Deadlock objections: final thoughts

[dionusia]

I read the latest Mo Ryan interview with the writers and some things in the question and answer session gave me pause. I thought I'd clarify my thoughts here, as I wasn't very coherent in my last post -- and also explain why I liked "Someone To Watch Over Me" far better by contrast.

**Warning: spoilers through "Someone To Watch Over Me."

Comments

[asta77]

I felt 'Someone to Watch Over Me', unlike 'Deadlock', managed to advance various plotlines while also providing character development. I got the sense fandom's (or the parts I hang out in) profound disappointment and frustration had to do with key plot elements being cut, leading to a narrative mess, and too much time wasted on Adama wandering around looking at goo when the time could have been better utilized. StWOM proved you only needed about ten seconds to convey what happened to the mutineers and why we were seeing Sixs and Eights at the briefing. Fans don't have issues with a more leisurely pace or character driven stories, it's sloppy writing that is disheartening to see on a show we know is capable of superb storytelling.

[dionusia]

Looking back on my feelings, I think the mutineer fallout being cut was the main reason everything else started to irritate me to that degree. We don't really know the whole picture yet, of course, but when we hear from outside sources what didn't make it vs. what did, I think it's fair to question those choices.

StWOM proved you only needed about ten seconds to convey what happened to the mutineers and why we were seeing Sixs and Eights at the briefing.

Amen. I watched that part and thought, "Now that's how you do it." It covered so much in such a brief amount of time -- not just what was going on in the fleet, but Kara's own mindset as well.

BSG sets the bar high, but I was glad to get back my enjoyment of the show.

[elzed]

ITA that some plot suff coud have and should have been addressed (not having listened to the podcasts, I managed to miss the mutineers shipped to the Astral Queen bit, although it makes perfect sense), and I think, incidentally, that how they did it in that latest ep, as asta pointed out, was perfectly pitched. And yes, some of the endless shots of Adama peering at goo and cracks could have been dropped in that favour.

As for Ellen's weirdly changing personality/behaviour - eh, I know she barely seems like the same woman, but then the Cylons can be deeply, deeply weird. And she was a pretty eccentric, and emotional, human to start off with. Also - throwing Saul into the equation, and a pregnant 6... I can just about accept it. ANd I have fanwanked my way past the miscarriage (it's not the lack of love that does the foetus in, it's his mother's perception thereof). None of which is particularly convincing, but I love this show too much not to try...

;)

[dionusia]

Nd I have fanwanked my way past the miscarriage (it's not the lack of love that does the foetus in, it's his mother's perception thereof).

Yeah! I was talking myself into that interpretation too when I read interviews and listened to the podcast. They say you can take it either way, but they do confirm that it was a suggestion they were trying to make. That probably tipped me from confusion to anger. But I will cling to the Logic angle, just to keep my sanity!

I can see your point about Ellen, too, but after the baby's death was linked to Tigh's wavering affections, it became a bit much. It started to feel like everything revolved around one man's love. But I will say "eh" and move on. I'm too happy with the show overall so far not to.

[jeeshee]

I hate it when the response to fans disliking an episode is either 'you just don't get it' or 'it can't be action all the time'. I worry that this comes from everyone looking at the sci fi boards to get a picture of the fans' views, because I know a lot of people over there value their splosions and space porn. Or maybe they are just so involved in the work that they can't step back and see when something doesn't work? Either way I think it's totally legitimate for everyone to criticise an episode, especially with only a few left.

[dionusia]

I worry about that too! I also wonder if they realize that fanboards aren't really a representative sample of their viewing audience.

Bottom line is, I know we're all very vocal and critical, sometimes too much, but some of our concerns are legit. However, in the end, I'd probably just hope that they evaluate things on their own and never pay too much attention to anyone on the internet. Including me! ;)

[lafiammatabella]

What you said about Ellen in Deadlock is exactly how I felt. It just seemed like such an exaggerated swing from one aspect of her personality to another. It really bothered me and kept me from really getting into the episode. Normally I enjoy the character driven ones but this one really didn't sit right with me.

I actually enjoyed this last episode. Getting more insight into Kara was great, though I'll be the first to admit perhaps I'm a bit biased in that respect. I would have liked to see more Lee as well, maybe even just a hint at what was happening with the newly reforming govt. Though I think that's next episode.

[thrace_adama]

I LOVE your icon!

[dionusia]

I am with all your observations on STWOM 100% -- and I too am Kara biased. :) Where the heck is Lee? Or for that matter, Laura? Those are two of the show's main leads, after all.

I think you're right that it will come in the next ep, though. Whew.

I second the utter icon love, too. :)

[thrace_adama]

I could just quote your whole post. You've put into words my issues with "Deadlock" and Season 4 almost exactly, so THANK YOU.

Now I'm just hoping that the rest of the series will play out as beautifully as I know it can... :)

[dionusia]

Thanks for reading! I felt like I just wanted to be more clear than my, uh, previous rant on what I thought didn't work as well. But I am still down with my crazy show love. I'm expecting great things for what's to come. :)