Pretty much agree with all of the above. This last half-season is setting itself up to be the harshest yet. And I think they're making everyone's journey to (self-)destruction utterly believable. Ack.
Oh, yes. It reminds me of what Doral said as he gazed at the ruins of Caprica -- that humanity would have destroyed itself all on its own, anyway.
It's Lee's old fear come back to life all over again, too: they're shooting people to resolve their differences, now? It's the last thing they can afford, down to 39,000+ people, but you can easily see how both sides got to that point. There's no more trust.
If they can't keep from tearing themselves apart, though, they're not even going to have to worry about those other Cylons out there. Game over, end of line.
Beautifully written analysis. What a joy to read. Also, thank you for helping me to process this episode. This was a tough one to work through for me, mostly because I was getting distracted by the scene lengths, awkward cuts, Hot Dog?!, etc. Thanks for pulling it back into perspective
( ... )
Oh, I understand completely -- that was so out of left field and occupied a lot of time on screen. It annoyed me that it was so shoehorned-in, but when I realized it was a minor event, I chucked it in my mental "just handwave it" trashbin and moved on. (Hopefully the show will too!)
I'm so afraid for our little space family. The power and privilege they've enjoyed for so long will soon be stripped away. What will be left? (Hopefuly, each other....)Yes. Violence isn't the right answer, but when Adama arrested Zarek and boarded the tylium ship, retaliation in kind seemed inevitable...and I don't know where it will stop. Maybe when more Cylons show up, and remind them all who they're supposed to be fighting? Oh dear
( ... )
Brilliant analysis. I think the title of the episode is telling, and it makes me think of that saying from the I Ching "the centre cannot hold". Laura was the centre, and without her, it all falls apart. Things are going to get very,very messy, very soon. I get why Laura feels like she does, but I want her to get over it, and be President Roslin again. She's needed. The whole Nicky isn't really Tyrol's son thing is a bit weird, but Ron Moore explained it; they got kind of stuck when they decided Tyrol was one of the Five, and they didn't want to diminish Hera's unique role as Cylon/Human, so Nicky had to get another daddy. It's one of those things I'm prepared to handwave, and move on.
it makes me think of that saying from the I Ching "the centre cannot hold". Laura was the centre, and without her, it all falls apart.
Yes, yes, yes! I was thinking this too. She's symbolic of the state of the fleet as a whole -- and if the most stable, rock-solid people are crumbling, like Roslin and Dee, that's how you know it's really all gone to hell.
I get why Laura feels like she does, but I want her to get over it, and be President Roslin again. She's needed.
Yeah. I feel like it's unfair of me to be impatient, because she's been through so much. I can't imagine suffering this blow and coming back from it in just a few days, much less doing it while enduring the pain of cancer. Her paralysis is so understandable and real. But we can't help wishing for her to be back because it's so obvious she's desperately needed. The fact that she can't get even a little time to rest without such a high cost...ugh. I really feel for her. This is why BSG is a show for grownups. The universe sometimes is really so damn unfair.
You know, I hadn't thought about this before, but that makes her very similar to Lee, doesn't it? They both know how to twist the knife when they have to
I think Adama, Kara, and Lee are all adept at twisting the knife. I think they share a common pattern of lashing out in anger when they feel deeply hurt by another (Lee going after his father over Zak, Adama railing against either of them when he feels betrayed, etc). Kara will also lash out if someone gets too close to a topic she'd rather avoid (mocking Kat for being concerned about the dead when really she's feeling the same way, mocking Anders for wanting to discuss the state of their relationship, telling Lee "there's nothing here", etc). Sometimes she picks a fight just recreationally, though. If there's simmering tension, she'd rather have it come to a head, preferably settled with fists.
If you think about her family history--and Lee's--it's no big surprise. The children learned well from their parents.
Either (wo)man up and TALK to the Fleet and tell them something
( ... )
Wow! What a different take on the episode. This is why I enjoy reading your thoughts. You always have a unique and well-contemplated perspective.
I enjoyed the episode. I guess the political stuff isn't as much interest to me. I was looking at the characters and enjoyed reading your take on where everyone is and more importantly how they got there. I have to say that I focused a lot on my favorites and not the big picture so much. And the episode was snarky as hell and I loved that. :-)
don't think I stopped crying throughout the whole of the last episode -- but Laura's collapse, I think, saddens me more than anything at all.Really? Awwww! I know you kinda enjoy being moved by the show, though. I'm saddened by Laura but I have this feeling she'll rally. Like Dee, she needed her happy day. I don't begrudge it to her. But she's been a fighter her whole life. I have faith that she will rally once more so I wasn't as worried. Or she'll die really soon and shock us all. But I hope not! The fleet needs Mom right now. She can't take too
( ... )
Unique? Is it really that different? I guess I miss what other people are saying these days, since I get to it long after the late night east coast flurry of commenting is past. I like figuring out what I want to say first before I venture out and read others' meta, though. It's nice to get your own perspective down first.
I know you kinda enjoy being moved by the show, though.
Yep! I'm a tragedy person, remember. I get really excited at the prospect of having my soul crushed. Especially because BSG does it so well. Emotionally gripping drama is what I look forward to seeing, even if watching it wears away at my heart. So even when I'm sad, as a viewer, I'm terribly happy.
the political stuff isn't as much interest to meReally? I looooove politics. Plus, I've always liked Zarek and Lee, so this was great! I always wonder what's going on with the fleet and how they're taking all these crazy developments. And hey, politics can be as dangerous as war, and just as exciting. Papadama said so. He should have paid more
( ... )
Didn't AJ and Katee act the hell out of that scene?
Absolutely! I've always been impressed with AJ and KS, but that scene let AJ really shine. And RDM does have a flair for humorous lines throughout. I'm glad you could enjoy it. I could appreciate the "Oh no you didn't" factor but it hurt to watch.
If the Cylons attacked and these two had to get it together to save that fleet, they would.
I hope you're right. It may come to that -- a big Cavil wakeup call. Just like the strife with the Pegasus and Cain was diverted by the joint attack on the Resurrection Ship. Remember the true enemy, people! Before it's too late!
How can you be calm at a time like this? ;) Ah, well. We'll see what comes.
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It's Lee's old fear come back to life all over again, too: they're shooting people to resolve their differences, now? It's the last thing they can afford, down to 39,000+ people, but you can easily see how both sides got to that point. There's no more trust.
If they can't keep from tearing themselves apart, though, they're not even going to have to worry about those other Cylons out there. Game over, end of line.
Brr, I like my drama soul-destroying...
I need more sad icons. A hell of a lot more.
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Oh, I understand completely -- that was so out of left field and occupied a lot of time on screen. It annoyed me that it was so shoehorned-in, but when I realized it was a minor event, I chucked it in my mental "just handwave it" trashbin and moved on. (Hopefully the show will too!)
I'm so afraid for our little space family. The power and privilege they've enjoyed for so long will soon be stripped away. What will be left? (Hopefuly, each other....)Yes. Violence isn't the right answer, but when Adama arrested Zarek and boarded the tylium ship, retaliation in kind seemed inevitable...and I don't know where it will stop. Maybe when more Cylons show up, and remind them all who they're supposed to be fighting? Oh dear ( ... )
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I get why Laura feels like she does, but I want her to get over it, and be President Roslin again. She's needed.
The whole Nicky isn't really Tyrol's son thing is a bit weird, but Ron Moore explained it; they got kind of stuck when they decided Tyrol was one of the Five, and they didn't want to diminish Hera's unique role as Cylon/Human, so Nicky had to get another daddy. It's one of those things I'm prepared to handwave, and move on.
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Yes, yes, yes! I was thinking this too. She's symbolic of the state of the fleet as a whole -- and if the most stable, rock-solid people are crumbling, like Roslin and Dee, that's how you know it's really all gone to hell.
I get why Laura feels like she does, but I want her to get over it, and be President Roslin again. She's needed.
Yeah. I feel like it's unfair of me to be impatient, because she's been through so much. I can't imagine suffering this blow and coming back from it in just a few days, much less doing it while enduring the pain of cancer. Her paralysis is so understandable and real. But we can't help wishing for her to be back because it's so obvious she's desperately needed. The fact that she can't get even a little time to rest without such a high cost...ugh. I really feel for her. This is why BSG is a show for grownups. The universe sometimes is really so damn unfair.
( ... )
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(The comment has been removed)
I think Adama, Kara, and Lee are all adept at twisting the knife. I think they share a common pattern of lashing out in anger when they feel deeply hurt by another (Lee going after his father over Zak, Adama railing against either of them when he feels betrayed, etc). Kara will also lash out if someone gets too close to a topic she'd rather avoid (mocking Kat for being concerned about the dead when really she's feeling the same way, mocking Anders for wanting to discuss the state of their relationship, telling Lee "there's nothing here", etc). Sometimes she picks a fight just recreationally, though. If there's simmering tension, she'd rather have it come to a head, preferably settled with fists.
If you think about her family history--and Lee's--it's no big surprise. The children learned well from their parents.
Either (wo)man up and TALK to the Fleet and tell them something ( ... )
Reply
I enjoyed the episode. I guess the political stuff isn't as much interest to me. I was looking at the characters and enjoyed reading your take on where everyone is and more importantly how they got there. I have to say that I focused a lot on my favorites and not the big picture so much. And the episode was snarky as hell and I loved that. :-)
don't think I stopped crying throughout the whole of the last episode -- but Laura's collapse, I think, saddens me more than anything at all.Really? Awwww! I know you kinda enjoy being moved by the show, though. I'm saddened by Laura but I have this feeling she'll rally. Like Dee, she needed her happy day. I don't begrudge it to her. But she's been a fighter her whole life. I have faith that she will rally once more so I wasn't as worried. Or she'll die really soon and shock us all. But I hope not! The fleet needs Mom right now. She can't take too ( ... )
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I know you kinda enjoy being moved by the show, though.
Yep! I'm a tragedy person, remember. I get really excited at the prospect of having my soul crushed. Especially because BSG does it so well. Emotionally gripping drama is what I look forward to seeing, even if watching it wears away at my heart. So even when I'm sad, as a viewer, I'm terribly happy.
the political stuff isn't as much interest to meReally? I looooove politics. Plus, I've always liked Zarek and Lee, so this was great! I always wonder what's going on with the fleet and how they're taking all these crazy developments. And hey, politics can be as dangerous as war, and just as exciting. Papadama said so. He should have paid more ( ... )
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Absolutely! I've always been impressed with AJ and KS, but that scene let AJ really shine. And RDM does have a flair for humorous lines throughout. I'm glad you could enjoy it. I could appreciate the "Oh no you didn't" factor but it hurt to watch.
If the Cylons attacked and these two had to get it together to save that fleet, they would.
I hope you're right. It may come to that -- a big Cavil wakeup call. Just like the strife with the Pegasus and Cain was diverted by the joint attack on the Resurrection Ship. Remember the true enemy, people! Before it's too late!
How can you be calm at a time like this? ;) Ah, well. We'll see what comes.
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