has earned a rest. Lots of repetitive themes going on in this episode.
*shock* When they find the Tylium ship…Adama will be with the president taking that much earned rest.
OMGS! Zarek's file was nothing but laundry reports!!! *howls* Come on…the absolute appropriateness of that is just too damn cool. Adama gets an extra point for that one. Seriously.
Well…at least Zarek did indeed give them accurate coordinates. And Athena isn't messing around…if they resist…force will be used.
BRIEF PAUSE FOR RANDOM OPINION:
I'm trying to decide if I love or hate Zarek's revolution speech. On one hand…I'm kinda over his seemingly endless quest to be 'THE' man. The one who frees everyone and/or revolutionizes the masses because really? Where exactly is he freeing them to go and what is he revolutionizing them to do?
I mean I get that Tom is ALL ABOUT people deciding for themselves and shit…but they kinda have VERY limited options so what's the damn point except to be in opposition to what may save the fleet before resources run out. Oh yeah…the point is that no one asked what he thought before arbitrarily making a decision. Yeah, yeah…I know it's more than that…but it comes across that way to me sometimes. And considering he's not above working behind the scenes and manipulating things to his own ends…eh…he's kind of on shaky ground at best.
And here's the contrary part…because I like that he's set on this path that seems to be all about the people but likely to have like zero benefit to anyone but him because he'll be remembered in the history books. I mean he hasn't presented a long term goal for finding a new home, right? Or how they'll get more food and fuel? There's nothing from him on those types of issues...but the Cylon situation that could possibly get them where they need to go? Bad idea…because he says so and plays on the dashed hopes and fear of whomever will listen. And with the 'rents on vacation that means the shit is going to majorly hit the fan.
Here's hoping it's enough to bring Roslin out of her funk. But we might want to brace for impact because Tom's 'every revolution begins with one small act of courage and is serious business with deadly consequences' speech is being given to Gaeta…and that's akin to recruiting the insane patients to run the asylum, IMO.
Seriously…Gaeta's reasoning is just fucked up. People know something has to be done. The world is frakked. It's upside down and somebody's got to turn it right side up. Is Zarek that man? Oh, Felix…you hitched your wagon to Baltar's star and look where that got you…why, why, WHY would Zarek be better? *sigh* See what I mean about insanity ruling the day?
And no way in hell will Zarek turn down the opportunity. He completely sucks Gaeta in with the 'I'm one…but I need a partner' dealio. And I wanna bitchslap Felix for falling for it…cause I totally believe it's going to bite him in the ass. Gaeta might say he understands the consequences but who really believes he's playing with a full deck right now? Exactly. There's a good chance Zarek just found his perfect fall guy for whatever mayhem ensues.
Buckle up. Just saying.
RANDOM SWITCHING OF TOPICS:
Okay…the tylium ship is back…and we get a shot of Adama telling Tigh that's good…take it from here…and there's this random hand reaching for the handset…and of course it's Roslin's.
O_o
My first thought is kudos to them for finally hooking up. And double points for not hiding the effects of Roslin's treatments.
My second thought is these people are WAY too closely associated in my head as parental units and I'm kinda trying NOT to think about that. *LOL*
But that's not what leaves a bad taste in my mouth. Nope. I'm more upset by Adama asking if Roslin cares that the tylium ship is back and she doesn't…and neither does he. I get that they're basking in the afterglow and all…and yeah…I'll even grant that they deserve to do so.
BUT…
What should be a truly tender and celebratory moment comes off as selfish indulgence so it gets all lost in the callous disregard for the other 39,642 (er…39,640 if you subtract the two marines who were killed) people in the fleet. And frankly…that makes me sad.
Here's hoping Roslin finally gets her groove back in the very near future. *sigh*
And the end credits roll…
LINE OF THE NIGHT:
Heh…it's gotta be Tigh with: Maybe you need a chart to keep it all straight?
FINAL THOUGHTS:
Hrm…Not really very many this go around. I have some really bizarre spec forming in my head that involves Tigh/Caprica/Ellen/Cavil that is just too weird to even share.
I'm kind of hoping Adama doesn't start back pedaling and will continue to listen to/seek advice from/pay attention to Lee. I'm loving that development.
Zarek and Gaeta are going to be a toxic combination…I'm sure of it. And I’m not sure Felix will be able to find the redemption I think he's seeking.
I am interested in where Baltar is going to end up on the subject of One True God.
Hot Dog being Nicky's father is actually quite amusing. But scary at the same time.
And I think that's it. Up next is The Oath…which should be awesome. What's not to love about mutiny and gun battles and people picking sides? All they need is for Cavil's forces to show up to make things really interesting.
Anyone wanna place bets on what the body count will be? See the bookie on your way out?
Catch everyone on the flip.
Sky